Chalk up another road win for the Celtics. They beat the Spurs 90-83 thanks to a great defensive effort.
Rajon Rondo (12 points, 12 assists, 3 steals) had two clutch plays in the final two minutes. With the Celtics clinging to an 85-81 lead, he drilled an open 19-footer. And with the Celtics up 4, with 30 seconds left, Tony Parker drove to the hoop but had the ball slapped off his leg by Rondo It was a HUGE defensive play.
KG had another great game: 20 points, 9-15 FG, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals.
Dejuan Blair (18 ponts, 9-11 FG, 11 rebounds) was a beast. He single-handedly lead the Spurs back from a 12 point 4th quarter deficit. It reminded me of the breakout game Glen Davis had two years ago against the Pistons.
The Spurs outrebounded the Celtics 55-32, thanks to 20 offensive rebounds. I'd say at least half of those off. rebounds came on backtaps.
Gregg Popovich had a couple of questionable personnel moves. Tim Duncan (16 points, 15 rebounds) stayed on the bench for 8 minutes in the 4th quarter. He returned with 3:59 left in the game. Yes, Dejuan Blair was playing out of his mind, but couldn't they play together? Pop also stayed with Roger Mason instead of Manu Ginobli for much of crunch time.