As was the case with the fourth quarter in Game 1, the New York Knicks dominated the third quarter of Game 2. They once again shut down the Boston Celtics in the second half on their way to a 87-71 win.
A 21-4 run to open the third completely hobbled the Celtics, who once again held a lead at halftime. The final margin in the third frame was 32-11 in favor of the Knicks, granting them a five-point lead entering the final quarter.
Games 1 and 2 were prime examples of the Celtics missing Rajon Rondo on the floor. In Saturday’s loss, the Celtics were unable to take care of the ball without a real point guard on the roster.
On Tuesday night, the Celtics didn’t turn the ball over in excess, but they were unable to come up with quality offensive possessions at the level of the Knicks. When New York’s shots are falling, particularly from three-point land, Boston will have difficulties keeping up.
The Knicks wound up just 7-of-19 from beyond the arc tonight, but held the Celtics to 37.1 percent shooting overall.
Rondo provided them an advantage in that he could handle the ball and get any teammate a shot they were comfortable with on virtually every possession. Now they are left creating mostly for themselves or trying to force too much in transition.
New York’s defense in the second half was the story of the game, holding the Celtics to just 23 points after the main intermission. Boston didn’t register a field goal in the final 9:15 and scored just two points in the final eight minutes.
Source-ESPN
