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 The Knicks (20-20) won for the fifth time in their last seven games
despite the loss of Carmelo Anthony, their leading scorer, who left
the game with a sprained right ankle after a collision late in the
first half with a referee.
The veteran small forward was having a good offensive night,
finishing with 17 points, four rebounds and three assists in almost
18 minutes.
Shooting guard Arron Afflalo contributed 24 points and back-up point
guard Jerian Grant added 16 points for the Knicks.
Boston (19-19) was led by guard Isaiah Thomas' 34 points. He was 11
of 12 from the line.
A free throw from forward Jae Crowder gave Boston a 107-106 edge
with 2:44 to play before the Knicks outscored the Celtics 14-7 the
rest of the way.
A traditional three-point play from Boston forward Jared Sullinger
cut the Knicks lead to 99-97 with 5:11 remaining, but the Knicks
reeled off seven straight points to push their lead to 106-97 with
3:38 left.
A short jumper from Sullinger drew the Celtics even at 88-88 with
9:45 to play. Boston had trailed by as many as eight points early in
the third quarter.
The Celtics took advantage of Anthony's absence, outscoring the
Knicks 32-26 in the third, to pull within 85-81 heading into the
final quarter.
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Anthony tumbled to the floor after stepping on an official's foot
running up court late in the second quarter. He left the game with
1:16 left in the half and the Knicks leading 57-45.
Anthony returned for the second half with his right ankle taped, but
returned to the locker room after just 20 seconds when he wasn't
able to make a quick cut.
Porzingis and Anthony combined for 28 points in the first quarter,
helping the Knicks to a 37-26 lead. Porzingis was six of eight from
the floor for 16 points and Anthony was five of six for 12 points.
(Editing by Nick Mulvenney)
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