The Boston Celtics defeated our Knicks 108 -104. The Celts big shooters came up big, Kristaps Porzingis 5 – 9 (56%) from deep, Jason Tatum 13 – 22 (66%) from the floor. The Knicks were a respectable 44% (18 – 41) from three. The Knicks’ futility at the stripe was the biggest didderences in the offenses, Boston was 22 – 26 (85%) as compared to 14 – 26 (54%). It be like that some nights.
There were a lot of positives signs of Knick improvements over last year.
Although Jules had an off night around the rim, his decisions were correct. He had ZERO TOs. From deep Randle was 3 – 8, (37%) and he made a big three with about 4 minutes left in the game. Last year, Julius seemed hesitant to take the shot and miss in these situations, so this could be a sign of growth. We can take for granted his double digit rebounds, 11. “Shoot the three Jules, just shoot it.”
RJ Barrett had a very solid game on D. He had a steal and a couple of deflections. RJ looked more aware of the 5 on 5 game, and seemed to have better anticipation of defensive opportunities.
Offensive growth is another matter. RJ’s TOs (2) due to forcing his ISO game, and having his shot blocked (3) continue to plague him, and the Knicks. He lost the ball on one drive that should have been a TO, but perhaps it was ruled a blocked shot. In any case, his decision making off the dribble was boiler plate RJ Barrett. He dished the ball with awareness, but like those of most NBA players , his were not high quality, spot on passes. Better passes may have resulted in made shots and assists. There did seem to be incremental improvement in Barrett’s court vision, at least in this game. RJ had a good offensive night scoring 24 points on 2 – 5 threes, 6 – 15 inside the arc, and 6 – 7 from the stripe. The rest of the team was 8 -19 in FTs.
Jalen Brunson had a very rough game, 3 – 15 inside the arc, 3 – 8 outside. Derrick White hounded Jalen and the Celts other players were sloughing off to help slow Brunson down. Julius Randle will be flirting with triple doubles all year if the patient game he played continues. He blew a bunch of bunnies early, but ended with 14 pts, 11 boards and 7 assists, with NO TOs. This is a very good sign for the opening game. Jules D will be challenged when he faces Zion on Saturday.
Quentin Grimes was a very economical 3 – 6 from three and added a slashing layup for 11 points on 7 shots. However, he was a bit overmatched guarding the 6’8” Jayson Tatum. Tatum hit a few amazing shots early, and his height and handle were more than Grimes could contain. Mitch had his problems with KP, as well. The two Celtic stars combined for 64 points.
Box Score: https://www.covers.com/sport/basketball/nba/boxscore/29055