Sure felt like a playoff game, huh?
Unlike their Christmas day loss to the Magic, the Celtics made the key plays down the stretch tonight to beat Orlando 109-106.
Paul Pierce took only one shot in the 4th quarter – a 19 footer with 38 seconds remaining. He drilled it, got fouled and made the free throw.
Twenty-three seconds later, Kevin Garnett (19 points, 8 rebounds) snagged a Jameer Nelson pass and the Magic were done.
Despite missing the last 9 games, I didn't see a touch of rust on Garnett.
Ray Allen had 13 of his team high 26 points in the final quarter. He was the hero… until Pierce and KG stole the spotlight.
Other observations:
Crisp 1st quarter. Celtics with 10 assists on 12 field goals. 60% shooting. Rondo with 6 of his 13 assists.
The Celtics 10 point lead evaporated quickly due to Ryan Anderson's red hot shooting. He drilled 4 straight 3s (14 first half points).
The 2nd quarter lasted forever. Could have been the dozen or so fouls called on the Celtics. About 5 of those were "questionable." Doc thought so too, he collected a technical.
Three point shooting: Orlando 11 – 27 | Boston 3 – 10
Loved the effort by Glen Davis. He was extremely effective (15 points, 4 rebounds) battling Howard and Brandon Bass.
Dwight Howard needs a mean streak. He laughs way too much, especially in close games. Moments after his 4th quarter "exchange" with KG, he was trying to joke around with Garnett. KG responded with a blank stare.
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