
DECEMBER 2, 2009
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First QuarterBoston got out to a good lead at the start of the game due to terrific playing by Celtic's captain, Paul Pierce. Pierce was fouled twice (hitting all 4 free throws) and connected with all 3 of his shot attempts (including one crushing dunk over Charlie Villanueva whom fouled him). Pierce scored 12 of his 14 in the first quarter of play. Ben Wallace on the other hand got out to a slow start on the game, only rebounding the ball once with no blocks, steals or points to go with his stats for the first quarter. Richard Hamilton was left with the load in the game, scoring 8 of his points in the first quarter and over half of his teams total points in the period. At the end of the quarter the score was 20-14, Boston's way.

Jerebko shooting over one of his idols, Kevin GarnettSecond QuarterCoach Kuester must have given the Pistons some powerful words at the end of the first quarter, because as soon as the buzzer for the second quarter sounded, the Pistons were off like a race car. Rodney Stuckey and Ben Wallace connected on four alley-oops to go along with a ferocious dunk over Rajon Rondo and Kendrick Perkins that shook the backboard like no other. Kendrick Perkins however was on fire this quarter with his defense, connecting with 5 blocks over Ben Wallace. Big Ben took 15 shots in this period, with only 5 going in. The defense of Kendrick Perkins was too much for Big Ben to handle this quarter as nearly everytime Ben had the ball, Kendrick somehow, someway managed to make him alter his shot attempt. NBA analysts believe that if it wasn't for this great defense by Perkins, the Pistons would have scored anywhere from 35-40 points this period. The score at the half was 38-25, Detroit's way.

Ben Wallace dunking over his nemesis throughout the game, Kendrick PerkinsThird QuarterThe third quarter was a tightly contested quarter and was highlighted by the stellar play of Kevin Garnett and Ben Gordon. Gordon and Garnett were going point for point this quarter, which much to the dismay of Pistons fans was going slightly in the favour of Garnett. Ben Wallace yet again continued his demolition of the leagues most prominent point guards, this time injuring Celtics favourite Rajon Rondo with a hard foul that crushed his arm. Ben Wallace had now taken out two point guards in the league, Devin Harris and Rajon Rondo. Many believe this is due to the defense in which Coach Kuester has been telling the Pistons to perform, a somewhat "go hard or don't go at all" defense which seems to fit perfectly with the play of Ben Wallace. The score at the end of the third was in the Pistons favour, 60-46.

A scary sight for Boston Celtics fans, at the hands of Ben WallaceFourth QuarterRay Allen was the man that conquered the court tonight. After three quarters of average play, Allen exploded in the final 5 minutes of the fourth quarter connecting with lay-up, after dunk, after shot, after free throw. He scored 18 of his 22 points in the fourth quarter and cut down Detroit's lead in the final minute. Kendrick Perkins continued his block party yet again, blocking away shots by both Richard Hamilton and Rodney Stuckey in the dying moments of the game. With 30 seconds to go in the period and Boston up 74-72, Ben Gordon stole the ball from Ray Allen and ran down court to connect with a rare 360 jam to tie the game 74-a piece. With 24 seconds to go the ball was in the hands of Ray Allen whom gladly took the ball to the basket for a phenomenal up and under whilst being fouled by Richard Hamilton. Ray Allen as per usual sank the free throw giving Boston a 77-74 lead. With 0.9 seconds left on the clock Coach Kuester called a time out. Boston knowing that the Pistons were looking for their usual 3-point shooters, Ben Gordon and Richard Hamilton had tight defense being played on them by Ray Allen and Paul Pierce respectively. With only one player open Charlie Villanueva passed the ball to Rodney Stuckey whom launched an off-balance 3 which bounced off the rim, crushing the hopes of the hard working boys of Detroit.

Ben Gordon's game tying 360 dunk in the dying moments of the game
Final Score
Detroit 74 - Boston 77

Player Of The Game

6 Points / 7 Rebounds / 1 Assist / 10 Blocks
(Awarded for phenomenal defense that ultimately allowed Boston to survive)