Celtics-Pistons Preview

By MIKE LIPKA
Posted Dec 28 2010 11:31PM

Kevin Garnett has been enjoying a nice revival for the Eastern Conference-leading Boston Celtics, looking healthier - and posting better numbers - than he did last season.

The last time he faced the Detroit Pistons, it was his prolific trash-talking that got most of the attention.

The Celtics finish their three-game road trip Wednesday night with their first matchup against the Pistons since Garnett's public spat with Charlie Villanueva.

After battling knee problems for parts of the last two years, Garnett is averaging 15.4 points and 9.8 rebounds - up from 14.3 and 7.3 last season - and his 14 double-doubles are already more than the 10 he had in 69 games in 2009-10.

He had a game-high 22 points to help Boston (24-5) win 109-86 in Detroit on Nov. 2, but his on-court comments to Villanueva made bigger headlines. Villanueva, who has no hair due to a medical condition known as alopecia universalis, said on Twitter that Garnett called him a "cancer patient."

Garnett responded in a statement, saying he told Villanueva he was "cancerous to your team and our league." Celtics coach Doc Rivers, meanwhile, said players shouldn't reveal what is said on the court.

"I actually heard what Kevin said. I was right there, what he really said is in the statement," Rivers said. "I don't like the whole tweeting thing. I'm going to state that as well. Guys talk on the court. It doesn't mean they should or shouldn't. The fact that we're talking about this, it's just silly. ... We had a hell of a game (Nov. 2) and we should be talking about basketball."

Garnett has provided a distinct basketball advantage for Boston against the Pistons lately. The Celtics have won the last eight meetings in which the power forward has suited up by an average of 14.5 points, losing the two he missed due to injury in that stretch.

The Celtics have other health concerns - especially involving star point guard Rajon Rondo, who missed his fifth straight game due to a sprained left ankle Tuesday in Indiana.

Thanks to a 29-16 fourth-quarter edge, Boston still bounced back after its 14-game winning streak was snapped on Christmas in Orlando. In the 95-83 win over the Pacers, Paul Pierce had 21 points and seven assists, leading seven Celtics who scored at least eight points.

"The winning track is always a good track to be on," Pierce said. "You don't want to be on that train when you're losing and you're going downhill fast. I don't think we've been playing great. We can play a lot better."

It's hard to imagine how Boston could improve defensively after holding its last five opponents to 90 or fewer points. Indiana leading scorer Danny Granger was 5 of 21 from the field Tuesday.

The Pistons (10-21) have averaged 87.3 points in their last 11 meetings with Boston, and they've dropped their first two games after Christmas. After Sunday's 95-92 overtime defeat to Chicago, they lost 105-100 at Charlotte on Monday.

Detroit never fully recovered after the Bobcats began the second quarter on a 24-2 run, although coach John Kuester was pleased with his team's late comeback attempt, which included 17 second-half points from Villanueva.

Villanueva finished with 25 on 10-of-14 shooting, while Chris Wilcox added a season-high 15 - nine in the final 13 minutes - off the bench.

"I thought the energy of the second group that we put in for the second half was great," Kuester said.

Copyright 2010 by STATS LLC and Associated Press. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and Associated Press is strictly prohibited

Garnett hurt in Boston's 104-92 loss to Detroit

By NOAH TRISTER
Posted Dec 29 2010 11:06PM

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. (AP) Kevin Garnett threw down an emphatic dunk, then grimaced before he even landed.

With that, Boston's smooth run through this NBA season came to an end.

Garnett left in the first quarter with a leg injury, and the Celtics looked ragged without him in a 104-92 loss to the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night. Boston lost for only the second time in 17 games, but the Celtics are suddenly facing some adversity they hope isn't too serious.

"It is a muscle injury, not a knee," Boston coach Doc Rivers said. "You always worry when a guy goes down without anyone around him, because those always seem to be severe injuries, so that was the first thing that went through my mind. We don't think this one is too bad, but we'll see. He'll probably miss some time, and we'll have to adjust."

Tracy McGrady - himself no stranger to leg problems - scored a season-high 21 points for the Pistons. He also played over 30 minutes for the first time since March.

"I've been making progress," McGrady said. "I've been confident mentally, physically for quite some time now. I'm just continuing to get better because I work. I see the improvement that I'm making on the court and I'm going to continue to do that. I'm excited about my future."

Detroit led 45-37 at halftime and pushed the margin to 16 in the third quarter.

Boston played without point guard Rajon Rondo, who missed his sixth straight game with a sprained left ankle. The Celtics have been able to win without him, but it was a struggle from the start against the Pistons.

When Garnett dunked for his only two points of the game, he had a pained look on his face before he landed and was careful to avoid putting too much weight on his right leg.

