The Celtics build a 15 point lead with a few minutes to go and then the Blazers go on a huge run, sound familiar? Fortunately the Celtics had KG to come through tonight just like Ray Allen did in Boston.
The Blazers hit three straight threes and the Celtics missed three free throws to allow them to close within five points. KG came through with a huge offensive rebound on a Daniels missed free throw. After that Glen Davis stepped to the line and hit both of his free throws to push the lead back to seven.
On the next possession Wes Matthews missed a wild lay up attempt and KG secured the rebound again and drained both free throws. Game Over.
Paul Pierce left the game with two minutes to go and headed to the locker room, I'll be looking for an update on his status. Update: Pierce just stated he has a thigh bruise so scratch all my belly aching about his knee.
A few more notes on the game after the jump.
- Right from the start this was a tough physical game. The Blazers fouled hard and often early in the game, with lots of chest bumping and emphatic follow through after the whistle. The Blazers couldn't score on the Celtics at all in the half court. They survived through by getting 12 offensive rebounds in the first half, and forcing a lot of turnovers. When they weren't forcing turnovers the Celtics were making unforced ones.
- All those extra possessions allowed the Blazers to hang around, but the Celtics shot a better percentage from the field, hit more three point shots, and took and made more free throws.
- In the second half the Celtics did a much better job on the glass, allowing only 4 offensive rebounds until a frantic possession late in the fourth added three more. Still 19 offensive rebounds is too many to surrender
- KG was a great tonight. He had 9 assists by the early third quarter, creating easy shots from the high and low post repeatedly. He also prevented LaMarcus Aldridge from getting anything going on his own. He scored mostly on tip ins, lobs, and a few jumpers while Davis/Perkins guarded him.
- Kendrick Perkins impressed again tonight, he just missed a double double in 21 minutes with 10 points and 9 rebounds. He went 3-4 from the field and 4-4 from the line. He also earned a highlight play when he forced a 24 second violation while guarding a Portland Guard (Rudy?) on a switch at the three point line.
- Von Wafer earned a couple TPs from me tonight. He played instead of Nate in the second half and did very well. He gave up one quick lay up but after that he responded by scoring 6 quick points including a coast to coast transition bucket.
- Oh and if you watched the early game on TNT then you saw the Heat lose, the C's are up four games over the Heat/Bulls who are now tied for the 2nd seed in the east.