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00:00:01Because you got, in my opinion, probably two best defensive guards in the NBA who play
00:00:07for the Celtics between Drew Holiday and Derrick White.
00:00:11Okay.
00:00:11I think they can put two bodies on Brunson.
00:00:14Now, Brunson's a great player.
00:00:15He's going to get X amount of points, but I think they're going to make it hard on him,
00:00:19really hard on him.
00:00:20Because the problem is he's going to have to play defense because the Celtics probably
00:00:26have to have the best floor spacing in the NBA.
00:00:30People don't even understand how important spacing is.
00:00:33I know Shaq and Kenny understand that.
00:00:36The difference between three or four feet means a lot to a great offensive player
00:00:41because you get a wide open shot or you get a contested shot.
00:00:45And they're going to make, I think they're going to go at Brunson's at some times also.
00:00:51And your guy Porzingis, I know you talk about him and how important he is in the Boston scheme,
00:00:55but he's been kind of on that roller coaster in that first round against Orlando.
00:00:59Well, one of the reasons I said it, I said...
00:01:01Single digits, three games?
00:01:02I said last year, once they got Porzingis, the championship was a wrap.
00:01:05I said that last year.
00:01:07If he doesn't pick up his game, the Celtics are not going to win the championship this year.
00:01:12I said it before the Celtics.
00:01:14I said, man, we're just wasting time.
00:01:15Because when Porzingis plays well, this takes his team to a whole other level.
00:01:20But he has not been consistent, Ernie, just like you said.
00:01:22But if he don't pick it up, they're not going to win the East.
00:01:26And the reason he's been inconsistent in most of those games I've watched,
00:01:30he stayed out on the perimeter.
00:01:31When he mixes it up, he plays okay.
00:01:34But if he learns how to mix up a little more, he will have better numbers and better games.
00:01:37But if you just stay out there on the perimeter and you're not making them,
00:01:41that's going to be the outcome.
00:01:42Single digits.
00:01:43Celtics are trying to get to the Eastern Conference Finals for the fourth straight year.
00:01:48For the Knicks, it's been a while.
00:01:50The year was 2000.
00:01:52You know who was on that team?
00:01:54John Starks?
00:01:55Rick Brunson.
00:01:56Rick Brunson.
00:01:56Rick Brunson.
00:01:57Wow.
00:01:58Dad was on the team.
00:01:59Jalen Brunson's dad was on the team the last time the Knicks made it to the Eastern Conference Finals.
00:02:05They will try to get there, but it's going to take an effort against the Boston Celtics.
00:02:09It's the reigning champs.
00:02:12I love Chuck, but he picked the Clippers.
00:02:14Ben, Ben Stiller, a friend of the program.
00:02:17Ben, we know you love you, Ben.
00:02:18Yeah.
00:02:19Ben, we know you love you.
00:02:20Had him in the steam room earlier this year.
00:02:22So, Ben.
00:02:23He picked the Rockets, too.
00:02:24Yeah, that's it.
00:02:25Ben, you should be happy.
00:02:27If I pick the Celtics, that means y'all going to win.
00:02:31There's our technical director, Garrett Rifa, and his sons, who are in the studio tonight.
00:02:35They got some good hair in that family.
00:02:37So, who's the technical director tonight?
00:02:38I don't know.
00:02:40They got some good damn hair in that family.
00:02:42I guess the thing is just driving itself tonight.
00:02:52And, again, here's what we got.
00:02:54Top of the hour, Knicks and the Celtics.
00:02:57And then at 9.30 or thereabouts, the Nuggets and the Thunder coming your way from OKC.
00:03:04Playoffs are the perfect time to join FanDuel, America's number one sports book.
00:03:08Because, right now, new FanDuel customers get started with $200 in bonus bets if your first $5 bet wins.
00:03:17Just scan the QR code to join today.
00:03:20I'm assuming you lost the last one.
00:03:24I'm just assuming that.
00:03:26How do you know?
00:03:27I'm just assuming it, I said.
00:03:29Two out of four.
00:03:30See, I was right.
00:03:31Well, these bombs are not here playing well.
00:03:34Joker going for 12 rebounds.
00:03:35Yep.
00:03:36Jamal Murray, 20 points.
00:03:38Yep.
00:03:39SGA going for 30.
00:03:41Yep.
00:03:41He had 50 of those in the regular season.
00:03:44And Chet going to get me eight rebounds.
00:03:46One of them, I believe.
00:03:47Nope.
00:03:47And Chet with eight.
00:03:48Well, which one you think ain't going to happen?
00:03:50The rebounds with Chet.
00:03:51He can't get eight rebounds?
00:03:52He's seven-foot tall.
00:03:53He's going to score well, but I don't know if he's going to rebound.
00:03:55Come on, man.
00:03:55You got to get double-division rebounds if you're a big dude.
00:03:58That drives me crazy.
00:03:59How we feel?
00:04:00How we feeling, fellas, in the few seconds we have left?
00:04:0330 seconds left.
00:04:04SGA and Joker.
00:04:07MVP candidates, OKC.
00:04:09And Denver, who you like?
00:04:11I'm going with Denver.
00:04:12SGA and his team has had eight days off.
00:04:16Been going perfect for their season right now.
00:04:19So you like Denver in the opener?
00:04:21Yeah, I like Denver in the opener.
00:04:23I would have to agree with that.
00:04:24I think, you know, I'm interested to see when Hardenstein goes out the game,
00:04:29who guards Jokic.
00:04:30Like, that will be it.
00:04:33Oklahoma City.
00:04:34Guaranteed.
00:04:37There you go.
00:04:37I feel good about it.
00:04:38Guarantee it, then.
00:04:39But straight ahead.
00:04:41We get ready for this game.
00:04:42We got the Knicks and the Celtics.
00:04:44Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Ali LaForce have you covered.
00:04:47It's the playoffs.
00:04:48It's two teams fighting for something.
00:04:50There's no one way that a series is supposed to go.
00:04:53Celtics, the way they plan, they know what it takes.
00:04:55They can win in a lot of different ways.
00:04:57We got to execute at a high level.
00:04:59This is exactly what playoff basketball should be.
00:05:01We just got to be ready to do whatever it takes to get to win.
00:05:05The goal is still to win and compete for a championship.
00:05:07This is playoff basketball at its best.
00:05:10Good evening, everyone from Boston for the start of the most talked-about second-round series of these playoffs.
00:05:19With two original NBA franchises meeting for the first time in the postseason in 12 years.
00:05:27Tonight, the NBA on TNT's second-round coverage is presented by Wingstop.
00:05:33The three-seed, New York Knicks, beat Detroit in the first round in six games.
00:05:39The two-seed, Boston Celtics, took care of Orlando in five.
00:05:43The winner here going to the Eastern Conference Finals against either the Cleveland Cavaliers or the Indiana Pacers.
00:05:53And good evening, everyone.
00:05:55Kevin Harlan, the Hall of Famer, Reggie Miller, on our sideline tonight.
00:05:58Reporting will be Ali LaForce.
00:05:59All right, Reggie, set up the series for us.
00:06:02Well, these two Blue Blood franchises have been on a collision course, it seems like, for the last three months.
00:06:08When both were locked in as the number two and three seeds.
00:06:12And it's only fitting that both are led by young superstars who aren't afraid of the big moment.
00:06:19Jason Tatum, averaging almost 34 points versus the Knicks this season.
00:06:23Tatum, he likes to start quickly.
00:06:26Ten-plus points in each of the first quarters versus these Knicks.
00:06:30And Mr. Clutch, Jalen Brunson.
00:06:33We all remember this, the dagger in game six versus the Pistons.
00:06:37All he's done in his young Knicks playoff career in 30 games, he's averaging almost 31 points and seven assists.
00:06:45We've got two players, two franchises, heck, two cities with a lot of sports history.
00:06:51This should be fun.
00:06:54Right now, let's check the starting lineups presented by Kia and Range.