After intentionally fouling to stop the game, he went down to the ground momentarily and appeared distraught when he got up, at one point covering his face with his hands. He was able to hobble off the court but was limping badly by the time he got back to the locker room.

X-rays revealed no fracture, but he was done for the night and possibly longer.

"I think Kevin's injury took a lot of wind out of our players, because we originally thought the injury was a lot more severe than it turned out to be," Rivers said. "I think there was a while there where our minds weren't where we needed them to be."

Garnett had surgery on his right knee in May 2009 after missing all of that year's playoffs.

This game was much anticipated because of Garnett's dustup with Detroit's Charlie Villanueva earlier in the season. After a Nov. 2 loss to the Celtics, Villanueva complained on Twitter that Garnett had called him a "cancer patient" during Boston's 109-86 win. Garnett denied that, saying he had actually called Villanueva: "cancerous to your team and our league."

Villanueva insisted Wednesday he wasn't fixated on that feud. He picked up two quick fouls early, the second when he and Garnett appeared to bump each other gratuitously. Villanueva then headed to the bench.

"It was very frustrating," Villanueva said. "Sometimes I let my emotions get the best of me."

Garnett's injury eventually put a stop to that chippy matchup. Villanueva went scoreless in the first half, but contributed 11 points in the third quarter and finished with 14.

Tayshaun Prince added 18 points for Detroit.

Paul Pierce scored 33 points for the Celtics, but he was fighting a losing battle on this night.

Down 12, Boston began the fourth quarter with a lineup of Pierce, Jermaine O'Neal, Marquis Daniels, Von Wafer and Luke Harangody - not exactly the lineup the Celtics hope will take them back to the finals for the third time in four seasons.

Rivers was called for a technical foul early in the fourth, and a basket inside by Greg Monroe gave Detroit a 77-62 lead. The Pistons maintained a comfortable advantage the rest of the way.

Garnett's injury in 2009 hurt Boston's attempt to win a second straight title that year. He had injured the knee going up for an alley-oop in a game against Utah, then aggravated the injury later in the season.

"I was worried, because I saw the play in Utah where he got hurt the first time, and this looked exactly the same," O'Neal said. "I know it took him a long time to come back from that one, so it is good that it sounds like this is something different. I know from experience how bad it is to try to get back from leg injuries."

Notes: Pistons G Rodney Stuckey missed the game because of a stomach virus. McGrady started in his place. ... Detroit shot 55.7 percent from the field. ... The Celtics turned the ball over 21 times, including six by Ray Allen and five by Pierce.

Copyright 2010 by STATS LLC and Associated Press. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and Associated Press is strictly prohibited

Pistons-Celtics notebook

By Dana Gauruder, for NBA.com
Posted Wednesday December 29, 2010 11:38PM

THE FACTS: Tracy McGrady scored a season-high 21 points as the Detroit Pistons defeated the injured-depleted Boston Celtics Wednesday night, 104-92. Already playing without point guard Rajon Rondo, the Celtics lost Kevin Garnett with 2:31 remaining in the first quarter with what was diagnosed as a muscle injury to his lower right leg. X-rays were negative but Garnett, who was injured without contact after a dunk, will have an MRI when the team returns to Boston.

QUOTABLE: "This list is getting really long. I don't think anyone is going to feel bad for us. I've just got that feeling. So, we're going to have to do something about it and go out and try to still win games."
-- Celtics coach Doc Rivers on his club's injury problems.

THE STAT: 21. The Celtics were blindsided by the Pistons' usually porous defense, committing a season-high 21 turnovers that led to 25 Detroit points. Boston had eight in the first quarter as the Pistons jumped to an 11-point lead. Ray Allen and Paul Pierce combined for 11 of Boston's giveaways. Its previous season high was 20 during the season opener against Miami.

TURNING POINT: Fueled by center Ben Wallace, the Pistons scored 10 unanswered points to take a 63-47 lead with 5:23 remaining in the third quarter. Wallace found Charlie Villanueva and Tayshaun Prince open on the perimeter with kickout passes for 3-pointers on consecutive possessions. He finished off the outburst with a fast-break dunk after a McGrady steal and assist.

QUOTABLE II: "You can't beat this team with one or two guys. You've got to spread the wealth around and that's what we did tonight. We had a great effort from everybody."
-- McGrady on the Pistons' balanced attack, which included six double-digit scorers.

HOT: Paul Pierce tried to carry the Celtics' offense when Garnett left the floor, scoring a season-high 33 points. He had 24 in the second half but no one else stepped forward, as the next highest scorers were Allen and Glen Davis with 12 apiece.

NOT: Celtics center Shaquille O'Neal was throttled by Wallace defensively, contributing just five points and one rebound in 16 minutes. O'Neal has scored just 16 points in the last three games.

