Celtics go up 2-0 as they beat the Knicks 96-93

The Knicks were without Chauncey Billups who missed the game due to a knee injury. Amar'e Stoudemire did start the game, but back spasms in the 2nd quarter forced him to miss the rest of the game. The Celtics were coming off a hard fought game on Sunday night as they beat the Knicks by two. Shaquille O’Neal missed the game due to his calf injury. The Celtics fought to get the win and made shots when they had to. Rajon Rondo had a monster game as he scored a playoff career-high 30 points and also dished out 7 assists. He really took it to the Knicks by getting to the basket and making the easy baskets. His early scoring really hurt the Knicks late in the game. Paul Pierce had a nice game as he scored 20 points and grabbed 5 rebounds. Ray Allen scored 18 points including 4 three-point field goals. He has had a nice series thus far and is hitting shots to give his team the push they need to win the game.

The Knicks matched the Celtics basket for basket late in the fourth quarter.The turnovers late really killed the Knicks hopes of winning the game. Carmelo Anthony had a performance to remember as he tied a playoff career-high with 42 points. Anthony also grabbed 17 rebounds and dished out 6 assists. He wanted to win this game so bad, but the Knicks fell short yet again. The Knicks late game situations have been a problem all year long and it seems that the team just can’t get over the hump late in the game. They have to be smarter with the ball and make better choices on the defensive end. This lost is another heartbreaker, but the Knicks still have a chance. Toney Douglas who started tonight had a nice game as he scored 14 points and dished out 7 assists. He played well, but the early fouls really took him out of the game.

The Knicks will go to Madison Square Garden on Friday and will need to get both home wins to get back in the series. Then they could possibly push this series to seven games. The Knicks will have to hope that Stoudemire and Billups can play, otherwise they will have to rely on Anthony and his excellent scoring ability.

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