Preseason Game 6: Celtics 99 - Knicks 85

Photo: Associated Press

After losing to the Knicks at Madison Square Garden last Friday night, the Celtics avenged their defeat by beating the Knicks, 99-85 at TD Garden Thursday night.


Jared Sullinger had a stellar night, filling up the stat sheet with 16 points, eight rebounds and six assists. And Tyler Zeller had the kind of offensive production that earned him a starting job last season, scoring 15 points on 6-for-11 shooting and pulling down five rebounds.

Sully fought for most of his points in the paint, where he also grabbed rebounds and played solid defense against the Knicks. When he battled inside more often, he was able to make his layups or draw contact and earn trips to the foul line. Sullinger just has to do a better job at making those free throws. He went 4-for-10 from the charity stripe, but that was the only part of his game that prevented him from having a spectacular night.

While Zeller's great hands caught nearly every pass thrown his way and allowed him to finish around the hoop for easy baskets.

Jose Calderon (17 points, 8 rebounds) led the way for the Knicks, but the Knicks struggled offensively and couldn't get All-Star forward Carmelo Anthony going. Much of that had to do with Jae Crowder's defense on the All-Star veteran

Crowder, who put together a solid statistical game (13 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists), pestered Anthony all night. The Knicks star scored eight points on 18 shots -- all when Crowder wasn't defending him -- and never got into a rhythm. It was a great battle for Crowder.

After the game, Anthony had this to say about Crowder:

"I like Jae Crowder, he's a pest," said Anthony. "He likes to play physical, likes to get up in the passing lane. I like him, I'm a fan of Jae."

Celtics will head up to Manchester, NH tomorrow night where the Celtics will take on the Philadelphia 76ers in their preseason finale.



Josue Pavon 
Twitter: @Joe_Sway10
@CausewayStreet