Jayson Tatum scored 40 points and the Boston Celtics easily handled the New York Knicks for the second time this season, winning 131-104 on Saturday night.

Negated in the effort was a 36-point outing from Jalen Brunson, which was perhaps the one thing that kept things at least somewhat respect before Tatum's oppressive onslaught—assisted by a 6-of-8 tally off the bench for Payton Pritchard—allowed Boston to create healthy distance and then some.

Yes, you can. To listen to Saturday's Celtics game on the radio, tune in to 98.5 FM The Sports Hub at the time of tip-off, as 98.5 is the flagship station of the Boston franchise, according to their website. "Occasionally when scheduling conflicts arise, select games can be heard live on ROCK 92.9," the Sports Hub website said.

The New York Knicks entered Saturday night’s showdown at Madison Square Garden just 1 1/2 games behind the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference standings. They were, it seemed, a different team than the one that lost to Boston by 23 points on opening night.

This is why the Boston Celtics are the defending champions. Even with two starters sidelined, they still make most opponents look and feel a tier below. Saturday night at Madison Square Garden was no different.