In New York, two division rivals faced off for the first time this season. The Boston Celtics traveled to New York to take on the Knicks. Both teams led by at least 8 points in this game, but the Celtics were able to get big shots and win this game. Paul Pierce scored 23 points despite being in foul trouble for most of the game. Pierce hit clutch shots for his team and really made the Knicks pay for switching on defense.
For the Knicks tough, Carmelo Anthony had a tough shooting night. He was called for two early fouls and simply never could get consistent scores. 
Anthony did score 20 points, but he shot 23% from the field. Anthony really wasn’t in any flow tonight and the Knicks really suffered offensively with his struggles. He did pick up his 8th technical tonight and if he receives 8 more he will start to be suspended.
Tonight the Knicks had a great game from JR Smith who continues to play great basketball. Smith scored a team high 24 points including 4 three-pointers. He also grabbed 3 rebounds and dished out 4 assists.
Amare Stoudemire played a season high 27 minutes, contributing 13 points and 2 rebounds. Stoudemire showed some flashes of his old self, but it seemed as if the Knicks went away from him. He really looked more game speed ready with his postgame. His shots seemed to fall more easier tonight. Looking at his makes and misses, Stoudemire made 4 of 6 shots for 66% from the field. Tonight was definitely a performance for him to build on and is also encouraging.
Tyson Chandler really cleaned up on the boards tonight as he grabbed 17 rebounds. Chandler also scored 13 points and most of those came on easy dunk opportunities.
This game the Knicks learned that they have to execute early and put the game away when they can. They were able to go up by 10, but could never pull away because of lapses in their defense. The Celtics came into Madison Square Garden and really shocked the Knicks tonight, but this was one the first of four meetings between the two and the next three should be great games.
Tonight the Celtics defeated the Knicks 102-96, ending the Knicks two game winning streak.
Photo Credit: Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images
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