Celtics 107 - Knicks 103 (10/23/2026): Tatum Drops 36 in Win

The Boston Celtics hosted the New York Knicks at TD Garden for an early-season NBA game. Both teams started the season with an identical 0-1 record, looking to grab their first win. The Celtics secured a close victory over the Knicks, finishing the night with a score of 107-103.

Celtics' Strong Third Quarter

The game was tightly contested, with the teams trading leads in the first half. The Knicks took a narrow lead of 27-26 at the end of the first quarter. However, the Celtics edged out the second quarter, scoring 24 points to the Knicks' 22, leaving them with a slight 50-49 lead going into halftime.

In the third quarter, the Celtics took control with a surge, putting up 33 points while holding the Knicks to 24. This key quarter gave Boston a significant cushion heading into the final period. Jayson Tatum led the charge, making key plays and keeping the Celtics' momentum strong.

Knicks' Late Game Push

Despite the deficit, the Knicks rallied in the fourth quarter, scoring 30 points. OG Anunoby and Karl-Anthony Towns were instrumental in the comeback effort. Anunoby's near triple-double performance highlighted his importance to the Knicks' cause.

However, the Celtics' defense held firm in the closing moments of the game. Boston managed to withstand New York's late push, securing the narrow victory. The Celtics' timely defense and clutch free throws were enough to close out the game.

Key Performers

Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 36 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists, showcasing his scoring ability and playmaking skills. Paul George also contributed significantly with 15 points and 7 rebounds. Neemias Queta added 15 points and 6 rebounds, providing solid support.

For the Knicks, Karl-Anthony Towns delivered 22 points and 10 rebounds, showing his prowess in the paint. OG Anunoby contributed 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists, nearly reaching a triple-double. Josh Hart also played a key role with 10 points and 12 rebounds.

The Celtics shot 46.0% from the field, while the Knicks shot 44.4%. Boston's 15 three-pointers made a crucial difference, compared to New York's 16. The Celtics' ability to take care of the ball, with only 10 turnovers, also played a role in their win.

After this win, the Celtics improved their regular season record to 1-1. They will stay at home for their next game against the Chicago Bulls. The Knicks, on the other hand, will look to rebound in their upcoming home game against the Orlando Magic.

The Knicks' record fell to 0-2, marking a challenging start to their season. With upcoming games against the Magic and Pistons, New York aims to find their rhythm and secure their first win of the season.

This game highlighted the Celtics' depth and resilience, as well as the Knicks' potential to compete with strong teams. With plenty of games left in the season, both teams will have opportunities to refine their play and climb the standings.