The Nets hung around for a quarter, but the Celtics blew things open in the second frame, taking a 20-point lead into halftime, largely behind the strength of the bench (what's left of it, at least...).
- After slamming the door on the Nets in the first half, the Celtics didn't let them back into it (not that New Jersey was knocking very loudly anyway), as they outscored the Nets 23-16 in the third period. The fourth quarter was all garbage time, although the likes of Avery Bradley, Von Wafer, and Luke Harangody all got to play extended minutes.
- Another day, another double-double for Kevin Garnett. He finished this one with 13 points and 14 rebounds. He now has as many double-doubles this season, as he did all of last season. (Per Rich Levine's Twitter).
- Filling in for the injured Rajon Rondo, Nate Robinson came through with one of his better overall games, totaling 21 points (8-12 shooting), six rebounds, six assists, one steal, and only two turnovers.
- Glen Davis, despite being hit in the head by a medicine ball while the Nets were being introduced to the crowd (seriously, I'm not joking. That actually happened.), was a ball of energy, particularly on the glass and on his drives to the hoop. He scored 16 points and grabbed nine rebounds in 30 minutes off the bench. He filled in for Shaquille O'Neal, who sat out the second half with a sore right calf. Fortunately, the Celtics didn't need him.
- Great seeing Avery Bradley get a chance today, particularly in the first half. Jordan Farmar wanted nothing to do with him on the offensive end. Bradley's on-the-ball defense was excellent, and I liked the way he used screens from his teammates to get himself open jump shots. He came off the screens well and got right into a rhythm for a his shot. Who didn't love the way he shut down Stephen Graham's drive to the basket with 3:54 left in the game, forcing a jump ball?
- Von Wafer had some nice minutes as well. He scored eight points and he showed flashes of committing himself defensively, which is clearly what Doc Rivers is looking for. He had a nice anticipatory steal with 11:01 left in the fourth quarter that resulted in him getting fouled and hitting two free throws on the other end.
- The Celtics' defense didn't let up at any point once they earned their 20-point lead. Even the reserves were scrapping for every possession in the fourth quarter. You've got to love that.
- The Celtics will be back in action on Wednesday at 7:00pm when the Denver Nuggets visit Boston.