The New York Knicks looked to be in control of Game 1 of their 2011 NBA Playoffs series against the Boston Celtics, but then they let Kevin Garnett get backdoor for a dunk, Carmelo Anthony got called for an offensive foul and Ray Allen supplied another dagger. Now, they'll look to get back their missed opportunity in Game 2 Tuesday night at 7 p.m. on TNT.
Celtics Vs. Knicks, Game 2: Carmelo Anthony, Celtics Both Look For Better Performances
It was an unfortunate result for New York after playing the Celtics so tough. You really got the sense that they gave the game away. Amar'e Stoudemire was dominating the game, but the Knicks ignored him in the final two minutes for some reason. Anthony in particular really had his problems, shooting just 5-18 and still demanding the ball on the last two possessions of the game. Making matters worse for the Knicks is that Chauncey Billups, the team's starting point guard, is not going to play due to a knee injury suffered on a late drive to the basket. Toney Douglas would likely start in his place.
The Celtics, meanwhile, need to get more out of Rajon Rondo, who shot just 5-14 and scored only 10 points in Game 1. Rondo is going against a very bad Knicks' defense, so his struggles cannot happen. If Rondo plays better, then so will Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett. Allen played well in Game 1, which should happen again, but expecting Jermaine O'Neal to play as well as he did again is probably expecting too much.
Be sure to keep up with our full Celtics vs. Knicks hub. For more on the Celtics, visit Celtics Blog and SB Nation Boston. For more on the Knicks, check out Posting and Toasting and SB Nation New York.
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