Celtics Have Other Players Besides the Big Three

By KC Downey in Celtics ⋅ November 15, 2007 at 4:55am ⋅ Post a comment

Last night’s game, in which the Celtics beat the Nets 91-69 to improve to 7-0, was probably the most important win of the season. Yes, more important than the overtime win against Toronto.

In this game, the Big Three combined to score just 45 of the team’s 91 points (Garnett had 16, Pierce had 15, and Allen had 14). Three other players contributed big to give the C’s six players in double figures. For a while, the Celtics had one or none of the Big Three for a stretch of the third quarter. When Garnett left the game with foul trouble, the C’s were only ahead 54-46. The Nets were hanging tight and closing the lead…

Then, the C’s pulled away fast with help from James Posey, Tony Allen and the rest of the bench. By the time Garnett returned to the floor with a little more than 7 minutes remaining, the C’s were up big, 74-58.

To know the Celtics can still win even though none of the Big Three were as effective as they usually are is huge. All you heard in the preseason was that the Celtics don’t have enough depth…their bench isn’t good enough. I agree the C’s need a backup big man, but otherwise it would appear they are just fine.

They were without sixth man Eddie House as he nursed his sore ankle. Despite the loss, the C’s bench and role players came up large in the rout of the Nets. Kendrick Perkins did his part scoring 10 points, grabbing 8 rebounds, and blocking 4 shots. Rajon Rondo also did well, adding 13 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists in the effort.

When you have 3 other players besides the Big Three scoring in double figures, it takes the load off the stars. The bench’s good playing really was big because it came on the 2nd day of a back-to-back, which are historically difficult to play in.

About KC Downey

KC is the "head coach" of the Sports of Boston, LLC blog network. Follow him on Twitter: @kc_downey

Tags: Celtics, New Jersey Nets

Discussion

One comment for “Celtics Have Other Players Besides the Big Three”

[...] Herald Celtics perfect to a fault Losses leave Nets green with envy Extras keep C’s on role Tony gets in gear at the right time Ex-Eagle Williams finds a new home Globe Seven C’s Nets Williams starts fresh out of the blocks Garnett not up for Games MetroWest Daily Celtics 91 Nets 69 Seventh heaven Celtics notebook: Next round Celtics.com Post ups notebook Audio interviews Celtics Blog Ten things for those who have seen no losses C’s serve up another blowout LOY’s Place Don’t wake me if I’m dreaming Celtics 17 Rested Nets no match for tired Celtics NBA.com Nets at Celtics game info ESPN Celts put 6 in double figures to improve to 7-0 Simmons: Top grade now goes to the C’s Celtics 24/7 Celtics dominate defensively, remain undefeated Red’s Army Lucky #7 Doc’s stroke of genius Worcester Telegram Celtics off to best start in 35 years Big Three want to improve Connecticut Post Celtics win Nets rematch, still undefeated SouthCoast Today At the Garden Celtics have already stolen the Atlantic show Star Ledger Without Carter, Nets offense is a no show NY Daily News Celtics rout Nets to improve to 7-0 Bostonist This train is bound for glory Chicago Sun Times A Green party in Boston Hoopsworld Up close with Brian Scalabrine Shamrock Headband Winning ugly Caveman Considers That’s the Big Ticket WEEI Danny Ainge on the Big show 11/14 Burt Talks Sports Celtics are championship contenders The Daily Campus Allen brings game back to New England Cape Cod Times It’s all working for the Celtics Parquet Pride Will they ever lose? Comcast SportsNet Gorman Points: 7-0 It’s easy being Green The Coach’s Take Ewwww Jason Collins Take Notice Got Garnett Lucky 7 Sports of Boston Celtics have other players besides the Big Three [...]

Posted by Celtics 24/7 » Blog Archive » Today’s Links 11/15 | November 15, 2007, 10:05 am