The Boston Celtics had a 16 point first quarter lead, then had to hold off a pesky New York Knicks squad for a 103-101 win at Madison Square Garden Saturday night.
Jayson Tatum made two free throws with 7.9 seconds left to give Boston (2-1) a three point lead, but then committed a foul when Knicks guard Trey Burke attempted a three pointer to try and tie the game with 1.9 seconds left. Burke however missed the first free throw, and then the Celtics got the rebound when Burke intentionally missed the third and was able to run the remaining time off the clock.
Tatum had 24 points and 14 rebounds to lead the way. Kyrie Irving and Marcus Morris added 16 points a piece. Gordon Hayward had the night off to rest his surgically repaired ankle. Tim Hardaway Jr. had 24 points to lead New York (1-2), while Enes Canter had 17 and Allonzo Trier had 15.
Boston is back in action Monday night at 7:30 pm when they host Orlando at TD Garden.
