After their large offseason acquisitions of Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday, the Celtics entered October’s season opener at Madison Square Garden boasting arguably essentially the most proficient high six within the league.
As they returned to New York on Saturday evening, that declare has confirmed true. And they confirmed why once more.
The Celtics couldn’t cease lacking below the intense lights of the world’s well-known area. Once once more, they raised their degree to a spot their opponents couldn’t dream of reaching. Behind an absurd capturing show, the Celtics ran away from the Knicks within the third quarter and coasted to the end line of a 116-102 victory, their eighth straight.
Jaylen Brown scored 30 factors, Porzingis added 22 and every of the Celtics’ high six scored in double figures. The C’s shot 57.5 % from the sphere, their second-best mark of the season, on this victory – one more one which proved how potent their expertise is, that confirmed they’re nearly unbeatable when every part is clicking. The Celtics improved to 24-5 this season once they’re at full power, one other marker that makes them the simple favourite to win the championship once they’re wholesome.
The Celtics, at 45-12, are actually eight video games atop the Eastern Conference with 25 video games left within the common season.
Jalen Brunson scored 34 factors for the Knicks as he brought on some issues for the Celtics, however not sufficient. The Knicks, who added some items on the commerce deadline, have appeared like a possible menace to the Celtics of late even whereas they take care of accidents to a variety of key gamers. But with out Julius Randle, OG Anunoby and Mitchell Robinson, they couldn’t sustain.
The Celtics shot 66.7 from the sphere within the first half however solely discovered themselves up 4 at halftime. While the C’s dominated the paint with a 36-22 benefit inside, the Knicks have been maintaining because of sizzling 3-point capturing and second-chance factors. They tied the sport early within the second half on Brunson’s three-point play. But ultimately, the numbers tilted within the Celtics’ favor.
After going simply 6-for-14 from 3-point land within the first half, the Celtics ripped the MSG nets from deep within the third quarter to drag away. They made 4 consecutive 3-pointers throughout one stretch to open a double-digit lead, and proceeded to pour it on. The Celtics went 9-for-14 from downtown within the third quarter as they took a commanding 20-point lead. By the tip of the third, they have been capturing an insane 68.4 % from the sphere, and by no means had actual purpose to look again.
Source: www.bostonherald.com