Stars, studs and duds: Michael Beasley. . . MVP?

NEW YORK – It’s not unusual for the Madison Square Garden faithful to chant “M-V-P, M-V-P” for one of the New York Knicks players.

But Michael Beasley?

Yes, the 10.2 points per game Michael Beasley who absolutely erupted offensively with 32 points (28 in the second half) as the Knicks pulled away in the fourth quarter for a 102-93 win over the Celtics.

Now Boston had its mistakes here and there, and a decent number of wide open or lightly contested shots that they missed.

But the difference maker in the game’s outcome was easily the play of Beasley.

“He made a bunch of tough shots; credit him,” said Celtics head coach Brad Stevens. “I don’t think it was as much a breakdown, as he raised up over guys whether it was Semi (Ojeleye), Al (Horford), Marcus (Smart), whoever was on him, he just got into that rhythm and he’s a tremendous individual scorer.”

Boston’s Terry Rozier echoed similar sentiments.

“Sometimes, it’s like shooting into an ocean,” Rozier told NBC Sports Boston. “The rim looks bigger, and he got it going and he didn’t look back.”

Ojeleye, who was the primary defender on a number of Beasley baskets, was in ideal position defensively most of the night.

But on this night, the former No. 2 overall pick would not be denied.

“When a guy like that gets into a rhythm, he’s tough to stop,” Ojeleye told NBC Sports Boston. “Enough said; you saw the stat line. He’s a great player, tough cover, hat off to him.”

Here are some of the other Stars, Studs and Duds from Boston’s 102-93 loss to the New York Knicks.

 

STARS

Michael Beasley

The veteran forward delivered a historically epic performance for the Knicks. He finished with 32 points and 12 rebounds, becoming the first player in league history to post those kinds of numbers off the bench while playing less than 25 minutes. Yes, he was that good!

Kyrie Irving

For the second night in a row, Irving had a chance to come up with a big shot in the closing moments and failed to do so. Still, he extended his string of 30-plus point games to three, by finishing with 32 points.

 

STUDS

Enes Kanter

It was yet another big game for Kanter against the Celtics, something Brad Stevens has seen a lot more of than he would like. Kanter had a double-double of 14 points on 6-for-10 shooting, to go with 10 rebounds and two blocked shots.

Jayson Tatum

The dislocated right pinky injury was not an issue for Tatum who delivered yet another strong game offensively, finishing with 17 points on 6-for-10 shooting.

Jarrett Jack

His ability to set the tone in the first quarter was a huge key for the Knicks. Jack had 12 points, six of which came in the first quarter.

 

DUDS

Kristaps Porzingis

Credit Boston’s defense for doing what you seldom see happen which is keep an all-star caliber player like Porzingis from being a factor all game long. The 7-3 big man had just one point while missing all 11 of his shots from the field.

Terry Rozier

The Celtics really need him to get his shooting touch back on track, and soon. After making his heroic still and game-winning dunk against Indiana on Monday, Rozier has missed 11 of his last 12 shots in the last two games.