Nov

11

Celtics Pierce Raptors Hopes With Second Half Come Back Win 94-87

Posted by Jeff Sack under NBA Game Recap 

Paul Pierce brought the Boston Celtics back from the edge of the abyss Monday night, as he scored 22 of his game high 36 points in the fourth quarter, keying a come from behind victory over the Toronto Raptors 94-87.  Toronto led for most of the contest, holding a six point advantage after three quarters. But Pierce with the crowd at the “New Garden” behind him would lead the “Green Team” to victory.

Except for a 14 second period, the Raptors led the Celtics the entire first quarter, having a 23-18 lead at the end of the period. Toronto had the lead up to 16 points during the second quarter, and still had a healthy advantage over Boston at the half as the score was 48-36.  The Celtics chipped away at the Raptors lead during the third getting it down to as small as 4 points, but they trailed at the end of the quarter 65-59. Jason Kapono opened the fourth for the Raptors hitting a mid range jumper giving his team an 8 point lead at 67-59.

That is when Pierce seemed to shake himself awake and take over the contest. Pierce would score 14 of Boston’s next 17 points bringing them within 1 point at 77-76 with 5:13 left in the game. Eddie House would then hit a 25 foot trey, giving the Celtics their first lead since early in the first quarter 79-77 with 4:45 remaining. The lead went back and forth over the next few possessions, and the teams were deadlocked at 84-84 with less than 2 minutes left in regulation. Pierce had one more offensive run left in him, scoring 8 of Boston’s final 10 points to win the game.

Pierce shot 10-22 from the field, 4-7 from outside the arc, and 12-14 at the line for a game high 36 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists. Kevin Garnett recorded a double-double, 21 points, 10 boards, 3 assists, 1 block, Ray Allen scored 19 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal.

Jermaine O’Neal is fitting in quite well with the Raptors, as evidenced by this game, as the center had a double-double, 23 points, 11 boards, 5 assists. Anthony Parker scored 15 points, for the Raptors, Jason Kapono came in from the bench and contributed 14 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds. The victory improves Boston’s record to 7-1, Toronto is now 4-3.

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