Celtics' Streak Snapped in Last Seconds

The Celtics' 11-game winning streak was snapped last night in the final seconds of the game. Despite a 15 point first half lead, the C's let up in the second half where they were outscored by 12. They did not appear to take the 19 loss Sixers seriously.

One of the major factors in the loss was turnovers. After only committing 21 turnovers in their previous two games total, they turned the ball over 17 times last night. The play that ultimately put the 76ers up 98-97 for good was a play where the 6'6" Pierce ended up on 6'9" Elton Brand (23 points) and Brand tipped in a rebound for the winning basket. Pierce was the option on the final possession (although he was shooting 4-11 in the game coming out of the timeout), but came up empty on a fade-away basket from the the top corner of the key.

The 20-5 Celtics fell to 8-4 at home, and each of the four losses has been on a Friday night. It was a bad loss and they will look to rebound versus the T-Wolves at 6 o'clock on Sunday night.

NOTES:

• Rondo had 13 points (5-8 FGs, 3-6 FTs), 10 assists (4 turnovers), and 3 steals.
• Ray Allen, who was honored before the game for 20,000 points in his career, had 17 points and 3 threes.
  
• Perkins was big on the boards last night. He had 16 total and 8 on the offensive end, while adding 12 points.
• KG scored 20 points while hitting all 11 of his free throw attempts. He also had 10 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 blocks.
• Tony Allen had 10 points and 3 steals in 20 minutes. He has been impressive and continues to improve while filling in for Marquis Daniels.
• Rasheed Wallace really hurt the C's last night. He was ejected in the second quarter after picking up his 3rd personal foul and threw a tantrum. The two T's he picked up now give him 10 on the season; a suspension would come with his 16th. He really needs to settle down, but with that being his 30th ejection of his career, it's doubtful he'll change his ways. They could have used him in the second half, but the C's knew what they were getting.
  

MORE:

• Marquis Daniels was evaluated yesterday and is not expected to be back until around the All-Star break in February.
• Big Baby Davis could be back soon. He will travel with the Celtics when they begin a four game road trip on Christmas day. Davis had surgery on October 27th, so this puts him right about on track from the original two month recovery period. Luckily the team hasn't missed him too much while he's been out, but his immature decision and the subsequent outcome have set his progress back. He could see playing time right away, as Shelden Williams hasn't been playing as well of late.
• Lester Hudson has played very well in his two games with the NBDL Maine Red Claws. In two games Hudson has combined for 42 points (14-33 FGs, 7-14 3 PTs), 16 rebounds, and 9 assists (6 turnovers). He will play one more game tonight before rejoining the C's. Good to see Hudson hitting the three and getting a chance to work on his game in real situations.