The Celtics ground out their second win of the season to get to .500 as they beat the Wizards 100-94 at home in overtime. Five Celtics were in double figures and the bench finally came through for the Celtics in the win. The game went back and forth throughout with 13 ties and 14 lead changes. The Celtics built an 11 point lead at one point while the Wizards biggest lead was 7.

Rajon Rondo continued his streak of games with double digit assists to 28 games. He also had 18 points on 7-11 shooting along with 4 rebounds and 3 steals. He missed a 3 that would have won the game for the Celtics at the end of regulation but hit a couple of big jumpers in the game and his shot is looking very good this season. He is shooting with confidence and hitting them.

Boston Celtics forward Kevin Garnett (5) tries to steal the ball from Washington Wizards forward Kevin Seraphin, right, during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Boston, Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012. The Celtics won 100-94 in overtime. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)

Paul Pierce followed up his 27 point game on Saturday with a 15 point, 10 rebound, 2 assist and 4 steal game in this one. He wasn't shooting the ball well, going just 2-12 from the field, but he was 10-12 from the line. In a rare occurrence, the Celtics got to the line early and often and shot 34 free throws to just 7 for the Wizards.



Kevin Garnett had his best game of the year so far with 20 points, 13 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks and 1 steal. He had 10 rebounds in the first 9 minutes. He played almost 35 minutes though, which is a bit more than Doc would like this early in the season.

Jared Sullinger got the start once again at the 4. He finished with 4 points and 4 rebounds in 24 minutes. Courtney Lee is still struggling with his role on the team and finished with 2 points on 0-3 shooting along with 1 assist.   Lee and Sullinger may have started the game but down the stretch and into overtime the players on the court were Brandon Bass and Jason Terry along with Pierce, KG, and Rondo. 

Washington Wizards forward Martell Webster (9) and forward Jan Vesely, middle, battle with Boston Celtics forward Brandon Bass (30) for a rebound during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Boston, Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)

The Celtics' bench is still a work in progress, but they showed some signs of life in this game. They were still outscored 53-41 by the Wizards' reserves, but they showed signs that they are finally coming together, even if it's just a first step. Jason Terry made good on his promise to come out aggressively and finished with 16 points on 7-15 shooting to go with 3 assists and 1 rebound. Leandro Barbosa got the call to fill in for Rondo at the point with mixed results. He finished with 2 points, 1 assist and 1 turnover in almost 12 minutes.

Brandon Bass was once again the Tommy Award winner for his steady play off the bench. He finished with 11 points, 7 rebounds and 1 steal. Five of those points were in overtime.    Chris Wilcox played just under 4 minutes but came in with energy and gave the team a boost, finishing with 6 points and 2 rebounds. Jeff Green is still struggling to find the success he had in the preseason. He had just 6 points, 2 rebounds and 2 assists. The Celtics are going to need more from him this season.

2012-11-07 Boston Celtics forward Paul Pierce protects the ball on the floor against Washington Wizards forward Martell Webster (9) after recovering a loose ball during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Boston, Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012. The Celtics won 100-94 in overtime. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)

The Celtics still have much room for improvement. They played defense in spurts but it is improving. They turned the ball over 16 times, which is still too many, but that area is improving also. The Celtics and Wizards tied with 44 rebounds each. The Celtics shot 42% from the field while holding the Wizards to 41% shooting.

After their 0-2 start, the Celtics have won two in a row to climb back to .500. They have Thursday off before facing division rival Philadelphia on Friday.

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