There are certain wins that matter more than others in a season. This could well be the case with that of the New York Knicks on Monday evening at Madison Square Garden against the Boston Celtics, the franchise which was, at kick-off, leader of the Eastern Conference. When the final siren sounded, the Knicks recorded their sixth consecutive victory, the most beautiful of the season with a margin of fifteen points (109-94), while the Celtics left first place in the East to the Milwaukee Bucks.
Jayson Tatum symbolized his team’s struggles and frustrations. The Celtics All-Star left the field minutes from time, ruled out for a second technical foul after umpires said asked a little too vehemently for a whistle that never came. Before that, Tatum had converted just 6 of the 18 shots he attempted, scoring 14 points (plus 9 assists, 7 rebounds).
The lack of skill was also one of the main problems of Boston players, limited to 21% at three points with the difficulties of Tatum (0 out of 9 in this area) but also Derrick White (0 out of 5) or even bench (3 of 14).
6-0
Since the arrival of Josh Hart in the workforce at the end of the transfer market, the New York Knicks have won all six matches they have played.
Opposite, the Knicks, well back in the game (27-15 in the 1st quarter) showed real solidity despite some shortcomings, such as these errors in the free throw (68% success only) or the difficulties of Jalen Brunson shooting. The leader finished at 4 out of 12 but also with the best +/- (point difference when a player is on the pitch) of the match with +21 in 30 minutes.
To turn his counter, New York was able to count on Julius Randle and replacement Immanuel Quickley, 23 points each. Josh Hart, the new lucky charm of the franchise, scored ten points, distributed 5 assists, took 5 rebounds and stole 2 balls. On the other hand, Derrick Rose and Evan Fournier were once again glued to the bench of Tom Thibodeau.
Current fifth in the Eastern Conference, the New York Knicks are very well placed to find the play-offs after their failed 2021-2022 season. “We are in a good position but there is still work to be done”, tempered Brunson whose recruitment (he arrived from Dallas) is one of the keys to the current successful exercise. With the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday, Miami on Friday and again Boston on Sunday, the Knicks have the opportunity, against direct competitors, to consolidate their position in the standings.
