Anthony Scores 37 As Knicks Down Celts In Season Opener
The New York Knicks opened the 2011-12 NBA season with an exciting 106-104 Christmas Day victory over the Boston Celtics at Madison Square Garden.
Carmelo Anthony guided New York's scoring attack with 37 points and eight rebounds. Amare Stoudemire added 21 points; Toney Douglas lead the Knicks with four assists while scoring 19 points of his own.
The Knicks lead by as many as 17 points in the first-half before Boston stormed back to take the lead in the third quarter. Brandon Bass' jumper to open the fourth quarter pushed the Celtics lead to 89-79. New York outscored the Celts 27-15 in the remaining 11:30 of the game, and Kevin Garnett's missed 14-footer in the final seconds sealed the Knicks' win.
The newest Knick, Tyson Chandler, who brings the team a much needed defensive presence, had six blocks to go along with seven points.
The Celtics, who played without the banged up Paul Pierce, got 31 points and 13 assists from point guard Rajon Rondo. Sharp shooter Ray Allen and Bass scored 20, each.
The game was the first of a five-game opening day schedule to kick-off the lockout shortened season, which has been reduced to 66 games (from 82).
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