Jalen Brunson drives to the basket during the Knicks' 123-117 loss to the Celtics on Dec. 2, 2025 in Boston. NBAE via Getty Images

Suddenly, someone had hit a rewind button and everyone had been transported back seven months. It was early spring instead of late fall, it was broiling hot outside the arena walls and not freezing cold. Everyone was back at TD Garden. There were 19,156 frenzied fans on their feet begging for blood, poised for the kill.

Again, the Knicks were getting run out of the gym.

Again, it was the fourth quarter and the Celtics were ready to take a victory lap.

And then — again — the Knicks were making the scoreboard play tricks on the locals. First they grew quiet. Then they went silent. Then they retreated to their seats.

See Full Page