Boston Celtics (10-8) vs. Philadelphia 76ers (10-8) Home-and-Home B2B Game Thread

[R.H.C.P.]

@ Philly tonight on ESPN - 7:00PM EST
@ Boston tomorrow - 7:30PM EST

http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_me6jhjAOJt1qd79oco1_1280.jpg


Rajon Rondo and Jrue Holiday lead the Eastern Conference in assists and had no trouble racking them up the last time they met.

The point guards will match up twice this weekend when Rondo's Boston Celtics and Holiday's 76ers begin a home-and-home set at the Wells Fargo Center on Friday night.

Boston's Rondo leads the NBA with 12.8 assists per game while Holiday is averaging 9.3.

Philadelphia won 106-100 in the first meeting between these teams Nov. 9 at Boston that ended a six-game win streak by the home team in this series. Holiday had 21 points and 14 assists while Rondo finished with 14 points and matched a season high with 20 assists.

If there was an edge for the 76ers, it was the play of Holiday's backcourt mate Evan Turner, who had team highs of 25 points and 11 boards. Rondo's backcourt mate at the time was Courtney Lee, who scored six points.

The 76ers have also won five of their last six at home against the Celtics, including playoffs.

"They must have great confidence against us," Boston coach Doc Rivers said. "So those are going to be hard games. I do like it, especially in this stretch, because I think we've started to play a little bit better. We've struggled playing in Philly so I love all the bad stuff because that's good the way I look at it in my demented way."

These Atlantic Division rivals have identical 10-8 records as they sit in third place behind New York and Brooklyn. They also meet Saturday at the TD Garden.

Rondo returned Wednesday from a two-game suspension for a fight last week against the Nets and had 17 points and 11 assists in a 104-94 victory over Minnesota. Boston split the games without him.

"Having Rondo back was big for us," Kevin Garnett said. "I thought he brought a lot of good energy. We were excited that he was back, probably fed off of that."

Garnett had 18 points and 10 rebounds for his fifth double-double and Paul Pierce added 18 points as all five starters scored in double figures.

Garnett was also called upon to battle Kevin Love, who had 19 points and 13 rebounds but made just 6 of 15 shots.

The Boston center will be up against Philadelphia's Lavoy Allen and Spencer Hawes, who share the bulk of their team's minutes in the pivot.

Sixers coach Doug Collins said after Thursday's practice that he wants to see more from Hawes, calling him "a big part of our team." Hawes had eight points and six rebounds in the first meeting.

"I just showed our guys the Boston tape of the last game we played and it was the Spencer Hawes highlight show," Collins said. "I mean running the floor, sprinting the floor, around the basket, tipping balls in, catch and shooting, rolling out."

Philadelphia is trying to avoid its first three-game slide after falling 105-88 to the Timberwolves on Tuesday. Turner scored 19 while Holiday was held to 13 -- 5.2 below his team-high average.

Reserve guard Nick Young has missed the last two games with a left big toe hyperextension, and said he may be able to return Saturday in Boston.

[Derka]

Be nice to take one of these, but Philly always plays us tough. Celtics have to bring the A game for 48 minutes.

[Clutch]

I wish both teams could lose but obviously that's impossible. So I'll probably root for them to split this home and home. Maybe even cheer for Philly to win them both because I see the Celtics finishing with a better record.

[konex]

Philly looks very good

[EoJ]

rondo with a triple double tonight, book it.

[R.H.C.P.]

rondo with a triple double tonight, book it.

yeah was just gonna say...he's looking aggressive.

[konex]

Turner has really improved

[KG215]

Rondo already has 10 points and 5 assists.

[EoJ]

rondo almost has a triple double in first qt. best pg in the league! 10-8-5 and 2 blocks

[Kevin_Garnett_5]

:oldlol: Rondo all over the place.

[KG215]

Wait, is ESPN's boxscore right? Says Rondo has 8 rebounds. Is that right? Wow.

10 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists and the 1st quarter isn't even over.

[R.H.C.P.]

Wait, is ESPN's boxscore right? Says Rondo has 8 rebounds. Is that right?

yup..

[Celtic_Pride]

Rondo already has 10 points and 5 assists.

8 rebounds as well. Dude has turned on his National TV switch!

