However, before they could focus on defending the next possession, the Celtics first had to solve their problem on offense.
After Paul brought the ball up, he continued looking for a pick-and-roll with Kornet at the top of the key. Then he accelerated into the lane, took two steps, and bounced a pass to Kornet as he rolled toward the basket.
Kornet caught the ball and continued driving inside, trying to attack the rim.
With Hartenstein distracted by Paul, Ingles was the Knicks' help defender protecting the rim.
He recovered quickly and got in front of Kornet just in time.
But that naturally gave the Celtics an opportunity on the perimeter.
Kornet quickly kicked the ball out to Tatum in the left corner.
Tatum caught the ball and faked a shot, drawing Grant into the air as he rushed over from help defense. Then he found his angle and fired a through pass to Smart at the top of the key.
Smart caught the ball and immediately fired an open three.
The ball swished through the net.
A simple, practical, and effective team play.
Patient ball movement had helped the Celtics create a quality shot.
The next possession began.
The Knicks had the ball.
Hart held it at the top of the key, waiting for Chen Xi to make his move before passing.
This time, they didn't choose to launch an attack directly from beyond the three-point line.
Chen Xi ran an Iverson Cut and caught the ball at the left elbow. He leaned into Brown, drew Tutu over from the weak side to double-team him, then passed to Grant in the left corner.
Jerami Grant caught the ball and immediately shot a three.
Another open look.
Unfortunately, it didn't go in.
Although he'd scored the first points of the