In a game where the Mavericks led 56 to 52 after three quarters, the Celtics dropped 36 points in the fourth, 14 of them coming from Kevin Garnett.
Quote:
"Oh he's a monster, it doesn't matter how old he is. Our game plan was to get Kevin the ball, but that couldn't happen when he picked up some quick fouls. Instead Danny got on track and Rajon had no problem moving the basketball. Kevin was great in the fourth and really was the reason why we won this game." - Doc Rivers
Garnett scored 14 points in the fourth quarter, 9 of them coming from the free throw line. Garnett was able to power himself past guys like Dirk Nowitzki and Sean Marion, who had to fill in for Brendan Haywood because of foul trouble.
Danny Granger scored a game high 27 points and was consistent throughout the game, scoring 11 points in the first half and 16 in the second.
Quote:
"Danny was great tonight. His shot was on and we were able to use him in switches and mismatches on the post. Danny will be the focus of our offense and tonight he showed everyone why he can do that. He's a great player in this league who is always overlooked." - Doc Rivers
Granger shot 13-21, including 1-3 from outside, and pulled other defenders on him when he touched the basketball. Rajon Rondo helped the offense with 13 assists and 15 points, his second double-double of the season.
Quote:
"We were on our game - moving the basketball. If we're able to move the basketball well, we'll win games." - Rajon Rondo
On the other side of the court, the Mavericks were led by Brendan Haywood, who scored 17 points but uncharacteristically only grabbed 5 rebounds. Dirk Nowitzki was good for the Mavs, scoring 16 points and grabbing 11 rebounds.
The 6-2 Celtics will travel to Miami on Thursday, November 11 to avenge their 103-99 opening night loss to Lebron James and the Heat.
After a win in Dallas, Boston flew to Miami and practiced hard with revenge on their mind. Unfortunately the Miami Heat and Lebron James had something different in mind as the Heat rallied back to beat the Celtics 100-97.
The Celtics were up 60-44 at halftime, but whatever happened in that locker room, their shooting went cold in the third quarter.
Quote:
"I don't know what was happening out there, but I know we couldn't throw that basketball in the Atlantic (ocean). After the first half, we talked about Lebron and how he can bring a game back - well he did. We knew what we had to do to stop him and we couldn't." - Doc Rivers
James dropped 27 on the Celtics, but the game high in points belongs to Danny Granger, who scored 30 points while shooting 13 from 19 (68%) from the field.
Quote:
"Danny was great again. After a great game in Dallas, he continued it here. Unfortunately - no one else showed up. I think our defense was great int he first half but in the second we wouldn't be able to stop a CYO team." - Doc Rivers
The Celtics blew their own chance at the end of the game. After stopping Miami, Doc Rivers called a time out with 8 seconds left.
Quote:
"We drew up a play for Danny. Down 94 to 100 - he hit a 3 that brought us within 3. We needed it and we screwed it up." - Doc Rivers
Granger inbounded the ball to Rondo, who made a bad decision and threw the ball back to Granger. Unfortunately for Boston - Lebron James tipped the ball then threw it off of Rondo going out of bounds.
Quote:
"It was a great play by Lebron. We were down early and looked out of it but I told them at half time that we can beat these guys. They've been on the road - we're at home - we can win this game." -Erik Spoelstra
Zydrunas Ilgauskas and Chris Bosh were both limited tonight because of foul trouble, yet both were effective when on the floor. Chris Bosh scored 18 points in 24 minutes while Ilgauskas scored 11 point and grabbed 12 rebounds.
The Celtics take their 1-2 road trip record into Memphis to face off against Rudy Gay and the Memphis Grizzlies.
11-02-2010, 06:39 PM
