Big Ticket’s Double-Double Leads Celts Over Nets 86-77

Kevin Garnett recorded a double-double a game high 20 points, 11 rebounds, 3 blocks, 3 assists, and 2 steals, as the Boston Celtics defeated the New Jersey Nets Friday 86-77. The victory was the 30th win of the season for Boston matching the best start in franchise history at 30-4. The feat equals the mark set by the NBA Champion 1959-1960 team.

The game went back and forth for the first three quarters, New Jersey taking the early lead up at the end of the first quarter 30-22, but Boston had a 3 point at the half 47-44. The Nets came out hot offensively in the third as they took back the lead going into the final period 68-63, Boston took their first lead of the fourth at 71-70 and a 13-0 run eventually had them ahead 76-70. New Jersey never was able to mount a challenge.

The “Big Ticket” shot 7-14 from the floor, 6-8 from the line for his game high 20 points, Paul Pierce had another good night, 18 points, 8 boards, 5 assists, 2 blocks, 2 steals, Ray Allen was back in the lineup scoring 16 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists. The Celtics also received 27 points from their bench, 25 from 3 players, Eddie House and James Posey each had 9, while “Big Baby” Glen Davis also returned to the lineup scoring 7 points.

New Jersey was led by Richard Jefferson scoring 17 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, Vince Carter scored 16 points, 4 assists, 3 rebounds. Nice game from Josh Boone who also registered a double-double, 14 points, a game and career high 16 boards, 4 blocks, 2 assists, Jason Kidd just missed a triple-double 11 points, 13 rebounds, 9 assists, 2 steals. And another nice night off the bench from Bostjan Nachbar, 10 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal. Boston leads the NBA at 30-4, New Jersey is now back at .500 18-18.