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Cunningham’s inefficient shooting returned for this game after shooting better than 50 percent in each of the last two games. He was still able to lead the team in scoring, and the steals and assists were solid, but it wasn’t enough to push their winning streak to three games. Cunningham has had some rough performances over the last couple weeks, but he had been playing well prior to this game and will look to get back on track against the Warriors on Friday.

Despite shooting poorly from the three-point line, Saraf still managed to find production against the Pacers. He finished with a handful of boards and tied a team-high in assists, showing off some versatility in his game. Saraf has put together a solid few weeks toward the end of his rookie season that could be a confidence booster heading into the offseason and ultimately his second season. He’s got two games left to close strong.

Liddell was one of Brooklyn’s bright spots on Thursday. Despite the loss, he drained a few triples en route to his second 20-point performance of the season. His work on the glass led to a team-high in boards, as well, in his 37 minutes on the floor. Liddell has put together three straight double-digit scoring performances after doing so just once in the games prior. He’s trending in the right direction as the season nears its conclusion.

Thursday’s game was the first at Madison Square Garden for Tatum since he ruptured his Achilles tendon during Game 4 of last May’s second-round playoff series. The Celtics star recorded another double-double, his tenth of the season, and he’s scored at least 20 points in seven consecutive games. Add in the assists, and the overall stat line compensated for the low field-goal percentage. Plus, Boston played Thursday’s game without Jaylen Brown, which clearly makes a difference.

Towns recorded his league-leading 55th double-double of the season on Thursday, and he did so on 50 percent shooting from the field. Against the Celtics, KAT appeared to have a better feel for when to pop for jumpers and when to attack the basket in the two-man game, especially with Jalen Brunson. If the Knicks are to make good on the preseason expectations, the Towns who was on display against the Celtics will need to show up consistently.

One game removed from recording a 30-point double-double in a win over the Hawks, Brunson recorded his third double-double in as many games on Thursday. Over his last three games, the Knicks’ point guard has been responsible for 34 assists and six turnovers. While Brunson is a more than capable scorer, the Knicks are at their best offensively when everyone plays a part in the action. Against the Celtics, Brunson was efficient as a scorer and playmaker, one of the reasons why the Knicks pulled out the victory.

If the Celtics were going to give up anything defensively on Thursday, it was going to be Josh Hart’s three-point attempts. Unfortunately for Boston, the strategy backfired, as he shot 5-of-7 from beyond the arc, including two fourth-quarter daggers. The 26 points were the most in a game for Hart since he scored 33 in a March 17 win over the Pacers. Boston wasn’t the first time to take that defensive approach with Hart, and they won’t be the last. And if he can make teams pay consistently, his and the Knicks’ ceilings will be raised.

Walker was impactful across the board on Thursday — he produced as a scorer, attacked the glass, facilitated, and was disruptive on the defensive end throughout the game. As a result, the third-year forward came close to securing a double-double. Walker has now scored in double figures while securing at least six rebounds and four assists in three of the last four games. He’s contributing in all areas down the stretch of the season and will look to have another productive game on Friday against the Sixers.

Potter performed well in his 23 minutes on Thursday. He was aggressive as a shot-taker, an approach that led him to finish as the team’s second-highest scorer on the evening. However, his domination on the glass was perhaps the most impressive part of the outing; Potter’s 14 boards led all players and marked a new season high. The fifth-year center has played the best basketball of his NBA career this season; he’ll have a chance to finish strong with two games remaining.