Celtics Squeak By Heat

KG played a well rounded game tonight.

It came down to the fourth quarter, but the Celtics beat the Heat 107-102. Even without Paul Pierce in the lineup (out Friday night and most likely through the All-Star Break), the Celtics stepped up offensively.

• Rajon Rondo had a great night with 24 points, 6 rebounds, 14 assists, and 3 steals. Rondo only hit 8 of 14 free throws on the night, but was 2 of 3 from downtown.
• Ray Allen stepped up offensively in the absense of Pierce with 27 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals. He only hit one three but was 8 of his 9 free throws. If Pierce misses extended time Allen needs to step up or risk having his $18 million contract shipped off to another team.
• Kevin Garnett had his best game in a while with 14 points, 6 rebounds, and 9 assists. KG played great out of the gate and lets hope he continues to keep his feet underneath him. Doc Rivers limited him to about 30 minutes again.
• Kendrick Perkins dominated the interior of the Heat tonight with 13 points, 5 rebounds and 2 blocks.
• Tony Allen started in place of the The Truth and played 28 foul plauged minutes. He only scored 6 points while chipping in 6 rebounds, 2 steals, and 2 turnovers. Eddie House stepped up off the bench for 16 efficient points with 2 threes in 24 minutes.

It was a closer game than it should have been, and while the Heat shot a better percentage from the floor, the Celtics hit 10 more free throws than the Heat. The Celtics executed down the stretch and pulled away in the end with Ray Allen hitting clutch shots and free throws.

A game against the New Jersey Nets approaches Friday. Don't expect Pierce to play, and we believe it's realistic he could be out through the All-Star Break (after President's Day weekend) in order to rest up his sprained foot.