reflections
January 22nd, 2007 Duncan Stays Undefeated Against Celtics

Tim Duncan

On Monday night, the Celtics took on the San Antonio Spurs, who have not lost a game to the Celtics since Tim Duncan was drafted in 1997. The tables didn’t turn tonight either, as the Spurs picked up the win. However, it was no easy win. The Celtics came down from over 20 points to losing by just 4. The run was sparked by Rajon Rondo on the defensive end and Delonte West on the offensive end, who was lights out in the 4th quarter. Though it’s another loss, it was a great game. Final score: 93-89.

Tim Duncan had some trouble with Al Jefferson tonight, on both ends, as he shot just 7 of 17. Duncan ended the game with solid numbers anyway, as he finished with 21 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 blocks. Tony Parker took just 9 shots, but he played very efficiently, as he scored 15 points and dished 5 assists. The final piece of the 3-headed monster, Manu Ginobili, finished with 15 points of his own, along with 6 rebounds. Bruce Bowen didn’t have as good a game as usual on the defensive end, but he did manage to score 9 points on 4-7 shooting. Off the bench, Michael Finley (12 points, 5 rebounds) and Francisco Elson (10 points, 5 rebounds) gave San Antonio a nice spark. Brent Barry also hit a couple three’s, as he finished with 7 points and 3 assists.

Al Jefferson led the way for the Celtics with strong play on both ends tonight, taking it to Tim Duncan play after play, as he finished with 26 points, 14 rebounds, and 2 blocks on 11-20 shooting. Delonte West was shooting the lights out tonight, especially in the 4th quarter, as he scored 27 points and brought some serious hustle. Ryan Gomes had another excellent night, as he finished with 20 points and 7 rebounds. Gerald Green continued his shooting woes, as he scored just 2 points in the game on 1-7 shooting.

The energizer to the big run for the Celtics, however, was rookie point guard Rajon Rondo. He played some outstanding defense, pushed the tempo, he was aggressive, he hit the open shooters, and the energy level was off the charts. Rondo has earned himself the huge minutes, passing Telfair on the depth chart and leaving him in the dust (Rondo - 32 minutes tonight, Telfair - 4). Rondo’s line was 4 points, 4 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 steals.

Player of the Game: Al Jefferson

Al Jefferson

26 points, 14 rebounds, 2 blocks

Next Game: Wednesday (1/24/07) at home vs. Atlanta at 7:30 pm ET. It is possible that Wally Szczerbiak and/or Brian Scalabrine could return for this game. Scalabrine will, for sure, practice tomorrow. If all goes well, he’ll play.

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