Knicks beat Celtics to open NBA playoffs Boston Celtics forward Paul Pierce (34) looks to pass as New York Knicks guard Raymond Felton (2) defends in the second half of Game 1 of the NBA basketball playoffs in New York. The Knicks won 85-78. Picture: Kathy Willens Source: AP THE New York Knicks have beaten the Boston Celtics 85-78 in an emotional NBA playoff opener. After knocking the Celtics from the top of the Atlantic Division, the Knicks took the first step to knocking them out of the playoffs by holding Boston to three baskets and eight points in the final period. Carmelo Anthony, the NBA's scoring leader, shot only 13 for 29 from the field for 36 points but scored eight in the fourth quarter, including consecutive baskets late in the period that finally gave the Knicks breathing room in a tight game. Game 2 is on Tuesday before the Celtics host Game 3 on Friday in what will be their first home game since the Boston Marathon bombings. Jeff Green scored 26 points and Paul Pierce added 21 for the Celtics, who badly missed injured point guard Rajon Rondo, committing 21 turnovers that led to 20 points. The Knicks got their hands on the ball at will in the fourth quarter, when Boston shot 3 of 11. Kevin Garnett had eight points and nine rebounds but shot only 4 of 12 from the field. Jason Terry, another veteran on a young Celtics team, missed all five shots off the bench. The Celtics led after three quarters and tied the game for the final time at 72 on Garnett's basket with 8:13 remaining. Anthony then made consecutive jumpers, and after the Celtics got back within three later in the period, he made a layup and a long jumper that gave New York an 83-76 advantage with 1:21 left.