Boston Celtics vs New York Knicks - An insight on where the series is heading (Part 1)
The Boston Celtics may be leading the best-of-seven series against the New York Knicks with 2-0 record, but they are the ones who will be more concerned as they head to
the Madison Square Garden. Rationally, the Knicks should be worried about the dilemma of losing two games; they could have easily won and losing two players that are key to their success in the post season.
But, then why are the Boston Celtics alarmed and their concerns rising with the passing days? The reason for the Celts anxieties have been the off colour displays they have
showcased on their home court. Although they are in control of the series but both of their wins have an element of luck involved in it as they just succeeded in snatching the game out of opposition’s hands at the very last moments.
In the second game, which the Celt’s won by 96-93, they were led by Rajon Rondo who erupted with an all round performance to get the C’s out of the jail. The major concern
for the Celtics was that on Wednesday, with the exception of Carmelo Anthony, the Knicks were in the battlefield with players who were not as impressive and experienced as the Boston cast. Knicks’ season top scorer Amar’e Stoudemire suffered back spasms and
left early in the second half whereas Chauncey Billups was out due to a strained left knee, he suffered in the opening game of the series.
Still, most of the damage was done by the only credible threat Carmelo Anthony, who overpowered the whole Celtics squad, leaving the C’s awestruck with 42 points, 17 rebounds
and six assists.
It was indeed against the style of the Celtics, who consider defence to be their forte. They have a whole back end planning and with the experience of the veteran squad
they have aboard, they are supposed to be in control of the game from the very start. But, that has not been the case in the two victories. The Celtics defense has looked shaky and at times completely failed to cover the Knicks explosive offense.
Boston’s coach Doc Rivers did not feel as excited as he should have been and said, "We won the game. That's all we get out of this."
The Celtics have also been at a loss when it comes to handling Stoudemire. Although he was off colour in the game-2 because of a nagging back problem, the C’s got in a tough
spot when they had to defend the All-Star power forward in game-1 of the series. Finishing with 28 points, he surged past the Celtics in the fourth quarter and pinned 12 points in that stanza alone.
The Celtics have also had difficulties staying aggressive and shooting the ball from the field. On the other hand, Melo has been rock steady against them. The player scooped
out 26 points in the second half of the game-2, provoking the Celtics to drop a defender at his side after each possession he received.
The article will be continued in Boston Celtics vs New York Knicks - An insight on where the series is heading Part 2
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