Celtics Persevere Against Pistons 105-100 3/2/10

Celtics Persevere Against Pistons 105-100
March 2, 2010 by Lee Herman

I guess the best way not to blow a ten point lead is not to amass a ten point lead. Luckily Boston never got ahead enough to the point where they started playing lackadaisical ball. A win is a win no matter how ugly it is. I am reminded of the saying “beauty is a light switch away “ and if I just looked at the final score I would be happy.

The play wasn’t stellar but there were bright spots on the night. Rajon Rondo hitting clutch free throws down the stretch was encouraging and he also finished with another double double, 15 PTS and 11 ASTS. Although he didn’t score in the second half until the final 24 seconds in the game he sank all four of his shots from the stripe. Another significant achievement was that with his 11^th straight game of double digit assists he tied the franchise record with Tiny Archibald and Bob Cousy for most consecutive games with 10 or more assists. Good job, ‘Jon.

Ray Allen led all scorers with 18 PTS and Kevin Garnett was a rebound shy of posting a double double of his own with 14 PTS and 9 REBS. The real story was the energy (and urgency) that bench played with. 39 PTS from the bench that had been stagnant in recent weeks and we even had a Shelden Williams sighting who went 3-4 from the floor fos 6 PTS and 4 REBS (2 OREBS). I’m glad to see some hustle and energy from those guys.

Nathan Robinson finally made a difference in the game breathing some life into Boston’s long game and finishing 4-5 from behind the arc while scoring his 14 PTS in 15 minutes. Glen Davis took way too many shots though, going 5-14 from the floor for 12 PTS. I don’t mind if he takes shots but at least take them in the paint with the chance of drawing contact, not 18 feet out where no one cares if you pull up for your bullet like shot.

Jonas Jerebko led the Pistons with his 16 PTS and 10 REBS and was the only real consistant threat on the floor all night. With him and Ben Wallace on the boards, Detroit out rebounded Boston 46-33 but the Celtics held the rare edge in turnovers by a 12-19 margin.

While not exactly a statement game coming off that embarrassing loss to the Nets on Saturday, the Celtics did bounce back on this first game of an away/home back to back in which they will be taking on Charlotte tomorrow night. Let’s hope they can avoid those giant killers who seem to have Cleveland’s number.