The 2013 NBA Playoffs kicked off with an ancient rivalry between the Boston Celtics and the New York Knicks.
The Knicks were on a roll before the regular season and were looking to take that momentum into the playoffs. Can veteran’s Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett show that Boston still has some fight in them despite their absence of All Star Guard Rajon Rondo?
Game One was a test for Carmelo Anthony, who in his ten playoff appearances has made nine first round exits, set the tone for the game hitting his first four shots, two of them from behind the arc.
Boston would put up a fight in the form of Jeff Green who gave the Celtics some much-needed life in the first half with twenty points.
The Celtics seemed to have never shown up as Jason Kidd turned back the clock and played tough and made some key steals for the Knicks.
New York’s biggest advantage for them in Game One was second chance points in crashing the offensive boards. Down the stretch, The Knicks held Boston to eight points and forced eight turnovers, while committing none.
If the Knicks can keep up this level of play, they should have no problem taking the series and getting themselves out of the first round–and hopefully–a Finals appearance.
The biggest key for New York is too not settle for jumpers, play tough and gritty defense and dominate on the boards.