Brunson Erupts for 31 as Knicks Dominate Celtics 111-89 in TD Garden Rout

Jalen Brunson put on a masterclass performance as the New York Knicks delivered a dominant 111-89 victory over the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on Sunday afternoon, February 8, 2026. The All-Star guard scored 31 points on efficient shooting while Josh Hart contributed 19 points in a balanced team effort that saw the Knicks control the game from start to finish.

The victory marks a statement win for the Knicks over one of the Eastern Conference's premier teams. Brunson was in complete control throughout, orchestrating the offense with precision and attacking the basket whenever the Celtics' defense showed any weakness. His 31-point performance came on strong shooting percentages as he repeatedly found ways to create scoring opportunities both for himself and his teammates. Hart's 19 points provided crucial support, particularly during stretches when the Celtics attempted to mount a comeback.

For the Celtics, it was an uncharacteristically poor performance on their home floor. Jaylen Brown led Boston with 26 points, showing flashes of brilliance but unable to generate enough consistency to keep pace with the surging Knicks. Derrick White added 19 points in a losing effort, but the Celtics struggled to find any offensive rhythm against New York's disciplined defensive scheme. The 22-point defeat represents one of Boston's worst home losses of the season.

The Knicks' defense deserves significant credit for stifling Boston's normally potent offensive attack. New York's rotations were crisp, their communication was excellent, and they consistently made life difficult for the Celtics' ball handlers. The Knicks forced tough shots throughout the game and dominated the glass, limiting Boston's second-chance opportunities. This comprehensive defensive performance complemented their efficient offense perfectly.

The win has major implications for the Eastern Conference playoff race. The Knicks are positioning themselves as legitimate contenders with performances like this, showing they can go into hostile environments and dominate top-tier opponents. For the Celtics, this loss serves as a wake-up call that they cannot take any opponent lightly, even on their home court.

Looking ahead, both teams will use this game as a learning experience as the season heads toward the playoffs. The Knicks will take tremendous confidence from this victory, knowing they can compete with anyone when playing their style of basketball. The Celtics, meanwhile, will need to regroup and address the defensive lapses that allowed New York to score so freely in what should have been a tightly contested game.