The Boston Celtics returned home after a successful 4-game sweep of their western road trip and held off the Houston Rockets 97-93 to win their 7th consecutive game in front of 16,894 at the TD BankNorth Garden.
The Celtics who early on led by 20 points needed a defensive stop, some free throw shooting and some heads up passing in the final minute or so to seal the win over Houston (15-17).
The Green who are now 27-3, that’s right Celtics fans they are 27 and 3, were led by the usual suspects. Kevin Garnett had 26 points, 9 boards and 3 blocks, Paul Pierce put up 19 points, 6 boards and 7 assists, and Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo each pumped in 13 points with Rondo, who returned after missing Sunday’s game with a hamstring injury, adding 9 assists.
The Rockets were paced by Bonzi Wells who had 25 points and 9 rebounds off the bench, Yao Ming who had 19 points and 13 boards and Rafer Alston added 18 points.
If you haven’t watched this team on TV yet you really need to when you get a chance. They are a lot of fun to watch and to give you an idea how long it’s been since I’ve said that I’d go with about 20 years. In fact the NBA and the Celtics haven’t been relevant for me in about 12 or 15 years. I came back this year after they traded for my all-time favorite player in Ray Allen and superstar Kevin Garnett. A combination of having been away from the NBA and the Celtics for so long plus the fact he played for Minnesota I never really knew how good Garnett is. If you still don’t know you owe it to yourself to catch a game. They are that good.
Your next chance is Friday night when the Celtics host Rudy Gay and the Memphis Grizzlies at the TD BankNorth Garden, game time is 7:30.
