Rajon Rondo had 12 points and 10 assists as the Boston Celtics (6-5) fell to the Detroit Pistons (2-9), 103-83, Sunday night at the Palace Of Auburn Hills in Detroit, MI.
Lazy passes, weak interior defense and missed rotations.
That was the story of the Celtics as the Pistons extended their halftime lead from five points to a 16-point advantage.
It was a different Boston team than we've seen of late. The Celtics were laxidasical with their passes, refused to defend in transition and settled for long jumpers the entire third.
Boston had six turnovers in the third frame while missing eight of the 12 jumpers taken from nine-feet and further. The Celtics would only attempt four shots at the rim, making one of them.
After leading the league in assists per game (25.3), the Celtics had just seven assists heading into the fourth quarter and 12 assists for the game.
The fourth was much of the same, as Boston couldn't find any rhythm whether they went with a big or small lineup.
Detroit opened up a 19-point lead in the fourth on the Celtics, towering over Boston's small lineup of Jared Sullinger, Jason Terry, Paul Pierce, Leandro Barbosa and Rondo.
After shooting over 60 percent in the first quarter, Boston ended the night hitting 45 percent from the field. The Pistons shot 54 percent from the field, getting to the free throw line 26 times on the night as well.
Greg Monroe led the Pistons with 20 points and 13 rebounds as interior size continues to give the Celtics fits. Rodney Stuckey and rookie Andre Drummond combined for 25 points on the night.
Kevin Garnett led the Celtics with 15 points and four rebounds in the loss. Rookie Jared Sullinger was the only Boston bench player to notch double-digits, scoring 16 points on 12 shots.
Rondo extended his 34-game streak with of 10 or more assists with 10 assists.
Pierce left the game late in the fourth to get his ankle re-taped, according to Kyle Draper of CSNNE.
The Celtics will look to get back on track against the San Antonio Spurs Wednesday night from the TD Garden in Boston, MA at 7:30 pm ET.
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