BOSTON — The Knicks are at a crossroads in Beantown. A loss in Sunday’s matinee, particularly an ugly one, would further the freshly reinforced idea they’re not equipped for the big time. A victory would redirect the narrative and serve as evidence the Knicks aren’t going to roll over against the East’s elite.

The Boston Celtics have passed a historic milestone in NBA history. With their 124-104 win over the Philadelphia 76ers, the Celtics earned their 40th win of the season.

The Celtics bulldozed the free-falling 76ers on Thursday night, breezing to a 124-104 win at the Wells Fargo Center in their return from an eight-day All-Star layoff. It was the fourth consecutive victory and eighth in nine games for the reigning NBA champions,