Shannon Sharpe discusses Jayson Tatum's facing disrespect in the NBA while still supporting LeBron James as a top-10 player.

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.

Jayson Tatum had 25 points, 10 rebounds, and 9 assists to lead the Celtics, and Jaylen Brown scored 11 of his 24 points in the fourth quarter to help hold off New York’s rally.

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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.

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.