FANTASY SPOTLIGHT: Pistons reserve center Chris Wilcox has earned more playing time with his second straight strong outing. He had 10 points, a team-high eight rebounds and three steals in 27 minutes. Wilcox contributed a season-high 15 points and eight rebounds against Charlotte Monday.

GOOD MOVE: With starting point guard Rodney Stuckey sidelined by a stomach virus, Pistons head coach John Kuester opted to start McGrady at the point instead of a backup guard Will Bynum. Not only did McGrady score a season high, he ran an offensive attack that shot 55.7 percent, a season high by a Celtics opponent. McGrady made eight of Detroit's 27 assists.

BAD MOVE: Rivers picked up a technical foul 21 seconds into the fourth quarter after the Pistons' Wilcox was called for a personal foul. That handed the Pistons an easy point when Richard Hamilton made the free throw and Pierce committed a turnover 16 seconds later.

NOTABLE: Boston had won 15 of its previous 16 games. ... The Pistons made 10 of 15 3-point attempts. ... Pistons reserve forward Austin Daye scored all of his 12 points in the second quarter. ... Celtics backup center Semih Erden did not dress because of an upper respiratory infection. ...

UP NEXT: For the Celtics, Friday vs. New Orleans, Sunday @ Toronto, Monday vs. Minnesota. For the Pistons, Friday @ Phoenix, Monday @ Utah, Tuesday @ L.A. Lakers.

• Celtics: Perkins, Rondo, West
• Pistons: Jerebko, Stuckey, White

• Celtics: Rivers
• Pistons: Wilcox

• Lead Changes: 3
• Times Tied: 4

• Arena: Palace of Auburn Hills, Detroit, MI
• Officials: #7 Kevin Fehr, #41 Ken Mauer, #47 Bennie Adams
• Attendance: 22076
• Duration: 2:17

