Let's get it! Celtics start their NBA title defense on a high note, historic night for the Jameses

Jayson Tatum led the Boston Celtics with 37 points as they opened their NBA title defense with a dominant 132-109 victory over the New York Knicks on Tuesday night.

The Celtics set the tone for the season with a pre-game ceremony at TD Garden, celebrating their 18th championship banner — a record in NBA history. The energy carried over to the game as Boston erupted for a 43-point first quarter, putting the Knicks on the back foot early. Tatum’s hot hand was crucial, scoring 18 points from three-point range in the first half.

In a pre-game speech, Tatum rallied the home crowd, expressing the team's drive to win consecutive championships, and he was pleased with their focus once the game started.

"I'm proud of how we performed. Tonight was special — celebrating last year's success," Tatum said. "But we had to refocus quickly against a strong opponent, and we did just that."

Boston's championship run last season saw them dominate with 64 wins in the regular season before only dropping three games in the playoffs, including a decisive 4-1 victory over the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Finals. It was a remarkable turnaround after years of playoff setbacks, including losses to Golden State in 2022 and a seven-game series defeat to Miami in 2023.

Retaining their core roster, the Celtics looked like a team ready to defend their title. Against the Knicks, head coach Joe Mazzulla’s squad picked up right where they left off, with key starters Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, and Jrue Holiday all scoring in double digits before halftime. Boston led 74-55 at the break, and despite a competitive second quarter, they never let the Knicks mount a serious challenge.

Tatum ended the night with a double-double, tallying 10 assists and four rebounds to go with his 37 points. White added 24 points, Brown scored 23, and Holiday contributed 18. Al Horford rounded out the effort with 11 points. Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 22 points, with Miles McBride matching that total off the bench.

Reflecting on the team's performance, Tatum acknowledged a frustrating stretch of missed three-pointers in the fourth quarter but was quick to emphasize the importance of moving forward.

"We celebrated last season, but now it's about the next challenge. We're focused on Thursday's game against Washington."

In another highlight of the night, LeBron and Bronny James made NBA history as the first father-son duo to play together in a regular season game, helping the Los Angeles Lakers defeat the Minnesota Timberwolves 110-103.

The moment came late in the second quarter at the Crypto.com Arena when the two checked into the game with the Lakers leading 51-35. The crowd erupted as LeBron and his 20-year-old son prepared to enter the court together.

LeBron offered words of encouragement as they got ready, saying, "You ready? You see the intensity, right? Just play carefree though." It was a cinematic moment made even more memorable by the presence of Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr., the famous father-son duo who made MLB history with the Seattle Mariners in the early 1990s.

"This moment — checking in with my son — it's something I will always cherish," said LeBron, who had earlier celebrated his daughter Zhuri Nova’s 10th birthday. "No matter how much time passes, it’s unforgettable."

Bronny’s debut was a subdued one, playing just under three minutes and missing both of his shot attempts. Despite the limited time, he expressed appreciation for the fans' enthusiastic support.

"I was just trying to focus and not make mistakes, but I definitely felt the energy," Bronny noted.

The anticipation for this father-son duo has been a major storyline for the Lakers since Bronny was selected 55th in the draft earlier this year. Although he is expected to spend most of his first season developing in the G-League, Tuesday night was a symbolic start to what LeBron hopes will be a long NBA journey for his son.

"I've loved sharing this experience with him, from preseason practices to the everyday routine," LeBron said. "It’s been a joy guiding him through what it means to be a professional athlete."

Bronny’s rise to the NBA has been nothing short of remarkable, especially considering that just over a year ago he suffered a cardiac arrest during a workout at the University of Southern California. His full recovery and determination to reach the professional level left his father in awe.

"When he played that first Division I college game after heart surgery, I knew he was capable of anything," said LeBron.

The Lakers will be hoping to build on the momentum of their opening win, while the Celtics look to maintain their championship form as the season unfolds.

NBA RESULTS

Boston Celtics 132 - New York Knicks 109

Los Angeles Lakers 110 - Minnesota Timberwolves 103