Key Moment

Is there any question about what the Key Moment is from Wednesday’s matchup between the Celtics and Nets?

Absolutely not.

A scuffle broke loose under Boston’s basket with 29.5 seconds remaining in the second quarter. It resulted in a slew of ejections.

The altercation began when Kris Humphries fouled Kevin Garnett along the baseline, sending the Big Ticket tumbling to the floor. The foul did not seem egregious, but Rajon Rondo took exception. He jolted toward Humphries, gave him a bump, and then the scuffle ensued.

Rondo, Humphries and several other players tumbled backward to the right side of the basket stanchion. No punches seemed to be thrown, but there sure was some physicality. After about 30 seconds of shoving, the scuffle was broken up and the game’s referees huddled up to review the play.

The final determination was that Rondo, Humphries and Gerald Wallace, who picked up his second technical of the game, would be ejected. Kevin Garnett also picked up a tech as a result of the tussle.

When all was said and done, Brooklyn had lost more starters, but Boston had lost the best point guard in the league. And the ramifications don’t end there.

Rondo was ejected from this game but there is concern that he may be suspended for future games, too. This was more than a bump, yet it was not a full-fledged fight. This fell right in the middle. Does that warrant a suspension? No one knows just yet, but there is certainly a possibility that the Celtics will be playing without No. 9 for the immediate future.

Box Score Nuggets

• Only one Nets starter, Joe Johnson, scored in double-figures, but the Nets still won by 12.
• Boston (42.7 percent) actually outshot Brooklyn (40.2 percent) from the field.
• Four Celtics scored in double-figures, led by 16 points apiece from Kevin Garnett and Brandon Bass.
• Paul Pierce accounted for five of Boston's six misses from the free-throw line.
• Six technical fouls were assessed in the game, not counting Rajon Rondo's ejection.
• Rondo's 37-game streak of at least 10 assists was snapped. He finished with just three helpers.
• Pierce pushed for a triple-double with 14 points, nine rebounds and seven assists.
• Brooklyn had three players grab at least 10 rebounds, including two reserves.
• The Nets grabbed 17 offensive rebounds that led to 23 second-chance points.
• C.J. Watson attempted more free throws (10) than field goals (seven).
• Brooklyn's bench outscored Boston's 48-18.
• The Nets shot 10-of-24 from 3-point range, while the C's shot just 1-for-7.
• Jason Terry attempted a season-high seven free throws, making six.