Shamrock roundup: Celtics continue winning streak
Since Rondo has been out, the Celtics have won every game. Coincidence? Maybe. All we know is that it is nice to see the Celtics back on the winning side of things.
On Feb. 1, the Celtics stayed home to beat the Orlando Magic, 97-84. The Celtics were able to stay ahead in every quarter, with Paul Pierce paving the way for a win. He had 14 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists. Jeff Green also contributed to the win with 17 points.
“I’m capable of doing a little bit of everything,” said Pierce in his post-game press conference. “Just trying to give the game what it needs. So, regardless, if it’s playing Rondo’s role, [Jared Sullinger] role as a rebounder, I’m going to try to fill the needs of what this ball club needs.”
On Feb. 3, the Celtics stayed at home to take on the Los Angeles Clippers. It was a very close game, but the Celtics won, 106-104. Last-minute baskets by Pierce and Jason Terry helped secure the win. Pierce also had a team high 22 points for the night.
“Balance is the formula for our success, you know we got to do it by committee,” explained Terry after the game. “Obviously we got two of our key parts down, but again, spreading the wealth. We got to make sure everyone gets involved, everybody’s into the game.”
Coach Doc Rivers said he was happy about the win as well, but he said he believes the team can still do better.
“We won the game, we beat a heck of a team, and I’m very happy with that. But in my mind we can be better, much better, than we were today,” said Rivers in his post-game press conference.
Continuing on their winning steak, the Celtics traveled to Toronto to beat the Raptors 99-95. The fate of the game was decided in the last two minutes.
Ex-Raptor Leandro Barbosa scored 12 of his 14 points in the final quarter. Kevin Garnett led the Celtics with a season-high 27 points and 10 rebounds, and Courtney Lee added 15 points. Pierce had a double-double of 12 points and 11 rebounds.
“We’re fighters, we’re a team that’s going to compete for 48 minutes. It’s not always pretty and we’re not perfect, we’re human beings and we play hard,” said Garnett.
This game also marked the 400th win for coach Rivers, who is only the third coach in team history to achieve the landmark total.
“That’s pretty special,” said Rivers on his 400th win.
On Feb. 7 the Celtics returned home to take on the Los Angeles Lakers and won, 116-95.
It was a big game for Garnett, who scored his 25,000th point. He is now the only player in NBA history with at least 25,000 points, 10,000 rebounds, 5,000 assists, 1,500 blocks and 1,500 steals.
“I’m sure someday I’ll fall back and rock in my rocking chair having a cigar, thinking about what I’ve done. I’m sure it will make some sense to me then,” said Garnett.
Pierce, who scored 24 points in the game, said that beating the Lakers is always a good feeling.
“Whenever you match up against the Lakers, it always feels good to give them the old-fashioned beat down at your house. You know, it doesn’t matter what direction this team is going, there will always be a rivalry. You know, everybody’s always going to watch, and it feels good to win like that.”
The Celtics will remain at home on Sunday Feb. 10 to take on the Denver Nuggets. The Celtics go into this game on a 7 game win streak. The game starts at 6pm on CSN-NE or listen live on WEEI 93.7FM.
