The round 1 series went back to Philadelphia for Game 3 as the Knicks fell to the 76ers, 125-114. Here is the good and bad from a physical, back and forth playoff matchup.

## Good: Embiid has 50 

<a rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/e/embiijo01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.basketball-reference.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-25_bbr">Joel Embiid</a> had a career night in Philly and put up 50 points and 8 rebounds, while shooting 13-19 from the floor with 5 3s. Embiid was physical from the start (more on that later) and was able to get to the line consistently, shooting 19-21 from the line. It was a huge night for him and the kind of momentum shift the Sixers needed as they went back home down 2-0. 

## Bad: Sixers Over the Top Physicality

As I said, the the sixers were physical from the jump, maybe too much. This went past the standard playoff intensity. There were 2 flagrant fouls in the first quarter, including 1 from Embiid where he grabbed <a rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/r/robinmi01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.basketball-reference.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-25_bbr">Mitchell Robinson</a> by the ankle as he went up for a dunk. There is a very good case that he should have been ejected from the game, and I think anyone else who wasn't Embiid would have been. He and <a rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/l/lowryky01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.basketball-reference.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-25_bbr">Kyle Lowry</a> were wrecklessly physical throughout the night, and after complaining about officiating excessively after the last game, I don't like that look from the Sixers.

## Good: Brunson Picks it up Offensively	

 Despite the loss, <a rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/brunsja01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.basketball-reference.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-04-25_bbr">Jalen Brunson</a> put up 39 points and shot 48% from the field, improving more than 15% from previous games. Him getting going is a good thing for the Knicks, they were able to get great looks from 3 and keep up with the barrage of 3s from the Sixers in the 3rd quarter that gave them the edge. As long as the Knicks can get some of the careless turnovers under control, I still liked what I saw from them last night. 

## Bad: Robinson Left the Arena in a Boot

As a result of the physical play (perhaps one play more than others) Robinson took a beating Thursday night. He ended up leaving the game early and would not return. He later was seen leaving in a walking boot, which is worrisome going forward. Hopefully it isn't to serious and he can return next game, otherwise the Knicks are going to have a much harder time defending the paint when Hartenstein is off the floor.


Game 4 is at 1 PM EST Sunday on ABC


The series went back to Philadelphia for Game 3 as the Knicks fell to the 76ers, 125-114. Here is the good and bad from a physical, back and forth playoff matchup.

Good and Bad from Knicks Sixers Game 3

## Spurs Lose to Knicks 126 - 105

The Spurs and <a rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=,wembavi01&amp;search=Victor+Wembanyama&amp;utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.basketball-reference.com&utm_campaign=2023-11-09_bbr">Victor Wembanyama</a> traveled to Madison Square Garden for Wemby's first game in the Mecca. However, he struggled early, quickly starting 0-3 from the field, and the rest of the Spurs did not do much better as they started the game on a 0-8 run. The team overall finished the quarter 6-17 from the field and 0-5 from 3 point range, resulting in a very low scoring 16 point first quarter for the Spurs. On the other hand the Knicks shot a much more consistent 12 for 23 including <a rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/barrerj01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.basketball-reference.com&utm_campaign=2023-11-09_bbr">RJ Barrett</a> making both his 3 point attempts in the quarter. 


In the second quarter the Spurs managed to stay with the Knicks a bit better as they were able to make 5 3s after making 0 in the first, but Wemby still struggled as he missed his 2 shots in the quarter.  <a rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/mcderdo01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.basketball-reference.com&utm_campaign=2023-11-09_bbr">Doug McDermott</a> was able to give the Spurs a bit of a spark off the bench with 8 points, but the Knicks had their own in <a rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/q/quickim01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.basketball-reference.com&utm_campaign=2023-11-09_bbr">Immanuel Quickley</a> who had 11 points of his own. The third quarter is where the Knicks began to put this game out of reach, as they stretched their lead to 30 behind an 11 point quarter from Barrett. 

At the beginning of the 4th quarter, the Spurs started to go on a run as Wemby began to find his rhythm a little bit as he went 3 for 5 from the field and put up 8 points. That combined with effort from <a rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/branhma01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.basketball-reference.com&utm_campaign=2023-11-09_bbr">Malaki Branham</a> and <a rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/s/sochaje01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.basketball-reference.com&utm_campaign=2023-11-09_bbr">Jeremy Sochan</a>, the Spurs were able to cut the lead to as little as 14. But with about 4 minutes left, <a rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/r/randlju01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.basketball-reference.com&utm_campaign=2023-11-09_bbr">Julius Randle</a> and <a rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/brunsja01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.basketball-reference.com&utm_campaign=2023-11-09_bbr">Jalen Brunson</a> scored 7 unanswered points and put the game fully out of reach as Coach Popovich emptied his bench for the final 3 minutes. 

