Knicks vs Boston Celtics Match Player Stats: A Complete Breakdown

Knicks vs Boston Celtics Match Player Stats: In the ever-intense Eastern Conference rivalry, the latest clash between the New York Knicks and Boston Celtics delivered basketball drama at its finest. Today, we’re diving deep into the player statistics that shaped the outcome of this pivotal matchup.

From individual brilliance to team dynamics, the numbers tell a compelling story about how this game unfolded on the hardwood.

Introduction

The New York Knicks and Boston Celtics share one of the NBA’s most storied rivalries, dating back decades and featuring countless memorable moments.

Their recent encounter added another chapter to this historic competition, with both teams showcasing their strengths and exposing weaknesses that could prove crucial as the season progresses.

This matchup carried significant playoff implications, with both teams jockeying for position in a competitive Eastern Conference.

The Celtics entered as favorites, riding their league-leading record, while the Knicks aimed to prove their resilience and ability to compete with the conference elite.

Pre-game storylines centered around the duel between Jayson Tatum and Jalen Brunson – two stars carrying their respective franchises with MVP-caliber performances this season.

As we’ll see in the statistical breakdown, these narratives played out dramatically on the court.

Game Overview

Quarter	Knicks	Celtics
Q1	24	28
Q2	27	31
Q3	29	32
Q4	29	28
Final	109	119

The final score – Celtics 119, Knicks 109 – reflects Boston Celtics’ overall control throughout the game, though the Knicks’ competitiveness kept the contest from becoming a blowout.

The Celtics established their advantage early, winning each of the first three quarters before the Knicks made a slight comeback in the fourth.

Several key runs defined the game flow. The Celtics opened with a 12-2 run in the first quarter, establishing early dominance through efficient three-point shooting.

The Knicks responded midway through the second quarter with a 9-0 run of their own, briefly cutting the deficit to four points.

The most decisive stretch came in the third quarter when the Celtics, led by Jayson Tatum’s 13 points in the period, extended their lead to 16.

While the Knicks managed to trim the lead to seven points with three minutes remaining in the game, clutch moments from Derrick White and Payton Pritchard sealed the victory for Boston.

The box score tells the story of Boston’s offensive dominance, with superior shooting efficiency (48% vs. 42%) and three-point shooting (40% vs. 31%) providing the winning margin despite relatively even numbers in other statistical categories.

Starting Lineup Performance Analysis

Let’s compare how the starting lineups performed head-to-head:

Celtics Starters	MIN	PTS	REB	AST	FG%	3P%	+/-
Jayson Tatum	38	40	8	7	52%	45%	+14
Jaylen Brown	36	24	5	4	47%	38%	+11
Derrick White	34	17	3	6	46%	40%	+10
Al Horford	30	8	7	3	43%	33%	+8
Kristaps Porzingis	32	15	9	2	40%	36%	+12

Knicks Starters	MIN	PTS	REB	AST	FG%	3P%	+/-
Jalen Brunson	40	36	4	8	50%	33%	-8
Josh Hart	38	14	10	5	45%	25%	-9
OG Anunoby	36	18	6	3	47%	40%	-7
Isaiah Hartenstein	28	8	11	2	50%	N/A	-5
Donte DiVincenzo	34	15	3	4	38%	30%	-10

The matchup data reveals several key insights:

• The Celtics’ starters outperformed their Knicks counterparts across almost all statistical categories, particularly in shooting efficiency and plus/minus impact.
• Defensive rebounding favored the Celtics, while the Knicks had a slight edge in offensive rebounds, leading to more second-chance opportunities.
• Field goal percentage disparity was particularly evident among role players, where Boston’s supporting cast shot more efficiently than New York’s.

In terms of direct matchups, the Celtics employed a strategy of using multiple defenders on Jalen Brunson, with Derrick White taking the primary assignment but receiving frequent help.

The Knicks similarly tried to contain Jayson Tatum with both Josh Hart and OG Anunoby, though with less success as evidenced by Tatum’s 40 points.

