Celtics Play Major Defense,Dethrone Kings 89-69

The Boston Celtics Wednesday night had four of their five starters in double figures, but it was defense that won the contest for them as the Sacramento Kings had just one quarter in which the first digit in their scoring total was a crooked number, as Boston dominated 89-69. The Kings were held to just 13 points in a quarter?twice in the game, and scored just 16 points in the first quarter, as the Celtics may have played their best defensive game of the campaign. The win starts a four game West Coast swing, for Boston, they will play Thursday night in Seattle,?Saturday in Utah, and will be at the Staples?Center Sunday to face off against the Lakers.

The game started out slowly, as Boston led 18-16 at the end of the first quarter, but increased the lead to 53-29 at the half. The third quarter, was the polar opposite of the second quarter, as Sacramento had their only good quarter of the game, while the Celtics could not put the ball in the basket, and the lead was down to 10 points, heading into the final quarter 66-56. But Sacramento, once again fell apart in the final quarter, as Boston outscored them 23-13 to account for the final margin.

Ray Allen led all scorers, with 17 points, 3 steals, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, Paul Pierce scored 16 points, 6 assists, 4 boards in the win. Kevin Garnett had a double-double for Boston 14 points, 10 rebounds, 2 steals, 2?assists, 1 block, Rajon Rondo scored 13 points, 4 steals, 4 rebounds, 3 assists. James Posey again was a big contributor for the Celtics off the bench, 11 points, 6 rebounds, 1 block, 1 assist, 1 steal.

“Tru-Warrior” Ron Artest led the way for the Kings as he shot 4-15 from the floor, but 7-9 from the line for a team high 15 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 assist. John Salmons had another nice game for the Sacramento scoring 13 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks, 2 steals. Francisco Garcia was the only other Kings player in double figures, scoring 12 points from the bench, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 1 block. Boston is now at a league best 23-3, while Sacramento is now 11-16.