By Kyle Soppe
The Celtics hung on for a 95-91 victory of the Bulls at the Garden in a Sunday matinee. Chicago played without the reigning MVP, but hung with the home team throughout.
Rajon Rondo was the story of this game, as the point guard poured in 32 points, handed out 15 assists, and grabbed 10 rebounds for his ninth career triple double. His is the first Celtic to have a 3015-10 game since Larry Bird did it a quarter century ago. He assisted on two of the Celtics three three points, meaning he had a hand in 67.4% of Bostons buckets. Taking advantage of a Rose-less Bulls back court, Rondo looked to score more than usual. His 22 field goal attempts are the second most he has attempted in a game over his six year career. The Celtics are 3-0 when he puts up at least 22 shots. He also made 10 free throws, the first time in 110 games in which he has done that. One out of every three assists in the game (not just for Boston) came from the Rondo. The only thing Rondo didn’t do right on this afternoon was knock down a three pointer, as he missed his two attempts. Over his last 15 games, the “Rondo treatment” has been effective when he steps behind the arc, as he hasn’t connected on a single trey over that time.
In an ugly, foul filled affair, Ronnie Brewer joined Rondo as the only player to record more assists than fouls + turnovers.
I’ve mentioned Rondo’s aggressiveness by his standards, but reserve guard CJ Watson (starting in place of Rose) took more shots from the field.
Last stat including Rondo, I promise. He combined with Kevin Garnett and Chris Wilcox for 70.5% of Bostons rebounds.
KG showed his defensive prowess is still present, as the veteran swatted twice as many shots as the entire Bulls roster.
I thought the Celtics were supposed to be an aging team? Their bench didn’t produce much (recorded one assist in over 72 minutes of action and were outscored by the Bulls whenever a bench player was on the court) and Boston was +26 in transition.
The Celtics ability to take care of the basketball and get good shots directly resulted in their victory. They attempted 13 less field goals, but made three more. This was a big reason why the Celtics didn’t trail for a second in this entire contest. Boston won the first quarter by five points, and despite losing the other 36 minutes of the game, never surrendered the lead.
Paul Pierce is doing what he can to stay in Boston, as he offered up another sub par performance and has convinced me that he is declining. He has been rumored to be on the trading block, but with a 37 minute one rebound two assist performance, teams shouldn’t look at career numbers if they are entertaining the thought of trading for the second leading scorer in Celtics history.
Two thirds of the Bulls active players managed at least five rebounds.
With Rose out (presumably for the near future) the Bulls back court struggled to score, despite chucking up plenty of shots. Their starting guards tallied 27 points on 10/27 shooting, while Joakim Noah and Carlos Boozer totaled 38 points on a much more efficient (17/26) day from the field.
Six games tonight, what should be tomorrows “Box Score Breakdown”?
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