Carmelo Anthony Gives His All, but It Isn’t Enough

BOSTON — As the bodies fell and the lineup withered Tuesday night, Carmelo Anthony stood alone, the Knicks’ last upright star, their last lethal weapon, their last hope to keep the franchise’s first playoff series in seven years from slipping away too soon.

Chauncey Billups was in street clothes on the bench. Amar’e Stoudemire was in the locker room because of back spasms. The Knicks’ flashy Big Three had become a solo act.

Anthony filled the void, repeatedly, until he could do no more, until the Knicks ran out of chances and prayers and the Boston Celtics pushed through for a 96-93 victory at the jubilant TD Garden.

The Celtics hold a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series, which moves to Madison Square Garden for the next two games. More Info