New York Knicks vs. Boston Celtics: 5 Key Players to Watch in Game 3

Tonight's Game 3 between Boston and New York is obviously pivotal for how the series will play out. If Boston wins, the series is basically over. However, if New York wins it sets the stage for an epic seven-game series.

Who are the players on which Game 3 will hinge? Who will make a surprising impact? Who will be the star tonight in the Garden?

5. Ronny Turiaf

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BOSTON, MA - APRIL 19: Ronny Turiaf #14 of the New York Knicks takes a shot as Kevin Garnett #5 and Glen Davis #11 of the Boston Celtics defend in Game Two of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs on April 19, 2011 at the TD Garde

Role players play better at home and Turiaf is a peripheral player that will feed off the energy of the crowd. If Amare can't go full speed the Knicks will need Ronny to offer a presence inside the paint and make energy plays to keep the crowd pumped up. If he steps up, the Knicks will have one ingredient for a win. 

4. Rajon Rondo

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BOSTON, MA - APRIL 19: Rajon Rondo #9 of the Boston Celtics looks to pass as Amare Stoudemire #1 and Toney Douglas #23 of the New York Knicks defend in Game Two of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs on April 19, 2011 at the TD

Rajon Rondo lit up the Knicks in Boston during Game 2. If he can dominate the PG matchup again in Game 3, Boston will have a great chance to win. He has a chance to run against the Knicks and absolutely tear out the hearts of the fans in the Garden. On the other hand, if he struggles with his J the crowd will be all over him. His offensive efficiency is a key thing to watch in this matchup, and the series overall.  

3. Paul Pierce

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BOSTON, MA - APRIL 19: Paul Pierce #34 of the Boston Celtics celebrates the win against the New York Knicks in Game Two of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs on April 19, 2011 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. The Bost

The Truth loves playing on the road and between him and Garnett the Celtics have two angry men on the court that thrive in a hostile atmosphere where it becomes an us-vs.-the world situation. He seems to shoot more dagger-like 3s on the road, so that is something to keep an eye on in this game. If he is making those shots Boston's offense becomes a nightmare for the Knicks defense.

2. Amare Stoudemire

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BOSTON, MA - APRIL 19: Amare Stoudemire #1 of the New York Knicks walks out on the court after a time out in the first quarter against the Boston Celtics in Game Two of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs on April 19, 2011 at t

If Stoudemire can play efficiently tonight on offense and offer an inside-outside element to the Knicks offense they will have a much better chance of winning the game. The crowd will do their best to help Amare will his way to play through pain. If he can feed off the energy of the crowd it could be a long night for the Celtics.

1. Carmelo Anthony

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BOSTON, MA - APRIL 19: Carmelo Anthony #7 of the New York Knicks reacts to a call in the second half against the Boston Celtics in Game Two of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs on April 19, 2011 at the TD Garden in Boston, Mas

Carmelo is the dynamic offensive threat that thrives in the Knicks offense. Tonight he needs to take on more of a playmaker role in order to get into the paint and create easy buckets for Amare and the rest of his teammates. If he can do that while still shooting with efficiency and offering some help on the boards then I think the Knicks will walk away from Game 3 with a hard-fought victory.