[BlackWhiteGreen]

Rondo on for 40/30/20 game :bowdown:

[PyrrhusX]

rondo with a triple double tonight, book it.

Hes on national televison, he will definitely explode :bowdown: :bowdown:

[KG215]

rondo almost has a triple double in first qt. best pg in the league! 10-8-5 and 2 blocks
And the 2 blocks. That's gotta be one of the most impressive 1st quarter stat lines in a long time. How often do you see a player flirting with a triple-double through one quarter of play?

[Wally450]

After he got that first board, I knew he was on a mission for a trip doub

[b1imtf]

Rondoooooooo

[R.H.C.P.]

rondo and pierce go to the bench, and the celtics give up 6 straight points to end the quarter.

[IGotACoolStory]

Last time a player had a triple double in the first quarter?

I know Magic had one. I think Camby flirted a few times...

[Celtic_Pride]

No Rondo/Pierce/KG and Celts couldn't find a bucket. No idea why Doc doesn't have either 1 of them all the time

[Clutch]

Rondo basically needs to get just 2 more rebounds and he has a triple double. We all know he's going to have at least 10 assists.

[Clutch]

Some gay shit going on.

[albas89]

Some gay shit going on.
:roll: :roll: :roll:

[konex]

Rondo :bowdown:

[Clutch]

Rondo showing why he's the 2nd best point guard in the league,just after Raymond Felton :pimp:

[KDthunderup]

c'mon rondo just 2 more assists

[CelticBaller]

fvck the triple double I want the win

[Clutch]

Announcers wanted to see photos from Rondo's vacation in Mexico ?

Here it is:

http://www.simnet.is/arnarfb/Ramon.jpg

[Clutch]

Someone please GIF that Doc Rivers reaction :roll: :roll: :roll:

[konex]

Another offensive rebound allowed. Why is Bass not in?

[BlackWhiteGreen]

Such scabby disgusting plays winning this game for Philly.

[mans1ay3r]

Daaamn cant believe KG missed that. :banghead:

[Clutch]

KG choking big time

[bergs14]

Daaamn cant believe KG missed that. :banghead:

Just made up for that :rockon:

[mans1ay3r]

haha KG redeeming himself.

[CeltsGarlic]

KG Cutch big time.

[9erempiree]

damn I hope this game doesn't go to overtime.

Nobody wants to watch this crap.

Go Lakers.

[R.H.C.P.]

jrue game winner?

[Clutch]

KG choking big time
And he hits a clutch jumper :lol

[bergs14]

J-Rich for a game winner. Book it

[mans1ay3r]

:roll: :roll: :roll:

[bergs14]

What The **** Was That

[Fudge]

Oh Meatwad...

[CelticBaller]

lets win this fvck

[jimmy77x]

Turner:lol

[CelticBaller]

so close :mad:

[mans1ay3r]

shit man, a Rondo game winner would have gone perfect with his triple double.

[R.H.C.P.]

would've gone to pierce or kg, not rondo

[O_City_Thunder]

Not sure why Rondo is taking the last shot. :confusedshrug:

[Bigsmoke]

The Celtics=
http://i1072.photobucket.com/albums/w364/MATW88/flabbynsick.png

[Clutch]

I have a feeling Celtics will win this one.

[BlackWhiteGreen]

Pissin off Laker fans, I dont mind.

We'd have won if KG didnt miss a fcking layup.

[IGotACoolStory]

Lee is clutch :bowdown:

[nbarumorz]

Lee could have ended it right there with that 3....instead....airball...

[mans1ay3r]

Ok how about no Rondo for a game winner this time?

[nbarumorz]

get it to Pierce or KG only here.

[nbarumorz]

Ok how about no Rondo for a game winner this time?


so rondo for 3? :lol prolly shouldn't be laughing, a chance that happens...

[Derka]

Such a money shot by Turner. That kid always kills us.

[CelticBaller]

fvck

[Clutch]

Evan Turner screwed up like 9 out of his last 10 offensive plays but he hit that one.

[tmacattack33]

Idk why Turner waited so long there, they were down by 1 it wasn't tied, but good thing he made it.

[nbarumorz]

rondo jumpshot is soooo gooood damnit doc

[Bigsmoke]

Turner represented my county well :pimp:

[mans1ay3r]

oh w t f.

