The Boston Celtics (32-9) are now officially done with half their season and it looks to be another attempt at banner 18. Last night they defeated the Detroit Pistons (15-27) by the score of 86-82 at the TD Garden. A late jumper by Ray Allen and a great defensive play by Glen Davis locked this game up for the Celtics in the final minute. This is the fourth straight win for the Celtics and are now 20-3 at home. This lose ended the Pistons three game winning streak.
The Celtics had many problems offensively. Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett combined for only 18 points on 7-22 shooting. Allen was only 3-5 from the free throw line and missed all four three-pointers he attempted. Garnett struggled at times and only managed six rebounds. However, since Garnett is back on the defensive end, the Celtics looked better defensively.
Paul Pierce, Shaquille O’Neal, and Glen Davis were the keys to the Celtics victory. Pierce scored a game-high 22 points and was 3-5 from the three-point line. Shaq had a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds. He also added three steals and two blocks on the night. Davis scored 11 points off the bench and was a solid 4-6 from the field. He also grabbed six rebounds.
The Celtics lost another player last night. Marquis Daniels may miss some time with a sprained left ankle that he suffered in the second quarter. He rolled his ankle early in that quarter.
The Pistons had no player score above 15 points. Rodney Stuckey had the team-high with 15 points, but was only 5-14 from the field. Tayshaun Prince and Greg Monroe added 13 points. Prince was only 6-14 from the field and Monroe was a perfect 5-5 from the field and collected nine rebounds. Charlie Villanueva scored 11 points off the bench and had eight rebounds of his own.
The Celtics will have their last game of their six-game home stand January 21 against the Utah Jazz (27-15) at 7:30 p.m. EST. The Pistons will head to the Prudential Center on Friday, January 21 to face the New Jersey Nets (11-31) at 7:00 p.m. EST.