Celtics Struggle as Knicks Shine in Early Season Clash at MSG
The Boston Celtics’ return to Madison Square Garden didn’t exactly go as planned. In their second game of the new NBA season, they were handed a 105–95 loss by the New York Knicks — a game that was more about lessons than wins. For the Celtics, it was another tough outing, one that showed both their growing pains and the promising debut of rookie Hugo González.
This matchup carried extra emotion for Boston. The last time they played in New York, their playoff run ended painfully, capped by Jayson Tatum’s Achilles injury. So, this game was personal. Jaylen Brown even admitted before tip-off that the team was looking forward to it, calling it a “fun one.” But fun turned into frustration rather quickly.
The first quarter looked competitive, but things unraveled fast in the second. The Knicks exploded with three separate double-digit runs — 11-0, 17-0, and 12-0 — outscoring the Celtics 42–14 in that stretch. It was a brutal reminder that the new-look Celtics, still adjusting to roster changes, haven’t quite found their rhythm yet. They were beaten badly on the boards and outplayed in transition, and by halftime, the damage was done.
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Jaylen Brown, who finished with seven turnovers, acknowledged the team’s lack of cohesion. He said they’re still figuring out spacing, timing, and how to play 48 full minutes together. It’s a mix of patience and urgency — patience because they’re learning, urgency because the league doesn’t wait.
Head coach Joe Mazzulla seemed to share that sentiment. He reminded his players that not every team can “ease into the season,” hinting that the Celtics have to grind for every win. The roster overhaul during the offseason means there’s less room for error, and every mistake — whether a missed read or a bad pass — feels magnified.
Still, one bright spot stood out: 19-year-old Hugo González. Making his NBA debut, González was tasked with guarding Jalen Brunson — a tough assignment for any rookie. Though Brunson dropped 31 points, González’s energy and hustle impressed everyone. He picked up Brunson full court, forced turnovers, grabbed offensive boards, and even finished a slick putback. Brown praised the rookie’s “fight,” saying that’s exactly the mentality the Celtics need.
Despite the loss, González showed flashes of the kind of player he could become — fearless, hardworking, and determined to earn his spot. The Celtics may not have found their winning formula yet, but his debut was a glimpse of hope in an otherwise tough night.
For Boston, this 0–2 start isn’t the end of the world, but it’s a clear signal that the “new way of life” Mazzulla and the players keep talking about will take time. Every possession, every rotation, every mistake is part of the process. And while they’re still learning how to make it all click, the message is simple: play hard, stay focused, and keep fighting — because nothing will come easy this season.
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