On Thursday night the Celtics faced the Knicks in their second meeting of the year. This marked Rajon Rondo's first game against the NY squad as he was suspended last game and also meant the rematch of KG vs Melo. This was the largest story line coming into the night as both teams emotions were high. The Celtics looked to return home and extinguish their four game losing streak yet Carmelo and the Knicks proved to be too tall a task. In a great game the Celtics fell short losing 89-86 the Knicks at home.
The Celtics and Knicks are an age old rivalry that continued tonight at the TD Garden. Both teams came into the night looking to make big statements. The Knicks came in looking for a revenge game as Garnett and the Celtics stole game one at MSG. The Celtics looked to stop the bleeding of a four game losing streak and get back on track.
Boston Celtics forward Kevin Garnett (5) and New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) meet at center court before the opening tip of their NBA basketball game in Boston, Thursday, Jan. 24, 2013. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Rajon Rondo once again had a great night with a triple-double consisting of 23 points, 11 assists, and 10 rebounds. While his effort was solid, it proved to be not enough for a Celtics win. Paul Pierce had a semi-bounce back game going for 22 points on 6-15 shooting with 6 rebounds. The Truth was lights out in the first half finishing with 19 but couldn't get it together in the second half scoring just three points.
Kevin Garnett had another tough offensive night scoring just 8 points. Although he played very well defensively and also grabbed 12 rebounds. In crunch time, with the game hanging in the balance, KG had a wide open 19 foot jumper to tie the game but the shot wouldn't fall.
Boston Celtics guard Rajon Rondo, right, drives to the basket against New York Knicks guard Jason Kidd during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game in Boston, Thursday, Jan. 24, 2013. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
The Knicks were led by who else but Carmelo Anthony who had a game high 28 points on 11-28 shooting. The Celtics played tough defense on the small forward but clearly Melo was on a mission an looked for revenge after last games debacle. The Knicks also got large contributions from their bench in J.R. Smith and Amar'e Stoudemire. J.R. struggled with Avery Bradley guarding him shooting just 3-16 but still managed to contribute 9 points and 6 rebounds. Stat might have been the difference maker in the game going for 15 points and 9 rebounds. He also had a very timely tip-in that put the Knicks up but 3 with a minutes to go.
The Celtics bench was led by Jeff Green who had a decent night scoring 9 points on 4-7 shooting while grabbing 6 boards. Jared Sullinger played ok as well finishing with 7 and 3 rebounds due to foul trouble limiting him to 15 minutes for the game.
The Celtics will ship of to Atlanta to face the Hawks tomorrow night. They haven't had a must win more than ever. Tomorrow when they look to get their first win in six games and surely they need it for morale at least. Tune in at 7:30pm and for all things Celtics stay with Celtic Green throughout the day.
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