Yesterday, April 1, 2011 the Boston Celtics battled against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena in Atlanta. This game would prove to be crucial for the lately offensively challenged Celtics to get back into their rhythm before playoff season.
At the half, the Celtics were looking good, with guard Rajon Rondo connecting on 9 points, 4-6 from the field. Power forward Kevin Garnett had 5 assists at the half, and forward Paul Pierce comes up with 14 points and three rebounds. Glen "Big Baby" Davis and Jermaine O'Neal doing what they can in the low post. Jermaine O'Neal plays his second game for the Celtics since January after having undergone arthroscopic knee surgery. Speaking of O'Neals, where is Shaq!? The original "Superman," Boston Celtics center Shaquille O'Neal, is on day-to-day status and is expected to return Tuesday April 4, 2011, just in time for the Celtics to get their swagger back before the playoffs which kick off Saturday April 16, 2011. O'Neal has not played a game since February 1, 2011.
In Atlanta, the Celtics 52-44 lead at the half would be challenged by the now eyebrow-raising and post-season hopefuls the Atlanta Hawks. Early on in the game, Pierce gets a technical, and so does Jermaine O'Neal for Boston. This would be the beginning of the second half woes that would ultimately lead to the Celtics defeat.
During the second half, "Big Baby" brings the Celtics to an early 58-48 lead with a lay-up with 7:00 left in the 3rd. Then, Celtics shooting guard Ray Allen with the stuff at 2:00! Celtics still leading 66-55.
Then, Hawks guard-forward Joe Johnson hits two free throws after Atlanta runs amuck in the paint to tie the score at 69 with 10:00 left in the fourth quarter. Suddenly, the Hawks come out of nowhere to outhustle the obviously tired Celtics and come back to win it 88-83.
The Celtics fall to 52-23 and fall to 3rd in Eastern Conference standings, just below the Miami Heat (#2) and the Chicago Bulls (#1). Superman,, wherever you are, we need you!
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