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BOSTON -- Isaiah Thomas didnt hold his tongue earlier this week in describing what he said was a Celtics team he thought was void of its all-around toughness from years past.He thinks they took steps toward finding it on Friday night.Thomas scored 23 of his 29 points in the first half, and Boston snapped a three-game losing streak with a 115-87 victory over the New York Knicks.We played hard. And when you play hard you give yourself a chance, Thomas said. Weve got to figure out how to continue to do this and then get our swag back a little bit.Kelly Olynyk added 19 points and seven rebounds.The Knicks have still yet to post consecutive victories this season, and played without Carmelo Anthony in the second half after he was ejected after picking up back-to-back technical fouls.Anthony was tossed with 4:44 left in the second quarter by referee Tony Brothers. He received the first technical when he said something to Brothers following a loose ball foul call. Brothers walked away, but Anthony trailed behind and kept talking. He was then hit with the second technical. Anthony finished with 12 points and two rebounds.I was surprised, guard Derrick Rose said. He was still talking quietly. I didnt get it. They have a history, I guess.Brandon Jennings was also ejected late in the fourth quarter after receiving consecutive technical fouls.Without Anthony, the Knicks had a difficult time finding an offensive flow.New York never led in the game, and trailed by as many 30 points in the fourth quarter. The Knicks have now given up 100 or more points in seven of their eight games.The Celtics entered Friday looking for a faster start after struggling to score points in the first quarter during their three-game skid.Brad Stevens made changes to his starting lineup in hopes of injecting some energy, going with Olynyk and Marcus Smart in place of Jaylen Brown and Tyler Zeller.The moves paid off.Coming off an eight-point first quarter in their loss to Washington on Wednesday, Boston scored 31 in the opening 12 minutes. Smart had eight points in the period, and Olynyk added five points and two assists.Stevens liked the progress, but said there is still work to do -- particularly on the glass, where his team was outrebounded 57-53.Im just saying we have to get better, he said. I know you dont re-find something and then its there to stay...we need to defend with the same intensity at all times like we did tonight.TIP-INSKnicks: Were called for a total of six technicals in the game. .. Committed 25 turnovers, leading to 27 Boston points. ... Prior to his ejection, Anthony was New Yorks most efficient player in the first half, shooting 5 of 8 from the field.Celtics: Al Horford (concussion protocol) sat for the fifth straight game. Jae Crowder missed his fourth straight game with a sprained left ankle. ... Boston had 13 assists on 17 made field goals in the first half.TALKING TECHSIn a pool report after the game Brothers said that both technical fouls issued on Anthony were because of bad language. He said the initial common foul that was called on him was because Anthony dove on top of Amir Johnson.You cant dive on top of a player to go after a ball, Brothers said. Thats a foul.He said there is no history between him and Anthony.INJURY UPDATEHorford said he will accompany the Celtics on their two game road trip, and is hopeful that he could see action.He worked out prior to Fridays game said it included most positive signs hes had since entering the concussion protocol on Nov. 1.I feel good, Horford said. Im very encouraged by the progress that weve made. So Im excited. Were working on being back as soon as possible.UP NEXTKnicks: Finish up their short two-game road trip at Toronto on Saturday.Celtics: Head out on the road for two games, playing at Indiana on Saturday and New Orleans on Sunday.---Follow Kyle Hightower on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/khightower Boston Red Sox Jerseys . Speaking Thursday on TSN 1050 Thursday, the Leafs GM also touched on the questions surrounding the teams leadership and the struggles of his big-name free-agent signing. “Its not from lack of effort from the coaching staff. Jimmie Foxx Jersey . After taking two big hits this week -- losing at home and dropping back-to-back games for the first time all season -- Indiana struck back by playing its most complete game of the year. http://www.officialredsoxfanstore.com/authentic-mookie-betts-red-sox-jersey/ . Peter Holland and Brad Staubitz were sent to Toronto on Saturday as the Maple Leafs traded defenceman Jesse Blacker and draft picks to the Anaheim Ducks. Fred Lynn Red Sox Jersey . "I was fortunate to play many years at this level with a great organization and unbelievable teammates," said Hejduk in a statement. Xander Bogaerts Jersey . However, he did make them miss him a little less. Cundiff, who had the unenviable job of replacing Dawson last season, agreed Thursday to a one-year, $1.Jermaine Pennant has taken a parting shot at the Singapore football league by saying Lionel Messi wouldnt even boost its development. The 33-year-old former Arsenal, Liverpool and Stoke winger made the comments as he departed Tampines Rovers after just nine months in the nine-team S-League having rejected a reduced offer on his super-scale salary.He told the Straits Times newspaper: No matter who you get, you could bring Messi here, yes, youd attract fans but without money, and the government and the league helping out like they do with other sports, or what they do in other countries, its not going to grow. If they dont do anything, football is always going to be in a comfort zone, not progressing. Top Tips Paul Merson predicts the weekends Premier League games Pennant was arguably the biggest signing in S-League history, but he was let go after Rovers, who have won the S-League five times, finished second, one point behind Albirex Niigata.The S-League struggles to attract spectators and sponsorship in an era when many Singaporean fans prefer to watch Euuropean football on TV.ddddddddddddIts been reported in the local press that Pennant was earning $14,000 (£11,500) a month under his contract.Club chairman Krishna Ramachandra described the former England U21 international as an immaculate professional, but defended the clubs wage policy. Watch NOW TV Dont miss any of the drama on Sky Sports, for just ￡6.99. No contract Ramachandra said: While the club could afford his wages, it would also send the wrong message to all the other players that one player is getting a super-scale salary while the others have to take a pay cut.It would create a social injustice within the dressing room.You can watch Premier League football, plus Englands tour of Bangladesh and the Mexican Grand Prix on Sky Sports. Upgrade now and enjoy six months at half price! Also See: Premier League video Fixtures Table Live on Sky Get Sky Sports Get a ￡10 free bet! ' ' '