The Celtics put forth one helluva effort tonight, but they still fell to the Thunder, 97-88. You know they've reached rock bottom when I'm crediting effort.
The Cs whittled a 10 point deficit down to 3 with 2 minutes remaining, but Russell Westbrook (26 points, 7 rebounds 4 assists, 3 steals) and Thabo Sefolosha (19 points) each nailed two three-pointers to seal the game.
The Thunder tried to give this game away. They gave up 15 offensive rebounds to the Celtics and were out-rebounded 48-40. They had some horrific defensive lapses. But whenever the Cs went on a run and cut the lead (how about playing ahead for a change?), they followed it with a series of awful turnovers (18 total) and let OKC pull back ahead.
Paul Pierce (24 points, 8-15 FG) played his best game of the season. He repeatedly attacked the rim with his trademark crafty moves.
KG made just 5 of his 19 shots. He finished with 12 points, 12 rebounds and a team high 5 turnovers. Mickael Pietrus (14 points, 3-6 3 FG) was the only bench player to contribute. Brandon Bass was a non-factor.
Rajon Rondo (12 points, 9 rebounds, 9 assists) nearly tallied a triple-double.
Jermaine O'Neal had the worst double-double (12 points, 11 rebounds) ever recorded. He must have had his shot blocked a half-dozen times.
Kendrick Perkins had 7 points and 5 rebounds in his return to the Garden. Ho-hum.
The current 5 game losing streak is the longest in the Big 3 era. Ugh.
Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images
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