Karl-Anthony Towns hit a 3-pointer over Derrick White’s outstretched hand on New York’s first possession of the final frame, cutting what had been a 27-point deficit down to four. But White punched right back with consecutive 3-pointers to seize back the momentum and set the stage for a 118-105 Celtics win.

The Boston Celtics are one of the teams who are expected to be a contender at the end of the season. They are the defending NBA champions, so they feel like they can beat anyone they play in a playoff series.

Among the 106 players who have appeared in at least 45 games this season, White ranks second in the NBA in fourth-quarter 3-pointers, averaging 1 per game.

Derrick White said he has been playing with more joy lately, and it showed during the 4th quarter against the Knicks.

Fully recovered from his prolonged January slump, Derrick White helped the Celtics stiff-arm a spirited Knicks comeback in their latest win. Here’s how:

The New York Knicks have several key pieces on the floor, but none may be more important than Josh Hart. Hart, 29, plays at a high level on both ends of the flo

Built to compete with the Eastern Conference’s elite during the offseason, the New York Knicks are trying to still figure out how to break into the top group after the past two games.

New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby has continued to impress as he has worked his way throughout his career. Anunoby, 27, was the No. 23 overall pick by the Toro

So until further notice, the Knicks can’t be classified as contenders. They’re too far below the Celtics and Cavaliers to be taken seriously. Sunday was just the latest example. In three games against Boston, they’ve been outscored by 63 points and struggle to defend the 3-point line.

Jaylen Brown had 24 points and eight rebounds, and Derrick White finished with 19 points for Boston, which won its fifth straight and improved to 3-0 against the Knicks this season. Karl-Anthony Towns led New York with 24 points and Jalen Brunson had 22.