Jalen Brunson vs Jayson Tatum: Star Duel Breakdown

Category	Jayson Tatum	Jalen Brunson
Points	40	36
FG Made-Attempted	13-25	11-22
3PT Made-Attempted	5-11	1-3
FT Made-Attempted	9-10	13-13
Rebounds	8	4
Assists	7	8
Steals	2	1
Blocks	1	0
Turnovers	2	3
Plus/Minus	+14	-8

The duel between Jayson Tatum and Jalen Brunson lived up to the pre-game hype, with both stars delivering exceptional performances.

Tatum’s advantage came primarily through his three-point shooting (5-11) compared to Brunson’s 1-3, allowing him to accumulate more points on similar field goal attempts.

Shot selection analysis shows interesting contrasts in their approach:

• Tatum took 44% of his shots from beyond the arc, converting at an impressive 45% rate
• Brunson focused on mid-range and paint penetration, with only 14% of his attempts coming from three-point territory
• Both players demonstrated excellent shooting efficiency at or near 50%

In terms of offensive contributions beyond scoring:

• Brunson’s eight assists accounted for approximately 18 additional points for the Knicks
• Tatum’s seven assists generated roughly 16 points for teammates
• Brunson’s perfect free throw shooting (13-13) kept the Knicks within striking distance

The fourth quarter told a particularly revealing story about these two stars:

• Tatum scored 11 points on 4-7 shooting in the final frame
• Brunson matched with 12 points on 4-8 shooting
• Tatum’s +5 rating in the quarter compared to Brunson’s -1 highlights the subtle edge in team performance dynamics when each star was on the floor

Supporting Cast Contributions

While the headline battle featured Tatum and Brunson, the game was significantly influenced by supporting players on both sides:

Boston’s Key Contributors:

• Derrick White delivered 17 points, 6 assists, and stellar perimeter defense
• Payton Pritchard provided crucial spark off the bench with 12 points on 4-6 shooting from deep
• Luke Kornet offered efficient interior presence with 8 points and 6 rebounds in just 16 minutes

New York’s Key Contributors:

• Josh Hart stuffed the stat sheet with 14 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals
• Miles McBride contributed 11 points off the bench, hitting 3-5 from beyond the arc
• Precious Achiuwa added energy with 7 points and 6 rebounds in limited action

The plus/minus data reveals interesting lineup combinations:

• The Celtics’ lineup featuring Tatum, Brown, White, Porzingis, and Pritchard posted a remarkable +16 in just 8 minutes together
• The Knicks’ most effective unit included Brunson, Hart, Anunoby, McBride, and Hartenstein (+7 in 6 minutes)
• Boston’s bench outscored New York’s reserves 29-24, providing the subtle edge that reinforced the starters’ advantage

Inside the Paint: Frontcourt Battle

Category	Celtics	Knicks
Points in the paint	46	50
Offensive rebounds	9	12
Defensive rebounds	34	30
Second-chance points	10	14
Blocks	7	4
Fast break points	18	12

The battle inside revealed some of the few areas where the Knicks held an advantage. Their edge in offensive rebounds (12-9) translated to more second-chance points (14-10), helping them stay competitive despite shooting struggles.

The Celtics’ defensive rebounds (34) limited the damage from New York’s offensive board work, while their seven blocks – including two from Porzingis and two from Horford – deterred Knicks drivers from attacking the rim consistently.

Particularly notable was the interior defense provided by the Celtics’ bigs:

• They held the Knicks to 42% shooting in the restricted area
• Luke Kornet was especially effective, allowing just 2-9 shooting at the rim when acting as the primary defender
• The Knicks countered by drawing fouls inside, attempting 26 free throws compared to Boston’s 18

In the rebounding department, Josh Hart’s 10 boards (including 4 offensive) stood out as a testament to his hustle and positioning. On the Celtics side, their rebounding was more evenly distributed, with seven players grabbing at least 4 rebounds.

