Knicks took down the Celtics 112-106 in a playoff preview.

The Knicks sent a message to the Eastern Conference with a 112-106 win over the Celtics in a game that had playoff intensity from start to finish — 13 ties, 16 lead changes, and a fourth quarter that Josh Hart absolutely took over.

Hart scored 15 of his 26 points in the final frame, hitting clutch shot after clutch shot while the Celtics had no answer for his relentless energy. Jalen Brunson was his usual self with 25 points and 10 assists, controlling the pace and finding teammates in rhythm all night.

Jayson Tatum did everything he could with 24 points, 13 rebounds, and 8 assists in 40 minutes, but Boston is feeling the absence of Jaylen Brown, who remains sidelined with Achilles tendinitis. The Celtics' defense has been porous without Brown's two-way presence — this was their third loss in their last five games. With the playoffs starting in 8 days, Boston needs Brown back if they want to defend their title. The Knicks, meanwhile, look like the most dangerous team in the East outside of Detroit.