Boston Sports Then and Now

Rajon Rondo helped the Celtics break their 2 game losing streak.

I would not classify the Celtics 109-95 victory, over the Warriors on Wednesday night, a nail biter. There were, however, tense and shaky moments early on. The Celtics started the game in usual fashion, struggling on defense and faltering on offense. The C’s (9-3) starters again lacked any continuity in the first two quarters as they were, once again out-rebounded by a feather-weight Warriors front line. A TV shot of Danny Ainge’s hanging head summed up the frustrations and befuddlement of the players, front office and fans.

Boston took a one point lead into the half that left the Garden crowd scratching their head’s as they shuffled to the concessions during the break. As the faithful were replenishing on Miller lites and popcorn, discussing the Celtics continued struggles, a different type of discussion was taking place in the Celtics locker room.

Captain Paul Pierce had seen enough of his team’s feeble play in the last several games and voiced his feelings to his team. After the game, KG told reports that the players took the Captains rallying cry to heart and responded. Pierce added that his knee feels good and he will continue to get treatment until he is 100 percent.

At the start of the third quarter you could feel the tension rising among the frustrated Celtics players. Rasheed Wallace barked motivational remarks to Perk during huddles, insisting that Kendrick can scored with ease in the paint against the depleted Warriors team. Garnett shouted expletives to himself on each successful play. Sheed took his own advise, making rare appearances in the paint and scoring at will. As the game edges closer and closer, the tension in the Garden mirrored the players and was evident through the TV as the grumbling echoed louder and louder.

Pierce’s call to duty seemed to resonate most with Rajon Rondo (18 points, 7 rebound, 12 assists). The 55 million dollar man proved he was worth every bill in his paycheck, exploding on offense, pestering on defense and, most importantly, setting a tone that spilled over to the other Celtics players. Rondo’s ability to take over games with speed, quickness, defense and offensive play-making continues to prove to the league that he is a top point guard. He even hit a three-point shot and a free throw (1-4). Rondo’s facial expression, caught on film by CSN, after hitting a free throw (he had missed 10 straight) was priceless. Rondo’s struggles from the line (25 percent) shows that their are area’s of his game that still need improvement, however, on this evening he once again showed his worth to this team.

Rondo’s leadership led to a barrage of three-point knock downs by Sheed (8 points), Pierce (19 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists) and House (11 points, 3-5 from downtown). The Celtics finished the third out-scoring the Warriors 31-19. The third quarter was a flash-back to the Celtics first four games of the season.

Perkins had enough of the Celtics lackluster play of late.

Kendrick Perkins, recently becoming the voice of this team, backed up his harsh statement recently about the C’s lack of intensity. Perkins (15 points, 7 rebounds, 2 blocks) , adding stability, remained on the floor even after the Celtics had blossomed their lead to 17 in the fourth. As a side-note– Perkins is starting to really remind me of Robert Parish, providing reliable scoring in the paint and never lacking to voice his opinion in the press room. Perk has a long way to go to reach the Chief’s stature but he is on his way.

The undermanned and turmoil ridden Warriors put up a valiant effort with five players in double digits and scoring runs that have become indicative of the Don Nelson philosophy over the years. My boy, Tommy Heinsohn, never fails to mention when Nellie comes to town that he adopted this style from playing for Heinsohn’s Celtics team’s of the 70’s. Unfortunately, Nelson’s job seems to be in jeopardy as his youthful players seem to be resistant to his principals.

Corey Maggette led the way for Golden State with 23 points and 6 rebounds. Stephen Curry added 13 points and 7 assists. Former Celtic, Mikki Moore, chipped in with 6 points and 3 fouls (2 in the first 2 minutes of the game), proving that Mikki is the nicest foul machine in the league.

All in all, this game was merely an exhibition match for the C’s who are trying to get back on track before the main event Friday night against Orlando.

Nick Gelso covers the Boston Celtics and NBA for Boston Sports Then and Now. You can check out more of his great work on his blog: North Station Sports.