00:06:57Give me an early matchup that you'll be keeping track of.
00:07:00The thing that separates Boston and the champs from a lot of people is their ability to knock down threes.
00:07:08They make 18 and shoot 48 a game.
00:07:11The switching capability of the Knicks.
00:07:14It will be OG starting out on Tatum.
00:07:17But when they get to that high screen and roll with Porzingis, what will Coach Thibodeau and the Knicks like to do is switch a lot.
00:07:26So I've got to see who's going to switch out on Porzingis.
00:07:29Come on, let's see who's going to go.
00:07:31Let's see who's going to go.
00:07:37Partner, this place is humming in here.
00:07:43Always a good scene.
00:07:45Our crew chief tonight, Mark Davis, 27th season.
00:07:48Referee Ben Taylor in his 12th umpire, J.B. DeRosa.
00:07:52His 16th playoff game tonight in his eighth year,
00:07:55the alternate Jason Goble.
00:07:56In the replay center, Brian Forte.
00:07:59And here we go.
00:08:00In the regular season, Boston beat them four games to none.
00:08:04Missed shot there by Brown.
00:08:06Knicks will have it first.
00:08:07Defeating Detroit in the first round, four games to two.
00:08:11And down low, Brunson finding heart.
00:08:13He always seems to find a trigger for this team.
00:08:18It's Towns on top.
00:08:20Double-double in game six.
00:08:22Puts over Detroit.
00:08:22Bridges with the miss.
00:08:24Tipped it inside Hart.
00:08:25Well, it looks like Jalen Brown actually tipped it in,
00:08:28but they'll give the bucket to Josh Hart.
00:08:31How great was Hart on the offensive glass
00:08:34in that first round matchup with the Pistons.
00:08:37Both of these teams had physical first round series.
00:08:41Brunson is inside.
00:08:42Knocked away by Bridges.
00:08:44Picked up Brunson.
00:08:45Just outside three.
00:08:46Good.
00:08:47Put down, Derek White.
00:08:49Another thing that's going to be...
00:08:51a race in this series is who can win the offensive glass.
00:08:56Looks like Bridges coming up a little gimpy
00:08:59after that first defensive possession there for the Knicks.
00:09:03And wasn't he great in game six against the Pistons with 25 points.
00:09:07Passed offensive game in the playoffs for him as a Knick.
00:09:12Brunson off a 40-point game-winning performance in game six inside Towns.
00:09:19Defended by Przingis.
00:09:21And here comes Brown for the Boston Celtics.
00:09:24Corner three right.
00:09:25With a rebound by Hart.
00:09:31Picks on the move.
00:09:32Bridges with the ball.
00:09:33Deflected away.
00:09:34Holiday.
00:09:36And OG Ananobi has the ball.
00:09:38Holiday being back after missing three games with a hamstring issue.
00:09:41Look at all the padding he's wearing as well.
00:09:44Hart will slash inside.
00:09:45Oh, what a nice dance move on Przingis.
00:09:49Beautiful move inside by Josh Hart.
00:09:51He is so good around the basket.
00:09:54Brown the other way.
00:09:55Another three from White.
00:09:57Przingis backs it out.
00:09:58Brown's got the ball.
00:10:00Celtics control.
00:10:01Right on the fly.
00:10:03With a whistle.
00:10:04Great whistle at that.
00:10:06How about the aggressiveness of Derek White coming out here already with three field goal attempts.
00:10:12But how about this move by Josh Hart.
00:10:15Little up and under.
00:10:17Fakes Porzingis.
00:10:19Nice little reverse there by Hart.
00:10:22Jalen Brunson picked up the personal foul.
00:10:24It is the first on him.
00:10:25Brunson the second leading scorer in these playoffs.
00:10:29And back of out of the combo.
00:10:31White at the line.
00:10:33Here is Joe Mazzulli in his third year.
00:10:36Took over for Ime Udoka.
00:10:38As an assistant coach.
00:10:40A long time assistant with the Celtics.
00:10:42Elevated.
00:10:43And he has taken this team to great heights.
00:10:45Including a championship a couple years ago.
00:10:48Such a young coach.
00:10:48Which was last season.
00:10:49The defending champs.
00:10:51For such a young coach.
00:10:52A no nonsense coach.
00:10:54He's all about business.
00:10:56In terms of preparation.
00:10:58One of the best at such a young age.
00:11:00Runs him the other way.
00:11:01Defense!
00:11:0342 minutes with the 40 points in game six.
00:11:07On top for Hart.
00:11:08It's a three.
00:11:10Towns tries to corral it.
00:11:11White has got it.
00:11:13And the Celtics who are 28 and 13 at home the other way.
00:11:18And offensive rating number two.
00:11:19It whistles over the head of Porzingis.
00:11:21And that's saying something.
00:11:22Because he's 7-3 with the big reach.
00:11:25Thrown away and a turnover by Boston.
00:11:26These are some of the things that Coach Mizzoula was talking to us about.
00:11:30We cannot afford to have careless turnovers like that versus this New York team.
00:11:36We want to win the possession battle.
00:11:38Here's a whistle.
00:11:40Brown was over there defending Brunson.
00:11:43That is going to be a fierce battle.
00:11:46With a look at fifth-year head coach Tom Thibodeau.
00:11:49Brown picked up his first.
00:11:51Former Celtics associate head coach under Doc Rivers.
00:11:55Won the championship.
00:11:56Was here from 07 to 2010.
00:11:59Bridges will curl.
00:12:00Shot clock at 7.
00:12:03Brunson in the paint.
00:12:04And that turn drop is just terrific.
00:12:07His mid-range shooting is wonderful.
00:12:11One of the best mid-range players in our game.
00:12:13Another turnover here by the Celtics.
00:12:16Intercepted by Bridges.
00:12:17Gets it back from Hart.
00:12:19Tries to finish.
00:12:20White with the knockaway and the defense.
00:12:22The other way is Holiday.
00:12:24Bad hamstring at all.
00:12:25The three.
00:12:26No.
00:12:27Rebound Brown.
00:12:28Got shoved inside.
00:12:29Hart was in there battling and a foul.
00:12:32With about three minutes gone here in the first quarter.
00:12:35Derek Wright led all guards in terms of shot blocking this season.
00:12:39Showing there why his athleticism.
00:12:41Catching up with Bridges in the open court.
00:12:45That's what makes this Knicks team so dangerous.
00:12:49Number two in defensive rating.
00:12:51Behind Orlando who they knocked out in the first round.
00:12:54This team is so good on both sides of the ball.
00:12:57Josh R picked up his first personal foul.
00:13:00Brown is at the free throw line.
00:13:02In the Orlando series.
00:13:0484%.
00:13:05Tonight from Boston.
00:13:06The NBA on TNT.
00:13:08Is brought to you by the Kia Telluride X-Line.
00:13:12Kia the official automotive partner of the NBA.
00:13:15Brown tonight playing in his 130th playoff game.
00:13:19He has been involved in one 17 career series.
00:13:27It's Hart.
00:13:31And you see the smaller player guarding Carl Anthony Towns.
00:13:34That's by design for the Celtics.
00:13:37Towns is there to clean it up.
00:13:41And put it in for the New York Knicks.
00:13:44Towns with his first two.
00:13:45And that's the advantage New York will have.
00:13:48If they're going to play Jalen Brown or Tatum on Carl Anthony Towns.
00:13:52He's got to hurt him on the offensive rebounding glass.
00:13:55Tatum drives right by Towns to the hole in a whistle.
00:13:59Good first step.
00:14:01And Tatum coming off a marvelous game five against Orlando with 35.
00:14:06That closed down the magic.
00:14:07Carl Anthony Towns picks up his first personal foul.
00:14:11And Jason Tatum will be at the free throw line.
00:14:13So the Celtics took care of Orlando in the first round.
00:14:19Four games to one.
00:14:20Had to play a little bit differently than they normally do.
