The Boston Celtics continue to show why they’re one of the toughest teams to beat this season, and Sunday afternoon was no exception. Extending their dominance over the New York Knicks, Boston cruised to an impressive 118-105 victory at home, making it their third consecutive win against their longtime rivals. It wasn’t just another win for the Celtics—it was a statement. With this victory, they’ve now won seven of their last eight matchups against the Knicks and continue to build serious momentum heading toward the playoffs.
From the jump, Boston looked locked in. The first quarter was all Celtics as they came out firing, dropping 38 points while holding the Knicks to just 19. This has been a recurring theme in their season matchups—Boston has outscored New York by a whopping 49 points in first quarters alone across their three meetings this year. Once again, they set the tone early, showcasing their ability to put teams on their heels right from the tip-off.
Balanced Attack Leads the Way
A major factor in Boston’s success on Sunday was their well-rounded effort from the starting five. Jayson Tatum, who was coming off a triple-double performance against the Sixers, nearly notched another one, finishing with 25 points, 10 rebounds, and 9 assists. He had plenty of support, too—Jaylen Brown contributed 24 points, while Derrick White added 19. Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday chipped in with 15 and 14 points, respectively, giving Boston a well-balanced attack that kept New York’s defense scrambling all game long.
On the other side, the Knicks had a tough time getting into a rhythm early, but Karl-Anthony Towns did his best to keep them competitive. The big man put up a monster stat line with 24 points and 18 rebounds, and he led a third-quarter surge that brought some life back into the game. Unfortunately for New York, it was too little, too late. Every time they tried to mount a comeback, Boston responded with clutch plays and strong defense.
Key Takeaways from the Game
🔥 First Quarter Domination – Once again, Boston used the opening frame to put their opponent in an early hole. Scoring 38 points while holding New York to just 19, the Celtics made it clear from the start that they were in control. Their three-point shooting, ball movement, and defensive pressure set the tone for the rest of the game.
🔥 Tatum Nearly Goes Back-to-Back with Triple-Doubles – Jayson Tatum followed up his incredible performance against Philadelphia with another well-rounded game. He fell just one assist short of back-to-back triple-doubles, showcasing his ability to impact the game in multiple ways.
🔥 Everyone Contributes – While Tatum led the way, it was a team effort. Four other starters scored in double figures, making it nearly impossible for the Knicks to focus on stopping just one player. This kind of depth is what makes Boston such a dangerous team.
🔥 Karl-Anthony Towns’ Effort – Even though the Knicks struggled, Towns put up an impressive performance, especially in the third quarter. His 24 points and 18 rebounds kept New York within striking distance, but the Celtics had too much firepower in the end.
Game Highlight: Fire & Ice Connection
One of the best moments of the game came when Jaylen Brown set up Jayson Tatum for a thunderous slam. The chemistry between the two stars was on full display, and plays like these are what make the Celtics so exciting to watch. The crowd erupted as Tatum threw it down, reminding everyone just how dangerous this team can be in transition.
Celtics Are on Fire Post All-Star Break
With just over a month left before the playoffs, Boston looks like a team that’s peaking at the perfect time. This victory marked their fifth straight win and their ninth in the last ten games. Coming out of the All-Star break, they’ve been playing with a sense of urgency, and the results are speaking for themselves. They’ve created separation from the rest of the pack and are now laser-focused on catching Cleveland for the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference. Currently sitting five-and-a-half games behind the Cavaliers, every game counts as they push toward the postseason.
What’s Next? A Quick Trip to Toronto
Boston won’t have much time to celebrate this win, as they’re hitting the road for a brief two-game trip. Their next stop? Toronto. The Celtics will take on the struggling Raptors on Tuesday, February 25, at 7:00 PM ET. Given the way they’ve been playing, this should be another opportunity for Boston to extend their winning streak to six games.
While the Raptors have had a tough season, the Celtics won’t be taking them lightly. These are the kinds of games that championship-caliber teams dominate from start to finish. If they keep up this level of play, the road to the playoffs will be an exciting one for Boston fans.
Final Thoughts
The Boston Celtics continue to prove why they are one of the elite teams in the NBA. Sunday’s win over the Knicks was yet another example of their dominance, depth, and ability to impose their will on opponents. With their eyes set on making a deep playoff run, they’re showing no signs of slowing down. If they keep playing like this, they’ll be a nightmare for any team they face in the postseason.
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