Celtics 108, Thunder 100 - Rondo's streak lives as C's get best win of the season

Trading places: Green played well against his former team

Saying "best win of the season" is cliche. But so far, this was absolutely the best win of the season. The Celtics beat the Thunder 108-100, in a game that was hardly in doubt in the final quarter. The Celtics were led by Paul Pierce who was absolutely on fire, putting up 27 points on 8-16 shooting, and of course Rajon Rondo who had 6 points, 8 boards and 16 assists, with 16 dimes Rondo hit double digits in the assist column for the 36th consecutive game. With one more game in double digits, Rondo will tie John Stockton for the 2nd longest streak in NBA history - crazy stuff. Kendrick Perkins put up a very 'Perk like' 5 points and 7 boards for OKC, while the Thunder were led by Kevin Durant's 29 points, and Russell Westbrook (26-8-7).

The C's were able to turn the momentum right before the end of the 1st when they inserted the second unit. The Celtic bench outscored the Thunder bench 22-6 in the 1st half and the Green were able to turn a seven point deficit after one, into a three point lead at the halftime break. Jeff Green, Chris Wilcox and Jared Sullinger led the charge with a combined 20 points on 10-12 shooting in the 1st half. Jason Terry broke a 45-45 tie with a three-pointer at the buzzer, and the C's went into the break up by three.

Terry's 3 ball momentum carried over to start the 3rd as the C's knocked down a trio of threes in the first four minutes of the quarter to go up eight. The second unit kept things going when they re-entered the game late in the quarter, behind Jeff Green's monster effort. Green scored nine points in the final 5:31 of the 3rd, but it wasn't just what he accomplished, but how he accomplished it. He aggressively drove to the hoop, earning five free throw attempts in a span of just a few possessions. Earlier today, Mark basically called it. And it's no secret what what I think of Green, so it was great to see the former Hoya play so well. Granted, consistency is key, and Green has a long, long way to go in that department - but it's a start.

Doc River's squad kept the Thunder at arms reach throughout the 4th quarter, with OKC never getting closer than three points within the final act. The C's move to 7-6 on the season, and look to move two games over .500 against Big Baby and the Magic on Sunday in Orlando. But at least for tonight C's fans can go to sleep knowing the team they thought was a legitimate contender when the season began at least has the capabilities to play to that level.

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