Boston Celtics (24-7)		Detroit Pistons (12-21)
Start of 1st Quarter
(12:00) Jump Ball Wallace vs O'Neal (Garnett gains possession)
	11:50	Villanueva Foul : Personal (1 PF)
O'Neal Hook Shot: Missed	11:38
	11:37	McGrady Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)
	11:24	McGrady Turnover : Bad Pass (1 TO)
Robinson Turnover : Bad Pass (1 TO) Steal:Wallace (1 ST)	11:12
	11:00	Wallace Hook Shot: Missed
Allen Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	10:59
Robinson 3pt Shot: Made (3 PTS) Assist: Pierce (1 AST)	10:52 [BOS 3-0]
	10:30 [DET 2-3]	Gordon Jump Shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: McGrady (1 AST)
Pierce 3pt Shot: Made (3 PTS) Assist: Allen (1 AST)	10:15 [BOS 6-2]
	09:50 [DET 4-6]	Gordon Fade Away Jumper Shot: Made (4 PTS)
O'Neal Turnover : Out of Bounds Lost Ball Turnover (1 TO)	09:37
	09:20 [DET 7-6]	Gordon 3pt Shot: Made (7 PTS) Assist: McGrady (2 AST)
	09:12	Villanueva Foul : Personal (2 PF)
Garnett Turnaround Jump Shot: Missed	09:04
Team Rebound	09:03
	09:03	Villanueva Substitution replaced by Wilcox
O'Neal Turnover : 3 Second Violation (2 TO)	08:53
	08:33	Gordon 3pt Shot: Missed
O'Neal Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	08:32
	08:27	Wilcox Foul : Personal (1 PF)
	08:27	Wilcox Technical
Allen Free Throw Technical (1 PTS)	08:27 [BOS 7-7]
Garnett Turnover : Bad Pass (1 TO) Steal:Wallace (2 ST)	08:16
	08:03	Prince Jump Shot: Missed
Garnett Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	08:02
Pierce 3pt Shot: Made (6 PTS) Assist: Allen (2 AST)	07:52 [BOS 10-7]
	07:33	Wallace Turnover : Bad Pass (1 TO)
	07:19	McGrady Foul : Personal (1 PF)
O'Neal Layup Shot: Missed Block: Wallace (1 BLK)	07:13
	07:11	Wilcox Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)
	06:54	Wallace Driving Hook Shot: Missed Block: O'Neal (1 BLK)
	06:53	Team Rebound
	06:45 [DET 10-10]	Gordon 3pt Shot: Made (10 PTS) Assist: McGrady (3 AST)
Garnett Turnover : Lost Ball (2 TO) Steal:Wilcox (1 ST)	06:31
	06:21 [DET 12-10]	Wilcox Layup Shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: McGrady (4 AST)
Allen Pullup Jump shot: Made (3 PTS)	06:03 [BOS 12-12]
	05:47	McGrady Jump Shot: Missed
	05:46	Wallace Rebound (Off:1 Def:0)
	05:40 [DET 14-12]	Wilcox Dunk Shot: Made (4 PTS) Assist: Wallace (1 AST)
O'Neal Layup Shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: Pierce (2 AST)	05:27 [BOS 14-14]
	04:59 [DET 16-14]	Prince Fade Away Jumper Shot: Made (2 PTS)
Garnett Jump Shot: Missed	04:47
	04:46	Prince Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)
Pierce Foul : Shooting (1 PF)	04:41
	04:41	Team Timeout : Regular
	04:41	Prince Free Throw 1 of 2 Missed
	04:41	Team Rebound
O'Neal Substitution replaced by Davis	04:41
	04:41 [DET 17-14]	Prince Free Throw 2 of 2 (3 PTS)
Pierce Turnover : Lost Ball (1 TO) Steal:McGrady (1 ST)	04:29
	04:23 [DET 19-14]	Prince Layup Shot: Made (5 PTS) Assist: McGrady (5 AST)
Allen Fade Away Jumper Shot: Missed	03:59
	03:58	Wilcox Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)
Allen Foul : Shooting (1 PF)	03:49
	03:49 [DET 20-14]	McGrady Free Throw 1 of 2 (1 PTS)
	03:49 [DET 21-14]	McGrady Free Throw 2 of 2 (2 PTS)
Pierce Turnover : Bad Pass (2 TO) Steal:Wilcox (2 ST)	03:38
	03:21	Prince Fade Away Jumper Shot: Missed
Robinson Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	03:20
Allen 3pt Shot: Missed	03:14
	03:11	Prince Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)
	02:59 [DET 23-14]	McGrady Driving Layup Shot: Made (4 PTS) Assist: Prince (1 AST)
Team Timeout : Regular	02:55
	02:55	McGrady Substitution replaced by Hamilton
Garnett Driving Dunk Shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: Allen (3 AST)	02:38 [BOS 16-23]
Garnett Foul : Personal Take (1 PF)	02:31
Team Timeout : Short	02:31
Garnett Substitution replaced by O'Neal	02:31
	02:11 [DET 25-16]	Hamilton Pullup Jump shot: Made (2 PTS)
Allen 3pt Shot: Missed	01:55
	01:54	Prince Rebound (Off:0 Def:3)
	01:41	Prince Jump Shot: Missed
Davis Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	01:40
Allen Turnover : Lost Ball (1 TO) Steal:Hamilton (1 ST)	01:29
	01:23 [DET 27-16]	Prince Layup Shot: Made (7 PTS)
Pierce Jump Shot: Missed	01:04
	01:03	Wallace Rebound (Off:1 Def:1)
	00:52.9	Prince Turnover : Bad Pass (1 TO) Steal:Robinson (1 ST)
Robinson 3pt Shot: Made (6 PTS)	00:49.6 [BOS 19-27]
	00:32.9	Hamilton Turnaround Jump Shot: Missed
Allen Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)	00:31.0
	00:31.0	Wallace Foul : Personal (1 PF)
Pierce Substitution replaced by Daniels	00:31.0
Allen Free Throw 1 of 2 (4 PTS)	00:31.0 [BOS 20-27]
	00:31.0	Prince Substitution replaced by Bynum
Allen Free Throw 2 of 2 (5 PTS)	00:31.0 [BOS 21-27]
	00:17.9	Gordon Jump Shot: Missed
O'Neal Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	00:16.9
Davis 3pt Shot: Missed	00:04.9
	00:03.5	Hamilton Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)
	00:00.3	Hamilton Turnover : Bad Pass (1 TO) Steal:Daniels (1 ST)
End of 1st Quarter
Boston Celtics (24-7)		Detroit Pistons (12-21)
Start of 2nd QuarterBack to Top
	11:37	Hamilton Running Jump Shot: Missed
O'Neal Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)	11:36
Davis Jump Shot: Missed	11:27
	11:26	Wilcox Rebound (Off:0 Def:3)
	11:18	Bynum Pullup Jump shot: Missed
O'Neal Rebound (Off:0 Def:3)	11:16
Allen Pullup Jump shot: Missed	10:51
	10:50	Hamilton Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)
	10:42 [DET 29-21]	Daye Jump Shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: Hamilton (1 AST)
Allen Turnover : Bad Pass (2 TO) Steal:Wilcox (3 ST)	10:26
	10:12	Villanueva Hook Shot: Missed
O'Neal Rebound (Off:0 Def:4)	10:11
Daniels Jump Bank Shot: Missed	10:05
	10:03	Villanueva Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)
	09:46	Hamilton Fade Away Jumper Shot: Missed
Allen Rebound (Off:0 Def:3)	09:44
	09:30	Wilcox Violation:Defensive Goaltending
Davis Hook Shot: Made (2 PTS)	09:30 [BOS 23-29]
Daniels Foul : Personal (1 PF)	09:18
	09:18	Wilcox Substitution replaced by Monroe
Allen Substitution replaced by Bradley	09:18
	09:09 [DET 31-23]	Daye Layup Shot: Made (4 PTS) Assist: Bynum (1 AST)
Wafer Running Jump Shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: Bradley (1 AST)	08:46 [BOS 25-31]
	08:22 [DET 33-25]	Bynum Driving Layup Shot: Made (2 PTS)
	08:03	Bynum Foul : Defense 3 Second (0 PF)
	08:03
Wafer Free Throw Technical (3 PTS)	08:03 [BOS 26-33]
O'Neal Fade Away Jumper Shot: Made (2 PTS)	07:51 [BOS 28-33]
	07:36	Villanueva 3pt Shot: Missed
Daniels Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	07:35
Davis Dunk Shot: Made (4 PTS) Assist: O'Neal (1 AST)	07:22 [BOS 30-33]
	06:57 [DET 35-30]	Daye Jump Shot: Made (6 PTS) Assist: Villanueva (1 AST)
O'Neal Turnover : 3 Second Violation (1 TO)	06:37
	06:23	Bynum Turnover : Bad Pass (1 TO) Steal:Wafer (1 ST)
Daniels Layup Shot: Missed	06:18
	06:16	Villanueva Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)
Davis Foul : Personal (1 PF)	06:12
	05:57 [DET 38-30]	Daye 3pt Shot: Made (9 PTS) Assist: Bynum (2 AST)
Bradley Turnover : Lost Ball (1 TO) Steal:Daye (1 ST)	05:39
	05:34 [DET 40-30]	Monroe Layup Shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: Hamilton (2 AST)
Team Timeout : Regular	05:26
Daniels Substitution replaced by Pierce	05:26
Bradley Substitution replaced by Robinson	05:26
Robinson 3pt Shot: Missed	05:09
	05:08	Villanueva Rebound (Off:0 Def:3)
	04:50	Bynum Turnover : Bad Pass (2 TO) Steal:Pierce (1 ST)
