Celtics vs. Pistons: Previewreview

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BOSTONWell, this isn't quite how the Boston Celtics drew up Wednesday night's bon voyage game against Detroit, the team's last game at the TD Garden until Feb. 29. The Celtics suffered yet another disappointing setback, losing 98-88 to a Pistons team that is among the worst on the road in the NBA this season.

Not having Kevin Garnett certainly didn't help. But to pin this loss on having no KG is letting the C's off the hook for yet another head-scratching performance.

"We made some bonehead plays," said Celtics coach Doc Rivers.

Leaving Ben Gordon open for a 3-pointer to trap Damien Wilkens. Rotate out to defend Ben Wallace . . . around the 3-point line?

And giving up offensive rebounds on free throws, are a definite no-no if you're trying to secure a much-needed win at home.

"Those three possessions to me, changed the game," Rivers said.

Maybe so, but there were other factors that played a role in the Celtics (15-13) losing for the third time in the last four games. Here's how we saw it before the game, and what actually happened:

WHAT TO LOOK FOR: With the Pistons having lost Tuesday night at home to San Antonio, don't be surprised if the Celtics come out looking to run more than usual. Along with Detroit likely having weary legs, the Celtics have proven despite their age, they can run - and run well. Against the Bulls, Boston outscored them 33-7, in fast break points. With Detroit having its issues earlier this year defensively, they naturally don't fare well when it comes to fast-break points. They average 11.2 per game which ranks No. 22 in the NBA.
WHAT WE SAW: The Celtics came out attacking in transition, primarily because they were rebounding the ball well and getting out before the Pistons could fully set up their defense. At one point, Boston had an 11-4 advantage in fast-break points. But as the game wore on, the Celtics' began to run less, attack less and the end result? Another lesson in how to NOT win at home! For the game, the C's managed to claim a slim 18-14 edge in fast-break points.

MATCHUP TO WATCH: Rodney Stuckey vs Ray Allen. Size and strength, meets speed and accuracy. Stuckey's play has been a part of Detroit's improved play of late. In their last six games, he has averaged 15.3 points and 4.8 assists - both better than his season numbers. As for Ray Allen, he has shot less than 50 percent from the field in each of the last three games, which is the second-longest such stretch for him this season. The big thing with Allen is getting shot attempts. In the month of February, the Celtics are 3-1 when Allen gets 10 or more shot attempts.
WHAT WE SAW: This was very lopsided, but not even close to how anyone outside of the 3-1-3 would have envisioned. Stuckey scored off the dribble, on pull-ups and from the free-throw line, finishing with a team-high 25 points on 7-for-16 shooting. Meanwhile, Allen had just 10 points and shot 1-for-5 from the field. His lone field goal made came late in the fourth, well after the Pistons had the game well in hand.

PLAYER TO WATCH: Chris Wilcox did a fine job (12 points, 9 rebounds against Chicago) filling in for Jermaine O'Neal. Now that O'Neal is expected back for Wednesday night's game, it'll be interesting if Wilcox can make a similar impact coming off the bench. His athleticism and ability to run the floor, in many ways, makes him a more attractive option for the Celtics at the center position. But don't look for the C's to make a change, not with O'Neal providing the kind of defensive presence that no other Celtic center - Wilcox included - provides.
WHAT WE SAW: Chris Wilcox continues to give the Celtics exactly what they're looking for, regardless of whether he's starting or coming off the bench. Filling in for Kevin Garnett (hip flexor), Wilcox had a season-high 17 points and 9 rebounds. "He's been really good," Rivers said. "He's playing hard. If he can stay where he's at right now, I'm very happy with that."

STAT TO TRACK: Arguably the best center in the Eastern Conference to not be named an All-Star this year is Detroit's Greg Monroe. The Pistons are ranked 13th in the NBA in points in the paint (40.7), with Monroe's inside presence being key. He's coming off a sub-par 4-point, 6-rebound night against the Spurs. But for the season, he's a near double-double with 16.4 points and 9.7 rebounds per game. As for Boston, they have actually improved their interior defense as the season progressed. Teams are scoring 39 points per game against them inside the paint, which ranks 9th in fewest points allowed in that category.
WHAT WE SAW: Monroe proved once again that he's a tough cover for any defense, scoring 22 points on 11-for-14 shooting to go with nine rebounds. Boston actually was plus-2 on points in the paint, but the fact that they gave up 42 points around the basket was among the many areas in which the Celtics were not as good as they have been lately.

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