Jaylen Brown scored a season-high 42 points, including a decisive breakaway dunk in the final seconds, as the Boston Celtics defeated the New York Knicks 123-117 Tuesday night at TD Garden.
Brown added four rebounds, four assists and a block in 40 minutes, leading Boston to its fourth win in five games while handing the Knicks their first loss in five outings.
Derrick White contributed 22 points, with seven coming in the final four minutes, and Jordan Walsh chipped in six points and five rebounds in the fourth to help Boston withstand New York’s late rally.
The Celtics trailed early, falling behind 39-25 before Brown sparked a comeback with 18 points in the second quarter and 15 more in the third, swinging momentum in Boston’s favor.
New York’s Mikal Bridges scored 35 points, including 17 in the fourth, and went 8-for-12 from beyond the arc. Karl-Anthony Towns added 29 points, but the Knicks could not overcome an 18-point deficit after three quarters.
Boston maintained control with a 102-87 lead entering the final eight minutes, but Bridges sparked a 12-0 Knicks run, trimming the margin to 102-99 with just over five minutes left.
Boston responded with a timeout play, as Josh Minott hit a three-pointer and Walsh converted back-to-back putbacks to push the lead back to eight. Bridges’ final three-pointer brought the Knicks within four, but missed opportunities and strong Celtics execution sealed the win.
Boston shot 56% from the field, including 32% from three-point range, while the Knicks hit 51% of their attempts and 43% from deep. The Celtics outrebounded New York 38-33 and recorded 27 assists, with Brown and White combining for nine.
Other contributors for Boston included Payton Pritchard with 10 points and Sam Hauser adding eight. Neemias Queta had eight points and six rebounds, providing defensive support inside.
The Celtics continue their road trip Thursday against Washington, while the Knicks host Charlotte on Wednesday.
