Celtics 105, 76ers 74

Game Highlights

Photo of the Game

Kevin Garnett rises high to challenge an Andre Iguodala shot attempt in the paint during Boston's 105-74 win.
Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE/Getty

By Marc D'Amico
Celtics.com

Key Moment

The Celtics began tonight's contest looking a little sluggish in only their second road game of the season, but that all changed once the second quarter began. Rasheed Wallace and Eddie House got things going in the second period with two sets of back-to-back 3-pointers, all within the first 4:15 of the second, to put Boston ahead 31-21. While those two sharpshooters woke up Boston's offense, the defense just continued to do what they do. Philadelphia managed to make only four field goals over the first 10:15 of the period while the Celtics played a beautiful inside-out game at the other end.

Heading into halftime, the Sixers were able to pull within eight points, but that's as close as they were for the rest of the night. Thanks to the offense being jumpstarted by deadly outside shooting and the defense shutting Philly down, the C's were able to use their second quarter to pull away for their fifth win of the season.

Box Score Nuggets

• The Celtics held Philadelphia to only 13 fast break points on the night. The Sixers came into the game averaging nearly 18 fast break points per game.
• Boston's bench outscored both teams' starting fives by notching 62 total points.
• The C's made 14 of their 20 3-point attempts (a 70 percent clip), while the Sixers made only one of their 16 3-pointers (a 6.3 percent average).
• Rasheed Wallace had his best shooting night as a Celtic, making 6-of-8 3-pointers and 7-of-10 shots overall.
• Boston recorded 27 assists in the game, the second consecutive game in which they've done so and fourth game of the season where they've had at least 27 assists.
• Lester Hudson scored six points and assisted on three baskets in only seven minutes of playing time.
• Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett and Kendrick Perkins combined for only 11 points, but the Celtics managed to win by 31.
• Only two Sixers scored in double-figures, with no one scoring more than Andre Iguodala's 17 points.
• Philadelphia finished with more turnovers (16) than assists (15).
• All 12 Celtics players made at least one basket.

Quote of the Night

Thaddeus Young on what the Celtics' defense does to opponents: "They make you play on one side of the floor and they take away everything. They take away your wing entry passes and post passes. They will take away the one thing that they know your team is going to do. They limit your options."