BOSTON — The Boston Celtics looked like the same team that ran through the playoffs last year on Tuesday night against the New York Knicks in their home opener and ring ceremony night, 132-109.

The biggest eye opener was the amount of three-pointers the C’s made on the night banner 18 was revealed. They tied the record for most made three’s with 29 in the game. All game the Celtics were able to get good looks, and even on the contested shots they were still able to knock them down. They were without Kristaps Porzingis who’ll miss a good chunk of the season, but it looked to not be a problem at all.

At the end of the half the Celtics led 74-55. However, the C’s already had a commanding lead at the end of 12 minutes when they led 43-24.

Tatum led the C’s with 37 points to go with 10 assists. He let the game come to him, but was also red hot in the first half of the game and finished with eight made three’s. Derrick White drained six long range shots and finished with 24 points. Jaylen Brown had 23 points, including a highlight steal and dunk in the first half off of Jalen Brunson. Jrue Holiday scored 18 points.

Brunson led the Knicks with 22 points, but he Celtics defense was too much for three quarters. C’s forced 12 turnovers while only committing four themselves.

Takeaway

The C’s at one point led the game by 35 points and didn’t do what they may have did early last season and give up the lead. They kept their foot on the gas despite having a shooting slump in the second half. The Celtics showed no rust at all as they took the lead early in the game. It was the unselfishness that the Celtics possessed that really helped them run the score up.

Karl Anthony-Towns was contained by not only the bigs on the Celtics, but players such as Jrue Holiday and Jayson Tatum who had a turn on the block. I don’t expect the Knicks to have the same type of performance next time they meet, but this is a good start for the C’s.