00:14:23They did not get as many three-point shots off in time.
00:14:25And Allie, we've got the Celtics down by two right now.
00:14:31Kevin, you're right.
00:14:31And Coach Mazzula will be the first one to say every single matchup has a different scenario.
00:14:36It's like a chess game.
00:14:37He also told us that the real season has officially begun and they are 4-1.
00:14:40He's been saying all year that the playoffs are when the season really begins.
00:14:44When we asked him about this matchup specifically, he said he considers the X-Factor shot margin.
00:14:49He mentioned in the Orlando loss they were negative 12 at halftime.
00:14:52But he said outside of that, it's the simple things, rebounding and taking care of the ball.
00:14:56We've already seen both of those play a role in this game.
00:14:59We know their offense is built on two things, three-point shooting and taking care of the ball.
00:15:02We're there, top-notch in this league.
00:15:04Absolutely.
00:15:04And Allie DeFakie, here's a steal by Tatum.
00:15:07Ramming his way into Hart.
00:15:08And he will pick up a foul as he was stride for stride with Tatum.
00:15:14And that's the second on Hart of the Knicks.
00:15:18And both teams a little sloppy with the basketball here in this first quarter.
00:15:23Good anticipation there by Tatum.
00:15:25And this is a huge right here for the Knicks and Coach Thibodeau with those two fouls on Hart.
00:15:31Remember, this Knicks team does not like to go deep in their bench.
00:15:34Cameron Payne, Deuce McBride, Mitchell Robinson.
00:15:38Those are the primary three players.
00:15:40And they don't play a lot off the bench.
00:15:43Celtics already in the bonus.
00:15:45Here's a three from Tatum.
00:15:46Wow.
00:15:47And Brunson's got it.
00:15:51Brunson averaging 31 points in these playoffs.
00:15:54Here is Hart.
00:15:58And it looked like some miscommunication.
00:16:00He and Towns having a discretion.
00:16:02Yeah, but if I'm Carl Anthony Towns, I was going to assume that Hart was going to shoot that as well.
00:16:06Porzingis was five feet off of him.
00:16:09And it was almost at the top of the key.
00:16:12He should shoot this.
00:16:13I would assume he's going to shoot this.
00:16:15Porzingis is not even playing him.
00:16:16Hart will leave.
00:16:24Deuce McBride is in.
00:16:26Miles McBride, who's coming off an offensive struggle in the first round.
00:16:31Three.
00:16:32Tatum Towns defends.
00:16:33And Tatum with four.
00:16:40And two to seven.
00:16:42Crunch in a wheel.
00:16:44Corner three.
00:16:45Big shot right there confidence-wise for McBride.
00:16:50Puts the Knicks up by one.
00:16:52That's one thing that Deuce McBride can do for this Knicks team.
00:16:56He gives them instant offense off the bench.
00:16:59Tatum again.
00:17:00Lines into Towns.
00:17:01And that's going to be two on Towns.
00:17:04So Towns has got two.
00:17:06And Hart has got two.
00:17:08And look at Coach Stibble.
00:17:09He can't believe he feels that Tatum jumped in to Cat.
00:17:14But Cat was coming forward.
00:17:17That's actually a good call there by the official.
00:17:20Now Mitchell Robinson getting ready to check in.
00:17:24Now remember, this Knicks team,
00:17:26and especially Carl Anthony Towns,
00:17:29four or more fouls in five of the six games versus Detroit.
00:17:37So he's known to get in foul trouble.
00:17:41Knicks have not taken a free throw yet.
00:17:44And Boston has gone five of seven from the line.
00:17:48The upcoming playoff schedule.
00:17:49TNT tomorrow.
00:17:50Indiana-Cleveland.
00:17:51That is Game 2, Golden State, Minnesota.
00:17:55Tomorrow night, 930 Eastern, Game 1.
00:17:57And for more on these games, go to NBA.com or visit the NBA app.
00:18:03Celtics are already five of eight from the free throw line.
00:18:07They've already missed three.
00:18:08Tatum missing two of the three.
00:18:12Towns.
00:18:12Tatum had made 37 consecutive free throws to win that Orlando series.
00:18:17And here he is again at the line.
00:18:19We're tied at 11.
00:18:20We're on the regular season.
00:18:21Towns.
00:18:23249 fouls.
00:18:24That's the third most in the association during the regular season.
00:18:28On the bench now with two early fouls.
00:18:30So Robinson in.
00:18:32McBride in.
00:18:32The two off the bench.
00:18:35It's McBride.
00:18:36Another shot.
00:18:36White defends.
00:18:38Tapped by Newland State at Al Horford.
00:18:40And here comes Jalen Brown,
00:18:42who's battling the knee but seems to have it under control.
00:18:45His three.
00:18:46Rebound McBride aggressively grabs the ball and leads the Knicks the other way.
00:18:51Bridges on the fly.
00:18:52Three.
00:18:53No.
00:18:53Brown.
00:18:54Rebound.
00:18:55Early release.
00:18:56Tatum from behind.
00:18:57Bridges can't get him.
00:18:58And Tatum on the runaway.
00:19:02And Tatum has the last eight points for the Boston Celtics.
00:19:08And it's all predicated.
00:19:10Quick shot by the Knicks at one end by Bridges.
00:19:15And how about the look ahead from Brown to Tatum.
00:19:19Celtics rolling early.
00:19:23Celtics by three.
00:19:24We're back in Boston.
00:19:25Time for rewarding performance presented by Capital One.
00:19:29And these two franchises have met.
00:19:32They began in 1946 playing each other.
00:19:37Original NBA franchises.
00:19:40Patrick Ewing, a part of so many of the great battles back in the 90s with this New York team in attendance.
00:19:45High school in the Boston area.
00:19:48Robinson has it right now.
00:19:49Six and a half in the first.
00:19:51They run up there really quick and just give him a quick forearm to the chest.
00:19:55Well, I think he still has the bruises from when you guys run here to Bryson.
00:19:59Brunson run a team so far.
00:20:01Defended by Horford.
00:20:03Rebound by Brown.
00:20:05Look at that very spot on that game winner versus Detroit.
00:20:08Brown and the Celtics the other way.
00:20:11The Celtics have missed six of their last eight threes.
00:20:15And they still lead by three.
00:20:17Tatum on top.
00:20:18Bridges is on him.
00:20:20Now the switch.
00:20:21Shot clock at five.
00:20:22Three.
00:20:23Tatum.
00:20:25And this is a bad position to put Mitchell Robinson in.
00:20:29He is not comfortable 25 feet away from the basket guarding a dangerous offensive weapon like Tatum.
00:20:37With that basket.
00:20:39Tatum just passed Paul Pierce.
00:20:41All-time Celtic playoff scoring.
00:20:43O.G. Adonobi.
00:20:44Cans a shot from the wing.
00:20:46And he's got his first basket.
00:20:48And it's a three.
00:20:54Tatum and Adonobi.
00:20:55And Adonobi has played him well.
00:20:58They go inside.
00:20:59Lost by Persingas.
00:21:01Here's McBride again.
00:21:02Hearts on the bench with two.
00:21:04Towns on the bench with two.
00:21:05Fouls.
00:21:05Robbins in a screen.
00:21:07McBride three.
00:21:08Got it.
00:21:09Instant offense off the bench for the Knicks.
00:21:12Six quick points for McBride.
00:21:16It's Persingas coming off and up and down.
00:21:21First round against Orlando.
00:21:23White.
00:21:24Tatum.
00:21:26Brunson will defend.
00:21:28White outside over the close of Ananobi.
00:21:31Portage got the rebound.
00:21:33And a fresh shot clock with Rich to work for the champion Celtics.
00:21:36Here comes Tatum over Brunson.
00:21:39Tatum is on it.
00:21:40My goodness.
00:21:41It's barely even touching the net.
00:21:43We saw what he did against Mitchell Robinson.
00:21:45The seven-footer.
