Rondo outduels Jennings as Celtics beat Bucks



The Celtics used another strong performance from their starting 5 to outlast the Bucks 98-89 in Boston.  Kevin Garnett had another outstanding night with 25 points and 9 rebounds. However, the star of the game was Rondo, who not only came one rebound shy of a triple double, but also held rookie phenom Brandon Jennings to just 17 points.  Rondo controlled this game throughout and scored all 11 of his points in the 4th quarter to help the Celtics pull away.  You could tell he wanted to show up the much hyped Jennings.

There were definitely some negatives that came out of this game as well.  Andrew Bogut dominated Perkins down low, scoring 25 points and grabbing 14 rebounds.  Maybe I jinxed Perkins with my "Perk should be an All Star column" because he seemed to get overpowered tonight by Bogut. Rebounding continues to be a problem on a whole for the Celtics.  I know this team has the ability to rebound, but it just isn't happening right now. 
I would've also liked to see more production out of the bench. Rasheed Wallace had a solid game, especially on the defensive end where he seemed more active than usual.  However, Eddie House continued to struggle, and the 2nd unit seemed to lack the spark we expect them to have.  Now onto Tony "Heart Attack" Allen.  I guess he didn't play too badly for his first game back, but he did manage to commit two turnovers in 6 minutes and have a plus minus of -8.  I swear, if Doc ever puts that guy in a close playoff game I will stop watching basketball. 

The Bucks have some solid players. Even though Jennings didn't have his best game, I was impressed with his quickness and shot making ability around the basket. Bogut looks like he could finally be coming into his own and living up to his potential. I think this Bucks team could sneak in as a 7th or 8 seed in the playoffs

Overall it was a solid win for the Celtics. It's amazing how an 8 game winning streak can make a team look young again.  If they can get by the Wizards Thursday, they have some relatively easy games coming up before their big Christmas day game at Orlando.  Let's hope the C's continue to play well and Eddie House starts hitting some threes!