The Celtics posted a historically poor offensive showing in their 30 point loss to the Knicks — and didn’t defend either.
The Celtics posted their worst shooting night since 2004 and worst three-point percentage in a game since 2005 in their 105-75 loss to the Knicks on Sunday. In fact, if you add up every Boston game ever where they took at least 10 threes, a 15% conversion rate ranks in the bottom three.
It was all bad for Boston, but Kemba Walker returned and moved well at least. Watch below for reaction and press conferences, courtesy of CLNS Media.
Celtics vs Knicks Game Recap
Kemba Walker shot 1-for-8 outside, but looked explosive and said he felt pain-free for the first time in a long time. He also collided with Nerlens Noel and left the game after falling on his side. The fall didn’t do any damage and he projects to move on to Philadelphia for the series with the 76ers starting Wednesday. Will he be able to play and contribute consistently from here on?
How has Tristan Thompson Played?
Tristan Thompson joined the Celtics over the offseason on a 2 year mid-level deal, leaving Boston with four centers and two sure things at wing with Semi Ojeleye and Javonte Green returning to join Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Thompson is the starter, with Daniel Theis originally playing the four and now on the bench. He’s averaging 7.9 points and 8.8 rebounds per game, but in a loss to the New York Knicks struggled to defend the rim and rebound. Does Boston need more from Thompson?
Celtics Post Game — Full
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Press Conferences
Brad Stevens
Kemba Walker returned for the Celtics and shot 3-for-13 before falling on a hip check by Nerlens Noel that knocked the wind out of him. Walker told Brad Stevens he was OK, but had already reached his minutes limit range in a messy effort where he turned the ball over five times. The Knicks destroyed the Celtics in one of the worst Stevens-era losses, 105-75, where Boston shot 29% and looked “stuck in the mud.” Stevens called out the Celtics’ thin margin of error and the need to stand their ground against physicality.
Kemba Walker
Walker returned from his knee injury feeling pain free “for the first time in a long time,” comfortably progressing through his movements and making plays in the first quarter, with an early steal and assist, finishing with 9 points on 3-for-13 shooting. He turned the ball over five times and struggled from three, but made it around Mitchell Robinson for a layup and avoided an injury on a hip check by Nerlens Noel that sent him to the locker room. Walker didn’t play after, hitting his minutes limit, and said Noel simply knocked the wind out of him. He hopes his minute limit ends soon.
Daniel Theis
Daniel Theis made no excuses for a game the Celtics should’ve competed in, but didn’t, losing 105-75 to the New York Knicks before a road trip ahead.