Brad Stevens rested his starters in the second half, and a lineup consisting of Demetrius Jackson, RJ Hunter, James Young, Jaylen Brown and Jordan Mickey preserved the lead in a 119-107 Celtics victory in New York.
Hunter had multiple strong takes at the rim and a big three-pointer to keep Boston in front throughout the fourth quarter. He finished with 17 points (6-of-8 from the floor) in only 15 minutes of action.
The Celtics led 59-50 at the break, with 12 points, three rebounds, three assists and two blocks from Al Horford on 5-for-5 shooting (2-for-2 on threes).