March 12, 2009

Too Much Heat

For a half, the Truth and Co. hung with the Miami Heat, but after being outscored heavily in the third quarter Wednesday night, Boston fell, 107-99.

Afterward, it was clear that the rash of injuries that has infected the Celtics in the last month played a significant role in the outcome of the game.

Still, Paul (16 points, five rebounds) would not make excuses for his team's second straight loss. As reported by the Boston Globe:

”We had our opportunities. We had the lead at halftime and had a bad quarter in the third quarter. We dug ourselves a hole. We have to understand that we're a defensive team first and that's how we win games.''

A DECISIVE THIRD QUARTER
Boston came out of the halftime break trailing 55-50, but was outscored 32-18 in the third period, putting the Captain and his crew in a difficult hole.

A late run brought the Celtics within a point, but Miami star Dwayne Wade responded, and the Heat pulled away.

"We just had a bad third quarter," said Paul. "We just dug ourselves a hole. We have to understand we are a defensive team first. This is how we win games."

NEXT UP
Pierce and the Cs head back home to take on the Memphis Grizzlies Friday night. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 PM Eastern Time.

RELATED STORIES
Heat in Miami Too Much for Celts (Patriot Ledger, March 12, 2009)
http://www.patriotledger.com/sports/pros/x260342774/Heat-in-Miami-too-mu...
Wade does it again, lifts Heat past Celtics (Boston Globe, March 11, 2009)
http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/articles/2009/03/11/wade...
Running on Empty (RedsArmy.com, March 11, 2009)
http://redsarmy.wordpress.com/2009/03/11/running-on-empty/#more-5502