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.

Playoff Preview -Round 1: Celtics vs. Knicks

Rivalry.

Paul Pierce swears there isn't one between the Celtics and Knicks. At least not in this decade. There are millions of Knick fans that would argue the opposite. Maybe the Celtics look at the Knicks as lesser mortals, but the Knicks definitely see Boston as a stone-cold enemy. If you don't believe me, look at their battles this year. Bloody, beaten ragged and scathed could describe both teams after each game in the regular season.

That's what we have to look forward to: a war, no prisoners. Both teams dislike each other; both teams want to win. Don't let Boston fans fool you when they say this isn't a big game and this series won't impact them. Boston is scared. They come into the series limping, and it's possible this isn't a limp that can be miraculously healed by a wheelchair ride back into the locker room. Even if the Celtics have what it takes to win this series, they will not come out unscathed.

The physical nature of these teams may take its toll on the winner. Boston is older and has been slightly injury-prone this year with the likes of Jermaine O'Neal and Shaquille O'Neal taking the brunt of those injuries. This series is sure to issue a few more.

Boston is the odds-on favorite to win, and they have to win, it's expected of them. They have to prove they were more than a flash in the pan this year. The Knicks, well, they are playing with house money. Not even expected to make the playoffs, they have exceeded the hopes of fans and the front office. The Knicks simply have nothing to lose, and they have the egos to think they could pull this off.

The Knicks just don't have enough fire power to win this series. As a team, they have a lot of questions left to be answered. Carmelo Anthony and Amar'e Stoudemire have not figured out how to play well together at the same time. Chauncy Billups has been almost nonexistent the past 10 games and will need to be far more productive if New York has any chance to win. Landry Fields has the potential to be an offensive spark and the X factor for the Knicks while Melo will look to up his defensive prowess as he has in previous playoff series. That's where the compliments for the Knicks end.

Boston has New York outgunned at every starting position, except perhaps small forward. But as much as Paul Pierce will have trouble stopping Anthony's scoring binges, Pierce is just as much of an offensive tyrant. Rajon Rondo is too young, fast and brilliant to let Billups slow him down, Kevin Garnett and Stoudemire will  likely be a wash, which leaves the deciding factor as Ray Allen, the 3-point shooting king. As long as Allen stays productive, the Knicks will have fits closing out on the Celtics.

Boston will win this series in six games. That really isn't the question of the series. The bumps, brusies and wounds they're going to receive are. They will have to do their best to minimize those because they'll be looking at a quick turnaround to play the Miami Heat, who seem to be chomping at the bit to take down the Eastern Conference champions, something that should have Boston fans worried if their last game together was any indication of the future.

The best way to look at the Knicks in this series is not as a Cinderella, rather as meat tenderizer for the Miami Heat.

And that's what a rival is. Because if they can't beat you, they will surely try to make it easier for someone else.