Rajon Rondo had nine assists and five points as the Boston Celtics lead the Oklahoma City Thunder, 48-45, at halftime from the TD Garden in Boston, MA.
After losing the previous two games, the Celtics wanted to get back on track against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Jeff Green's first game against his former team.
They didn't get the start they wanted though, trailing by seven after one. Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant combined for 17 of Oklahoma City's 28 points in the first quarter. Despite not being offensively efficient, Kendrick Perkins had five points and three boards in the quarter. In what has been the norm this season Boston's interior defense struggled against the Thunder, giving up a 11-6 rebound differential.
After giving up a 9-0 run to end the first quarter, the Celtics got back into with eight points from their bench to cut the deficit to two midway through the second quarter.
Boston would climb all the way back, taking a 39-38 lead, their first since holding a 9-7 advantage with 9:11 remaining in the first.
Oklahoma City shot 50 percent from the field, as Durant and Westbrook combined for 23 points in the first half. The Celtics connected on 52 percent of their shots, while the bench combined for 22 points of Boston's 48 points.
At the half, the Thunder only out rebounded Boston, 21-14,
After notching 10 or more assists in 35-straight games, Rondo has nine in the first half and will be looking to continue his streak.
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