Celtics Lose to Knicks in MSG Thriller

Starting Lineup and Injuries

Coach Joe Mazzulla announced a five‑man starter list—Derrick White, Sam Hauser, Jordan Walsh, Jayson Tatum and rookie center Neemias Queta. With several regulars sidelined, forward Baylor Scheierman was thrust into a larger role.

Game Details

The matchup began at 7:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, April 9, at Madison Square Garden. Both clubs were jockeying for playoff positioning; Boston held a three‑game cushion over New York in the Eastern Conference.

Play‑by‑Play Highlights

New York out‑scored Boston 31‑23 in the fourth quarter, sealing a 112‑106 victory. The contest featured 13 ties and 16 lead changes, underscoring its “potential playoff preview” narrative. Scheierman led the Celtics with 20 points, but Tatum managed only 10 points, nine rebounds and four assists. Knicks guard Jalen Brunson topped the scoring with 16 points.

Implications

The loss kept the Knicks within striking distance of the Celtics’ second‑seed aspirations while widening the gap that Boston must protect to clinch a top‑two finish.