An Elton Brand tip-in with 7.7 seconds left gave the 76ers a 98-97 victory over the Celtics, ending Boston’s 11 game winning streak.
Paul Pierce and Ray Allen each missed jump shots on the Celtics final possession.
The Celtics lead by 15 early in the third quarter, but quickly fell apart. The offense became disjointed, sloppy and the guys started taking it one-on-one on far too many possessions. The Celtics never regained the offensive fluidity we witnessed in the first half.
Rasheed Wallace was ejected in the second quarter. While on the bench, he picked up a technical for arguing a questionable foul call during a time-out, and then was hit with a second technical for charging the referee. ‘Sheed was clearly missed as Philly’s big men dominated in the second half. Elton Brand had 23 points, 8 rebounds and Marreese Speights had 17 points, 10 rebounds.
Kevin Garnett lead the Celtics with 21 points and 10 rebounds. Rondo (13 points, 10 assists) and Perk (12 points, 16 rebounds) contributed double-doubles.
Another mediocre effort from Paul Pierce – 9 points on 4-12 shooting.
As with most games, there were plenty of questionable calls. Kendrick Perkins was whistled for fouls on two plays in which he made textbook box-outs. Bill Kennedy (he’s had numerous run-ins with Doc Rivers) is one of the worst refs in the game. He might have the biggest ego in the NBA.
The Celtics are 1-4 in Friday night home games.
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