Overview
- New York seized control with a 42-14 second quarter, turning an early deficit into a lead that never seriously wavered at Madison Square Garden.
- Jalen Brunson scored 31 points and Karl-Anthony Towns posted 26 points with 13 rebounds as the Knicks showcased balanced top-end production.
- The Knicks dominated the glass with 21 offensive rebounds and a 60.4% rebound rate, translating to a 21-7 edge in second-chance points.
- Josh Hart returned to grab 14 rebounds in 19 minutes, including six on the offensive end, reinforcing the possession focus despite Mitchell Robinson’s absence.
- Brown’s emphasis on paint drives and kick-outs has lifted New York to the league lead in three-point attempts through two games, while Boston fell to 0-2 without Jayson Tatum after offseason roster changes.