Boston Celtics vs Knicks match player stats today 2026 show one of the most intense Atlantic Division rivalries in the NBA this season.
The New York Knicks defeated the Boston Celtics 111-89 on February 8, 2026, at TD Garden in a dominant afternoon performance on national television.
Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 31 points and 8 assists while Boston’s three-point shooting collapsed at a historic low of just 17.1%. With both teams currently battling for Eastern Conference seeding, every stat from this matchup carries enormous playoff implications heading into the final stretch of the 2025-26 season.
The New York Knicks defeated the Boston Celtics 111-89 on February 8, 2026, at TD Garden in Boston. The game was played at 12:30 PM ET on a Sunday afternoon and was broadcast on national television.
New York won by 22 points, their largest margin of victory against the Celtics in several seasons. The Knicks led by as many as 24 points during the game and were never seriously threatened after the first quarter.
| Team | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Final |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York Knicks | 35 | 25 | 25 | 26 | 111 |
| Boston Celtics | 24 | 29 | 15 | 21 | 89 |
The Knicks burst out to a 35-24 first-quarter lead and Boston’s third-quarter collapse, where they scored only 15 points, ended any realistic comeback hope. The Celtics were held to their lowest point total in a home game all season.
The two teams are scheduled to meet again on April 9, 2026, at Madison Square Garden in New York. That final regular season matchup could have massive implications for playoff seeding and potential first-round matchup positioning.
| Game | Date | Location | BOS | NYK | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Game 1 | Feb 8, 2026 | TD Garden (BOS) | 89 | 111 | NYK |
| Game 2 | Apr 9, 2026 | Madison Square Garden (NYK) | TBD | TBD | Upcoming |
The Knicks lead the season series 1-0. A second win in April would give New York the tiebreaker advantage if both teams finish with identical records, which matters greatly in the Eastern Conference standings race.
Jalen Brunson was the best player on the floor and the clear reason the Knicks dominated from the opening tip. He finished with 31 points, 8 assists, and 3 rebounds while shooting 57.1% from the field and 50% from three-point range.
His 31 points came on just 21 field goal attempts, showing elite efficiency throughout. He converted all three of his free throw attempts and turned the ball over just 3 times against one of the best defensive teams in the Eastern Conference.
| Stat | Jalen Brunson (NYK) |
|---|---|
| Points | 31 |
| Rebounds | 3 |
| Assists | 8 |
| FG Made / Att | 12/21 |
| FG% | 57.1% |
| 3PM / 3PA | 4/8 |
| 3P% | 50.0% |
| FT Made / Att | 3/3 |
| Turnovers | 3 |
| Plus/Minus | +20 |
| True Shooting % | 69.4% |
Brunson’s +20 plus/minus was the best of any player in the game. His fast break scoring contribution of 7 points showed New York’s ability to push tempo and create easy looks off Boston turnovers and missed shots.
Jaylen Brown was the lone bright spot for Boston in an otherwise dismal team performance. He led all Celtics scorers with 26 points on 44% shooting while also contributing 2 assists and 4 assists.
Brown was aggressive attacking the paint and finished with 20 points in the paint, attempting the ball at the rim frequently. His problem was a -14 plus/minus that showed how poorly the game went whenever he was unable to personally create offense.
| Stat | Jaylen Brown (BOS) |
|---|---|
| Points | 26 |
| Rebounds | 2 |
| Assists | 4 |
| FG Made / Att | 11/25 |
| FG% | 44.0% |
| 3PM / 3PA | 0/4 |
| FT Made / Att | 4/4 |
| Turnovers | 2 |
| Points in Paint | 20 |
| Plus/Minus | -14 |
Brown was the only Celtic to score more than 20 points. His inability to receive consistent support from teammates was the defining feature of Boston’s offensive struggles throughout the game.
Derrick White was Boston’s second-leading scorer and produced the most efficient shooting performance of any Celtic. He finished with 19 points on 50% shooting from the field and 33.3% from three, going 7 for 14 overall.
