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January 25, 2008
Boston 'Perks' Up at End
They squared off to start the game at tip off at center court.
Al Jefferson blocked Kendrick Perkins very first shot to start the game. He then went and scored himself.
Poetically, Perkins guarded Jefferson on the Wolves final possession on the left side of the court, causing him to throw the ball back out when Garnett started to trap with Perkins. Just 5 seconds before that, Perkins had thrown down a clutch put back dunk. It gave the Cs an 87-86 lead with 16 seconds left and was the winning basket.
The pass back out went to Sebastian Telfair, the Wolves high scorer, near the top of the key and 7 foot Kevin Garnett guarded him like a ....guard, knocking the ball out of his hands and then diving to the floor to corral it and the game, as time ran out. Plays and hustle like are seldom seen by a guard, let alone a big man. Garnett was spectacular without scoring a point, in those final 2 minute as he grabbed 3 big rebounds and made that win sealing play after returning with his pain in the stomach.
Kendrick Perkins, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen also made huge plays in the final minutes to help the Celtics make a 4th quarter comeback of their own this time. Perkins not only made sure the Celtics didn't fold after Garnett left, they actually recovered a point from the lead as KP made 2 big lay-ups shortly after KG left.
Ray Allen hit a big three and a lay-up, while Paul Pierce fought hard to get rebounds and made a 3rd effort put back and 2 foul shots to help the cause.
Kendrick Perkins has often mentioned that he and Al Jefferson remain good friends since the trade that put half the distance of the country between them. Yet, he prophetically predicted after the Toronto game that this game was going to be "a war."
Kendrick Perkins played what could only be called an inspired and truly dominant role in the crucial 4th quarter and led Boston in scoring for the 2nd time this week. The Celtics beat a feisty Timberwolf team, in what could be called The Reunion Game.
It was the first time the two teams have met (in a game that counts. They played in London in the preseason.) since the trade that sent 5 Celtic players and 2 draft choices to Minnesota for future Hall of Famer Kevin Garnett.
It was 21 huge points for big man Kendrick Perkins as he led the charge when Garnett went out of the game and into the locker room because of an abdominal injury.
The Wolves played inspired ball themselves as they seem to be finally becoming a competitive team.
Telfair had 18 points and added 6 assists (3 steals) to lead Minnesota. Jefferson had 15 points, and Ryan Gomes added 13 in a valiant effort by the Wolves.
Pierce played with purpose in those final minutes and flirted with a triple double by netting 19 points, 9 rebounds and 8 assists. While Ray Allen once again had a difficult night shooting (4-18), he made 2 of his 4 baskets when they counted most, in those final minutes.
Rondo has leg problems or he has other problems. He wasn't able to play up on Telfair all night. They were running him off screens, still, Rondo didn't do a good job of fighting through the screens, making you wonder if he should probably be sitting until he is truly healthy.
It is too early to wonder if this is a sign of Perkins breaking out offensively, but it would help the team in so many ways if he really is. It was exactly what the team needed and needs ongoing from here.
While it was the team with the best record against the team with the worst, both have been moving in different directions of late. I'm sure the impetus of the personal relationships and the trade itself made this game one that was circled on the calendar by many Wolves.
They came. They played. They almost conquered.
Posted by Tom on January 25, 2008 10:20 PM
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