“The Big 4″ Sit as Celtics Close Out Season With Win Against Knicks

By Brian Moller in Celtics, Featured, Top Story ⋅ April 13, 2011 at 11:24pm ⋅ Post a comment

Jeff Green drives on Amar'e Stoudemire as Pierce watches from the bench. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

It was supposed to be a preview of arguably the most intriguing first round matchup of the playoffs, but with the “Big 4,” Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups all watching from the bench it was more of a glorified pickup game.

The Celtics bench got to play as the starters for the second straight night. The Knicks also sat their big guns with the exception of power forward Amar’e Stoudemire. In the battle of the benches, the Celtics reserves came out on top by a score of 112-102.

Despite the lack of star power, the two playoff foes got a little chippy during the game. With 6:55 left in the third quarter, Bill Walker took a swipe below the belt at Celtics’ forward Sasha Pavlovic while he was shooting a three. The two pushed a little and chirp back and forth but nothing serious. Walker was assessed a flagrant one foul and Pavlovic received a technical.

Later, Nenad Krstic and forward Shawn Williams had double fouls called on them after they got tied up and threw an elbow or two in a fight for a rebound. Krstic then left the game and did not return. He had 13 points and 6 rebounds.

The bench guys that are expected to be in the rotation come the playoffs played well and contributed. Jeff Green had 14 points and 8 rebounds. Glen “Big Baby” Davis scored 17 and also had 8 boards. Davis played 27 minutes and Green played 34.

The Celtics finish the season with a record of 56-26, good for third best in the Eastern Conference.

Stars of the Game:

Sasha Pavlovic had himself a nice night, shooting 70% from the floor and 80% from three on his way to 19 points.

Avery Bradley had by far the best scoring night of his career. He had 20, along with 2 assists and 3 rebounds.

First Round Playoff Schedule vs. Knicks

Game 1 – Sun April 17 – Boston – 7:00PM
Game 2 – Tue April 19 – Boston – 7:00PM
Game 3 – Fri April 22 – New York – TBD
Game 4 – Sun April 24 – New York – 3:30PM
Game 5 * Tue April 26 – Boston – TBD
Game 6 * Fri April 29 – New York – TBD
Game 7 * Sun May 1 – Boston – TBD

*If Necessary

About Brian Moller - My Twitter

Hi I'm Brian Moller and I am addicted to sports. I love everything that involves my Boston sports teams. I'm pursuing a career in sports journalism. I've been lucky enough to have done internships at Comcast SportsNet New England and WHDH 7 News in the sports department. During those internships I've been in the locker room and on the field talking to some of Boston's biggest stars. I also host my own ridiculous sports talk show on my town's local access channel called Sports Ch@t. Hope you enjoy my writing and hopefully I'll be coming through your TV someday.

Tags: Avery Bradley, Boston Celtics, Carmelo Anthony, Celtics, Chauncey Billups, Glen Davis, Jeff Green, Knicks, NBA Playoffs, Nenad Krstic, New York Knicks, Sasha Pavlovic