Davis Layup Shot: Made (6 PTS) Assist: Pierce (3 AST)	04:46 [BOS 32-40]
	04:20 [DET 43-32]	Daye 3pt Shot: Made (12 PTS) Assist: Hamilton (3 AST)
Pierce Turnover : Bad Pass (3 TO)	04:04
	04:04	Bynum Substitution replaced by McGrady
	04:04	Hamilton Substitution replaced by Gordon
	03:48	Gordon Turnover : Bad Pass (1 TO) Steal:Pierce (2 ST)
Robinson Turnover : Out of Bounds Lost Ball Turnover (2 TO)	03:23
	03:09	Daye 3pt Shot: Missed
O'Neal Rebound (Off:0 Def:5)	03:08
Davis Hook Shot: Missed Block: Villanueva (1 BLK)	02:53
	02:51	Villanueva Rebound (Off:0 Def:4)
	02:48	Daye Turnover : Lost Ball (1 TO) Steal:Pierce (3 ST)
Davis Layup Shot: Missed	02:42
	02:41	Team Rebound
	02:41	Team Timeout : Regular
Wafer Substitution replaced by Allen	02:41
O'Neal Substitution replaced by O'Neal	02:41
	02:41	Daye Substitution replaced by Prince
	02:41	Monroe Substitution replaced by Wilcox
	02:23	Gordon Turnover : Out of Bounds Lost Ball Turnover (2 TO)
Pierce Layup Shot: Missed	02:02
Davis Rebound (Off:1 Def:1)	02:01
Robinson 3pt Shot: Missed	01:57
	01:56	Wilcox Rebound (Off:0 Def:4)
	01:42	Prince Turnaround Jump Shot: Missed
	01:41	Wilcox Rebound (Off:1 Def:4)
	01:40	Wilcox Turnover : Bad Pass (1 TO)
Davis Jump Shot: Missed	01:18
	01:17	McGrady Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)
	01:12	McGrady Turnover : Bad Pass (2 TO) Steal:Davis (1 ST)
Pierce Driving Finger Roll Layup Shot: Made (8 PTS)	01:07 [BOS 34-43]
	01:07	McGrady Foul : Shooting (2 PF)
Pierce Free Throw 1 of 1 (9 PTS)	01:07 [BOS 35-43]
	00:52.9	Villanueva Jump Shot: Missed
Pierce Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	00:52.3
O'Neal Layup Shot: Made (4 PTS) Assist: Pierce (4 AST)	00:43.3 [BOS 37-43]
Allen Foul : Shooting (2 PF)	00:24.1
	00:24.1 [DET 44-37]	McGrady Free Throw 1 of 2 (5 PTS)
	00:24.1 [DET 45-37]	McGrady Free Throw 2 of 2 (6 PTS)
O'Neal Layup Shot: Missed	00:02.9
	00:01.0	Wilcox Rebound (Off:1 Def:5)
	00:00.3	Villanueva 3pt Shot: Missed
	00:00.0	Team Rebound
End of 2nd Quarter
Boston Celtics (24-7)		Detroit Pistons (12-21)
Start of 3rd QuarterBack to Top
	11:43	McGrady Layup Shot: Missed Block: Allen (1 BLK)
	11:42	Jump Ball McGrady vs Allen (Pierce gains possession)
Team Rebound	11:42
Robinson 3pt Shot: Missed	11:31
Allen Rebound (Off:1 Def:3)	11:30
Pierce Driving Layup Shot: Made (11 PTS)	11:15 [BOS 39-45]
	10:51 [DET 47-39]	McGrady Pullup Jump shot: Made (8 PTS)
Davis Jump Shot: Made (8 PTS)	10:30 [BOS 41-47]
	10:09 [DET 49-41]	Prince Running Hook Shot: Made (9 PTS)
Robinson Layup Shot: Missed Block: Wallace (2 BLK)	09:55
	09:53	Villanueva Rebound (Off:0 Def:5)
	09:44	Villanueva Jump Shot: Missed
	09:43	Gordon Rebound (Off:1 Def:0)
	09:25 [DET 51-41]	Gordon Running Jump Shot: Made (12 PTS) Assist: Villanueva (2 AST)
Allen Turnover : Bad Pass (3 TO) Steal:McGrady (2 ST)	09:02
	08:57	Villanueva Turnover : Bad Pass (1 TO) Steal:Pierce (4 ST)
Allen 3pt Shot: Made (8 PTS) Assist: Pierce (5 AST)	08:50 [BOS 44-51]
	08:31 [DET 53-44]	McGrady Jump Shot: Made (10 PTS)
Allen Driving Bank shot: Made (10 PTS)	08:14 [BOS 46-53]
	07:54	McGrady Jump Shot: Missed
Davis Rebound (Off:1 Def:2)	07:53
	07:46	Wallace Foul : Shooting (2 PF)
O'Neal Free Throw 1 of 2 Missed	07:46
Team Rebound	07:46
O'Neal Free Throw 2 of 2 (5 PTS)	07:46 [BOS 47-53]
	07:19 [DET 55-47]	Prince Running Jump Shot: Made (11 PTS) Assist: McGrady (6 AST)
Davis Jump Shot: Missed	07:00
	06:59	McGrady Rebound (Off:0 Def:3)
	06:55	Prince Layup Shot: Missed
Allen Rebound (Off:1 Def:4)	06:54
Pierce Turnover : Out of Bounds Lost Ball Turnover (4 TO)	06:38
Robinson Foul : Personal (1 PF)	06:29
	06:19 [DET 58-47]	Villanueva 3pt Shot: Made (3 PTS) Assist: Wallace (2 AST)
Allen Turnover : Bad Pass (4 TO)	06:01
Robinson Substitution replaced by Daniels	06:01
