Knicks hold off surging Celtics in the Second Half for the win

New York, NY- The New York Knicks returned to Madison Square Garden after their season opener as they hosted the Boston Celtics. While the Knicks kept the lead from the second quarter till the end of the game, they were challenged very hard in the second half but held on to win by a final score of 105-95

Jalen Brunson led all scorers with 31 points for 10 of 20 shooting, 3 rebounds, 5 assists, and went 3 for 7 behind the 3 pt line. All five starters for the Knicks had double-digit points. Karl-Anthony Towns had 26 points, Mikal Bridges had 12 points, and both OG Anunoby and Deuce McBride had 10 points.

First Half: Knicks were behind in the first, and earned a double-digit lead in the second

The Celtics came out like gangbusters, taking advantage, earning points in the paint. But fell apart in the second quarter, allowing the Knicks to go on an 11-0 run before they finally hit a three. The Knicks doubled their points total from the first quarter, with 22 to 42 in the second. Karl-Anthony Towns leads all scorers with 16 points and tied on six rebounds with Josh Hart.

Towns, Jalen Brunson & OG Anunoby are in double-digit scoring and combined for 37 points. Their second quarter has them up by 20 points on the Celtics with a 64 to 44 lead at the half.

Second Half: Knicks bent, but didn’t break

The Celtics started on an 8-0 Run to begin the third quarter, but the Knicks took a timeout and got their act together to continue their 20-point lead. Their lead was once at 24 points, but the Celtics kept chipping away toward single digits.

The Celtics kept chipping away at the deficit with a lot of three-pointers, but they were also guilty of poor passing, and the Knicks stole the ball. But in the fourth quarter, it was Brunson and Towns who put the Knicks on their backs to hold on to the lead, along with Josh Hart’s game-leading 14 rebounds to cement the victory and get the lead back up to ten.

Key Stats

• KNICKS: 33 for 86 FG, 17 for 45 3 PTS, 22 for 25 FT
• CELTICS: 35 for 82 FG, 15 for 44 3 PTS, 10 for 15 FT
• LARGEST LEAD: 24 Points by the Knicks
• SHOOTING: Knicks earned a 42-14 advantage in the second quarter

Looking Ahead

The Knicks will travel for their first road trip of the new season as they begin in South Beach at the Miami Heat on Sunday, October 26th, at 6:00 PM Eastern on MSG Networks

New York Knicks News:

• Knicks take First Win of the Season in a strong fourth quarter against the Cavaliers
• Knicks Host Cavaliers at Madison Square Garden in Early Season Eastern Conference Showdown
• Insomnia Cookies Named Official Cookie of New York Knicks, Opens Madison Square Garden Concession Stand

Craving Something Sweet After the Game?

Whether you’re celebrating a Knicks victory or need a late-night treat, Insomnia Cookies has you covered. With warm, delicious cookies delivered right to your door until 3 AM, Insomnia Cookies is the perfect way to cap off game night. Choose from classic chocolate chunk, double chocolate, snickerdoodle, and more—or build your own custom box!

Order now at InsomniacCookies.com and get your cookies delivered warm in under an hour

For more Knicks coverage, exclusive analysis, and breaking news, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.