Full time 123 – 110, Celtics take a W over Knicks

1. In contrast to the Celtics’ preseason opener against the Sixers, where all of the team’s top six players were available, Joe Mazzulla decided to include Jrue Holiday in the starting lineup. This lineup featured the two-time All-Star alongside Derrick White in the backcourt, while Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, and Kristaps Porzingis assumed front-court duties, with Al Horford coming off the bench.

2. Al Horford, despite often being left out of the starting five, embraced his role on the bench and made an immediate impact. In a game, he earned a “Tommy Point” by displaying great hustle, leaping around Dante DiVincenzo to save the ball from going out of bounds and then cleverly throwing it off DiVincenzo.

3. The partnership of Jayson Tatum and Kristaps Porzingis in the pick-and-roll already looked promising, even though many of New York’s key players were absent. Porzingis showcased his ability to hit shots off the short roll, adding to the team’s offensive versatility.

4. Sam Hauser demonstrated his offensive versatility in the first quarter, making an impressive play off the dribble. He penetrated the Knicks’ defense, creating an opportunity for Al Horford to sink a three-pointer from the opposite corner. Hauser’s ability to contribute beyond three-point shooting gives him an edge in the battle for playing time against Svi Mykhailiuk.

5. The Celtics had an explosive first quarter, scoring 41 points, with Kristaps Porzingis leading all scorers with ten points and Jayson Tatum contributing eight on efficient shooting. They extended their lead from 11 points after the first quarter to 18 at halftime, entering the break with a 78-60 advantage. Tatum, in particular, was scorching hot, scoring 15 points in the second period and amassing 23 points by halftime. His exceptional performance outshone all other players on both teams.

6. Despite their strong start, the Celtics experienced a lapse in energy and execution in the third quarter. They committed several turnovers, resulting in eight points for the New York Knicks. The slower pace of play contributed to their struggles, with only 13 points scored by the 4:01 mark in the third quarter. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, who had not been substituted, combined for seven of those points.

7. However, the Celtics quickly turned the tide in their favor against a Knicks lineup predominantly consisting of backups. A Jericho Sims turnover led to a three-pointer by Jrue Holiday, followed by another three from Jaylen Brown. Jayson Tatum showcased his scoring ability in the low post, propelling the Celtics to a 17-point lead by the end of the third quarter, with the score at 100-88.

8. Kristaps Porzingis made an impact early in the fourth quarter, delighting the TD Garden crowd with an alley-oop connection with Payton Pritchard and sinking a three-pointer. His defensive prowess against Isaiah Hartenstein contributed to a missed shot at the rim. Throughout the game, Porzingis’s presence near the basket was felt defensively, and the Celtics’ perimeter defenders, including Holiday, White, Tatum, and Brown, benefitted from his shot-blocking ability and mobility, enabling them to apply more pressure on the ball.