Jaylen Brown reiterates promise to Celtics after elimination of Knicks

The Boston Celtics raised an 18th banner on opening night before facing the new-look New York Knicks. It was the first time since 2008 that the city had a Ring Night celebration to herald the regular season. Jayson Tatum took time to soak in the moment before the game with his family. The team’s other leading All-Star, Jaylen Brown, reiterated a promise in Boston after a 132-109 rout of an Eastern Conference contender.

A tense rivalry turned almost immediately into a two-hour party. The Celtics were scorching from beyond the arc, tying a record for three-pointers made. Boston led New York 43-24 after the first quarter. The Knicks got no closer before the halftime horn sounded.

Brown made a battle cry that he should worry the other contenders in the league given that the Celtics weren’t even at their best, according to Daniel Donabedian of ClutchPoints.

“I said I was going to war for this city,” Brown boasted. “And it’s great to see that banner go up.”

Brown also reflected on the night and the accomplishments of this home team after the victory was validated.

“Yeah, what an incredible night. The aura in the arena was incredible,” Brown began. “Having legendary Celtics in the building like Bob Cousey, (Kevin Garnett) and all those guys that have won. It was like passing the torch. I was fighting (emotions) to start the game. It was amazing. That’s the that we set out on this journey since my rookie year when I was drafted.”

Jaylen Brown boosts Celtics hating Yankees

The Celtics practically ran the Knicks out of town thanks to 84 points, 15 steals and 14 rebounds from Brown, Tatum and Derrick White. There were few missed shots going back to the fourth quarter, which the trio watched largely from the sidelines thanks to a 35-point lead.

Brown, Tatum and White went 19-for-30 from three-point range to chase Mikal Bridges, Karl-Anthony Towns and Jalen Brunson off the court early on opening night. That allowed the TG Garden Center crowd to turn to another of Boston’s favorite pastimes midway through the third quarter.

With a 20-point lead and tons of momentum, an unmistakable chant began to emanate from the crowd.

“Yankees hurt,” they roared. “Yankees do shit!”

Brown and the Celtics were sensational to start their title defense, but it’s scarier than a haunted house on Halloween for the rest of the NBA.