kevin garnett

Boston Celtics' Kevin Garnett drives past Cleveland Cavaliers' Antawn Jamison in the first quarter of an NBA basketball game in Boston, Sunday, Jan.

Kevin Garnett had 26 points and 10 rebounds, Rajon Rondo finished with 21 points and 12 assists, and the Boston Celtics swept their way into the Eastern Conference semifinals, holding on for a 101-89 victory over the New York Knicks on Sunday at Madison Square Garden .

Kevin Garnett had 24 points and 11 rebounds, Rajon Rondo added 13 points and 12 assists, and the Boston Celtics scored the final 10 points for a spirited 96-86 victory over the New York Knicks on Monday night.

Paul Pierce scored 23 points and Kevin Garnett added 14 points and 11 rebounds, lifting the Boston Celtics over the Milwaukee Bucks, 89-83, on Sunday night for their fifth straight win.

Blake Griffin is going to his first All-Star game, and Kevin Garnett matched an NBA record with his 14th straight selection as one of a record-tying four Boston Celtics selected for the midseason event.

Paul Pierce scored 32 points, Kevin Garnett had 18 points and 13 rebounds with a large bandage over a cut on his head, and the Boston Celtics won their NBA finals rematch with the Lakers on Sunday, overcoming Kobe Bryant's 41 points in a 109-96 victory.

It's far from a win-or-go-home scenario, but Kevin Garnett and the Celtics also realize the importance of knotting the Finals for a second time.

Boston hosts L.A. in Game 4 tonight.

After getting thoroughly dominated in Game 1, Kevin Garnett and the Celtics promised to crank up the intensity, particularly on defense, against Kobe Bryant and the Lakers tonight in Game 2.