Knicks Beat Celtics 112-106 in Tatum's MSG Return, Stay Alive for No. 2 Seed
Final Score
New York Knicks 112 - 106 Boston Celtics
Result: Knicks win by 6 points
Status: Finished
Match Summary
The New York Knicks defeated the Boston Celtics 112-106 to stay alive in the race for the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference. Josh Hart scored 15 of his 26 points in the fourth quarter, hitting two crucial 3-pointers in the final 42 seconds to seal the victory.
Jayson Tatum returned to Madison Square Garden for the first time since rupturing his Achilles tendon in last season's playoffs, finishing with 24 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists in his first game back in the arena.
The Knicks pulled within two games of the Celtics for second place with two games remaining for both teams, holding the tiebreaker after winning the season series 3-1.
Key Events
- Q4 Final 42 seconds – Josh Hart hits two consecutive 3-pointers to secure the Knicks victory
- Game – Jalen Brunson records 25 points and 10 assists for New York
- Game – Jayson Tatum finishes just short of a triple-double with 24 points, 13 rebounds and 8 assists in his MSG return
- Game – Boston's four-game winning streak snapped while playing without Jaylen Brown
Basic Stats
Boston Celtics: Payton Pritchard 23 points, Baylor Scheierman 20 points (6-for-7 from 3-point range)
New York Knicks: Josh Hart 26 points, Jalen Brunson 25 points and 10 assists
Highlights
Watch Highlights: Josh Hart hits pair of late 3s to secure crucial Knicks win over Boston
Match Context
Tournament: NBA Regular Season Stage: Regular Season (Two games remaining for both teams) Significance: Knicks stay in contention for No. 2 seed in Eastern Conference; Tatum's first game back at MSG since Achilles injury in previous season's playoffs
Stage: Regular Season (Two games remaining for both teams) Significance: Knicks stay in contention for No. 2 seed in Eastern Conference; Tatum's first game back at MSG since Achilles injury in previous season's playoffs