00:21:46Then he has the smaller Brunson and just shoots over him.
00:21:49Tatum is four of five.
00:21:50The last 13 Boston points are his.
00:21:53McBride on top.
00:21:55Ananobi.
00:21:56And it's a three.
00:21:57And he gets it again.
00:21:58This is over the defense of Horford.
00:22:00Ananobi coming off a terrific game six at 22 points.
00:22:05In the series clincher over the Pistons.
00:22:09Career season for him.
00:22:10Averaging a career-high 18 points.
00:22:13But from that three-point line, so solid all year long.
00:22:17Here's Brown nudging his way into the fence.
00:22:20It's picked up by Robinson.
00:22:22Both teams were healthy.
00:22:23Both the Knicks and Celtics.
00:22:25Full health.
00:22:26And Ananobi another three.
00:22:29For the hat trick there for OG.
00:22:31You talk about both teams being healthy.
00:22:33But just the optics and looking at Jalen Brown.
00:22:37He doesn't have any lift on his shot.
00:22:40There's a pick back there.
00:22:42And a miss by Borzingas.
00:22:44Right at the doorstep.
00:22:46Absolutely.
00:22:47Tatum is dealing with the bad knee.
00:22:49Here's a pass.
00:22:49Brunson trying to get the charging Ananobi.
00:22:52And it ricochets out of bounds off of New York.
00:22:55How about the hot start by Jason Tatum?
00:22:57Four of five.
00:22:58The smaller.
00:22:58Brunson trying to guard him.
00:23:00And here's this bucket where he moves ahead of the truth.
00:23:05Paul Pierce.
00:23:06And that's a heck of a top five to be in when you're behind Byrd, Havlicek, McHale, and the great Sam Jones.
00:23:14And moving on up.
00:23:15Luke Cornett has checked in.
00:23:19And Allie Pritchard has checked in for the Celtics.
00:23:21He had, and I just wanted to add to Tatum, when I spoke with him individually, he said,
00:23:25This year has just been so much fun.
00:23:26We have a special bond about us.
00:23:28And we're all at a special place in our careers individually.
00:23:30We've had a lot of success personally.
00:23:32We've gotten the awards.
00:23:33We've been compensated.
00:23:34But now, we impact each other and lift each other up as you see them doing exactly that.
00:23:41We want to play with joy.
00:23:42We want to execute.
00:23:43And we're in it for the bigger picture, not just the individual accolades at this point.
00:23:46Payne has come in for Brunson.
00:23:48And Ananobi tried to raise a run inside for the cutting Robinson.
00:23:51It's Tatum the other way.
00:23:55New York's defense is there.
00:23:57New York's defensive rating in the regular season, 13th.
00:24:00And Boston's offense, number two, three, Tatum.
00:24:06Rebound, Bridges.
00:24:08And off to Payne, had that marvelous game one.
00:24:11And the win in the garden coming from behind.
00:24:13Part of a gigantic run.
00:24:14He had 11 himself in the fourth.
00:24:16He tried to throw it inside and throws it away with a hit turnover.
00:24:20Five for the Knicks in the first quarter.
00:24:25Pritchard.
00:24:26Tatum.
00:24:28Payne defending.
00:24:29And across the way and can't get it.
00:24:31Payne's got the rebound.
00:24:32Robinson was there with rim protection in New York the other way.
00:24:36McBride.
00:24:37And Tatum comes out on him.
00:24:39And a hold.
00:24:40Tatum.
00:24:41Will pick up the foul for Boston with 2.07 to go in the first.
00:24:46Luke Cornett flying in for the putback.
00:24:50The 2025 NBA playoffs are presented by Google.
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00:24:59Yes, Kenneth Dwayne Smith.
00:25:00My name's not Dwayne.
00:25:02It's Kenneth Smith.
00:25:03But don't forget to download the FanDuel Sports app.
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00:25:10Question of the night.
00:25:12Charles Way Barkley.
00:25:13Who scores more points?
00:25:14Charles Way Barkley.
00:25:16Jalen or Cat?
00:25:17Or Tatum and Brown?
00:25:19I'm going to go with Tatum and Brown.
00:25:21I'm going to go with Jalen and Cat.
00:25:24Charles Way Barkley.
00:25:26Here we go.
00:25:272.07 to go.
00:25:28We're in the first.
00:25:29And Anobi will get it out to Payne and down low.
00:25:33Towns playing with two fouls.
00:25:35Bumping in to Horford.
00:25:36Way at the whistle down low.
00:25:391.59 to go.
00:25:41Horford.
00:25:43Number one.
00:25:44Austin had a foul to give.
00:25:46The gamble here by Coach Thibodeau.
00:25:49Two minutes left here in this first quarter.
00:25:52Putting Towns back on the floor with those two fouls.
00:25:57McBride in pain.
00:25:59Towns and Mitchell Robinson.
00:26:01And Anobi, that's the five for New York.
00:26:02Shot clock at seven.
00:26:04Towns will make a move.
00:26:05Horford in the way.
00:26:06Back.
00:26:08Nice, impressive move by Carl Anthony Towns.
00:26:11Is it two in a row?
00:26:12And he's got four.
00:26:13Holiday back on the floor.
00:26:15Horford out there.
00:26:16Tatum, Cornette, and Pritchard.
00:26:17The five for the Seas.
00:26:19Inside ease.
00:26:20He won't, but Holiday can't get it at the doorstop.
00:26:23And here they come with Payne the other way.
00:26:26See a little bit of the rust on Holiday there.
00:26:28Missing some time with those hamstring injuries.
00:26:30The last three in that Orlando series alone.
00:26:37Payne will drive on Horford.
00:26:38That's going to be two fouls on Al Horford.
00:26:42Back to back.
00:26:44So there's fouls on number 42 by Al Horford.
00:26:47His second, the team's women.
00:26:491.17 to go.
00:26:55Cameron Payne will be at the free-throw line.
00:27:08Knicks are on top by one against the Celtics and Jalen Brown.
00:27:12And you got Kat.
00:27:22Hey, you got Kat.
00:27:23You can help, KP.
00:27:24You can help.
00:27:25Robinson.
00:27:27Robinson's in.
00:27:28He's going to help at the rim.
00:27:29We got all shooters in.
00:27:30We get to the paint.
00:27:31Somebody's going to be open.
00:27:32Be ready to shoot.
00:27:35Pritchard, the sixth man of the year, was passing.
00:27:38Towns got it.
00:27:40And the whistle was blown with 1.08 to go here in the first.
00:27:45And Payne, who is playing with ten different teams.
00:27:50So, too, there was a delay.
00:27:52A game there for the Knicks, too.
00:27:53Pick up the foul.
00:27:53We'll keep track of that, clearly.
00:27:55One more.
00:27:55It becomes a technical.
00:27:57Here's Pritchard at the line.
00:27:59Sixth man award winner.
00:28:01Five of eight at the free-throw line in the Orlando series.
00:28:06Well, if you're the Knicks,
00:28:07you're in a good position and very fortunate right now.
00:28:10The game is tied.
00:28:11You've gotten two fouls to Hart, two fouls to Cat.
00:28:17Five turnovers in this first quarter,
00:28:19but yet you're only down one.
00:28:22Knicks have hit four threes.
00:28:240 of 2 from the line.
00:28:25Here's a whistle.
00:28:27It's on Cornette.
00:28:28He's going to send Robinson to the free-throw line.
00:28:31And this was a tactic that Detroit tried, didn't they?
00:28:34They tried to target him, intentionally fouling him
00:28:37to get him to the free-throw line.
00:28:41In that series against Detroit, 4 of 15 from the stripe.
00:28:45And Robinson missed a ton of games, coming back from ankle surgery.
00:28:50The fan on the first.
00:28:51Don't miss a playoff moment with the NBA app.
00:28:54Download the app today for the latest scores,
00:28:57highlights, and behind-the-scenes access to all the drama.
00:29:00Free-throw in line for both teams in this first quarter.
