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Madison Square Garden didn’t just witness a win; it watched a message. New York’s physicality, decision-making and bench synergy eclipsed Boston’s talent advantage and shrank the margin to an emphatic 38. If the Knicks replicate this defensive connectivity while Brunson keeps the tempo dial in his pocket, they aren’t merely conference-final hopefuls—they’re legitimate title threats.

DETAILED BREAKDOWN

1. Opening Salvo (1Q – NYK 29, BOS 18)

• Tom Thibodeau unleashed pace-and-pressure from the tip. Jalen Brunson attacked drop coverage, drawing two quick fouls on Derrick White.
• OG Anunoby hounded Jayson Tatum (0-for-4 start). Knicks owned the glass 14-6 and the paint 16-4.

2. Avalanche (2Q – NYK 35, BOS 19)

• Second-unit burst—Miles “Deuce” McBride & Josh Hart—sparked a 14-2 run. Isaiah Hartenstein’s rim-runs shredded Boston’s transition D.
• Jaylen Brown forced into iso traffic; Celtics’ seven live-ball turnovers became 13 Knick points.
• Halftime: Knicks 64, Celtics 37 (largest playoff halftime deficit in Celtics history).

3. Dagger Stretch (3Q – NYK 31, BOS 22)

• Brunson’s P&R clinic: 11 points, 4 dimes, relentlessly targeting Kristaps Porziņģis in space.
• Karl-Anthony Towns (3-for-5 from deep) dragged Al Horford outside, collapsing Boston’s shell.

4. Curtain Call (4Q – NYK 24, BOS 22)

• Reserves entered at 8:01; Payton Pritchard’s mini-flurry only kept it below 40.
• Final tally: Knicks 119, Celtics 81—a 38-point haymaker.

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EXPERT ANALYSIS

• Defense First – Anunoby’s primary/secondary stunts erased Tatum’s creation lanes; Boston attempted just 10 free throws.
• Brunson’s Control Room – Manipulated nail help, punished late tags with lob-skip symmetry.
• Celtic Stagnation – No downhill threat; when first actions died, they settled for contested pull-ups (32% FG, 6-of-31 3PT).
• Depth Dividend – Knicks bench poured in 42; McBride + Hart: 17 boards, 9 assists, 0 turnovers.

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FINAL TAKEAWAY

The world’s most famous arena didn’t just host a game—it witnessed a statement. New York’s physicality, poise, and bench synergy throttled Boston, sealing an emphatic 119-81 triumph. Replicate this defensive connectivity with Brunson at the controls and the Knicks graduate from conference-final hopefuls to authentic title contenders.