December 8, 2004
Boston snaps it in OT
Arenas unable to take the victory
--
vs.
Washington 112 - -- - Boston 116
[
Box Score ]
According to the winning percentages the Celtics had no chance, but
the game itself told a very different story. It seemed like the Wizards
had not recovered from the loss to the Timberwolves. Boston's Gary
Payton and Paul Pierce took over in the first as they built a quick
12-point lead. Washington, who had problems with ball handling
(7TO-s) managed to cut the loss to 7 by the end of the quarter.
The second period was a bit better on Washington's side: the trio of
Arenas, Hughes and Jamison scored 23 of the teams 27 points, but
they still couldn't find enough defensive stops as the Celtics dropped
31 on them. Pierce had 22 points by the half and was one of the key
players. Washington had 12 turnovers before the start of the second
half.
Eddie Jordan gave a specific assignment to Larry Hughes for the second
half: to ruin Pierce's will to play. Hughes was doing it great as he managed
to get Pierce to foul trouble and left him with only 2 points in the third.
Payton tried to carry the team but that wasn't enough. Boston lost the
boards 5-13 and the Wizards pulled back, regardless of another 7 turn-
overs.
The fourth period promised to be be interesting and so it was. Paul
Pierce was back on track and scored 14 to keep his team ahead. The
tension lasted to final seconds of the period. Antawn Jamison made
his second threepointer count as the Washington took a 98-97 lead
with just 3.6 seconds remaining. Boston used its last time out and
put the ball to play from the halfcourt. Gary Payton was the man who
received the ball at the top of the key and took the shot with his foot
over the line. The basket was good and now it was Washington's turn
to think things over with only 1.5 on the clock. Arenas shook his defender
loose and got the ball at the baseline and quickly pulled up for a shot.
But Mark Blount was there in time and fouled hard on Arenas. He was
sent to the line for two, but unfortunately made only one of the two.
This game was sent to overtime!
Now, after the Wizards couldn't use their best opportunity, Boston went
ahead with 4 and the gap didn't change. Hughes and Arenas combined
a 11 in OT, but Boston's team play led them to the victory. Pierce and
Payton scored a total of 73 points.
“It's a sad way to lose.” Arenas said. “It was all in my hands and i let
the team down. I really need to improve my FT shooting...” POTG,
Paul Pierce told us that there's no difference who scores the points
as long the team is winning. “There are enough of players who can
drop a 40 on you every now and then so it's no big deal, I just had
one of those nights..”
Ingame Photos

Jamison was once again showing some sweet dunks and so was Ricky Davis.
- - -
Paul Pierce was almost unstoppable.