00:29:06The Celtics, 8-4-11, 0-4-4 for the Knicks.
00:29:14Pritchard, under a minute to go.
00:29:16He'll put up a three.
00:29:20Five-point swing.
00:29:21Two missed free throws at 1-80 for the Knicks.
00:29:24Pritchard makes them pay with a three.
00:29:26Pritchard, and the Celtics made more threes and took more threes
00:29:30than anybody in the NBA this season.
00:29:32Good feet inside.
00:29:34And an obie was met by Cornette.
00:29:36Robinson is trying to go up after the rebound with a whistle and a foul.
00:29:40What a beautiful meeting at the summit here
00:29:44by Luke Cornette and OG Ananobi.
00:29:47Ananobi felt he had an uncontested dunk.
00:29:51And Cornette, out of nowhere, and then he wraps up and fouls Robinson.
00:29:56The smart move here, who just missed two free throws.
00:30:02Again, Cornette's fouls.
00:30:05They're expendable.
00:30:09First free throw made here for the Knicks by Mitchell Robinson.
00:30:14Robinson in his seventh season.
00:30:16He enrolled at Western Kentucky.
00:30:17He never played there after high school basketball in Florida and Louisiana.
00:30:24Tatum the rebound.
00:30:26With a half-minute to go in the first quarter.
00:30:29Three, Tatum.
00:30:31Towns gobbles up the rebound.
00:30:34And gets it out to Payne.
00:30:36That was a two-for-one possession there for the Celtics.
00:30:39That's why that was a quick shot by Tatum.
00:30:41It's Towns outside.
00:30:50Holiday will defend.
00:30:51Bad hamstring and all.
00:30:53Doubled.
00:30:54Cornette got him there and fouled him.
00:30:57As he was firing with .9 on the clock,
00:31:01Cornette picks it up again.
00:31:03And it will be his third personal foul.
00:31:06So, here's Towns at the line.
00:31:12They made the trade before camp for Towns.
00:31:16And they sent Randall and DiVincenzo to Minnesota.
00:31:20Carl Anthony Towns finished 12th in scoring,
00:31:23second this season in rebounding.
00:31:25And is probably destined for one of the All-NBA teams.
00:31:28His baseball season is in full swing.
00:31:32Tomorrow, two teams with championship aspirations will meet.
00:31:35It's the Padres and the Yankees.
00:31:386.30 Eastern on TBS and streaming on Macs.
00:31:42So, according to what you just said,
00:31:44I think that was a win for both teams, right?
00:31:48Carl Anthony Towns, new lease here with the Knicks.
00:31:51All-star.
00:31:52He'll probably be on one of those three All-NBA teams.
00:31:54And how about Minnesota and what Dante DiVincenzo and Julius Randall,
00:31:58what they have brought.
00:31:59Here's a steal.
00:32:00A potato.
00:32:01Horford is trying to defend.
00:32:02Did not get it off in time.
00:32:06Did not get it off.
00:32:08And the quarter has come to a close with Boston on top of one.
00:32:13Watch it one more time.
00:32:15In the first quarter,
00:32:16they contain five times and 11 lane changes.
00:32:18The first quarter is in the books.
00:32:24The defending champion, Celtics,
00:32:26against the rival, the Knicks.
00:32:28Second-round coverage on TNT,
00:32:30presented by Wingstop.
00:32:37Jason Tatum has admitted playing more free this whole season
00:32:40after winning that championship a year ago.
00:32:43And off to a great start.
00:32:4513 points, 4 of 8 shooting.
00:32:47Our own All-NBA Forrest had a chance to speak with Knicks head coach
00:32:50Tom Thibodeau about his defensive identity.
00:32:57Well, Coach,
00:32:57Jason Tatum was the only one with more than one made field goal
00:33:00for most of that quarter,
00:33:01but they also got to the free throw line a lot.
00:33:03How would you like to see their balance of scoring be different?
00:33:05Yeah, we just got to make sure we're disciplined.
00:33:07We got to play with a lot of toughness and a lot of discipline.
00:33:09We got to pull our hands back.
00:33:10They also had 15 early points off of offensive rebounds
00:33:13or the turnovers.
00:33:14How much can you possibly emphasize to your team
00:33:16how critical those things are?
00:33:17Well, finishing your defense is huge against these guys,
00:33:20so we got to make sure we have bodies on them.
00:33:22They're going to go hard to the board.
00:33:23But then once we secure it,
00:33:24they're going to keep coming after the ball.
00:33:26We got to protect it.
00:33:26Thanks so much, Coach.
00:33:28Ali LaForce moments ago.
00:33:29In the paint, drifting to his left.
00:33:31Holiday connects.
00:33:32First basket tonight.
00:33:34We've had 11 lead changes and five ties.
00:33:38McBride the other way.
00:33:39How about the pressure by Pritchard on McBride?
00:33:44Eating up some time in that backcourt.
00:33:47Bronson is on the bench.
00:33:48We know that he was battling an ankle late in the regular season.
00:33:51We know he battled it in the Detroit series.
00:33:53They swarmed Towns, but he's still got it to go inside.
00:33:57And a quick aid for Carl Anthony Towns.
00:34:00You're going to see that more and more.
00:34:01Jalen Brown or Derek White, one of those smaller defenders
00:34:04on Carl Anthony Towns.
00:34:07How about him not settling on the perimeter?
00:34:09Take him down to the post.
00:34:13It's Brown fighting on Towns.
00:34:16And picked up by Hart.
00:34:19Jajar with a couple early fouls.
00:34:21Back on the floor.
00:34:21Bronson is sitting inside.
00:34:23They go.
00:34:24And picked up right there.
00:34:25And that's a foul.
00:34:32Carl Anthony Towns.
00:34:33Look here.
00:34:33Small defender.
00:34:35Punish him.
00:34:35Go down to the post.
00:34:37Try to get two feet in that green area.
00:34:39And just shoot over him.
00:34:40They can't block your shot.
00:34:42Use your size and your weight to create space.
00:34:45Pritchard picks up his first.
00:34:46Bronson back in the game.
00:34:49There they go.
00:34:50One more time.
00:34:51Right at Brown.
00:34:52Towns.
00:34:53Nice spinning shot.
00:34:54Now he had a 10-point, 15-rebound performance in Game 6 against Detroit.
00:35:00Tom Thibodeau talked about his rebounding in his defense.
00:35:03He's the key.
00:35:04Even though it was not his best game.
00:35:06Come out firing tonight.
00:35:07In Game 1.
00:35:08Brown inside.
00:35:09And fouled on the play.
00:35:12As each team is knocked in four threes apiece.
00:35:16But Towns has got his confidence tonight.
00:35:19And we've seen these early bursts from Carl Anthony Towns.
00:35:25And what really takes him out of rhythm, Kevin, is foul trouble.
00:35:28We saw him pick up those two quick fouls.
00:35:30He's got to be incredibly important these next three or four minutes that he doesn't pick up a silly third foul.
00:35:35Well, Bridges picked up number one.
00:35:37And tonight from Boston, the NBA on TNT is brought to you by Hyundai Customer Assurance.
00:35:43Putting people first when affordability matters most.
00:35:47Boston has taken 12 free throws.
00:35:50The Knicks have taken eight.
00:35:51And like I said, both teams have hit four threes.
00:35:55And that's something during the regular season, Boston was not great at getting to the free throw line.
00:36:01Because they relied so heavily on that three-point ball that there wasn't a lot of fouls.
00:36:07But in this postseason, they've been great in terms of getting to the free throw line.
00:36:11What a pass.
00:36:12Nice pass.
00:36:12Punch it into Hart.
00:36:15Goaltending the call.
00:36:16Count it.
00:36:18And it's a one-point New York Knick lead.
00:36:19He's got six now.
00:36:20Hart.
00:36:20Oh, this Villanova connection, it's so sweet here.
00:36:23A little brush screen there by Hart.
