Shamrock roundup: Four home games, only two wins
The Celtics had the advantage of playing at home for 5 games in a row, but they didn’t always take advantage of being home.
On Jan. 11 the Celtics hosted the Houston Rockets. Boston stayed ahead in points in every quarter helping them win the game 103-91.
Paul Pierce had 23 points and Kevin Garnett had 17 points, 11 of which were in the second half. The duo led the team to their fifth straight win.
Pierce was proud of how the team played.
“I feel like we are building. We’re getting better and better. Taking it one game at a time in this home stretch. made the Hopefully we can just keep it going,” said Pierce.
On Jan. 14 the Celtics beat the Charlotte Bobcats with a score of 100-89, the sixth straight win for Boston.
Rajon Rondo had his 26th career triple-double and his third for the season. Rondo finished the night with 17 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists. Pierce added a game-high 19 points to pave the way for a Celtics win.
Rondo knows there is a target on his back, but doesn’t let it stop him.
“I may have a mark on my back. Younger guys are coming in, giving me their best shot. I just come in and try to do what I do best — run the show,” said Rondo.
Coach Doc Rivers was happy with how the game was played, saying, “I just thought our team early on played with great energy and heart. That’s how we want to play; we want to get stops, we want to run.”
The New Orleans Hornets made their way up to Boston on Jan. 16 to beat the Celtics 90-78. The loss ended the Celtics six game winning streak.
Although it was a huge loss for Boston, it was a huge win for Hornet’s coach Austin Rivers who is Celtics head coach Doc Rivers’ son. This was the first time the Hornets have won against the Celtics with Austin Rivers coaching against his father.
“It was a different situation. It was like playing against your old team. You know, I didn’t play with them but it feels like I’ve been with them. I’ve been through it all with them. It’s been through the stands when I was young, I’ve seen everything,” Austin Rivers said about playing against his father.
Doc Rivers said it was a little strange for him to be facing his son.
“It’s just a strange dynamic. I didn’t enjoy it, honestly. I know it’s neat for everyone else but, as a father, I don’t know if I enjoyed that.”
On Jan. 18 the Celtics lost to the Chicago Bulls in a very close game. The final score was 100-99.
Rondo had a season-high 30 points, but the Bulls fought back to stay in the game. Marco Belinelli scored with three seconds remaining in overtime, winning the game for the Bulls.
Rivers was not impressed with how the Celtics performed against Chicago.
“I didn’t think we played very well. I didn’t think we played very smart. We hung in there, which is a good sign. We made a lot of little mistakes and they won the game. They did make some unbelievable shots,” said Rivers.
After 5 straight home games, the Celtics will finally have to travel again, this time to Detroit. They will take on the Pistons on Jan. 20 at 7:30pm on CSN-NE.
