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The Celtics’ record against the Knicks increased to an NBA-best 45-12 with their victory on Saturday. This season, they are 4-0 versus them in person. The Boston Bruins and Knicks will play their final game of the season at TD Garden on April 11.
NEW YORK Even though Kristaps Porzingis was moved by the Knicks five years ago, the big man and the New York fan base are still very much in love.
The Madison Square Garden crowd loudly jeered the Celtics center on Saturday night as Boston defeated the Knicks 116-102. After a sluggish start to the game, Porzingis recovered to score 22 points, pull down four rebounds, and dish out four assists as Boston won eight games in a row. In front of a hostile Garden crowd, the performance was only one of several outstanding offensive scoring nights for the visitors.
According to Jrue Holiday, the booing for Porzingis were so loud and persistent throughout the game that they helped Boston win.
Holiday expressed his admiration for the Porzingis jeers to Abby Chin of NBC Sports Boston. Both he and we adore it. It undoubtedly raises spirits and vigor. It makes us very happy to hear. Celtic chants were also present.
Holiday was one of six Celtics players who finished in double digits in the victory (12 points, 6 assists). Collectively, Boston shot 57.5 percent from the field, which is the second-best percentage the team has shot in a game this year. Even though the Knicks lost the game without three of their players, it’s reasonable to say that the hate for Porzingis returned to haunt the team’s supporters.
Being able to perform here and in front of this audience felt fantastic, especially in MSG, Holiday acknowledged. “It feels amazing when it falls.”
When asked about the jeers, Porzingis responded, “To be honest, I enjoy it.” “During my tenure in Washington, they declined. I continued to get booed. However, since I joined the Celtics, they have gotten a little more intense.
The Celtics starting lineup may have received some more playing time as a result of the increased intensity. Despite the easy victory, Joe Mazzulla played 43 minutes of Jayson Tatum, pursuing him for almost the whole second half until the game was out of reach.
With their victory on Saturday, the Celtics raised their record against the Knicks to an NBA-best 45-12 and are now 4-0 when they play them in person this season. On April 11, Boston will play its final game of the season against the Knicks at TD Garden.