reflections
January 15th, 2007 The Troops Drop a Close One In Atlanta

Al Jefferson

On Monday afternoon, the young Celtics traveled to Atlanta to play another young and struggling team, the Hawks. This was an up and down game for the Celtics, as they shined in some moments and committed too many turnovers and fouls in other moments. The Celtics turned the ball over 20 times in the game, had key players in foul trouble, and they struggled defensively. The result was that Celtics dropped a close one on the road, 100-96.

Leading the way for Atlanta was Josh Childress, who shot the ball extremely well and also came up with a huge block with 5 seconds left. Childress shot 10 of 15 from the floor and ended up with 23 points and 14 rebounds. Joe Johnson didn’t have his best game, but he still shot 50% from the floor and scored 18 points, as well as dished 9 assists. Josh Smith was absolutely outstanding defensively, as he blocked 7 shots and stole the ball 5 times. He also scored 18 points, grabbed 4 rebounds, and dished 3 assists. Salim Stoudamire hit some big jump shots, as he ended up with 12 points. Zaza Pachulia hit all 10 of his free throws, including the 2 that sealed the deal, as he scored 12 points off the bench for Atlanta. Marvin Williams struggled from the floor today, shooting just 3 of 12, as he ended up with 8 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists.

Allan Ray and Gerald Green each had 22 points for the Celtics. Green had an outstanding first half, slowed down in the 3rd quarter, but then came back to hit two clutch three’s. He also grabbed 4 rebounds, shot 3 of 6 from deep (8 of 18 all together), and he also threw down a beautiful windmill jam that will be on the highlight reels. Allan Ray was excellent of the bench, as he had his best professional game of his rookie career. He scored 22 points off the bench, hit two clutch three’s himself, and he nailed 7 of his 8 free throw attempts. This was a big game for the young rookie out of Villanova.

Al Jefferson turned the ball over 5 times and also had 5 fouls, but he played an outstanding game, once again. He ended up with 18 points, a whopping 17 rebounds (the previous game, in Detroit, he grabbed a career high 22), and blocked 4 shots. He shot the ball 8-14, and made some pretty hooks down low. Rajon Rondo also had himself a very good game. He shot just 3 of 11, but he did everything else. He ended up with 9 points, 7 rebounds, 8 assists, 3 steals, and a block. He played excellent defense and brought a ton of energy ever second he was on the floor. Sebastian Telfair had a rough night, on both ends really, but he did end up nailing 3 three’s in the 3rd quarter, as he finished with 13 points and 4 assists. Ryan Gomes made some great finishes around the basket, as he ended with 12 points and 4 rebounds.

Player of the Game: Allan Ray

Allan Ray

22 points on 6-9 FG, 3-5 3FG, 7-8 FT

Next Game: Friday (1/19/07) at home vs. Sacramento at 7:30 pm ET. It is a possibility that Delonte West could return to the lineup for this game.

Posted in Uncategorized |

Leave a Reply