00:36:27Nice find by Brunson.
00:36:32Celtics have had almost a week off since they closed out Orlando.
00:36:38Two minutes gone here in the second quarter.
00:36:40Brown and Towns.
00:36:44That's going to be three on Carl Anthony Towns.
00:36:49That's the gamble and the risk you take, leaving him out on the floor because he's got it clicking offensively.
00:36:56But this is what you risk on those switches, trying to guard a Tatum or Brown.
00:37:0330 feet from the hoop.
00:37:06And now he's going to be saddled to the bench, probably for the last two or three minutes of this second quarter.
00:37:12If he plays at all the rest of the way.
00:37:15So the Celtics, who were number 30 in free throws made, and just about as deep in terms of poor ranking, in terms of free throws attempted,
00:37:27will be at the line again with Brown.
00:37:29Robinson comes back in Towns with the three fouls.
00:37:38But now you have to assume, with Cat going to the bench with those ten points, Jalen Brunson, the Knicks' lead in score during the regular season,
00:37:46and of course these playoffs, he only has three field goal attempts and two points.
00:37:50He has to start stepping up his offensive looks towards the rim here.
00:37:59Brown dealing with a bone bruise in his knee the final two months of the regular season.
00:38:06Set out eight of the final 16 regular season games.
00:38:10That says he's close to being about as good as he can possibly be and can manage it.
00:38:16Down Brunson, a foul on Brown of Boston.
00:38:20It is his second.
00:38:32Certainly a contact on the back side.
00:38:35Good call.
00:38:36Brown now with two.
00:38:37Knicks' third straight season.
00:38:40They made the second round.
00:38:42Lost in the second round of semifinals of the Eastern Conference last year to the Indiana Pacers.
00:38:49But they were not healthy.
00:38:51Now they are.
00:38:51Good fake.
00:38:52Three.
00:38:52Brunson.
00:38:53No.
00:38:54He went down.
00:38:54Holiday fouled him.
00:38:57And three coming up for Brunson.
00:38:59And at the top of the blackboard in the Celtics locker room,
00:39:04don't let Brunson get to the free-throw line because when he gets there,
00:39:09he is in your head.
00:39:10He has had his way.
00:39:12And this.
00:39:13Oh, down low.
00:39:14It wasn't up top.
00:39:15It was the body down low.
00:39:18Brunson went straight up and down.
00:39:22And it looked like Holiday just kind of brushed him.
00:39:27Brunson in the Detroit series, 81% from the stripe.
00:39:31Regular season, 82%.
00:39:32Yeah, down low.
00:39:32That's a good call.
00:39:34Good call there by the official Ben Taylor right on the play.
00:39:37And already six missed free throws in this first half, partner, by the Knicks.
00:39:45Download the FanDuel Sportsbook app today and make every playoff moment more
00:39:50on America's number one Sportsbook.
00:39:54FanDuel Sportsbook app.
00:39:57Knicks by one.
00:39:58And Brunson, we talked about when you mentioned about getting to the free-throw line.
00:40:03During the regular season, he averaged seven free-throw attempts in that first round
00:40:07versus the Pistons, nine.
00:40:10So it shows you how aggressive how he has picked up his game.
00:40:14And against Boston in the regular season, just four and a half.
00:40:16Holiday inside.
00:40:17Holiday!
00:40:18For those of you kids watching at home, watch Drew Holiday on defense and his preparation
00:40:26in guarding Jalen Brunson.
00:40:28I mean, this is a master class.
00:40:31Runs in the bump into White.
00:40:33Feeding Hart.
00:40:35Got out of traffic.
00:40:36McPride, three, no.
00:40:38What the rebound?
00:40:38And his Brown Tatum is sitting for Boston.
00:40:44Towns on the bench with three fouls for the Knicks.
00:40:47Out of bounds and 17 seconds on the clock in a tie game.
00:40:54Come on, KP!
00:40:56Locked it!
00:40:56New York's second consecutive 50-win season.
00:40:59They went 51-31 this year.
00:41:05Yeah, Porzingis can kind of get going a little bit.
00:41:07A little goose egg thus far.
00:41:11Pritchard!
00:41:12Three!
00:41:13Two threes off the bench.
00:41:16For Pritchard.
00:41:17That puts the edge up by three.
00:41:19McBride.
00:41:20Robinson the screen.
00:41:22McBride right in to Porzingis.
00:41:24Bride has come off and given some nice points,
00:41:32leaving the Thibodeau bench.
00:41:34Pritchard will drive in to Miles McBride.
00:41:37Now it's Porzingis.
00:41:42McBride with eight.
00:41:43Here comes Porzingis.
00:41:44He comes off the bench and scoops it home.
00:41:47How about the hesitation there by Pritchard?
00:41:49That's what froze Robinson.
00:41:51We've got a fun little matchup there.
00:41:53McBride against Pritchard coming off the bench.
00:41:54It's Bridges with a floater.
00:41:59Nice shot for McHale Bridges.
00:42:02In the regular season against Boston,
00:42:03averaged 14 points and was 43% from the floor.
00:42:06Nice.
00:42:07Nice feed.
00:42:08Brown to Holiday.
00:42:12Temple's starting to pick up here the last two or three minutes.
00:42:14Clark inside.
00:42:15Tried to contort.
00:42:17He was fouled as he was going airborne.
00:42:20With 734 to go in the second quarter.
00:42:24Warner, watch Peyton Pritchard here on this switch.
00:42:26How he hesitates.
00:42:28That throws off the rhythm of Mitchell Robinson, the shot blocker.
00:42:31Just froze him for that slight half a second and was able to get that layup off.
00:42:36Derek White just picked up his first foul.
00:42:40Josh Hart is at the free throw line.
00:42:43Told you they had that good series against the Pistons.
00:42:45The one thing about Hart, Reg, that he does, he triggers so much, he gets the motor going.
00:42:51He can really cajole his teammates.
00:42:55And with his play on defense, one of the best thieves in the NBA, top 10 in steals,
00:43:01he can really motivate the others around him.
00:43:04And it's shown all season long.
00:43:05Led the NBA in minutes, 39 games with 10 or more rebounds.
00:43:12So he does all the little gutty things that Coach Thibodeau and his Knicks need to be successful in games.
00:43:19And when you least suspect it, is able to score around the hoop.
00:43:22Here comes Holiday.
00:43:26It's a white three.
00:43:29And a rebound.
00:43:31Out of bounds.
00:43:32Off of Boston.
00:43:34You know, Josh Hart had a nice series.
00:43:36Had 12 points a game, Allie, against the Pistons.
00:43:39And had seven threes.
00:43:41It was 50% from three for the Knicks.
00:43:43He did.
00:43:44And when you think about how comfortable he is in his career now,
00:43:46based on how it started, right?
00:43:48Four head coaches in his first five years.
00:43:50Now he's with his Villanova teammate.
00:43:51He's out there being a leader, being Vogel, getting to the free throw line,
00:43:54and being a difference maker.
00:43:56All right, more when we come back after the break.
00:44:01The last time the New York Knicks and Celtics met at a playoff series outside the first round
00:44:06was 1984, the Eastern Semifinals.
00:44:10Boston defeated New York in Game 7.
00:44:12Bird went for 39, triple-double.
00:44:15Bernard King led the Knicks with 24.
00:44:17The Celtics would go on to defeat the Bucs in the Eastern Conference Finals
00:44:21and then knock off the Lakers in the NBA Finals.
00:44:26Well, the two main principals in that series,
00:44:28Bernard King obviously for the Knicks,
00:44:29Larry Legend for Boston,
00:44:32but some lesser-known players for the Knicks.
00:44:34How about Rory Sparrow,
00:44:35who was the third-leading scorer on that Knicks team?
00:44:37Truck Robinson,
00:44:38the fifth-leading scorer for New York.
00:44:41How about Gerald Henderson?
