C's Win, B's Lose

CELTICS

Another easy win for the Celtics tonight as they annihilated the 76ers in Philadelphia 105-74 holding them to 36% shooting. The lop-sided score allowed Doc to limit the minutes of his starters, as they still have three games to go in this five game week.

• Paul Pierce played the most minutes (30:40). He continued his stellar play and had 21 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals. The Truth has been very consistent on the offensive end so far this season.
• Garnett, Allen, and Perk combined for only 11 points total, but the C's obviously didn't need their offensive contribution tonight. Garnett finished just 1-of-7 shooting, had 6 rebounds, 2 assists and 5 turnovers in 23 minutes; he still needs some time.
  
• The reason they didn't need the offensive contributions from KG, Ray, and Kendrick is because the bench came in and did their job. Sheed had 20 points (6 threes) and Eddie had 12 points (4 threes).
• Rondo only had 5 assists tonight marking the first time he did not have double digit assist this season. He did add 11 points and 4 steals including an amazing shot to end the first quarter that he made from behind the basket.
• Shelden Williams added 11 points, 7 boards on 5-8 shooting. Sheldon's mid-range jumper has been quite impressive.
  
• Marquis continues to be a valuable part of the second unit finishing with 6 points, 4 assists, and 3 rebounds, he was a team high +31 when on the court for 27:42 minutes.
• Lester Hudson got some run at the end of the game, and it was nice to see the rookie PG show some signs of improvement. Lester had 6 points (2-2 from three range) and 3 assists. The team will continue to develop him with the goal to establish him as a rotational player next season.
• Brian Scalabrine (ankle) saw his first action of the season. Scal, who was greeted with the "Scal-a-brine" chant from the road crowd nailed his only two shot attempts (including a three).
• J.R. Giddens, who saw his option for next season not picked up today, rounded out the scoring with a bucket as all 12 active players scored tonight.
  
• This was the Celtics' second 30-point win of the season.

The 5-0 C's head to Minnesota and will take on the T-Wolves tomorrow night at 8.


BRUINS

The Bruins continued their inconsistent season tonight in Detroit. For the second straight game the B's were shutout. They simply couldn't muster anything against Chris Osgood. Team passing, poor chemistry, coupled with questionable personnel have all led to ineffectiveness on offense. Once again, you can't win when you can't score.

• Tim Thomas played relatively well stopping 24 of 26 shots, but probably should have stopped the second goal.
• Patrice Bergeron is the only consistent threat on offense right now putting up a team high 4 shots on goal.
• Michael Ryder and Marco Sturm nearly scored, each seeing their shots clank off the post.
  
• The Bruins were once again shut down on the power play going 0-3.
  
• Byron Bitz (groin) did not play tonight.

The Bruins next game is Thursday night at home versus rival Montreal Canadiens.