Celtics (58-20) at Knicks (50-28) Game #79 4/8/25

[Phantom255x]

The Knicks tried so hard but came up short again.  And Mazzula was experimenting some this game too.

NY and their fans have to be demoralized.  That 2nd round matchup against us is terrifying for them.

3 words.

CELTICS IN 5 

Knicks are dangerous. Lots of talent and play hard.  They came back at the end of regulation and would have won if not for a clutch three by Tatum. I hope Cs dominate them in the playoffs but I expect Knicks will give them a pretty tough series.

I'm just not seeing it. The Knicks need a lot to go right to beat us and I also think KAT defensively is a liability against us. We also only had KP in like 2 of the 5 games this season vs. NY. He's a big factor. NY can take a game, but I'd be shocked if they took more than that assuming we're locked in and healthy. Plus I think given Thibs' history of playing his guys to the ground and the Pistons potentially pushing NY to 6-7 games they could be banged up.

Knicks also can't stop Tatum. Bridges can't. OG can neutralize him a bit but then they are very vulnerable at the other spots (Jaylen, Jrue, White, and then Porzingis from the perimeter)

[Atzar]

Good win.

I do hope we take that team seriously in the playoffs, in the fairly likely scenario that we meet.  Despite the head-to-head matchups in the regular season, I still think they have enough teamwide talent to be a very tough out - especially with Jaylen looking like a shell of himself on some nights as he deals with this knee thing. 

[jpotter33]

Jaylen's still gonna play 2 of the next 3 to reach the 65-game threshold (limited minutes) but honestly I'd consider resting most of our guys all of the next 3 games, JT included. Heavy minutes tonight, good performances from most. Maybe give Horford a game for limited minutes just so he's not too rusty but otherwise pack it in until next to next Saturday

Would be a massive mistake playing JT and Porzingis in particular and risking any injury or kinks right before the postseason with nothing to play for.

Doubt any of the main guys play tomorrow, and then they play one of the Charlotte games each, though I'm sure they'll play JB the two more required games, which is frustrating.

[Goldstar88]

KP is the second best player on the Celtics right now. He?s been on fire! 34pts tonight. 11-19 from the field and 8-13 from 3pt. Just ridiculous!

[Neurotic Guy]

The Knicks tried so hard but came up short again.  And Mazzula was experimenting some this game too.

NY and their fans have to be demoralized.  That 2nd round matchup against us is terrifying for them.

3 words.

CELTICS IN 5 

Knicks are dangerous. Lots of talent and play hard.  They came back at the end of regulation and would have won if not for a clutch three by Tatum. I hope Cs dominate them in the playoffs but I expect Knicks will give them a pretty tough series.

C's in 5.

C's had no Al.  ineffective Jaylen.  DWhite making uncharacteristic bad plays. 

Knicks had everyone and had great nights from KAT and Brunson.  they've got nothing that'll get them past the C's

Oh I doubt they?ll get past the Cs I just wouldn?t dismiss the Knicks.  Even if it?s 5 games Cs will need to earn them - Knicks play pretty tough.

[Neurotic Guy]

Jaylen's still gonna play 2 of the next 3 to reach the 65-game threshold (limited minutes) but honestly I'd consider resting most of our guys all of the next 3 games, JT included. Heavy minutes tonight, good performances from most. Maybe give Horford a game for limited minutes just so he's not too rusty but otherwise pack it in until next to next Saturday

Would be a massive mistake playing JT and Porzingis in particular and risking any injury or kinks right before the postseason with nothing to play for.

Doubt any of the main guys play tomorrow, and then they play one of the Charlotte games each, though I'm sure they'll play JB the two more required games, which is frustrating.

Yeah I?m not a fan of that.  Does he need to play 20 in each?  Thats really not a good idea, but I guess they know what they?re doing.

