Celtics Eye Game 3 Win Against Knicks
BOSTON (CBS) - The Celtics want to end their playoff series with the Knicks as soon as possible.
They can inch closer with a Game three win Friday night, giving them a 3-0 series lead. No team in NBA history has ever dug themselves out of a 3-0 hole.
But do not tell that to Doc Rivers.
"I don't believe in that history," Rivers said. "The bottom line is there's a sense of urgency. There should be, we're in the playoffs. Whether it's 2-0 or 1-1. No one has won a game on the road yet, that's what we have to try to do."
Celtics Talk Game 3 Against Knicks
"It's really important for us to come in here and take Game three, get the series over with (as soon as possible)," Glen "Big Baby" Davis said after Friday's shoot around. "We want to get as much rest as possible."
But the Celtics know the Knicks will not make it easy.
"They're not going to let us go easy," said Davis, who is averaging 3 points and 5.5 rebounds off the bench. "We have to take this win. That's it, point-blank. It's important for us to get this win, it's important for them. Every game is a big game."
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"We knew it was going to be a tough series," Jermaine O'Neal said. "Those guys have found a way to compete, no matter who is on the court, no matter who's in or who's out. For us, it's about playing within ourselves. Not trying to do too much and playing tough defense."
"We feel like if it comes down to a defensive possession at the end of the game, we can win the ballgame," he said. "It's been that way the last two games."
The Celtics won both of their trips to Madison Square Garden during the regular season, each time to the ire of the Knicks and their fans. New York played Boston tough each time, much like the first two playoff games, and the Celtics know it will be no different this time around.
"We just play," said Davis. "What happened here happened here. We can't change it; this is the way it is. I'll have to say we can't worry about Spike Lee. Can't worry about Amare talking about my core. I've been big all my life."
Davis is referring to comments Stoudemire made about "Big Baby" being large around the waist. Davis once again laughed it off.
"I ain't ever had no abs," he said. "I don't need to worry about that, I've never had abs. I never in my life had abs. Since I was a baby, I haven't had abs."
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The Knicks could be without starting point guard Chauncey Billups for the second straight game as he recovers from a strained left knee. New York is a lot more hopeful about getting Stoudemire back from back spasms that kept him out of the second half of Game two in Boston.
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As for injured Celtics, Shaquille O'Neal traveled with the team but will not play Friday night. Jermaine O'Neal, on the other hand, said there is nothing to worry about with his wrist, which he hurt in Game two while defending Stoudemire.
"I feel fine, the swelling is down," O'Neal said.
"Fortunately he's never been that good with that hand anyways," joked Rivers. "He can still defend and rebound and all the other stuff so we're good."
