Ray Allen Buries Bobcats, 96-95

It was just two games ago that I was complaining that the Celtics were giving me nothing to write about.  Too many games followed the same storyline:  Veteran all-star team is too much for other, less skilled, less intense team.  Veteran all-star team can put up a million points while holding other, less skilled, less intense team to far fewer points. 

Well, tonight that book was shot, burned, hung and burned again.  Boston went head-to-head with the Charlotte Bobcats in a game which should have followed the same stale template, but instead came down to a desperation shot at the buzzer.  For Boston, the defense, intensity and execution were sorely lacking.  Pierce and Ray Allen were unable to find their shot for most of the night and the Celtics' offense relied on Garnett and Posey to keep the game close. 

It was up-and-down all night (with Boston mostly playing the role of down), and everytime the C's would cut the lead or get ahead, Charlotte was able to counter and push Boston right back down.  Jared Dudley gave them their energy, Okafor supplied their defense, and Richardson and Felton lit up the scoreboard.  Despite Rondo's defensive abilities, it was disturbingly clear that he was unable to guard the much stronger Felton.  He was able to back Rondo down or push right past him on his way to 18 points with 9 assists.

Towards the end of the game, with the Celtics hanging close, they inexplicably forgot how to take care of the ball.  On a few separate occasions within the last couple minutes, a Boston player threw a horrid pass which resulted in a turnover.  Down by two with just a few seconds to go, Pierce stepped up and decided he was going bring home the 'W'.  He got the ball up top and took Richardson off the dribble -- but instead of driving to the rim, he pulled up for a fall away jumper which bricked off the front of the rim.  A Bobcat grabbed the rebound and was immediately fouled by Ray Allen.  Fortunately for the Celtics, that was their first foul within the final 2 minutes, so Charlotte was not rewarded foul shots and instead had to take the ball out on their side of the court.

In what could be one of the worst inbounds plays in NBA history, the Bobcats ran around like terrified children in a Haunted House.  When the ball was finally lobbed inbounds, Eddie House tipped it in the air.  Pierce came down with it, was immediately surrounded by Bobcats, and passed the ball over to Ray Allen who was able to knock down the game winner as the game expired.  Boston wins, 96-95.

BOXSCORE 

MVC:  It was going to be Garnett (23-11-5 with 5 blocks).  I was debating giving it to Posey (14 points, 3 threes off the bench).  It sure as hell wasn't going to Ray Allen who shot 4-15 and finished with 14 points, 5 assists and 4 rebounds.  That was until Boston was down by 2 with what appeared to be a zero percent chance of winning and Pierce found Allen open for the game winning three.  For a shooter to be so cold all night (actually, for the last 7 games or so) but be able to find his shot when his team absolutely needs him... well, that'll earn you the Most Valuable Celtic award most nights.  I hope he can find a steady shot soon, but when your team is 11-1, there's not too much to complain about.

Lastly, I just wanted to thank the Celtics for giving me something to write about, and for giving my pulse a ride tonight.  They should have blown out the Bobcats (which worries me a little bit) but after facing the Lakers lastnight, a bit of a letdown is to be expected.  I'm just glad they didn't step off the court with their second loss of the season.