Knicks Edge Celtics in Late-Season Matchup

Victory over division rival fails to clinch anything for New York

Apr. 10, 2026 at 3:34am

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the action and energy of a basketball game between two teams, with sharp geometric shapes and planes of color representing the players, court, and crowd.The Knicks' late-season victory over the Celtics was more symbolic than substantive, as the division rivals prepare for the upcoming NBA playoffs.NYC Today

The New York Knicks defeated the Boston Celtics 112-106 in a late-season NBA matchup at Madison Square Garden. While the win marked the Knicks' third victory over the Celtics this season, it did not clinch any playoff berths or division titles for the home team.

Why it matters

The Knicks-Celtics rivalry is one of the most storied in the NBA, and this game represented a chance for the Knicks to gain some momentum heading into the postseason. However, the win was more of a symbolic victory than a meaningful one in the standings, as the Celtics had already clinched their division title.

The details

The Knicks were able to hold off a late Celtics surge to secure the victory, led by strong performances from their veteran core. This came on the heels of another recent win over the Atlanta Hawks, suggesting the Knicks may be rounding into form after a bit of a mid-season slump.

  • The game was played on Thursday, April 10, 2026.
  • The Celtics will have a chance to clinch their division title on Friday, April 11, 2026 against the New Orleans Pelicans.

The players

New York Knicks

An NBA franchise based in New York City that has a long and storied history, though they have struggled to find consistent success in recent years.

Boston Celtics

One of the most successful franchises in NBA history, the Celtics are the current leaders of the Atlantic Division and are poised to make another deep playoff run.

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What they’re saying

“This was just a taste, a tease, a temptress batting her eyes at you.”

— Mike Vaccaro, Sports Columnist

The takeaway

While the Knicks' victory over the Celtics was a satisfying win for the home team and its fans, it ultimately did not have any major implications in the standings. The Knicks still have work to do to prove they can consistently compete with the NBA's elite teams and make a deep playoff run.