The Boston Celtics extended their winning streak to five games after defeating the New York Knicks on Sunday. Following their win over the Knicks, the Celtics now have a 3-0 series lead against them with one game remaining during the regular season. Furthermore, the Celtics, who are the No. 3 seed in the East, are now four games ahead of the Knicks in the standings.
Despite the Knicks’ shortcomings against Boston this season, they are still a talented team. Heading into the season, many expected them to be a top-three team in the conference, especially after their busy NBA offseason.
Though their biggest transaction was landing Karl-Anthony Towns from the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Knicks also made two other notable moves by trading for Mikal Bridges and re-signing OG Anunoby. The Knicks made these moves as a way to counter Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum.
After the game, Brown opened up about the Knicks making these transactions and sent the team a message. In a post-game press conference, the reigning NBA Finals MVP was asked if he felt motivated seeing New York make moves in hopes of containing himself and Tatum.
Brown only needed one word to make his feelings clear: “Absolutely.”
Against the Knicks, Brown scored 24 points on 10-for-21 shooting (only Tatum scored more in the game). Furthermore, he recorded eight rebounds, two assists, and two steals. The Georgia native made his presence felt at every level of the game and played a crucial role in Boston’s victory over the Knicks.
After winning the first title of his career last year, it is clear that Brown is aiming to reach the top once again this season.
