Boston jumped out to a quick 13-2 lead to begin the game, which proved to be the margin of victory at the end with a final score of 100-89. The Celtics never once trailed throughout the game, leading wire to wire. Rajon Rondo was the star, recording his third triple-double of the season with 17 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds.
The Celtics have now won six straight games, with the New Orleans Hornets coming to the Garden on Wednesday night. Here are the player grades for tonight.
Starters
Rajon Rondo: A
This is a pretty easy grade. Rondo was fabulous, controlling the game from the tip. Yes his triple-double was impressive, but his efficiency was even better. He made eight of his 11 shots from the floor, the highest shooting percentage he’s ever had in a triple-double game.
Avery Bradley: A
The other member of the Celtics backcourt also earns an A for his efforts. Bradley’s defense was tenacious, pressuring the Bobcats guards into several turnovers. His defense was part of the reason Kemba Walker scored 12 points, nearly six points below his season average. Bradley also scored 16 points, the most he’s scored since returning from injury.
Paul Pierce: B
Pierce did not have the best shooting performance, missing six 3-pointers, but still managed to score 19 points. Despite struggling with his outside shot, Pierce contributed in other ways. He dished out six assists, and grabbed four rebounds on the way to his team’s victory.
Brandon Bass: B
Bass played sparingly, only seeing 17 minutes of action, but was effective when in. He had six points and three rebounds in his brief time. With Jared Sullinger growing into a larger role, Bass just needs to be effective in the minutes he does get. Tonight he was.
Kevin Garnett: C
Garnett just could not find any rhythm offensively, shooting a putrid 2-11 from the floor. Garnett still made an impact on the defensive end though, with 10 rebounds and a blocked shot. Most of Garnett’s rebounds came late in the fourth quarter when the Celtics were trying to salt away the game.
Sixth Man
Jeff Green: B
Green had a monster second quarter, scoring all 11 of his points. He led all bench scorers for Boston, and also chipped in on the glass with four rebounds. Green also continued his streak of crowd raising dunks with a baseline slam. He is starting to grow more comfortable with his defined role off the bench. That is a good sign for Celtics fans everywhere.
Rest of Bench
Courtney Lee: B
He scored nine points, but it was his defense and hustle that stood out. Lee also picked up a steal and a block, and his play earned him playing time to close out the game. He is starting to earn Doc Rivers’ trust.
Jared Sullinger: B
Sullinger failed to continue his double-double average during the course of this win streak, but made all four of his attempted shots. He also drew a charge from Kemba Walker, displaying his increased defensive presence.
Jason Terry: F
Jason Terry was held scoreless tonight, missing all three of his shots. Not what the Celtics want out of their Ray Allen replacement.
Leandro Barbosa and Jason Collins: Incomplete
Combined, they only played 13 minutes. That is not long enough to earn a true grade.