Bobcats Go Down Fighting Celtics Win 89-84

Posted by Jeff Sack under NBA Game Recap

The Boston Celtics defeated the Charlotte Bobcats Saturday night, but the Bobcats did not make it easy as the Celtics won 89-84. Charlotte behind their two stars Jason Richardson and Gerald Wallace kept the game tight until the end. But the reigning NBA Champs had six players score in double figures, including a double-double from center Kendrick Perkins to get the win.

Charlotte Bobcats head coach Larry Brown stole the job from last year’s rookie head coach Sam Vincent. Vincent deserved at least to coach this season, the second of his two year contract with the Bobcats. For the first time since joining the Association, the Bobcats looked like a real NBA team at times last season. But when Brown announced his intention to return to coaching, Vincent was gone, and Brown was installed in his stead.

Larry Brown has a huge upside. Whether you love the “Nomad of the NBA” or despise him you have to admit the man know how to win. (Except with the New York Knicks, but that is “Bizarro World” see Team Dysfunctional The Next Generation: Knicks Suspend Marbury for further details.) However you have to realize when you hire him, he may not be there for long. If Brown feels slighted, or unappreciated, he wants out. Every NBA General Manager looks at Larry Brown like one of those mythical wild stallions from out of the days of the “Old West.” If you can “tame him” he is one of the best in his profession. The question remains, can you keep him long enough for your team to get to the next level?

Charlotte held the hot hand in the first leading 22-17 at the end of the quarter. The Bobcats stayed on top until Tony Allen drove the lane putting the ball up and in, tying the game at 34-34 with 7:03 left in the second. Boston scored the last 4 points of the period, as Perkins slammed the ball through the cylinder, and Ray Allen hit a mid-range jumper. The Celtics had a slim 45-43 lead at half time. The “Green Team” led the entire third quarter and ended the period ahead 66-62. After falling quickly behind to start the fourth Gerald Wallace would tie the contest at 75-75 and 77-77 with consecutive buckets. Boston was able to put enough distance between the two teams after the second tie to hold on for the win.

Paul Pierce who had a rather quite week had 19 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block, to lead the way in the Boston victory. Kendrick Perkins recorded a double-double, 15 points, 12 boards, 2 blocks, 1 assist, 1 steal, Ray Allen also put in 15 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 assist. Tony Allen came in off the bench with 11 points, 3 assists, 3 steals, 1 block, Kevin Garrnett scored 10 points, 7 rebounds, 3 blocks, 2 assists, 1 steal. Veteran Eddie House added 10 points, 2 steals, 1 rebound.

Gerald Wallace was the game’s leading scorer throwing down 23 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks, 1 steal. Jason Richardson scored 22 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, D.J. Augustin came off the bench with 13 points, 5 assists, 1 steal. Boston improves to 16-2, Charlotte is 5-1.

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