Celtics get to rest starters with blowout win over Nets

By Bob Considine, for NBA.com
Posted Thursday January 14, 2010 12:10AM

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (NBA.com exclusive) -- Before the Celtics embarrassed the Nets with an easy 111-87 win Wednesday night at the IZOD Center, Boston coach Doc Rivers reflected on how his current powerhouse used to be not-so-good, not so long ago.

But as far as the Celtics have come since winning 24 games three years ago, the 2009-10 Nets proved they are miles from even being a 24-win team. Even without the injured Kevin Garnett and Rasheed Wallace, Boston still managed to score 71 points in the first half, more than enough to give its starters most of the second half off.

The Nets' latest losing streak is now up to six games. At 3-35, they remain ahead of pace for the worst record in NBA history. And Nets guard Devin Harris let his teammates have it at intermission.

"My frustrations came out," said Harris, who finished with 15 points, despite a sore wrist. "You know, I try to keep that in check as much as possible. But it's just, at some point, we've got to take a stand.

"They hit first and for those two quarters. We didn't hit back. They came out and they hit some open jump shots, they got in the paint, they drove. They pretty much got whatever they wanted. To give up 70 points in the half, that's tough to win any game."

Paul Pierce led the Celtics with 24 points, while Ray Allen added 15 points. Rajon Rondo was one of three Celtics with 11 points, plus he added 14 assists.

For Boston, which has now won 11 straight against New Jersey, it was a chance to get back on track after dropping a 102-96 loss to Atlanta on Monday.

"It was terrific," Rivers said. "We needed to get off to a good start and that's what we talked about before the game."

A "good start" was probably an understatement.

The Celtics made their first four shots and 10 of their first 12 to take a 38-21 lead. They took a 71-35 lead into halftime, with five of their players already in double-figures. One defining moment in the second quarter came when ex-Net Brian Scalabrine dove a row deep for a loose ball with his team leading by 31 points.

The Celtics' 71 points were the most they've scored in any half this season. Their subs got most of the court time in the second half, which will come in handy as they host Chicago on Thursday night.

"The ball movement in the first half was as good as we could get," Rivers said. "Bottom line is we accomplished what we needed to in that way. We got all our guys a ton of rest tonight and that's important for us."

Nets coach Kiki Vandeweghe was one of the most disappointed.

"When you're playing a good team like the Boston Celtics, they've got two Hall Of Fame guys other there, and basically you don't come to play -- that's what's going to happen to you," Vandeweghe said.

"It's a tale of two teams. First half, there's nothing to say except they just outworked us, outplayed us on every facet of the game. We came with no energy and then the second half the guys got after it a little bit."

But even with Yi Jianlian scoring 19 points and Brook Lopez adding 18 points and 10 rebounds, it was way too little and too late for the Nets.

It was a rough introduction for the newest Nets -- Kris Humphries and Shawne Williams, who both arrived from Dallas in last week's trade of Eduardo Najera. Humphries logged nine points on 1-for-8 shooting in 16 minutes. Williams, who was exiled by the Mavs, said he was looking forward to a new start with New Jersey -- as much as it is struggling.

"I'm glad just to get back on with my life, playing ball," Williams said. "Because when you're a player who's played ball all his life, that's all you want to do."

The only bummer for Rivers was being docked $25,000 for conduct surrounding his ejection against the Hawks on Monday.

He was less than pleased, as Rivers said he didn't swear and was told the wrong call was made.

"Yeah, I was stunned," Rivers said. "Of all the fines I ever had, this was by far the most disappointing. I watched a couple of coaches last week run on to the floor. I get fined for being right."

• Celtics: Daniels, Garnett
• Nets: Battie, Dooling, Williams

• Celtics: --
• Nets: --

• Lead Changes: 0
• Times Tied: 0

• Arena: IZOD Center, New Jersey, NJ
• Officials: #55 Bill Kennedy, #71 Rodney Mott, #74 Curtis Blair
• Attendance: 14112
• Duration: 2:22