Rajon Rondo stars as Boston Celtics overpower Toronto Raptors 81-73 - NBA Preseason Recap
During the lockout period, rumours of Boston Celtics trading their star Rajon Rondo to New Orleans Hornets, in an attempt to acquire Chris Paul surfaced. However the vibes did not materialize as Paul was traded to Los Angeles Lakers
and Celtics retained Rondo.
Just hours ago, Rondo proved that preserving him in the lineup was the correct decision as he guided the Celtics to their second consecutive preseason win over Toronto Raptors, this time by 81-73.
Rondo got Celtics to a flying start, scoring 10 points in the first 8 minutes which ensured that the Greens dominated throughout. He finished the game with 17 points on a 6 for 10 from inside the arc and 5 for 6 from the charity
stripe. Brandon Bass supported him well with 12 points while E’Twaun Moore came off the bench late for 11 points and four rebounds.
The Celtics were not too accurate with their shooting tonight, however they still outshined the opponents in that department. C’s shot 39.1 percent from the paint, 28.6 from the three point range and 73.5 from the free throw line.
Those figures however looked super in front of 32.2 floor percentage, including 1 of 17 from the long range by the Raps. Celtics also held the upper hand in assists - 16 in contrast to 11by Raptors.
Andrea Bargnani paced the Raptors with a game high 20 points including 6 for 8 from the free throw line. DeMar DeRozan also looked in good touch and finished with 16 points and 10 rebounds while Jerryd Bayless knocked down 12.
Rondo started the proceedings for Celtics by drilling a mid range jumper in the first minute Sasha Pavlovic and Kevin Garnett struck in the next minute and Rondo then completed the 8-0 spurt with a pull up jumper. Rondo was unstoppable
throughout the first frame and ensured Celtics finished the quarter with a significant 9 point, 22-13, lead.
Garnett drove for a layup in the first minute of the second frame to take the lead into double digits, which Celtics managed to maintain throughout the quarter. The Raptors failed to find baskets regularly and were trailing behind
at 31-47 by the end of the first half.
Bargnani and DeRozan got the Raptors back in the game by reeling an 8-3 run midway through the third frame, to make it 50-55, however Celtics initiated a 12-3 run to make it 67-53 as the teams headed into the ultimate quarter.
The trend continued in the last quarter and despite showing some fight, the Raptors never managed to sneak close.
Tags: