The most recent matchup between the New York Knicks and the Boston Celtics was a high-scoring, tightly contested game in Boston, with the Celtics defeating the Knicks 123–117 in a rematch of last season’s Eastern Conference semifinal. The result continued a strong stretch for Boston while snapping a winning streak for New York.
Game overview
The game featured big momentum swings, with New York racing out to an early double‑digit lead before Boston responded with a sustained surge in the second and third quarters. The Celtics ultimately built an 18‑point cushion heading into the fourth, then had to withstand a furious late rally from the Knicks before closing the door in the final minute.
Star performances
Jaylen Brown delivered a season‑high 42 points for Boston, adding rebounds and assists while serving as the focal point of the Celtics’ offense. He was particularly dominant in the middle quarters, repeatedly attacking the rim and hitting timely shots that turned the game in Boston’s favor.
For New York, Mikal Bridges answered with a season‑high 35 points, including 8 made three‑pointers, to spearhead the Knicks’ late comeback push. Karl‑Anthony Towns added 29 points, giving the Knicks a potent inside‑outside scoring combination that kept them within striking distance despite Boston’s runs.
Key stretches and turning points
New York opened the game on a 17–4 run and led 39–25 in the first quarter before Boston settled in defensively and began chipping away at the deficit. A pivotal sequence came as Brown’s dunk in the second quarter capped a Celtics surge that flipped the lead and energized the home crowd.
In the fourth quarter, the Knicks mounted a 12–0 run that cut Boston’s advantage from 102–87 to 102–99, fueled by Bridges’ shooting and aggressive play on the perimeter. Out of a crucial timeout, Boston responded with a three from Josh Minott and back‑to‑back putbacks from Jordan Walsh, rebuilding enough of a cushion to survive Bridges’ final flurry of threes in the closing minute.
Team implications
With the win, the Celtics improved to 12–9, continuing a stretch in which they have beaten several of the top teams in the Eastern Conference and signaling upward momentum after an uneven start. The victory also reinforced Boston’s confidence in late‑game execution, especially in managing big leads against a resilient playoff rival.
The Knicks, who fell to 13–7, saw a four‑game winning streak end but demonstrated their offensive ceiling with strong performances from their new core players. Despite the loss, the late comeback underlined New York’s ability to erase large deficits quickly, a factor that could shape future meetings between these teams in both the regular season and potential postseason rematches.
Sources
1. New York Knicks vs. Boston Celtics Live Score and Stats - CBS Sports
2. KNICKS at CELTICS | FULL GAME HIGHLIGHTS | December 2, 2025
3. Jaylen Brown showed 'immaculate' leadership for Boston Celtics ...
