Celts beat Pistons in overtime, 109-102, in Boston

Brandon Jennings was limited to 0-11 from the field. Photo courtesy: ESPN

Boston hosted the Pistons tonight in an overall sloppy overtime thriller, topping Detroit 109-102.

The first quarter was plagued by some weak offensive possessions on both sides. Both teams exhibited poor shooting from the floor in the first half, which concluded with Detroit taking a one point edge, 43-42. Recently, coach Stevens expressed a desire for the team to engage in greater physicality, but it wasn't until three minutes left in the second quarter for the Celtics (Bass) to even get to the line. Still, Tyler Zeller strung together a nice half with 8 points and 5 rebounds.

The Celts distanced themselves a bit in a favorable 19-15 third quarter, thanks primarily to the efforts of Jeff Green (32 pts on 8-22 FG, 6-10 3P, 10-10 FT, 5 rbs) and Kelly Olynyk (20 pts on 8-13 FG, 2-4 3P, 7 rbs, 3 ast).

Though they looked better than usual, the Celts continued to follow the status quo in the fourth where they gave way. Caron Butler knocked down a clutch three to tie it with just 14 seconds to go. A Jeff Green drive was blocked in the dwindling seconds of regulation which forced overtime.

In extra time, the Celts separated themselves right away. The Pistons lingered, but it was too little too late.

Kelly Olynyk was the highlight for the Celtics tonight, providing an edgy all-around effort.

For Detroit, Greg Monroe was a beast, tallying 29 points (9-17 FG, 11-11 FT), and 7 rebounds. Andre Drummond chipped in with 27 points and 14 rebounds. Brandon Jennings was ineffective for Detroit, shooting an atrocious 0-11 for 1 point and 10 assists.

The Celtics (5-11) will take on the Los Angeles Lakers (5-14) in Boston on Dec. 5 at 7:30.