Rajon Rondo had 22 points and 15 assists, but the Boston Celtics fell to the San Antonio Spurs, 112-100, on Wednesday night from the TD Garden in Boston, MA.
Boston and San Antonio traded baskets throughout the majority of the third quarter, but despite the Celtics' competitiveness, the Spurs only bolstered their lead into the fourth frame. San Antonio notched 18 of their 26 points in the paint, outscoring Boston by three in the third and leading 79-74 at the end of three.
Forward Tim Duncan had 10 points in the third, dominating the paint and using his veteran post moves to work younger guys, such as Brandon Bass.
Boston ended San Antonio's 9-0 run early in the fourth, but the Spurs continued pouring it on, taking a 14-point lead early in the quarter. Thanks to a quick 8-2 run, in which Rondo scored six points in just over a minute, Boston chipped the lead down to nine.
The Spurs would take a brief 14-point lead again, before Rondo and Garnett pushed the Celtics within six with just over three minutes to go in the contest. Boston failed to execute down the stretch though, turning the ball over once and fouling the opposition twice, leading to free points at the other end.
Tony Parker and Duncan combined for 46 of San Antonio's 112 points. As a team, the Spurs shot 58 percent from the field and had 58 points scored in the paint.
Rondo and Paul Pierce combined for 41 of Boston's 100 points on the night. The Celtics shot 53 percent from the field and only 37 percent from three.
Boston was out rebounded 41-25 and the Celtics, as a team, didn't record an offensive rebound until the final two minutes of the game.
Rondo's 15 assists gave him 10 or more assists in 35-straight games.
Boston will have an opportunity to climb back over .500 Friday, when the Oklahoma City Thunder travels to the TD Garden in Boston, MA. to match up with the Celtics.
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