Wait...haven't we seen this game already? The Celtics again build up a comfortable, but certainly not insurmountable lead only to have that lead whittled away resulting in another win against an inferior opponent that was needlessly close.
- A relatively even first quarter (both teams at one point had a 7/8ish point lead) was followed by a second quarter where the Celtics second unit absolutely dominated.
- The 2nd unit of House, Ray, TA, BBD and Powe did a great job on both ends of the floor, particularly the undersized front court of Leon and Baby.
- Leon was unstoppable in the second quarter against the Knicks' "bigs"
- Rajon was visibly more aggressive tonight, a good sign however he's not back to the point that "You Got Rondo'd" chants will be filling the rafters
- Perk also played very well tonight, including a very un-lazer-like turnaround bank jumper at a key point in the 4th quarter. Very nice Beast.
- And who hit the key shot of the night? Brian Scalabrine. Good for Scal, who started for the suspended Garnett
- Paul Pierce took over yet again in the clutch to save our bacon (along with the dagger from Scals!)
- Could someone please explain to me the circumstances under which Quentin Richardson thinks he has any reason to talk smack to Paul Pierce? I don't get it. He's awful.
- Wilson Chandler is clearly the best player on the Knicks. Amazing.
- Stephon Marbury played 0 minutes (inactive) but made the most money of the Knicks players. (gpowell with the line)
Box Score and quarter splits after the jump
BOSTON CELTICS | |||||||||||||
STARTERS | MIN | FGM-A | 3PM-A | FTM-A | OREB | DREB | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TO | PF | PTS |
Paul Pierce, SF | 35 | 5-13 | 2-4 | 10-13 | 0 | 8 | 8 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 22 |
Brian Scalabrine, PF | 21 | 3-5 | 2-3 | 0-0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 8 |
Kendrick Perkins, C | 27 | 7-9 | 0-0 | 2-6 | 4 | 4 | 8 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 16 |
Ray Allen, SG | 42 | 5-14 | 0-3 | 5-5 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 15 |
Rajon Rondo, PG | 28 | 7-11 | 0-0 | 1-2 | 1 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 15 |
BENCH | MIN | FGM-A | 3PM-A | FTM-A | OREB | DREB | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TO | PF | PTS |
Leon Powe, PF | 28 | 6-9 | 0-0 | 2-2 | 2 | 5 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 14 |
Eddie House, SG | 21 | 3-6 | 1-3 | 1-1 | 0 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 8 |
Tony Allen, SG | 18 | 3-6 | 0-0 | 0-1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 6 |
Glen Davis, PF | 19 | 3-6 | 0-0 | 0-0 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 6 |
Kevin Garnett, PF | DNP SUSPENDED BY LEAGUE | ||||||||||||
Gabe Pruitt, PG | DNP COACH'S DECISION | ||||||||||||
Patrick O'Bryant, C | DNP COACH'S DECISION | ||||||||||||
TOTALS | FGM-A | 3PM-A | FTM-A | OREB | DREB | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TO | PF | PTS | |
42-79 | 5-13 | 21-30 | 9 | 36 | 45 | 22 | 7 | 8 | 13 | 20 | 110 | ||
53.2% | 38.5% | 70.0% | Team TO (pts off): 14 (14) |
(AP Photo/Winslow Townson)