New England Patriots Report Card: Super Bowl XLVI

Tyler Seguin: Star in the Making

Hey Patriots, “Coffee is for Closers”

Pierce Makes History, Celtics Handle Bobcats

Celtics Earn Extra Rest in Blowout of Jazz

The Celtics were rewarded with a three day mini vacation after enduring eight games in 12 days. Apparently it wasn’t long enough though.  The Celts came out on fire to bury the Jazz 105-86, which allowed for a 4th quarter extension of the vacation  for most of the Celtics starters.

In a game  in which Boston never trailed, the Celtics began the game draining its first five shots from the field en route to a 28-23 first quarter lead. Heading into the half, the lead ballooned to 12.

In the third, the starters earned their extended vacation. Of the 30 points the Celtics put on the board, 27 were scored by either Rajon Rondo (8), Paul Pierce (6), Ray Allen (5), or Kevin Garnett (8). The effort lead to a 22 point lead heading into the fourth quarter, a quarter in which Pierce, Rondo and Garnett wouldn’t see the floor.

Out of all the starters, Pierce and Allen played the most with 32 minutes, with Rondo playing 30 minutes while Garnett  and Kendrick Perkins saw the floor for less than 30 minutes. In just 26 minutes, Garnett finished with a game high 18 points.

The increased playing time for the bench allowed for the Celtics finish with seven players in double figures. With the fresh legs, the Celtics shot 53% (41-of-77) from deep and 89% (16-of18) from the line.

Boston’s vacation continues with a day off Thursday, but will abruptly end Friday night when the Celtics host the Hawks, then travel to Indiana Saturday.

Game Notes

• Fat Lady Sings: End of 3rd Quarter — Rajon Rondo’s layup as the buzzer sounded gave the Celtics a 22 point lead heading into the final 12 minutes. The C’s wouldn’t trail by any less than 17 the rest of the way.
• Hero: Rajon Rondo — The C’s point guard finished with 14 points, 11 assists, and two steals in 30 minutes play.
• Zero: Deron Williams — Was outperformed by his counterpart, did finish the game with 15 points and 7 boards, but shot 5-of-11 from the field and had a game worst -21 plus/minus when he was on the court.
• Big Number: 32 — Most minutes played by a Celtics starter.
• Stat to Know: The Celtics have held eight of their nine opppents to 90 points or less.

Tags: Boston Celtics, Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Rajon Rondo, Utah Jazz