In Saturday’s primetime drama, the New York Knicks and Boston Celtics have maintained a close game despite a number of terrible runs.
In a pivotal Eastern Conference match, the Boston Celtics lead the New York Knicks 62-58 at the half at Madison Square Garden. With 20 points, Jaylen Brown leads Boston, followed by fellow NBA All-Star Jalen Brunson with 19 more.
What may be learned from the viewpoint of the Knicks?
Hey, You’re (Back to) Being an All-Star Again
Despite shooting 5-of-18 from the field and giving up seven turnovers, Brunson recovered from a bit of an All-Star hangover on Thursday. However, he was able to sober up because of Josh Hart, Precious Achuiwa, and Bojan Bogdanovic’s combined perfect foul line total. Despite his friends’ ongoing recuperation, Brunson ensured that the Knicks would survive this time by scoring 13 points in the first quarter. There comes a time when one must ask, “What more needs to happen for Brunson to be given real, legitimate MVP consideration?”
Can McBride Be Benchridden?
The Knicks made a number of changes to try and climb the Eastern Conference standings, but given that three starters are still out, the timing has been a little off. They now have one of the strongest rotations in the Association with to the acquisitions of Alec Burks and Bogdanovic, and both players are beginning to live up to the reputations they carried over from Detroit
In Philadelphia, Bogdanovic had a fantastic night from deep, and Burks contributed two assists and five quick points. Miles McBride, who was initially marked as questionable on the Saturday injury report, has surprised everyone even more with his performance. Known for his defense, McBride has scored nine points on a flawless 4-of-4 start so far.
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Enjoy your Hartenstein!
Jaylen Brown has received acclaim from Brunson for overcoming the Salm Dunk Contest’s contemporary stigma. Brown has led a Boston charge that has controlled the inside, demonstrating that he has taken his remarks to heart. The Knicks have not been able to stop Boston from scoring more than half of their points in the paint, which has left them with plenty of space at the top of the key when they attempt to cut it close (Boston went 6-of-14 from three-point range)
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The difficulties occur as Isaiah Hartenstein continues to work his way back into the starting lineup following a three-game absence due to a strained Achilles. Compared to his “frustrating” comeback on Thursday, Hartenstein has played for a lot longer; nonetheless, Josh Hart has had to play 22 of 24 minutes due to the depleted state of the New York lineup. If Boston maintains these patterns in the second half, the Knicks would be well advised to sustain some pressure and become more physical.
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