The clash between the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks on opening night was billed as a measuring stick for the revamped Knicks, but it quickly turned into a 3-point shooting showcase for the defending champions. In a 132-109 rout at TD Garden, the Celtics tied the NBA record for 3-pointers made in a game with a staggering 29 triples.
Celtics’ 3-Point Barrage
Boston wasted no time in asserting their dominance from beyond the arc. They knocked down 10 of 16 attempts in the first quarter alone, setting the tone for what would be a historic night of long-range shooting. By halftime, the Celtics had already matched their franchise record with 17 3-pointers while building a commanding 19-point lead.
The onslaught continued in the second half, with Boston tying the NBA record of 29 made 3s (set by the 2020-21 Milwaukee Bucks) on a triple by Al Horford with 8:54 left in the fourth quarter. Ironically, the Celtics then proceeded to miss their final 13 attempts from deep, falling just short of sole possession of the record.
The crowd was chanting ‘One more three!’ but it just wasn’t meant to be. Still, tying the record on opening night is pretty special.
– Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla
Dominant in All Facets
While the 3-point shooting took center stage, Boston’s overall performance was equally impressive. They shot 50% from the field, dished out 33 assists against just 3 turnovers, and outscored New York by a whopping 54 points from behind the arc.
The Knicks, playing their first game with offseason acquisitions Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns, simply had no answer for the Celtics’ firepower. Despite the additions, it was clear that there is still a sizable gap between these two Atlantic Division rivals.
A Sign of Things to Come?
For the Celtics, the dominant win serves as a statement to the rest of the league. As the defending champions and current title favorites, they appear poised to pick up right where they left off last season. With Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and a roster full of sharpshooters, Boston has the talent to light up scoreboards on a nightly basis.
The Knicks, meanwhile, will need to regroup quickly. The lopsided loss exposed some of their defensive deficiencies and highlighted the work that still needs to be done to integrate their new pieces. Coach Tom Thibodeau will surely use this as a teaching moment and a source of motivation going forward.
Looking Ahead
While it’s important not to overreact to one game, especially on opening night, the Celtics’ performance was undeniably impressive. They looked every bit the part of a team determined to defend their title and cement their place in NBA history.
For the Knicks and the rest of the league, the message was loud and clear – the road to the championship still runs through Boston. With the ability to bury opponents under an avalanche of 3-pointers, the Celtics are a force to be reckoned with.
As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on the Celtics to see if they can maintain this level of play and make a run at some more records along the way. One thing is for certain – if opening night was any indication, we are in for a treat whenever Boston takes the court.
The Knicks, meanwhile, will need to regroup quickly. The lopsided loss exposed some of their defensive deficiencies and highlighted the work that still needs to be done to integrate their new pieces. Coach Tom Thibodeau will surely use this as a teaching moment and a source of motivation going forward.
Looking Ahead
While it’s important not to overreact to one game, especially on opening night, the Celtics’ performance was undeniably impressive. They looked every bit the part of a team determined to defend their title and cement their place in NBA history.
For the Knicks and the rest of the league, the message was loud and clear – the road to the championship still runs through Boston. With the ability to bury opponents under an avalanche of 3-pointers, the Celtics are a force to be reckoned with.
As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on the Celtics to see if they can maintain this level of play and make a run at some more records along the way. One thing is for certain – if opening night was any indication, we are in for a treat whenever Boston takes the court.
