The Boston Celtics returned to their winning ways Wednesday night, as they defeated the Sacramento Kings 119-95 at the TD Garden. With the win, the Celtics snapped their two-game losing streak.
Paul Pierce had a tremendous performance for the Celtics as he scored 25 points. Pierce jumped out to a quick start for Boston, scoring 15 points in the first quarter. Like every other Celtics starter, Pierce sat out nearly the entire fourth quarter for Boston as they built a 90-67 lead heading into the fourth quarter.
Rajon Rondo had a nice rebounding performance, as he recorded 10 points and 12 assists Wednesday night. Rondo hadn't reached double figures in points in three of his previous five games. Like Pierce, Rondo sat out the fourth quarter after they built their 23-point lead.
Other notable performances included Ray Allen as he turned in 14 points, and Glen Davis who reached 12 points. Davis filled in for the injured Kevin Garnett once again on Wednesday night. Celtics Head coach Doc Rivers believes that Garnett could return to the lineup next Monday.
"Eddie [Lacerte, the team's trainer] and I talked about it yesterday and it will really depend on what we do [Thursday]," Rivers said. "My guess [for Friday] is no, because after that we have two days off. My thinking right now, unless he comes out and practices the whole practice and looks great, is probably off Friday too and then probably [play] Monday."
The Celtics bench did a great job in sustaining the big lead heading into the fourth quarter. Nate Robinson (16 points), Marquis Daniels (12 points), Von Wafer (12 points), and Sermih Erden (10 points) all reached double figures Wednesday night. Erden, most notably had to play a career-high 33 minutes after starting center Shaquille O'Neal got into foul trouble early.
The Celtics look to build a new winning streak, as the face the struggling Charlotte Bobcats on Friday night at the TD Garden. Tip-off is expected at 7:30 p.m. EST.