Recap: Golden State vs. Boston
Sports Network | December 29, 2009
Oakland, CA (Sports Network) - Monta Ellis scored 37 points on 15-of-26 shooting, and the Golden State Warriors completed a rare comeback against the Celtics, responding from an 18-point deficit to post a 103-99 win at Oracle Arena.
Anthony Randolph added 18 points and nine rebounds for the Warriors, who ended Boston's 88-game win streak when leading by at least 16 points in a contest. Anthony Morrow and Corey Maggette had 13 points apiece, and CJ Watson contributed with 11 points.
"He's really being a true leader now, especially when we need points. He's ready to take the responsibility and take some tough shots like he did today. It was unbelievable what he did," Warriors center Andris Biedrins said of Ellis.
Rajon Rondo scored a season-high 30 points to go with 15 assists for the Celtics, who were coming off a last-second defeat to the Clippers on Sunday. Boston, which began the season 13-1 on the road, has now lost two straight away from TD Banknorth Garden.
Ray Allen added 24 points in the loss, while Kevin Garnett had 16 points and nine boards for the Celtics, who held a 35-17 lead late in the first quarter before Golden State began its push.
The Warriors led by four to start the fourth quarter, and an Ellis 19-foot shot gave Golden State a 93-86 lead with six minutes to play.
"We definitely let him have his way with us," Allen said of Ellis. "We committed a body and a half to him early and that wasn't enough, and then two bodies and by that time it was too late."
Boston pulled to within 99-96 after Rondo scored eight consecutive points for the visitors, but Ronny Turiaf answered with an emphatic slam for a five-point Warriors advantage with two minutes remaining.
After Garnett hit a layup, Allen missed a chance to tie the game with 35 seconds left, as his three-point attempt bounced off the rim to keep the Warriors ahead, 101-98. Maggette missed a three-point attempt at the other end, and Rondo grabbed the rebound for Boston and called timeout with 6.9 ticks left.
Allen was fouled with 4.4 seconds to go, made the first free throw and intentionally missed the second; however, his second attempt didn't hit the rim, giving the ball back to Golden State.
Ellis was subsequently fouled with 2.3 seconds left and drilled two free throws to seal the win.
Boston stormed out to a 35-22 lead after one quarter, but the Warriors outscored the Celtics by 12 in the second quarter to get to within 58-57 at halftime.
Trailing by one midway through the third quarter, Golden State went on a 10-4 run, which was capped by an Ellis basket for a 73-68 lead with three minutes left.
The hosts carried an 80-76 lead into the fourth quarter.
The two teams split the season series, 1-1...The Celtics have lost six straight in Oakland, their longest active road losing streak against one team...Watson set a franchise record with six steals in the second quarter. He finished with a career-high seven steals...Kendrick Perkins had eight points and a game-high 14 rebounds for Boston.
