Recap: Depleted Celtics Nearly Complete Comeback, Fall to Knicks 96-92
Vincent Carchietta | USA TODAY Sports
The Celtics took on the Knicks in their final game of the regular season today. Despite a gutsy comeback, the short-handed C’s were defeated 96-92.
Boston found themselves playing without seven of their key players. Jaylen Brown (wrist), Jayson Tatum (ankle), Marcus Smart (calf), Kemba Walker (neck), Evan Fournier (knee), Tristan Thompson (pectoral), and Robert Williams (turf toe) were all sidelined. This meant that several role players were thrust into larger roles.
Both Jabari Parker (18) and Tremont Waters (17) led the way for the C’s. Parker exploded for nine in the third quarter. His offense helped the C’s climb back into the game. Waters provided a consistent offensive threat. The sophomore point guard followed up an impressive performance yesterday vs the Timberwolves with an even better one today.
Romeo Langford (14) showed lots of success driving to the basket. He got to the line six times and knocked down four of them. Grant Williams (13) and Carsen Edwards (10) rounded out Boston’s double-digit scorers.
RJ Barrett (22) led the Knicks in scoring. Julius Randle impressed as well, scoring 20 points to go along with seven rebounds and seven assists. Meanwhile, Nerlens Noel dominated the paint on defense, recording three blocks and three steals.
New York held a 21-point lead at one point in this game, but Boston was able to fight their way back. A massive second half allowed the Celtics to cut the lead down to as little as three points. A few clutch steals in the fourth quarter almost got the job done, but the Celtics’ reserves ultimately fell short.
Boston finishes the season at 36-36 and will now play the Washington Wizards in game one of the play-in tournament on Tuesday. That game will be at TD Garden and tip-off time is to be determined.