[Derka]

What...in the...f*ck.

[truhooper]

rondo :roll:

[IGotACoolStory]

lol Rondo. :facepalm

KG turnaround would have been a better shot. You also had PP at the top of the key for a second before the inbound.

[bergs14]

Rondo again? dafuq

[Noof]

LOL wut?:biggums:

[CeltsGarlic]

what da fk?

[nbarumorz]

lol Rondo. :facepalm

KG turnaround would have been a better shot. You also had PP at the top of the key for a second before the inbound.


anything is better than THAT

[mans1ay3r]

Rondo was wide open but come on that's KG's shot, he should've drained hat shit.

[Derka]

lol Rondo. :facepalm

KG turnaround would have been a better shot. You also had PP at the top of the key for a second before the inbound.

Rondo had enough time for a layup there. Squaring for a jumper and slipping is some Three Stooges shit.

[Kevin_Garnett_5]

:roll:

[R.H.C.P.]

so pencil in a loss for boston tomorrow...

[CelticBaller]

Man I hate this shit

[BlackWhiteGreen]

Lucky Philly *****.

[chosen_one6]

Lol at Rondo slipping and then acting like he turned his ankle afterwards. You f*cked up dude, don't act like you got hurt. :facepalm

[albas89]

so pencil in a blowout loss for boston tomorrow...
fixed

[BlackWhiteGreen]

Terry 1-12. KG blows layup. Pierce blows layup. Rondo slips on the last play. :mad:

[O_City_Thunder]

Not sure why Rondo is taking the last shot. :confusedshrug:
:confusedshrug:

[TheTruth#34]

Terry 1-12. KG blows layup. Pierce blows layup. Rondo slips on the last play. :mad:


You could see the loss coming though.

This team hasn't got the guts to finish a team off this season

[sportsfan76]

You could see the loss coming though.

This team hasn't got the guts to finish a team off this season



That's because they have a retarded a$$ coach named Doc Rivers

[TheTruth#34]

That's because they have a retarded a$$ coach named Doc Rivers


To be fair Doc was as bemsused as the rest of us at KG passing up his shot at the end there.

[GOBB]

Sixers can beat Boston but not Minny? :facepalm

[TheTruth#34]

Celtics literally threw the game away. Turnovers a big problem for the team.

[sportsfan76]

Sixers can beat Boston but not Minny? :facepalm


Minny has a better coach

[sportsfan76]

Celtics literally threw the game away. Turnovers a big problem for the team.


They threw the game away??

[TheTruth#34]

They threw the game away??


19 TO's resulting in 21 pts for the 6ers

[nbarumorz]

That's because they have a retarded a$$ coach named Doc Rivers


YEAH THEY SHOULD FIRE HIM TOMORROW HE CAN'T WIN ANYTHING

--says no one, ever.

[sportsfan76]

YEAH THEY SHOULD FIRE HIM TOMORROW HE CAN'T WIN ANYTHING

--says no one, ever.


Yes the same d*ckhead who came home with a 3-2 lead in the ECF and never told his team to focus on lebron. He just stood on the sidelines looking crazy

[kNIOKAS]

Unsweet unlordy Jesus... What is going on with the Celtics :(
Let me blame Rondo for this and for everything... He has to step his shit up.

[CeltsGarlic]

Yes the same d*ckhead who came home with a 3-2 lead in the ECF and never told his team to focus on lebron. He just stood on the sidelines looking crazy

Dude, do you remember that most of LeBron points were jumpshots, and he was nuts in that game? As a coach I would be happy seeing LeBron shooting j's rather than driving.

[Clutch]

Unsweet unlordy Jesus... What is going on with the Celtics :(
Let me blame Rondo for this and for everything... He has to step his shit up.
Rondo had 16 points,13 rebounds,14 assists,3 steals and 3 blocks and he has to step his shit up. :wtf: What do you expect from him ?
Yeah,he missed some big shots last night but overall we've seen a great game from him.

