Carmelo Anthony, Paul Pierce address Boston Marathon bombing before Game 1

Carmelo Anthony and Paul Pierce offered brief messages concerning the Boston Marathon bombing attacks prior to Game 1 of a first-round Eastern Conference playoff series between the Knicks and Celtics at Madison Square Garden on Saturday.

"On behalf of the New York Knicks organization, we just want to let Boston know that we send our prayers to them throughout this unfortunate tragedy," Anthony said. "We, as New Yorkers, understand what you guys are going through, so once again we want to send our prayers out and our condolences to the city of Boston and the people of Boston as well."

Pierce -- wearing a shirt that read "Boston Stands As One" -- then expressed gratitude for the support.

"The Boston Celtics, the city of Boston would like to thank you for your support, and all the support from people around the country throughout this tragic event," he said. "Boston will rise and run again, thank you."

The Celtics, who canceled a Tuesday night game against the Pacers following the attacks this week, wore a black stripe on their jersey during a Wednesday night game against the Raptors.

On Saturday, the Celtics wore a "Boston Stands As One" jersey patch on the right shoulder of their jerseys and sported yellow shooting shirts with the same message.

The Celtics wore Boston Marathon jersey patches. (Jesse D. Garrabrant/Getty Images)

The Celtics wore "Boston Stands As One" shirts during the National Anthem. (Jesse D. Garrabrant/Getty Images)

The Celtics wore special Boston Marathon shooting shirts. (Jesse D. Garrabrant/Getty Images)

The Boston Fire Department Color Guard and the FDNY ceremonial unit presented the colors at the game.

CNN.com reports