Boston Celtics Slaughter N.Y. Knicks in Opener

The Boston Celtics, led by captain John Havlicek's 25 points, crushed the New York Knicks, 113 to 88, in the opening game of the National Basketball Association's Eastern Conference final playoffs yesterday afternoon in the Boston Garden.

Trailing, 21 to 16, at the end of the first quarter, the Knicks pulled into a 23-23 tie early in the second quarter. But Havlicek countered with a 15-foot jumper and sparked a six-minute burst in which the Celts outscored the Knicks, 18-4.

The Celts led, 51 to 39, at the half and steadily increased their lead in the second half as coach Tom Heinsohn used his entire bench except for Hank Finkel.

Jo Jo White was runner-up in scoring to Havlicek with 22 points, while Walt Frazier and Dave DeBusschere led the Knicks with 16 and 15 points respectively.