Basketball

Celtics’ Tatum Shines Bright with Record-Tying 3-Pointers in NBA Opener Against Knicks

Boston’s Celtics Triumph Over New York Knicks in NBA Season Starter with Historic 3-Pointers Show

Jayson Tatum propelled the Boston Celtics towards their 18th championship celebration by delivering an impressive 37 points and contributing to the team’s NBA record-matching 29 3-pointers on Tuesday night. The Celtics dominated the game, ending with a 132-109 victory over the New York Knicks in the season opener.

Celtics’ Dominance in Season Opener

Derrick White, with his commendable 24 points, Jaylen Brown’s added 23, and Tatum’s strategic 10 assists, collectively helped the reigning champions bolster their position. The Celtics, prior to the game, raised their NBA-leading 18th championship banner, further boosting their morale. The Celtics were leading by an overwhelming 35 points but missed their final 13 attempts at breaking the record for 3-pointers.

Knicks’ Performance and New Additions

New York’s Jalen Brunson put up a commendable effort with 22 points, but the Knicks’ new addition, Karl-Anthony Towns, managed only 12 points and seven rebounds. The hyped-up Knicks, with their new faces including Towns and Mikal Bridges, were expected to pose a significant challenge to the Celtics in the Eastern Conference. However, they were outpaced by the Celtics, who had finished 14 games ahead last season.

Turning Point and Key Stat

The U.S. Olympic basketball coach, Steve Kerr, benched Tatum for a game against Serbia on July 28, which drove Tatum’s motivation for the Celtics’ title defense. The Celtics hit their 29th 3-pointer early in the fourth quarter, but they missed two long airballs and 13 consecutive shots from beyond the arc, chasing the record set by Milwaukee in 2020. Despite the crowd’s chants for “One more 3!” in the final minutes, Payton Pritchard dribbled out the shot clock without making another attempt on Boston’s last possession.

Upcoming Games

The Celtics are set to face the Washington Wizards on Thursday, while the Knicks prepare for their home opener against the Indiana Pacers on Friday.

Wei Zhang is a dedicated sports writer specializing in basketball and esports. With a background in both traditional and digital sports, Wei provides a unique perspective that bridges the gap between generations of fans. His analytical approach and passion for strategy make his work particularly engaging for readers who love the intricacies of the game. Outside of writing, Wei is an avid gamer who enjoys competing in local tournaments.

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