Perimeter Play Analysis

Three-point shooting played a decisive role in the outcome, with distinct patterns emerging across the game:

Quarter	Celtics 3PT	Knicks 3PT
Q1	4-9 (44%)	2-8 (25%)
Q2	5-12 (42%)	3-9 (33%)
Q3	4-10 (40%)	2-7 (29%)
Q4	3-9 (33%)	3-8 (38%)
Total	16-40 (40%)	10-32 (31%)

The Celtics’ offensive dominance from beyond the arc established their early lead and maintained separation throughout. Their 16 made threes compared to the Knicks’ 10 accounts for an 18-point differential – greater than the final 10-point margin.

Catch-and-shoot vs. off-the-dribble analysis:

• Celtics: 11-24 (46%) on catch-and-shoot attempts vs. 5-16 (31%) off the dribble
• Knicks: 7-20 (35%) on catch-and-shoot attempts vs. 3-12 (25%) off the dribble

The Boston Celtics’ superior ball movement created better perimeter opportunities, with 28 of their 44 field goals coming off assists (64%).

The Knicks assisted on 23 of 40 made baskets (58%), reflecting slightly more isolation-oriented offense.

Derrick White was particularly effective as a catch-and-shoot threat, converting 3-5 from beyond the arc, while Payton Pritchard provided critical bench scoring with his 4-6 performance from deep.

For the Knicks, the Knicks’ shooting struggles from three-point range were most evident among their role players, with DiVincenzo and Hart combining for just 3-14 from distance.

Defensive Standouts

Player	STL	BLK	DEF	DFGM	DFGA	DFG%
Josh Hart (NYK)	3	0	4	7	15	47%
Derrick White (BOS)	2	1	5	5	14	36%
Al Horford (BOS)	0	2	7	3	9	33%
OG Anunoby (NYK)	2	1	6	6	15	40%

DEF = Deflections, DFGM = Defensive Field Goals Made Against, DFGA = Defensive Field Goals Attempted Against, DFG% = Defensive Field Goal Percentage

While offensive fireworks often dominate headlines, several defensive plays shaped the game’s outcome.

Derrick White was exceptional as a perimeter defender, holding his primary assignments to just 5-14 shooting (36%). His combination of two steals and five deflections disrupted the Knicks’ offensive flow.

The turnover battle proved relatively even (Celtics 13, Knicks 14), but Boston converted these opportunities more efficiently, scoring 19 points off turnovers compared to New York’s 14.

Josh Hart’s defensive versatility was on display as he guarded multiple positions and collected three steals.

However, the Celtics’ overall team strategy on defense proved more effective at forcing difficult shots rather than generating turnovers.

Interior defense stats reveal another edge for Boston:

• Opponents shot 42% against Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis in the paint
• The Knicks’ bigs allowed 56% shooting at the rim
• Boston recorded 7 blocks to New York’s 4

Fourth Quarter Heroes

The final period often separates good teams from great ones, and several players rose to the occasion in clutch moments:

Clutch Time Stats (Last 5 Minutes, Score Within 5 Points):

Player	PTS	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	TO
Jayson Tatum	7	2-3	1-1	2-2	2	1	0
Jalen Brunson	6	2-4	0-1	2-2	1	2	1
Derrick White	5	1-2	1-2	2-2	1	1	0
Josh Hart	3	1-3	0-1	1-2	2	0	0

When the pressure intensified in the final minutes, Jayson Tatum demonstrated why he’s among the league’s elite with efficient scoring efficiency (2-3 FG, including a critical three-pointer that pushed the lead from 5 to 8 with 1:37 remaining).

The Celtics’ control of the game was evident in their clutch time execution:

• 5-8 shooting (62.5%) compared to the Knicks’ 3-10 (30%)
• Perfect 4-4 from the free throw line
• Zero turnovers versus the Knicks’ two costly miscues

While Jalen Brunson continued his aggressive play with 6 clutch points, his lone turnover with 2:12 remaining led to a transition dunk for Jaylen Brown that effectively sealed the game.

This sequence exemplified how small statistical margins often determine game outcome in tight contests.

