NBA Playoffs roundup: Celtics stay alive, beat Knicks to force Game 6
ASSOCIATED PRESS May 1, 2013 9:10PM
NEW YORK, NY - MAY 01: Doc Rivers of the Boston Celtics shouts instructions to his team against the New York Knicks during Game five of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on May 3, 2013 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
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Updated: May 1, 2013 11:08PM
Kevin Garnett had 16 points and 18 rebounds and the Boston Celtics stayed alive in the playoffs, cutting the New York Knicks’ lead to 3-2 with a 92-86 victory Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden.
The Celtics will host Game 6 on Friday night, needing two wins to become the first NBA team to overcome a 3-0 deficit to win a series.
‘’We just wanted to keep it going,’’ Brandon Bass said.
Bass added 17 points, steadying the Celtics as they shook off an 11-0 deficit and pulled away in the second half to stop the Knicks again from achieving their first playoff series victory since 2000. The Knicks’ Carmelo Anthony scored 22 points but was just 8-for-24 for the field.
Home helps Pacers again
David West scored 24 points and Paul George had 21 points and 10 rebounds to lead the host Indiana Pacers past the Atlanta Hawks 106-83 to take a 3-2 series lead.
The Pacers, who took the lead for good midway through the second quarter, have won all three home games in the best-of-seven series and are 5-0 at home this season against the Hawks. They’ll go to Atlanta on Friday with a chance to clinch. But the Hawks have won 13 straight at home against the Pacers, including both games in this series.
Josh Smith and Al Horford scored 14 each for the Hawks.
Bucks’ Boylan finished
Coach Jim Boylan won’t be offered a new contract after the Milwaukee Bucks made the playoffs for the first time in three years but lost 12 of their last 16 games before being swept by the Miami Heat in the opening round.
† Portland Trail Blazers point guard Damian Lillard has been unanimously chosen as the NBA’s Rookie of the Year.
