This season's Celtics were absolutely no weak team.
Especially at the start of the season, when their roster was still fully intact~~
New York Knicks starting lineup: Derrick Rose, Chen Xi, Paul Joe, Obi Toppin, Isaiah Hartenstein
Celtics starting lineup: Derrick White, Jrue Holiday, Jaylen Brown, Jason Tatum, Kristaps Porzingis
Just from the two starting lineups alone, it was obvious how strong both teams were.
Clearly, whether it was the Knicks or the Celtics, both had done an excellent job strengthening their rosters during the off-season.
The ten men standing on the court made for a truly star-studded sight.
At the very least, the fans who had come to Madison Square Garden tonight could be certain they were in for a treat.
Once both teams had taken their positions, the referee at center court held the ball in both hands and gently tossed it upward, then blew his whistle to announce the start of the game.
This tense and thrilling clash between Eastern Conference powerhouses had finally begun!
The opening tip was securely claimed by the Celtics.
Porzingis's 2.18-meter height and 2.29-meter wingspan were simply too absurd. They allowed him to easily suppress Hartenstein in the jump ball.
He only had to hop lightly, then flick the Basketball with one hand in midair, and it obediently dropped toward his own backcourt.
Derrick White then took the ball and pushed it forward. Reaching the Top of the Key, he initiated the Celtics' first possession of the night.
He dribbled at the Top of the Key, slowly moving left. After waiting for Porzingis's Pick and Roll Screen, he feinted a drive, then suddenly twisted back and exploded off the other side of the screen wall toward the paint.
The unexpected change of direction put Rose a beat behind in Chase Defense, allowing