Knicks’ Playoff Push
In a crucial matchup, the Knicks’ Jalen Brunson exploded for a game-high 39 points, guiding his team to a 118-109 victory over the NBA-leading Celtics. With a record of 48 wins and 32 losses, the Knicks currently sit at third place in the Eastern Conference, trailing the second-seeded Bucks by just one game.
Battle for the Second Seed
Both the Knicks and the Bucks have two regular-season games remaining. The Knicks, who have already secured a playoff berth, must win both games, while the Bucks need to lose to the Thunder and the Magic for the Knicks to surpass them and secure the second seed in the Eastern Conference for the playoffs.
Celtics’ Conservative Approach
Despite having secured home-court advantage throughout the playoffs, the Celtics opted for a conservative approach, using only an 8-man rotation. However, they found themselves trailing 29-32 after the first quarter. The Knicks then surged ahead with a 22-3 run in the first six and a half minutes of the second quarter, taking a commanding 69-48 lead into halftime.
Brunson’s Dominance
In the second half, Brunson extended the Knicks’ lead to as much as 31 points, forcing the Celtics to field a lineup consisting entirely of bench players in the fourth quarter to “burn” the remaining time. Brunson played just 30 minutes but made a significant impact, shooting 6-of-11 from beyond the arc and 15-of-23 overall to tally 39 points. Donte DiVincenzo contributed 17 points for the Knicks, while Josh Hart recorded a double-double with 16 points and 16 rebounds, and Isaiah Hartenstein added 11 points and 13 rebounds.
Celtics’ Efforts
Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 18 points, while Payton Pritchard provided a spark off the bench with 16 points. Jaylen Brown and reserve Sam Hauser both contributed 15 points.
Final Playoff Push
With their victory, the Knicks have put themselves in a strong position to contend for the second seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. However, they must continue their winning streak and hope for favorable outcomes in the remaining games to secure the coveted position.
Brunson’s Milestone
Brunson’s remarkable performance not only propelled the Knicks to victory but also marked a career milestone for him, showcasing his ability to step up in crucial games and lead his team to success.
Anticipation for Playoffs
As the regular season draws to a close, both the Knicks and the Celtics are gearing up for the intensity of the playoffs, where every game will be crucial in determining their postseason fate. (Lvbet)
