Knicks' Cameron Payne: Used sparingly in Game 2 win
Rotowire
Payne contributed zero points (0-1 FG, 0-1 3Pt) and one assist over five minutes during Wednesday's 91-90 win over the Celtics in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
Payne barely touched the floor, playing fewer than 10 minutes for the sixth time in the past seven games. Tom Thibodeau is known for running a shallow rotation, something that has worked thus far during the playoffs. The two teams will meet again in New York on Saturday, and given the recent success of the team, there is no reason to think Payne will play a meaningful role.
Towns accumulated 21 points (9-16 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 3-3 FT), 17 rebounds, one assist and one block over 35 minutes during Wednesday's 91-90 win over Boston in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
Towns delivered an improved performance, largely avoiding foul trouble, allowing him to end as the dominant big man. With Kristaps Porzingis limited due to an ongoing illness, Towns was primarily matched up against Al Horford. Although Horford is a proven commodity, he is at the backend of his career, a fact not lost on Towns. The Knicks will now head back to New York with a 2-0 series lead, only two wins away from advancing to the Conference Finals.
Hart ended Wednesday's 91-90 win over the Celtics in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals with 23 points (9-15 FG, 3-6 3Pt, 2-2 FT), six rebounds, three assists and two blocks across 43 minutes.
Hart played a pivotal role in New York taking a commanding 2-0 lead. He filled up the stat sheet on a very efficient shooting night, finishing with team-high numbers in points (23) and blocks (2). This second-round series now shifts to Madison Square Garden for the next two games, with Hart and company having the opportunity to pull off the sweep of the defending NBA champions.
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