Two nights after the Boston Celtics pulled off a one point win in the first game of this Eastern Conference Semifinal series, Philadelphia 76ers strike back with a single point win, 82-81, of their own and take away the
home court advantage of the Greens
The Philadelphia 76ers edged out the Boston Celtics 82-81 in game 2 of their Eastern Conference Semi Final series, here at the TD Garden. The Sixers came into the game having lost game 1 and looking to even the series before taking
it back to Philadelphia.
Jrue Holiday had a game high 18 points to lead the Sixers. Ray Allen came off the bench to score a team high 17 points for the Boston Celtics.
Boston started the game with a 9-0 run but the Sixers responded with a 15-8 reply to trail by two with 3:50 left in the first period. Rajon Rondo closed the period with a layup shot to give Boston a 25-21 lead going into the 2nd
quarter.
The nest period was evenly contested, with both teams stepping up their defense. Sixers and Boston both showed why they are one of the strongest defensive teams in the league, as Boston only managed 13 points in the 2nd
period while the Sixers had 15. Boston led 38-36 at half time.
A jump shot by Elton Brand tied the game at 47 with 3:32 left in the third period. The Sixers then scored 10 straight points, edging away from the Celtics to take a 57-47 lead. The Celtics only managed 11 points in the third period
while the Sixers had 21.
Back to back three pointers by Mickael Pietrus early in the final period had Boston trailing by 2. A turnaround jump shot by Garnett tied the game at 65 with 4:33 left in the game.
Garnett struggled most of the game, scoring 4 points in the 1st quarter and then going scoreless in the next two. However, he came alive in the final period, where he scored 11 points.
Evan Turner scored a crucial layup and followed it with two free throws in the final minute to give the Sixers a 78-75 lead. Garnett then committed a costly and tad controversial offensive foul on the next Celtics possession to
give the Sixers a chance to seal the victory.
Louis Williams scored both free throws to give the Sixers an 80-75 lead and nearly eight seconds left on the clock. Ray Allen made an awkward three to quickly turn it into a one possession game and Garnett then quickly fouled Jodie
Meeks. Unfortunately for the C’s Meeks held his nerve to convert both and even though Garnett scored a three pointer in the final 2 seconds, it was of no use for the Celtics.
It was an overall low scoring game, particularly the first three periods. The Celtics shot 24% in the 2nd and 3rd quarter combined, but came back strong in the final period to post a field goal percentage
of 41.8% for the night. The Sixers had the edge on the glass, scoring 47 rebounds compared to 36 for the Celtics.
Andre Iguodala scored 13 points and added 7 assists and 6 rebounds for the Sixers. Spencer Hawes had 8 points and 10 rebounds while Evan Turner had 10 points and 6 rebounds. Garnett finished with 15 points and 12 rebounds while
Rajon Rondo had 8 points off 4 of 12 shooting to go with 13 assists. Paul Pierce had a slow night, going 2 of 9 from the field to finish with 7 points.
The two teams will play game 3 on Wednesday night in Philadelphia.
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