Dec

23

Celtics Second Half Surge Pushes Them Past Pacers 103-94!

Posted by Jeff Sack under NBA Game Recap 

Paul Pierce 12.22a

The Boston Celtics had lost their first match-up of the season against the Indiana Pacers on November 14, at Conseco Fieldhouse by a final score of 113-104.  As the Celtics hosted the Pacers Tuesday night at the “New Garden” things did not seem to be going in Boston’s favor. They started the game without the services of the “Big Ticket” All-Star forward Kevin Garnett who was out of the game with a bruised right thigh and they were behind by 15 points at the half. Well Celtics bench boss Doc Rivers must have given quite a motivational speech at the half because the Celtics would come all the way back and win the game 105-94.

Ray Allen led Boston with 23 points but it was Paul Pierce who keyed the second half power surge. Pierce could not hit the ocean if he was standing on the sand in the first half but he would explode in the last 24 minutes of play ending up scoring 21 points. Troy Murphy who may be on the trading block  according to recent rumors may have increased his value as he had a game high 24 points in the loss. 

Momentum was on the side of Indiana in the first half as they came out with guns blazing while Boston looked tepid at best and the Pacers would be on top at the end of the period 28-21. Second verse was pretty much same as the first and Indiana looked like they were headed for a rather lopsided victory as they would head into the locker room at the half with a 57-42 advantage.

We may never find out why when the players returned to the court they looked like two totally different teams than the players who were on the hardwood through the first 24 minutes of play. What ever the cause was the Celtics opened up the third on a 25-9 run taking the lead with 4:45  left in the period 67-66 as Ray Allen  knocked down a trey from 25 feet out. As the period came to an end the two clubs were deadlocked at 77-77. 

With 6:41 left in the game Troy Murphy drained a trey that was also 25 feet from the basket tying the game at 86-86. That would be the last time in the game that Indiana would have a share of the lead as Boston would close out the game on a 17-8 run to win handily. 

Ray Allen led the Celtics attack as he had 23 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block and 1 steal in the victory. Paul Pierce scored 21 points, 6 rebounds, 5 steals and 1 assist while Kendrick Perkins added 19 points, 8 rebounds, 4 blocks and 2 assists. Rajon Rondo came up with 15 points, 9 assists, 6 steals, 1 block and 1 rebound while Eddie House came off the bench and knocked down 10 points.

Troy Murphy recorded a double–double  including a game high 24 points, he  grabbed 18 boards and had 2 assists. Earl Watson scored 18 points and Brandon Rush came off the pine and added 15 more in the loss. Boston now has a record of 22-5 and will next play on Christmas Day as they face the Orlando Magic while Indiana is now 9-18 and will host Atlanta on Saturday.

© Copyright 2009 thesackattack


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