New York Knicks vs Boston Celtics Recap, Highlights, Final Score, More

The New York Knicks had a tough night against the Boston Celtics, getting blown out of the TD Garden.

The New York Knicks did not have a good night against the Boston Celtics. The Knicks got off to a slow start, but were able to right the ship near the end of the first quarter. They were able to keep it close to start the second quarter as well but then things quickly unraveled.

In the second quarter there was a scrum on the ground. Carmelo Anthony dove for the loose ball where Amir Johnson was. Anthony was called for a foul and moments later received two technical fouls, subsequently being ejected from the game. That was the start of the end for the Knicks who were unable to overcome Anthony’s loss.

Anthony was feeling it against the Celtics as he had 12 points in 12 minutes. He was taking advantage of an undersized Celtics team that was without Jae Crowder but didn’t see the game to the end. With Anthony sidelined the Knicks needed someone to step up but no one did.

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Kristaps Porzingis had a tough night, shooting only 5-of-15 from the field for 14 points. Derrick Rose shot only 3-of-10 from the field for 11 points and turned the ball over seven times. He had back-to-back turnovers near the end of the first half that crushed any momentum the Knicks were building.

Tonight’s game was lost at the free throw line. The referees had a bad night and the Knicks received the brunt of it. The Celtics wore out a path to the foul line, attempting 43 free throws and making 34. The Knicks attempted only 17 and made 15. The Celtics actually attempted more three-pointers than the Knicks tonight, so it wasn’t for a lack of aggression on the Knicks part; they just didn’t get the calls.

The free throw differential was just too big for the Knicks to make up. Despite allowing 115 points the Knicks actually played solid defense. The Celtics shot only 38.9 percent from the field, a number that would lead to a victory most nights.

Unfortunately, the Knicks managed to shoot only 35.1 percent from the field, resulting in the blowout loss.

Three Stars

PG Isaiah Thomas, Celtics — The Knicks struggled to keep the diminutive Thomas in front of them all evening. Thomas scored a game-high 29 points on 9-of-17 from the field, making 3-of-5 from deep. He also knocked down all eight of his free throws. With the 29 points, Thomas added three rebounds, four assists, and one steal.

PG Marcus Smart, Celtics — Smart was inserted into the starting lineup for Crowder and responded with a good game. He was put into the starting lineup for his defensive prowess and it showed. Along with a strong defensive effort, Smart also provided 12 points, 10 assists, six rebounds, and three steals.

C Joakim Noah, Knicks — Noah didn’t play much tonight, getting only 22 minutes. He made the most of those minutes as arguably the most productive player in the starting five. Noah stuffed the stat sheet with nine point, 10 rebounds, two assists, one steal, and three blocks. He could be facing a fine for the technical foul that was called on him in the third quarter.

Highlights

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Next Game

The Knicks won’t have to wait long to try getting the bad taste out of their mouthes. They will be back at it tomorrow night against the Toronto Raptors. The Celtics will be back at it tomorrow night as well, paying a visit to the Indiana Pacers.