Photo by Michelle V. Agins/The New York Times
With a curiosity around the state of the Boston Celtics (14-13), Doc River’s made a statement in dominating fashion finishing the Brooklyn Nets (14-13) this time around 93-76.
Leading scorers not needed:
Recently, games would be around the name Paul Pierce, but Tuesday’s performance was behind rookie Jared Sullinger aka “big fat guy playing basketball” (according to Doc Rivers), Jeff Green, and Rajon Rondo.
Sullinger’s frequent struggles were irrelevant in the Barclay Center after he presented an enormous Christmas gift to the green team tallying for 16 points, seven rebounds, and one block.
Photo by AP
“Just because I had more points than I have in the past doesn’t mean it’s my best game,” Sullinger said. “I’m still learning how to play with this group, still learning how to fit in. But I have to say it was a lot of fun out there.” (Via Boston.com)
“Jared was wonderful. He’s such a smart player. When you watch him, you don’t see rookie,” said a smiling Rivers. (Via Boston Globe)
Another member of the Celtics’ supporting cast came to the table on Tuesday, swingman Jeff Green. After missing some time in Friday’s overtime loss, the four-year forward resumed his consistent play posting 15 points, three rebounds, and two assists.
The only starter that really showed productivity was Rajon Rondo. The elite point guard’s play was the aggressive Rondo who carries the team to the basket as well as defensive efficiency against Deron Williams. Boston’s general posted 19 points, five assists, six rebounds, and three steals.
The rest of the starting five’s contribution was prominent but highlighted:
Paul Pierce: eight points, five rebounds, and 10 assistsKevin Garnett: eight points and 10 rebounds
Jason Terry: 11 points and four assists
Jason Collins: four points and four rebounds
“He held my shorts…”:
While the story of the game was Boston’s bench contribution, the side story was the second consecutive fight between
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these two teams. Tuesday’s tension came from Gerald Wallace tugging and grabbing Kevin Garnett’s shorts. The on-going grasp caused Garnett to smack down on Gerald Wallace’s hand in hope of a release. In result of the little scruff, Celtics power forward and Nets small forward both received a technical foul for their actions.
This was not as major as the fight on November 28th but it is another step with these two teams making this a potential rivalry. Brooklyn’s chippy motions this time around may have been due to their inconsistent play and aggravation as Deron Williams and company just simply can’t find any momentum.
With a lot of bad blood between these two teams they will not meet again until the end of the season. We will see what they have in stored down the stretch.
