Celtics at Knicks
THE STORY: The Boston Celtics attempt to complete a four-game sweep of the New York Knicks when the two teams meet at Madison Square Garden on Sunday. Boston put on a dominant showing during Friday’s Game 3 victory in New York after winning two close games on its home court. The Celtics led by as many as 23 points during the 113-96 victory that seemed to sap the excitement out of the Knicks and their fans. The Knicks never once led during Game 3, which was their first home playoff game since 2004. New York is well aware of the uphill climb it faces as no NBA team has ever rallied from a 3-0 deficit to win a playoff series.
TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC.
ABOUT THE KNICKS: Amar’e Stoudemire attempted to tough it out but had no mobility and lacked aggressiveness while playing with an injured back in Game 3. Stoudemire scored just seven points on 2-of-8 shooting and stated afterwards that he will again be at less than full strength on Sunday. Carmelo Anthony was just 4 of 16 from the field while contributing 15 points and 11 rebounds. Anthony scored 42 points in Game 2. Shawne Williams scored a team-high 17 for the Knicks. Chauncey Billups (knee) will again be a game-day decision. Billups was injured in the final minute of the opening game. The Knicks trailed 22-5 less than eight minutes into Friday’s game so a better start Sunday is imperative.
ABOUT THE CELTICS: Veterans Paul Pierce (38) and Ray Allen (32) combined for 70 points in Friday’s victory. The two players combined to make 14 3-point baskets – Allen was 8 for 11 and Pierce was 6 for 8. Point guard Rajon Rondo had 15 points, 11 rebounds and 20 assists for his sixth career playoff triple-double. Center Shaquille O’Neal (calf) is holding out hope he can play at least a few minutes on Sunday. O’Neal hasn’t seen any action in the series. The Celtics bench contributed just 13 points – nine coming from Jeff Green.
WHO'S HOT/WHO’S NOT: Allen is averaging 24.7 points and has connected on 15 of 20 3-point shots in the series. New York guard Landry Fields is averaging two points and has made just 3 of 12 shots.
KEY STATISTIC: Boston shot 58.3 percent from 3-point range in Game 3, hitting 14 of 24 attempts.
LAST WORD: “I’m worried about getting him right and healthy. There’s no strategical game plan for not playing him. There’s a medical game plan for not playing him and he can’t play. Once he can play, he can play.” – Celtics coach Doc Rivers on the status of injured center Shaquille O’Neal.