CELTICS 87KNICKS 85
Boston leads 1-0
For three and a half quarter the New York Knicks had their way with the Boston Celtics. They held leads of 51-39 at halftime, 64-59 after three, and with just 39 seconds remaining the Knicks held a slim three point lead when Toney Douglas nailed a three pointer to put New York in front.
It appeared that the Knicks were on their way to making a huge statement in game one of their first playoff series since 2003, and looking for the first playoff game victory since 2001.
Yet, it wasn't to be.
After Kevin Garnett scored on a post up to cut the deficit to one point, the Knicks completely folded. First Carmelo Anthony was called for an offensive foul, turning the ball over to Boston with 28 seconds to go.
An the ensuing Boston possession, Paul Pierce brought the ball down the court where he decided to push himself off a Knicks a defender. It was an obvious offensive charge, but it was never called. The Knicks stood there with their arms up in the air waiting for the call that never came.
Immediately, Pierce kicked the ball out to an open Ray Allen who nailed a three pointer to put the Celtics out in front 87-85 with just 21 seconds remaining.
The Knicks got one more shot. Anthony brought the ball down court, but instead of driving through the lane for the game tying bucket, he decided to attempt a three pointer. Well guarded by Allen, Anthony's shot was short of the hoop, and it caromed off the glass and into the hands of the Celtics as the clocked ticked down to triple zeros.
For the Knicks it was the most deflating of losses they have had all year. The Celtics proved once again why they might be the best and toughest team in these NBA playoffs, with their late heroics. It will be hard for New York to even come close to duplicating a similar effort in game two at TD Garden in Boston. The sharks are out, and there is blood in the water.
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