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What To Watch For – Celtics vs. Knicks

By Larry Flynn

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Feb 3, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) looks to pass defended by Boston Celtics forward Jae Crowder (99) during the third quarter at Madison Square Garden. The Celtics defeated the Knicks 108-97. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

Fueled by a rejuvenated Carmelo Anthony, the additions of veteran talent, and the excitement of Kristaps Porzingis, the Knicks improved this offseason. The progress has shown early on; the Knicks are 3-0 this preseason.

While the Knicks crawled to a putrid 17-65 last year, they will be much more competitive this season and could play the Celtics tough throughout the season. Tonight, the Celtics get their first look at the new Knicks.

Meanwhile, the Celtics are also off to a hot 3-0 start. After annihilating international competition, Brad Stevens & Co. traveled to Brooklyn and defeated the Nets, 109-105. With strong games from Isaiah Thomas and Amir Johnson, the optimism surrounding Boston is sky-high.

It’s still preseason, but here’s four game notes you should watch for tonight when the Celtics travel to Madison Square Garden.

Sep 25, 2015; Waltham, MA, USA; Boston Celtics forward Amir Johnson (90) during media day at the Boston Celtic Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

1. Amir Johnson continues to improve

Johnson was fantastic Wednesday night against Brooklyn, leading the Celtics with 19 points. More important than the sheer production is the efficiency with which Johnson filled up the bucket; he finished the game with 61.5% field goal shooting and even connected on 2-3 three-pointers. Most of us didn’t expect this type of range from Johnson who, just years ago, was not a long-range threat.

Experts around the league have suggested that the Johnson signing may have been the NBA’s most underrated offseason move. If he can keep up this productivity and efficiency, Johnson could find himself in the starting lineup by season’s end.

Tonight, take a look at Johnson’s range as well as his defensive abilities (which separate him from incumbent starting power forward, David Lee)

2. Kristaps Porzingis: what could have been

For the Knicks, take a look at Kristaps Porzingis. Over the past few years, Ainge has been vocal in his praise of Porzingis, and now his franchise will take a look at what they missed this offseason.

Instead of tanking, the Celtics decided to trade for Isaiah Thomas and propel themselves into the playoff race. Now, the Celtics find themselves in a terrific position with a chance to win the Atlantic Division.

Perhaps tonight’s game embodies the two standard mindsets of team-building: staying competitive versus tanking. It’s clear which team is in a better position for this entire season, but let’s see who wins tonight.

3. Jared Sullinger’s struggles

If there has been one flop this preseason, it has been Sullinger’s inconsistent, lackluster play. Against the Nets, he shot only 1-8 from the field, registered four fouls, and only grabbed two rebounds in 12 minutes.

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Ever since the Celtics implemented a more creative offense with “pace and space,” Sullinger hasn’t seemed to fit with the rest of the roster. Stevens has favored using the more versatile Kelly Olynyk and even Jonas Jerebko before Sullinger in the rotation during the preseason.

If Sullinger doesn’t show improvements over the final few preseason games, he could be the next man shipped out of Boston.

4. Defensive identity

Even without three of their best defensive guards (Marcus Smart, Avery Bradley, Terry Rozier), the Celtics recorded 12 steals and nine blocks, including two apiece from Amir Johnson. The Celtics have improved defensively each year under Brad Stevens, and hopefully this year will be another step in the right direction.

Tonight, the team will again be missing their trio of defensive stars. It’ll be interesting to see if the defense can hold up again without these players by focusing on a team-oriented defensive strategy.

The matchup to watch tonight: Jae Crowder vs Carmelo Anthony. Crowder was signed to a five-year deal this offseason specifically to lock-down opposing stars like Anthony, so let’s see Crowder frustrate and contest Anthony as much as possible.

Next: Celtics vs. Nets Post Game Reactions

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