Recap: Boston Celtics Take Control of Third Place in the East

In a game in which the Boston Celtics out-rebounded the Sacramento Kings 49 to 32 and shot lights out all game long, it’s hard to believe the final score was 128-119. The Celtics shot 56 percent from the field and 54 percent from behind the arc, one of their best shooting games all season. Everyone was on fire, offensively, and as a result they held a 21 point lead at one point. This was one of their worst defensive showings though, obviously considering they gave up 119 points, and that’s why they weren’t able to completely put away the Kings until the end.

Avery Bradley led the way for Boston with 25 points on 9-16 shooting. The birthday boy, Isaiah Thomas, stepped up against Rajon Rondo as he went for 22 points and nine assists, although did have four fouls. Jared Sullinger and Amir Johnson both stepped up for the Celtics as well; they both did what they do best. Sullinger scored 21 points and even made a couple of threes. Johnson only recorded 19 minutes but was very efficient as he had eight points and nine rebounds.

Evan Turner almost had another double-double off the bench, scoring 11 points and dishing out nine assists. The player of the game for Boston, however, was Tyler Zeller. He was the main reason Boston didn’t blow their lead late in the third quarter. Zeller finished with 17 points and seven rebounds.

DeMarcus Cousins proved his brilliance once again for the Kings. He went off for 31 points, seven rebounds and six assists. In a game that featured a ton of offense and headaches for the coaches, Rondo was still able to record 6 steals. After receiving a warm welcome back to Boston, he went for another double-double, 14 points and 15 assists. Just like expected, his game was on against his former team.

Coming off the bench for the Kings, Darren Collison and Omri Casspi combined for 29 points.

It was a nightmare of a first quarter for George Karl and the Kings, especially considering he’s on the hot seat. The Celtics scored 46 points in the first quarter, the most in the NBA this season. The Celtics also gave up the most points they’ve allowed this season in a quarter, 37 points.

There was no defense in the beginning of the game and sloppy basketball all-around. Boston was able to run and play transition basketball, which they do best, and that led to a lot of open threes for them. It was a quarter that is fun to watch as a spectator, but one that makes coaches want to pull their hair out.

The Celtics continued their good play into the second quarter. They ended up out-scoring the Kings 28-21 in the second quarter, giving the Celtics a 74-58 lead at halftime.

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During the second quarter, Boston started to pull away before the Kings cut the lead back down to eight. The Celtics were able to end the half on a 9-2 run and gave much of Boston the feeling that the game was all but over.

The third quarter started out the same for Boston. They took a 21 point lead early in the third quarter. Sacramento looked flat and the Celtics had all the momentum in the world, then the flip switched. Just like Boston had done in the first half, the Kings went on a run. Sacramento out-scored Boston 15-2 to end the third quarter and at one point cut the lead down to four. The great play by Tyler Zeller was the reason the Celtics didn’t blow the lead.

The scoring picked up once again in the fourth quarter, and so did the sloppy play. Boston played with a lot more heart and passion though, a main reason their play picked up. The Celtics finished the game out-scoring the Kings 33-32 in the fourth quarter to give them the victory. More big threes pushed the lead to double-digits a couple of times, but the Kings had an answer to claw their way back every time.

Next: Boston Celtics are Winning with Pace

The Celtics are now 31-22 on the season and in sole possession of third place in the Eastern Conference after the Orlando Magic defeated the Atlanta Hawks on a buzzer beater.

Boston is also 9-1 in their past 10 games and are playing some of the best basketball in the NBA. Their next game will be on Tuesday against the Milwaukee Bucks in Wisconsin.