[kNIOKAS]

Rondo had 16 points,13 rebounds,14 assists,3 steals and 3 blocks and he has to step his shit up. :wtf: What do you expect from him ?
Yeah,he missed some big shots last night but overall we've seen a great game from him.
Rondo's game isn't about stats, we all know that. These stats are as empty as Love's or Randolph's. Rondo is about winning games, and I want that! :rant

[Clutch]

Rondo's game isn't about stats, we all know that. These stats are as empty as Love's or Randolph's. Rondo is about winning games, and I want that! :rant
Rondo didn't have an impact his stats suggested but he still had a solid game.
If Jason Terry shot 2-200 instead of 1-200 you would have won the game.

[GOBB]

Rondo has to win the game? His game has never been to hit game winning shots. So why exactly is he getting blame for his performance last night? What kind of silly thing to say about his statline being empty. If KG shoots his patent turnaround jumper last night instead of passing it to Rondo for the GW shot Boston probably wins and you are in here if not making a thread talkin about Rondo's greatness/statline. :rolleyes:

PP 9-24
Terry 1-12

Thats 10-36. You do the math.

[BlackWhiteGreen]

Rondo didn't have an impact his stats suggested but he still had a solid game.
If Jason Terry shot 2-200 instead of 1-200 you would have won the game.

This.

Getting 1-13 shooting from 2 of your starters combined is not a recipe for success. What I did miss in my anger last night was Green had a really nice game - 19 points, 3-5 from 3. Need that consistently from him, and he's been pretty good these last 3/4 games.

[kNIOKAS]

Rondo has to win the game? His game has never been to hit game winning shots. So why exactly is he getting blame for his performance last night? What kind of silly thing to say about his statline being empty. If KG shoots his patent turnaround jumper last night instead of passing it to Rondo for the GW shot Boston probably wins and you are in here if not making a thread talkin about Rondo's greatness/statline. :rolleyes:

PP 9-24
Terry 1-12

Thats 10-36. You do the math.

I didn't see the game last night, only highlights. But it's pretty clear to me Rondo took two potential game winners and missed. I know it is a trend, please.
He's the point guard. He makes sure they get the best shot. I was never a fan of Rondo taking the last shot, but if he deliberately chooses to take it, make it then :rant We all know Rondo hates to pass the last ball. OK with me, but you cannot miss game winners left and right costing the game.

[GOBB]

I didn't see the game last night, only highlights. But it's pretty clear to me Rondo took two potential game winners and missed. I know it is a trend, please.
He's the point guard. He makes sure they get the best shot. I was never a fan of Rondo taking the last shot, but if he deliberately chooses to take it, make it then :rant We all know Rondo hates to pass the last ball. OK with me, but you cannot miss game winners left and right costing the game.

The second GW is KG fault. KG could have took the shot. He was in perfect position to his that turnaround jumper he made a career off of. Why pass it to Rondo? Soon as he did that I knew Sixers won. You cant knock him for the GW attempt in OT. KG had a blonde moment passing it to him.

[Styles p]

funny how the sixers win the game and all espn talks about is rhonda's triple double. :coleman:

[kNIOKAS]

funny how the sixers win the game and all espn talks about is rhonda's triple double. :coleman:
It's good we didn't bet on H2H matchup.

Anyway, didn't watch yesterday, not going to watch today. Have to get back on rhythm, sleep-wise. :(

[Whoah10115]

I was listening to Magic talk yesterday and it was incredible how wrong he was.


Kobe is obviously better, but Paul Pierce is a year older. Why can't he do it night in and night out, at an overall lesser volume?


How does Magic think Rondo needs to average 20-25? Is he insane? What is this about the Celtics not having firepower? What is this about them not having more scoring on the bench? How much does Rivers play Sullinger? How much does he play any of the actual centers on the roster? Why are Bass (a great 6th man) and Terry (a truly elite one) starting?


I'm a Doc fan but I don't understand why they don't move off the ball. OK, he's too scared to open up the offense, but why is there no body movement? That's bad coaching. That's basic coaching. That's not good enough to win. That's on him. They're the most unselfish team in the league and the best passing team.


They lead the league in assists, so does who talk shit on Rondo are stupid. Look at how much better Allen is in Miami. Imagine if he's not playing behind Wade and with a guy who overdominates the ball in Lebron. That's on Rivers.

[Whoah10115]

Rondo has to win the game? His game has never been to hit game winning shots. So why exactly is he getting blame for his performance last night? What kind of silly thing to say about his statline being empty. If KG shoots his patent turnaround jumper last night instead of passing it to Rondo for the GW shot Boston probably wins and you are in here if not making a thread talkin about Rondo's greatness/statline. :rolleyes:

PP 9-24
Terry 1-12

Thats 10-36. You do the math.



