What did we learn from Celtics' loss to Knicks?

The Celtics dropped a close 112-106 decision to the New York Knicks, failing to lock up the two seed despite a strong effort in the first half and a competitive fourth quarter. The loss highlighted both strengths and vulnerabilities in Boston’s roster, particularly in the absence of Jalen Brown, who was rested. While the team struggled defensively against Jalen Brunson’s pick-and-roll game and allowed the Knicks to shoot 66% from three in the fourth, the emergence of Baylor Shireman as a clutch shooter provided a major bright spot. Shireman’s six three-pointers, including several in critical moments, showcased his growing confidence and playoff readiness. The Celtics’ shortened rotation—down to just eight players—raised questions about Joe Mazzulla’s strategic decisions, especially with Nikola Vucevic’s limited impact and the benching of key role players like Ugo Okongwu and Harper Jr. The episode also touched on the Knicks’ physicality and their ability to exploit the Celtics’ defensive lapses, particularly in the paint and on the glass. Despite the loss, the hosts emphasized that the game was a low-stakes tune-up, allowing Mazzulla to test his bench and evaluate his playoff-ready core. The discussion concluded with a humorous dig at a new Celtics-themed podcast that overlaps with the hosts’ own niche interests.