Celtics Espcape Nets

House was nice off the bench tonight.

The Celtics escaped the lowly New Jersey Nets tonight 96-87. Despite three quarters of close action, the Celtics finally came to their senses and outscored the Nets 24-14 in the fourth against the sinking Nets. After allowing New Jersey to shoot 63% in the first half, the Celtcs contested the Nets in the second half and halted their scoring.

• Ray Allen dropped 26 points tonight on 9 of 17 shooting, hitting 3 threes, all five of his free throws, and hauling down seven boards.
• Rajon Rondo posted his usual spectacular line of 17 points (6-8 shooting and 5-6 free throws), 11 boards, and 3 steals. He was a team high +17 when he was on the court.
• Kevin Garnett had 10 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals. A pretty efficient line for an eight shot night.
• Eddie House put up 10 points and Glen Davis posted 13 off the bench for the C's. They played deep into the fourth quarter and helped lead the Celtics back into the game.
  

Paul Pierce missed tonight's game again with a foot sprain. This marks the second straight game Pierce has missed but he hopes to be back for Sunday's afternoon tilt versus the Magic.

Pierce will participate in the Three Point Contest during All-Star weekend. Pierce last participated in 2002 and shot terribly, so he is serious about winning this one like Larry Bird back in the day.