	05:46	Gordon Layup Shot: Missed
	05:44	Wallace Rebound (Off:2 Def:1)
	05:41 [DET 61-47]	Prince 3pt Shot: Made (14 PTS) Assist: Wallace (3 AST)
Team Timeout : Regular	05:36
O'Neal Substitution replaced by O'Neal	05:36
Allen Turnover : Bad Pass (5 TO) Steal:McGrady (3 ST)	05:27
	05:23 [DET 63-47]	Wallace Dunk Shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: McGrady (7 AST)
Pierce 3pt Shot: Made (14 PTS) Assist: Allen (4 AST)	05:03 [BOS 50-63]
	04:34	Team Turnover : Shot Clock Turnover
Davis Jump Shot: Missed	04:11
Daniels Rebound (Off:1 Def:1)	04:10
Daniels Putback Dunk Shot: Made (2 PTS)	04:09 [BOS 52-63]
	03:44 [DET 65-52]	Villanueva Turnaround Hook Shot: Made (5 PTS)
Pierce 3pt Shot: Missed	03:26
Team Rebound	03:25
	03:18	Villanueva Foul : Shooting (3 PF)
O'Neal Free Throw 1 of 2 (3 PTS)	03:18 [BOS 53-65]
	03:18	Team Timeout : Regular
	03:18	McGrady Substitution replaced by Hamilton
Davis Substitution replaced by Harangody	03:18
O'Neal Free Throw 2 of 2 (4 PTS)	03:18 [BOS 54-65]
	03:00 [DET 68-54]	Villanueva 3pt Shot: Made (8 PTS) Assist: Gordon (1 AST)
	02:40	Hamilton Foul : Personal (1 PF)
Pierce Jump Shot: Made (16 PTS) Assist: Daniels (1 AST)	02:34 [BOS 56-68]
	02:14 [DET 71-56]	Villanueva 3pt Shot: Made (11 PTS) Assist: Gordon (2 AST)
Daniels Layup Shot: Missed	01:47
Allen Rebound (Off:2 Def:4)	01:45
Pierce Hook Shot: Missed	01:19
	01:18	Prince Rebound (Off:0 Def:4)
Daniels Foul : Personal (2 PF)	01:14
Allen Substitution replaced by Wafer	01:14
	01:01	Hamilton Turnover : Bad Pass (2 TO) Steal:O'Neal (1 ST)
	00:55.8	Gordon Foul : Personal (1 PF)
Pierce Free Throw 1 of 2 (17 PTS)	00:55.8 [BOS 57-71]
Pierce Free Throw 2 of 2 (18 PTS)	00:55.8 [BOS 58-71]
Wafer Foul : Personal (1 PF)	00:46.7
	00:46.7	Hamilton Free Throw 1 of 2 Missed
	00:46.7	Team Rebound
	00:46.7	Wallace Substitution replaced by Wilcox
	00:46.7 [DET 72-58]	Hamilton Free Throw 2 of 2 (3 PTS)
Pierce Jump Shot: Missed	00:35.8
Pierce Rebound (Off:1 Def:1)	00:34.3
Pierce Tip Shot: Made (20 PTS)	00:33.8 [BOS 60-72]
	00:18.2 [DET 74-60]	Hamilton Fade Away Jumper Shot: Made (5 PTS)
Harangody Reverse Layup Shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: Daniels (2 AST)	00:04.6 [BOS 62-74]
	00:00.1	Prince Jump Shot: Missed
	00:00.0	Team Rebound
End of 3rd Quarter
Boston Celtics (24-7)		Detroit Pistons (12-21)
Start of 4th QuarterBack to Top
O'Neal Turnover : Lost Ball (2 TO) Steal:Monroe (1 ST)	11:44
Pierce Foul : Shooting (2 PF)	11:41
	11:41	Daye Free Throw 1 of 2 Missed
	11:41	Team Rebound
	11:41	Daye Free Throw 2 of 2 Missed
Pierce Rebound (Off:1 Def:2)	11:40
	11:39	Wilcox Foul : Personal (2 PF)
Rivers Technical	11:39
	11:39 [DET 75-62]	Hamilton Free Throw Technical (6 PTS)
Pierce Turnover : Traveling (5 TO)	11:23
Harangody Substitution replaced by Davis	11:23
	11:09 [DET 77-62]	Monroe Jump Bank Shot: Made (4 PTS) Assist: Hamilton (4 AST)
Davis Foul : Shooting (2 PF)	11:09
	11:09	Monroe Free Throw 1 of 1 Missed
Davis Rebound (Off:1 Def:3)	11:06
Pierce Driving Layup Shot: Made (22 PTS)	11:01 [BOS 64-77]
	10:42	Hamilton 3pt Shot: Missed
Daniels Rebound (Off:1 Def:2)	10:41
Daniels Layup Shot: Made (4 PTS) Assist: Pierce (6 AST)	10:31 [BOS 66-77]
	10:29	Team Timeout : Regular
	10:13	Monroe Reverse Layup Shot: Missed
Pierce Rebound (Off:1 Def:3)	10:10
Wafer 3pt Shot: Missed	10:01
	09:59	Bynum Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)
	09:54	Daye Dunk Shot: Missed Block: Wafer (1 BLK)
Pierce Rebound (Off:1 Def:4)	09:50
Daniels Layup Shot: Made (6 PTS) Assist: Pierce (7 AST)	09:49 [BOS 68-77]
Wafer Foul : Personal (2 PF)	09:35
	09:35	Monroe Substitution replaced by Villanueva
	09:33	Daye Substitution replaced by Prince
O'Neal Foul : Defense 3 Second (0 PF)	09:24
