C's Survive Another Close One

Rondo's shot sealed the deal.

This game was too close for comfort as the Celtics barely outlasted a hungry 76ers team by the score of 113-110.. Despite missing two starters, the Sixers led by Andre Iguodala (25/9/9) played small ball which forced the C's to modify their rotation to keep up with a high-flying, athletic Sixers squad. Down six headed into the final quarter, the Celtics outscored Philly 34-25 in the final frame. Clutch free throws from Ray Allen and Eddie House helped put the game on ice for the C's, but it was Rondo's clutch fadeaway baseline jumper that drove the nail into the coffin. The team is now 11-4 on the season.

• Paul Pierce continues to show why he's the captain: 27 points (10-15 FGs, 3-7 3PTs, 4-4 FTs), 7 rebounds, and 7 assists. The Truth played the entire second half accumulating nearly 43 minutes in the game; a trend that the team and Doc should be wary of continuing.
• Kevin Garnett scored 19, brought down 4 boards, and dished out 4 assists. KG visited the foul line an incredible 12 times, converting 9 of them (75%) and it was good to see him be aggressive after there had been some concern about his surgically-repaired knee.
• Ray Allen needs to find his shooting touch. The all-star guard scored 18 points tonight but was a miserable 1-6 from downtown. If this style of play continues, Allen may not be back with the team next season.
• Rasheed Wallace finally hit a three-pointer after missing his 8 previous attempts. He finished the game with 8 points and two 3's.
• Matching their small-ball lineup, the C's featured a lot of Eddie House down the stretch and he delivered with 13 points. He played 22:16 which was a season high for the sixth man.
• The Sixers torched the Celtics from downtown tonight, hitting a ridiculous 13-20 (65%) of their attempts. Maybe Doc Rivers will need to get his team playing better perimeter defense.
• Tony Allen (ankle) appears close to returning. It was reported he could be active tonight, but even when he is he will only have value on the team if Marquis Daniels gets hurt.
  

The Celtics play Friday at home versus the Toronto Raptors (7-9). They played last tonight also and went down to the Bobcats 116-81. Yes, the same Bobcats team that the Celtics held to a pathetic 59 points earlier this season. Look out, Toronto.