The New York Knicks host the Boston Celtics in Game 5 of their first round NBA Playoff meeting. If you can't watch the live action, check out the radio stream free online as ESPN NY will bring coverage of this pivotal matchup tipping off a little after 7 p.m. ET.
The Knicks are just a game away from advancing to the second round of the playoffs for the first time since 2000. The Knicks have had a playoff drought to say the least, but this year, with Carmelo Anthony playing incredibly, J.R. Smith focusing his skills on the right cause and a ton of great role players, the Knicks put together a solid season that saw them finish in second place in the Eastern Conference behind the Miami Heat.
As for the Celtics, their luck wasn't there in 2013. They lost their leader and future of their franchise, Rajon Rondo right before the All-Star game. The Celtics were simply left without youth and their identity was stripped from them. Rondo is one of the best point guards in the league, probably right behind Chris Paul. An aged Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett were left to carry the load as they led the Celtics to a 41-40 season good for a seventh place finish.
The Knicks have the upper hand in the series and though age isn't on their side, Anthony and Smith are their playmakers. When those two are on, there is no stopping the Knicks.
Can the Knicks lock up their ticket to the second round and get some extra rest as they await a victor between the Indiana Pacers and Atlanta Hawks or will the Celtics cut into any chances of the Knicks taking a brief vacation?
Click here for the live stream of the Knicks vs. Celtics in Game 5 of the 2013 NBA Playoffs.
