Celtics Squeak By Knicks 103-101 On The Road

by
Former Writers
October 21, 2018

johndeeregreen69er via Flickr

The Boston Celtics and New York Knicks had their first meeting in this young NBA season. This game came down to the wire, and it wasn’t clear if the Celtics would win it. Both teams weren’t willing to back down from one another. In the final possessions of the game, Jayson Tatum would hit a clutch turn around jump shot that gave the Celtics a cushion. That shot, combined with some luck, got Boston their second win of the season.

It was absolutely refreshing to see the Knicks playing good. Although they don’t have an elite team, they play together. Head coach Dave Fizdale had his players competing every single play. It was unfortunate to see rookie Kevin Knox injure his ankle during the game. However, when Knox and Kristaps Porzingis rejoin the team, they will be a real playoff team.

We were shorthanded and playing on the second night of a back-to-back, but our top guns came through in the clutch to give us a win at MSG. https://t.co/cr12Wq9Jwm

— Boston Celtics (@celtics) October 21, 2018

Tatum Has Been the Best Player so Far

As previously mentioned, Tatum was able to hit a big time jump shot to put the Celtics up. This came after a monster jam with a minute left in the contest. Through the first week of the season, it is clear to see that Tatum is the best player on this team. As a 20-year-old, Tatum has led this team of veterans with his attitude and example. There is no other player in the league like him, and it is crazy that he is only in his second season.

Although Tatum has been the best so far, Kyrie Irving is still getting his legs underneath him. Irving had a serious knee surgery, and it will take more than a couple games for him to shake that rust. I don’t see Irving becoming the one and only offensive option on this team. Instead, I see Irving and Tatum become one of the most deadly duos in the NBA here soon.

Tonight's @JetBlue Play of the Game: Kyrie somehow finds a way through the defense and gets the and one in crunch time! https://t.co/kTNTFOiPND

— Boston Celtics (@celtics) October 21, 2018

Player of the Game: Jayson Tatum

Tatum finished the game with 24 points and a career high 14 rebounds. He is going to need to continue rebounding in double digits if this team wants to compete with other teams on the glass.

Jayson Tatum is unbelievablepic.twitter.com/7NfmYZsO80

— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) October 21, 2018

Honorable Mention: Marcus Smart

A Look Forward to the Next Game

The Boston Celtics go against the Orlando Magic on Monday night at TD Garden. Hayward will most likely be in the lineup after resting last night. The Celtics game plan needs to revolve around not letting the young Magic run on the break. Also, stopping forward Aaron Gordon to get in a rhythm. If the Celtics can do this, then they will be 3-1 on Tuesday.