The best Jayson Tatum showed up when Boston needed him the most.
In a tightly contested game against the Knicks that saw as many as 12 lead changes, the Celtics’ star decided the outcome with an impressive performance.
He scored 25 of his 36 points in the second half; including 7 of Boston’s last 8 points, and a decisive corner three with just under a minute left.
The Celtics under Joe Mazzulla prevailed 107-103 in the season-opening game at TD Garden in Boston.
After a rough start in Detroit that finished 6-for-23 from the field, Tatum shouldered the load for the club against the reigning champs.
He finished the night 14-for-26 from the floor, including a perfect 5-for-5 at the free-throw line; in addition to contributing 9 rebounds, 7 assists and three steals.
Paul George and Nemias Queta added 15 points apiece, and veteran guard Derrick White chipped in 12.
For the Knicks, who trailed by as many as 12, Karl-Anthony Towns stood out with 22 points and 10 rebounds.
Meanwhile, O.G. Anunoby came up just short of a triple-double with 20 points, 10 rebounds and 8 assists; Jalen Brunson added 19 points, and reserve Miles McBride stood out with another 20 points.
The Reunion with Mitch
All love between Mitchell Robinson and his former Knicks teammates 🥹 https://t.co/mDQSv8sD0B
— NBA (@NBA) October 24, 2026
Mitchell Robinson reconnected with his former teammates after helping the Knicks win the third championship in their history last season.
Mitch started the game with 4 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists and a block in 22 minutes.
“I love Mitch. He’s a good guy, a straightforward man. You know… He cares about the right things, wants to win, wants to be a good teammate… Here we want to expand the game with him,” Joe Mazzulla said.
