Celtics nearly came back from 26-point deficit with 20-0 run but stalled at finish The New York Knicks have advanced to the second round of the playoffs for the first time in 13 years. The Boston Celtics, who were down 3-0 in the series before winning the last two games, nearly overcame another incredible deficit, but the Knicks ultimately won 88-80.
Trailing by 26 in the third quarter, Boston went on a 20-0 run, but it wasn't enough to make up for poor shooting for most of the game. Through the first three quarters, Boston shot 31.9% from the field as a team, totaling only 47 points entering the final period.
PREVIEW: Who wins Knicks-Pacers series?
SCHEDULE: First-round times, TV info
BOX SCORE: Knicks 88, Celtics 80
Carmelo Anthony scored 21 points, but the Knicks' offense was carried by its guards. Iman Shumpert played a key role at both ends of the floor, scoring 17 points on 6-of-9 shooting and playing lock-down defense on Paul Pierce. Pablo Prigioni scored 14 points, and Raymond Felton added 10.
The Celtics' fourth-quarter run was keyed by Jeff Green and Avery Bradley, with Bradley making several key defensive plays leading to fast-break baskets. Boston cut the deficit to four points with three minutes remaining, but a three-pointer by Anthony with 1:32 on the clock effectively ended Boston's run and season.
This game marks the first first-round exit for the Celtics since Kevin Garnett joined the team in 2007. It may also be the last stand of Boston's big three. Pierce has a $5 million buyout for the final year of his contract, and the 37-year-old Garnett may opt for retirement if the Celtics go into rebuilding mode.
The Knicks advance to the second round and will play the Indiana Pacers, who eliminated the Atlanta Hawks on Friday. The series begins in New York on Sunday.
PHOTOS: Knicks beat Celtics 4-2 in first round 
Game 6 in Boston: Knicks 88, Celtics 80 - Carmelo Anthony is congratulated by J.R. Smith, Iman Shumpert and Kenyon Martin.
Greg M. Cooper, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![Game 6 in Boston: Knicks 88, Celtics 80 - Jeff Green looks to drive as Raymond Felton defends.]()
Game 6 in Boston: Knicks 88, Celtics 80 - Jeff Green looks to drive as Raymond Felton defends.
David Butler II, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![Game 6 in Boston: Knicks 88, Celtics 80 - Paul Pierce drives on Carmelo Anthony.]()
Game 6 in Boston: Knicks 88, Celtics 80 - Paul Pierce drives on Carmelo Anthony.
David Butler II, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![Game 6 in Boston: Knicks 88, Celtics 80 - Raymond Felton goes up for a layup as Courtney Lee defends.]()
Game 6 in Boston: Knicks 88, Celtics 80 - Raymond Felton goes up for a layup as Courtney Lee defends.
David Butler II, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![Game 5 in New York: Celtics 92, Knicks 86 - Kevin Garnett reacts after being fouled.]()
Game 5 in New York: Celtics 92, Knicks 86 - Kevin Garnett reacts after being fouled.
Brad Penner, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![Game 5 in New York: Celtics 92, Knicks 86 - Carmelo Anthony drives past Brandon Bass.]()
Game 5 in New York: Celtics 92, Knicks 86 - Carmelo Anthony drives past Brandon Bass.
Brad Penner, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![Game 5 in New York: Celtics 92, Knicks 86 - Kevin Garnett attempts a shot while Tyson Chandler reaches out on defense.]()
Game 5 in New York: Celtics 92, Knicks 86 - Kevin Garnett attempts a shot while Tyson Chandler reaches out on defense.
Joe Camporeale, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![Game 5 in New York: Celtics 92, Knicks 86 - Iman Shumpert rises for a layup.]()
Game 5 in New York: Celtics 92, Knicks 86 - Iman Shumpert rises for a layup.
Joe Camporeale, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![Game 4 in Boston: Celtics 97, Knicks 90 (OT) - Knicks center Tyson Chandler dunks past Celtics forward Jeff Green.]()
Game 4 in Boston: Celtics 97, Knicks 90 (OT) - Knicks center Tyson Chandler dunks past Celtics forward Jeff Green.
Mark L. Baer, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![Game 4 in Boston: Celtics 97, Knicks 90 (OT) - Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony shoots over Celtics forwards Paul Pierce, right, and Brandon Bass.]()
Game 4 in Boston: Celtics 97, Knicks 90 (OT) - Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony shoots over Celtics forwards Paul Pierce, right, and Brandon Bass.
David Butler II, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![Game 4 in Boston: Celtics 97, Knicks 90 (OT) - Knicks guard Pablo Prigioni looks to pass between three Celtics defenders.]()
Game 4 in Boston: Celtics 97, Knicks 90 (OT) - Knicks guard Pablo Prigioni looks to pass between three Celtics defenders.
David Butler II, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![Game 4 in Boston: Celtics 97, Knicks 90 (OT) - Celtics coach Doc Rivers argues with a referee as Knicks guard Iman Shumpert waits.]()
Game 4 in Boston: Celtics 97, Knicks 90 (OT) - Celtics coach Doc Rivers argues with a referee as Knicks guard Iman Shumpert waits.
