The Boston Celtics beat down the New York Knicks 109 to 98
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| Rondo helps the Celtics beat the Knicks |
The Celtics defensive woes continued beginning of the second quarter. The Celtics went on a mini-run around the middle of the quarter. The Celtics tightened up their defense, getting the Knicks to shoot under 50%. They also shot better from the field, shooting 50% by halftime. Beat the Knicks on the boards.
Turnover woes continued on in the third quarter. The Celtics also started hacking a little, and the Knicks gt to the line a bit. Defense also faltered a bit. Knicks kept matching the Celtics bucket for bucket. Celtics made a little mini-run again. Made it a 3 point game entering the fourth quarter.
The Celtics got the lead out of a 20-2 run. Tightened their defense and scored well on the break. Knicks took a lot of bad shots. Celtics pulled away and Knicks did not threaten again.
Celtics started off slow defensively, but really locked down the Knicks afterwards (43.4% from the field and 25.8% from 3). The Celtics also beat the Knicks on the boards (39 to 33). The Celtics were aggressive in getting to the line (31 attempts) and also shot well from the field and 3 (54.8% and 46.7% respectively). Turned it over way too much with 19. Got a lot of steals, with 13.
Jared Sullinger: Showed off his range by hitting two early mid-range jumpers. I cannot wait to see how his pick and pop game develops. Rebounded well. Did not do great defensively. Finished with 1o points and 8 rebounds
Courtney Lee: His handle and ability to create is slightly underrated. He obviously is not going to be elite in those categories, but hes definitely above average. He showed his athleticism once again by almost connecting with Rondo on an alley-oop on a fastbreak. Showed off his quick hands again with some steals. Finished with 9 points and 4 steals
Jeff Green: Showed off his 3-point game again. He looks good from deep this preseason. Could he replicate his .389 career high? Turned the ball over too much when he put it on the floor. Did a good job of rebounding the ball. Had a crazy chasedown block in the third quarter. Had some nice finishes around the basket. Took some time to wake up, but played aggressively again. Finished with 25 points and 6 rebounds.
Jason Terry: Instant offense off the bench again. Great shooting. Excellent game, shows us how much of a big time scorer he is. Finished with 22 points
Rajon Rondo: Turned the ball over too much. Was aggressive in getting to the FT line (7 attempts), and shot well there (71%). Apparently has taken over huddles more this season according to Mike Breene. Decided to chuck for some reason in the second quarter. Lots of nice layups (even if all did not go in). Did not shoot from the perimeter too well. Finished with 13 points and 11 assists
Chris Copeland: Can we officially call him the Celtic-Killer? Another 20+ point outing against us. Had a game high 34 points.
Kris Joseph: Had a decent game. Rebounded, did not shy away from contact. and had some nice drives. Didn't shoot great from the line, but was aggressive in getting there. Helped spark the fourth quarter run. Finished with 10 points.
Conclusion: The Celtics improve to 3-4 in the preseason. They next play on Sunday (10/21/12) at home in Boston against Philly. This game will have a special feeling to it due to the beatdown Philly gave Boston last time around. Tomorrow's game will also be the Celtic's last preseason game. Boston looked shaky at the beginning of preseason, but really hit their groove lately. They look like they are finally realizing their potential, and look ready for the season.
