Celtics Play Hard but Come Up Short

There was every reason that the Celtics would get blown out in this game. The Mavs are best team in the league right now. They lost the last 2 games and listed this as a must win game for them. They came at us strong but the Celtics played them even most of the game, giving the Mavs all they could handle and making them work hard for the 106-101 victory.

There were bright spots all around. Pierce scored 29 points on 11-20 shooting and had 5 rebounds, 8 assists and 1 steal. Green had a new career high with 25 points with 5 rebounds, 2 assists and 3 steals and played some good defense. Scal didn’t play as he left to be with his wife who is having a baby.

Al had a very strong game and finished with a double double, 20 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 blocks. Perk played great defense in the paint and finished with 2 points, 10 rebounds and 1 assist. Powe played 19 minutes and pulled down 2 rebounds and had 1 assist and 1 steal. But he played great defense on Dirk and pretty much shut him down in the first half when he was covering him. But for some reason, Doc went away from both Perk and Powe in the second half and Dirk was able to pick up his game. I have to think that Doc should have gone to Powe and Perk more in the second half to try to guard Dirk since he did such a good job on him in the first half.

Rondo started at the point but played only 14 minutes. He finished with 2 points, 2 assists, 1 steal and 4 turnovers that included a couple of travels. Telfair came in for 12 minutes and finished with 5 points, 1 assist and 1 steal. West played the point for most of the 4th quarter. He had an off shooting night hitting just 3-12 shots and finished with 10 points, 2 rebounds, 7 assists and 1 steal. Ray played 22 minutes, a few of which were at the point and finished with 8 points, 1 rebound and 1 assist.

This win was nothing to be ashamed of. The Celtics played hard and gave the Mavs all they could handle and made them earn this win. We led by 10 at the half and were in the game all the way through. We saw some good play from our young players and the Mavs announcers were very impressed with Perk, Al, Powe, and Green. Hopefully we can keep this intensity up tomorrow night and if so, we may have a chance to finally break the streak in San Antonio

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