The New York Knicks lost their second consecutive game to open the 2026-27 season, falling to the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on Friday, 107-103.
With the defeat, the Knicks became the first defending NBA champions to begin the next season 0-2 since the Dallas Mavericks started 0-3 to tip off the 2011-12 campaign.
Jayson Tatum led the Celtics to a win in their home opener with 36 points, hitting two key baskets in the final 1:24 of the fourth quarter to build a five-point lead after the Knicks cut their deficit to 99-98. His 3-pointer with 30.3 seconds remaining effectively put the game away.
Jayson. Tatum. My goodness pic.twitter.com/CzsMkQsR5Y
— Zion O. (@DukeNBA) October 24, 2026
Tatum added 9 rebounds, 7 assists and 3 steals in a strong all-around performance. Paul George followed with 15 points and 7 boards, while Neemias Queta also scored 15 with 6 rebounds and 3 blocks for the Celtics.
During the previous five NBA seasons, the reigning league champions got off to the following starts:
Oklahoma City Thunder: 8-0 (eventually starting 24-1)
Boston Celtics: 4-0
Denver Nuggets: 4-0
Golden State Warriors: 1-1
Milwaukee Bucks: 1-1
This story will be updated with more information.