FINALCeltics 95, Kings 90
Boston used a dominant defensive effort to pull away in the second half.
The Celtics (37-11) used a 9-0 run to build an 88-78 lead in the fourth and take care of the Kings (12-34).
Boston forced 13 turnovers in the second half and had balanced scoring. Ray Allen sparked the 9-0 run with a three, one of four threes he made in the game. Allen led all scorers with 22 points.
Rajon Rondo didn't play most of the fourth because Nate Robinson was in for the run, but still had 17 points and 10 assists.
DeMarcus Cousins and Tyreke Evans each had 20 points for the Kings.
THIRD QUARTERCeltics 74, Kings 71
As expected, the Celtics upped their defense. They forced seven turnovers in the third to take a slim lead into the fourth.
The turnovers coupled by the play of Rajon Rondo (17 points, eight assists) and Ray Allen (19 points) allowed Boston to take control.
The quarter featured DeMarcus Cousins hitting a three and then imitating Nate Robinson's celebratory three-point shot dance.
That was the most entertaining part of the third for the Kings. Tyreke Evans and Donte` Greene each have 15 points to lead the Kings.
Kings forward Darnell Jackson did not return to the sidelines after experiencing shortness of breathe at the end of the first half.
Jackson was examined by medical staff on the court while pointing at his chest area. The team said Jackson was "OK" but he would not return to the game.
HALFTIMEKings 54, Celtics 45
The Kings surged ahead thanks to the play of their bench.
Donte' Greene has 15 points off the bench. Pooh Jeter sparked a 10-2 run to start the second that gave the Kings a 30-29 lead as Sacramento would lead the rest of the quarter.
The Kings outscored Boston 34-18 in the quarter.
Jeter had six points and three assists in the second and kept the Kings playing at a fast pace. Jeter played eight minutes in the second quarter.
The Celtics' reserves couldn't keep up and by time the regulars checked in they couldn't stop the momentum generated by the Kings' reserves.
Green now leads all scorers. Rajon Rondo leads the Celtics with 13 points and five assists.
The game got fiesty late in teh second. Rajon Rondo picked up a technical foul after shoving DeMarcus Cousins, who was standing over Kevin Garnett with 1:45 before halftime.
Garnett had fallen going for a loose ball. Rondo put his hand on Cousins to move him, Cousins moved Rondo's hand. Rondo responded with a shove.
The Kings then took Cousins out of the game. I guess they really are worried Cousins might have a blow up.
FIRST QUARTERCeltics 27, Kings 20
The first quarter was entertaining. The past was fast much of the time and featured highlights on both sides.
Beno Udrih was active - on the boards - with five already for the Kings. Tyreke Evans led the Kings with seven points.
The Celtics came out and let their stars do what they do best. Ray Allen has 10 points and Rajon Rondo has nine.
The game hasn't gotten testy yet but it should. The Celtics' style of defense includes a lot of grabbing tugging and rough play.
And when Kevin Garnett is on the floor there's going to be some trash talking. And I don't expect DeMarcus Cousins to quietly accept that.
--Jason Jones
About Comments
Reader comments on Sacbee.com are the opinions of the writer, not The Sacramento Bee. If you see an objectionable comment, click the "report abuse" button below it. We will delete comments containing inappropriate links, obscenities, hate speech, and personal attacks. Flagrant or repeat violators will be banned. See more about comments here.