2013 NBA Playoffs: Player Report Cards in Knicks 90-76 Win over Celtics
Apr 26, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; New York Knicks guard Pablo Prigioni (9) is guarded by Boston Celtics guard Jason Terry (4) during the second quarter of game three of the first round of the 2013 NBA playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
With the Knicks-Celtics matchup returning to Boston, the Celtics looked to capitalize on their home-court. The night started with a warm and touching ceremony that paid tribute to the lives that were lost and honored the heroes in the Boston Marathon Bombing – the Firefighters, the Police Force and the First Responders.
Apr 26, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Boston fans James Ryan, left, and Jay Megaro during the fourth quarter of game three of the first round of the 2013 NBA playoffs against the New York Knicks at TD Garden. New York Knicks won 90-76. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
It gave chills to both Knicks and Celtics fans and really united everyone that was watching.
But once the game started, the Celtics did everyhting besides keep that high energy and high spirits from the ceremony up. Right after winning the opening tip, they missed two wide open layups and ended up scoring only 31 points in the first half. The Knicks had a 47-31 lead at the half and they did not look back, as the Celtics are down 3-0 in the best of 7 series.
As ESPN analyst Bill Simmons said in the post game the Celtics are
"going to score as many points in 3 games as the Warriors are going to score in 2 games."
The Celtics have yet to reach 80 point mark this playoffs, due to the ferocious defense and the Celtics just not hitting their shots. With the team down Rajon Rondo,Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett have to step it up and they are clearly not doing it.
Apr 26, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics forward/center Kevin Garnett (5) and small forward Paul Pierce (34) sit on the bench during the fourth quarter of game three of the first round of the 2013 NBA playoffs against the New York Knicks at TD Garden. New York Knicks won 90-76. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
The Knicks on the other hand are just playing stellar basketball on both ends of the floor. Here are the Player Report cards from tonights 90-76 win:
Carmelo Anthony – 37 minutes, 26 points, 12-25 FG, 2-6 3FG, 1 rebounds, 0 assist, 1 steal, 2 TOs,
Melo got off to a rough start shooting 2-8 from the field but then finished the half knocking down his last 4 shots and shooting well in the second half as well. I’d say 75% of his shots were shots that Melo can hit and should be taking whenever he gets the ball. But the other 25%, he definitely could have have passed out.
The Knicks have so many shooters on this team and all you need is a little ball movement to get one of those shooters open especially when Melo gets doubled team. But overall, he had some crazy shots and moves in his seemingly never-ending repertoire and played a solid game.
Final Grade: B+
Iman Shumpert 20 minutes, 4 points, 1-5 FG, 1-3 3pt, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals, 0 TO
Shumpert played ferocious defense on Paul Pierce tonight, limiting him to 15 points on 6-15 shooting and making him commit 5 turnovers. He was getting up his jock, stripping the ball from his hands, and made him force some tough shots. This is what we the Knicks were missing against the Heat last year when he went down with an injury and his defensive intensity was clearly seen tonight.
Final Grade: B+
Apr 26, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; New York Knicks guard Raymond Felton (2) drives against Boston Celtics forward/center Kevin Garnett (5) during the second quarter of game three of the first round of the 2013 NBA playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Raymond Felton 35 minutes, 15 points, 7-14 Fg, 1-3 3PT, 10 assists, 2 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block, 3 turnovers
What a stat line for Felton. I could not have been happier with his performance tonight. He completely controlled the pace of this game whether it was by driving hard to the basket and finishing strong or passing it out for a wide-open shot. When the ball facilitates through him instead of Melo, the offense just flows so much better. He also is confident in scoring the ball on the outside, which spaces the floor out even more.
Final Grade: A
Pablo Prigioni 30 minutes, 9 points 3-6 FG, 3-6 3pt, 2 rebounds, 1 assists, 5 steals, 1 turnover
No one could tell Prigioni was 35 years old based on his performance tonight – he was all over the place diving for loose balls, getting in the passing lane, and hitting the knock down threes. Having him start at the point guard position really seems to be working for this Knicks team.
Final Grade: B+
Tyson Chandler – 30 minutes, 6 points, 3-4 FG, 8 rebounds, 1 TO
Chandler was quiet tonight, but still got the job done clogging up the middle, pulling in some rebounds, and tapping out the ball for second chance opportunities. It really seems like his neck injury is interfering with his performance, and hopefuly he can continue to push through it.
Final Grade: B-
J.R. Smith – 24 minutes, 15 points, 6-12 FG, 2-5 3pt, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 3 TO
Smith had a solid game up until midway through the fourth quarter where he acted childish and was called for a flagrant 2 (ejection) when he elbowed Terry close to the face intentionally. Smith has been on such good behavior and because of this has played his best basketball of his career. He needs to stay under control to play effectively for the Knicks.
Apr 26, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; New York Knicks guard Jason Kidd (5) brings the ball up court during the fourth quarter of game three of the first round of the 2013 NBA playoffs against the New York Knicks at TD Garden. New York Knicks won 90-76. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Final Grade: B
Jason Kidd – 26 minutes, 0 points, 0-1 FG, 0-1 3PT, 6 assists, 6 rebounds, 2 blocks, 0 TO
Kidd played like he always does, doing a little of everything. He passed, rebounded, blocked, and provided his veteran leadership on the court. The Knicks really can use his experience when they go further into the playoffs and just need him to stay healthy.
Final Grade: B
Kenyon Martin – 17 minutes, 5 points 2-4 FG 4 Rebounds, 1 block, 0 TO
Martin had another solid game, playing great defense on Garnett and finishing some nice layups. He continues to play a crucial role on this Knicks team as the backup for Tyson Chandler, who still looks like he’s having some troubles with his Neck injury.
Final Grade: B
Steve Novak – 16 minutes, 8 points, 3-4 FG, 2-3 3pt, 2 rebounds, 1 steal
Novak did all he could in his limit minutes, which was to knock down shots. He used his only move (the pump fake) for a nice pull up inside the three point line, and then hit 2 threes with his quick release. I think this was the perfect amount of minutes for Novak since it gives him a chance to do some damage as opposed to the 5-10 minutes he got in the first two games.
Final Grade: B+
James White – 2 minutes, 2 points, 1-1 FG White came in the last 2 minutes of the game to relieve Melo of his duties and hit a nice jumper. Great Job White!!!
Final Grade: No grade
Chris Copeland – 2 minutes, 0-0 FG
I don’t think their can be a greater downgrade from being a starter in Game 1 to playing in the last 2 minutes of the game. Copeland had his chance but was not confident and that sent him right to the end of the bench.
Final Grade: No grade
Quentin Richardson – 2 minutes, 0-0 FG
He came in the game in the 2 minutes in garbage time.
Final Grade: No grade