Celtics Central

The Celtics easily beat a decimated Los Angeles Clippers team 104-76 last night.

I tried to think of a clever title, but there was little clever about the game. Celtic fans can remember games like these last year, except that the boys in green were playing out the string. 48 minutes and done.

It as kind of like a practice game. The Clippers are 19-35 and already have little to play for in a strong western conference. With little used Aaron Williams as the starting center, and Sam Cassell, ‘career year’ Chris Kaman both out, and Elton Brand and Livingston on the shelf for the season, the Clippers played like they knew they would have little chance against the league’s top team, especially when the men in green were determined to make up for starting the 5 game road trip with 3 straight losses. Two wins to finish were at least some consolation.

There was a first, as James Posey tied Paul Pierce for game honors in scoring with 17. He did it in 21 minutes with 6-8 from the floor and 4-6 from downtown. James added 5 rebounds and 2 steals.

The Celtics toyed with an anemic Clipper squad, as they concentrated on stopping Corey Maggette, knowing that there few were answers after him. Maggette had only 3 points at half time and finished with 11. In their last meeting, Maggette had 33.

The Celtics put the game away in the 3rd, outscoring the Clippers 32-21, for a 77-57 lead going into the 4th. Paul Pierce had 9 and Ray Allen 8 in the decisive 3rd quarter.

The Celtics defense looked good, though they did allow a weakened Clipper team 30 points in the paint. I’d have to assume that most of that occurred with Perkins and Garnett on the bench. Garnett only played 23:26 minutes, but scored 11 points, 6 boards, 4 assists, 4 blocks and a steal.

Ray Allen was right behind Pierce and Posey with 15 points, but led the team with 7 assists and had 4 rebounds, a steal and a block.

Kendrick Perkins had 9 rebounds, and 6 points on a perfect 3-3 in 21 minutes.

Nine of the 11 players who played each had a steal, as they played the passing lanes well. The lead ballooned to 29 at one point, and it time to coast home after that.

Most of the team played well, but were hardly challenged by a sedated Clipper squad. There were many open looks from the perimeter, so most any misses were uncontested, as were the makes.

This was a Gabe Pruitt sighting game as Gabe played over 9 minutes and did well, scoring 6 points on 3-4 and had an assist and a steal, though the game was well decided and players were already mentally at whatever party or restaurant they planned on going to afterwards.

The Celtics head home among rumors that Cassell particularly, might be released and headed to their team. Boston plays the revamped Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday night

Sorry for the delay. I watched a tape delayed version of the game, and re-watched parts of it, though I’m not sure why.