Carmelo Anthony Leaves Game With Ankle Injury

Carmelo Anthony has been having a strong season for the New York Knicks, as they have already surpassed their win total from the 2014-15 season. Thomas scored 21 points against the Knicks in their previous contest, but with scrappy play from Jose Calderon and attentive help D from the frontcourt, the Knicks have been much better defending point guards during this recent run.

Anthony, 31, initially suffered the injury with 1:20 to play in the second quarter when he rolled his ankle on the foot of referee Steve Anderson while running back on defense. That would normally suggest approaching trouble, but Jared Sullinger scored nine points over the first seven minutes of the quarter, including a bruising, awkward and-1 that put the Celtics ahead by three points with 5:12 left. He started the second half but lasted just 20 seconds before leaving again.

Perhaps the most surprising thing that has happened during the first part of the National Basketball Association season is the emergence of the New York Knicks into one of the most fun teams in the league. On one play, Smart saved the ball between his legs; though his pass inadvertently found a Knicks player, Johnson recovered incredibly, lunging to swat the shot. He remained on the court for a few seconds before retreating to the locker room.

Porzingis’ fifth foul placed him back on the bench with 8:26 left.

A short jumper from Sullinger drew the Celtics even at 88-88 with 9:45 to play. Porzingis rushed late to close out, fouling Crowder for his sixth foul with 2:44 to play. In those games, Porzingis has averaged about 17 points, eight rebounds, and two blocks per game with two double-doubles including a 28 point, 11 rebound effort in the loss to the Spurs. Crowder hit two of three from the line for a 107-106 Boston lead.

Down by three in the last minute, Thomas drove with 22 seconds left, but was blocked by Robin Lopez.