The Celtics weren’t about to become the first NBA team to drop both games in an NBA Europe trip. Rajon Rondo dominated the first quarter, the second unit pulled away in the second quarter, and then it was all a breeze from there in a 105-75 win.
Here’s what stood out:
Rondo, obviously, off the top. He had a perfect first quarter, shooting 7-7, including his 1 three and two free throws.
Darko Milicic had a pretty nice game. He only scored 2 points, but he was a +21 as he displayed some nice shot blocking ability (4 blocks) and also leading the team with 9 rebounds. He also was passing pretty well. I’m actually going to say it… Darko had a very positive impact on this game.
Jared Sullinger was also impressive. He got the start as Doc mixed it up, and he finished with 9 points and 7 rebounds (3 offensive). He also blocked a shot. He’s still got a lot to learn, but he’s proving that he absolutely deserves to be a part of the rotation right now.
Jeff Green was once again tied for the team high in scoring (17, with Rondo)… but he was a lot quieter in this one (aside from an EMPHATIC baseline dunk in the 4th quarter).
Six Celtics scored double digits, including Pierce (14), Jason Terry (11, but six came on back-to-back 3’s in the 3rd quarter), Courtney Lee (11, including some very athletic finishes), and Brandon Bass (a quiet 11 but amassed on 5-5 shooting to go along with 8 rebounds).
KG only played 12 minutes.
Overall, a nice little tune up and show for the crowd in Milan. I’m happy to see Sullinger continue to produce. Darko’s play was very encouraging. But the big caveat in all of this is that it didn’t come against NBA competition. The C’s head back stateside now and are will not play another game until Saturday.
As an added bonus… here’s Rondo pulling “the Rondo”
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