BOSTONThe Boston Celtics didn't need to spend much time on the scouting report for this one, not after facing Philadelphia just 24 hours earlier.
To beat them was pretty simple.
Do what you did on Friday night, only longer.
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That's exactly what Boston did, taking control from the outset and never letting up in a 92-79 win.
Kevin Garnett led all Celtics with 19 points while Rajon Rondo once again flirted around with a triple-double before finishing with seven points, 11 assists and nine rebounds. Thaddeus Young led all players with 22 points.
The victory was important on many levels for Boston (11-9).
For starters, it was their first over the Sixers in three tries, meaning a loss would have secured the head-to-head series for Philadelphia which would come in handy if these two are tied at the end of the regular season.
Just as important, it gave them something to build on other than the 'good try, good effort' sentiments that has permeated this team in recent weeks after playing well but coming up short.
In addition, it was an especially pleasing win for C's coach Doc Rivers who was coaching with a heavy heart after attending the funeral of his former coach Rick Majerus who recently passed away.
There was a high degree of focus on the Celtics' part at both ends of the floor as the C's delivered the kind of intensity that allowed them to play with a lead the entire game.
Boston's defense was especially pleasing to Doc Rivers who had been longing for this level of defensive dominance from his club all season.
Indeed, it was a night of exacting revenge for a number of Celtics including Jason Terry who had a woeful 1-for-12 shooting night at Philadelphia on Friday.
"I've had shooting nights like this before," Terry said after the loss. "I always bounce back."
He added, "I can almost bet on myself - no, I will bet on myself. (Saturday night), if I get those same looks they're going down."
For the most part, Terry was right.
He scored all nine of his points in the first half which included a pair of 3-pointers that contributed to the Celtics going into the half with a surprisingly dominant 48-28 lead.
In addition to Terry, Boston also got strong play in the first half from Paul Pierce (13 points), Kevin Garnett (eight points) and Jeff Green with seven points off the bench.