BOSTON — The Knicks nonetheless can’t compete with the Celtics.
Regardless of displaying extra combat than the earlier recreation in Cleveland and taking part in higher with out Mikal Bridges, the Knicks had been finally pummeled Sunday afternoon in Beantown, 118-105.
The one encouraging moments arrived within the third quarter, when Bridges was benched for Miles McBride and New York minimize the deficit to 4.
However Bridges was reinserted, Jalen Brunson wanted a fast relaxation to start out the fourth quarter, and the Knicks reverted to matador protection down the stretch.
Bridges, who was acquired for 5 first-round picks in the summertime to fight Boston’s elite wings, managed simply 14 factors however practically half had been deep into rubbish time. The Knicks had been outscored by 23 factors in his 28 minutes.
Aside from that third-quarter stretch, the afternoon was one other Knicks trip on the battle bus in opposition to Boston.
Inside three minutes of tipoff, Tom Thibodeau’s squad was already down by 10.
After the primary quarter, the Knicks had allowed 39 factors and had been trailing by 19.
Jayson Tatum, their tormentor this season, carved the Knicks up early and completed one help shy of a triple-double with 25 factors.
And for the third time in three matchups this season, the Knicks trailed by double digits for many of the recreation. They performed and carried themselves like they didn’t belong in the identical gymnasium.
So till additional discover, the Knicks can’t be labeled as contenders. They’re too far under the Celtics and Cavaliers to be taken severely. Sunday was simply the newest instance. In three video games in opposition to Boston, they’ve been outscored by 63 factors and battle to defend the 3-point line.
Thibodeau tried to make some changes. He put OG Anunoby on Tatum, quite than Bridges. It didn’t pay dividends till the second half, when McBride was additionally on the ground to man the perimeter.
Karl-Anthony Cities once more regarded misplaced attempting to defend Boston’s screens, permitting Kristaps Porzingis to pop into numerous open treys. The Knicks heart caught fireplace within the third quarter however appeared to worsen his knee on a dunk try, and regarded uncomfortable within the closing minutes.
The Knicks had no legitimate excuses. Josh Hart returned from a two-game absence due to a sore knee. He completed an help shy of a triple-double with 20 factors. Anunoby additionally performed however was ineffective and simple to overlook. Their opening night time lineup was on the ground.
And identical to opening night time, the Knicks left Boston with a decisive defeat.