## Wembanyama's Trip to New York comes up Short

Wembanyama struggled in his first game at MSG. He came out and missed a very quick first 3 shots, including an air ball from the short corner. He really just could not find his spots in the majority of this game and even received overrated chants late in the fourth quarter as he shot free throws. He was able to put some productive minutes together in the Spurs fourth quarter run but it did not amount to much. Coming away from this game, Wemby is still only 19. Coach Pop has been playing him in roughly 6 minute spurts and he has also been incosistent from stretch to stretch. At the same time, he has shown why he is so special during some of those spurts as well. He needs to get more comfortable with finding his shots through the game and picking his spots. He will undoubtedly continue to find his rhythm and this game was just part of that journey. 

## Spurs Struggles 

The biggest issue for the Spurs, other than pretty poor shooting, was the lack of resistance on the defensive side. All but 2 of the Knicks points in the first quarter came from under the rim and from the 3 point line. The trend continued through the game as Hardenstein and Robinson continued to punish the Spurs inside, scoring and with offensive rebounds. They also gave up a lot of open 3s as they seemed to be late on multiple rotations. On the other end, the Spurs had 13 turnovers to the Knick's 4, all of them in transition or unforced by the defense. This game really exposed some of the flaws of this young team, and although they should pick it up more as they mature as players, it really hurts them at this point in the season. The one upside for the Spurs this game was that Devin Vassel returned from injury, even if he on ly played 12 minutes. 

## RJ Barrett and Julius Randle

RJ Barrett ended the night with 24 points, 6 assists and is off to his best start of his career. He is shooting much more consistently from the field and taking much better shots as well. He is shooting 47% from the field to start the season, up about 5% from his career average. He seems like he is starting to take the leap fans have been waiting for. 

On the other hand, Julius Randle is having a bit less straight forward start to the season. Although he had 23 points, 16 rebound and 5 assists, Randle has started the season shooting 31% from the field, 15% lower than his career average. Tonight was one of his better shooting performances thus far, as he went 8-19 from the field, but his shot selection still looks forced at times. That being said, Randle is still contributing in other areas (rebounding) as he struggles from the field. If he can improve his consistency from the field, combined with Barretts improved play, the Knicks are going to be a tough team to beat this year. 


The Spurs fall to the Knicks on Wednesday night, 126 -105, as Victor Wembanyama struggles in his first trip to Madison Square Garden. RJ Barrett continues his hot start and Devin Vassell returns from injury. 

Spurs Lose to Knicks as Wembanyama Struggles

There were 11 NBA games last night and a ton of exciting finishes. Here is what was going on around the NBA last night. (Full disclosure: I did not watch every game so there will be more details in some than others).

## Celtics 119 -  Heat 111

The Celtics opened their NBA season at home against the Miami Heat in a Eastern Conference Finals rematch from last season. <a rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/a/adebaba01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.basketball-reference.com&utm_campaign=2023-10-28_bbr">Bam Adebayo</a> and <a rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/herroty01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.basketball-reference.com&utm_campaign=2023-10-28_bbr">Tyler Herro</a> were able to get out to a hot start and help the Heat end the first with a lead, but <a rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/t/tatumja01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.basketball-reference.com&utm_campaign=2023-10-28_bbr">Jayson Tatum</a> got going in the second with 11 points and was able to give the Celtics the leader after 2 quarters. Throughout the game, <a rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/w/whitede01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.basketball-reference.com&utm_campaign=2023-10-28_bbr">Derrick White</a> was all over the floor making plays and in the second half he exploded for 20 points along with <a rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/brownja02.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.basketball-reference.com&utm_campaign=2023-10-28_bbr">Jaylen Brown</a>, who had 14 of his own. The Celtics were able to slow down Adebayo in the second half and ended with the win in the end, thanks to a very spread out scoring performance from their starters. The Celtics were lead by Jaylen Brown and Derrick White who combined for 55 points. The Heat were lead by Adebayo and Herro who had the same. 

