Paul Pierce stars as Boston Celtics hold off Washington Wizards for easy 88 – 76 win – NBA Recap
The Boston Celtics delighted the TD Garden crowd on Sunday with an efficient performance against the Washington Wizards. The Celtics put the Wizards on the back foot early and did not let them get back in the game, finishing off at 88 – 76.
Celtics captain Paul Pierce was instrumental in the win, raking up 21 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists. Boston also received 23 valuable points from young guard Avery Bradley and Paul was pleased with his contribution.
"He's just gaining more and more confidence as the year goes on. It was awesome to have him give us a big lift, especially with the injuries we have right now. It's just good to watch a guy like Avery mature before your eyes over the last couple years."
Bradley, who had a career best night in terms of points, said that he was playing with more confidence now and it was showing on the court.
"It's all about confidence. Sometimes I would go into the game thinking twice about shooting. Now, if I'm open, I'm open and I'll shoot it. I've been making them," said Bradley. "I was fortunate enough for my teammates to find me in transition and give me the ball and I made shots."
Kevin Garnett also played a part with 10 points, 6 assists and 5 rebounds while Rajon Rondo had 4 points and 11 assists.
Jordan Crawford top scored for the Wizards with 20 points and livewire point guard John Wall had 12 to go along with 9 assists. New recruit Nene did not feature and Kevin Seraphin filled in, gobbling up 15 points and 11 rebounds.
Boston started off the game hot and went on a 15 – 2 sprint to open the game. That virtually gave them control of the first quarter and they dominated it until the end, 27 – 12.
The second segment began in similar fashion, this time the Boston using an 8 – 0 burst to seize the initiative. Another 8 – 0 just after the half way mark put their lead to over 20 points, the score 45 – 22. At halftime, the Wizards were reeling behind at 53 – 34.
Washington were more aggressive after the interval but the Celtics never really let them close the gap enough. The experienced Boston side negotiated the Wizards attacks expertly and at the end of the third frame were sitting pretty at 69 – 55.
The final 12 minutes therefore didn’t produce anything special. The deficit was simply too much for the Wizards to overcome and Celtics saw out the game at 88 – 76.
Tags: