NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 25: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks dunks the ball against the Boston Celtics at Madison Square Garden on December 25, 2016 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis were dueling each other all night on Sunday, and each one managed to posterize the other with a dunk at least once in the Boston Celtics’ 119-114 road win over the New York Knicks on Christmas.
The clash began with an incredible slam by Porzingis when Horford didn’t rotate to help in the paint.
That only appeared to motivate Horford, who finished with 15 points, six rebounds, five assists and two blocks.
The biggest play came at the end, however. With 10 seconds remaining in a four-point game, the Knicks attempted to run a play for Porzingis along the baseline. The youngster found his shot, squared up and tossed it up.
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This is particularly impressive given that 21-year-old Hungarian Porzingis is 7-foot-3, while Horford is just 6-foot-10.
That block helped seal the victory for the Celtics (18-13), who dominated the second quarter 34-20.
Isaiah Thomas scored 27 points, and Marcus Smart made a tiebreaking 3-pointer with 47 seconds left. Jae Crowder and Kelly Olynyk each added 16 points for Boston, who won for the fifth time in six games.
The Knicks (16-14) staved off a slide with two home victories entering Sunday but now head to the road, where they’re 5-9, to close out the year.
Carmelo Anthony scored 29 points and Derrick Rose had 25 for the Knicks, who fell to 22-29 in their NBA-record 51 Christmas appearances.
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