Led by Rajon Rondo’s 17 points and 6 assists, the Celtics toyed with and beat the Toronto Raptors, 81-73, in their preseason finale.
Rondo started strong. 10 of his 17 points came in the 1st quarter. He was 3-for-5 on jumpers outside of 15 feet.
Jermaine O’Neal was another starter who played well. He had 4 blocks, including one rejection of a dunk attempt. JO left the bench for the locker room in the 3rd quarter. Doc Rivers said he was getting a massage.
Greg Stiemsma (7 points, 5 rebounds) showed me that he can be a viable 3rd string center (how’s that for couching expectations?). E’Twaun Moore (11 points, 4 rebounds) continued his confident play. Avery Bradley (1-9 FG) struggled offensively, but impressed me with his quick hands on defense.
I was hoping to see more from JaJuan Johnson, but he struggled in 10 minutes of action. He had a difficult time handling Andrea Bargnani in the post.
Michael Sweetney received the Scalabrine treatment from the crowd.
Paul Pierce did not play and remains questionable for Sunday’s game vs the Knicks. Doc said he’s unsure if Marquis Daniels or Sasha Pavlovic will take Pierce’s spot in the starting lineup if the Truth is out.
Box score | Recap
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