Key Takeaways:
- Jaylen Brown scored a season-high 42 points and capped the contest with a decisive breakaway dunk
- Boston overcame an early 15-point deficit to down the New York Knicks 123-117, in a repeat of last season’s Eastern Conference semifinal
- Mikal Bridges recorded 17 of his 35 points in the fourth quarter, but his late surge was not enough to extend New York’s four-game winning streak
Match Analysis
Last night in Boston, the Celtics staged an impressive comeback, battling back from an early deficit to secure a 123-117 victory over the New York Knicks. In a rematch of last season’s Eastern Conference semifinal, Jaylen Brown starred for the hosts, putting on a season-high scoring display with 42 points, including a breakaway dunk in the dying seconds to seal the result.
Welcome to Boston ☘️ #DifferentHere pic.twitter.com/nSpLIoNg39
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) December 3, 2025
The momentum belonged to New York early on, as the Knicks jumped out to a 17-4 start and held a 39-25 advantage. However, Boston responded with 12 unanswered points and another seven-point run, eventually taking the lead on a powerful dunk from Brown that energised the crowd. Brown dominated the middle stages, amassing 18 points in the second quarter and 15 more in the third.
Key Player Performances
Derrick White provided crucial support for Boston, adding 22 points and scoring seven in the final four minutes as the Knicks mounted their comeback. Jordan Walsh contributed six points and grabbed five rebounds in the fourth quarter, helping steady Boston as the pressure mounted late on.
For the Knicks, Mikal Bridges was outstanding, tallying 35 points with a stellar 8-from-12 performance from three-point range, including 17 points in the final period alone. Karl-Anthony Towns also chipped in with 29 points as New York sought to defend their four-game winning streak.
| Player | Team | Points | Key Contributions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jaylen Brown | Boston Celtics | 42 | 18 in Q2, 15 in Q3; clinching dunk; season-high total |
| Derrick White | Boston Celtics | 22 | 7 points in final 4 minutes |
| Jordan Walsh | Boston Celtics | 6 | 5 rebounds in Q4 |
| Mikal Bridges | New York Knicks | 35 | 17 in Q4; 8-for-12 on 3-pointers |
| Karl-Anthony Towns | New York Knicks | 29 | Consistent scoring |
Turning Points and Final Moments
After trailing by 18 at the end of the third quarter, Boston appeared comfortable with a 102-87 advantage and eight minutes remaining. The Knicks responded fiercely, as Bridges scored five consecutive points, including a three-pointer and three free throws, then drilled another three-pointer to close the gap to 102-99 after a 12-0 run.
Boston regrouped following a timeout with Josh Minott sinking a three-pointer before Walsh secured two consecutive putbacks, restoring an eight-point cushion for the Celtics. Bridges kept New York in contention, narrowing the margin to four with 46 seconds on the clock. However, he missed a crucial three-pointer on the ensuing possession, preventing the deficit from shrinking to just a single point.
Statistical Overview and Upcoming Fixtures
The Celtics have now won four of their last five fixtures, each victory coming against one of the top six sides in the Eastern Conference. The Knicks’ four-game winning run was halted despite their fast start and last-quarter surge from Bridges
Next up, New York are set to host the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday night, while Boston will travel to face Washington on Thursday night
