Ray Allen's three pointer with 12 seconds remaining in the game propelled the Celtics to a heart-stopping 87-85 victory over the NY Knicks.
It wasn't the Celtics prettiest effort (see the 15 point 2nd quarter), but I really don't care.
Amare Stoudemire was a beast. Twelve of his 28 points came in the 4th quarter. He had two phenomenal buckets on drives to the hoop late in the game. I was screaming for KG to take a half-step back.
Despite Amare's hot hand, the Knicks went to Melo (15 points, 5-18 FG) in the final minute. He responded with an offensive foul (Knicks fans will bitch about this one) and a horrible 25-footer in the final seconds.
Doc Rivers remains the best in the business at drawing up plays during time-outs. He scripted the out-of-bounds lob to KG with 37 seconds left and the Ray three. I guarantee Mike D'Antoni didn't know what was coming.
Shaq who? Jermaine O'Neal (12 points, 6-6 FG, 4 rebounds, 4 blocks) may have played his best game of the season. He had one sweet rejection on Melo that had me spilling beer all over myself.
Kevin Garnett (15 points, 13 rebounds) should be commended for his job on the boards.
Rajon Rondo (10 points, 9 rebounds, 9 assists) was extremely active. He did make a couple of bad passes late in the game, including one outlet that went over Ray's outstrectched arm with 50 seconds remaining.
Chauncey Billups was helped off the court late in the 4th. He suffered what appeared to be a knee injury. It looked serious.
UPDATE: Sherrod Blakely spoke with Billups: Says his left knee just buckled a little down the stretch. Should be good to go Tuesday
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