Nothing is given, everything is earned.
The New York Knicks earned the fourth seed and a homecourt edge in the first round of the playoffs the hard way.
An undermanned Boston Celtics team that resembled more like a G League squad gave the Knicks’ a big scare. But Nerlens Noel came up with two big defensive gems down the stretch to save the Knicks and lift them to a 96-92 win Sunday at The Garden.
The Celtics made a furious 15-0 run in the fourthh quarter and came within one on a Tremont Waters layup, 93-92, with 2:13 left.