00:44:44For the Boston Celtics,
00:44:47Dennis Johnson,
00:44:47who I think would,
00:44:49people forget,
00:44:50and very underrated.
00:44:51What a great defensive two-way player
00:44:53Dennis Johnson was for the Celtics.
00:44:58We're approaching seven to play in the first half.
00:45:02Brown,
00:45:02shed the defense,
00:45:04then Brunson came back.
00:45:05Brown again,
00:45:07Jacques-Claude at eight.
00:45:12The series with Phoenix and a chance to Brown
00:45:15who get the two to go.
00:45:16They're hitting the twos.
00:45:18It's been the threes that have not been falling.
00:45:20Five of 16 from distance for the Celtics.
00:45:26Hard screen,
00:45:27Bridges drives.
00:45:29It was deflected by Holiday.
00:45:31His defense on display.
00:45:33That will be a theme throughout this series,
00:45:35deflections
00:45:36by the Celtics.
00:45:37Them in OKC,
00:45:38one and two in terms of deflections.
00:45:41Brown and Hart.
00:45:42Back-to-back buckets
00:45:43by Brown.
00:45:47And LeBron averaged 23 against Orlando,
00:45:49averaged 22 in the regular season.
00:45:52The balcony, we know,
00:45:53that ball was kicked by Horford.
00:45:54So the Celtic defense leading to the points.
00:46:01How happy is Coach Missoula back to have his defensive guru and Drew Holiday back?
00:46:07And then,
00:46:08Jalen Brown starting to cook a little bit here,
00:46:12up to eight points for the Seas.
00:46:1534-year-old Drew Holiday,
00:46:17two-time NBA champion.
00:46:19Bridges with the federal.
00:46:21It's caught by White.
00:46:23Six to play in the first half.
00:46:27Brown three!
00:46:30It's a rebound by Horford.
00:46:32Holiday,
00:46:34Horford,
00:46:34the collision,
00:46:35and the Knicks foul.
00:46:37McBride.
00:46:44Here's the offensive rebound
00:46:46by Al Horford.
00:46:47But the Knicks,
00:46:49the game plan is to take away the three.
00:46:51So they run
00:46:52to all four Celtics
00:46:55behind the three-point line
00:46:57and they forget Al Horford
00:46:58who's standing in the paint all alone.
00:47:02He's 38.
00:47:03He's played 18 years in the NBA.
00:47:06College champion at Florida.
00:47:08NBA champion here.
00:47:10Robinson will check back in.
00:47:11Biggest lead right now.
00:47:13Earn badges to win prizes
00:47:14with the NBA ID Playoff Challenge.
00:47:18Members in the U.S. and Canada
00:47:19who complete the challenge
00:47:21get the chance
00:47:22at a trip to the NBA draft.
00:47:24Play now in the NBA app
00:47:26or on NBA.com
00:47:28slash ID.
00:47:29Horford at the stripe.
00:47:31There's only two or three
00:47:32against Orlando in that entire series.
00:47:33And he stands up there right now
00:47:36and hits the second.
00:47:39And it's a part of a 15-5
00:47:42Boston Celtic run.
00:47:44And look at Brunson the other way.
00:47:46Count it.
00:47:47Foul.
00:47:47No, they're going to say before.
00:47:50Now they're going to have a conversation.
00:47:54He's going to call a foul on Pritchard.
00:47:56Looked like they were trying to intentionally foul
00:47:59Mitchell Robinson.
00:48:01Again, he's on the floor here
00:48:02and it's Hacker Robinson.
00:48:04Yeah, Pritchard is trying to grab Robinson.
00:48:14And White is pointing to him.
00:48:15Yes.
00:48:18Clearly, look over there.
00:48:19Clearly he was fouled.
00:48:21Look, everyone is pointing at him.
00:48:25They're going to review.
00:48:26Well, we kind of saw this
00:48:30in that Golden State Rockets series
00:48:35when they went to Hacker Stephen Adams.
00:48:41And they're going to try to go to the monitor
00:48:42and talk about off the ball,
00:48:45but they've got plenty of time to do this.
00:48:46This play is under review
00:48:47for potential clear path foul
00:48:50as well as off-ball timing.
00:48:53And the reason why they're saying clear path
00:48:55because it did look like
00:48:57Jalen Brunson
00:48:59was a step in front.
00:49:04Now, look where Jalen Brunson is.
00:49:07Looks like he's clearly in front of Derek White here.
00:49:10But no, because...
00:49:11Now, this is not going to be clear path
00:49:13because Al Horford was right there.
00:49:15Well, they were fouling Mitchell Robinson
00:49:20all the way down the court.
00:49:26And that's what the official J.B. DeRosa saw.
00:49:29He saw the intentional foul
00:49:31Pritchard on Robinson.
00:49:40Yeah, foul.
00:49:41And they're fouling all along.
00:49:43Yeah, right.
00:49:44Exactly.
00:49:45Yeah, he's fouling them
00:49:46even before Brunson gets the ball past half court.
00:49:50And the officials...
00:49:50Upon review, it has been determined
00:49:52that none of the criteria for a clear path
00:49:55presented themselves.
00:49:57And the foul occurred prior to Brunson
00:50:00beginning his upper shooting motion.
00:50:02Therefore, as called,
00:50:05this is a common foul.
00:50:06During the penalty, Robinson would shoot
00:50:08two free throws.
00:50:09Exactly what the Celtics were trying to do.
00:50:12put one of the league's worst free throw shooters back at the line.
00:50:17And with the Knicks,
00:50:19six of 13.
00:50:22And...
00:50:23Robinson is one of four from the free throw line.
00:50:27Mitchell Robinson at the free throw line.
00:50:32You know, in the off-season, Reg,
00:50:34they signed Ananobi
00:50:35to the biggest contract in team history.
00:50:38They traded the five first-round picks
00:50:41to get Bridges.
00:50:43They made the Carl Anthony Towns trade
00:50:45before camp.
00:50:47They went all in.
00:50:49And Boston had to be on the radar
00:50:52in terms of why they made these moves,
00:50:55why they gave that kind of money,
00:50:57and what they thought they could accomplish
00:50:59by kind of restructuring their roster.
00:51:02Well, this is the thinking behind it.
00:51:04You re-sign O.G. Ananobi,
00:51:06who's one of the best two-way players,
00:51:08but more importantly,
00:51:09his defense at that wing position.
00:51:11Mikael Bridges,
00:51:12who hasn't missed the game
00:51:13since his junior year in high school,
00:51:16a wing player, defender, two-way player.
00:51:18And then you bring in Cat
00:51:19to match up with Carl Anthony Towns.
00:51:22Absolutely, they're trying to copy
00:51:24what the Celtics are doing.
00:51:26Take him back in.
00:51:27Princeton will defend.
00:51:28Cross-court holiday.
00:51:29On top white.
00:51:30Here's a free.
00:51:31It's picked up by Brunson.
00:51:35They should foul Robinson again.
00:51:37And an O.B. three.
00:51:38He's hit one.
00:51:39Rebound Tatum.
00:51:40Quick out left.
00:51:42Early release.
00:51:42Right at the other end.
00:51:44Nice transition by the Celtics.
00:51:47They're fouling Robinson again.
00:51:51Taking a...
00:51:53Page out of the previous series playbook.
00:51:56Holiday will pick that one up.
00:51:57But not only that,
00:51:58it stops the Knicks from running.
00:52:00Even though that was a main dunk there
00:52:02by Derrick White.
00:52:04And the Knicks were pretty good running.
00:52:05Yes, running after Mates.
00:52:06That's when they were at their best.
00:52:08So it slows down their flow.
00:52:10That's how the Knicks like to score
00:52:12and transition in a faster pace.
00:52:16But again, you're putting a bad free throw
00:52:18shooter Robinson back at the line.
00:52:19Two of seven now for Robinson.
00:52:24Two of seven now for Robinson.
00:52:26Replacing number nine, Derrick White.
00:52:30Smart move.
