CELTICS GREEN BLOG by and for boston celtics fans: Celtics Win 3rd In a Row on the Road

December 14, 2006

It wasn't pretty but it was a win on the road, and the third win on the road in a row. The Celts were a bit flat in the first half, leading by only 2 at the half. But they came out more focused in the second half and built a lead and held onto it for a 101 to 81 win. We had 5 players in double figures and kept our turnovers down to only 12, mostly in the first half.

Tony Allen was the player of the game and the winner of the Tommy Award. He came out aggressive from the beginning and played very well on both ends of the court. He finished with 16 points with 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Gomes once again had a solid game. We just take his play for granted because he does it night in and night out. Tonight he finished with 18 points on 7 of 10 shooting to go with 7 rebounds.

Pierce was double and triple teamed all night and to his credit he didn't try to force things and finished with 18 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists to go with his customary 3 turnovers. He let the game come to him for the most part and that was a good thing. His teammates picked up the slack and came through. Al once again had a good game. He finished with 6 points, 13 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 blocks. He played solid defense in the center against Dalembert as well.

Gerald played only 16 minutes but played very solid defense on Korver holding him to 7 points on 3 of 14 shooting. It was probably his best defensive game of his career. He also had a highlight reel dunk where he flew in on the baseline to slam it home. Rondo only got 6 minutes but had 4 points, one on a drive and one on an 18 footer, and 2 steals. As always when he comes into the game he brings energy and just picks up the game. Telfair had an off game but West played more minutes at the point.

After sitting out yesterday's practice with a bruised tailbone, West came in and played hard, scrapping for loose balls and taking it hard to the basket. He finished with 13 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, a steal and a blocked shot. He played most of his minutes at the point but moved over to the 2 for periods as well. One thing I noticed about West at the point is that he dribbles way too much. Wally came off the bench and shook off early rust to score 14 points to go with 3 rebounds and 3 assists. Although players aren't supposed to lose their starting spot because of an injury, I really feel that this team is better with Wally coming off the bench and hope that Doc will consider it for future games.

Powe played only 7 minutes but finished with 2 points and 3 rebounds. This kid is a player and will really help us if he would only get consistent minutes. Scal played twice as many minutes and finished with 2 points and 2 rebounds. Scal hasn't been bad this season, I just think Powe could be so much better. Allan Ray got some of the very few cheers of the night when he came into the game in the 4th quarter.

It was a good win. Even though it has been against less than stellar competition, a 3 game win streak is a 3 game win streak and with all 3 wins coming on the road and against division rivals, that makes it even sweeter. I think this team is starting to come together and is showing why we don't need to get Iverson. Al is coming into his own as are several other players when they get the minutes. I think this is the beginning of something good.

[Box Score]
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