Celtics Destroy Kings 99-81 in First Game Post-Rondo

In their first game since Rajon Rondo was pronounced out for the season with a torn ACL, the Celtics closed ranks and blew out the road-tripping Sacramento Kings 99-81, their second straight win following a six-game losing skid. Playing without their all-star point guard, the Celts balanced things out on offense with six players reaching double figures, three off the bench.

Paul Pierce led the way with 16 points, 10 rebounds and four assists while Kevin Garnett added 13 points, nine rebounds, five assists and a couple of blocks for the Celtics, who shot 80 percent (16-of-20) and scored 37 points in the second quarter, including their first 13 shots, to register their highest scoring frame of the season. At the half, Garnett, Jeff Green and Jason Terry were a combined 14-of-15 from the floor.

Green, Terry and Brandon Bass each scored 12 points off the bench for the C's, who finished the game at 53.4 percent from the field in a free-flowing, heavy on ball movement offensive performance. They did most of the damage without Jared Sullinger, who left with back spasms after just four first quarter minutes and did not return.

Tyreke Evans led the Kings (17-30) with 19 points and 11 rebounds. For more on the game from the Sacramento perspective, head over to Sactown Royalty.