Jaylen Brown’s misfortune makes the Knicks happy!

Nice game! In this relatively calm Thursday evening, marked by the happy memory of Kobe Bryant, who died three years ago to the day yesterday, and mainly stimulated by the revelation of the ten holders for the All-Star Game next that month, the Celtics and the Knicksat TD Garden, played a really good match, punctuated by an extra time win for the visitors (120-117), proving they are still dangerous in transition (15v-10d, fourth best league record) .

For supporters of both teams, it is necessary to have a strong heart, because the scenario of this match is incredible, marked by many twists, especially in “money-time”.

Because after a balanced first half (60-58 Celtics), it was the Knicks, carried by a big duo Jalen Brunson – Julius Randle and a collective defensive finally found, which took the first to momentum back from the locker room, thanks to a 33-25 in the third quarter, against a soft Boston team around Jayson Tatum, very good. So, 7 minutes from the end of the match, Tom Thibodeau’s men led by 12 points, 104-92, and it seemed that the game was over.
Getting Jayson Tatum.
Except you shouldn’t underestimate the Knicks’ ability to get scared at the end of the game, especially with Jayson Tatum coming out of the woodwork to thwart the Bockers’ plans. Trailing by 22 points at this point in the game, the Celtics winger simply refused to be beaten in regulation time, scoring 9 points in the final five minutes to fuel a dazzling 16-4 run from his team to complete the game. , and thus seize the extension (110-110)!

Really convincing throughout the meeting with a continuous and unified attack, the Knicks, faced with the dazzling “run” of their opponents, suddenly panicked and fell, and especially very often in their tight end of matches, in isolation phases that are too repetitive and predictable for Julius Randle…

But “Ju” and his colleagues did not blow! But very quickly relegated to -5 at the start of overtime, the New Yorkers regained their composure and their composure at the best of times, quietly clawing their way back into the game, until RJ Barrettwith the winning shot at corner in front of the Celtics bench, not giving his team an advantage (116-115). Then allows himself, of course, a trash talk in good standing after this award-winning shot full of composure.
The ones thrown at Jaylen, the ones thrown…
The following is a quick basket of Jaylen Brown then two free throws from Julius Randle to bring the score to 118-117 in favor of New York, about ten seconds from the end. And then came the tragedy…

Josted by Jalen Brunson on a mid-range shot, Jaylen Brown took the direction of the penalty line, with the potential winning throw in his hands. But an unexpected 0/2 from behind by the C’s brutally conditioned TD Garden, which saw a third straight loss looming.

In the back, RJ Barrett, certainly determined in this extension, did not flinch and converted both of his shots at the free throw line. After the final time-out, “JT”, surrounded by two people, missed an equalizer shot, Malcolm Brogdon, who was countered by Jalen Brunson, a second, and the Knicks blew.

After a great victory against Cleveland at the beginning of the week, the men of “Thibs” continue by offering themselves, mentally and at the end of the effort, THE cador of the Eastern Conference, in his nest. A good way to forget last week’s four game losing streak.

The summary of the meeting in one picture

WHAT YOU SHOULD REMEMBER

– A Brunson – Randle duo on fire and a defense in place: the Knicks have found their winning formula. Except for this somewhat lunar and not far from fatal crack in the second half of the fourth quarter, the Knicks really delivered a very good defensive performance. Losing this spot against Atlanta and then Toronto last week, Tom Thibodeau’s squad regained confidence by maintaining the league’s third-best offensive rating at 41%, as Jayson Tatum was limited to 22 points before his “money-time” hot shot, and a Jaylen Si Brown with little confidence in his shot (22 points on 22 shots), to the point where he broke the free throw line in overtime. This New York team is flawed, but you can’t take their mind off of them. As for Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle, what can be said… The former compiled 29 points, 4 rebounds and 7 assists, the latter, continuing his streak against Cleveland, offered 37 points and 9 rebounds, including two oh so decisive free throws in overtime. When they defend like this and their two leaders are at their best, the Knicks can take down just about anyone.

– Quick, quick next game, for Jaylen Brown. Obviously not the best game of the season for the back. While Jayson Tatum was gaining momentum in the apotheosis in the fourth quarter (35 points and 14 rebounds at the end), Jalen Brown fought through his awkwardness, before exploding in overtime, when he had in his hands the free throws of the (potential) success . Never in rhythm, he got a hole, but was able to contribute positively overall (+3), especially thanks to 9 rebounds and 2 assists and a good defensive sequence against RJ Barrett and Quentin Grimes. But overall, especially with how the match ended, it was an outing to forget for “Jay”.

TOPS/FLOPS

✅ Emmanuel Quickley. With 17 points on 7/12 shooting and 5 rebounds, the Knicks’ sixth man brought his usual enthusiasm off the bench, on both sides of the field. Especially in the first half, where he scored 15 of his 17 points. Less prominent in the attack after the break, he did not disappear completely, however, ensuring very good minutes in defense, especially against the pair Malcom Brogdon – Derrick White.

✅ Defense of Miles McBride. And “Mabilis” wasn’t the only one who played an excellent role as a defensive pest. He is also aided by youngster Miles McBride with an efficient effort, with 3 interceptions in particular. But more broadly, the former West Virginia’s quotes don’t really show up in the stats, Miles McBride is showing himself to be increasingly important in shadow efforts: a “box-out” here, an assist on the opposite side there, a well-executed trap door on the carrier behind the pick-and-roll, etc.

✅ Calmness at RJ Barrett’s command. The Canadian winger didn’t offer a memorable basketball in regulation time, but he saved the best for last, in overtime: a winning shot to give the advantage to the Knicks, and two shots to keep it. And finally, without making any noise, the best +/- of Knicks starters, with +14.

✅ Jayson Tatum. We’ve said all about him, especially this massive heat stroke to end the fight, and (temporarily) save the day for his people. Announced to the All-Star Game holders before the game, the Celtics MVP candidate celebrated in style, even if he didn’t get the victory for a perfect night.

⛔️ Grant Williams and Malcolm Brogdon. The C’s two main jokers coming off the bench had holes wide open: 16 points on 6/22 combined shots. With almost as many faults (5) as passes (6). While the Celtics won the match from the bench, with 31 points scored against 28 points for the Knicks, the two substitutes were clearly not the most worthy artisans.

THE FOLLOWING

– Celtics (35-15): reception of the Lakers, in the evening from Saturday to Sunday (02:30).

– Knicks (27-23): short trip to Brooklyn, Saturday night (11:30 pm).