00:52:31I would do it too.
00:52:32One shot, big out!
00:52:34Derrick White will lead.
00:52:35Joe Missoula brings Jalen Brown back in.
00:52:39And that's...
00:52:39Coach Missoula and the Knicks,
00:52:42they can afford to do it
00:52:43because they have depth.
00:52:45They have lots of players
00:52:46that they can go deep in.
00:52:48Mitchell Robinson picks up
00:52:49a quick foul here.
00:52:51His first.
00:52:52The Knicks,
00:52:53they don't have that luxury.
00:52:55They only play seven,
00:52:56sometimes only eight players.
00:52:58Preston Sachua has not played at all
00:53:00in these playoffs.
00:53:02And Towns has got three fouls on him.
00:53:06I mean, looking down,
00:53:08maybe a P.J. Tucker for spot minutes.
00:53:10The veteran.
00:53:12Robinson just picked up his first.
00:53:15Precious Sachua has come in for the Knicks.
00:53:17Shot three.
00:53:18Tatum now.
00:53:19Sachua the rebound.
00:53:20Sachua didn't even play
00:53:22in the Pistons series.
00:53:24There he is getting his first look.
00:53:26Welcome to the playoffs, Precious.
00:53:27And an OB.
00:53:28Cross-court Brunson.
00:53:30Step back three.
00:53:32Leaping rebound by Hart.
00:53:34Parachutes in to get it
00:53:36and it'll be hard to the hole.
00:53:38Picked up Hart.
00:53:38Three around him.
00:53:39Brace an open triple.
00:53:41Got it.
00:53:42I love me some Josh Hart.
00:53:46Man, this young man does everything.
00:53:49All the dirty work.
00:53:51All the extra possessions
00:53:52for your team.
00:53:54Perfect three.
00:53:56And Bridges could not snare it.
00:53:59He in the ball, out of bounds.
00:54:00Watch the tenacity
00:54:01and the perseverance
00:54:02of Hart inside.
00:54:04Told you, 39 games
00:54:06with 10 or more rebounds.
00:54:08Already six tonight.
00:54:10Three of them at the offensive end
00:54:12for the Knicks.
00:54:16It's a Pitchard three.
00:54:18Pitchard, back in.
00:54:20Holiday will tip it up and through.
00:54:22And he's got eight.
00:54:24And he's hit four in a row.
00:54:29Brunson orchestrate just under four to go in the first half.
00:54:32Game one.
00:54:34The Eastern Conference Semifinals.
00:54:35Brunson into Pritchard.
00:54:41Pritchard, the...
00:54:43Brunson, and Pritchard's a fifth defender to go in.
00:54:47Back in the other end side.
00:54:49Tatum with the rebound.
00:54:51Brown with the ball.
00:54:52Into Bridges.
00:54:54Off to Tatum.
00:54:56Into Cornette.
00:54:57Rebound Cornette.
00:55:00Tripled inside.
00:55:01Oh, he's in a torture chamber
00:55:03trying to get out
00:55:03with a whistle
00:55:04and a foul.
00:55:06Take a timeout.
00:55:07Timeout.
00:55:08Timeout taken, Boston.
00:55:10They held it.
00:55:11Eight-point Boston lead.
00:55:13Three and a half
00:55:14in the half
00:55:15on TNT.
00:55:18Today here in Boston,
00:55:20second-round coverage
00:55:21on TNT
00:55:22is presented by
00:55:23Wingstop.
00:55:23As we take a look at tonight,
00:55:25Cinco's Stand of the Night
00:55:27presented by Corona.
00:55:30And the last time,
00:55:32conference finals appearance
00:55:33going back 24 years
00:55:35for the Knicks.
00:55:37I saw a chance
00:55:38for the Knicks
00:55:39to exact a little revenge
00:55:41versus these Boston Celtics.
00:55:45Went 0 for 4
00:55:46during the regular season.
00:55:48You and I were here
00:55:49for, what, opening night?
00:55:50Opening night.
00:55:5129.
00:55:5229.
00:55:53Made threes.
00:55:55Tonight,
00:55:56each team has made
00:55:57five threes.
00:55:58Pritchard drives on Brunson.
00:56:00Ball jarred free.
00:56:02Whistle on the Knicks.
00:56:03That's going to go on Brunson.
00:56:05Number two on Jalen.
00:56:07Clutch Player of the Year
00:56:08award and showed it
00:56:10in all of his glory
00:56:11with the game winner,
00:56:12Game 6 in Detroit
00:56:13the other night.
00:56:16At the line
00:56:17is Peyton Pritchard.
00:56:18Well, this game changed a little bit
00:56:28in terms of pace and flow
00:56:30once Cat picked up
00:56:32that third foul.
00:56:36You can see the numbers there.
00:56:38Pritchard with three on the bench.
00:56:40Carl Anthony Towns.
00:56:43He was the number one
00:56:44overall pick in the draft
00:56:45the same year that
00:56:46Przingis was chosen
00:56:48by the Knicks.
00:56:52It's Brunson against
00:56:53Holiday.
00:56:53Bridges and Pritchard.
00:57:00New York shooting 45%.
00:57:03Brunson on the fly.
00:57:06Inside Hart was battling.
00:57:07That's a foul on Boston.
00:57:09That's all created because of
00:57:11Josh Hart on the offensive glass.
00:57:16Hungry, greedy, and
00:57:17Hart again.
00:57:19Look at this.
00:57:22Just right over the back
00:57:23of Holiday.
00:57:32So Hart
00:57:33at the strike.
00:57:37They threw out of Villanova.
00:57:39They take a look at the video
00:57:40on the side.
00:57:41And Holiday who missed
00:57:42the last three games
00:57:43of the first round
00:57:44against Orlando.
00:57:45Hadn't played since
00:57:46April 23rd.
00:57:48And then starts tonight.
00:57:51And has scored well.
00:57:52There's Tatum with the
00:57:53rebound on the miss.
00:57:55He's got six.
00:58:00Eight of 19
00:58:02from the free throw line.
00:58:08Wait a minute.
00:58:08Is this going to be three
00:58:09on Brunson?
00:58:11His expression says it all.
00:58:13Brunson picks up number three.
00:58:17Towns has three.
00:58:19Pritchard will be at the line.
00:58:202.45.
00:58:21The frustrated Tom Thibodeau.
00:58:27Left hand.
00:58:29So Brunson's got two field goals
00:58:30and three fouls.
00:58:31So if you're in New York
00:58:372.45 left here
00:58:39in this second
00:58:40you just kind of want to
00:58:42hover around here
00:58:44keep this
00:58:44and try to get this back
00:58:46to single digits
00:58:47that way you get Cat back
00:58:49to the start of that third quarter.
00:58:51Brunson can't afford to pick up
00:58:52obviously a cheap fourth foul.
00:58:54Violation.
00:58:59Double violation
00:59:00on the Celtics
00:59:01and Preston's Achua.
00:59:03This will be a jump ball.
00:59:07Lane violation.
00:59:09Double lane violation.
00:59:11Double.
00:59:12Watch.
00:59:13They both were in
00:59:14prior to that shot
00:59:16by Pritchard.
00:59:17Achua
00:59:17and Cornette
00:59:19will jump it.
00:59:20over the last 40 games
00:59:25the Celtics
00:59:26have gone
00:59:2633 and 7.
00:59:29It feels like
00:59:30they're
00:59:31picking at the right time
00:59:34in a 61-win season.
00:59:36And on the road
00:59:37they were spectacular.
00:59:39Here's the switch.
00:59:41Tatum wants
00:59:41on a chew-up.
00:59:43Tatum
00:59:44with a series of moves
00:59:47and a 15-footer.
00:59:49It's picked up
00:59:50by Miguel Bridges
00:59:51who go the other way
00:59:52for the Knicks.
00:59:54And Brunson and Pritchard
00:59:56hurt with the screen
00:59:57and Brunson is free to fire.