David Butler II, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![Game 3 in Boston: Knicks 90, Celtics 76 - Knicks guard J.R. Smith, right, high-fives forward Carmelo Anthony.]()
Game 3 in Boston: Knicks 90, Celtics 76 - Knicks guard J.R. Smith, right, high-fives forward Carmelo Anthony.
Mark L. Baer, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![Game 3 in Boston: Knicks 90, Celtics 76 - Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony squares up against a double team.]()
Game 3 in Boston: Knicks 90, Celtics 76 - Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony squares up against a double team.
Greg M. Cooper, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![Game 3 in Boston: Knicks 90, Celtics 76 - A Celtics fan holds a "http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/#Boston Strong" sign.]()
Game 3 in Boston: Knicks 90, Celtics 76 - A Celtics fan holds a "http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/http://usatoday.com/#Boston Strong" sign.
Greg M. Cooper, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![Game 3 in Boston: Knicks 90, Celtics 76 - Celtics forward Paul Pierce and Knicks guard Pablo Prigioni watch Pierce's shot.]()
Game 3 in Boston: Knicks 90, Celtics 76 - Celtics forward Paul Pierce and Knicks guard Pablo Prigioni watch Pierce's shot.
Mark L. Baer, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![Game 2 in New York: Knicks 87, Celtics 71 -New York Knicks point guard Raymond Felton shoots over Boston Celtics small forward Paul Pierce at Madison Square Garden.]()
Game 2 in New York: Knicks 87, Celtics 71 -New York Knicks point guard Raymond Felton shoots over Boston Celtics small forward Paul Pierce at Madison Square Garden.
Debby Wong, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![Boston Celtics power forward Jeff Green shoots over New York Knicks center Tyson Chandler at Madison Square Garden.]()
Boston Celtics power forward Jeff Green shoots over New York Knicks center Tyson Chandler at Madison Square Garden.
Debby Wong, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![Game 2 in New York: Knicks 87, Celtics 71 -Boston Celtics center Kevin Garnett guards New York Knicks small forward Carmelo Anthony at Madison Square Garden.]()
Game 2 in New York: Knicks 87, Celtics 71 -Boston Celtics center Kevin Garnett guards New York Knicks small forward Carmelo Anthony at Madison Square Garden.
Debby Wong, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![Game 2 in New York: Knicks 87, Celtics 71 -Boston Celtics forward Paul Pierce shoots while defended by New York Knicks center Tyson Chandler during the first quarter of Game 2 at Madison Square Garden.]()
Game 2 in New York: Knicks 87, Celtics 71 -Boston Celtics forward Paul Pierce shoots while defended by New York Knicks center Tyson Chandler during the first quarter of Game 2 at Madison Square Garden.
Brad Penner, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![Game 2 in New York: Knicks 87, Celtics 71 -Boston Celtics forward Jeff Green drives to the hoop past New York Knicks center Tyson Chandler during the first quarter of Game 2 at Madison Square Garden.]()
Game 2 in New York: Knicks 87, Celtics 71 -Boston Celtics forward Jeff Green drives to the hoop past New York Knicks center Tyson Chandler during the first quarter of Game 2 at Madison Square Garden.
Brad Penner, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![Game 2 in New York: Knicks 87, Celtics 71 -New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony pulls up for a shot against the Boston Celtics during the first quarter of Game 2 at Madison Square Garden.]()
Game 2 in New York: Knicks 87, Celtics 71 -New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony pulls up for a shot against the Boston Celtics during the first quarter of Game 2 at Madison Square Garden.
Brad Penner, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![Game 2 in New York: Knicks 87, Celtics 71 -New York Knicks guard J.R. Smith drives on Boston Celtics forward Jeff Green during the first quarter of Game 2 at Madison Square Garden.]()
Game 2 in New York: Knicks 87, Celtics 71 -New York Knicks guard J.R. Smith drives on Boston Celtics forward Jeff Green during the first quarter of Game 2 at Madison Square Garden.
Brad Penner, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![Boston Celtics center Kevin Garnett and New York Knicks center Tyson Chandler jump for the tip off at Madison Square Garden.]()
Boston Celtics center Kevin Garnett and New York Knicks center Tyson Chandler jump for the tip off at Madison Square Garden.
Debby Wong, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![Game1 in New York: Knicks 85, Celtics 78 - J.R. Smith throws down a dunk on Jeff Green.]()
Game 1 in New York: Knicks 85, Celtics 78 - J.R. Smith throws down a dunk on Jeff Green.
Debby Wong, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![Game 1 in New York: Knicks 85, Celtics 78 -Carmelo Anthony reacts during the game.]()
Game 1 in New York: Knicks 85, Celtics 78 -Carmelo Anthony reacts during the game.
Debby Wong, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![Game 1 in New York: Knicks 85, Celtics 78 -Raymond Felton goes for a layup, defended by Kevin Garnett.]()
Game 1 in New York: Knicks 85, Celtics 78 -Raymond Felton goes for a layup, defended by Kevin Garnett.
Debby Wong, USA TODAY Sports Related story Fullscreen ![Game 1 in New York: Knicks 85, Celtics 78 -Carmelo Anthony takes a jumper over Jeff Green.]()
Game 1 in New York: Knicks 85, Celtics 78 -Carmelo Anthony takes a jumper over Jeff Green. Debby Wong, USA TODAY Sports
