Knicks Look to Avoid Sweep

The New York Knicks are hoping to avoid a four-game series sweep at the hands of the Boston Celtics today at Madison Square Garden.

After two hard-fought, down-to-the-wire games in Boston that ended with heartbreak for the Knicks, New York didn't show up in Game 3's 113-96 rout, showing a lack of passion in their first home playoff game in seven years.

The Knicks will have to show tougher defense around the perimeter if they want any chance on extending the series. Ray Allen and Paul Pierce tore up the Knicks from behind the three-point line, hitting a combined 14 from long range on Friday night.

Rajon Rondo has been the toughest assignment for the Knicks to cover in the series. Rondo picked up a triple double in Game 3, including an astounding 20 assists to go along with 15 points and 11 rebounds.

For the Knicks, they will need another big performance from Carmelo Anthony and Amar'e Stoudemire. The two New York superstars combined for just 6-for-24 from the field, one of the many reasons the Knicks were down early and often on Good Friday.

Unfortunately for the Knickerbockers, Stoudemire is questionable for today's game with back spasms. Even if he does play, he'll need to have a performance closer to Game 1, in which he carried the Knicks, scoring 24 points.

We'll have more updates on the Knicks game, as well as the rest of the New York sports world, later on in the day.