Boston Celtics take control in 2nd Half, defeat New Jersey Nets at home – NBA Recap
The Boston Celtics played their second away game in two nights and came into the Saturday night game against the New Jersey Nets after having lost their previous to the Toronto Raptors. However, the Celtics did not look like the
loss had affected them in any way as they were at their usual best, dominating the 2nd half to win 94-82.
Kevin Garnett scored a game high 21 points and grabbed 12 rebounds to lead the Celtics. Gerald Green led the Nets scoring with 15 points, including 3 of 6 from the 3 point line.
The Nets brought the offense to Boston in the 1st quarter, leading 28-22 by the end of it. Boston, after remaining at New Jersey’s tail for much of the 2nd quarter, finally took the lead 37-36 with a reverse
layup by Avery Bradley and 4:08 remaining in the first half. Boston were leading 48-45 in the final seconds of the half but Gerald Green knocked down a near impossible buzzer beating 3 to tie the game at 48 going into the 2nd half.
However, the Celtics were in no mood of back to back losses and came into the third quarter all fired up. They started with a 9-0 run to take the lead 57-48. New Jersey missed their first 7 field goal attempts to open the third
period. Back to back 3 pointers by Avery Bradley extended the Celtics lead to 69-57. Bradley then scored another 3 pointer, to stretch the Celtics lead to 13. The Celtics closed the third quarter leading 74-61.
Boston kept their control in the 4th quarter as well, and two free throws by Paul Pierce gave Boston their largest lead of the night (17) at 82-65. The Celtics kept a comfortable 10 + lead throughout the remaining of
the game to win 94-82.
Paul Pierce had 17 points and Avery Bradley had 18 points, going 3-of-4 from the 3 point range. Brandon Bass had a good night as well, scoring 18 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. Rajon Rondo only managed 4 points but dished 15
assists, his 21st game in a row where he has had double digit assists.
Gerald Green led the scoring for the Nets with 15. Jordan Williams and Deron Williams both had 12 points each, and Jordon grabbed 14 rebounds while Deron dished 14 assists. Kris Humphries could only manage 6 points on the night,
but grabbed 10 rebounds.
The Celtics shot 45.7% from the field as compared to 36.8% for the Nets. The Nets were only 6 of 22 from the 3 point range, and managed 8 less free throw attempts than Boston. The Celtics also outnumbered the Nets in rebounds 51-42,
and in assists 28-19.
With this win, the Celtics improve their win loss record to 35-25; though they are still 3 wins behind third placed Indiana Pacers, who are currently on a hot 4-0 win streak. New Jersey are not in contention for the Playoffs.
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