Knicks fall to Celtics 133-118 in three point frenzy

Julius Randle scored 29 points and RJ Barrett added 27 but the Knicks couldn’t resist in front of a franchise record 27 threes by the Boston Celtics and fell 133-118 at the Garden.

Randle’s three point play with 4:51 left on the clock cut Celtics’ lead to just four points, 116-112, before Jason Tatum embarked his team on an 8-2 run from which the Knicks couldn’t recover.

In spite of a close game, the Knicks collapsed in the final 5 minutes after recovering from a 14 point deficit earlier in the second quarter.

It was Barrett’s heroics who had a perfect second quarter with 16 points, going 5-5 from the field including three long distance shots and 3-3 from the free throw line that kept the Knicks breathing at halftime.

Later in the third quarter, during a timeout, a fan hit a halfcourt shot to go home with a brand new car, creating a jubilant moment for the Garden crowd.

The Celtics were led by Jaylen Brown’s 30 point night. Tatum had 26 and both of them made six three pointers each. Marcus Smart dished a game high 11 assists along with 13 points while Sam Hauser scored 17 off the bench for the Celtics who improved to 6-3.

“Sometimes a team gets hot. Tough to beat 27 3s, but we still fought all the way through. Nothing we can do about that one.”

– RJ Barrett

Jalen Brunson finished in double-double with 22 points and 10 assists, so did Isaiah Hartenstein with 10 buckets and 14 boards.

Cam Reddish who got to start scored just four, the only Knick starter to finish in single digits.

Last night’s loss also sets the mark for the most threes allowed by the Knicks.

Up-next: The Knicks (4-5) travel to Minnesotta to take on the Timberwolved (5-5) on Monday night.