The Celtics blew a late lead, and Rajon Rondo missed a pair of free throws to put the game away, as the Clippers stunned the Celtics 92-90.
Clippers 92, Celtics 90
Staples Center, Los Angeles, Calif.
Dec. 27, 2009
Headliner: Baron Davis was neutralized by Rajon Rondo throughout the entire game … until it mattered most. Rondo choked in the clutch with two shots from the line to put the game away, and Davis came up a hero for his team with a game-winning shot with no time left in the game. Davis finished with 24 points, going 7-for-11 from the field and 9-for-9 from the line. He picked up 13 assists in the win and three rebounds.
Unsung hero: Rasual Butler hit three 3-pointers in the game, but the bigges was the game-tying one he hit with 8.5 seconds left. Davis gave up the chance for an easy shot to dish it off to Butler in the corner, and the sharpshooter put it away to tie the game for the first time since the first half.
Scrub: Whenever Rasheed Wallace entered the game, the Clippers seemed to get hot. Wallace was 4-for-16 from the field, 0-for-6 from behind the arc and got rejected by the rim on a dunk. In 24 minutes, he was a minus-8 on the floor.
Turning Point: Tied 90-90 with 1.5 seconds left, Rondo was awarded two free throws after being fouled by Davis. But Rondo missed both shots (and even a third that didn't count), setting up the incredible game-winning shot by Davis as time expired.
Up Next: The Celtics continue their road trip against the Warriors on Monday. After that, the Celtics will face the Suns, who beat them in Boston earlier this season, on Wednesday before heading home. Five of the Celtics' next six games are on the road.