### Takeaways 

The Celtics have the best 5 man lineup in the league. White, Brown, Kristaps, Tatum and Holiday combined for 111 points this game the lowest total between them was 17. This is a lineup where opposing teams need to worry about all 5 of them at all times, on both ends of the court. They can all shoot, they can all defend and they can all create a shot if needed. The addition of <a rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/p/porzikr01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.basketball-reference.com&utm_campaign=2023-10-28_bbr">Kristaps Porzingis</a> has added some length rim protection and give them the ability to really stretch the floor on the offensive end since he can consistently make 3s from 2-3 feet behind the arc. The Celtics look to have their rotation pretty solidified early in the season, and assuming they all can stay healthy, anything less than a Championship is a huge dissapointment for this team.

## Warriors 122 - Kings 114

The Warriors traveled to Sacramento for a playoff rematch, and with it came some all start individual performances. The Warriors were able to seperate themselves from the Kings in 3rd quarter following a 16 point outburst from <a rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/c/curryst01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.basketball-reference.com&utm_campaign=2023-10-28_bbr">Stephen Curry</a>. The Kings were able to catch up in the 4th thanks to a 22 point quarter from <a rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/f/foxde01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.basketball-reference.com&utm_campaign=2023-10-28_bbr">De'Aaron Fox</a>, but it was not enough to get the win as they fell by 8 to the Warriors at home. Curry finished the game with 41 points and <a rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/t/thompkl01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.basketball-reference.com&utm_campaign=2023-10-28_bbr">Klay Thompson</a> contributed 18 as well. Fox finished with 39 points and Domantas Sadbonis had 19 points 18 rebounds and 7 assists.

### Takeways

After Fox's new shoe deal, two of the best guards in the league are now signed to Curry brand. Curry and Fox both put on a show and although we are pretty much used to that on a nightly basis from Curry, we should start to get used to performances like this form Fox as well. The Kings are picking up from where they left off last season, and the duo of Fox and Domantas Sadbonis is still going to lead this team to the playoffs. 

The <a rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/p/paulch01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.basketball-reference.com&utm_campaign=2023-10-28_bbr">Chris Paul</a> fit with the Warriors is still starting to settle in. He had a 10 point 12 assist double-double tonight, and this isn't the last time we will see games like this from him. The Warriors still are waiting on <a rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/greendr01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.basketball-reference.com&utm_campaign=2023-10-28_bbr">Draymond Green</a> to return, which will certainly affect the rotations as they are now, but I really like the way Paul can act as a floor general for the second unit. Moody and Kuminga are young, athletic and talented, but Paul can also keep them under control with his veteran presence. It will be really interesting to see how this Warriors team continues to develop in the next few weeks. 

## Spurs 126 - Rockets 122 (OT)

This was one of the most entertaining games of the night. It was a back and forth game with 6 players scoring 20+ points. <a rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=,wembavi01&amp;search=Victor+Wembanyama&amp;utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.basketball-reference.com&utm_campaign=2023-10-28_bbr">Victor Wembanyama</a> got off to another slow start shooting 2-10 for the first half, but Devin Vassel's 14 point first half helped the Spurs keep pace with the Rockets with a score of 52-52 at the half. Despite the slow start, Wembanyama made his presence felt late in the 4th with some clutch buckets and incredible blocks on the defensive end.  The Spurs were able to outlast the Rockets in overtime and get their first win of the Wembanyama era in San Antonio. Devin Vassel lead the Spurs with 25 points, followed by Wembanyama with 21 points and 12 rebounds, then <a rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/j/johnske04.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.basketball-reference.com&utm_campaign=2023-10-28_bbr">Keldon Johnson</a> with 20 points. The Rockets had 3 20 point scorers of their own with <a rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/s/sengual01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.basketball-reference.com&utm_campaign=2023-10-28_bbr">Alperen Sengun</a>, <a rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/v/vanvlfr01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.basketball-reference.com&utm_campaign=2023-10-28_bbr">Fred VanVleet</a> and <a rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/greenja05.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.basketball-reference.com&utm_campaign=2023-10-28_bbr">Jalen Green</a> scoring 25, 24 and 22 respectively. 

### Takeaways

This is one of the most interesting and exciting Spurs teams I have seen in a while. Wembanyama is an incredible talent from his length/athleticism to the way he demands the ball late in the game despite starting slow. With all that said, him having a few slow games to start the season has given his teammates like Vassel and Johnson the opportunity to showcase their own individual skills. Vassel is an incredible offensive player and Johnson can be just as lethal with his athleticism. The show glimpses of classic Spurs ball movement, combined with athletic shot creators I am not sure they have ever had. This is a fun team to watch and when they are able to fix some of the young mistakes they have, ie. Turnovers and defensive lapses, the league better watch out.


