Celts Finally Find Way To Beat Knicks

If the AFC can win a Super Bowl, certainly the Boston Celtics can beat the New York Knicks, right?

Right.

Finally.

After suffering 21 consecutive losses to their tormentors from the Big Apple, the Celtics finally turned the tables, tumbling the Knicks 94-85 before an energized sellout crowd of 18,624 at the FleetCenter Monday.

Boston, which placed five players in double figures, led by rookie Chauncey Billups’ 26 points, was equal to any charge the Knicks tried to make down the stretch.

The Celtics led by nine heading into the last quarter and played the Knicks even in the final 12 minutes, making their free throws and hauling down several key rebounds.

The last time the Celtics tasted victory against the Knicks was Jan. 10, 1993, when Boston edged New York 100-97 at Madison Square Garden.

It also marked the first time the Celts had beaten the Knicks in Boston since a 93-89 win on April 8, 1992.

Antoine Walker said the rest of his teammates were very conscious of the spell the Knicks had been casting over the Celtics.

“We talked about it,” said Walker. “No one wants to be dominated like that,” Walker said. “We were upset we lost to them last time. They’re a tough team for us to match up against, but we did a good job on the glass the last 5 minutes.”

The Knicks held a 27-25 lead after one quarter. But Boston held New York to only 12 points in the second quarter, forcing 10 turnovers and harrying the Knicks into 29-percent shooting in opening a 44-39 lead.