The Boston Celtics minus suspended star Kevin Garnett downed the New York Knicks 110-101 Tuesday night at the TD Banknorth Garden in Boston MA.
Garnett who was unable to play because of the one suspension for an altercation on Saturday in Milwaukee with Andrew Bogut was hardly missed as other players stepped up in absence. Brian Scalabrine started in his place it was Scal’s 28th start as a member of the Celtics and he contributed 8 points and 3 rebounds in nearly 21 minutes. Kendrick Perkins was the one who really stepped up as he played his best game of the year notching 16 points and grabbing 8 boards in the win.
After a tough first quarter in which New York led through out, Boston climbed back in the game with a solid second quarter to take a 56-47 lead into the break. It was lead the Celtics were able to maintain through out the second half despite a few runs by the Knicks to get close.
In addition to Perk, the Green (10-2) were led by Paul Pierce who had 22 points, Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo each added 15 and Leon Powe had 14 points in the win.
The Knicks (6-5), who appear to be buying into new coach Mike D’Antoni’s system and are much improved, were paced by Wilson Chandler who had 23 points, Zach Randolph put up 18 points and Chris Duhon added 15 in a losing effort.
The Celtics host Allen Iverson, Richard Hamilton and the Pistons on Thursday night.
