The Boston Celtics matched their season-high four-game losing streak by falling to the Cleveland Cavaliers, 95-90.
Kyrie Irving completely embarrassed everyone the Celtics threw at him, and the scary part was that he essentially took the entire second and third quarters off. After exploding against the lazy defense of Rajon Rondo for 19 first-quarter points, Irving coasted until the fourth quarter, when he re-ignited for a stunning stretch run.
He finished with 40 points on 16-of-24 shooting.
Celtic apologists might argue that Rondo and Avery Bradley slowed Irving down during the middle portion of this one, but anyone watching would know that Irving's lull was solely self-induced. No Boston player could handle him.
As a team, the Celtics surrendered 46 points in the paint and turned the ball over 16 times, both of which were indicators of fatigue and age. Boston just looked a step slow, especially in the game's late stages.
Rondo led the C's with 17 points and 13 boards, but the team's 38 percent shooting and lack of bench production was just too much to overcome.
Boston fell to 20-21 in defeat, and things won't get ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NBA
Article written by Grant Hughes
Boston Celtics vs. Cleveland Cavaliers: Postgame Grades and Analysis for Celtics
January 22nd, 2013 by Grant Hughes Leave a reply »
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