From the second I entered the arena it had a playoff feel deep inside of the heart of Madison Square Garden. The fans were buzzing, the energy was high, and the stage was set as the New York Knicks squared off against the Boston Celtics in a game that had the crowd on edge from start to finish.

The moment the Celtics were introduced, boos rained down across the arena, echoing through every level of the Garden. The energy was undeniable. Mikal Bridges set the tone early, knocking down the first five points for New York and getting the crowd into it right away. The Knicks fed off that energy, coming out aggressive on defense, forcing turnovers and turning them into fast break opportunities that brought fans to their feet.

Coming out of the second half, the Knicks caught fire.

A barrage of three pointers lit up the Garden, and with every make, the noise only grew louder. The sound of thunder sticks filled the arena, and fans erupted after every missed free throw and shot by Boston. But the Celtics answered right back, going on a run of their own, raining threes from deep and cutting the lead down to one, shifting the momentum once again.

Boston eventually grabbed the lead behind their outside shooting, drawing loud boos from the Garden faithful. After every foul boos, after every tough call boos. New York made sure Boston felt every bit of that energy. The tension built with every possession. Not a single fan was sitting, as chants of LETS GO KNICKS filled the arena with the game hanging in the balance.

Then came the moment.

Josh Hart stepped up and knocked down a huge three that sent Madison Square Garden into a frenzy. The Knicks had taken the lead, but the game was still up for grabs. Hart followed it up with another dagger from deep, and the Garden exploded. The energy could be felt all the way out into the streets of New York as the Knicks regained control late and refused to let it slip away.

New York closed it out with composure and grit, securing a 112 to 106 win in a game that felt like more than just another night during the regular season.

(Photos captured for On New Jersey Sports)