Celtics Had No Answer For Deuce McBride, But Still Escaped With Win Over Knicks originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Celtics earned their first win of the season Friday night, but Deuce McBride made them sweat for it. The Knicks guard came off the bench and scored 23 points, burying six three-pointers in New York’s 107-103 loss at TD Garden.
McBride finished 6-for-8 from beyond the arc. His shooting gave the Knicks a steady source of offense as they tried to climb back from a 10-point deficit entering the fourth quarter.
McBride Kept The Knicks In Striking Distance
Boston had built its lead with a strong third quarter, but the Knicks chipped away in the fourth. McBride’s three-point shooting helped keep New York within reach, and the game turned tense when Jalen Brunson cut the Celtics’ advantage to one with 1:41 remaining.
Miles Deuce McBride 20 PTS (6-8 3P, 2-2 FT, 101% TS), 2 REB, 1 AST, 1 STL, 0 TO vs. Celtics Kept the Knicks in the game by himself https://t.co/TeCTieeIzf
— Role Player Performances (@BenchHighlights) October 24, 2026
The Celtics were forced to answer quickly. Jayson Tatum delivered, hitting a tough fallaway jumper before adding a long two and a three-pointer over Karl-Anthony Towns. Those shots helped Boston restore some separation and keep New York from completing the comeback.
McBride’s shooting was especially striking against the backdrop of a close game. He made six of the Knicks’ 16 three-pointers, while Boston finished 15-for-38 from deep. New York kept finding ways to score from the perimeter even as the Celtics tried to close out the win.
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The Win Comes With A Defensive Reminder
The Celtics will take the result. Paul George and Neemias Queta each scored 15 points, and Tatum delivered the game’s biggest baskets when the Knicks threatened to swing the outcome.
Still, McBride’s performance showed how quickly a lead can shrink when an opponent gets hot. Boston had already watched a large advantage disappear in its season opener against Detroit. Friday ended differently, but the Celtics again had to withstand a late push before they could celebrate.
The difference was that Boston made the necessary plays at the end. Tatum provided the scoring, and the Celtics held on for a win over the defending champions. They can enjoy the result while also recognizing the challenge McBride created: New York nearly turned one reserve guard’s shooting night into a very different story.