Pierce Takes Out Anger On Jazz Celtics Win 104-98

The Utah Jazz learned a very important lesson Saturday night about Paul Pierce, you don’t want to play against him when he’s angry. Pierce was held scoreless and without a rebound as he played for more than 19 minutes in the first half. Boston found themselves on the southside of a 56-49 game as they walked into their locker room. Pierce was angry, at himself more than anyone else, and he came back onto the floor like the “Incredible Hulk“ (there is your comic book analogy) but by the end of the game he was a “Jolly Green Giant” as he scored 24 points, in the second half, grabbed 6 boards, 4 assists, 2 steals, 1 block, and Boston walked out of Salt Lake City with a win 104-98 over the Jazz. Ray Allen also scored 23 points for the Green Team in the win. Carlos Boozer and Deron Williams both had double-doubles in the loss for Utah.

Utah grabbed a slim 1 point lead at 29-28 at the end of the first quarter, and had increased the lead to 7 points at the half. But Pierce inspired Boston during that second half as the Celtics outscored 55-42 in the second half to seal the win. Pierce’s line was certainly not a thing of beauty as he shot 6-17 from the floor, 2-4 from outside the arc, and 10-11 from the line. Allen along with his 23 points, had 4 rebounds, 3 assists, Kevin Garnett scored 15 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists. Kendrick Perkins scored 11 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist, and Tony Allen scored 10 points off the bench, 3 steals.

Utah shot an incredible 54.8% from the floor for the game and still lost! Deron Williams led six Jazz players in double figures, with 22 points, 11 assists, 1 rebound, Boozer had 19 points, 11 rebounds, 2 assists 1 block. Mehmet Okur scored 14 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 blocks, 1 steal, C.J. Miles scored 11 points, 2 steals, 2 rebounds, 1 assist. Veteran Matt Harpring scored 11 points coming off the bench, 2 blocks, 1 steal, and Paul Milsap scored 10 off the bench, 5 rebounds, 2 blocks, 1 steal. Boston has a league best record of 25-3, while Utah despite their talent is 16-16.