Boston Celtics versus New York Knicks. Baylor Scheierman and Luka Garza in the starting unit, along with Neemias Queta, Derrick White and Jaylen Brown. Boston starts 0-5 on their shooting. Scheierman breaks the ice with two free throws. Baylor looks to be a keeper for Brad Stevens.
With both Payton Pritchard and Nikola Vucevic coming off the bench, it appears Joe Mazzulla is still experimenting to find a solid 8-9-man rotation for the second half of the season and playoffs. Celtics hitting 1-of-7 on the long ball - not a good sign. Then it''s "Vooch" with a "3", But Boston is only 2-of-12 on threes. It's 35-24 in favor of NY at the end of the first quarter.
Mazzulla once again goes to his 2-big combo of Queta and Vucevic for quarter #2, but Vooch goes out quickly with his 3rd foul. Scheierman with six boards and five assists midway through the second quarter. He can do a lot out there.
Baylor is having a great game. Now up to eight rebounds and five assists with five minutes to go in the half. Knicks hitting 60% from the field and 43% on 3s thus far in the half. White starts to put the pressure on NY and ends up with 17 points for the helf - score is 60-53 in favor of the Knicks. The "Brunson Burner" (Jalen Brunson) is living up to his nickname with a team-high 19 points and six assists.
No surprisse that Scheiwerman is back in to start the 3rd quarter. This game is physical. Knicks Josh Hart with four fouls early in the 3rd quarter. Queta with four fouls and Vooch is back in for him. Celtics are 5-of-26 from deep - still playing "live-or-die-with-the-three".
Brown is catching fire, cutting the Knicks lead to five points. Than it is quickly 85-68 (NY) at the end of the 3rd quarter. Boston just can not hit their shots(16% from three, 36% from the field.
Boston is trailing their rivals on board work. They have 40 rebounds early in the fourth compared to 51 for New York. And the Knicks defense has been stifling. The physicality continues.
Garbage time with four minutes to go in the game - and the score 105-84. Boston down 21 points. Tough "D" by NY. Horrible 3-point shooting by Celtics. Knicks shot well from close and far. Celtics did not. Final score of 111-89 in favor of Knicks.
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