Kevin Garnett sat out but the Celtics didn't need him. They just needed an efficient scoring night from Paul Pierce, double digits from all 5 starters, some good three point shooting by the team, ...and for the Celtics to remember that they are the Celtics and the Bobcats to remember that they are the Bobcats (no disrespect meant, ...well, maybe a little).

Credit the Cats for keeping things interesting at least for a little while though.

Green Street " Green Night: With no Kevin Garnett, C’s find a way to blow out Bobcats

Leading 40-39 late in the second quarter, the Celtics went on a 10-4 spurt to close the half, as Pierce scored the final six points of the run. The Celtics went up nine points in the first half and early third quarter, only to have the Bobcats respond. But leading 59-53, Green converted a layup that started a 16-4 run that put the game away. The Celtics led 83-66 heading into the fourth.

Finally, that cat is off our back.

Next up: Miami on Monday.