The Celtics showed no mercy, rolling the Knicks 113-96 in a game that wasn’t even that close. Rajon Rondo bagged a triple-double, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce chipped in 32 and 38 respectively against a Knick defense that appeared to be in mid-season form (this not a compliment).
The Knicks woke up in the fourth, but the deficit was too much and New York’s big two weren’t enough. In his first game back from sitting out with back spasms, Amar’e Stoudemire finished with seven points on 2-of-8 shooting, Carmelo Anthony chipped in with fifteen points on an equally efficient 4-of-16 shooting. Celtics take a commanding 3-0 lead in the series, and look to complete the sweep on Sunday in the friendly confines of Madison Square Garden.
Hawks take a 2-1 series lead over the Magic in a chippy game that featured ex-Sun Jason Richardson sent to the showers a little early for getting into it will Zaza Patchulia.
As Dwight Howard drove to the basket, he was fouled by Atlanta’s Zaza Pachulia. As they came back down to the floor, Howard alerted Pachulia to his displeasure by placing his forearm in Pachulia’s face.
Pachulia apparently used words to alert the Magic to his displeasure, irritating Jason Richardson. Both of them shared their displeasure with each other in a more physical way, Pachulia with a quasi-head butt to Richardson and Richardson with a slap/shove to Pachulia’s face.
Suns fans know J-Rich isn’t a trouble maker but will back up a teammate, this time it will possibly result in a game 4 suspension which doesn’t bode well for the Magic.
In other ex-Suns news: Hedo Turkoglu hit 3-of11 for nine points, Quentin Richardson also scored nine points but with a more efficient 3-of-3 shooting. Earl Clark was DNP-Coaches decision. Joe Johnson finished with 21 points, 5 assists.
Despite a heroic effort by Chris Paul, the defending Champs were just to much for the Hornets. Kobe Bryant ended up with 30 points on 10-of-20 shooting, Pau Gasol woke up, which doesn’t bode well for the Hornets going forward.
The Lakers take a 2-1 series lead with the Hornets looking for a almost-must win on Sunday in New Orleans.