Boston Celtics pin down Detroit Pistons, 86-82
Stats
The Boston Celtics won their fourth straight game while the Pistons were deprived of a three game-winning streak. The Celtics outscored the Pistons 86-82 at home.
The Boston Celtics are lucky to have guys like Ray Allen and Shaquille O’Neal. The two players really turned the game on for their team. Allen made a last minute transition in the game to hold the team up in the tenacious clash. The player clinched a go-ahead
jumper in the last minute of the game to help the Boston Celtics win at home.
When and where?
The clash took place on 19 January at the infamous TD Garden, where the rivals faced each other for a duration of 2 hours and 21 minutes. Over 18,000 basketball fans had gathered at the arena that hustled with loud boos and cheers to boost the spirits of
both the teams.
The titans struggled in predicament, tying the game 13 times while the lead was exchanged 12 times between the both.
Shaq’s part in the game was the most inspiring one. The player under concern clinched a superb fourth quarter to help the Celtics win the match. He scored seven points in the final stanza that helped the trailing Celtics level the game with the then leading
Pistons. The game was tied at 76-all when he truncated a free throw that came after Tracy McGrady was fouled. Other players filled in after that but O’Neal actually made it possible for the Celtics to win this game.
Players’ stats
Boston Celtics (32-9)
Paul Pierce scored the highest for the Celtics, going for 20 points in an 8-15 shooting from the field. Big guy Shaq trounced a double-double as he hopped for 12 points along with 12 rebounds. Kevin Garnett and Glen Davis added 11 each. The winners grabbed
12 team rebounds.
Detroit Pistons (15-27)
Rodney Stuckey scored 15, Tayshaun Prince and Greg Monroe added 13 apiece whereas Charlie Villanueva contributed 11 to the box score. Detroit players combined to grab nine team rebounds.
Quote it!
"I thought Shaq won the game for us tonight. He did all the little things: crashed the glass, was physical, blocked shots. He was absolutely wonderful." Celtics cach Doc Rivers later praised O’Neal’s game.
The initial 36 minutes of the game were more of a defensive battle at the ends of both the teams. Later the game transformed into a repulsively offensive struggle at the sides of both the rivals. The teams could produce just 16 points each as they combined
and drowned for just 27.8 per cent in the frame of that time.
Turning point
The Detroit Pistons pulled out an 8-0 run and had the game almost in their control in the start of the final quarter. O’Neal however attacked the opposition with his size and reined out for a 9-1 run from the front line. , Within the next two minutes he
tied the game at 76, to fuel up the encounter for the victors of the game.
Hottest player
Monroe was one of the tough opponents for the leading team on the rim. The player is playing extremely well since being permanently casted as the centre. He shot all five of his shots in the game, scoring 13 points and dishing out nine rebounds for the losing
team. The player has scored in double figures in eight straight games now and has maintained an average of 12 points and nine rebounds in January alone.
Weakest pawn
Allen had one of the weakest games in the clash. The ace exerted in the combat for 47 minutes. He missed six out of first seven field goal attempts. Fourth quarter saw him missing two shots from the free throw line. Later in the game, however he reconciled
heroically for a free throw that saved Boston the day.
More to watch
For the Pistons, Friday @ New Jersey, Saturday vs. Phoenix, Monday @ Orlando.
For the Celtics, Friday vs. Utah Saturday @ Washington, Tuesday vs. Cleveland.
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