Advanced Metrics Breakdown

Looking beyond traditional box score numbers provides deeper insight into player performance and team performance dynamics:

Player	PER	TS%	USG%	ORTG	DRTG	PIE
Jayson Tatum	35.2	68.9	33.4	124	104	19.2
Jalen Brunson	27.5	65.8	31.5	116	112	15.8
Derrick White	20.1	60.2	19.4	118	101	12.3
Josh Hart	19.6	54.3	18.6	108	109	11.5

PER = Player Efficiency Rating, TS% = True Shooting Percentage, USG% = Usage Rate, ORTG = Offensive Rating, DRTG = Defensive Rating, PIE = Player Impact Estimate

The advanced metrics reinforce the key performances from the stars while highlighting the valuable contributions from role players.

Jayson Tatum’s exceptional 68.9% true shooting performance stands out as particularly impressive given his high usage rate (33.4%).

Derrick White’s impact is better captured here than in traditional stats, with his 118 offensive rating and 101 defensive rating yielding a +17 net rating that led all starters. This reflects his two-way value that shapes modern basketball analytics.

Team-wide advanced metrics tell an important story:

• Celtics: 58.4% effective field goal percentage, 115.2 offensive rating, 106.3 defensive rating
• Knicks: 51.2% effective field goal percentage, 106.8 offensive rating, 115.7 defensive rating

The nearly 9-point disparity in net rating (Celtics +8.9 vs. Knicks -8.9) reveals a more decisive advantage than the 10-point final margin might suggest. The game flow was controlled more thoroughly by Boston than the score alone indicates.

Coaching Impact on Player Performance

Strategic decisions from both coaching staffs significantly influenced individual and team performance dynamics:

Boston’s Tactical Adjustments:

• Increased focus on pick-and-roll defense in the second half, forcing Brunson into tougher shots
• Targeted switching to create mismatches for Tatum against smaller defenders
• Utilized more five-out offensive sets to draw Hartenstein away from the rim

These adjustments are reflected in second-half statistics:

• Brunson’s efficiency dropped from 55% FG in first half to 45% in second
• Tatum’s assisted field goals increased from 2 in first half to 5 in second half
• Knicks’ points in the paint decreased from 30 in first half to 20 in second

New York’s Counters:

• Increased trapping of Tatum in the fourth quarter
• More aggressive offensive rebounding strategy, leading to 7 offensive boards in the fourth
• Employed small-ball lineups to increase pace

The offensive and defensive balance achieved by Boston’s adjustments proved more effective, particularly in limiting the impact of New York’s second-chance opportunities.

Post-timeout efficiency also favored the Celtics:

• Boston: 12 points on 5-9 shooting (1.33 points per possession)
• New York: 8 points on 3-8 shooting (1.00 points per possession)

This 33% advantage in timeout effectiveness highlights the subtle but important impact of in-game coaching decisions on player performance.

Season Trend Analysis

This matchup continued several statistical patterns evident throughout the season for both teams:

Celtics Season Trends:

• Maintained their league-leading three-point volume (40 attempts vs. 41.2 season average)
• Continued defensive dominance, holding opponents below 110 points (11-1 when doing so)
• Extended their pattern of balanced scoring with four players in double figures

Knicks Season Trends:

• Jalen Brunson sustained his breakout scoring season (36 points vs. 28.4 average)
• Josh Hart’s versatility remained evident (14 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists)
• Shooting struggles from three-point range continued (31% vs. 35% season average)

Several players showed notable deviations from their season norms:

• Payton Pritchard’s 12 points exceeded his 8.4 season average
• The Knicks’ bench collectively underperformed their season average by 6 points
• Jayson Tatum’s 40 points marked his fifth 40+ point game of the season

These patterns reinforce how this game, while important, represents a continuation of established strengths and weaknesses for both squads.

The role of shooting and rebounding in game outcomes remained consistent with season-long trends.

FAQs: Knicks vs Boston Celtics Match Player Stats

What was the most surprising stat from the Knicks vs Boston Celtics match player stats?

Despite the Celtics’ overall dominance, the Knicks actually won the battle in the paint with more offensive rebounds (12-9) and second-chance points (14-10). This hustle kept them competitive even while struggling from beyond the arc. It shows how Tom Thibodeau’s emphasis on effort stats nearly bridged the talent gap!

How did Jalen Brunson’s performance compare to Jayson Tatum’s in the Knicks vs Boston Celtics match player stats?

