BOSTON – Diehard Knicks fans who traveled to Boston for tonight’s playoff game against the Celtics sported “Boston Strong” gear as the stadium prepared to honor the local heroes who responded to the Marathon bombings.
“We’re Knicks fans, but today we’re here to support Boston and everything they’ve been through,” said Jim Zaccaria, 55, a Knicks fan from Manhasset, Long Island.
“I think Boston needs a win. They deserve it.”
Fans packed the TD Garden to watch the third game of the Knicks vs. Celtics matchup, with a ceremony to honor the heroic Boston cops, doctors, and officials scheduled to be held at half court after the first quarter.
The raucous Garden quieted for a moment of silence to honor the four bombing victims just before the game.
“I hope the Celtics win because of everything that happened. It will mean a lot for them,” said Knicks fan Craig Shakespeare, 20, who wore a sweatshirt that read “Boston Strong” under his Knicks jersey.
“If the Celtics win it will make the city feel better after all they’ve been through.”
Knicks fans showed their respect – but that blue-and-orange spirit still shone through.
“We’re going to wear the Boston Strong t-shirts for about three minutes, and then we’re going to take them off and root for the Knicks,” said Chris Cook, 28, who lives in Boston but is originally from New York.
Celtics fans said their team would be fighting harder than ever tonight.
“It’s the first game since the tragedy and sports are a great way to get our minds off the tragedy,” said Connor Mathews, 14, from Dalton, Mass.
The ceremony honored Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick, FBI agents, state and local police, and doctors from local hospitals.
The Knicks lead the series 2-0.