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That didn't go exactly how I expected, but it certainly went. Boston's guards vastly outplayed New York's and the Celtics' slightly less terrible shooting outside the paint helped them build a double-digit lead. Even after a turnover-filled third quarter, the Knicks strung together a bunch of stops and found themselves enough open looks to pull even. They just didn't hit any. Kristaps Porzingis, Carmelo Anthony, Arron Afflalo, and Langston Galloway all stayed frigid.
A few quick things now. More recapping later. New York's backcourt was unlikely to contain Isaiah Thomas and Evan Turner on the move, and they did not do that!
Evan Turner with the up and under layup. pic.twitter.com/OSKNfTNWU9
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) December 28, 2015
Behind-the-back assist from Isaiah Thomas to Jerebko for 3! pic.twitter.com/xOvb2sr48G
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) December 28, 2015
Isaiah Thomas hits No. 99 in transition for the alley-oop tip-in! C's are on top of the Knicks 56-44. pic.twitter.com/zDoSy9UalT
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) December 28, 2015
Boston's not a very good offense, but they got enough transition and enough open driving lanes to keep pace with New York, and added a few of the outside buckets the Knicks absolutely did not get. Check out the early shot chart:
One quarter down and the Knicks have only scored from the paint and free throw line. Shot chart: pic.twitter.com/ZqdhWt1mCc
— Jay King (@ByJayKing) December 28, 2015
That changed very little.
Quick shoutout to Derrick Williams for looking somewhat awake relative to his teammates:
REPLAY: @DWXXIII skies for the jam! #NYKvsBOS pic.twitter.com/EMeGX47qCV
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) December 28, 2015
And, since every time I point out a fault he soon improves it: You'll need to learn to identify opportunities to drive strong and draw contact, my sweet Kristaps:
Some more notes coming up in a little while. Stay cool!