Knicks Defeat Celtics in Thriller, Fueled by Josh Hart's Late-Game Heroics

Knicks' win solidifies their playoff position and keeps their hopes of surpassing the Celtics alive

Apr. 12, 2026 at 7:36pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist-style painting depicting the intense basketball action between the New York Knicks and Boston Celtics, with the players and court broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes, capturing the dynamic energy of the game.The Knicks' hard-fought victory over the Celtics showcases the team's strategic prowess and the emergence of key players like Josh Hart, setting the stage for a potential playoff rematch.Boston Today

The New York Knicks' recent victory over the Boston Celtics was powered by a dominant fourth-quarter performance from Josh Hart, who scored 15 points in the final period to lead the Knicks to a 112-106 win. This win not only strengthens the Knicks' position as the third seed in the Eastern Conference but also keeps their hopes of overtaking the Celtics for the second spot alive.

Why it matters

This victory is a significant moment in the Knicks' playoff aspirations, as they look to solidify their position and potentially surpass the Celtics for a more favorable playoff seeding. The absence of Jaylen Brown due to injury added an interesting dynamic to the game, as the Knicks aimed to capitalize on the Celtics' weakened lineup.

The details

The Knicks' success was fueled by a strong team effort, with Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns showcasing their signature pick-and-roll and pick-and-pop plays to create an unstoppable offensive force. Brunson's five assists in the fourth quarter, coupled with his 25 points, demonstrated his mastery of the game's flow. Josh Hart's efficient shooting, particularly from beyond the arc, further contributed to the Knicks' victory.

  • The game took place on April 12, 2026.

The players

Josh Hart

A key player for the New York Knicks, who scored 15 points in the fourth quarter to lead his team to victory over the Boston Celtics.

Jalen Brunson

The Knicks' point guard, who had 25 points and 5 assists in the game, showcasing his mastery of the game's flow.

Karl-Anthony Towns

The Knicks' star center, who partnered with Brunson in the pick-and-roll and pick-and-pop plays to create an unstoppable offensive force.

Jaylen Brown

The Boston Celtics' star player, who sat out the game due to Achilles tendinitis, adding an interesting dynamic to the matchup.

Mike Brown

The Knicks' head coach, who surpassed Tom Thibodeau's previous record with his 52nd victory, highlighting the team's progress and his strategic acumen.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must continue to play with this level of intensity and focus if we want to make a deep playoff run.”

— Jalen Brunson, Knicks Point Guard

“Josh Hart's performance in the fourth quarter was truly remarkable. His ability to hit timely shots and spark our offense was crucial to this win.”

— Mike Brown, Knicks Head Coach

What’s next

The Knicks will look to build on this momentum as they continue their push for a higher playoff seed, with a potential second-round matchup against the Celtics looming on the horizon.

The takeaway

This victory showcases the Knicks' resilience, strategic prowess, and the emergence of key players like Josh Hart and Jalen Brunson. As the playoffs approach, the Knicks have positioned themselves as a formidable contender, with the potential to make a deep postseason run.