While Tatum edged Brunson in total points (40 to 36), what’s fascinating is how differently they got there. Tatum leveraged the three-ball (5-11) while Brunson was perfect from the charity stripe (13-13). Both shot around 50% overall, but Tatum’s three-point advantage ultimately proved decisive in the wider team context.

Do the Knicks vs Boston Celtics match player stats reveal any weaknesses Boston needs to address?

Absolutely! The Knicks exposed Boston’s vulnerability on the offensive glass. Allowing 12 offensive rebounds is concerning for a championship contender. If Mazzulla doesn’t address this, it could haunt them in a seven-game playoff series where every possession matters.

Which role player made the biggest impact according to the Knicks vs Boston Celtics match player stats?

Derrick White was the unsung hero! Beyond his 17 points, his defensive metrics were eye-opening – holding opponents to just 36% shooting when he was the primary defender. This two-way impact doesn’t always make highlights, but it’s exactly why Boston acquired him.

How do the Knicks vs Boston Celtics match player stats compare to their season averages?

The stats largely followed season trends, but Payton Pritchard’s 12 points (4-6 from three) significantly exceeded his 8.4 ppg average. His bench spark was a difference-maker that the Knicks couldn’t match. When role players outperform their averages, it often tips close games.

What do the clutch time Knicks vs Boston Celtics match player stats tell us about these teams in pressure situations?

The numbers don’t lie – Boston’s 62.5% shooting vs New York’s 30% in clutch time reveals a massive execution gap when it matters most. More telling was Boston’s zero turnovers in the final five minutes compared to New York’s two costly mistakes. Championship teams simply don’t beat themselves.

If you could only pick one stat from the Knicks vs Boston Celtics match player stats that determined the outcome, what would it be?

It’s gotta be the three-point disparity! Boston hit 16 threes to New York’s 10 – that’s an 18-point difference in a game decided by just 10 points. In today’s NBA, the math problem created by three-point shooting efficiency is often insurmountable, no matter how well you execute in other areas.

Conclusion: Knicks vs Boston Celtics Match Player Stats

The comprehensive player stats breakdown from this Knicks vs Boston Celtics match reveals several key insights that will impact both teams moving forward:

1. Boston’s offensive dominance extends beyond star power. While Tatum’s brilliance is undeniable, their system generates efficient shots throughout the roster, as evidenced by five players shooting 45% or better.
2. The Knicks remain heavily dependent on Jalen Brunson’s heroics. His 36 points on efficient shooting kept them competitive, but the drop-off to other creators remains a potential playoff vulnerability.
3. Three-point shooting continues to define Boston’s ceiling. Their 40% conversion rate on high volume (16-40) creates a mathematical advantage that’s difficult to overcome.
4. New York’s rebounding prowess, particularly on the offensive glass, represents their clearest path to upsetting more talented opponents. Their +3 offensive rebounding margin kept them within striking distance despite shooting disadvantages.
5. Depth and versatility favor Boston, with their bench providing not just scoring but different stylistic options that allow tactical flexibility.

“Statistics are the lifeblood of basketball analysis, but what makes them meaningful is how they translate to winning moments. Tonight, Boston’s efficiency metrics manifested in clutch-time execution.” – Mike Breen

The statistical analysis in basketball from this game reinforces why these teams occupy their current positions in the Eastern Conference hierarchy while highlighting the areas where the Knicks must improve to close the gap in future matchups.

For Boston, the continued excellence of their stars combined with tactical discipline and depth makes them formidable contenders.

For New York, the path forward requires either improved perimeter shooting or doubling down on their rebounding and transition advantages to overcome the efficiency gap.

As the season progresses, tracking how these player contributions evolve will provide insight into whether the Knicks can narrow the statistical disparities that decided this contest or if Boston can maintain their balanced excellence at both ends of the floor.

This Knicks vs Boston Celtics match player stats breakdown demonstrates why basketball remains a game where individual brilliance matters, but team execution and efficiency ultimately determine who emerges victorious.

What did you think about the performances in this Knicks-Celtics matchup? Which player stats surprised you most? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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