	09:24 [DET 78-68]	Hamilton Free Throw Technical (7 PTS)
	09:17 [DET 81-68]	Villanueva 3pt Shot: Made (14 PTS) Assist: Bynum (3 AST)
O'Neal Layup Shot: Made (6 PTS) Assist: Pierce (8 AST)	08:55 [BOS 70-81]
	08:55	Villanueva Foul : Shooting (4 PF)
Wafer Substitution replaced by Allen	08:55
O'Neal Free Throw 1 of 1 (7 PTS)	08:55 [BOS 71-81]
	08:37	Villanueva Foul : Offensive Charge (5 PF)
	08:37	Villanueva Turnover : Foul (2 TO)
	08:37	Villanueva Substitution replaced by Wallace
	08:37	Bynum Substitution replaced by McGrady
Pierce Pullup Jump shot: Made (24 PTS)	08:28 [BOS 73-81]
	08:08 [DET 83-73]	McGrady Jump Shot: Made (12 PTS)
Daniels 3pt Shot: Missed	07:49
	07:47	Wilcox Rebound (Off:1 Def:6)
	07:23	Prince Fade Away Jumper Shot: Missed
O'Neal Rebound (Off:0 Def:6)	07:22
Davis Turnover : Traveling (1 TO)	07:14
Pierce Foul : Shooting (3 PF)	07:00
	07:00 [DET 84-73]	Wilcox Free Throw 1 of 2 (5 PTS)
	07:00 [DET 85-73]	Wilcox Free Throw 2 of 2 (6 PTS)
Davis Jump Shot: Missed	06:34
	06:33	Wilcox Rebound (Off:1 Def:7)
Pierce Foul : Shooting (4 PF)	06:31
	06:31 [DET 86-73]	Prince Free Throw 1 of 2 (15 PTS)
O'Neal Substitution replaced by Robinson	06:31
	06:31 [DET 87-73]	Prince Free Throw 2 of 2 (16 PTS)
Pierce Pullup Jump shot: Made (26 PTS)	06:13 [BOS 75-87]
	05:55	Hamilton Jump Shot: Missed
	05:54	Wallace Rebound (Off:3 Def:1)
	05:31	Prince Running Hook Shot: Missed
Team Rebound	05:30
	05:30
	05:30	Wallace Substitution replaced by Gordon
Davis Layup Shot: Missed Block: Wilcox (1 BLK)	05:10
	05:08	McGrady Rebound (Off:0 Def:4)
	04:55	McGrady Jump Shot: Missed
Allen Rebound (Off:2 Def:5)	04:54
Allen Jump Shot: Made (12 PTS)	04:49 [BOS 77-87]
	04:28 [DET 89-77]	Hamilton Jump Shot: Made (9 PTS) Assist: Prince (2 AST)
Pierce Driving Layup Shot: Made (28 PTS)	04:17 [BOS 79-89]
	04:17	Wilcox Foul : Shooting (3 PF)
Pierce Free Throw 1 of 1 (29 PTS)	04:17 [BOS 80-89]
Daniels Foul : Personal (3 PF)	04:00
	04:00 [DET 90-80]	Prince Free Throw 1 of 2 (17 PTS)
	04:00 [DET 91-80]	Prince Free Throw 2 of 2 (18 PTS)
Allen Foul : Offensive (3 PF)	03:45
Allen Turnover : Foul (6 TO)	03:45
	03:25 [DET 93-80]	McGrady Jump Shot: Made (14 PTS) Assist: Wilcox (1 AST)
Team Timeout : Regular	03:25
	03:10	Wilcox Foul : Personal (4 PF)
	03:05	Gordon Foul : Shooting (2 PF)
Pierce Free Throw 1 of 2 (30 PTS)	03:05 [BOS 81-93]
Pierce Free Throw 2 of 2 (31 PTS)	03:05 [BOS 82-93]
	02:41 [DET 96-82]	McGrady 3pt Shot: Made (17 PTS) Assist: Hamilton (5 AST)
	02:23	Gordon Foul : Personal (3 PF)
Pierce Free Throw 1 of 2 (32 PTS)	02:23 [BOS 83-96]
Pierce Free Throw 2 of 2 (33 PTS)	02:23 [BOS 84-96]
	02:00 [DET 98-84]	Wilcox Jump Shot: Made (8 PTS) Assist: Hamilton (6 AST)
	01:53	McGrady Foul : Shooting (3 PF)
Daniels Free Throw 1 of 2 (7 PTS)	01:53 [BOS 85-98]
Daniels Free Throw 2 of 2 (8 PTS)	01:53 [BOS 86-98]
	01:32 [DET 100-86]	Wilcox Layup Shot: Made (10 PTS) Assist: McGrady (8 AST)
Team Timeout : Regular	01:32
Pierce Substitution replaced by Wafer	01:32
Allen Substitution replaced by Bradley	01:32
Daniels Substitution replaced by Harangody	01:32
Davis Jump Shot: Made (10 PTS) Assist: Wafer (1 AST)	01:21 [BOS 88-100]
Davis Foul : Personal (3 PF)	01:05
	01:05 [DET 101-88]	McGrady Free Throw 1 of 2 (18 PTS)
	01:05 [DET 102-88]	McGrady Free Throw 2 of 2 (19 PTS)
Davis Layup Shot: Made (12 PTS) Assist: Robinson (1 AST)	00:52.1 [BOS 90-102]
	00:33.0 [DET 104-90]	McGrady Fade Away Jumper Shot: Made (21 PTS)
Robinson Floating Jump shot: Made (8 PTS)	00:22.5 [BOS 92-104]
End of 4th Quarter

broadcast information
country		channel			time
usa			League Pass		7:30 pm ET
		--	SNET1	Local	7:30 pm ET
		--	FSD	Local	7:30 pm ET
		--	CSN-NE	Local	7:30 pm ET
		--	WWJ	Local	7:30 pm ET
		--	WEEI	Local	7:30 pm ET