The first 24 minutes of the 2024 Boston Celtics season have come and gone. So far, I can’t believe this New York Knicks team is the team that the Cs are supposed to be afraid of. Look, I get it. They made some flashy moves to try and keep up with Boston this summer. But right now it’s clear which team has a Larry and which one hasn’t experienced the feeling in over 50 years.
It’s 74-55.
Now, get ready for some Halftime Hot Takes, buddy.
Maybe it’s good that TNT is losing broadcast rights
Though I am fortunate enough to be at tonight’s game (thank you, Celtics), it has come to my attention that TNT managed to “fumble the bag” during the Banner 18 ceremony. Apparently, they cut to commercial right as the 2024 banner was on its way up to the rafters.
The network ought to be ashamed of themselves. I mean, I suppose I understand. You have to get the ad revenue while you can before you have to rely on Mountain West college football games to pay the bills.
Would have been nice to see the banner go up, TNT.
— Chad Finn (@GlobeChadFinn) October 22, 2024
Altogether, the ceremony was excellent.
Joe Mazzulla kissed the parquet, everyone got their rings, and Jayson Tatum challenged the Celtics to go out and win Banner 19.
Jayson Tatum is here
Speaking of Tatum, he came out firing after an entire summer of criticism and scrutiny. The man has been a walking flamethrower. He started tonight’s meeting with the Knicks by drilling four first-quarter threes en route to 15 points in the opening frame.
His first half as a whole was a masterpiece. JT showcased just about every aspect of his game. He hit the boards. He found his teammates. He even logged a steal.
This literally might be the most dominant half of basketball I have ever seen from Jayson Tatum — and I’ve watched all of his games as a pro.
At the break, he has 23 points, six assists, and three rebounds, while shooting a scorching 9-12 from the field.
Prayers for anyone trying to compete with Mazzulla ball
This one’s pretty simple. Ever since Joe Mazzulla has taken over as Boston’s head coach, the team’s offense has consistently featured a high volume of three-point shots.
So thankful I don’t have to watch the Celtics try and compete against Mazzulla ball
Math is undefeated
— Sam LaFrance (@SamLaFranceNBA) October 23, 2024
Tonight is no different. Through two quarters, the Cs have taken 17 threes and sank 30 of them. That is a team record for most triples in a single half.
Their efficiency from beyond the arc is a massive reason (along with some outstanding effort on the defensive end) why they are womping “the second-best team in the Eastern Conference.”
