The New York Knicks (20-20) defeated the Boston Celtics (19-19) 120-114 on Tuesday.
The two division rivals played a game worthy of both teams' improved play this season, with a back-and-forth battle culminating in a hard-fought victory for the home team. It was a true team effort for New York, particularly after losing superstar Carmelo Anthony in the second half due to an ankle sprain. Several of his teammates, both starters and reserves, stepped in to help make up the scoring shortfall caused by the All-Star's absence, and the Knicks finished the night with outstanding 53.1 percent shooting from the field.
Boston was once again led by Isaiah Thomas, who's become the unquestioned offensive leader of the Celtics this season and held on to this starting job despite Marcus Smart's return to health. Thomas managed 34 points, eight assists, three rebounds and a steal. Jae Crowder tallied 21 points, eight rebounds and an assist to support Thomas' outstanding performance. Amir Johnson (11 points) and Avery Bradley (10 points) were the only other starters with double-digit scoring, with the former hauling in six boards and adding two assists and a steal, and the latter tallying two rebounds and an assist. Jared Sullinger paced the Celtics' reserves with 14 points and seven rebounds.
The Celtics fell to 19-19 and into a second-place tie with the Knicks. They face off at home against the Pacers at home on Wednesday.
20-year-old standout Kristaps Porzingis continued his memorable rookie campaign by leading the Knicks with 26 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals despite amassing six personal fouls over nearly 27 minutes. Arron Afflalo made his presence felt, particularly after the loss of Anthony, pouring in 24 points and adding three rebounds and an assist. Anthony was brilliant during his nearly 18 minutes on the court, collecting 17 points, four rebounds and three assists. Robin Lopez continued his recent stretch of solid offensive play, posting 15 points, five rebounds, an assist and a block. Rookie Jerian Grant stepped in as Anthony's direct replacement and did a commendable job, finishing with 16 points, eight assists, a rebound, a steal and a block over 23 minutes. Derrick Williams, a solid fixture off the bench throughout the majority of the season, contributed a 15-point, 10-rebound double-double.
The Knicks improved to 20-20 and vaulted into a second-place tie with the Celtics in the Eastern Conference's Atlantic Division. They take the short trip to Brooklyn to take on the Nets on Wednesday.