White contributed 4 assists from the guard position and shot a perfect 2-for-2 from the free throw line. Despite his individual numbers, his -9 plus/minus reflected the broader team failure that surrounded his output.
| Stat | Derrick White (BOS) |
|---|---|
| Points | 19 |
| Rebounds | 1 |
| Assists | 4 |
| FG Made / Att | 7/14 |
| FG% | 50.0% |
| 3PM / 3PA | 3/9 |
| 3P% | 33.3% |
| FT Made / Att | 2/2 |
| Plus/Minus | -9 |
Karl-Anthony Towns produced a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds, serving as the anchor around which the Knicks built their offensive rhythm throughout the game. His 10 defensive rebounds were crucial in limiting Boston’s second-chance opportunities.
Towns drew 5 fouls and was a consistent threat at the free throw line, going 5-of-6 from the stripe. His ability to stretch the defense with occasional three-point range also created driving lanes for Brunson all night.
| Stat | Karl-Anthony Towns (NYK) |
|---|---|
| Points | 11 |
| Rebounds | 10 |
| Assists | 1 |
| FG Made / Att | 3/9 |
| FG% | 33.3% |
| FT Made / Att | 5/6 |
| FT% | 83.3% |
| Turnovers | 3 |
| Fouls Drawn | 5 |
| Plus/Minus | +10 |
Josh Hart delivered the kind of complete two-way performance that defines his value to the Knicks. He finished with 19 points on 50% shooting, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists while adding 4 fast break points and 3 second-chance points.
Hart’s energy and effort on both ends gave the Knicks a critical secondary scorer who could punish Boston for any defensive lapses. His +10 plus/minus matched Towns and reinforced how balanced the New York rotation was throughout the afternoon.
| Stat | Josh Hart (NYK) |
|---|---|
| Points | 19 |
| Rebounds | 6 |
| Assists | 3 |
| FG Made / Att | 7/14 |
| FG% | 50.0% |
| 3PM / 3PA | 2/6 |
| FT Made / Att | 3/4 |
| Fast Break Points | 4 |
| Plus/Minus | +10 |
Payton Pritchard had one of the most difficult nights of his season. He shot just 2-of-9 from the field and 1-of-6 from three-point range for 6 points in a game where his scoring was desperately needed.
His 7 assists were his best positive contribution and kept the offense from completely stalling. His -27 plus/minus was the worst of any player in the game, reflecting how badly things went during his minutes on the floor.
| Stat | Payton Pritchard (BOS) |
|---|---|
| Points | 6 |
| Rebounds | 2 |
| Assists | 7 |
| FG Made / Att | 2/9 |
| FG% | 22.2% |
| 3PM / 3PA | 1/6 |
| 3P% | 16.7% |
| Turnovers | 1 |
| Plus/Minus | -27 |
Nikola Vucevic struggled significantly at both ends of the floor. He finished with 11 points and 6 rebounds but shot just 38.5% from the field and committed 2 turnovers against New York’s physical frontcourt.
His -24 plus/minus was the second-worst in the game. The matchup against Towns was difficult all afternoon, and Vucevic’s inability to contain the Knicks center in the post and on the perimeter was one of the key mismatches Boston could not solve.
| Stat | Nikola Vucevic (BOS) |
|---|---|
| Points | 11 |
| Rebounds | 6 |
| FG Made / Att | 5/13 |
| FG% | 38.5% |
| Turnovers | 2 |
| Blocks | 1 |
| Personal Fouls | 4 |
| Plus/Minus | -24 |
Baylor Scheierman was Boston’s best performer from the bench and delivered the Celtics’ only genuine bright spot aside from Brown and White. He recorded a double-double with 10 points and 13 rebounds while adding 5 assists.
His 13 rebounds led all players in the game from either team. He shot 37.5% overall and 28.6% from three, but his rebounding effort and 5:1 assist-to-turnover ratio gave the Celtics at least a competitive bench presence throughout.
| Stat | Baylor Scheierman (BOS) |
|---|---|
| Points | 10 |
| Rebounds | 13 |
| Assists | 5 |
| FG Made / Att | 3/8 |
| 3PM / 3PA | 2/7 |
| Turnovers | 1 |
| Second Chance Points | 5 |
| Plus/Minus | +1 |
Here is the complete scoring breakdown for all key contributors in the February 8 matchup at TD Garden.
| Player | Team | PTS | REB | AST | FG% | 3P% | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jalen Brunson | NYK | 31 | 3 | 8 | 57.1% | 50.0% | +20 |
| Josh Hart | NYK | 19 | 6 | 3 | 50.0% | 33.3% | +10 |
| Karl-Anthony Towns | NYK | 11 | 10 | 1 | 33.3% | — | +10 |
| Jose Alvarado | NYK | 12 | 2 | 2 | 41.7% | 33.3% | +13 |
| Mohamed Diawara | NYK | 10 | 3 | 1 | 100% | 100% | +22 |
| Jaylen Brown | BOS | 26 | 2 | 4 | 44.0% | 0% | -14 |
| Derrick White | BOS | 19 | 1 | 4 | 50.0% | 33.3% | -9 |
| Nikola Vucevic | BOS | 11 | 6 | 0 | 38.5% | 16.7% | -24 |
| Baylor Scheierman | BOS | 10 | 13 | 5 | 37.5% | 28.6% | +1 |
| Payton Pritchard | BOS | 6 | 2 | 7 | 22.2% | 16.7% | -27 |
The team stats tell the full story of New York’s dominance across almost every major statistical category.
| Stat | New York Knicks | Boston Celtics |
|---|---|---|
| Points | 111 | 89 |
| FG Made / Att | 40/83 | 34/92 |
| FG% | 48.2% | 37.0% |
| 3PM / 3PA | 14/35 | 7/41 |
| 3P% | 40.0% | 17.1% |
| FT Made / Att | 17/24 | 14/15 |
| FT% | 70.8% | 93.3% |
| Total Rebounds | 57 | 54 |
| Offensive Rebounds | 7 | 14 |
| Assists | 23 | 22 |
| Steals | 5 | 4 |
| Blocks | 3 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 8 | 10 |
| Points off Turnovers | 14 | 3 |
| Fast Break Points | 16 | 4 |
| Bench Points | 33 | 24 |
| Biggest Lead | 24 | 2 |
| Points in Paint | 38 | 52 |
Boston attempted 41 three-pointers and made only 7, a 17.1% conversion rate that is among the worst three-point shooting performances by any team in the 2025-26 NBA season. The Celtics actually attempted more threes than the Knicks but shot 22.9 percentage points worse.
New York’s fast break advantage of 16-4 was a direct result of Boston’s poor shooting leading to easy transition opportunities for the Knicks. Every missed three-pointer became a chance for Brunson and Hart to push the pace.
The 17.1% three-point shooting performance was the defining statistical story of the game. Boston attempted 41 threes and hit only 7.
The Celtics have built their entire offensive identity around three-point volume and efficiency. Going 7-of-41 represents a near-historic shooting failure for a team that enters most games as one of the highest-volume three-point shooting teams in the NBA.
For context, the league average for three-point percentage in the 2025-26 season sits around 36%. Boston shot nearly 19 percentage points below that average while still taking 41 attempts, showing they refused to abandon the system even when it was not working.
| Quarter | BOS 3PM | BOS 3PA | BOS 3P% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 | — | 11 | 0% (approx) |
| Q2 | — | 11 | — |
| Q3 | — | 10 | — |
| Q4 | — | 9 | — |
| Total | 7 | 41 | 17.1% |
The Knicks scored 16 fast break points compared to Boston’s 4, a 12-point differential that essentially decided the game on its own.
Brunson led the fast break attack with 7 fast break points. Hart added 4. Jose Alvarado contributed 2 more. The pattern was consistent: Boston would miss a three, New York would rebound and push immediately with Brunson leading the charge.
New York’s 16 fast break points off just 11 attempts, converting 7 of them, showed exceptional finishing ability in transition. Their 63.6% fast break conversion rate was among the best single-game marks of the season.
