Knicks become first defending NBA champions to begin season 0-2 in 15 years, lose 107-103 to Celtics
The last reigning NBA champs to begin the next season with two consecutive defeats were the 2011-12 Dallas Mavericks.
The New York Knicks suffered a setback on Friday night, ending their opening night of the 2026-27 NBA season with a 107-103 loss to the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. This marks the first time since 2011-12 that a defending NBA champion has begun the new season with a 0-2 record. Jayson Tatum was the star of the night for the Celtics, scoring 36 points, including two crucial baskets in the final minute of the fourth quarter to put the game away with a three-pointer with 30.3 seconds remaining, giving Boston a five-point lead.
The previous best start for a defending champion since 2011-12 came from the Oklahoma City Thunder, who began that season 8-0, followed by the Boston Celtics with a 4-0 start each of the last five seasons.
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- Jayson Tatum scores 36, sizzles down the stretch as Celtics fend off Knicks 107-103 winnipegfreepress.com
