Boston 83, Brooklyn 95 - Celtics Can't Recover From Rondo-Ignited Brawl


In the second matchup between the Brooklyn Nets and Boston Celtics, the rivalry really got underway.

Late in the first half of the 95-83 loss, Kris Humphries fouled Kevin Garnett on a layup. Rajon Rondo took exception to the fact that Garnett was airborne at the time, and went after Humphries.

The next thing anyone knew, Rondo was jersey-less deep in the media camera section shoving everything in black.

When the brief melee settled, Rondo and Humphries were ejected for fighting. Gerald Wallace received a technical foul for his part, his second of the game, which led to his ejection. Garnett earned a technical as well.

Boston trailed 51-38 at the half, and wouldn't get much closer for the rest of the game. Jason Terry provided a minor spark in the second half, but received little help in getting the Celtics back into the game.

Kevin Garnett was the only notable player for Boston all night. The big man finished with 16 points and 10 rebounds, shooting 7-of-13 from the field. It was his second straight double-double. Garnett has quietly put together a nice string of performances for the Celtics.

Paul Pierce finished with 14 points, nine rebounds and seven assists, but was largely a non-factor in the grand scheme of the game.

Boston falls to 8-7 on the season, while the Nets improve to an Atlantic Division-best 10-4. The Celtics return to action Friday night when the Portland Trail Blazers visit the TD Garden.

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You can follow Mike Walsh on Twitter @3rdStringWalsh