BOSTON — Josh Hart finished one assist short of a triple-double with 20 points in his return from a two-game absence to rest his sore knee, an issue he’s been dealing with throughout his career and which required extended time off around the All-Star break to calm down.

The New York Knicks found themselves on the losing end of another big game as they fell to the Boston Celtics 118-105 at TD Garden. The loss marked the second straight for the Knicks, who have now fallen one game further back in the chase for the No.

Shams Charania: Knicks' Josh Hart (knee) will make his return to the lineup tonight against the Boston Celtics at 1 pm ET on ABC, league source tells ESPN. OG Anunoby, listed questionable, will also play. Josh Hart and OG Anunoby are questionable for tomorrow’s game against Boston.

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.

Jayson Tatum scored 25 points with 10 rebounds and nine assists to lead the Boston Celtics to a 118-105 victory over the New York Knicks.