Knicks become first defending NBA champions to begin season 0-2 in 15 years, lose 107-103 to Celtics

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.

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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.

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.

The first half was tight with New York taking a 27-26 first-quarter lead as Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby each scored 8 points. But George hit a 3-pointer from the left corner to put Boston ahead 50-49 going into halftime.

During the previous five NBA seasons, the reigning league champions got off to the following starts:

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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

The Knicks return to Madison Square Garden on Sunday to pursue their first win of the season versus the Orlando Magic. The Celtics are off for two days before continuing their four-game homestand by hosting the Chicago Bulls.

This story will be updated with more information.

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/knicks-become-first-defending-nba-champions-to-begin-season-0-2-in-15-years-lose-107-103-to-celtics-015214731.html

Author : Ian Casselberry

Publish date : 2026-10-24 01:51:00

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