[Phantom255x]

Jaylen's still gonna play 2 of the next 3 to reach the 65-game threshold (limited minutes) but honestly I'd consider resting most of our guys all of the next 3 games, JT included. Heavy minutes tonight, good performances from most. Maybe give Horford a game for limited minutes just so he's not too rusty but otherwise pack it in until next to next Saturday

Would be a massive mistake playing JT and Porzingis in particular and risking any injury or kinks right before the postseason with nothing to play for.

Doubt any of the main guys play tomorrow, and then they play one of the Charlotte games each, though I'm sure they'll play JB the two more required games, which is frustrating.

Yeah I?m not a fan of that.  Does he need to play 20 in each?  Thats really not a good idea, but I guess they know what they?re doing.

It's not but they've committed to it. But you can tell Jaylen is only playing at like 60% speed 

I think in the Hornets game you're just gonna see him walk up and down the court and pass the ball lol

[Atzar]

What I've read about the knee thing is that it isn't going to improve with a few days off.  The offseason, more like.  Until then, it's about pain tolerance and a likely injection or two in the playoffs. 

I do think he's also angling for a shot at an All-NBA team, yes.  I just don't think he's sacrificing team success for his own awards like has been implied.  He's unlikely to make it worse by playing, but it also isn't going to get any better until the season is over.  So it is what it is.  I do admit that I'm worried about it.

[slamtheking]

The Knicks tried so hard but came up short again.  And Mazzula was experimenting some this game too.

NY and their fans have to be demoralized.  That 2nd round matchup against us is terrifying for them.

3 words.

CELTICS IN 5 

Knicks are dangerous. Lots of talent and play hard.  They came back at the end of regulation and would have won if not for a clutch three by Tatum. I hope Cs dominate them in the playoffs but I expect Knicks will give them a pretty tough series.

C's in 5.

C's had no Al.  ineffective Jaylen.  DWhite making uncharacteristic bad plays. 

Knicks had everyone and had great nights from KAT and Brunson.  they've got nothing that'll get them past the C's

Oh I doubt they?ll get past the Cs I just wouldn?t dismiss the Knicks.  Even if it?s 5 games Cs will need to earn them - Knicks play pretty tough.

no doubt. Knicks will play hard and play physical.  C's have the talent to sweep but Knicks can get a game where the C's shoot like hot garbage from 3 and don't change their offense to go inside

[Phantom255x]

Crazy thing is, that kind of felt like a playoff atmosphere tonight at MSG. Knicks actually still have to play for the 3 seed. They played like it too. C's just too good

The Porzingis logo 3 in the 3rd was also insane, entire arena was stunned lol

[slamtheking]

What I've read about the knee thing is that it isn't going to improve with a few days off.  The offseason, more like.  Until then, it's about pain tolerance and a likely injection or two in the playoffs. 

I do think he's also angling for a shot at an All-NBA team, yes.  I just don't think he's sacrificing team success for his own awards like has been implied.  He's unlikely to make it worse by playing, but it also isn't going to get any better until the season is over.  So it is what it is.  I do admit that I'm worried about it.

depending on whether it can improve at all in the offseason, he may become the big salary that gets moved to get under the second apron rather than Zinger or Jrue

[hodgy03038]

Unicorn baby!!

[bello_man09]

I thought Hauser was aggressive on defense as well as Payton. good Tatum game, and KP was ridiculous.

[ozgod]

Missed the game?late TPs for all! What happened to Jaylen? Did he injure himself again?

[86MaxwellSmart]

What I've read about the knee thing is that it isn't going to improve with a few days off.  The offseason, more like.  Until then, it's about pain tolerance and a likely injection or two in the playoffs. 

I do think he's also angling for a shot at an All-NBA team, yes.  I just don't think he's sacrificing team success for his own awards like has been implied.  He's unlikely to make it worse by playing, but it also isn't going to get any better until the season is over.  So it is what it is.  I do admit that I'm worried about it.

depending on whether it can improve at all in the offseason, he may become the big salary that gets moved to get under the second apron rather than Zinger or Jrue

Exactly, what could they get for an overpriced, turnover prone, gimpy knee Jaylen Brown?