If you were told that the Celtics would make just one 3-pointer on the road, and Brian Scalabrine would make it, would you think the C's could win the game? Well that is exactly what happened on Saturday in New Jersey, as Scal made the only three for the Green.
Celtics 86, Nets 76
Izod Center, East Rutherford, N.J.
Nov. 7, 2009
Headliner: Three Celtics finished the game with double-digit point totals, but Paul Pierce had the most complete game of the three. Pierce finished with 16 points and seven assists to pace the C's offense, and he shot 6-of-7 from the line. Pierce was 5-of-8 shooting in 32 minutes of play and tied for the team lead in points with Rajon Rondo.
Unsung Hero: On a night where the Celtics' superstars didn't put up gaudy numbers, the bench came to the rescue. Rasheed Wallace, Eddie House, Brian Scalabrine and Shelden Williams combined to score 24 points and finish with a combined plus-44 rating. The bench was also a perfect 9-for-9 from the line.
Scrub: The Celtics shouldn't be in close games with the Nets, even if it is in New Jersey. And after losing to the Suns on Friday, the Celtics were
given a run for their money by the rebuilding Nets as they trailed by
two heading into the fourth quarter. A lot of the blame can be put on
the Celtics shooting from behind the arc since they went just 1-for-10
from 3-point land. But as bad as the Celtics' 3-point shooting was,
they were still able to come away with a road win despite their many
misses.
Turning Point: Trailing 61-59 entering the fourth quarter, the Celtics got back to playing their game with enough time left to put the Nets away. The Celtics jumped out early in the final quarter to put the home team on their heels and once they were able to put the pressure on the inexperienced Nets, the game was theirs. A 5-0 run to start the fourth gave the Celtics the lead they needed, as they would end up outscoring the Nets by 12 over the last 12 minutes.
Up Next: After four games in five nights, the Celtics have three days off before
hosting the Jazz at the TD Garden. Following the Jazz, the C's will
face the Hawks and Pacers on back-to-back nights next Friday and
Saturday. With another round of three games in four nights, the Celtics
could certainly use the next three days to rest up for the grueling
week ahead.
