Lack of Composure Destroys Carmelo Anthony, New York Knicks In Boston (Highlights)
Nov 11, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart (36) reacts after making a basket during the first half against the New York Knicks at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Both Carmelo Anthony and Brandon Jennings were thrown out of the New York Knicks disheartening 115-87 loss to the Boston Celtics.

  • New York Knicks 87 (3-5)
  • Boston Celtics 115 (4-4)
  • NBA, Final, Box Score
  • TD Garden, Boston, MA

Every so often a night will come across a squad’s plate that presents an immense challenge. It’ll be a night that’ll test an NBA squad through ugly and tough basketball.

The Boston Celtics were extremely upset heading into this game, losing three ugly contests in a row. They played a chippy brand of basketball that frustrated the New York Knicks all night long resulting in a dominating 115-87 victory.

The officials didn’t help matters, but New York didn’t compose themselves at all. It started with their leader and captain, Carmelo Anthony.

After scoring 12 points in the first quarter, Melo was quickly tossed by an irritated Tony Brothers.

There’s no question Brothers seemingly woke up on the wrong side of the bed today, but Melo has to be smarter than this. His team needed him on a night defensive stopper Jae Crowder was out of the lineup. Anthony finished with 12 points on 5-8 from the floor.

Then, in the fourth quarter, Brandon Jennings was tossed after picking up two technicals consecutively. Just prior, even Kristaps Porzingis picked up a T:

Where the game really opened up came after the Melo ejection in the second quarter when Boston outscored New York 30-24.

Isiah Thomas led the way with 29 points and four assists. Avery Bradley chipped in with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Marcus Smart, starting for Crowder, finished with 12 points and an incredible 10 assists.

The high point man for the Knicks was Porzingis with just 14. The entire bench played as Jeff Hornacek even called on 12th man Ron Baker in the last frame (with the second of a back-to-back coming on Saturday night).

Forget execution and strategy. The Knicks were simply out-toughed and taken to the woodshed in the “heart” category by the Celtics. After being called out by their smallish point guard leader, Thomas, they came out against the Knicks looking to take names.

The lone bright spot for New York came in the form of Willy Hernangomez, who played his second straight solid game off the bench. He finished with eight points and 12 boards in 23 minutes of action.

The quick turnaround will send the Knicks north of the border to take on the Toronto Raptors tomorrow night.

 
Robby Sabo is a co-founder, CEO and credentialed New York Jets content creator for Jets X-Factor - Jet X, which includes Sabo's Sessions (in-depth film breakdowns) and Sabo with the Jets. Host: Underdog Jets Podcast with Wayne Chrebet and Sabo Radio. Member: Pro Football Writers of America. Coach: Port Jervis (NY) High School. Washed up strong safety and 400M runner. SEO: XL Media. Founder: Elite Sports NY - ESNY (Sold in 2020). SEO: XL Media. Email: robby.sabo[at]jetsxfactor.com