Feb

12

Celtics Swat Down Hornets 89-77

Posted by Jeff Sack under NBA Game Recap 

Paul and Paul 2.11a

Paul Pierce led the Boston Celtics Wednesday night with a game high 30 points, and the “Green Team” shut down the New Orleans Hornets in the fourth quarter at  the New Orleans Arena leading to an 89-77 victory. Boston won the game despite the return of Hornets All-Star point guard Chris Paul, who was on the court after missing 4 straight games with a groin strain. Boston  lost guard Ray Allen as he suffered what is being described as a  hyper-extended right thumb during the game. He is expected to be able to play Thursday night as Boston will face the Dallas Mavericks.

Paul did look rusty especially early in the contest, the Celtics would hold a slim 23-21 lead at the conclusion of the first quarter. Paul seemed to become more comfortable on the court during the second, and the Hornets would take the upper hand as the game reached the half with New Orleans on top 44-42.

The Hornets would lead for most of the third, however Leon Powe sank a pair at the line with 5 seconds to play, and the two opponents were knotted up at 64-64. Eddie House drained a 25 foot trey with 11:42 remaining in the game giving Boston a 67-64 lead, which the Celtics would never surrender. House would  hit another shot from outside the arc with 7:26 to play putting Boston on top 79-67. New Orleans was never able to recover.

Paul Pierce had 30 points, 4 assists, 3 rebounds, and 1 block, while Kevin Garnett recorded a double-double, 14 points, 10 boards, 2 assists, and 1 steal. Eddie House came off the bench with 12 points, and 2 steals, while Leon Powe scored 11 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal. Rajon Rondo scored just 6 points, however he more than made up for it with 11 assists, 8 rebounds, and 3 steals.

David West was the leading scorer for the Hornets with 15 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 block. Hilton Armstrong scored 14 points, 5 rebounds, 2 blocks, and 1 assist, while Chris Paul’s totals were far below his season averages as he added 13 points, 5 assists, 2 rebounds, and 1 steal. Boston improves to 43-11, New Orleans now has a 30-20 record.

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