Rajon Rondo had five assists and four points as the Boston Celtics trail the San Antonio Spurs, 56-48, at halftime on Wednesday night from the TD Garden in Boston, MA.
After being throttled by the lowly Detroit Pistons Sunday night, the Celtics had some time to think about the awful loss suffered just three days ago.
Boston evidently had enough time to ponder, coming out firing on all cylinders in the first quarter.
Rondo was in attack mode, getting to the rim at ease, dishing the ball on the fast break and most importantly, getting to the free throw line. Boston spread the ball around and found the open man consistently over the first half of the first frame, but became unglued toward the end of one.
Three-consecutive turnovers allowed the Spurs to take a 30-27 lead heading into the second quarter. It also didn't help that veteran forward Tim Duncan notched seven points and seven boards in the first quarter.
Without Rondo and Pierce on the floor to start the second, the Celtics slowed the pace and set into more in the half court, locking down on defense and moving the ball efficiently around the perimeter on offense. San Antonio started to pull away in the second, only for the Celtics to continue fighting back.
Tony Parker led the Spurs with 15 points and four assists. Jason Terry had 12 points and Paul Pierce notched 11 points to lead the Celtics.
San Antonio had 56 points in the half, but scored 26 in the paint, thriving with their interior size over Boston.
Rondo had five assists in the half as he attempts to maintain his streak of 34-straight games with 10 or more assists.
For more Boston Celtics coverage, visit our team blog, Celtics Blog.