Jose Alvarado came off the bench and delivered 12 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals in a sparkling substitute performance. He shot 41.7% from the field and 33.3% from three while recording a +13 plus/minus.
His defensive energy disrupted Boston’s ball movement early in the shot clock and led directly to several fast break opportunities. Alvarado’s ability to pick pockets and push tempo made him one of the most impactful bench contributors of the game despite modest counting stats.
Mohamed Diawara came off the bench and had one of the most unusual statistical lines of the season. He went a perfect 4-of-4 from the field, hitting all 2 three-point attempts, for 10 points.
His +22 plus/minus was the highest of any player in the game. Diawara’s efficiency as a spot-up shooter in the second unit gave the Knicks extended leads during stretches when Brunson rested.
Both the Celtics and Knicks are fighting for prime positioning in the Eastern Conference heading into the final weeks of the regular season. The Atlantic Division is the most competitive division in the East.
| Team | W | L | Win% | East Seed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston Celtics | 43 | 21 | .672 | 2nd (East) |
| New York Knicks | 41 | 24 | .631 | 3rd (East) |
| Toronto Raptors | 36 | 27 | .571 | — |
| Philadelphia 76ers | 34 | 29 | .540 | — |
| Brooklyn Nets | 16 | 47 | .254 | — |
Boston holds the second seed in the East and the Knicks sit third. The Knicks’ February 8 win closed the gap to just 2 games with the season series tiebreaker currently in New York’s favor.
The April 9 rematch at Madison Square Garden could determine final seeding for both franchises. If the Knicks win that game and close the gap further, they could finish ahead of Boston in the final standings.
The first quarter set the tone completely. The Knicks jumped out to a 35-24 lead in Q1, outscoring Boston by 11 points in the opening period before the Celtics managed a 29-25 second-quarter response.
Boston’s third quarter, where they scored only 15 points, was the turning point that eliminated any genuine comeback possibility. New York matched that 25-15 third-quarter advantage by maintaining defensive intensity and continuing to find open looks off the Celtics’ defensive rotations.
| Quarter | NYK | BOS | NYK Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 | 35 | 24 | +11 |
| Q2 | 25 | 29 | -4 |
| Q3 | 25 | 15 | +10 |
| Q4 | 26 | 21 | +5 |
| Final | 111 | 89 | +22 |
Boston won the second quarter 29-25, showing they were competitive when their offense found brief rhythm. But the book-ending quarters from New York were too dominant to overcome.
For fantasy basketball managers analyzing the Boston Celtics vs Knicks match player stats today 2026, several clear roster conclusions emerge from this game.
Jalen Brunson remains one of the safest fantasy plays in the entire Eastern Conference. His 31-point, 8-assist performance against a championship-caliber defense confirms he is a true first-round fantasy asset.
Jaylen Brown’s 26-point game while receiving minimal support shows his floor as an individual scorer is high even in losses. He remains a top-15 fantasy forward regardless of team results.
Josh Hart’s 19-point, 6-rebound, 3-assist line confirms his role as a do-it-all fantasy contributor who provides value in every category including steals and physical play.
Karl-Anthony Towns’ double-double highlights why he is a must-start center in all formats. His rebounding consistency, free throw drawing ability, and occasional three-point shooting make him a top-5 fantasy center.
| Player | Fantasy Performance | Format Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Jalen Brunson | 31 PTS, 8 AST, 50% 3P | Elite PG1 in all formats |
| Jaylen Brown | 26 PTS, 44% FG | Solid SF1 |
| Josh Hart | 19 PTS, 6 REB, 3 AST | Strong SF2/Flex |
| Karl-Anthony Towns | 11 PTS, 10 REB | Top C1 for rebounds |
| Baylor Scheierman | 10 PTS, 13 REB | Streaming value |
| Derrick White | 19 PTS, 50% FG | Solid PG2 |
| Jose Alvarado | 12 PTS, 2 STL | Steals specialist |
| Payton Pritchard | 6 PTS, 7 AST | Avoid on bad nights |
The Boston Celtics and New York Knicks have one of the longest and most storied rivalries in NBA history. The two franchises have met in the playoffs multiple times across different eras and the Atlantic Division matchup carries natural geographic and cultural weight.
