Bass leads Celtics over 76ers 101-85

Welcome to the Boston Celtics Mr. Brandon Bass. I really believe a player doesn't become a true Celtic until they carry the team to a win in a playoff game and Bass did that tonight.  Bass finished with 27 points, including 18 in the third period sparking a 32-11 Celtics run and helping the Celtics get 1 win closer to the Eastern Conference finals.

Bass was all over the glass tonight as well and played some solid defense. I loved this guy all year and always knew he'd come through. Ray Allen only scored 5 points, but played great defense which was sorely needed in the absence of Avery Bradley.  He also was used as a decoy, allowing Bass and Garnett so many open looks. If you don't love Ray Allen there is something seriously wrong with you.

Garnett shrugged off a slow start and finished with 20 points and 6 rebounds. Rondo was amazing as always with 13 points and 14 assists. Pierce chipped in 16 as well. Stiemsma was huge for the Celtics with 10 points off the bench and some solid rebounding.

The 76ers got a big game from Elton Brand, but no one else scored more than 12. They are really challenged offensively, and if the Celtics could rebound better we'd probably hold them under 70 every game. Speaking of rebounding, the first half was a lay up drill for Philly. They got every 50/50 ball and really dominated play for the most part. We were lucky to be only down 3. We can get away with this with Philly but not with the better teams.


In the second half the Celtics started off slow, but Brandon Bass led a furious 13-2 run to go up 6 and the Celtics eventually dominated the rest of the game.  Bass finished with 18 points in the third, outscoring the entire Philly team. Someone other than one of the big 4 had to win us a game in these playoffs and Bass just did.

This was a solid win for the Celtics but the series is far from over. We need to treat game 6 Wednesday as a game 7 and close it out. The rebounding is still a huge issue. Our defense is ridiculously good, but if we can't finish the possession with a rebound it makes no difference. All in all, a very nice win. I always believed in Bass and he really came through tonight. Now let's hope we can close out in front of those obnoxious Philly fans Wednesday night.