• Bench outscored starters in first half 34-23. Every bench player was at least a +8 in the half while every starter was in the negative.
• Many were wondering how the Celtics would respond in the third quarter. While they didn't turn it on offensively (19 points) they played strong defense, allowing the Kings to only score 17 points.
• Unfortunately, the play we expected in the third quarter started to show up in the fourth quarter, as the Kings battled back and took the lead.
• Offensively, nobody could catch fire tonight for the Celtics. The second half was pretty painful to watch. Celtics shot 37.5% tonight and still won. Kings shot 38.1%.
• Paul Pierce hit that clutch three pointer to give the Celtics the lead late in the fourth.
• Sacramento choked at the free throw line in the fourth quarter. They went 2-10 in the quarter, including 2-8 in the last 1:32. (One of the made free throws was accidental)
• On the contrary, the Celtics hit their free throws down the stretch.
• Rasheed Wallace's two free throws (6-6 on the night) made it a two posession game late. He is the player of the game dropping 17 points, grabbing five rebounds, and blocking three shots

It wasn't convincing, but with the tough stretch of games ahead of us on the road, this was a must win game tonight. We have been saying it all year, but hopefully they can show up and prove they are a title contender on Thursday night when they visit the Lakers.