Knicks, Nets open playoffs with victories

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ASSAULT: Anthony (left) defends against Jeff Green of the Boston Celtics who takes a shot during Game One of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden in New York City. — AFP photo

NEW YORK: Carmelo Anthony carried his late-season scoring assault into the NBA playoffs Saturday, netting 36 points in the New York Knicks’ 85-78 victory over the Boston Celtics in the opener of their first-round series.

Anthony shot 13-of-29 from the field and added a half-dozen rebounds and four steals for the Knicks, who were swept by Boston in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs two years ago.

The Knicks weren’t the only New York team to win on the first day of the post-season as the Brooklyn Nets – in the playoffs in their first season since moving to the New York borough – dominated the Chicago Bulls en route to a 106-89 victory.

Deron Williams scored 22 points and Brook Lopez added 21 for the Nets, who earned their first post-season win since May 16, 2007.

Joe Johnson totaled 16 points and Reggie Evans grabbed 13 rebounds for Brooklyn.

As they have done all season, the Bulls made do without star point guard Derrick Rose, who hasn’t returned since tearing a knee ligament in last year’s playoff opener.

Chicago coach Tom Thibodeau said Rose is “most likely out” for the rest of the postseason.

Without Rose and with All-Star center Joakim Noah hampered by plantar fasciitis, the Bulls offered little resistance.

Carlos Boozer had 25 points and Nate Robinson scored 17 off the bench.

For the Knicks, protecting their home court was much tougher against the Celtics, who led by as many as seven in the third quarter. But the Knicks clamped down on defense, forcing Boston to make eight turnovers in the fourth quarter.

“This was a big game for us. We had to protect our home court. But we haven’t done anything yet,” said Anthony, vowing another victory on Tuesday when the Knicks host game two of the best-of-seven series.

New York held the Celtics to just eight points in the fourth and 25 overall in the second half. Boston shot 25.9 percent in the second half. — AFP