In recent seasons, both teams have transformed significantly. Boston rebuilt around Jaylen Brown after trading Jayson Tatum and has leaned into a high-volume three-point system. New York rebuilt around Jalen Brunson and added Karl-Anthony Towns to create a legitimate title contender.
The February 8 result showed that when New York’s shooting clicks and Boston’s shooting fails simultaneously, the Knicks have the talent and depth to beat the defending conference champions convincingly.
Boston’s 17.1% three-point shooting is unsustainable and the Celtics know it. Their offensive system depends entirely on creating and converting open looks from beyond the arc.
The absence of consistent secondary scoring beyond Brown and White was exposed throughout the game. Payton Pritchard’s 1-of-6 three-point performance on 22% overall shooting from the starting guard position created a massive offensive void.
Boston’s bench scored only 24 points compared to New York’s 33. Building deeper bench scoring reliability before the playoffs begins will be essential if the Celtics intend to compete for the Eastern Conference title.
The Knicks’ 16-4 fast break scoring advantage was the difference in this game. Their transition attack off Boston’s misses and turnovers was relentless and effective.
New York’s balanced scoring, with five players reaching double figures, represents the ideal version of their offense. When Brunson, Hart, Towns, Alvarado, and Diawara are all contributing, the Knicks become extremely difficult to beat.
The April 9 rematch at Madison Square Garden gives New York the chance to go 2-0 against the Celtics and potentially hold the tiebreaker advantage should both teams finish with the same record.
The New York Knicks defeated the Boston Celtics 111-89 on February 8, 2026, at TD Garden in Boston in a nationally televised afternoon game.
Brunson scored 31 points with 8 assists and 3 rebounds on 57.1% shooting, including 4-of-8 from three, with a +20 plus/minus in the Knicks’ 22-point victory.
Brown led Boston with 26 points on 44% shooting, going 11-of-25 from the field with 20 points in the paint, but posted a -14 plus/minus in the loss.
The Celtics shot a dreadful 17.1% from three-point range, going 7-of-41 on attempts, which was one of the worst three-point shooting performances of the entire 2025-26 NBA season.
Yes, Towns finished with 11 points and 10 rebounds for a double-double. He drew 5 fouls, went 5-of-6 from the free throw line, and posted a +10 plus/minus.
As of March 9, 2026, Boston leads with a 43-21 record as the 2nd seed in the East, while the Knicks sit at 41-24 as the 3rd seed in the Eastern Conference.
Mohamed Diawara went a perfect 4-of-4 from the field with 10 points and a team-high +22 plus/minus, while Jose Alvarado added 12 points and 2 steals off the bench.
New York scored 16 fast break points compared to Boston’s 4, a 12-point transition advantage that was one of the decisive factors in the Knicks’ comfortable 22-point victory.
The two teams are scheduled to meet again on April 9, 2026, at Madison Square Garden in New York, with the Knicks holding the current 1-0 series lead.
Scheierman recorded a double-double with 10 points and a game-high 13 rebounds off the bench, adding 5 assists, and was the only Boston reserve to make a meaningful positive contribution.
Boston Celtics vs Knicks match player stats today 2026 delivered one of the most statistically revealing games of the entire Atlantic Division season.
New York’s 111-89 victory at TD Garden showed exactly what the Knicks are capable of when Brunson reaches 30 points, Hart and Towns contribute double-digit performances, and the bench provides 33 points of depth scoring.
Boston’s collapse from three-point range to 17.1% on 41 attempts was a sobering reminder that even championship-caliber teams can be neutralized when their core identity stops working.
With the Knicks holding the series tiebreaker and the April 9 rematch at Madison Square Garden looming, both franchises know the final regular season meeting could directly determine who gets home-court advantage in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs. This rivalry is just getting started in 2026.