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It has been a series of heartbreak for the New York Knicks.

After grinding out two extremely close losses in Boston, the Knicks returned home with what looked to be a sense of optimism, only to have one of their worst possible performances.

Whether it was the health of two of the three Big 3 or a young team taking tough losses too much to heart, the Knicks simply didn’t show up on Friday night.

The Celtics, however, are operating with the all-business mentality that we have often seen come playoff time. Game 3 featured ridiculous performances by Ray Allen and Paul Pierce, while Rajon Rondo recorded his sixth career playoff triple-double.

Expect a spirited performance by the Knicks on Sunday (3:30 p.m. ET) as the Celtics look for a series sweep that will mean a second-round matchup that would begin in South Beach.

Amar’e Stoudemire will be active in the starting lineup for the Knicks while PG Chauncey Billups is out, as expected. Toney Douglas will see the minutes in his place.

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