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November 4, 2008
Celtics Unveil Solid 'Rocket Defense'
If any early season game can be considered a test, the Celtics played well enough to pass -103-99.
Their defense was good enough in the 2nd half to frustrate the Rockets into shooting 15 for 45 (.33%). Ray Allen lost Tracy McGrady around picks to the tune of 15nd half points, 12 in the decisive 4th quarter, causing Rick Adelman to put Ron Artest on Ray to try to stop him at one point. Ray fouled out with 33 seconds left.
Eddie House played a solid game with 8 points (6 in the 4th) and 3 steals, while Garnett made the winning jump shot with :59 seconds left. House iced the game with 2 free throws with 9 seconds left.
Yao Ming was "mini-Ming" with just 8 points on 4-14 shooting, while blocking his own unguarded dunk with the rim once (how can a 7' 6" person do that?) while getting blocked by the Celtics 3 times.
'Laker Loving Nation' notwithstanding, the Rockets are a bonifide finals contender. After coming off a 55 win season as one of the league's top defensive teams and losing in the 1st round to Utah 4-2 without Yao Ming, Houston added enigmatic Ron Artest while losing little in return.
This was their first loss of the season (3-1) and it was hardly their best effort, a bit surprising considering who they were playing. If a statement was made, it was by the visiting NBA Champion Celtics.
The game was played at a reasonably high level, both neither team played flawless ball. The Celtics had 16 turnovers, yet the Rockets defense was wanting for much of the night.
The Rockets played the Celtics physically in the pre-season, perhaps to send a message to the Celtics that they are ready to play toe to toe with them. They were unable to do so as successfully this evening.
Exchanging first half runs, the Celtics took over the game in the 2nd half, before the Rockets battled back to take the lead at 86-85 with 7:45 left. Ray Allen scored the next 11 Celtic points, giving the Men in Green a 98-91 lead with 1:56 left. The Celtics held on to win as the Rockets shot just 6 for 21 in the crucial 4th quarter.
The Numbers
Where's the defense?
The Celtics shot a solid .519 while grabbing 46 rebounds, 14 offensive, and 20-27 foul shots. The Celtics has 42 points in the paint to the Rockets 26.
In addition to game high honors of 29 points on 11 of 15 shooting, Ray was 5 of 5 from the line, with 5 rebounds and 5 assists in a fine all around game.
Kendrick Perkins was 2nd with 15 points on 7 of 8 shooting to go with 7 rebounds and 4 blocks ( 3 against Yao). He drained 5 face up jump shots in an effort to make Yao Ming come out to cover him.
Kevin Garnet had a double double with 14 points and 11 rebounds though he did not have a good shooting night (6-15). His defense was solid in the second half.
Paul Pierce just missed another double double with 13 points and 9 rebounds. Paul is just 2 rebounds shy of 3 straight games of double doubles. He shot 5 of 15, but had 4 assists, 3 steals and 4 turnovers.
Rajon Rondo had 10 points (5-8), all in the first quarter, and finished with 7 rebounds, and 7 assists to go with a fine all around game.
Glen Davis has a strong game with 9 points on 3 of 6 shooting and 3-3 from the line. He played solid defense against Yao, including stealing a lob pass while fronting him in the 4th quarter.
Game Notes
The Rockets jumped out to a 13-8 lead before the Celtics came back with a 20-9 run to end the quarter up 28-22. An aggressive Rajon Rondo and Kendrick Perkins had 11 of the Celtics first 15 points as Rajon constantly attacked the hoop in the quarter.
Boston extended the lead to 43-27 on a 15-2 run before the Rockets answered with a 25-4 run of their own to take the lead 52-47.
Ray Allen led the Celtics with 12 first half points. Garnett had 9 first half points but shot only 2 of 10. Leon Powe got into foul trouble early and often, finishing with 4 fouls in only 12 minutes. He and Brent Barry had words after getting tangled up on a play.
Tracy McGrady led the Rockets with 26 points, 19 in the second half, and had three steals but his man-to-man defense was usually a step behind. Luis Scola played well, finishing with 21 points and 9 rebounds. Ron Artest settled for too many 3 point shots, and was just 3 of 16 for 15 points, but played solid defense.
Unusual Stat of the Night:
The Celtics were -7 with Rondo on the floor and +11 with Eddie House.
Next up: Tonight - Oklahoma City Thunder
Posted by Tom on November 4, 2008 11:52 PM
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