Jayson Tatum scored 37 points as the Boston Celtics began their NBA title defense in commanding fashion, defeating the New York Knicks 132-109 on Tuesday. The game followed a celebratory pre-game ceremony at the TD Garden, where the Celtics raised their record-breaking 18th championship banner, setting the tone for an exciting season opener.
Boston took control early, delivering a devastating 43-point first quarter that left the Knicks struggling to keep pace. Tatum, who played an electrifying role in Boston’s dominance, poured in 18 points from three-point range in the first half alone, helping the Celtics build a 74-55 lead by halftime.
Speaking after the game, Tatum acknowledged the emotions surrounding the night, with the banner-raising ceremony providing a moment of reflection before the team refocused on their new campaign. “Tonight was emotional — a celebration of what we accomplished last year,” Tatum said. “For a lot of us, that was our first experience getting a ring and raising the banner. So tonight was special… the way that we just came out and responded and played the right way.”
Tatum was supported by strong performances from his teammates, with Derrick White contributing 24 points, Jaylen Brown adding 23, and Jrue Holiday scoring 18. Al Horford chipped in with 11 points. Together, they powered Boston to a smooth victory, maintaining control throughout the game.
The Knicks managed to hold their own in a 31-31 second quarter, but Boston’s early dominance made it difficult for them to recover. Jalen Brunson led New York with 22 points, while Miles McBride also scored 22 off the bench. However, it wasn’t enough to overcome Boston’s firepower.
For the Celtics, the win serves as a promising start to their bid for back-to-back championships. Last season, they secured their 18th NBA title with a 4-1 triumph over the Dallas Mavericks in the Finals, after years of frustrating playoff losses. Tatum, Brown, and the rest of the core roster have remained intact, leaving the team well-positioned for another title run.
Tatum, though frustrated by missed three-pointers late in the game, emphasized the importance of shifting focus to the season ahead. “We got our rings, raised the banner, and now it’s on to the next season. We’ve got to get ready for Washington on Thursday now,” he said.
With their core stars performing at a high level and a renewed focus on the road ahead, Boston has set the tone for what could be another dominant season.
