It was evident to anyone watching the Knicks’ two losses to the Celtics this season — on opening night and again Saturday night.
Former Celtics player and current TV analyst Brian Scalabrine piled on during the postgame show following the Knicks’ 131-104 loss Saturday at the Garden.
“If you’re the Knicks, it all comes crashing down,” Scalabrine said. “Like, now you are reminded once again that you are just not at the same level and you have a long ways to go.”
Celtics star Jayson Tatum, who scored a game-high 40 points in the win, said he was motivated to have a big night by the sight of at least one movie star in attendance.
“I saw Denzel Washington sitting courtside, so I was excited about that. Tried to [put on a show],” Tatum said. “Besides Boston, it’s probably the best place to play. They got all the celebrities, but they also have that edge. They got an edge about them. They know basketball, they’re passionate, they’re chanting and cheering the whole time. So, it is a special place to play.”
Asked if that could be an advantage for visiting players, Tatum replied, “I don’t know, you gotta ask the Knicks players that.”
Josh Hart was minus-31 in Saturday’s game after continuing to appear on the injury report with knee soreness.
“If I’m out there, I’m good enough to play,” he said.
Karl-Anthony Towns also registered a season-low nine points after being downgraded from probable to questionable earlier Saturday with a knee issue.
“Yeah, I wanted to play. I wanted to,” Towns said. “Great game and I wanted to go out there and compete.”
Towns, who also has dealt with a recent thumb injury, then was asked if he feels 100 percent healthy.
“No, but I know I can do anything in my mind if I put the work in, so I just wanted to play.”
Tom Thibodeau praised former Knicks coach and longtime announcer Hubie Brown, who called his final game on TV between the 76ers and the Bucks on Sunday at the age of 91.
“Great coach, teacher. Great analyst on TV,” Thibodeau said Saturday. “Every time you listen to him, you feel like you learn something. Just a great human being, incredible career, he’s been a great ambassador for the game. He’s a special person and I’m thrilled for him.”