## Mavericks 125 - Nets 120

<a rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/d/doncilu01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.basketball-reference.com&utm_campaign=2023-10-28_bbr">Luka Doncic</a> had an MVP resume game against Brooklyn with 49 points, 10 rebounds 7 assists and 0 turnovers. This included a string of unbelievable 3 point shots in the final 3 minutes of the game to pull away from the Nets (he ended with 9 total for the game). Additionally, this was only his 5th game in his career with 30+ minutes played and 0 turnovers. The other side, <a rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/t/thomaca02.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.basketball-reference.com&utm_campaign=2023-10-28_bbr">Cam Thomas</a> continue his incredible start to the season having another 30 point game to lead the Nets scoring. The Nets drop to 0-2 while the Mavs improve to 2-0.  

## Raptors 103 - Bulls 104 (OT)

The Bulls jumped out to an early lead in the first half going up by 19 points in the second quarter. However, the Raptors went on a run of their own and eventuall not only caught up to the Bulls but went up by as many as 17 midway through the 4th quarter. Demar Derozan was able to get the Bulls back in the game late by scoring 16 points in the last 5 minutes of the 4th quarter, forcing the game to overtime in the process. The Bulls were able to win the game in the extra 5 minutes with the help of a clutch 3 from <a rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/c/carusal01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.basketball-reference.com&utm_campaign=2023-10-28_bbr">Alex Caruso</a> with 2 seconds remaining. Derozan finished with 33 points and 4 steals. Caruso had 13 points and 13 rebounds. His presence was definitely felt in this one as he ended with a +/- of +29 while the next highest on the Bulls was +10 . The Raptors were lead by <a rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/barnesc01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.basketball-reference.com&utm_campaign=2023-10-28_bbr">Scottie Barnes</a> and a triple double with 22 points 10 rebounds and 10 assists. Both teams come out of this one with a 1-1 record. 

## Thunder 108 - Cavaliers 105

<a rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/gilgesh01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.basketball-reference.com&utm_campaign=2023-10-28_bbr">Shai Gilgeous-Alexander</a> continued to build the reputation he established last year with a statline of 34 points 11 rebounds 4 assists and 5 steals. Another stellar performance from a potential MVP candidate, he was also aided by a 25 point game from <a rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/d/dortlu01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.basketball-reference.com&utm_campaign=2023-10-28_bbr">Luguentz Dort</a> and rookie <a rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/holmgch01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.basketball-reference.com&utm_campaign=2023-10-28_bbr">Chet Holmgren</a> who had 16 points 13 rebounds and an incredible 7 blocks. Despite a 43 point game from <a rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/mitchdo01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.basketball-reference.com&utm_campaign=2023-10-28_bbr">Donovan Mitchell</a>, the Cavs drop to 1-1 on the season while the Thunder improve to 2-0. 


## Nuggets 108 - Grizzlies 104

<a rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/j/jokicni01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.basketball-reference.com&utm_campaign=2023-10-28_bbr">Nikola Jokic</a> was able to lead the Nuggets to a win over the Grizzlies in Memphis. Jokic put up a near triple doubvle with 22 points, 12 rebounds and 7 assists, but also contribute 9 turnovers. Murray had 22 points of his own and <a rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/p/portemi01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.basketball-reference.com&utm_campaign=2023-10-28_bbr">Michael Porter</a> Jr. had 13 rebounds and 9 points. Memphis was lead by <a rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=jacksja02,jacksja01&amp;search=Jaren+Jackson&amp;utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.basketball-reference.com&utm_campaign=2023-10-28_bbr">Jaren Jackson</a> Jr. who had 21 points and 9 rebounds.


## Magic 102 - Trailblazers 97

Following the news of Afernee Simons thumb injury, the Portland Trailblazers fell to the Orlando Magic at home by 5. In Simons absence Shadeon Sharpe played 41 minutes (up from 28 in the previous game) and was the teams leading scorer with 24 points. <a rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/a/aytonde01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.basketball-reference.com&utm_campaign=2023-10-28_bbr">Deandre Ayton</a>, in his second game as a Blazer, had 14 points and 15 rebounds. <a rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/w/wagnefr01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.basketball-reference.com&utm_campaign=2023-10-28_bbr">Franz Wagner</a> lead the Orlando Magic win with 23 points and 5 rebounds. Magic improve to 2-0 while the Blazers fall to 0-2.


