BOSTON, April 26 (UPI) —
Carmelo Anthony led New York to a strong first half and finished with 26 points Friday, and the Knicks neared a series victory by downing Boston 90-76.
New York leads the Eastern Conference quarterfinal series 3-0 and can advance in the playoffs when they face the Celtics Sunday.
Anthony made 12-of-25 from the field and hit two of New York’s seven 3-pointers, boosting New York to a 16-point halftime lead.
Raymond Felton added 15 points and 10 assists for the Knicks, who shot 50 percent from the field and forced 17 turnovers.
New York has not won a playoff series since a four-game sweep of Toronto in 2000.
Boston made just 28 field goals for the entire game, getting 21 points from Jeff Green and 17 from Paul Pierce.