The Melt Down Continues, Celtics Lose At Home To Rockets 89-85

Posted by Jeff Sack under NBA Game Recap

Since Christmas Day following the Boston Celtics, has been eerily similar to watching the Wall Street crash towards the end of September. The Celtics have been in melt down mode, ever since starting their West Coast road trip with a loss against the L.A. Lakers on Christmas. A team that looked quite near invincible, has resembled a punching bag during this period, their latest embarrassment coming Wednesday night losing to the Houston Rockets at the “New Garden“ by the score of 89-85. Von Wafer would put the Rockets on top in the contest’s final seconds, but Boston lost this game by scoring just 11 points in the final 12 minutes of play. The Celtics have now lost 6 out of their last 8 games, this was the first loss at home for the club since losing on November 14, to the Denver Nuggets.

On Christmas morning visions of NBA Finals danced in the heads of the “Green Team” after waking up with a 27-2 record. Since then Boston head coach Doc Rivers must be feeling like former Indianapolis Colts coach Jim Mora did when he was asked about his teams making the NFL Playoffs in 2001. Rivers would most likely respond to any talk of a return trip the Association’s Championship round by saying “Finals? Don’t talk about Finals. You kidding me? Finals? I just hope we can win a game!”

The “Green Team” up until Wednesday night had confined their losing to road games. Besides losing to the Lakers, they lost to the Golden State Warriors, the New York Knicks, and on Tuesday night they lost to the Charlotte Bobcats. However their melt down is now happening in the usually friendly confines of the “New Garden.” The Houston Rockets are certainly a far superior opponent to the three lottery bound teams they lost to away from home. However you could see in the Celtics body language and demeanor in the fourth quarter, that their confidence is being effected. They were pressing during the final 12 minutes of play they allowed the moment to master them rather than mastering the moment. Things will not get easier in their next game Friday night as the Cleveland Cavaliers come to Boston. The Cavaliers have the best record in the Association at 28-6, having defeated the Charlotte Bobcats in Cleveland Wednesday night 111-81.

The Celtics looked strong in the first and held a 31-22 lead at the end of the first. The Rockets blasted off in the second taking the lead 50-48 with 1:40 to play when “Tru Warrior” Ron Artest drained a 25 foot trey. Houston would maintain their advantage at the half walking into the locker room on top 52-49.

The Celtics looked re-energized late in the third as Paul Pierce hit a three point shot 24 feet away from the hoop with 3:48 left in the period, putting his club up 68-66. Boston held onto the lead at the end of the quarter in a 74-71 game. The lead volleyed back and forth in the final period, when Rajon Rondo drove the lane putting the ball up and in giving the Celtics an 85-84 edge. Von Wafer would sink the final dagger with 43 seconds to play when he drained a three point shot, giving the Rockets the lead for good at 87-85.

Houston center Yao Ming led his team with 26 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 blocks, while Aaron Brooks came off the bench and added 19 points, 4 assists, 3 rebounds, and 1 steal. Ron Artest scored 17 points, 4 assists, 3 rebounds, and 3 steals, while Von Wafer chipped in with 12 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 assist.

The Boston “Blue Chip” players other wise know as the “Big Three” have held their own during the crisis, however most of the other players have not met expectations. Paul Pierce scored 26 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 steal, while Kevin Garnett dropped 18 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block, and 1 steal. Ray Allen had 13 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals, while Glen Davis took advantage of his extended playing time as he put up 12 points, and 2 rebounds. Houston improves to 22-15, Boston is now 29-8.

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