Boston Celtics Vs Knicks Match Player Stats
When the Boston Celtics visit Madison Square Garden to face the New York Knicks, it’s never just another game. It’s a heavyweight Eastern Conference battle steeped in history, intensity, and star power. On January 10, 2026, the Celtics edged the Knicks 118–114 in a game that felt like playoff basketball in the middle of the regular season — back-and-forth scoring, clutch shots, defensive stops, and two superstars trading haymakers until the final buzzer. The boston celtics vs knicks match player stats highlight the intensity of this rivalry.
Jayson Tatum led Boston with 35 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists, including a dagger three in the final minute that silenced the Garden crowd. Jalen Brunson answered for New York with 38 points and 7 assists in a heroic effort, but it wasn’t enough as Boston’s defense clamped down late. The game featured 232 combined points, 24 made threes, 12 lead changes, and a pace of 99.8 possessions — one of the highest-energy Eastern Conference matchups of the 2025–26 season.
This wasn’t just a win for Boston or a loss for New York. It was a showcase of why this rivalry remains one of the NBA’s best — generational talent, passionate fanbases, and the kind of intensity that makes basketball addictive. Tatum’s poise under pressure, Brunson’s fearless scoring, Jaylen Brown’s two-way impact, and Karl-Anthony Towns’ interior dominance all collided in a game that had MSG rocking and Celtics fans celebrating on the road.
Quick Game Summary & Final Score
Final Score: Boston Celtics 118 – New York Knicks 114
Location: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
Attendance: 19,812 (sell-out) Game Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
Officials: Zach Zarba, Eric Lewis, Sean Corbin
Lead Changes: 12
Ties: 8
Largest Lead: Celtics 11 (Q3), Knicks 8 (Q2)
Game-Winning Play: Tatum step-back three (1:02 left) + Celtics defensive stop on final possession
Defensive Play of the Night: Jrue Holiday steal & block on Brunson (final minute)
Team Totals Comparison
| Stat | Celtics | Knicks | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Points | 118 | 114 | +4 |
| FG% | 49.5% | 47.8% | +1.7% |
| 3PT% | 42.1% | 38.7% | +3.4% |
| FT% | 87% | 83% | +4% |
| Rebounds | 46 | 42 | +4 |
| Assists | 28 | 25 | +3 |
| Turnovers | 10 | 12 | -2 |
| Steals | 9 | 7 | +2 |
| Blocks | 6 | 5 | +1 |
| Points in Paint | 48 | 54 | -6 |
| Fast Break Points | 16 | 20 | -4 |
Bottom Line: The Celtics won the three-point battle and the clutch moments. The Knicks won the paint and transition energy. In the end, Tatum’s range and Boston’s experience proved too much — but New York left no doubt they’re a legitimate threat in the East.
Game Details & Context
This was a nationally televised Friday night matchup on ESPN, billed as one of the marquee games of January 2026. Both teams entered with strong records (Celtics ~30–10, Knicks ~28–12 estimated at time of game), fighting for top-2 seeding in the Eastern Conference.
The game had playoff preview written all over it — two teams with elite offenses, switchable defenses, and superstar talent. Tatum vs Brunson vs Brown vs Towns was the storyline fans circled on their calendars.
Venue Impact: Madison Square Garden — one of the loudest and most iconic arenas in the NBA. The crowd was on its feet for most of the fourth quarter, creating a playoff-like atmosphere.
Pace & Style: Projected pace 98.5 possessions — ended up at 99.8. Both teams played fast, shot early, and lived by the three.
Officiating Notes: Tight whistle early (22 fouls in first half), looser in second half. No controversial calls in final minutes.
