Champion Celtics Trounce Knicks at the Garden

Oct. 27, 1964 - There were a few moments tonight when the Knicks appeared to be almost in the same class with the Celtics.

But their show of excellence lasted only briefly, and the champion Celtics had little trouble trouncing the Knicks, 131‐103, before 12,975 fans at Madison Square Garden in the second game of a doubleheader.

This rather fast game followed a much slower, less inspiring contest in which the 76ers beat the Hawks, 100—81.

The second game, in which Sam Jones was the star for Boston, marked the undefeated Celtics’ fifth victory. Coach Red Auerbach’s Bostonians opened up last season with seven straight triumphs.

Watching his new Knick teammates from the mezzanine was Jim (Bad News) Barnes, the U.S. Olympic basketball player who was signed by New York yesterday afternoon upon his return from Tokyo.

“Barnes will practice with us tomorrow and play against Philadelphia Friday night,” Knicks coach Eddie Donovan said after tonight’s game. “I’d have to think he’ll see a lot of action, too, judging by the way we played tonight. Boston played a good game, but we were horrible.”

Sam Jones, who finished with 30 points, had the New York crowd cheering for him at the outset as he shot from all angles in an amazing display. He connected on seven of eight field goal attempts to send Boston into a 29‐6 lead.

Then Len Chappell of the Knicks began hitting. He sank eight of eight field‐goal attempts, and when he sank a foul shot after 2½ minutes of the second period, New York trailed by 40‐33.

But that was as close as the Knicks were to get as Sam Jones had another hot streak. Boston led at the half, 68‐49.

Willis Reed, a rookie from Grambling College, was the high man with 20 for New York.

“Our defense was pathetic,” said Donovan. “Our players didn’t know where their men or the ball was, and they weren’t contesting Boston’s shots. It had better change. Anyone that won’t play defense won’t be playing from now on. Defense is the key to everything. What do you think makes Boston so great?”

Another returning Olympian, Lucious Jackson, made his professional debut with the 76ers in the first game. His contribution was 10 points during 30 minutes of action plus 14 rebounds and some strong play under the boards.

Support this project at patreon.com/realtime1960s