Terry was bad, but as usual you really can't blame Pierce. He plays with balls on offense. Awful team to watch play.

[Derka]

Rondo has to win the game? His game has never been to hit game winning shots. So why exactly is he getting blame for his performance last night? What kind of silly thing to say about his statline being empty. If KG shoots his patent turnaround jumper last night instead of passing it to Rondo for the GW shot Boston probably wins and you are in here if not making a thread talkin about Rondo's greatness/statline. :rolleyes:

PP 9-24
Terry 1-12

Thats 10-36. You do the math.

1,000x this along with -10 offensive rebounding differential and 19 turnovers and its a miracle that overtime even happened in the first place.

Paul Pierce was infuriating in trying to force his offense last night, not to mention how poor his defense was. His turnovers were inexcusable, as well. He HAS to be smarter than that. I'll let Jet off the hook because he just had a bad night and most of his looks were open...just not falling. Shit's gonna happen.

The one that really got me...Lavoy Allen had five fouls for how f*cking long? KG needed to touch the ball damn near every single possession in the last five minutes and the overtime...and it didn't happen.

And then Rondo is the guy pulling up for the game winner? :biggums:

[kNIOKAS]

Ok watching first quater, nevermind.

Streaming link:
http://www.thefirstrow.eu/watch/157826/1/watch-boston-celtics-vs-philadelphia-76ers.html

[GOBB]

Rondo on a bum ankle and still giving Sixers work? Come on Jrue make him pay. Attack that ankle.

[kNIOKAS]

Celtics playing between brilliant, lucky, and horrendous. Exciting so far, I only hope they don't break down.

[kNIOKAS]

Wilkens of Sixers looked like that old guy Anthony Johnson (of Pacers, mainly, but was in Orlando last IIRC).
Geff Green with the AND1! :rockon:

[Derka]

KG just blatantly traveled on that jumper. If that had been Sullinger, the whistle would have blown. :lol

[GOBB]

KG just blatantly traveled on that jumper. If that had been Sullinger, the whistle would have blown. :lol

I turned the game on that play. Bulls vs NYK I'll turn back at halftime. Sixers pissing me off.

[Derka]

Completely different team. Attacking the bejesus out of the basket and attacking the glass with fire.

[Derka]

I turned the game on that play. Bulls vs NYK I'll turn back at halftime. Sixers pissing me off.

Are Bulls/Knicks on national tonight?

[Derka]

Mahky Mahk at the Celtics.

[GOBB]

Are Bulls/Knicks on national tonight?

They are on WGN. You probably have it.

[BlackWhiteGreen]

Sixers playing like I expected Boston to come out.

[Derka]

I think of my All-Star voting, and the only Celtics I'm voting for are Rondo and KG.

[BlackWhiteGreen]

Heinsohn: "Bavetta if you keep giving calls like that I won't let you see 74" :oldlol:

[Derka]

I already don't like our energy coming out of the locker room.

[Derka]

"We're up 20. Time to feed a red-hot KG. But when we're down 4, better make sure Mr. 9-26 is shooting the ball." :facepalm

[R.H.C.P.]

wouldn't surprise me if sixers get within single digits by the end of the quarter

[Derka]

I wish I could say I was surprised, but I'm not. This is what the Celtics do.

"We're up 22. Philly's gonna quit."

[GOBB]

I'm a jinx, Sixers were down 8 when I turned and not the lead is 13. :oldlol:

Courtesy of KG (pts/ast)

[EoJ]

rondo with another triple double tonight?

[Derka]

Rondo is killing it on alley-oops tonight.

[GOBB]

Rondo is killing it on alley-oops tonight.

On a bum ankle :facepalm

Sixers so inconsistent and I'm mad they didnt take advantage of Rondo. He cant move laterally like he normally can. Yet no one is taking him strong to the rim. Its been done a few times just not enough. Ridiculous.

I'll take the split

[EoJ]

i wish that 3 went down. hes got 7-9-11

[JGXEN]

Sullinger is a beast on the boards

[JohnnySic]

Solid win after yesterday's letdown.