Feb

20

Celtics Lose Big Ticket, Then Lose Game; Jazz Win 90-85

Posted by Jeff Sack under NBA Game Recap 

Thursday night was not a great way for the Boston Celtics to return from the All-Star break. The “Green Team” found themselves in Utah in the Energy Solutions Arena to take on the Jazz. Things began well enough for Boston in the opening period. However the Celtics lost the “Big Ticket” Kevin Garnett in the second when he left the contest for good after straining his right knee. The Jazz would literally add insult to injury when they came back with a huge fourth quarter to defeat Boston 90-85. Utah center Mehmet Okur led his club with 19 points, and Deron Williams recorded a double-double, and was a key factor down the stretch.

Utah appeared to have left their offense in the locker room in the first as the Celtics took a 22-13 advantage at the end of the quarter. The Jazz came back in the second, and after Garnett injured his knee when he landed badly they would cut the Boston lead at the half to just 1 point 39-38. With 17 seconds to play in the third Paul Pierce connected on a mid-range jumper, and the Celtics were on top 66-60 at the end of the period. Paul Millsap drained a shot 15 feet from the hoop, was fouled on the play, and hit the shot at the line, to give the jazz the lead at 77-76 with 5:43 left in the game. The lead volleyed back and forth until with 1:00 to play veteran Matt Harpring knocked down a mid range shot putting Utah ahead to stay at 85-83.

Mehmet Okur had 19 points, 6 rebounds, and 1 block, while Deron Williams recorded a double-double, 18 points, 10 assists, and 3 rebounds. Ronnie Brewer scored 16 points, 4 rebounds, 4 steals, and 1 block, Andrei Kirilenko added 13 points, 2 rebounds, 1 block, and 1 steal.

Paul Pierce led all players with 20 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists, while Rajon Rondo dropped 15 points, 7 assists, and 1 rebound. Kendrick Perkins recorded a double-double, 12 points, 3 blocks, 2 assists, and 1 steal, Ray Allen added 12 points, 4 rebounds, 2 blocks, and 1 assist. Utah now is 32-23, Boston has a 44-12 record.

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