Big Apple basketball fans haven’t witnessed the New York Knicks close out a playoff series in 13 years, but a victory over the Boston Celtics on Sunday ends that forgettable drought.
The Knicks dominated the Celtics in Game 3 at TD Garden Friday night, beating their hosts 90-76 behind Carmelo Anthony’s game-high 26 points and 15-point outputs by Raymond Felton and J.R. Smith. Four Celtics—Kevin Garnett (12), Paul Pierce (17), Jeff Green (21) and Jason Terry (14)—reached double digits in points, but New York’s bench outscored Boston’s 30-10.
The contest featured some fourth-quarter drama, but it had little to do with how competitive the game was. With 7:06 left in regulation and New York leading 78-59, Smith was charged with a flagrant foul 2 and ejected for elbowing Terry on the chin. Celtics players and coaches had to restrain Terry, a 14-year veteran, after the guard got back on his feet, but Smith quickly made his way off the court without further incident.
As of 8:30 a.m. ET Saturday, the NBA has not revealed how it will, if at all, discipline Smith for his act. Smith could be fined, suspended for one game (Game 4), or both.
