Celtics v. Knicks: Series Recap

NEW YORK -- It was as simple as one, two, three, four for the Boston Celtics, who completed a four-game sweep of  the New York Knicks April 24.

The series, which promised to be one of the most exciting going into the 2011 playoffs due to the teams' regular season matchups, ended up being somewhat of a dud.

The Knicks came into the series swinging like a boxer with nothing to lose, giving the Celtics all they could handle in the first two games, showing gumption and a strong physical presence, pushing the Celtics to win their games in the fading seconds of both Games 1 and 2.

Games 3 and 4 were a completely different story as the Celtics went to New York and dominated the Knicks. The wins included a record-setting performance from Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo. The Knicks, whose nucleus had only played 18 games together, were battling a multitude of injuries throughout these playoffs and were hoping to come together against the reigning Eastern Conference champions.

But when the dust settled Sunday night in Madison Square Garden  it was the Celtics that had grown together as a team. Rajon Rondo had 21 points and 12 assists,  Kevin Garnett added 26 points and 10 rebounds while  Ray Allen and  Glen Davis each added 14 points for the Celtics to finish the clean sweep of the Knicks.

It was the first sweep the Celtics have had since 1992, beating the Indiana Pacers in three games. The win helped the Celtics advance to the second round early and also allowed them to get some rest before they play their next opponent: winner of Heat-Sixers. The Heat missed their opportunity to close out the Sixers April 26, losing in Philadelphia.

For the Knicks, the series loss left them with some big questions going into the offseason, including the status of head coach Mike D'Antoni, rumored to possibly be on the hot seat. Also, the Knicks have some glaring holes in the defense and rebounding categories that they have to address in the future.

Regardless of this year's outcome, it looks as though the Knicks will be a perinnial contender in the immediate future. For the Celtics, the future and their chances of a title will continue May 1.