News

Pistons 103, Celtics 88
By Marc D'Amico, January 20, 2013
Key Moment Key Box Score Line Box Score Nuggets Quote of the Night

Key Moment

The Celtics looked like a locomotive running out of gas during the second half of Sunday's game against the Detroit Pistons. By the time the final buzzer sounded, the fuel tank was completely empty.

The box score gives us plenty of proof that the C’s had no legs by the time this game was over. Over the final 24 minutes of the game, Boston turned the ball over 13 times, shot just 42.1 percent from the floor and committed a whopping 21 personal fouls. The C’s were also slow to react on the glass and allowed the Pistons to grab six offensive rebounds in the fourth quarter alone.

These nights happen in the NBA. A team can’t bring it’s A-game for every contest. Boston has now practiced or played during 13 of the last 14 days, and that showed in the second half as the team ran out of gas.


Key Box Score Line

Boston has been smiling all season long about the play of rookie Jared Sullinger, but it was Detroit’s rookie big man who shined on Sunday night. Andre Drummond, the ninth overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft, was a star against the Celtics.

Drummond tied for the game high in scoring with 16 points despite playing only 20 minutes. He also grabbed seven rebounds, blocked a shot, and was the only Pistons player who didn’t commit a turnover while he was on the floor.

The most interesting number of all is Drummond's free throw percentage. The Pistons rookie shot 6-of-8 from the free-throw line on Sunday. He entered the game with a 39 percent clip from the charity stripe on the season. The Celtics knew that and that’s why they intentionally sent him to the line on several occasions. However, the big man responded with confidence and made the C’s pay.

Box Score Nuggets

  • Six Pistons scored in double-figures, led by Andre Drummond's 16 points.
  • Two Celtics, Kevin Garnett and Courtney Lee, tied for the game high in scoring, but the C's still lost by 15.
  • The teams combined to commit 39 turnovers (21 by Detroit, 18 by Boston).
  • Rajon Rondo dished out a game-high 15 assists.
  • Both teams had a reserve who scored 16 points and a reserve who scored 15 points.
  • The Celtics shot just 39.8 percent in the game.
  • Boston committed 33 personal fouls.
  • Greg Monroe's 15 points and 11 boards accounted for the game's only double-double.
  • Four Pistons players dished out five assists apiece.
  • Jeff Green attempted a season-high nine free throws, making six.
  • The Celtics never led in the game.
  • Three players in the game accounted for four offensive rebounds.
  • The Celtics scored 21 points off of Detroit's 21 turnovers.

Quote of the Night

I just do not think we're committed to being a good basketball team. Doc Rivers on his team's current commitment