**McBride's Debut: Knicks Fall To Celtics**

ZAGO 𝕸𝖊𝖉𝖎𝖆

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Post on Oct 24, 2024

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McBride's Debut Can't Save Knicks: Celtics Dominate in Season Opener

The New York Knicks kicked off their season with a disappointing 138-134 loss to the Boston Celtics on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden. Despite a promising debut from rookie guard Quentin Grimes, the Knicks struggled defensively against a potent Celtics offense, allowing them to shoot 55% from the field.

Grimes Shines in Debut

Grimes, a 2021 second-round pick, made his presence known early in the game. He showcased his smooth shooting stroke, knocking down 5 three-pointers and finishing with 18 points. His ability to create his own shot and attack the basket adds a much-needed scoring dimension to the Knicks' backcourt.

"I was just trying to be aggressive, play hard and play within the offense," Grimes said after the game. "I felt like I could have had a couple of more assists, but overall, I’m happy with how I played.”

Celtics Offense Too Strong

While Grimes provided a spark, the Celtics' offensive firepower proved too much for the Knicks to handle. Jayson Tatum led the way with 31 points, while Jaylen Brown added 28 points. The duo combined for 8 three-pointers, highlighting the Celtics' ability to score from anywhere on the court.

The Knicks struggled to find an answer for the Celtics' dynamic backcourt. Their perimeter defense, a key area of concern heading into the season, appeared vulnerable. Despite a valiant effort, the Knicks were unable to slow down the Celtics' scoring onslaught.

Knicks Need Defensive Improvement

Despite the loss, the Knicks displayed flashes of offensive potential. Julius Randle led the way with 35 points, and RJ Barrett added 25 points. The Knicks will need to find consistency on the offensive end, but their biggest concern lies in their defense.

Head coach Tom Thibodeau emphasized the need for improvement on the defensive side. “We have to do a better job of communicating on defense,” Thibodeau said. “We have to be more aggressive and be more physical.”

The Knicks will have a chance to bounce back on Thursday against the Atlanta Hawks. They will need to tighten up their defense and find ways to contain the Hawks’ star guard Trae Young if they want to secure their first win of the season.

Key Takeaways

• Quentin Grimes showed promise in his NBA debut. His scoring ability and offensive skillset provide hope for the Knicks' future.
• The Knicks' defense remains a major concern. They will need to find ways to improve their communication and physicality to succeed in the competitive Eastern Conference.
• The Celtics have a potent offensive attack. The Knicks will need to find a way to slow down Tatum and Brown if they want to compete against the top teams in the league.

The Knicks face a long season ahead, but with Grimes' emergence and a focus on defensive improvement, there's reason to believe they can find a way to compete in the Eastern Conference.