Jeff Green had perhaps his best game yet with the Boston Celtics as he scored 19 points off the bench as the reigning Eastern champs knocked off the visiting Indiana Pacers 92-80. The Pacers had won two straight -- both over the New York Knicks -- but were never in contention against the C's, who actually play defense.
Pacers Vs. Celtics: Jeff Green Breaks Out As Boston Blasts Indiana
Paul Pierce led the Celtics with 20 points, including a monster jam (that isn't on YouTube) on Roy Hibbert. The way Doc Rivers has used Green to augment the rotation is pretty interesting; Pierce obviously soaks up the lion's share of small forward minutes, and Rivers is comfortable with Kevin Garnett, Nenad Krstic and Glen Davis running the frontcourt (until Shaquille O'Neal returns, and allowing Troy Murphy some burn). So Rivers has used Green as a two-guard behind Ray Allen, playing next to Pierce. When Pierce comes out, on Wednesday at least, Rivers turns to two-guard Delonte West, pushing Green up to small forward.
Green played power forward almost exclusively in Oklahoma City. The role is quite a shift, but it makes sense given Green’s skillset, and it seems to be working.
Tyler Hansbrough, who destroyed Amar'e Stoudemire twice in a row, couldn't get it going against Garnett. Psycho T shot just 4-14. Paul George led the Pacers with 15 points.
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