76ers Vs. Celtics: Boston Wins 99-82 On The Back Of 13 Rajon Rondo Assists

The first two quarters of play between the 76ers and Celtics were extremely close, with the Sixers keeping pace despite a loud home crowd and some great play by Rajon Rondo, but the third quarter belonged to the Celtics. They’ve pulled away from Philly by a considerable margin, and now lead the game by a score of 75-65. Rondo added to the lead at the very end of the quarter, making a shot at the buzzer.

Both teams are doing a good job of spreading the wealth, as no one player has shouldered the scoring load for either team. Jrue Holiday, Elton Brand, Jodie Meeks, Evan Turner and Andre Iguodala all have double figures for the Sixers, while Rajon Rondo, Paul Pierce, and Kevin Garnett are all scoring in double figures for the Celtics. Jermaine O’Neal, Ray Allen, and Nenad Krstic are all just one bucket away from getting into double digits for the Celtics.

It’s an offensive paradise in Boston tonight, as both the Celtics and 76ers are shooting better from 50 percent from the field. Both teams are scoring much more because of the pace of the game and quality offense than they are because of poor defense, as it’s been a very well-played game all around. Boston currently leads by a score of 52-50, and as the score implies, it’s a game that really could go either way in the second half. Both the Celtics and Sixers are playing well in every aspect of the game.

Unsurprisingly, Rajon Rondo has been the most influential player on the floor, notching 12 points and nine assists. He very easily could have had a first half double-double had he not been robbed of a couple assists on shots that were altered by fouls. Evan Turner had a very good second quarter off the bench for the Sixers, while Paul Pierce made up for his scoreless first quarter by dropping 10 points in the second.

Both starting point guards, Jrue Holiday and Rajon Rondo, are putting in great performances for the 76ers and Celtics, respectably, as the Sixers lead by a score of 26-24. The pace of the game has been high, with both teams running the floor well and taking shots early in the shot clock, so it should come as no surprise that the two point guards are the story early. Holiday has 11 points, while Rondo has eight points and five assists.

This game probably looks like an all time classic to anyone who was subjected to last night’s college basketball game, mostly due to the fact that players on both teams are able to make jump shots. Holiday has been especially good in this regard, while Nenad Kristic gave the Celtics some good quick minutes off the bench. Kevin Garnett had an up and down first quarter, while Paul Pierce didn’t make an impact, as he didn’t attempt a single shot.

For more Sixers’ analysis, visit Liberty Ballers and SB Nation Philly. For more on the Celtics, head over to CelticsBlog and SB Nation Boston.