Anthony Ejected Over Back-To-Back Technicals In Knicks 115-87 Loss To Celtics
BOSTON (AP) -- Isaiah Thomas scored 23 of his 29 points in the first half, and the Boston Celtics snapped a three-game losing streak with a 115-87 victory over the New York Knicks on Friday night.
Kelly Olynyk added 19 points and seven rebounds.
The Knicks have still yet to post consecutive victories this season, and played without Carmelo Anthony in the second half after he was ejected after picking up back-to-back technical fouls.
Anthony was tossed with 4:44 left in the second quarter by referee Tony Brothers. He received the first technical when he said something to Brothers following a loose ball foul call. Brothers walked away, but Anthony trailed behind and kept talking. He was then hit with the second technical. Anthony finished with 12 points and two rebounds.
Brandon Jennings was also ejected late in the fourth quarter after receiving consecutive technical fouls.
Without Anthony, the Knicks had a difficult time finding an offensive flow.
New York never led in the game, and trailed by as many 30 points in the fourth quarter. The Knicks have now given up 100 or more points in seven of their eight games.
The Celtics entered Friday looking for a faster start after struggling to score points in the first quarter during their three-game skid.
Brad Stevens made changes to his starting lineup in hopes of injecting some energy, going with Olynyk and Marcus Smart in place of Jaylen Brown and Tyler Zeller.
The moves paid off.
Coming off an eight-point first quarter in their loss to Washington on Wednesday, Boston scored 31 in the opening 12 minutes. Smart had eight points in the period, and Olynyk added five points and two assists.
TIP-INS
Knicks: Were called for a total of five technicals in the game. .. Committed 25 turnovers, leading to 27 Boston points. --- Prior to his ejection, Anthony was New York's most efficient player in the first half, shooting 5 of 8 from the field.
Celtics: Al Horford (concussion protocol) sat for the fifth straight game. Jae Crowder missed his fourth straight game with a sprained left ankle. --- Boston had 13 assists on 17 made field goals in the first half.
UP NEXT
Knicks: Finish up their short two-game road trip at Toronto on Saturday.
Celtics: Head out on the road for two games, playing at Indiana on Saturday and New Orleans on Sunday.
(Copyright 2016 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
