Not much to say about this one except to learn from it and move on. The Celtics stayed within 2 in the first quarter but after that, it wasn't even close. Once again, one of the culprits was turnovers as the Celtics gave the ball away 21 times. Another problem was once again their pick and roll defense. That's one thing they have to solve before the season starts because the Heat will eat them alive on the pick and roll if they don't.

Boston Celtics' Paul Pierce (34) drives against Philadelphia 76ers' Spencer Hawes (00) in the first half of an NBA preseason basketball game, Monday Oct. 15, 2012, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/H. Rumph Jr)

The Celtics also shot a horrendous 38% while allowing the Sixers to shoot 49%. The Celtics were out-rebounded 48-42. They had just 20 assists as opposed to 32 assists for the Sixers. They even shot just 11-18 from the line. The concentration just wasn't there. They were outplayed by the Sixers on both ends of the court.


Doc started Rondo, Lee, Pierce, Sully, and Darko. Paul Pierce was a bright spot in the game as he finished with 16 points on 5-10 shooting and was 2-2 from beyond the arc. He also had 6 rebounds and 2 assists but also chipped in 4 turnovers. Rajon Rondo seemed to struggle a bit. He had just 4 points on 2-7 shooting. He also missed his only 2 free throws on the night. He also contributed 2 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 turnovers. Courtney Lee added 4 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist and 2 steals and was the only starter without a turnover.

Boston Celtics' Rajon Rondo (9) shoot over Philadelphia 76ers' Jrue Holiday (11) in the first half of an NBA preseason basketball game, Monday Oct. 15, 2012, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/H. Rumph Jr)

Jared Sullinger had 9 points and 5 assists along with 2 turnovers in 22 minutes of play. Darko started at center and played pretty well, scoring 6 points, pulling down 3 rebounds and blocking 1 shot. He also turned the ball over 3 times. Darko was playing with his wrist taped after tweaking it last week in practice. He aggravated the injury when he fell on it early in the third quarter. After a timeout, he returned to the court and on the next play, threw down a left-handed dunk.

Bass was a bright spot off the bench as he pitched in 11 points and 6 rebounds. Jeff Green scored 8 points to go with 3 rebounds. Jason Terry had a line of 3 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1 turnover. Melo pulled down 3 rebounds in 7 minutes of play. Dionte Christmas shot just 1-4 with 1 rebound and 1 assist in 13 minutes of play in his return to his hometown.


Doc still has plenty of work to do with this team. There are the turnovers to clean up as well as the defense to tighten up. It may be time for him to tighten up the rotation so that they can begin to build some chemistry and work on learning their roles on the team. At least they don't have a lot of time to dwell on this stinker as they play again tomorrow night. The Celtics and Sixers will meet again on Sunday so hopefully the C's will have a better showing then.

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