Early last season, the Celtics went up 40 points in the first half and ripped through the Nuggets at home. They almost did it again, this time in Denver and this time without Kevin Garnett. It was an amazing performance.
The Nuggets worst home loss in ten years was a 38 point pasting at the hands of the NBA Champions and tied for the second worst home loss since the Nuggets joined the NBA in 1976.
With Kevin Garnett out, the Celtics have come together. Cue the Beatles. Other players are stepping up to show the depth and discipline of this team, at least in these first two games without their defensive leader. This was an impressive win against a good team. The blow out allowed Doc to keep Paul’s (33), Ray’s (33), and Rondo’s (31) minutes down.
Rondo Reverses Roles
Rondo has noticeably stepped up his game as he flirted with another triple double with 14 points, 8 assists, and 8 rebounds in 31 minutes of masterful work. It wasn’t that long ago when the Celtics played Detroit in the play-offs and Chauncey Billups consistently schooled Rondo.
How times have changed. Rondo was 1 for 8 in the first meeting of these two teams this year. This time Rondo bottled up Billups, holding him to three points, five assists, zero rebounds and 4 turnovers, while putting together his own stat filling performance.
Billups was so frustrated, he received a technical foul in the first half. Denver announcers said that, at one point, Billups was angry and emphatically urging his team mates to match the Celtics’ intensity and rugged play.
Ray Allen scored consistently well all game, and led the team with 26 points on 8 of 15 shooting, including 6 of 11 three pointers. Paul Pierce supported with 22 points on 8 of 18 shooting with 4 of 7 from the three point line.
These past two games show the depth of the Celtics and the difference between the Men in Green and most other teams. They still have two lethal scorers if one of the Big Three go out with injury. They also continue to play as a team, no matter what the score is.
Leon Powe, Glen Davis and Brian Scalabrine have played excellent ball in KG’s absence. In this game, they combined for 29 points, led by Leon’s 16 points. Their defense was excellent. Glen Davis drew three charges and played solid defense all night, helping to hold Kenyon Martin to just 5 points and 6 rebounds
Ray Allen and Rondo went to work in the first quarter for 8 and 11 points as the Cs jumped out to a 25-11 lead. The Nuggets closed to within 20-29 by the end of the first period on the strength of Carmelo’s 9 and J.R. Smith’s 7 points.
Boston worked the lead up to 49-34 with 3 minutes left in the half. They then went on a 11-3 run to close the half. In response to Billups admonitions for tougher play, Kenyon Martin fouled Ray Allen hard on a lay-up attempt. It was called a flagrant 1, and Allen hit the two shots to give Boston it’s first 20 point lead at 56-36.
The Celtics would extend the to 33 points in the third quarter, before both teams sent in the irregulars. J.R. Giddens hit his first NBA basket and finished with 4 points. Doc Rivers retrieved
the game ball, I assume, to give it to Giddens.
All twelve Celtics played, scored, and had an assist or a rebound. Eddie House scored all eight of his points in the fourth quarter.
Brian Takes a Hit
Scabrine did not play after the first quarter after getting a neck injury from Johan Petro falling on him after a pump fake underneath. Brian hit the two foul shots and was replaced by Glen Davis.
The Celtics definitely caught the Nuggets napping after a 19 day, 8 game road trip with the All Star break in between. The Nuggets are also missing their center Nene Hilario (bruised knee). The Nuggets have lost three straight and have allowed 116, 120, and now 114 points.
The Beantown Ballers are in the final week of their longest road trip as well and don’t return home until Friday Feb. 27th. Boston has the best road record in the league at
The Numbers
Ray Allen drained 26 points with 6 rebounds, an assist, and a blocked shot.
Paul Pierce bombed in 22 points, with 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and a blocked shot.
Rajon Rondo’s 14 points, 8 assists, 8 boards also had a steal and a block.
Kendrick Perkins added 7 rebounds, 5 assists, a steal and a block.
Gabe Pruitt added 5 points, 3 assists, 2 rebounds in 17 minutes.
The Nuggets were led by J. R. Smith who came off the bench, but led the Nuggets with 39 minutes and 19 points.
Unusual Stats of the Night
The Celtics had only 10 turnovers.
The Cs outrebounded the Nuggets by 46-38
Kendrick Perkins has at least 3 turnovers for 4 straight games.
Summary
The Celtics clearly caught a good team on an off night. But the Celtics took full advantage of the situation and put this one away early. The bench continues to impress and Rondo has joined the Big Three as one who carries a heavy load every game.
The Celtics have come together, as Ray and Paul are getting a little help from their friends on this magical mystery tour. Oh yes, I really did say that.
