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 The Atlantic Division-leading Celtics (10-12) ran wire-to-wire for
the win over a Knicks squad (5-14) that was going for its first
three-game winning streak of the season. Instead, Boston picked up a
third victory in a row to extend its divisional lead in a game the
Knicks trailed by many as 27 points in the first half, including a
23-3 deficit in the first quarter.
The blowout was the fourth-worst home loss ever for the Knicks, as
the Celtics poured it on early and never stepped off the
accelerator, extending their 27-point halftime lead to as many as 45
points.
Brad Stevens, the Celtics' first-year coach, said he was impressed
with his team's effort and learned a lot today.
"I've already learned in this league that you can be on the good end
or the bad end (and) we were lucky today to be on the good end.
Everything we did will get over-exaggerated and everything they did
will get over-exaggerated," Stevens said, adding the team's
second-half focus was excellent. "I think the biggest thing today
was coming out after halftime and keeping it going. That's hard to
do. But our guys came out and were in a (defensive) stance and they
were communicating."
The Knicks continued their tradition of slumbering through matinee
games. The Celtics started hot, shooting an impressive 55 percent
from the field, including 50 percent from 3-point range (7 of 14) in
the first half, and stayed that way for the game, finishing at 53.5
percent from the field (56 percent in 3s).
Crawford said it's thrilling to see this young Celtics' squad mature
as the season unfolds, adding he wasn't shocked to see his team come
out so aggressively.
"People know each other better and we take it upon ourselves to get
others involved," Crawford said, pinpointing Brandon Bass's inspired
all-around game. "Brandon came out focused and really challenged
himself guarding Carmelo (Anthony)."
Anthony was certainly stymied by the physical and athletic Bass, as
he registered 19 points on just 5-of-15 shooting.
Anthony offered no excuses afterward.
"What Boston came in here and did was an embarrassment. To lose like
that on our home court, I think everyone should be (ticked) off
right now," Anthony said, baffled at how badly the Knicks played
after their recent two-game effort. "For whatever reason, I don't
know what it is and I don't even want to try and figure it out, but
we have to figure it out and move on to Cleveland."
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About the only saving grace for the Knicks was the ascending
play of forward Amar'e Stoudemire, who scored a season-high 17
points. Stoudemire's inspired effort earned him the second-half
start in place of struggling rookie Tim Hardaway, Jr. The rookie
wasn't the only problem — New York's starting unit shot 3-of-23
(13 percent) in the first half.
Stoudemire had a team-high 11 points in 11 minutes in the first
half, continuing a resurgence as he sheds the rust accumulated
following offseason knee procedure. The only other Knicks
besides Stoudemire and Anthony to reach double-digit scoring was
forward Metta World Peace, with 12 points off the bench.
Boston received balanced scoring that included forward Jared
Sullinger's 21 points, 16 points apiece from forwards Brandon
Bass and Jeff Green and 13 points by point guard Avery Bradley.
Green, who also added six rebounds and three assists, reasoned
that when Boston plays this hard and executes this well, they
could actually do some damage — and have fun in doing so.
"We're making shots, being aggressive and executing out there.
We forced them to play on their heels and didn't allow easy
looks," Green said. "We enjoyed it for sure and did everything
we needed to do. ... It is fun when you execute and get a win
like this."
NOTES: It was the fourth time this season that New York lost a
game in which it never held a lead. ... The Knicks shot 37.5 in
3-pointers (six made), down from their average of 12 made field
goals from behind the arc in their previous two wins. ...
Normally subdued Celtics PG Pablo Prigioni earned his second
technical foul of the season, late in the third quarter. New
York is 0-4 when opponents shoot over 50 percent from the field
and 0-9 when opponents score over 100 points. SF/PF Carmelo
Anthony is the only NBA player to lead his team in scoring in
every game this season. ... The Celtics hammered the Knicks on
the boards, 46-26. ... Celtics PG Avery Bradley was the
surprising leader in rebounds for the game with 10. ... Boston
SG Jordan Crawford knocked down a game-high six 3s. Crawford
also had a game-high seven assists. ... All five Boston starters
reached double-digit scoring.
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