Celtics Roll over the Cats

The defense played hard tonight

Tonight's home opener was over before it started. The C's came out with an amazing defensive effort and outscored the lowly Bobcats 22-13 in the first holding them to 20% shooting. After the 3rd quarter (25-10) Charlotte had a putrid 41 total points. In total the Celtics forced 18 Bobcat turnovers and held them to 31% shooting while holding them to under 18 points in every quarter. When all was said and done, Boston won 92-59 (a franchise low for Charlotte).

NOTES:

• Ray Allen played a team high 38 minutes after playing 42 last night. He played the entire first and third quarters of the game, and is logging major minutes thus far. Perhaps the minutes are hurting him as he was 6-17 from the field tonight and 5-16 last night.
• Rajon Rondo had another well-rounded line putting up 10 points, 11 assists, 3 boards, and 3 steals. This was the second straight night RR put up double digit assists. Even more impressive was his one turnover, and his efficient shooting (5-6).
  
• Kevin Garnett was an amazing +34 when on the court tonight in a minuscule 26 minutes. He was productive on the offensive end with 10 points on only nine shot attempts and three offensive boards (seven in all), but he lead the defensive effort and added three blocks. Doc had the benefit of limiting KG's minutes after back to back games.
• Perk had 9 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 blocks.
• Pierce had 15 points in 24 minutes.
• No starter besides Ray played over 30 minutes, and they didn't need to play the fourth quarter either.
• Shelden Williams has impressed thus far taking Baby's minutes. Not only did he have 12 points (he hit 8 of 11 free throws), 9 rebounds, and 3 assists, but he has shown a good basketball IQ and seems to have embraced his role.
• Sheed was 3-8 from the field tonight (all three point attempts).
• Lester Hudson and J.R. Giddens each saw their first action of the season in the blowout.
• The Celtics had two more technical fouls tonight (Pierce and Perk) to put their total at three on the season. This team will lead the NBA in that category.
• Scal is reportedly close to being ready for game action following a sprained ankle injury he suffered when stepping on a cameraman during a preseason game.
• Pierce, who typically gives a speech before every home opener, gave a good 45 second pep talk to the crowd tonight. His best line was when he looked up to the rafters saying, "There's only 17 up there, we need another one."
  
• Junior Seau and Wes Welker sat court-side at the game. Always good to see the hometown support.
  

The C's are now 2-0, and have a game Friday at home versus the Bulls. It will be a busy start to the season, as Boston has five games in week 2 starting Sunday.