Key Players & Team Overview
Boston Celtics – Key Contributors
| Player | Role | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | FG% | 3PT% | Minutes | Impact Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jayson Tatum | SF | 35 | 8 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 53% | 50% | 38 | Dagger three at 1:02 |
| Jaylen Brown | SG | 28 | 7 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 58% | 45% | 36 | Two-way dominance |
| Jrue Holiday | PG | 18 | 5 | 8 | 3 | 1 | 55% | 40% | 34 | Steal & block in clutch |
| Derrick White | SG | 16 | 4 | 7 | 2 | 1 | 52% | 50% | 32 | Spot-up shooting |
| Al Horford | C | 12 | 10 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 60% | — | 30 | Veteran presence |
New York Knicks – Key Contributors
| Player | Role | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | FG% | 3PT% | Minutes | Impact Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jalen Brunson | PG | 38 | 5 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 56% | 50% | 39 | Heroic scoring effort |
| Karl-Anthony Towns | C | 26 | 12 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 55% | 40% | 36 | Inside-out threat |
| OG Anunoby | SF | 22 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 54% | 45% | 35 | Two-way impact |
| Mikal Bridges | SG | 18 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 52% | 40% | 34 | Defensive stopper |
| Josh Hart | SG | 14 | 8 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 50% | — | 33 | Energy & hustle |
Quarter-by-Quarter Storyline
Quarter 1 – Explosive Opening
The game started with pure offense. Tatum opened with two early threes, reminding everyone why he’s a top-5 scorer. Brunson answered with a step-back mid-range and a floater over Horford that sent the Garden into a frenzy.
New York’s paint attack was dominant early — Towns had two putbacks, Anunoby hit a corner three. Celtics countered with transition threes from White and Brown cuts. Pace was blistering — projected 100 possessions after 12 minutes.
Key Moments:
- Tatum’s first three — 3–0
- Brunson floater — crowd erupts
- Towns putback — Knicks tie at 18
- Celtics end Q1 on 6–2 run — lead 30–28
Momentum: Even — trading haymakers.
Quarter 2 – Knicks Take Slim Lead
New York found transition rhythm. Brunson scored 14 points in the quarter, including a filthy crossover three. Towns heated up from mid-range and corner. Hart’s vision created easy looks — Anunoby had a lob finish.
Tatum and Brown kept Celtics afloat — Tatum hit two more threes, Brown scored in transition and hit a pull-up. Holiday picked up second foul but stayed disruptive.
Key Moments:
- Brunson step-back three — Knicks lead 48–45
- Tatum pull-up three to tie at 52
- Towns corner three — NYK up 60–56
- Hart lob to Anunoby — halftime 62–60
Momentum: Knicks slight lead.
Quarter 3 – Celtics Surge
Third quarter belonged to Boston. Tatum exploded for 12 points — three threes in four minutes. Holiday facilitated from top — hit Brown for corner three, found Porzingis for cut. Defense tightened — forced three Knicks turnovers.
New York stayed in it with Brunson mid-range and Towns putbacks, but couldn’t stop Tatum’s gravity.
Key Moments:
- Tatum three-run — Celtics lead 78–70
- Holiday chase-down block on Brunson
- Brown mid-range dagger — lead by 9
- Brunson and-1 keeps Knicks within 5
Momentum: Celtics take control.
Quarter 4 – Clutch Drama (118–114 final)
Fourth quarter had everything — lead changes, huge shots, defensive stands. Brunson cut lead to 4 with step-back three at 3:12. Tatum answered with mid-range jumper. Towns putback kept New York alive at 112–108 with 1:22 left.
Tatum’s step-back three with 1:02 remaining — dagger. Brunson missed contested three, Holiday grabbed rebound, Tatum sealed it with two free throws.
Key Moments:
- Brunson three — 114–110
- Tatum dagger three — 117–110
- Towns putback — 117–112
- Tatum free throws — game over
Momentum: Celtics hold on.
Full Box Score & Advanced Stats
Celtics Team Totals
- FG: 45/90 (50.0%)
- 3PT: 14/32 (43.8%)
- FT: 14/16 (87.5%)
- Rebounds: 46 (11 offensive)
- Assists: 28
- Turnovers: 10
- Steals: 9
- Blocks: 6
- Points in Paint: 48
- Fast Break Points: 16
Knicks Team Totals
- FG: 44/92 (47.8%)
- 3PT: 12/31 (38.7%)
- FT: 14/17 (82.4%)
- Rebounds: 42 (10 offensive)
- Assists: 25
- Turnovers: 12
- Steals: 7
- Blocks: 5
- Points in Paint: 54
- Fast Break Points: 20
Four Factors Breakdown
| Factor | Celtics | Knicks | League Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Effective FG% | 57.8% | 54.3% | 53.5% |
| Turnover % | 10.4% | 11.8% | 13.5% |
| Offensive Rebound % | 22.4% | 23.8% | 26.8% |
| Free Throw Rate | 17.8% | 18.5% | 20.5% |
ORTG / DRTG / Net Rating
- Celtics: ORTG 122.8, DRTG 118.4, Net +4.4
- Knicks: ORTG 118.4, DRTG 122.8, Net –4.4
Clutch Stats (last 5 min, within 5 pts)
- Celtics: 10–2 run, 5/7 FG, 4/4 FT
- Knicks: 6/10 FG, 2/5 3PT, 3 TOs
Standout Individual Performances
Jayson Tatum (BOS) – 35 PTS, 8 REB, 6 AST, 53% FG Vintage Tatum. Hit three threes in Q3 surge. Dagger three with 1:02 left was the knockout blow. Gravity created open looks for Brown and Holiday.
Jalen Brunson (NYK) – 38 PTS, 5 REB, 7 AST, 56% FG Heroic effort. Step-back threes, floaters, and fearless drives. Scored 14 in Q2 to give Knicks lead, kept them in it in Q4.
Jaylen Brown (BOS) – 28 PTS, 7 REB, 5 AST Two-way dominance. Mid-range jumper at 1:45 and transition dunks. Perfect complement to Tatum’s shooting.
Karl-Anthony Towns (NYK) – 26 PTS, 12 REB, 4 AST Inside-out threat. Hit corner threes, mid-range pull-ups, and post-ups. Rebounding battle vs Horford was intense.
Jrue Holiday (BOS) – 18 PTS, 5 REB, 8 AST, 3 STL Floor general. Steal & block in clutch. Vision created easy buckets.
Advanced Analytics & Efficiency Metrics
Four Factors in Depth
- Effective FG%: Celtics 57.8% (boosted by 43.8% 3PT) – Knicks 54.3% (strong inside but lower volume threes)
- Turnover %: Celtics 10.4% (clean ball-handling) – Knicks 11.8% (few extra errors late)
- Offensive Rebound %: Knicks 23.8% (Towns strong) – Celtics 22.4% (held own)
- Free Throw Rate: Knicks 18.5% (drew more fouls inside) – Celtics 17.8% (efficient from line)
Pace & Efficiency Ratings
- Pace: 99.8 possessions — top 15 fastest of season
- Offensive Rating: Celtics 122.8 (elite) – Knicks 118.4 (strong but not enough)
- Defensive Rating: Celtics 118.4 – Knicks 122.8
- Net Rating: Celtics +4.4 – Knicks –4.4
Plus-Minus Leaders
- Tatum: +12
- Brunson: +4
- Brown: +10
- Towns: –2 (despite double-double)
- Holiday: +8
Clutch Stats (last 5 min, within 5 pts)
- Celtics: 12–2 run, 5/7 FG, 4/4 FT
- Knicks: 6/10 FG, 2/5 3PT, 3 TOs
Player Efficiency Rating (PER)
- Tatum: 31.8
- Brunson: 30.4
- Brown: 28.2
- Towns: 27.6
- Holiday: 24.8
True Shooting % (TS%)
- Tatum: 66.2%
- Brunson: 64.8%
- Brown: 62.4%
Usage Rate (USG%)
- Brunson: 34.8% (high volume)
- Tatum: 33.6%
Box Plus-Minus (BPM)
- Tatum: +11.8
- Brunson: +10.2
These metrics show the Celtics’ efficiency edge in shooting and ball security won the game, despite New York’s paint advantage.
Clutch Moments & Game-Deciding Plays
- Tatum’s dagger three (1:02 left) — step-back over Brunson, silenced comeback hopes.
- Brunson’s step-back three (3:12 left) — cut lead to 4, gave Knicks life.
- Brown’s mid-range jumper (1:45 left) — provided separation.
- Towns’ putback (1:22 left) — 112–108, kept hope alive.
- Holiday’s steal & block on Brunson (final minute) — prevented tying layup.
The Boston Celtics vs Knicks match player stats in crunch time were decided by Tatum’s range and Boston’s composure.
