Key Takeaways:
- Jalen Brunson scored 31 points as the New York Knicks defeated the Boston Celtics 111-89
- The Celtics’ five-game winning run was halted after shooting just 37% from the field and 17.1% from three-point range
- Boston and New York will face each other again during the regular season on April 9 at Madison Square Garden
Match Analysis
Jalen Brunson powered the New York Knicks past the Boston Celtics with a commanding 31-point performance as the Knicks secured a 111-89 triumph at TD Garden on Sunday. Josh Hart contributed 19 points, while Karl-Anthony Towns posted a double-double, recording 11 points and 10 rebounds. New York maintained full control, never trailing in the final 42 minutes of action.
Mikal Bridges (14 points) and recent signing Jose Alvarado (12 points) also reached double figures for the Knicks, who connected on 14 of 45 attempts from long range (40%). The second half saw New York extend their advantage, outscoring Boston with an emphatic 20-7 surge at the end of the third quarter to build an 85-68 cushion heading into the final period.
NUEVAYoL. pic.twitter.com/2rZtlIpI1P
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) February 8, 2026
Celtics’ Offense Falters
The Celtics struggled offensively, managing just 37% shooting from the floor and hitting only 7 of 41 shots from beyond the arc (17.1%). Jaylen Brown led Boston with 26 points, while Derrick White posted 19. Baylor Scheierman, making the start in place of the injured Sam Hauser, delivered a solid all-round display with 10 points, 13 rebounds, and five assists.
Boston were down by as many as 17 points during the first half, but managed to close the gap to a two-possession margin before half-time, despite going only 5-for-22 (22.7%) from the perimeter in the opening two quarters. However, the Knicks’ offensive persistence and defensive intensity proved decisive in the second half.
Key Moments and Statistical Breakdown
A crucial fourth quarter surge saw Brunson score 10 straight points, stretching the Knicks’ lead to 23 points with four minutes remaining. Boston reintroduced their “Hack-a-Robinson” strategy – first seen in last year’s playoffs – targeting Mitchell Robinson, a career 51% free-throw shooter currently hitting 38% this season. After Robinson missed four first-half free throws, he responded by converting both attempts from the line with 2:32 left in the third quarter.
| Team | Points | Three-Point FG | FG % | Leading Rebounder | Leading Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York Knicks | 111 | 14/45 (40%) | 48.2% | Karl-Anthony Towns (10) | Jalen Brunson (31) |
| Boston Celtics | 89 | 7/41 (17.1%) | 37% | Baylor Scheierman (13) | Jaylen Brown (26) |
Upcoming Fixtures
The Knicks will return home to face Indiana on Tuesday night. Meanwhile, the Celtics are set to host Chicago on Wednesday night. Both teams will meet for the final time in the regular season on 9 April in New York.
