The Celtics lost to the Magic, 83-78, in a game full of wretched shooting. With that said, the intensity in the fourth quarter was like that of a playoff game.
The Celts fell behind by 16 points in the 1st quarter and spent the whole game scratching and clawing their way back. They cut the lead to 3 at the half, but slipped in the 3rd and trailed by 7 heading into the final quarter. They finally tied it at 78 with about 2 minutes left, but not much went right after that.
The game turned with the Celtics trailing 80-78, and in need of a stop. Referee Eric Dalen made a highly questionable foul call on Paul Pierce with Orlando's shot clock winding down. After Rashard Lewis made both free throws, a dribble happy Ray Allen coughed up the ball costing the Celtics any chance at pulling out the win.
Vince Carter lead the Magic with 26 points on 10-29 shooting. He also had 6 turnovers. But it kills me to say he had 5 big points in the final 5 minutes of the 4th quarter.
Rasheed Wallace had a terrible shooting night (4-16 FG, 0-8 3 FG), but played fantastic defense in the fourth quarter. He had 13 rebounds (5 offensive) and 3 steals. Two of those steals came on successive plays in which 'Sheed was guarding Dwight Howard.
Rajon Rondo played about one minute in the 4th quarter. Like most of the Celtics, he was having a terrible shooting night (3-11 FG) and Doc needed his best offensive team on the court.
Perk (14 minutes, 5 points, 2 rebounds, 5 fouls, 1 tech) was a non factor.
Here's the understatement of the night:
"I haven't seen the scorer's sheet, but I didn't feel we shot the ball particularly well," – KG
The Celtics shot 34% from the floor, including 2-19 from three.
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