The Celtics took an ugly loss to the New York Knicks Sunday afternoon, going down 105-75. This was definitely an interesting game to see after the C’s dismantled the Magic on Friday night.
Celtics
Boston overall struggled on Sunday and maybe played their worst game of the season. However, it was nice to see Kemba Walker back on the floor. He ended the afternoon with 9 points, 4 assists, and 3 rebounds. The more important thing is that Kemba left the game at one point with an apparent right hip injury. The leading scorer for the Celtics on Saturday was Jaylen Brown totaling 25 points (9-20 FG, 3-9 3P), 6 rebounds, and 3 assists. One of Boston’s biggest struggles was the offensive glass. They allowed way too many offensive rebounds to Knicks big men such as Mitchell Robinson he ended the game with 7 total rebounds. Allowing offensive rebounds is somethings the Celtics also struggled with against Orlando. It is something they hopefully clean up in the upcoming games.
The struggle without Tatum has showed. Considering how poorly the Celtics played, having Tatum probably would not have changed the outcome of the game, but maybe change the final score. Tatum also will not be playing tomorrow, and the Celtics will have to play yet again without him.
Knicks
This was of the best games thus far for the New York Knicks. They definitely wanted it more than the Celtics on Sunday, as they desperately needed a win after going on a 5-game losing skid. The leading scorer for New York on Sunday was Julius Randle with 20 points. He also racked up 12 rebounds and 4 assists. Yesterday, the Knicks came away with another win defeating the Orlando Magic 91-84. It will be interesting if New York can find a rhythm after winning back to back games.
Final Thoughts
This was no doubt the Celtics’ ugliest loss of the season. Losing to a less than mediocre Knicks team doesn’t look good for Celtics team with this much talent. We also have to remember though that Boston was without their star forward Jayson Tatum once again due to COVID-19. Although it was for sure a bad loss the Celtics should be able to bounce back tomorrow night against the 76ers. This however will be a tough task especially trying to contain Philadelphia’s duo of Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid.