This is the reason the Boston Celtics are the defending champions. Even with two starters sidelined, they nonetheless make most opponents appear and feel a tier under.
Saturday evening at Madison Sq. Backyard was no completely different.
Other than a quick third-quarter surge, the Knicks by no means seemed the a part of a real title contender. As a substitute, they suffered their second blowout loss to the Celtics this season — this time, a 131-104 drubbing on their dwelling flooring.
A lot has modified for the reason that Knicks have been overwhelmed in Boston on opening evening, however one factor hasn’t: They’re actually good, however not nice.
That distinction — nice — belongs to the NBA’s true title contenders, a class that is still unique. By that measure, there are solely three groups who’ve earned that label:
• Boston simply proved, as soon as once more, why it’s in that class.
• Cleveland should still want postseason validation, however because the East’s No. 1 seed, it belongs within the dialog.
• Oklahoma Metropolis boasts the league’s finest report and a roster that retains scouts up at evening.
The Knicks? They’re one of the best of the remainder — forward of the opposite would-be contenders, but nonetheless missing the firepower to hold with the NBA’s elite.
That a lot was clear towards the Celtics, who pulled away early and by no means seemed again.
TATUM TAKES OVER
Jayson Tatum has been kryptonite for the Knicks this season, and with OG Anunoby lacking his third straight recreation as a result of a foot damage, Mikal Bridges was tasked with slowing him down.
It didn’t go effectively.
Tatum torched the Knicks for 40 factors in 37 minutes, testing for good with 9 minutes left within the fourth quarter. He drained seven 3s on 14 makes an attempt and went 13-of-26 from the sphere in his newest Backyard masterpiece — simply months after lighting the Knicks up for 37 factors and 10 assists on 8-of-11 taking pictures from deep on opening evening.
And the Celtics weren’t even at full energy. They have been lacking All-NBA defender Jrue Vacation and former Knicks lottery decide Kristaps Porziņģis.
It didn’t matter.
BRUNSON BATTLES, BUT HELP IS SCARCE
Jalen Brunson did all he might to maintain the Knicks afloat, scoring a team-high 36 factors on 10-of-18 taking pictures whereas going an ideal 13-of-13 from the foul line.
Karl-Anthony Cities, enjoying by means of proper knee soreness, completed with simply 9 factors and 9 rebounds. Treasured Achiuwa, beginning instead of Anunoby, struggled with solely three factors and 4 boards — and was on the receiving finish of a pair of Tatum highlights, together with a poster dunk and a vicious step-back three.
In the meantime, Boston’s depth shined.
Payton Pritchard got here off the bench to attain 25 factors, drilling 6-of-8 from deep. Backup large Neemias Queta added 11 factors and eight rebounds in simply 26 minutes.
With 5:29 left, Tom Thibodeau emptied his bench. The sport was over.
A GAP TOO LARGE TO IGNORE
The Knicks wished to neglect their season-opening blowout in Boston. After this one, they may burn the tape once more.
As a result of the movie will present what the sold-out crowd at MSG noticed in actual time:
The Knicks are a step behind the Celtics — and all roads to a championship nonetheless run by means of Boston.
