Jalen Brunson scored 31 factors, and Karl-Anthony Cities added 26 with 13 rebounds to steer the New York Knicks (2-0) previous the Boston Celtics (0-2) 105-95 on Friday evening.
New York constructed a commanding 42-14 second quarter to take a 64-44 halftime lead, echoing their playoff dominance over Boston final season. The Knicks appeared poised for a blowout, however a sloppy third quarter allowed the Celtics to chop the result in single digits within the fourth.
Brunson made key baskets down the stretch, serving to New York keep a cushty margin. Cities contributed effectively inside, including six offensive rebounds and 5 assists alongside his scoring.
Jaylen Brown scored 23 factors on his twenty ninth birthday for Boston, whereas Sam Hauser added 18 factors on six three-pointers. The Celtics struggled defensively within the second quarter and couldn’t get better regardless of a late push.
Josh Hart returned from a lower-back damage to drag down 14 rebounds in 19 minutes off the bench, offering power for the Knicks. OG Anunoby left the sport halfway by way of the fourth quarter after touchdown awkwardly whereas defending a shot.
The Knicks shot 38.4% from three-point vary, making 17 of 45 makes an attempt, whereas Boston transformed 34.1% from deep. New York additionally held a rebound benefit, 53-37, which helped safe their second straight win.
With the victory, New York improves to 2-0 and can face the Miami Warmth at dwelling on Sunday, whereas the Celtics go to Detroit additionally on Sunday on the lookout for their first win of the season.
