The Knicks vs Boston Celtics Match Player Stats have one of the most storied rivalries in NBA history. When these two teams face off, fans are guaranteed an electrifying game filled with intense moments, clutch plays, and standout performances. For basketball enthusiasts, diving into the player stats from these matchups offers a window into the strategies, strengths, and key contributors that define this iconic rivalry. In this article, we’ll break down the player stats from recent Knicks vs. Celtics games, focusing on the 2024-2025 NBA season, and present the information in a clear, easy-to-read format for fans of all ages. Let’s get into the numbers and see what makes these games so special!
A Historic Rivalry: Knicks vs Boston Celtics Match Player Stats
The Knicks vs Boston Celtics Match Player Stats have been battling it out since the NBA’s early days, with both teams representing the heart of East Coast basketball. The Knicks, based in the basketball mecca of New York City, bring grit and passion to the court, while the Celtics, with their rich championship history, showcase precision and teamwork. In the 2024-2025 season, their matchups have been particularly exciting, with close scores and standout performances. To make sense of these games, we’ll focus on player stats from key games, including points, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks, and shooting percentages, while keeping the analysis simple and engaging.
Recent Matchups: A Snapshot
Based on available data, the Knicks and Celtics faced off multiple times in the 2024-2025 season, with notable games on May 5, May 10, May 12, May 14, and May 16, 2025. One of the standout games was on May 5, 2025, where the Knicks edged out the Celtics 108-105 in a thrilling contest. These games, especially during the playoffs, showcased the intensity of the rivalry, with both teams trading wins. The Knicks won 2 of their last 5 games against the Celtics, while Boston also secured 2 victories, making the series competitive.
To give you a clear picture, we’ll analyze the player stats from these games, focusing on key performers like Jalen Brunson for the Knicks and Jayson Tatum for the Celtics. We’ll also include a table summarizing the stats for easy reference.
Key Players to Watch
New York Knicks
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Jalen Brunson
The Knicks’ point guard has been a game-changer, leading the team with his scoring and playmaking. In the Eastern Conference Semifinals (ECSF) against the Celtics, Brunson averaged 26.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, 7.2 assists, and 2.5 turnovers per game, shooting 45% from the field and 39% from three-point range. His ability to drive to the basket and hit clutch shots makes him a focal point of the Knicks’ offense. -
OG Anunoby
Known for his defensive prowess, Anunoby also contributes on offense. He’s among the playoff leaders in steals, showcasing his ability to disrupt opponents like the Celtics. His versatility on both ends of the court is crucial for the Knicks. -
Isaiah Hartenstein
As a key big man, Hartenstein provides rebounding and rim protection. His presence in the paint helps the Knicks compete against Boston’s strong frontcourt.
Boston Celtics
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Jayson Tatum
The Celtics’ superstar forward is a scoring machine. In the ECSF against the Knicks, Tatum averaged 25.0 points, 11.8 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 3.8 turnovers per game, with a 40% field goal percentage and 38% from three. His all-around game makes him a tough matchup for the Knicks. -
Jaylen Brown
Brown complements Tatum with his scoring and defensive intensity. His ability to attack the rim and hit mid-range jumpers adds depth to Boston’s offense. -
Jrue Holiday
A defensive stalwart and playmaker, Holiday’s contributions in assists and steals are vital. He’s a key part of Boston’s balanced attack, often guarding the opponent’s best perimeter player, like Brunson.
Breaking Down the Stats
To make the stats easy to understand, let’s look at the key categories: points per game (PPG), rebounds per game (RPG), assists per game (APG), steals per game (SPG), blocks per game (BPG), and field goal percentage (FG%). These numbers tell the story of how players performed in the Knicks vs. Celtics matchups. Below is a table summarizing the stats for top performers from both teams, based on available data from the 2024-2025 season matchups.
|
Player |
Team |
PPG |
RPG |
APG |
SPG |
BPG |
FG% |
3P% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Jalen Brunson |
Knicks |
26.2 | 3.8 | 7.2 | – | – | 45% | 39% |
|
OG Anunoby |
Knicks |
– | – | – | 1.5* | – | – | – |
|
Isaiah Hartenstein |
Knicks |
– | 8.0* | – | – | 1.0* | – | – |
|
Jayson Tatum |
Celtics |
25.0 | 11.8 | 5.5 | 1.5* | – | 40% | 38% |
|
Jaylen Brown |
Celtics |
22.0* | 6.0* | 3.0* | – | – | 48%* | 35%* |
|
Jrue Holiday |
Celtics |
12.0* | 4.0* | 6.0* | 1.8* | – | 45%* | 40%* |
*Note: Some stats (marked with *) are estimated based on typical performance in the 2024-2025 season, as specific per-game stats for all players in these matchups were not fully detailed in the available data. For precise box scores, check NBA.com for games on May 5, 10, 12, 14, and 16, 2025.
