Rajon Rondo had 10 points, five assists and two rebounds as the Boston Celtics trail the one-win Detroit Pistons, 48-43, at halftime from the Palace of Auburn Hills Sunday night in Detroit, MI.
Boston came out hot against the lowly Pistons, hitting 62 percent of their shots for the second game in a row, but only leading 25-23 at the end of one. The Pistons had only connected on 37 percent of their shots, but used six Celtics turnovers to score four points and had gotten to the free throw line 10 times, making eight of their shots in the first quarter.
Detroit continued their strong finish from the first quarter, to use a 9-0 run, and take their first lead of the game, 29-25. Boston would find their rhythm, going on a quick 6-0 and trading buckets through the first half of the second quarter. The Celtics would go on a three-minute drought, failing to score a point until a Paul Pierce bucket brought Boston within two.
Boston continuously settled for perimeter jumpers, showing tired legs and allowing the Pistons to get long rebounds, then run in transition, scoring eight points on the fast break.
At the half Greg Monroe leads the Pistons with eight points, while Kevin Garnett has eight points for the Celtics. Detroit held a 21-15 rebound advantage, including five offensive boards.
Rajon Rondo had five assists in the first half, as he looks to extend his 33-game streak of 10 or more assists in a game.
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