Post Game Reaction: Celtics 115 Knicks 87
The New York Knicks got smacked by the Celtics tonight. They lost 115-87. The physicality of this game really was the difference. The Celtics were the aggressors and so they got to the free throw line more and really dominated from the start. Thomas led the way with 29 points with help from Marcus Smart, 12pts and 10 assists and Bradley with 15pts and 10 rebs. Here are a few of my observations.
Celtics set the tone of the game. Right from the start, the game was a physical one. The Celtics came out with aggression and physicality as they were looking to set the tone early. They were the team that played with more energy and set the tone by playing physical. It took the Knicks out of the game as they looked to the refs for fouls and were complaining all night instead of competing.
Knicks fouling way too much. Another night where the Knicks can't seem to stop fouling. They gave up 43 free throws and had 26 personal fouls. The Knicks did not move their feet and were caught reaching. They also had 6 technical fouls and were complaining to the refs all night with the calls. The Celtics were towards the bottom of the league in terms of free throw attempts and so the Knicks defense needs to improve by using their hands less and moving their feet.
Melo gets ejected with 4 mins left in the 2nd quarter. In an odd move, Carmelo Anthony picked up 2 technical fouls in a span of five seconds. The first was off of a loose ball foul and then he did not stop chirping to the ref and picked up a second one. I am not sure what he actually said but based on his demeanor I did not believe he deserved the second T. But he may have said the magical words to get the second one. Its too bad because Melo was playing really well as he had 12 points. The Knicks all night could not keep their cool as Jennings also got ejected and Noah and Porzingis both got T's as well.
Knicks offense was very sloppy. The Knicks for the first time did not score 100 points. Some of that is due to Melo leaving in the 2nd quarter but the offense was very sloppy all night. They shot 35% from the field and turned it over 25 times. The 25 turnovers were one of the reasons they lost this game.
Willy Hernangomez and Justin Holiday were bright spots. Hernangomez scored 8pts 12rebs and 3asts, while Holiday had 10pts and 5 rebs. Both guys deserve more playing time. They both came with energy and were one of the reasons that the Knicks got back in the game in the second quarter. Holiday has out played Lee and may deserve to even become the starter. While Willy had been a revelation off the bench as he is an excellent finisher around the basket.
Overall this game was a sloppy one for the Knicks. They have to get used to this physicality as they play some better teams. The Celtics showed the Knicks what it takes to become a playoff team, the Knicks have a long way to go. The schedule does not get any easier as they play tomorrow night against the Raptors.
