Knicks lead 58-56 at the half

But it's been ugly at times. The Celts jumped out to a 12 point lead after one, mostly because the Knicks couldn't hit their free throws, wouldn't get the ball to Curry, and didn't play good D. They brought the energy guys in in the second and started to get the ball to Curry more. The guard tandem of Marbury/Crawford looked good there. Steve Francis and Jalen Rose look lost and that's a concern. Frye was very up and down and collected 3 pf's already. He got a lot stronger during the offseason, and he may have to get reacclimated. His automatic shots have not been going in as regularly. Crawford seems to be finding his O, but Quentin Richardson is still 0 from the 3 pt. line. Rookie Sensation Renaldo Balkman did his thing, but was the victim of a typical Wally Z. cheap shot. The back of his head slammed into the Garden floor, fortunately, his braids seemed to cushion the blow and he was able to continue. Not since the days of Anthony Mason have we had a player who could bring the ball up the court with Balkman's authority. Balkman seems to have an even better handle than Mase, though.

Young guards Telfair and Rondo looked excellent for the Celts.