Kevin Garnett drilled a go-ahead hook shot with 12 seconds remaining as the Boston Celtics overcame a 42-point night from Carmelo Anthony to sneak by the shorthanded New York Knicks 96-93 at the TD Garden. The victory gave Boston a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series. All-Star point guard Rajon Rondo led the Celtics with a postseason career-high 30 points, and Paul Pierce scored 16 of his 20 points in the second half of the win. Anthony tied his postseason career high with his 42 points to go along with a game-high 17 rebounds, leading a valiant effort for the Knicks who fought until the end despite playing without Amar'e Stoudemire (back spasms) in the second half.
"We won the game. That's all we got out of that. They had no Stoudemire, no [Chauncey] Billups ... They played hard. We were lucky to win."-- Boston coach Doc Rivers
2-0 lead as well for the Mavs over Portland, as Nowitzki scored 33 and Kidd added 18 and 8 assists. Meanwhile, the Magic tied the series against the Hawks behind 33 points and 19 rebounds from Dwight Howard.