Once again the Celtics did not shrink from the challenge of facing one of the most talented teams in the league. They came up short but it was closer than the final score would seem to indicate. If not for a couple of huge Jamal Crawford three pointers, including one well beyond the arc, it might have been down to the final possession. It was just one of those games.
It was an odd game too. Both sides voiced their Tommy-like displeasure with the refs. Jeff Green had about as many shots in the first half as he's been averaging for full games. The Celtics bench scored 4 points... total. And 2 of those were from MarShon Brooks after Courtney Lee fouled out.
Of course Chris Paul got his, with 22 points, 9 assists, and 7 rebounds. Blake Griffin chipped in with 18. But it was the hot shooting of Jamal Crawford that seemed to swing the day for the Clippers.
Jeff Green's 29 points showed what he can do when he gets touches early and often. Keep feeding the man. His touches must have come a bit at the expense of Avery Bradley who only got 8 shots tonight.
Jordan Crawford continued his solid play with 20 points and 9 assists. He's really embracing the point guard role with gusto (complete with no-look passes) without losing sight of what makes him special, his ability to score.
Brandon Bass got his second straight double double with a solid 17 points and 12 rebounds while Sullinger just missed one with 10 and 9.