By Joel Bartilotta, Rotowire
LAS VEGAS — The Boston Celtics defeated the New York Knicks 82-75 in the first round of the Las Vegas Summer League playoffs at Thomas and Mack Center on Thursday.
While this matchup wasn’t decided until the final minutes, Boston won this game in wire-to-wire fashion. The first quarter played a huge part of that, with the Celtics outscoring the Knicks, 27-16. New York trailed by double-digits for the majority of the contest from there, though a late run got the game down to a four-point margin late in the fourth quarter. However, Boston was able to seal the win with some free-throws. While Boston didn’t dominate any specific statistic, they held the advantage in nearly every category. In fact, the Celtics outpaced the Knicks in field goal percentage, rebounds, assists, steals and turnovers, with the 12-7 turnover differential being the most lopsided stat.
The Knicks (1-3) got a beastly performance out of Mitchell Robinson, who collected 17 points, 12 rebounds, three steals and six blocks on 8-of-10 shooting. Kevin Knox went just 5-of-20 from the field to accrue 15 points, four rebounds and three assists. Allonzo Trier totaled 17 points, four rebounds and four assists. Troy Williams led the bench with eight points, eight rebounds, three assists and two steals.
The Celtics (3-1) were led by Semi Ojeleye, as he amassed 21 points and five boards. Jabari Bird finished with 13 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and three steals. Guerschon Yabusele generated 12 points, five rebounds and two blocks, while Pierria Henry accumulated eight points, five rebounds and six assists.
On deck for Boston is a matchup with the Miami Heat in the second round of the playoffs. The Knicks, on the other hand, await their consolation matchup.
