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Well, that was an absolute barn-burner.
This game was a good, old-fashioned shootout, with almost a dozen players (for the two teams combined) scoring in double figures. At the midway point of the game, the Celtics had already scored 71 points.
However, even though they were leading after the 2nd and 3rd quarters, a cold stretch in the beginning of the fourth allowed the Clippers to pull even with ten minutes left. A surprisingly successful night from the strip for Deandre Jordan kept the lead alive for most of the fourth. The LA big man would finish with 21 points and 16 rebounds, and went 9-17 from the charity stripe.
When it seemed that the C's had lost their mojo, and would allow the Clips to complete their comeback, Isaiah Thomas made two clutch shots in a row, including a beautiful fade-away with 5.8 seconds left to send the game to overtime.
In the extra period, after an individual 6-0 run by Redick, Evan Turner stepped up big time to pull the Celtics back into the lead. The Ohio State product went on an individual 7-2 run, giving Boston a lead that it would hold onto for the rest of the game, with a final score of 139-134.
Quick Notes
- What a great duel between point guards! Chris Paul was exceptional, finishing with 35 points (13-21) and 13 assists, to go with his 5 rebounds. Not one to be overshadowed, IT notched totals of 36 points on 12-21, 11 assists, and 4 rebounds. Couldn't ask for more from a matchup between these two All-Stars
- Marcus Smart's hot shooting continues, as the Demolition Man went 3-5 from long range, finishing with 17 points. That one snowy day of shooting seems to have really made a lasting impact on the historically streaky shooter - here's hoping that the All-Star break can lock in that hot stroke for the rest of the season.
- Kelly Olynyk (and incidentally, Kevin Love) had to leave the game with a shoulder injury. The Celtics are reporting that it is a right shoulder bruise. The Canadian was unavailable in the second half. EDIT: The word is that Kelly suffered a shoulder subluxation.
- Fortunately, Jonas Jerebko was there to cover for him. Even though he didn't shoot well overall, Jerebko made some very key hustle plays that allowed Boston to hang onto its lead at the end of the game.
- Jared Sullinger had one heck of a game against Deandre Jordan. He always seems to play much better in matchups against big, premier centers. Tonight, he logged a double-double with 21 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists, tying his career high.
This was a fantastic way for the Celtics to head into the All-Star break. They've earned some well-deserved R&R while they watch IT go at it in Toronto.