Jayson Tatum Takes Over Late as Celtics Defeat Knicks

The Boston Celtics earned an impressive 107-103 victory over the New York Knicks on Friday night, using a dominant third quarter and a clutch performance from Jayson Tatum to secure their first home win of the 2026-27 NBA season.

Tatum delivered one of his strongest performances of the young season, finishing with 36 points, nine rebounds and seven assists. After a relatively quiet first half, the Celtics star took control after halftime, scoring 25 of his points in the second half and delivering several crucial baskets down the stretch.

Paul George and Neemias Queta also contributed 15 points apiece, helping Boston withstand a late push from the defending NBA champion Knicks.

Celtics Build Momentum in the Third Quarter

The opening half featured plenty of back-and-forth action, with neither team able to create much separation. New York held a narrow 49-50 deficit at halftime after a competitive first two quarters that included multiple lead changes.

Boston found another gear coming out of the locker room. The Celtics outscored the Knicks 33-24 in the third quarter, creating breathing room heading into the final period.

Tatum led the charge, attacking the basket and finding opportunities to score from the perimeter. Boston's offense became more efficient, while its defense made it difficult for New York to maintain consistency.

The Celtics eventually built their advantage to 91-79, putting themselves in position to close out the game.

New York refused to go away quietly. The Knicks put together a 12-3 run to cut Boston's lead to 94-91, setting up a tense finish at TD Garden.

After the Knicks continued to threaten, Tatum answered with a difficult jumper to restore some separation. He followed that with another important basket before knocking down a three-pointer late in the fourth quarter.

Those shots proved critical as Boston held off the Knicks' comeback attempt and secured the four-point victory.

Karl-Anthony Towns led New York with 22 points and 10 rebounds, while OG Anunoby recorded 20 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists. Deuce McBride also scored 20 points off the bench, and Jalen Brunson finished with 19.

The victory improved Boston's record to 1-1, giving the Celtics an important early-season boost against a conference rival.

Tatum's late-game execution was the biggest takeaway, particularly with the Knicks threatening to steal the game in the final minutes.

Boston will look to carry that momentum into its next matchup against the Chicago Bulls on Monday night.