Everything you need to know about the Celtics' 118-95 win over the Knicks with BSJ insight and analysis
Box Score
HEADLINES
Kemba erupts again in the second half to lead turnaround: The All-Star came out sluggish yet again in front of his hometown crowd, missing three of his first four shots on the night as the C’s offense floundered once again in the first half. Walker turned the tide from there however, making eight of his nine field-goal attempts in the second half to score 21 of a game-high 32 points after intermission. The 6-footer did most of his damage from 3-point range (7-of-12 from downtown) while chipping in with 5 rebounds, 4 assists and a pair of steals to turn a tight game in the third quarter into a complete laugher by the closing minutes of the fourth quarter. Five different players chipped in with double figures for the visitors including rookie guard Carsen Edwards who was a DNP-CD on Friday night to put together Boston’s second straight win and first road victory of the year.
Celtics’ defense turns up the ball pressure: Brad Stevens made ball pressure a top priority in the preseason and this Celtics team has taken that philosophy to heart during this opening week. One game after forcing 23 turnovers against the defending champs, the Knicks coughed up the ball 26 times in the blowout defeat, which led to 36 points for the visitors. Boston made the most of their live ball turnovers, turning nine steals into a 16-2 edge in fast-break points. The hosts shot just 38.8 percent from the field and a paltry 25 percent from 3-point range as Boston’s defense kept them in the game until a big second half scoring outburst arrived.
Tacko Fall makes his NBA debut: Madison Square Garden got their wish during garbage time as Tacko Fall made his NBA debut in the final four minutes of the blowout win. The 7-foot-5 center drew chants of ‘We want Tacko’ from the crowd and delivered two quick buckets in his four minutes to the delight of teammates and coaches. Fall finished with four points and three rebounds in what will likely be his only appearance as a Celtic for quite some time. The two-way player is headed to Maine for the start of training camp on Monday as he begins to earn some extended reps in the G-League.
TURNING POINT
The Celtics opened the fourth quarter with an 11-0 run thanks to some timely contributions from the rookies (Edwards, Grant Williams) who accounted for seven points in the run while Walker and Gordon Hayward rested. The run opened up a 14-point lead and the C’s kept their edge over double digits for the remainder of the contest.
TWO UP
Kemba Walker: The All-Star took awhile to heat up for the second straight game but was indefensible in the second half against a Knicks team good guard defense. Walker erupted for 21 of his 32 points in the second half, going 8-of-9 from the field to help turn a tight game in the third quarter into a runaway.
Grant Williams: The rookie was a plus/minus monster in summer league and that trend has only continued through three regular-season games as he’s been pressed into action at center. Williams played just 19 minutes but was a plus-16 while emerging as a force on the defensive end with three steals and a pair of blocks. Given how shorthanded Boston’s frontline was without Enes Kanter and Daniel Theis, Williams showed his strong defense in the middle on Friday night was no fluke.
TWO DOWN
Jayson Tatum’s offense: The third-year forward was a net positive on the night but continues to struggle with his shot. He was 5-of-17 from the field to finish with 15 points and is hitting just 34.4 percent of his field-goal attempts through three games this season.
Brad Wanamaker: It may have been a matchup decision but Edwards got the nod over the 29-year-old guard for backup guard minutes on Saturday night. With Edwards breaking out of a shooting funk with a couple big makes in the fourth quarter, Wanamaker may see his playing time take a dip.
TOP PLAY
The pass... the finish... obvious choice for tonight's @jetblue Play of the Game ☘️ pic.twitter.com/uryCKeLmtZ
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) October 27, 2019
TWO TAKES B-ROBB WILL PROBABLY REGRET LATER
Grant Williams may already be the best defensive center on this roster: It’s laughable to think a 6-foot-6 rookie might take that throne this season but when it comes to positioning and instincts, Williams may have the inside edge out of Boston’s long list of centers. Rob Williams has athleticism and shot-blocking instincts but his command of the backline still needs some work although this was an encouraging outing for him (4 points, 7 rebounds). Vincent Poirier is still getting his feet wet in the NBA as well but Grant Williams just has a sixth sense right now as far as making the right play on the defensive end. He provided a serious boost off the bench for the second straight game while playing some small ball five and the C’s defense seems to be at its best when he’s on the court. It’s early in the year but the smart money is on him being a valuable role piece for this team for years to come.
RJ Barrett can play but this Knicks team might be the worst in the East: This roster looked like a bit of a dumpster fire this offseason from a positional fit standby and the eye check confirmed that assessment tonight. RJ Barrett (26 points, 7 rebounds) looks like a keeper but the avalanche of short-term contract players on this team are on those deals for a reason. There is little consistent defense to be found within this group and not a lot of bright spots among a pack of ball hogs in Bobby Portis, Julius Randle and Marcus Morris. With the Garden crowd chanting for the likes of Frank Ntlilikina over Dennis Smith Jr. there isn’t a lot to get excited about in the Big Apple. Another high lottery pick is headed New York’s way this offseason as a long rebuild awaits this group as they compile more young pieces.