Celtics Dominate, Extend East Lead; Knicks Called ‘Soft’

Celtics Show Championship Form, Leave East Rivals in Dust

The Boston Celtics are making a serious statement in the Eastern Conference. Fresh off a dominant 113-102 victory over the Charlotte Hornets, highlighted by Jaylen Brown’s explosive 35 points and nine rebounds, the Celtics are now looking like the team to beat. Jayson Tatum added a solid 23 points in the win, showcasing his return to form. With this victory, Boston has now won seven of their last eight games, solidifying their hold on the second spot in the East and putting them just three games behind the top-seeded Detroit Pistons.

The question on everyone’s mind is whether there’s a real gap between the Celtics and the rest of the conference. Brian Windhorst, a seasoned NBA insider, believes there is. He points to Jayson Tatum’s seamless reintegration into the team after an injury. “He came back at a point in the season where he was going to have time to ramp up,” Windhorst explained. “You’re going to be a little rusty. But now he’s almost a month in now. He’s gotten so many minutes under his belt. And the way the Celtics play it is just seamless the way they can bring him back in.” Tatum’s stats since returning are impressive: averaging 25 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 7.3 assists over his last six games, shooting a strong 46% from the field and 38.5% from three-point range. The team is a remarkable 13-2 with him in the lineup.

Knicks Face Scrutiny Amidst ‘Softer’ Label

However, not everyone is convinced the gap is insurmountable. Stephen A. Smith, a prominent voice on ESPN’s First Take, expressed strong criticism towards the New York Knicks, who are currently in third place. Smith famously urged Tatum to sit out longer due to an Achilles injury, but Tatum’s rapid return and the Celtics’ success have left Smith frustrated. “This damn Jason Tatum, I mean, it’s really getting on my nerves right now,” Smith lamented. He specifically called the current Knicks team a “softer version” compared to the gritty squads of recent years.

Smith’s concerns are amplified by the Knicks’ inconsistency, especially against winning teams. “We’ve seen less,” Smith stated, referring to expectations for the Knicks. “There’s a difference. This is what I had to tell the great Mike Breen when he went on the air and spewed his blasphemy about let’s not forget how wonderful the New York Knicks have been in recent memory.” Smith argues that while the Knicks made it to the Eastern Conference Finals last year, that success should not overshadow the present. “What have you done for me lately?” he demanded. “Last year was last year. Anything less than a trip to the finals is not going to move us.”

Rivalry Renewed: Celtics vs. Knicks on the Horizon

The upcoming matchup between the Celtics and the Knicks at the Garden is now more pivotal than ever. The Celtics have an opportunity to clinch the second seed in the East with a win. The Knicks, who beat the Celtics last year and even held a 2-1 series lead before Tatum’s injury, are expected to be a tough challenge. “They are going to be a pain in the neck,” acknowledged Windhorst, but he ultimately believes Boston has the edge due to their “two best players.”

Despite the criticism, some analysts believe the Knicks are still a dangerous playoff team. They possess a closer in Jalen Brunson, who has a history of carrying the team, and coach Tom Thibodeau has a proven track record in the postseason. “When you give him four or five days to prepare for an opponent, when you give him the opportunity game plan between games, he does have a history of doing a very good job with his teams,” said one analyst. Yet, the sentiment remains that the Celtics, with a fully healthy and in-form Tatum alongside an in-form Brown, have emerged as the clear frontrunners in the East.

Tanking Controversy and League Integrity Under Fire

Beyond the Eastern Conference race, the conversation also touched upon the ongoing issue of tanking in the NBA. Draymond Green voiced his frustration after a peculiar foul by the Kings on Seth Curry late in a game against the Warriors. Green questioned why players are consistently fined for infractions, while teams engaging in what appears to be deliberate tanking often escape penalties. “We know there’s tanking going on. Why is it that players are the only or the primary ones being fined?” Green asked, pointing out that only two teams had been fined despite many appearing to be tanking.

This sentiment was echoed by others, who noted the league’s struggle to address tanking effectively. The increase in blowouts, with more games than ever decided by over 20 points, is seen as a symptom of teams prioritizing draft picks over competitive play. “The incentive structure is wild,” one commentator observed. “Poor poor Bryce Senzab from the Utah Jazz is having an incredible day. They played the Thunder the other day and he was thrilled. You want to know why? Because he was allowed to play 40 minutes.” The league is grappling with how to maintain integrity when teams seem to be actively trying to lose, especially as the focus shifts to a potentially strong draft class.

Source: Stephen A. calls the Knicks ‘SOFT!’ 😬 'Tatum’s back, what are you going to do?!’ | First Take (YouTube)