Boston Celtics might not be headed for the playoffs this season but, by now, they must have proved to themselves that they could be, if they keep playing the right way.
In this matinee game, they were off to their usual red hot start, leading the Wizards, 53-36, at halftime. This is the lowest score they have allowed their opponents after two quarters this season, and might be a sign that their defense is starting to kick in.
Point guard Rajon Rondo led the charge with 11 points, five assists, and four rebounds in the first half.
Both teams had trouble getting the ball in the hoop from inside the paint and had to rely on outside shooting. In the first half, the Celtics were just a little bit more effective.
After the break, the Celtics were able to hang on to the lead in the third quarter, even though the Wizards were able to slow down the game.
Then the fourth quarter started way too familiar for this Celtics team this season. Going in with an 18-point lead, they found themselves ahead by only six after three minutes. Rasual Butler hit three three-pointers in a row followed by a Nene bucket and two triples from Paul Pierce, while the Wizards defense was able to keep the Celtics from getting good shots.
The Celtics picked up the defense and got some stops to turn the lead up to 12 again, before they hit a four minute scoring drought that only ended with two costless throws made by Tyler Zeller at the three minute mark. The Wizards were able to cut the deficit to two points during those four minutes.
The Celtics held on to the lead, but it was a one possession game right until 37 seconds left on the clock, when Avery Bradley hit a three pointer on a fast break, where the Celtics were able to push the ball after a Washington basket. After that it was game over, since Washington failed to score on their following possessions, while Jeff Green secured the game with a layup and two made costless throws in the last 22 seconds to make it, 101-93.
Green led all scorers with 25 points, while Washington's Rasual Butler had 22 points off the bench. Boston also had good help from the bench in the shape of Marcus Thornton who had a season-high 21 points. Rajon Rondo finished with a triple-double, putting in 13 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists.
It was the first quality win of the season for Boston, who is now 7-11 and on their first three-game winning streak since February. Washington is 13-6.
Washington can already get their revenge tomorrow night at home, since this was the first of a home-and-home meeting between the two teams.
