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The Celtics were in New York Friday night to take on the Knicks for the first time this preseason, dropping to 3-1 with a 101-95 loss.
Turnovers and personal fouls plagued the Celtics for the majority of this game, especially in the first half, where they committed nine and 12, respectively. But despite their woes, Boston was able to hang with New York throughout, because, well, the Knicks weren't all that much better, as they too were guilty of giving the ball away and hacking the opposition all night long.
It wasn't a pretty game by any means. And it actually got pretty chippy during the third quarter.
Kyle O'Quinn was assessed a flagrant-1 foul on a Jared Sullinger coast-to-coast layup attempt, resulting in a technical foul—which was ultimately rescinded—on Jonas Jerebko. Jerebko continued to battle with Cleanthony Early whenever the two were matched up on each other, though nothing more than trash talk ensued between the two forwards.
Derek Fisher's club ultimately have their efficiency from deep to thank in this one. New York shot 48 percent (12-25) on their tries from beyond the arc, while the Celtics converted at a 40 percent clip (8-20).
Boston will play again on Monday night, when they will host the Brooklyn Nets at TD Garden.
Other Notes
- RJ Hunter was impressive yet again. He does things that don't necessarily end up in the box score, which is rare from a rookie. But you could tell Hunter is going to be a player. Drawing a foul on a jump shot following a solid up-fake is the stuff of veterans and that's exactly what the Georgia State product pulled off in the first quarter.
- Amir Johnson and Isaiah Thomas have a nice connection in the pick-and-roll already. Johnson was able to get a couple of his buckets tonight when he dove hard to the rim after freeing up his point guard with a good screen.
- Jae Crowder and Johnson did not play in the second half. No injuries, Brad Stevens just wanted to get some guys some rest tonight.
- The Knicks looked like an actual basketball team. There's no question they'll be better this year than they were in 2014-15, but it's not as if last season's performance represents a tough act to follow.