The Knicks ride Michael Beasley’s season-high 32 points to their 17th win of the season against the Eastern Conference-leading Boston Celtics.
- New York Knicks 102 (17-14)
- Boston Celtics 93 (26-9)
- NBA, Final, Box Score
- Madison Square Garden, NY, NY
A career night from Michael Beasley allowed the New York Knicks to overcome a woeful performance from star forward Kristaps Porzingis and take down the Boston Celtics, the Eastern Conference’s best team thus far in the 2017-18 season.
Porzingis returned to the lineup after a two-game absence but struggled to find his rhythm, missing all 11 of his shots, finishing with one point, five rebounds and four personal fouls on his way to being benched in the fourth quarter.
Luckily, his teammates played inspiring defense in the first half. Led by Jarrett Jack and Courtney Lee, the Knicks held the Celtics to 40 points on 34.9 percent shooting. On the offensive end, the Knicks started out with some hot shooting and impressive post play from Enes Kanter.
Despite his off-court feud with the Turkish government, Kanter came to play with his usual offensive rebounding (five) and polished post moves leading all Knicks at the half with 10 points.
Double-double at the half for @Enes_Kanter. pic.twitter.com/x7OisKjy7x
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) December 22, 2017
With a two-point deficit at halftime, the Celtics started the third quarter shooting well from the outside as they built a ten point lead with Porzingis on the bench.
But have no fear, Michael Beasley is here! The offensive juggernaut poured in most of 32 points in the second half and was unguardable during most of the game. During one stretch, Beasley scored 21 points in 10 minutes.
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86-79 lead for the orange & blue. pic.twitter.com/LwHbo3mnZX
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) December 22, 2017
Beasley created what seemed like an NBA Jam atmosphere as the fans at MSG chanted M-V-P during his free throws. Beasley also chipped in 11 rebounds as the Knicks controlled most of the 4th quarter.
The Knicks do not get much rest as they travel to Detroit for the second night of a back to back with their second meeting with the Pistons this year and last game prior to the highly anticipated Christmas Day matchup with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Redemption win over the Celtics ? pic.twitter.com/3e54T0UQ54
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) December 22, 2017
