Knicks rout Celtics for eighth straight win

NEW YORK – Closing in on one goal of ending Boston’s division title reign, the New York Knicks added another.

Monday, April 01, 2013
Carmelo Anthony #7 of the New York Knicks takes a shot as Jeff Green #8 of the Boston Celtics defends. Net photo.

SundayNew Orleans    112-92    ClevelandWashington    109-92    TorontoChicago    95-94    DetroitSan Antonio    86-88    MiamiNew York    108-89    Boston    NEW YORK – Closing in on one goal of ending Boston’s division title reign, the New York Knicks added another.While they were finishing off their second victory over the Celtics this week, injured forward Rasheed Wallace drew a large ‘’50’’ on the board in their locker room, challenging them to strive for a 50-win season.They’re on pace to get that, too, in what’s shaping up as their best season in two decades.Carmelo Anthony had 24 points and 10 rebounds, and the Knicks extended their winning streak to eight games and moved closer to ending Boston’s hold on the Atlantic Division title with a 108-89 victory Sunday night.Coach Mike Woodson has talked about winning the division title since taking over last March, and Wallace has given the Knicks (46-26) another target.The Knicks won the season series for the first time since 2003-04, when they also went 3-1 against Boston. New York climbed back into a tie with Indiana in the race for the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference, which would currently mean a playoff meeting with the Celtics.Chris Copeland added 22 points and Raymond Felton had 18 for the Knicks, who last won eight in a row from Nov. 28-Dec. 12, 2010. They will try to extend the streak Tuesday at NBA-leading Miami.Jeff Green scored 27 points, and Paul Pierce had 24 points and 15 rebounds as the Celtics had a two-game winning streak snapped.