Knicks defeat Celtics 98-95

The New York Knicks and Boston Celtics faced off at the XL Center in Hartford, Connecticut tonight. The Knicks were without Amare Stoudemire (knee) and JR Smith (ankle) in this game.

The Knicks came out strong, but like in their first game they struggled in the second quarter. The Knicks fell down by 11 in the second quarter, but would make a run to get somewhat closer at the half. The Knicks trailed 50-42 at the half as they really struggled to keep the Celtics off the free throw line. In that first half the Celtics shot 20 free throws and connected on 18 of them.

This game would get close in the fourth quarter as both teams fought hard to get this win. Chris Copeland really emerged as he scored 15 points in the fourth quarter. He was really working well with Pablo Prigioni utilizing the pick and roll and they were able to dissect the Celtics defense.

The Celtics would later tie the game with 16.6 seconds remaining in the quarter. The Knicks would get the ball and looked to close out the game. Chris Copeland would miss a shot and the game would go into overtime. Both team benches were up cheering on their teams as both teams wanted this win.

In overtime the Knicks and Celtics would continue to battle each other as one team tried to get the better of the other. The Knicks would go up by three and would hold onto the lead to earn the win.

Chris Copeland really stepped up tonight to help lead the Knicks to a win. Copeland scored 21 points, all in the second half, in a variety of ways. He really was able to get to the free throw line as he made 9 of 13 attempts. His scoring came at a point when the Knicks really needed scoring. His +8 scoring advantage was the best on the team tonight. This was a very nice confidence booster for Copeland, who has struggled at times to get his shot to fall consistently.

The Knicks also had a great games from Carmelo Anthony, who led the team with 23 points in 23 minutes and Tyson Chandler as he scored 16 points and grabbed 7 rebounds. Both were huge for the Knicks midway through this game.

The Knicks next preseason game is this Friday as they take on the Toronto Raptors.