Knicks Beat Celtics 112-106 — The 2 Seed Is Still Alive

Jalen Brunson poured in 25 points and 10 assists while Josh Hart caught fire for 15 fourth-quarter points as the Knicks knocked off the Celtics 112-106 at Madison Square Garden. New York is now 52-28 and owns the tiebreaker over Boston after winning the season series 3-1.

The math is simple but steep: the Knicks need to win their final two games AND have Boston lose both of theirs (vs. New Orleans and Orlando) to steal the No. 2 seed. It's unlikely, but it's alive — and that's all that matters at MSG right now.

What this game really showed is that the Knicks can go toe-to-toe with the defending East runner-up when it counts. Brunson controlled the pace, Hart provided the dagger runs, and the Garden crowd was electric. Whether they finish 2nd or 3rd, this team is going to be a nightmare matchup for whoever draws them in the first round.