In a high-stakes Atlantic Division showdown, the Boston Celtics secured a convincing 114-98 victory against the New York Knicks, bolstering their record to an impressive 8-2 for the season.
Jayson Tatum emerged as the driving force for the Celtics, delivering an outstanding performance with 35 points, seven rebounds, and six assists.
However, the game wasn’t without controversy, as Tatum found himself on the receiving end of a late-game technical foul. The incident unfolded in the fourth quarter when the Celtics were leading by 12 points, and Tatum incurred his fourth personal foul.
In response, Tatum expressed frustration by clapping his hands and uttering remarks towards the official who made the call.
The ensuing technical foul, issued by another official on the opposite side, drew criticism from Tatum during the post-game press conference.
“I shouldn’t have got the tech,” Tatum asserted. “It’s tough. It’s an emotional game, right? The fans can see it, everybody watching can see it. It’s hard to play the game without emotions.”
Despite Tatum’s discontent, the technical foul did little to hinder the Celtics’ dominance. Boston showcased superiority in field goal, three-point, and free throw percentages, accompanied by an impressive 27 assists. Jaylen Brown contributed significantly with 22 points, six assists, and five rebounds, complementing Tatum’s stellar performance.
The Knicks, led by Kristaps Porzingis with 21 points, three rebounds, and six assists, struggled to match the Celtics’ prowess.
The victory extends the Celtics’ winning streak to three games, setting the stage for a formidable challenge against the Philadelphia 76ers.
The 76ers, riding an eight-game winning streak, pose a significant test for Boston, raising questions about the Celtics’ status as the team to beat in the Eastern Conference.
As the rivalry intensifies, the Celtics will seek to maintain their momentum and solidify their position among the conference elite.