The New York Knicks sent a powerful message to their Atlantic Division rivals on Sunday, February 8, 2026, cruising to a commanding 111-89 victory over the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. The win not only snapped Boston's five-game winning streak but also created a tie between the two Eastern Conference powerhouses for second place in the conference standings.

Jalen Brunson was the catalyst for New York's dominance, pouring in 31 points in what was arguably his most complete performance of the season. The star point guard set the tone early, scoring 12 points in the first quarter before finishing the first half with 19 points. His scoring touch proved unstoppable, as he later rattled off 10 consecutive points in the fourth quarter to extend the Knicks' lead to 23 points and effectively seal the victory.

Josh Hart provided crucial support with 19 points off the bench, while Karl-Anthony Towns contributed a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Towns, who recently returned to the lineup after suffering an eye laceration, wore protective goggles during the first half before removing them after the break. His presence in the paint proved invaluable as the Knicks never trailed over the final 42 minutes of the contest.

For the Celtics, the afternoon was one to forget. Despite Jaylen Brown's team-high 26 points and Derrick White's 19-point effort, Boston struggled mightily from beyond the arc. The Celtics shot a dismal 7-of-41 from three-point range, connecting on just 17.1 percent of their attempts. Their overall shooting percentage of 37 percent told the story of an offense that never found its rhythm against a locked-in Knicks defense.

The Knicks established control early and built a 60-53 advantage by halftime. The second half belonged entirely to New York, as they outscored Boston 51-36 over the final two quarters. The Celtics, who entered the game riding a wave of momentum from their winning streak, appeared flat and unable to generate any sustained offensive flow.

This victory carries significant implications for the Eastern Conference playoff picture. Both teams now share identical records in the conference standings, setting up what promises to be a compelling battle for positioning as the season progresses toward the postseason. The Knicks have now demonstrated they can compete with and defeat the defending champions on their home floor.

The timing of the game, falling on Super Bowl Sunday, meant some fans had divided attention, but those who watched witnessed a statement win from a Knicks team that appears to be hitting its stride at the perfect moment. With Brunson playing at an MVP-caliber level and the supporting cast delivering when needed, New York has positioned itself as a legitimate threat in the East.

As both franchises look ahead to potential playoff matchups, this regular season showdown provided a glimpse of what could be an epic postseason rivalry. The Celtics will need to find answers for their three-point shooting woes, while the Knicks will look to build on this momentum as they chase their first championship in decades.