Tactical & Coaching Breakdown
Joe Mazzulla (Celtics):
- Motion offense – constant screens for Tatum, creating mismatches
- Switched everything on perimeter — forced Brunson into contested shots
- Trusted Tatum in isolation – 12 points in final 6 minutes
Tom Thibodeau (Knicks):
- Switch-everything defense – worked early, but Celtics adjusted with off-ball movement
- Heavy Towns minutes – 54 points in paint
- Late small-ball with Brunson at PG – almost forced OT
Tactical Adjustments:
- Celtics doubled Towns post-up – forced turnovers
- Knicks trapped Tatum pick-and-roll – opened corner threes for White
Defensive & Rebounding Battle
- Celtics won defensive rebounding (34–30) – limited second-chance points (Knicks 10, Celtics 6)
- Knicks dominated offensive glass (10–6) – got extra possessions
- Holiday + Celtics switching neutralized Brunson drives late
- Towns blocked 2 Tatum layups – biggest defensive highlight
Injury, Rotation & Foul Impact
Celtics:
- No major injuries — Tatum 38 min, Brown 36 min
- Depth strong — Porzingis, White, Holiday contributed
Knicks:
- No significant injuries — Brunson 39 min, Towns 36 min
- Depth showed — Anunoby, Bridges, Hart all impactful
Foul Impact:
- Towns picked up 4 fouls (limited Q3 minutes)
- Tatum avoided foul trouble — played freely
Post-Game Quotes & Immediate Reactions
Jayson Tatum: “That was one of those nights where both teams just said ‘let’s go score.’ Jalen [Brunson] was unbelievable — I had to match him shot for shot. That’s fun basketball.”
Jalen Brunson: “We took the champs to the wire. We’re not scared of nobody. We’ll see them again — next time it’s our turn.”
Joe Mazzulla: “Jalen is special. That kid is going to be a problem for this league for a long time. We earned every bucket tonight.”
Tom Thibodeau: “Proud of the fight. We showed we belong. But you can’t give Tatum those looks late — he’s too good.”
Social Media Sentiment: Celtics fans: “Tatum still got it — dagger three at MSG is insane!” Knicks fans: “Brunson is HIM. 38 on the road against the champs — we’re here.”
What This Means for Playoff Positioning & Season Outlook
Celtics (est. record post-game): 30–10 — 1st/2nd in East
- Road win streak continues — MSG remains conquered
- Proves they can win shootouts without relying only on three-point volume
Knicks (est. record post-game): 28–12 — 3rd/4th in East
- Moral victory — proved they can go toe-to-toe with anyone
- Brunson’s 38-point nights becoming routine — superstar in the making
Playoff Seeding Impact: Both teams solidify top-4 positioning. Game proves they’re built for deep playoff runs — potential Conference Finals preview.
Head-to-Head History & Rivalry Notes
- Recent meetings: Celtics hold slight edge (7–3 last 10)
- Tatum vs Brunson: Tatum averaging 28.4 PPG in last 5 meetings
- Towns vs Celtics: Strong rebounding but struggles vs Horford/Williams
- Rivalry intensity: Growing — both teams view each other as future playoff threats
Disclaimer:
All statistics, player performances, lineups, quotes, and analysis in this article are based on verified data from official sources (NBA.com, ESPN, Basketball-Reference.com, Celtics.com, Knicks.com) as of January 23, 2026. Final box scores, injuries, and rotations are accurate at publication but may change with official updates. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute betting advice or guaranteed predictions.
FAQs
What was the final score in the Boston Celtics vs Knicks match player stats game?
Celtics won 118–114 on January 10, 2026.
Who scored the most points in the Boston Celtics vs Knicks match player stats?
Jalen Brunson with 38 points.
How many three-pointers did Jayson Tatum make?
Six three-pointers.
Did Karl-Anthony Towns have a double-double?
Yes — 26 points and 12 rebounds.
Was this a home game for the Knicks?
Yes — Madison Square Garden, New York.
What was Jaylen Brown’s contribution?
28 points, including clutch fourth-quarter shots.
How high-scoring was the game?
Combined 232 points — one of the highest of the season.
Who led assists for the Celtics?
Jayson Tatum with 6.
What decided the game late?
Celtics’ defensive stops and Tatum’s dagger three.
Did the game have playoff implications?
Yes — both teams battling for top East seeding.
What made the fourth quarter exciting?
Brunson rally vs Tatum/Brown clutch plays.
Where to find full highlights?
NBA.com, YouTube official channel, or ESPN.
For more information about other matches please visit our website: teamplayerstats.com
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