After watching a 15-point second quarter lead evaporate, the Celtics fought off a gritty Wizards team in the final minutes and extended their winning streak to nine games with a 104-102 victory.
- Gilbert Arenas missed two vital free throws with 26.7 left, as well as a potential game-tying three with 11 ticks left.
- Rajon Rondo tallied his ninth double-double of the season with 21 points on 10-20 shooting to go along with 11 assists. He didn't hesitate taking the jump shot all night and his ridiculous baseline slam with 1:12 left in the fourth was clutch. He was the main reason Boston built it's 15-point lead in the second quarter.
- Ray Allen reached the 20,000 career point plateau on (appropriately) a three-pointer with 4:46 left in the third quarter. Congratulations to Ray. He finished the night with 18 points.
- Another day at the office for Kendrick Perkins, who finished with a very business-like 16 points, 11 rebounds and two blocks.
- Washington came in as the seventh best rebounding team in the NBA, but the Celtics won the battle of the boards, 40-34.
- Kevin Garnett shot over 50 percent from the field once again (8-14 shooting) en route to 17 points.
- Paul Pierce never found much of a rhythm in this one, but still managed to put up a quality line of 12 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals.
- Tony Allen was...effective? Besides his three turnovers, his eight points, three rebounds and two steals were a big boost off the bench.
- The Celtics attacked the rim for much of the game, as evidenced by their 37 free throw attempts. Always nice to see them pound it down low.
- Brendan Haywood gave Perk another tough challenge tonight as he shot 7-7 and finished with 17 points and eight rebounds.
- The Wizards can certainly score the ball. They'll be a tough out for many teams this season. If they decide they want to play some defense, they could work their way back into the playoff picture before the All-Star break.
- Chicago's up next on Saturday at 8:00pm.