New-look Knicks fall to defending champion Celtics

The revamped New York Knicks faced a significant challenge in their inaugural matchup against the reigning NBA champions, the Boston Celtics.

Following two major offseason acquisitions, Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges, the Knicks struggled from the outset and suffered a decisive defeat, losing 132-109 on the night the Celtics raised their championship banner.

Aiming to reach the Eastern Conference finals for the first time since 2000, the Knicks found it difficult to contend with Boston's relentless 3-point shooting, as the Celtics equaled an NBA record by making 29 three-pointers.

The difficulties for New York began early and only worsened throughout the game.

“Defensively, we clearly need to improve significantly,” remarked Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau. “They apply considerable pressure. At times, we managed to contest the initial shot, but the rebounds often went over our heads.”

In his debut for New York, Towns recorded 12 points and seven rebounds, while Bridges, acquired to enhance their defense against Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, contributed 16 points.

New York found themselves trailing by 19 points after the first quarter, and the gap widened to 26 points by the end of the third quarter, leading to an extended period of garbage time.

“They tied an NBA record for 3-pointers,” noted New York guard Josh Hart. “There are only a few games each season where a team shoots at such an extraordinary rate, and sometimes there is little you can do to counter it.”

The Celtics concluded the game with 29 successful 3-pointers out of 61 attempts, while New York managed only 11 out of 30.

“You have to give them credit,” Hart acknowledged. “It was ring night, and they came out strong.”

Hart even humorously suggested that the NBA should conduct drug tests on the Celtics players. “I’ve never seen anything like that before,” he said with a smile.

New York's defense frequently allowed Boston's shooters to be wide open. The Celtics effectively moved the ball around the perimeter, leaving the Knicks out of position on numerous occasions.

Knicks guard Jalen Brunson stated, "I must improve personally. While we can analyze various aspects, it is evident that they successfully made numerous three-point shots. We need to enhance our performance on both ends of the court, and I must elevate my game in that regard as well."