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Knicks look to avenge embarrassing defeat to Celtics

Jan 21, 2008 - 2:17 PM Boston (32-6) at New York (13-27) 1:00 pm EST NEW YORK (Ticker) -- If the New York Knicks are as bad as theywere in their first game against the Boston Celtics this season,then they really have problems.On November 29, the Knicks traveled to Boston and suffered a104-59 defeat. Only Nate Robinson's 50-footer at the buzzerprevented New York from posting its lowest point total in franchise history.As it was, the Knicks suffered their third-most lopsided losswhile enduring their second-worst scoring output in theshot-clock era.New York will look to make amends on Monday, when it hosts theleague-leading Celtics in the second of four meetings thisseason.After dropping consecutive games for the first time this season,Boston quickly got back on track with wins over Portland andPhiladelphia. The Celtics routed the Sixers, 116-89, in theirlast outing on Friday.Despite its lofty record, Boston does have room for improvementas it allowed a season-high 57 points in the first half againstPhiladelphia.While still in last place in the Atlantic Division, the Knickshave won four of their last five games, including an 88-84victory in Miami on Saturday in a battle of the EasternConference's two worst teams.Jamal Crawford scored 22 points and Zach Randolph added 16 and14 rebounds for the Knicks, who rallied from a 10-point deficitin the third quarter to hand the Heat their 13th straight loss.