## Clippers 118 - Jazz 120

The Clippers fell to the Jazz in a two point loss after a <a rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/w/westbru01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.basketball-reference.com&utm_campaign=2023-10-28_bbr">Russell Westbrook</a> rebound and air ball in the final seconds of the game. <a rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/markkla01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.basketball-reference.com&utm_campaign=2023-10-28_bbr">Lauri Markkanen</a> lead the Jazz with 35 points and 12 rebounds. <a rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/georgpa01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.basketball-reference.com&utm_campaign=2023-10-28_bbr">Paul George</a> lead the Clippers with 36 points while <a rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/l/leonaka01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.basketball-reference.com&utm_campaign=2023-10-28_bbr">Kawhi Leonard</a> contributed 25 points  9 rebounds and 5 assists. They each played 38 and 37 minutes respectively, marking only the 26th regular season game in 4 years where they have each registered more than 35 minutes in the same game. Both teams are 1-1 after 2 games.

## Pistons 111 - Hornets 99

The Pistons were able to go into Charlotte and get a solid 12 point win. <a rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/burksal01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.basketball-reference.com&utm_campaign=2023-10-28_bbr">Alec Burks</a> had 24 points off the bench while <a rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/d/durenja01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.basketball-reference.com&utm_campaign=2023-10-28_bbr">Jalen Duren</a> had a 14 point and 17 rebound double double. Lamelo led the Hornets with 20 points 9 assists and 2 steals. Both teams leave the game with a 1-1 record. 


There were 11 NBA games last night and there was a ton of action around the League, a near 50 point game from Luka Doncic, 2 overtime games and more. Here is what happened around the league.

Around the NBA: Friday Night Lights

## Celtics 108 Knicks 104

The Celtics got off to a hot start in NYC behind a combined 25 points from <a rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/p/porzikr01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.basketball-reference.com&utm_campaign=2023-10-26_bbr">Kristaps Porzingis</a>
 and <a rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/t/tatumja01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.basketball-reference.com&utm_campaign=2023-10-26_bbr">Jayson Tatum</a>. Meanwhile the Knicks fell behind early as they struggled to get shots to fall early. <a rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/barrerj01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.basketball-reference.com&utm_campaign=2023-10-26_bbr">RJ Barrett</a> and <a rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/q/quickim01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.basketball-reference.com&utm_campaign=2023-10-26_bbr">Immanuel Quickley</a> managed to keep  them in the game in the first half scoring 26 of their 36 first half points. In the second half the <a rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/r/randlju01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.basketball-reference.com&utm_campaign=2023-10-26_bbr">Julius Randle</a>
 and <a rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/brunsja01.html?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.basketball-reference.com&utm_campaign=2023-10-26_bbr">Jalen Brunson</a> were able to get going a little bit more and managed to eventually take the lead early in the 4th quarter. The Celtics eventually were able to take the lead back in part thanks to some big 3s and free throw by Porzingis and, depite some bad turnovers in the last 2 minutes, were able to hjold off the Knicks and get the win. 

## Jayson Tatum Double-Double in Win

Tatum had a great start to the season scoring 34 points with 11 rebounds and 2 steals. He was making some great plays throught the game and at times, was scoring at will. First impression is he is in store for another all star season, but I would like to see him take over a bit more in crunch time. He had 6 points in the 4th but only took 3 shots and made 1 of them in 12 minutes. That being said, if Porzingis is going to play like he did tonight, he may not need to.

## Kristaps Porzingis Celtics Debut 

Porzingis' first game in a Celtics uniform was definitely a good one, finishing with 30 points 8 rebounds and 4 blocks while shooting 5-9 from 3. Porzingis started with a 15 point quarter and really reminded everyone why they called him the unicorn when he was drafted. I really like this fit with the rest of this Celtics team, and with Tatum especially. Porzingis is really able to stretch  the floor with his threat as a 3 point shooter (multiple 3s were 2-3 feet behind the line), while also providing some rim protection and rebounding on the defensive end. Its early, but assuming he can stay healthy, most teams are going to struggle to guard all of Porzingis, Tatum and Brown on a nightly basis.


## Knicks Shooting Struggles

The Knicks struggled greatly from the field in the first half. RJ Barret was the only one of the Knicks main 3 to have a consistent showing early (finished with 24 points). Brunson and Randle were a combined 3-20 at halftime and finished 11-43 with 29 points. Quickley was able to help out with 7-11 and 24 points off the bench, but when two players taking half the shots are only shooting 25% from the field its tough to overcome that to get a win. 

The Celtics came away from MSG with a win against the Knicks lead by Tatum and Porzingis 30 point games. Randle and Brunson struggled from the field in the loss.

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