After uneven start, Knicks have true measuring stick game against Celtics

A rundown on the Boston Celtics

This year’s version of the Celtics appears to be more focused and more engaged. Jayson Tatum is playing and looking like a bonafide superstar as he is easily getting to his spots and clamping down on the defensive end but it has been the overall effort by the Celtics that has been impressive.

They are 3rd in opponents’ points off turnovers, 3rd in 2nd chance points allowed, 10th in opponents fast break points, and 4th in points allowed in the paint. The Celtics’ big 3 of Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Kristaps Porzingis combined for 77 points during the Celtics’ last game against the Toronto Raptors as they were able to dominate from start to finish as they kept their foot on the gas and came out with the win.

The Celtics could have trouble scoring as they did in their last matchup against the Knicks who are one of the slower-paced teams in the league. The Celtics only scored 108 points while they average 120.2 points per game which is good for 4th in the NBA. But the Celtics are just as good on defense as they only allow opponents 106.8 points per contest.

Sam Hauser has been on a roll and is proving to be one of the better shooters in the league. He is shooting a red-hot 45.3 percent from downtown and making 2.7 3-pointers per game. Hauser has scored double-digit points in his last four games and he could be the difference-maker if this game is close.

Porzingis poured in 30 points and grabbed eight rebounds during their last matchup against the Knicks as he punished his former team. If he has another performance like that again, it could be a long game for the Knicks.