Final: Celtics 113, Knicks 104 -- Tatum, defense rally C's in fourth quarter

The Celtics have relied on their youth plenty over the past few seasons. They did it again after an ugly first 36 minutes, rallying with a 32-19 fourth quarter to get back on track with a 113-104 victory. Jayson Tatum scored 30 points and dished out a career-high 7 assists while Jaylen Brown posted 28 points and 5 rebounds in the victory. Tatum and Brown combined for 21/41 FG and 9-of-21 shooting from 3-point range.

Kemba Walker also delivered a double-double (16 points, 10 assists) despite an off shooting night as the C’s improved to 14-5 on the season and handed the Knicks their fifth straight loss. While Tatum and Brown will get the headlines, it was the improved defense by a frontline of Semi Ojeleye and Grant Williams in the fourth quarter that helped contain the Knicks’ bigs and limit Julius Randle (26 points) late.

The Celtics now return to Boston for two days of rest before facing off with a red-hot Heat squad at the TD Garden on Wednesday night.

TWO UP

Jayson Tatum: The third-year forward put together one of his best halves of the season while taking advantage of Knicks switching their big men onto him after picks. He scored a team-high 17 points on 6-of-10 shooting and also managed to tie his career-high for assists with six in just 17 first half minutes.

Brad Wanamaker: The reserve guard continues to be an instant source of offense off Boston’s bench, making straight shots in the first half to lead Boston’s bench with seven points.

TWO DOWN

Marcus Smart in the first half: The shooting slump continues for the starting guard. He missed all six of his attempts in the first half, including three from beyond the arc. After a red-hot start to the year from 3, Smart is just 10-of-49 from downtown over his last eight games.

Carsen Edwards:  His poor shooting and lack of consistency earned him a spot on the bench in this one as Stevens went with Javonte Green for a bigger role in what had usually been Edwards’ minutes.

• The Celtics are coming off their worst games of the season in both turnovers (19) and assists (16) in Wednesday's loss to the Nets. They still rank No. 1 in the NBA in lowest turnover rate this season.


• Former Celtic Marcus Morris is a gametime decision for the hosts due to a back issue. The Knicks will also be without point guard Elfrid Payton (hamstring).


• The Knicks have lost five straight games overall and that has cost the younger talent on the roster some playing time. Second-year lottery pick Kevin Knox was a DNP-CD against the Sixers on Friday night.


• The C's are 2-0 already against the Knicks this year, including a 104-102 win at the TD Garden last month. Boston's frontline will be tested however by the No. 1 ranked offensive rebounding team in the NBA this season.