Ray Allen Lifts Celtics to Victory: Looking Ahead to Game 2 Against the Knicks
The Boston Celtics and New York Knicks played a Game 1 to remember, as Ray Allen's go-ahead three-pointer with just over 10 seconds remaining would seal the deal for the C's, pulling out the 87-85 home victory in the first round of the NBA playoffs.
Ray Allen's 24 points were a team-high for the Celtics. Allen was efficient from long-range, hitting three-of-five threes while shooting 9-of-15 from the field overall. He would also grab six rebounds in the process.
For the Knicks Carmelo Anthony struggled mightily, scoring 15 points on 5-of-18 shooting. Amar'e Stoudemire played as well a game as head coach Mike D'Antoni could have asked for, scoring 28 points on over 66 percent shooting. His 11 rebounds were a team-high.
The Knicks had everything going right in the first half, holding the Celtics to 39 first half points while making the offense run through mid-range jumpers from Rajon Rondo. Rondo went 4-of-9 in the first half from the field as the Celtics offense looked stagnant and inefficient.
Much of the Celtics' lack of production came in part from step-up play defensively from the Knicks. Nineteen of the C's 35 field goals came in the second half, as Stoudemire helped lead the surge on the defensive end. His offense late in the game would help lead the way for New York, scoring 12 of his 18 points in the fourth quarter, including eight consecutive Knicks points to open the quarter.
In the end the team known for their defense came to play, as the Celtics held the Knicks to 34 second-half points, scoring just 13 points in the third. With nine minutes left in the third quarter, a 10-point lead would soon dissolve, as Paul Pierce and company began to hit shots and open up the Knicks half-court defense.
Looking Ahead
When the Knicks and Celtics tip-off Tuesday at 7 p.m. EDT in TD Garden for Game 2 of the series, look for both teams to come out trying to impose their respective paces from the beginning.
The Celtics will likely try and make more plays defensively and get more transition baskets from tougher defensive play. The Knicks on the other hand will look to keep up hard defensive plays for four quarters, as a second-half defensive let-down left New York just short in the end.
With Billups going down hard in the fourth quarter, it hurts the Knicks' chances significantly to try to steal a game in Boston. If Billups sits out the game, the Knicks will have quite the obstacle to overcome. Without "Mr. Big Shot," Anthony Carter may not have enough firepower to lead an inexperienced, inconsistent New York Knicks team.
If the Knicks can hang tough and stay within five points at the half, while also outplaying the Celtics in the third quarter, where they tend to strive, the Knicks may find themselves tied with the C's after two games.
Prediction
The C's should feed off the momentum built in the last two quarters of play, playing more efficient defense from the start and getting the Big Three going early. After Tuesday the Celtics will find themselves owning a 2-0 series lead in somewhat convincing fashion, with the series moving to New York for Game 3.
Expect an improved performance offensively from Paul Pierce as well as Rajon Rondo. Carmelo Anthony was nowhere to be seen after playing well early for the Knicks. Anthony will likely have a much improved performance in Game 2.
