Knicks defeat Celtics 87-71

The New York Knicks would defeat the Boston Celtics 87-71 tonight in front of a capacity crowd at Madison Square Garden.

This night was special from the start when JR Smith came into the game and really came out scoring from everywhere. That was really important tonight, even though the Knicks would lose momentum with a terrible second quarter. Smith would score 19 points off the bench when it was all said and done.

Then in the second half, the Knicks shut the Celtics down. Limiting the Celtics to just 23 points in the half. That was the most dominating the Knicks have looked this season. Kenyon Martin was huge in the second half as he provided timely blocks and energy the Celtics couldn’t match. His play was special to see and really was the difference for the Knicks.

Carmelo Anthony led the Knicks with 34 points. His shot was fluid in the second half and the Knicks really did a nice job in letting him go to work. This was an excellent game for Anthony, who struggled in the middle of the game, but finished strong.

Raymond Felton scored 16 points and grabbed seven rebounds. Felton was key when the Knicks were down as he would attack the basket. That seemed to start something for the Knicks that they never lost.

Overall this was a dominating performance by the Knicks. A second quarter in which they struggled was put behind them and they did an excellent job in finishing the game.

This series will now go back to Boston. The Knicks and Celtics will play on Friday where the Knicks will look to take a commanding 3-0 lead.

Photo Credit: Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images

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