Boston holds off New York behind Tatum’s late scoring
Jayson Tatum scored 36 points as the Boston Celtics held off the New York Knicks 107–103 at TD Garden on Friday, October 23. The game was played on October 24 in Philippine time and gave Boston its first victory of the season.
Tatum scored 25 points after halftime and supplied seven of Boston’s final eight. His production became decisive when New York reduced a double-digit deficit to a single point late in the fourth quarter. He also finished with nine rebounds and seven assists.
Boston created separation by winning the third quarter 33–24. That turned a one-point halftime advantage into a 10-point lead, but the Knicks kept the contest alive through the closing possessions.
Karl-Anthony Towns led New York with 22 points. OG Anunoby added 20 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists, while Miles McBride scored 20 and Jalen Brunson contributed 19. Their late rally put pressure on Boston without completing the comeback.
Paul George and Neemias Queta scored 15 apiece for the Celtics. Mitchell Robinson had four points, four rebounds and a block in his first meeting with the Knicks since leaving the team.
The defeat sent New York to 0–2 after its opening loss to Philadelphia. Boston’s response came through both a stronger third quarter and Tatum’s ability to finish possessions when the margin narrowed.