The story was the same for both the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks during the first half of Tuesday night’s contest at Madison Square Garden: No ball movement and no rhythm.
The Celtics and Knicks dished out just six assists apiece during the first 24 minutes, and neither team could find a flow as a result.
Boston adjusted when it came out of the break and dished out nine dimes during the third quarter. Meanwhile, the Knicks stayed at the exact same pace, assisting on just three baskets in the third.
The improved ball movement paved way for easy buckets for the C’s, and ultimately led to their 97-89 win.
Boston, which trailed 47-45 at the break, assisted on its first five field goals of the third quarter. It assisted on all but two buckets during that quarter, and went into the fourth quarter with a 70-65 lead.
Another adjustment the Celtics made was decreasing their 3-point attempts after they couldn’t get any to fall during the first half. They shot 0-for-12 before the break, and then 3-for-6 during the second half.
Instead, they began penetrating to the hoop more, and dominated the Knicks in the paint, 58-28. That paint production was due in part to Boston’s improved ball movement, as they turned the tables after a somewhat ugly first half and provided a pretty finish.
Tyler Zeller’s playing time has been limited all season, but C’s coach Brad Stevens could not take him out of the game Tuesday night, and it was easy to see why.
The 7-footer logged his first double-double of the season, posting season-highs of 16 points, 10 rebounds and 27 minutes of playing time.
Zeller saved his best effort for the fourth quarter; he played all 12 minutes of the final frame, tallying eight points and six boards (including four on the offensive end).
All the while, he ran the floor like usual, which was displayed to perfection when he threw down a highlight-reel catch-and-jam on the fast break during the fourth quarter.
But what was really impressive was his fearlessness. He was a force on the offensive glass, notching seven boards on that end, and was able to cool off Robin Lopez on the boards after he had crushed the C’s during the first quarter with nine offensive rebounds.
Zeller needed a game like this, and considering the hard work he puts into the game and the positive mentality he has carried throughout the season, he fully deserved it.
Brad Stevens on Tyler Zeller.
