BOSTON - Kevin Garnett stole the show in the first half, scoring 10 points in the opening 24 minutes, but the Boston Celtics have let the lowly Charlotte Bobcats hang around, as the C's only lead 45-38 heading into halftime.
The Celtics have been distracted so far, ironically by captain Paul Pierce, who has seven points in the half and is two points shy of tying Larry Bird for second place on the team's all-time scoring list. Pierce entered the game with 21,782 points and was nine shy of Bird's mark.
After reaching seven points midway through the second quarter, it was clear that the Celtics were trying to force the ball to Pierce, but the captain could not convert on any shots. Pierce even missed a deep three as time expired in the half.
Rajon Rondo has eight points and six assists while Brandon Bass has nine points off the bench. Boston is shooting 50 percent for the half, having made 19-of-38 shots.
Reggie Williams is off to a fast start with a game-high 12 points for Charlotts, which is shooting 43 percent at the break. UConn graduate Kemba Walker has just two points and two rebounds at the break in his return to the region.
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