The lights were bright and the stakes even brighter as the Boston Celtics tipped off their Eastern Conference Semifinal series against the New York Knicks at TD Garden on May 5. Coming off a dominant first-round showing, Boston entered Game 1 with confidence, and for good reason.
They swept the Knicks in all four regular-season meetings and had Jayson Tatum, arguably the most dangerous player left in the East, ready to lead the charge.
Tatum has been nothing short of electric this postseason, averaging 31.3 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists heading into the series. After torching the Orlando Magic with 36, 37, and 35 points in the final three games of Round 1, the Celtics’ star forward looked primed to continue his hot streak, though a wrist bruise that sidelined him for Game 2 of the previous series did raise some questions about his fitness.
Still, with TD Garden roaring and Boston’s offense clicking, all eyes were once again on Tatum to set the tone in Game 1. So, how did Tatum perform under the pressure of Game 1 against a gritty Knicks squad? Let’s break down his night.
Jayson Tatum vs. New York Knicks Box Score: Game 1, Round 2
| Minutes | Points | Rebounds | Assists | FG% | 3PT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 44 | 23 | 16 | 6 | 30.5 | 26.7 |
How Did Tatum Perform Against the Knicks in Game 1?
Tatum posted 23 points, 16 rebounds, and six assists in 44 minutes, but his inefficiency proved costly in the Celtics’ 108-105 overtime loss to the Knicks in Game 1. He shot just 7-of-23 from the field and 4-of-15 from deep, finishing with 30.4% shooting and 26.7% from three.
While Tatum came out strong with 13 points in the first quarter, he struggled to maintain momentum. Throughout the game, he settled for difficult step-back threes instead of leveraging his 6-foot-8 frame to attack the rim and draw contact.
That hesitation to play with physicality was evident in the final moments, when he missed a potential go-ahead three with 5.5 seconds left. For all his talent, it was another reminder that when Tatum leans too heavily on his jumper, the Celtics often pay the price. Despite the box score, Tatum’s shot selection and missed opportunities stood out in a game Boston let slip away.
Tatum Makes History Against the Knicks
Tatum just made history in the NBA playoffs tonight. As the Celtics locked horns with the Knicks in Round 2, Tatum has become one of only three players to reach 2,800+ points, 900+ rebounds, and 500+ assists in their first 117 playoff games.
The only players with 2,800+ PTS, 900+ REB and 500+ AST through their first 117 playoff games:
Jayson Tatum
Larry Bird
LeBron James pic.twitter.com/953xyPJFtI— Boston Celtics (@celtics)
He now joins the ranks of Larry Bird and LeBron James. Quite the company to keep as he looks to carry Boston deeper into the postseason!
Tatum vs. Knicks: Head-to-Head Career Stats
Tatum has been a consistent force against the New York Knicks throughout his career. In 29 games, he’s averaged a solid 24.4 points, seven rebounds, and 4.3 assists, highlighting his ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor. These numbers highlight Tatum as a player who can be counted on to deliver across all facets of the game.
His stats in the last 10 regular-season games against the Knicks:
- Jan. 8, 2022: 19 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist
- Nov. 5, 2022: 26 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists
- Jan. 26, 2023: 35 points, 14 rebounds, 4 assists
- Feb. 27, 2023: 14 points, 7 rebounds, 9 assists
- Mar. 5, 2023: 40 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists
- Oct. 25, 2023: 34 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists
- Nov. 13, 2023: 35 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists
- Dec. 8, 2023: 25 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists
- Feb. 24, 2024: 19 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists
- Apr. 11, 2024: 18 points, 4 rebounds, 7 assists
Tatum’s scoring ability has been on full display throughout these matchups. In his career, he’s often been the go-to guy for Boston, and his performances in clutch time have been proven repeatedly. For example, his March 5, 2023, outing, where he posted 40 points and 11 rebounds, demonstrated his scoring prowess and capacity to take over a game.
Similarly, the Jan. 26, 2023 game, where he tallied 35 points and grabbed 14 rebounds, highlights his versatility—he’s not just a scorer, but a player who can also dominate when it comes to crashing the boards.
READ: Celtics HC Joe Mazzulla Has Perfect Praise for Jayson Tatum After Standout 37-Point Performance
What’s equally impressive is Tatum’s efficiency against the Knicks. For a player with such a heavy offensive load, he’s consistently shot at respectable percentages, keeping defenses guessing.
In terms of playmaking, Tatum’s 4.3 assists per game against the Knicks showcase his growth as a complete player. His ability to create for teammates adds another layer to his game, making him a dual-threat not just as a scorer but as a facilitator when defenses collapse on him.
