Celtics Title Town

Honestly I was expecting a loss tonight. The Nuggets have been losers of three in a row, and they have the third best road record in the NBA at now 23-3. The Celtics started out well in this game. Bradley scored 12 of his 17 points in the first quarter, and Boston controlled the pace. The story for me tonight was Paul Pierce. Could he look anymore out of it? For the first time since losing Rondo. The Celtics ran the isolation plays a bit much for Pierce. Who looked unhappy to beback from All-Star break. Pierce was 2-of-14, and he looked like a 40 year old getting up, and down the court. I think if your going to point fingers, you must look at Pierce.

Kevin Garnett looked gassed at the end of the 4th quarter, and I think a lot of it has to do with players not adapting to the altitude. KG was 6-of-14 for 12 points. Jeff Green helped the Celtics stay in this game, and he had another solid performance. Jeff finished with a team high 20 points, and 2 blocks. Jeff had another Lebron type block tonight during a big swing for the Celtics.I hate to bag on Bass after he grabs 9 rebounds, but he was out of it much like Pierce. I wrote about it a couple of days ago, and they made me look good for a moment. Bradley had 17, and Lee added 15 points. That's the kind of point production we need from them. I don't like the fact that Ty Lawson schooled them for a good chunk of the game with his 26 points.

Paul's defense hurt the Celtics more than his defense. Pierce allowed Danilo Gallinari to go off for 26 points, and Pierce was late on rotations all night, and he was over helping. All, and all it was one of the worst Paul Pierce performances of the season, if not his career.

The stats

• Nuggets out rebound the C's 45-39
• Nuggets out score the Celtics 42-32 in the paint
• Celtics only force 7  turnovers
• Both teams make 7 3's for 35% shooting

This was a frustrating loss, but at the same time it's a game that I expected to lose. The Celtics must pick the selves up for tomorrow's final meeting against the Lakers. All that matters is a win tomorrow. I would have taken tonight's loss if that means a win tomorrow. But I also expect a Lakers team wanting to win for the passing of Buss, and just because they need a win.