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Celtics ride bench for a road win against the Kings
By Ben Schneider
February 16, 2010
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Sacramento Kings forward Jason Thompson walks to court during a timeout after missing two free throws in the closing moments of the Kings 95-92 loss to the Boston Celtics in an NBA basketball game in Sacramento, Calif., Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2010. (AP Photo)
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With three future hall of fames in the starting line-up and one of the best young point guards in the NBA it was the Celtics bench that helped Boston defeat Sacramento 95-92 Tuesday night in front of 14,439 at Arco Arena. The Celtics bench outscored the Kings reserves 44 – 25 lead by 17 points from Rasheed Wallace and 12 from former King Eddie House.
Boston took the lead for good with a three-pointer from Paul Pierce with 1:47 left in the 4th quarter. The Celtics made all of their free throw attempts in the final 15 seconds and all seven attempts in the 4th quarter. The Kings on the other hand were just 2-10 from the charity stripe in the 4th quarter, including six of eight attempts in the final 1:30.
The Celtics got 17 points apiece from Wallace and Paul Pierce. Ray Allen chipped in with 15 points while Rajon Rondo had 4 points, 6 assists and 7 rebounds. After the game Garnett talked about the Celtics bench “The bench came in with unbelievable energy. They came in and took the momentum and once they got that the starters were able to get into a nice groove. I think for the most part5 it was a team effort tonight. Without the bench I don’t think we would be able to stand out there like we did.” The Celtics’ record is 22-4 when holding opponents under 44 percent from the field. The Kings shot just 38 percent.
The Kings failed to reach the century mark for the first time in their last six games and the loss snapped a two game losing streak. Rookie Tyreke Evans recorded 17 points, a career high 11 rebounds, 7 assists and a block in 41 minutes of action. Fellow rookie Omri Casspi tallied a team high 19 points to go with 6 rebounds, 3 assists. 2 steals and 2 blocks. Francisco Garcia made his first appearance of the regular season. He logged just one minute of action, missing his only shot attempt. Garcia has missed 52 games after having surgery on his right forearm and wrist. Jason Thompson recorded his 18th double double of the season, finishing with 17 points and 11 rebounds.
The Kings will be in action tomorrow night in Oakland against the Golden State Warriors.
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