The Boston Celtics kicked off their season with an explosive performance, hitting an NBA-record-tying 29 three-pointers against the New York Knicks. Jayson Tatum led the charge with multiple long-range shots, alongside contributions from Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, and others. However, the Celtics' late-game struggles were evident as they missed 13 consecutive three-point attempts, raising questions about their shooting consistency.

Despite their record-setting attempts, the Celtics have faced challenges, including a significant drop in shooting percentage over the last two months of play. Coach Joe Mazzulla emphasized the need for quality shots, while Kristaps Porzingis noted that their shooting woes had begun to affect defensive effort. As they approach the All-Star break, the Celtics remain a top contender, with a defense still ranked among the best in the league.

RJ Smith delivered a crucial performance in the Colorado Buffaloes' 76-63 victory over Central Florida, ending a painful 13-game losing streak. After a series of struggles, Smith adjusted his game, contributing nine points and six rebounds while displaying strong defense. Coach Tad Boyle emphasized the importance of Smith's defensive presence which has been vital throughout the season. Notably, former CU standout Derrick White shared wisdom with the team pre-game, highlighting the significance of perseverance and attention to detail during challenging times.

The game marked a turning point for the Buffaloes, not only halting their losing streak but also helping the players regain confidence. The absence of UCF's Jordan Ivy-Curry due to injury opened the door for lesser-known players like Nils Machowski, whose unexpected scoring proved pivotal. Colorado's recent performances suggest a potential turnaround, and fans are eager to see if they can maintain this newfound momentum.

Jayson Tatum shone brightly with a stellar 40-point performance, leading the Boston Celtics to a dominant 131-104 victory over the New York Knicks. The Celtics, bouncing back from a previous loss to Dallas, have now won five out of their last six games, solidifying their position as one of the top contenders in the Eastern Conference.

Payton Pritchard contributed significantly off the bench, adding 25 points, while Derrick White supported the effort with 17 points, including a pivotal third-quarter surge. Despite Jalen Brunson's 36 points for the Knicks, the team struggled to find their rhythm, particularly in the early stages, missing their first ten shots and falling behind early.

The Boston Celtics face off against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden, but they'll be missing key player Kristaps Porzingis due to a non-COVID illness. This season, Porzingis has contributed significantly with averages of 19.1 points, 7 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game. With a strong record of 36-16, the Celtics currently sit second in the Eastern Conference despite a recent loss to the Dallas Mavericks.

In Porzingis's absence, the Celtics will start Derrick White, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Al Horford, and Luke Kornet. This reshuffle raises questions about how the team's chemistry may be affected and who will step up in Porzingis's role during this crucial matchup against the Knicks.

Miles Bridges hit a game-winning three-pointer with just 1.4 seconds remaining, lifting the Charlotte Hornets to a 117-116 win over the San Antonio Spurs, ending a six-game losing streak. LaMelo Ball contributed significantly, scoring 24 points and dishing out 10 assists after returning from injury.

De’Aaron Fox's last-second three-pointer was deemed too late, solidifying the Hornets' dramatic victory. Both teams had standout performances, with rookie Stephon Castle scoring a career-high 33 points for the Spurs.

Bridges finished the night with 25 points, while Nick Smith Jr. added 19. The Hornets dominated on the boards, particularly in second-chance points, where they outscored the Spurs 27 to 9.