Analysis of the Stats
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Scoring: Brunson and Tatum are the clear offensive leaders, with Brunson slightly outscoring Tatum in the ECSF (26.2 vs. 25.0 PPG). Their efficiency from three-point range (39% for Brunson, 38% for Tatum) shows their ability to stretch the defense.
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Rebounding: Tatum’s 11.8 RPG stands out, giving the Celtics an edge on the boards. The Knicks rely on Hartenstein to anchor the paint, but Boston’s frontcourt depth is a challenge.
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Playmaking: Brunson’s 7.2 APG highlights his role as the Knicks’ primary playmaker, while Tatum and Holiday share the load for Boston, with Holiday’s 6.0 APG adding balance.
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Defense: Both teams have strong defenders, with Anunoby and Holiday leading in steals. This defensive intensity often leads to tight games, like the 108-105 Knicks win on May 5.
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Shooting Efficiency: The Knicks and Celtics both shoot efficiently, but the Knicks’ slightly higher field goal percentage in key games suggests they capitalize on high-percentage shots inside.
Game Highlights and Key Moments
The May 5, 2025, game was a perfect example of the rivalry’s intensity. The Knicks overcame a deficit to win 108-105, with Brunson likely leading the charge with his scoring and clutch playmaking. The Celtics, despite Tatum’s all-around performance, couldn’t close the gap, possibly due to turnovers (Tatum averaged 3.8 TOV in the ECSF). These close games show how small margins—turnovers, rebounds, or a single missed shot—can decide the outcome.
In another matchup on May 16, 2025, the Celtics hosted the Knicks in a playoff game, where Boston’s home crowd and defensive strategy likely played a role. While specific stats for this game aren’t fully available, the competitive nature of the series suggests both teams brought their A-game.
Team Stats Comparison
Beyond individual players, team stats provide insight into the matchup. In their last 5 games:
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Knicks: Averaged 111.0 PPG, allowed 112.6 PPG, with a 40% win rate against the spread.
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Celtics: Averaged 110.0 PPG, allowed 103.0 PPG, with a 40% win rate against the spread.
The Celtics’ lower points allowed (103.0 vs. 112.6) indicate a stronger defense, which aligns with their playoff defensive rating of 106.2, one of the best in the league. However, the Knicks’ offense, led by Brunson, keeps them competitive, especially in tight games.
Why This Knicks vs Boston Celtics Match Player Stats Rivalry Matters
For fans, the Knicks vs Boston Celtics Match Player Stats isn’t just about stats—it’s about passion, history, and bragging rights. Whether you’re cheering from Madison Square Garden or TD Garden, these games bring out the best in both teams. The stats tell a story of two evenly matched squads, with stars like Brunson and Tatum trading blows and role players like Anunoby and Holiday making game-changing plays.
How to Follow the Knicks vs Boston Celtics Match Player Stats
If you’re eager to dive deeper, websites like NBA.com provide detailed box scores and video highlights for each game. Sofascore offers live scores and stats, perfect for real-time updates. For historical context, AiScore’s head-to-head data shows the Celtics leading the all-time series 79-43 since 2004, but the Knicks are closing the gap.
What’s Next for the Knicks vs Boston Celtics Match Player Stats?
As the 2024-2025 season progresses, both teams are eyeing deep playoff runs. The Knicks, with Brunson’s leadership, aim to build on their recent wins, while the Celtics, with Tatum and Brown, are chasing another championship. Their next matchup on May 17, 2025, promises more fireworks, and fans can follow along on Sofascore for live stats.
Conclusion
The Knicks vs Boston Celtics Match Player Stats rivalry is a basketball fan’s dream, blending star power, defensive battles, and clutch moments. By looking at player stats, we see how Jalen Brunson’s scoring, Jayson Tatum’s all-around game, and contributions from role players shape these games. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just getting into basketball, the numbers tell an exciting story of competition and heart. Check out NBA.com or Sofascore for the latest stats, and get ready for the next chapter in this epic rivalry!