JD Davidson leads Maine Celtics Over Westchester Knicks
The Maine Celtics defeated the Westchester Knicks 124-118 Thursday night to clinch their second consecutive Eastern Conference Finals berth. The Celtics once again excelled from long range, making 20 three-pointers for the second straight game.
Reigning G League MVP JD Davidson showcased why he earned the honor, scoring 32 points with 17 assists, four rebounds, and two steals. His all-around performance set the tone for the Celtics, who received key contributions from Miles Norris (27), Jordan Walsh (19), Kavion Pippen (15), and Drew Peterson (14), as five players finished in double figures.
Meanwhile, the Knicks were led by Moses Brown, who posted a massive 27-26 double-double with four blocks. Kevin McChullar Jr. and Jamal Bey added 21 points each. However, the Knicks struggled from deep, shooting just 24% (9-of-37) from three, compared to Maine’s scorching 20-of-40.
Celtics Dominate Early
The game began choppily, with the Knicks scoring first. The Celtics responded immediately with an 8-0 run, applying aggressive defense and limiting Westchester’s easy opportunities. Maine quickly built a double-digit lead with strong ball movement and perimeter shooting, forcing a timeout with 7:30 left in the first quarter.
Despite the Knicks cutting the deficit to seven early in the second quarter, Davidson and Jordan Schakel sparked a shooting surge. DJ Rodman and Miles Norris hit consecutive triples, creating separation as the Celtics’ length and defensive pressure disrupted Westchester’s rhythm. By halftime, Maine led 70-61.
Knicks Battle Back, But Celtics Hold the Lead
After a slow start, Moses Brown scored 12 crucial points in the second quarter and grabbed 10 rebounds for a double-double. Chuma Okeke also shone with 14 first-half points, combining with Brown for 28 of the Knicks’ 61 first-half points.
The Knicks missed their first four shots of the third quarter before Johnny Davis slammed home their first field goal of the period. The Celtics struggled offensively early, scoring just six points in over four minutes. Brown’s flush cut the deficit to two, briefly making it a one-possession game.
The Celtics regained control when JD Davidson connected with Hason Ward for an alley-oop, extending Maine’s lead to eight with 5:06 remaining in the third. Davidson dominated the quarter, scoring 15 of his 32 points, including a stepback three that gave Maine a 17-point lead.
Fourth Quarter Tension
The Knicks opened the fourth quarter scoring just seven points in the first four minutes. The Celtics also cooled, scoring only four points midway through the quarter, maintaining a double-digit lead.
James Banks III fouled out with four points and five rebounds with 6:07 remaining. With just over five minutes remaining, the Knicks attacked the basket, reached the line, and narrowed the deficit to six points. Maine still led by 10 with 4:48 to go.
Jordan Walsh stole the ball on an inbounds pass and finished with a one-handed slam, keeping the lead at 10. Miles Norris responded with an alley-oop dunk, maintaining the cushion as the clock ticked down. Bey hit a three to cut the gap to five, and Davis followed with another to bring the Knicks within four.
Davidson answered with a clutch three-pointer, restoring a seven-point lead. The Knicks’ final rally fell short when Norris sealed the win with a dunk. Maine prevailed 124-118, advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals and ending Westchester’s remarkable season.
“Those guys are fighters, man.” Westchester Knicks coach DeSagna Diop said. “Every day, I told them that I got dogs. That’s what I kept telling them. We fought every game. Even tonight, we were down what? 18, 20? They hit a couple of shots here and there. Fouled, free throw line, but it’s part of it. It’s just a part of life. Keep growing, keep getting better, man, but I’m super, super proud of those guys.”
Maine advances to the Conference Finals, where they will play the Osceola Magic.
