Here are some notes for those fans getting ready to watch the New York Knicks play host to the Boston Celtics in Game Two of the Eastern Conference First Round at Madison Square Garden.
New York Knicks logo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Knicks Recap:
It was a very emotional 85-78 victory for the Knicks over their long-time rival Celtics. A key part of the big win was the defensive play of New York who shut down Boston’s offense in the second half, holding the Celtics to a franchise tying low point total for a half.
New York was led by Carmelo Anthony’s 34 points and six rebounds over 41 minutes. Kenyon Martin provided a part off the bench with 10 points and a team-high nine rebounds in over 28 minutes.
More on Melo:
Carmelo Anthony, who had a team-high 36 points in the Game One Victory on 4/20, was able to record his 18th 30-point performance in his career in the playoffs.
Defense is the Key:
The Knicks defense held Boston to 78 points for the game on 4/20. New York was 26-2 in the regular season when they held opponents to 90 points or less. The 25 second half points allowed by the Knicks tied the lowest half point total by an opponent in the Knicks playoff franchise history.
New York held Boston to eight points in the fourth quarter, which is a Knicks franchise record for lowest amount of points allowed in a quarter in regulations in the playoffs.
First Time for Everything:
The 85-78 victory against Boston was the first Game One win in the playoffs for the Knicks since the 2001 first round versus the Raptors.
This Date in Knicks History:
1972: The Knicks eclipse the 20-point mark, as New York advances to the NBA Finals with a 111-102 Game Five victory at Boston.
1988: Knicks earn their first playoff berth since 1984 with an 88-86 victory over the Pacers in the regular-season finale at Market Square Arena. Patrick Ewing records 19 points and 10 rebounds in the game.
1997: John starks is named NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year for the 96-97 season after averaging 13.8 points over 26.5 minutes in 77 games (76 off the bench).
The Knicks and Celtics game is set to air on the MSG and TNT Networks, with tip-off scheduled for 8:00 p.m.