The Celtics and Pistons have squared off twice this season, and twice, the Celtics have left no doubt about who the Beast of the East is. Boston took care of Detroit once again Thursday night, 98-80, as the Pistons became the latest victim of the C's Squeeze defense. The Celtics held the Pistons to 43% shooting, and the bench, led by Tony Allen's 13 points, and Eddie House's 11, provided some much needed scoring depth that has otherwise been lacking for the past few games. Rajon Rondo led tonight's attack, with 18 points, 8 assists, and 3 steals. Kevin Garnett added 15 points, and Ray Allen 12. More importantly, the starters finally got to rest their legs a little, as no one played more than 28 minutes. The Celtics travel to Minnesota Friday night to take on the T-Wolves. And, unlike last year, KG will suit up and play against his former team for the first time in Minnesota. Click here for the Box Score.
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The Celtics and Knicks have always had this annointed rivalry between them, but for the past few years, it hasn't had the same fever to it as it had, say, 15 years ago. However, that could be changing, as the Knicks threw a few insults Boston's way after the game last night. From the New York Daily News: "I'd be just real curious to see what a lot of those guys would say if we weren't in a basketball arena, where there are no referees and NBA officials to stop certain things," Richardson said. "I mean it wouldn't be the same story. They are the world champions and rah-rah-rah, the tough talk I don't buy. I come from a neighborhood where you can say what you want to say and until you do something with it it don't mean nothing. "Some of those guys woofing about 'Get a ring' and blah, you ain't been in the league long enough to talk like that to some people who's got as many years as we got over here. I don't got a lot of respect for that."
Surprise, surprise - Quentin Richardson throwing shots at the C's, and most likely at Paul Pierce, considering their history. For those of you unaware of their "friendship", let's just say they aren't very likely to be sending each other Christmas cards for the holidays. Maybe Q-rich is tired of gidding his tail handed to him time and time again by P2. And maybe, just maybe, Richardson should stop doing that stupid horn-thing every time he makes a three. Seriously, how does he not realize how absolutely stupid that is? But Richardson wasn't alone in his post-game, sore-loser antics: "They do a lot of talking," Zach Randolph said after the Knicks lost their second straight and fell to 6-5. "They know they are protected on (the) court. That's why I don't pay that no mind. Because a lot of guys get off the court and they tuck their tails (between their legs)."
So, the Celtics are now "protected on the court" by the NBA? Not really sure how that is, but, then again, it's coming from Zach Randolph. The poster-child of the overpaid, lazy, no D, "me" player. Which means he'll fit in well with the Knicks, and D'Antoni's no-defense philosophy. Speaking of D'Antoni, let's not forget the rift between he and Pierce a few years back, when the two were jawing while Pierce was shooting free throws toward the end of a game in Phoenix. The "talking" got D'Antoni ejected, and the Celtics went on to win. With all of this postgame whining by the Knicks, it'll be interesting to see what happens when they meet up again next month. Maybe nothing transpires, but I have to imagine it'll be a bit chippy out there. Which isn't a bad thing. Getting the Celtics-Knicks rivarly back is a good thing for the NBA.
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No KG? No problem. The Celtics improved to 10-2 on the season by holding off the Knicks 110-101. The Celtics took control of this one in the 2nd quarter, outscoring the Knicks 30-19, including a 19-9 run during the first six minutes of the quarter. The Knicks made a game of it in the 4th quarter, climbing to within four points of the lead, but the C's were able to fend them off. Rajon Rondo stuffed the stat sheet, going for 15 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists. Kendrick Perkins was also solid, going for 16 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 blocks. Paul Pierce led all Celtics scorers with 22 points. Click here fore the Box Score.
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