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Tim BontempsESPN
BOSTON – After missing two free throws with 7.6 seconds left in overtime, the Boston Celtics’ leading star guard Jalen Brown He took responsibility for Boston’s 120-117 overtime loss to the New York Knicks at TD Garden on Thursday night.
After scoring 22 points on 8-of-22 shooting and 9 rebounding in 42 minutes, Brown said, “Honestly, we have to do better.” “Tonight was a rough game and made me a better basketball player than I was today.
“Those two free throws kind of embodied the whole game. That’s what happens when you don’t give your best.” I’ll get better. “
Boston (35-15), who had lost three in a row after taking nine straight wins before that, needed a blistering fourth quarter comeback to even have a chance to win the game in the extra session. Trailing 102-89 with eight minutes remaining after two free throws by the guard. Miles McBridebut closed the game with a 21-8 run to tie things up.
The Celtics even had a chance to win the game in regulation.But look clean jumpers from Jason Tatum On the day he scored 35 points, 14 rebounds and four assists and was named an All-Star starter for the first time in his career, he sat out and the game went into overtime.
“I felt that if I called the screens, they would double,” Tatum said. I stood up and went in and out, but it felt good and I thought it was a good thing.
Boston then extended that run to 26-8 after starting overtime with five straight points, and the Celtics looked to be pulling away from New York (27-23). Instead, the Knicks fought back, scoring six straight points to regain the lead. RJ Barrett 3-pointer with 29 seconds left – one of two baskets the Knicks hit in overtime.
After Brown made a layup on the baseline drive to give Boston a one-point lead, Julius RandleThe game-high 37 points and nine rebounds fouled Robert Williams on a drive and hit two free throws to bring New York back to one point.
Brown then went to the foul line Jalen Brunson With 7.6 seconds remaining, he cut off his leg in an attempt to counter a potential go-ahead jumper. Instead of pushing Boston back in front, Brown missed both, forcing the Celtics to foul the Knicks on the ensuing possession.
Barrett knocked down a pair of free throws and Tatum and both Malcolm Brogdon We missed a 3 that could have tied the game.
When asked how he would handle a botched foul shot, Brown said, “For your own sanity, I think you’ll let it go.” Be a better version of yourself.
“I love this game, I love its ups and downs.
The Celtics still have the best record in the NBA, but are one game behind the Philadelphia 76ers in losses.
Boston still ranks 3rd overall in the offensive rating and 5th overall in the defensive rating, while the Celtics have been ranked 22nd in the league in offensive ratings since early December. at the Eastern Conference of that span.
Meanwhile, the Celtics have dealt with a string of injuries. Marcus Smarthe missed three games in a row with a sprained ankle, while Tatum and Brown are both dealing with nagging injuries. was.
But after another disappointing loss, Brown said it was his responsibility to steer Boston in the right direction.
“It’s a mentality,” Brown said. “I have a tough heart. I think [Celtics interim coach Joe Mazzulla] Have mental toughness and talk about it all the time.
“After losing two games tonight, it’s going to be a great game to show. We dropped the ball and I dropped the ball as a leader. No, and those two free throws just kind of epitomized the whole performance tonight.”
