Kevin Garnett sank the go-ahead basket with 14 seconds left, then stole the ball as the Boston Celtics overcame Carmelo Anthony’s 42 points and beat the depleted New York Knicks 96-93 to take a 2-0 lead in their playoff series on Tuesday night.

The Knicks played the entire second half without Amare Stoudemire, who had back spasms. Chauncey Billups missed the game with a sore left knee.

Garnett hit the decisive jump hook after backing Jared Jeffries into the lane. The Knicks then got the ball to Anthony, who was double-teamed and passed inside to Jeffries. But Garnett stole the ball and called timeout with 4 seconds remaining.

The Knicks fouled Delonte West, who made two free throws.

Rajon Rondo led Boston with a career playoff-high 30 points.