Knicks 138, Celtics 134 (2OT): Scenes from the Game (One) of the Year

The stupid, bum-ass Knicks blew a late 10-point lead and gave up a wide-open, game-tying three at the buzzer to send Game One of the regular season into overtime. Then, the awesome, beautiful, never-say-die Knicks stormed back in the second overtime to win an early Game of the Year candidate,

What went right? The Knicks played a fun small-ball lineup with Julius Randle and Obi Toppin, and used it to take the lead in the third quarter. Julius Randle was excellent, with the exception of some late-game iso-ball nonsense. RJ Barrett came alive in the third quarter after scoring 0 points in the first half. He ended the night with 19 points and helped put the clamps on All-Star Jayson Tatum. Obi Toppin had the best game of his young career.

Evan Fournier showed serious onions with a bevy of clutch buckets. He finished with a career-high 32 points, after the ESPN broadcast started out talking about how much they would miss Reggie Bullock.

What went wrong? They went to their late-game prevent offense — a ton of butt-nasty Randle iso possessions — way too early, allowing Boston to cut into the lead in regulation. Kemba Walker coughed up the ball on multiple possessions and then neglected to cover Smart at the three-point line.

Still, we can save that for another day. These Knicks have the same gumption as last year’s squad, but they can really get buckets. It’s a good combo.

Recap to come. Welcome to another season of Knicks basketball.