10 Takeaways from the Celtics’ Blowout Loss to the Knicks: Cold Shooting, Hot Brunson, and a Wake-Up Call Before the Break
The Celtics came into Sunday riding high, winners of five straight and looking to keep that momentum rolling. Instead, they ran into a Knicks team that brought the energy, the defense, and a whole lot of Jalen Brunson.
The result? A 111-89 loss that snapped Boston’s win streak and handed them just their second defeat in the last six games.
Historically, the Celtics have thrived on Super Bowl Sundays when the Patriots are involved - they were 7-1 in those games before this one. But the Knicks weren’t interested in history. They were interested in making a statement.
Here are 10 takeaways from a game that reminded the Celtics they still have work to do.
1. When the 3’s Don’t Fall, the Offense Stalls
Live by the three, die by the three - and the Celtics flatlined from deep in this one. They shot just 7-of-41 from beyond the arc, good for a rough 17%. That’s their worst shooting performance of the season in just about every category: points, field goal percentage, three-point percentage, and made threes.
Some of the looks were clean and just didn’t fall. Others were rushed or forced.
Credit the Knicks’ defense too - their length and physicality clearly disrupted Boston’s rhythm. But when the Celtics aren’t hitting from deep, it exposes the lack of diversity in their offensive attack.
2. Jalen Brunson, Certified Bucket
Jalen Brunson continues to prove he’s more than just a steady hand - he’s a legit star. He dropped 31 points and dished out eight assists, but it was his first-quarter explosion that really set the tone. Brunson poured in 15 points and four assists in the opening frame, putting the Celtics on their heels early.
Even though he cooled off a bit after that, the damage was done. Brunson’s ability to control pace, create his own shot, and get teammates involved makes him the kind of guard who can swing a playoff series.
3. Jose Alvarado Brings the Grit
The Knicks might’ve pulled off a sneaky-good move by adding Jose Alvarado. His defensive presence is something you feel instantly - he’s a pest on the ball, a disruptor in passing lanes, and a spark plug in transition.
When he’s hitting shots, he becomes even more dangerous. Alvarado gives the Knicks a different gear, especially alongside Landry Shamet. That backcourt depth could be a factor down the stretch.
4. Baylor Scheierman Is Earning His Stripes
Even in a rough loss, Baylor Scheierman gave Celtics fans something to smile about. The rookie posted 10 points, a career-high 13 rebounds, and five assists - showing off the all-around game that made him a standout in college.
Scheierman has now averaged 10 boards over his last four games, and his feel for the game is starting to translate at the NBA level. He defends, rebounds, moves the ball, and isn’t afraid to take shots when they’re there. His emergence adds another layer to Boston’s rotation.
5. Vucevic’s Impact Isn’t Always Loud - But It’s There
Nikola Vucevic finished with 11 points and six rebounds in 23 minutes - not eye-popping numbers, but his presence continues to matter. The Celtics are clearly making a point to feed him in the post, and he’s rewarding that trust with smart decisions.
Vucevic draws attention, passes well out of double teams, and creates space for perimeter shooters like Payton Pritchard and Derrick White. As the chemistry builds, his role could become even more pivotal in Boston’s half-court sets.
6. Derrick White Starting to Find His Stroke Again
Derrick White dropped 19 points and four assists, shooting 7-of-14 from the field - his first 50% shooting night since late January. That’s a good sign for a player who’s been doing all the little things even when the shot wasn’t falling.
White’s shot-blocking, playmaking, and leadership have been steady, but if he can regain his shooting rhythm heading into the All-Star break, it’ll give the Celtics another reliable scoring option behind Brown and Tatum.
7. No Transition, No Easy Buckets
The Celtics managed just three points off turnovers - their lowest total since 2021. That’s a problem, especially against a Knicks team that thrives in transition. New York racked up 16 fast-break points and consistently got clean looks early in the shot clock.
Boston, on the other hand, had to grind for every bucket. Without transition offense to lean on, their half-court struggles were magnified.
8. Missing Hauser’s Spacing
Sam Hauser sat out with low back spasms, and his absence was felt. The Celtics missed his floor spacing and quick-trigger shooting - especially on a night when the perimeter shots weren’t falling.
Anfernee Simons’ absence didn’t help either. Joe Mazzulla tried different combinations, giving minutes to Ron Harper Jr., Hugo Gonzalez, and Jordan Walsh, but none of the rotations clicked for long stretches.
9. Knicks Have the Celtics’ Number Lately
Boston is now 1-2 against New York this season, with both losses coming by double digits. After sweeping the Knicks in the regular season last year, the Celtics are just 3-6 in their last nine meetings, including playoffs.
It’s more than just a fluke - the Knicks are a tough matchup. They’ve got size, shooting, speed, and a go-to scorer in Brunson. If these two teams meet in the postseason, Boston will need to make some real adjustments.
10. Keep It in Perspective
Yes, it was a rough one. But it’s still just one game in a long season.
The Celtics have won five of their last six and 10 of their last 14. Every contender hits a few bumps along the way - this was one of them.
Now comes an important stretch before the All-Star break, with games against the Bulls and Warriors on deck. The key will be bouncing back quickly and not letting one off night snowball into a slump.
Bottom Line: The Celtics ran into a Knicks team that brought playoff-level intensity, and they didn’t respond well. But every team has these nights. What matters is how they respond - and with the All-Star break looming, the Celtics have a chance to reset and regroup.