11/13 Game Preview: Knicks at Celtics

The Boston Celtics bounced back from back-to-back losses last week to Minnesota and Philadelphia and can extend their winning streak to three games when they host the New York Knicks on Monday night.
Boston ended its two-game series with a 121-107 win over Brooklyn on Friday, then beat Toronto 117-94 on Saturday.
The win over Toronto improved Boston’s home record to 4–0.
“I think what we’re trying to do is share the ball a little more,” Boston center Kristaps Porzingis said.
“Obviously we’re all talented and there’s a lot of scorers on this team, but we play our best basketball when we share the ball and everyone feels good.
This way we get more energy on the defensive side.
There will be some ups and downs throughout the season, but I feel like these last two games we’ve taken some steps forward.
” Monday’s game will be the second time the Celtics and Knicks meet this season.
Boston won 108-104 on Oct.
25 in the season opener for both teams.
Porzingis has 30 points, 8 rebounds and 4 blocked shots in this win.
The Knicks selected Porzingis with the fourth overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, but traded him to Dallas in 2019.
The Knicks enter Monday’s game off the back of Sunday’s 129-107 win over Charlotte.
The win extended New York’s winning streak to three games.
RJ Barrett scored a game-high 24 points for New York, which got 23 from Julius Randle and 20 from Jalen Brunson.
Both players were absent in the fourth round.
The Knicks shot a season-high 54 percent from the field.
New York held Charlotte to 46.
8 percent shooting from the field (44 of 94).
“Just staying tied in on that end, communication, taking the easy points away and rebounding the basketball,” Randle said when asked about New York’s defensive effort.
“Just have to rest up, recover, get back and get ready to do the same thing (Monday).
” Barrett is averaging 22.
6 points per game and leads New York in scoring.
Brunson is averaging 22.
2 points.
Boston scored a season-high 60 points in Saturday’s win over Toronto.
“I thought in the second half we did a good job of creating more space and driving, and we played right at the rim,” Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla said.
“We were able to get some of their big stuff off the rim and we went down.
” Mazzulla added that he was pleased with Boston’s defense, which did not allow Toronto to score more than 25 points in any of the final three quarters.
“Our transition defense starts with our shot selection, turnover and good offense,” Mazzulla said.
“So when we can stop teams in transition, keep them in the half court and limit them to one shot and defend without fouling, we can be a good defensive team.
” Jayson Tatum leads Boston in scoring (27.
7 points per game) and rebounding (9.
2 rebounds per game).
“I just try to create good things when I’m on the field, play the right way and try to impact the win,” Tatum said.