Talking Points: Celtics 94, Pacers 87

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BOSTON &nbsp; These are the times when all that Coach-speak about staying ready, actually means something. <br><br>The Boston Celtics went into Friday's game against Indiana even more short-handed than they were the previous night at Orlando with Keyon Dooling (hip pointer) added to the usual list of casualties in casual suits on the sideline.<br><br>And once again, the C's managed to knock off a quality opponent, as Boston took control of the game in the third quarter before holding on for a 94-87 win.<br><img src="commonglobal_imagesblog_divider.png"><br>This game, like most for the Green Team, was not easy. <br><br>Just when it seemed they had it put away, Mickael Pietrus was whistled for a flagrant-1 foul and a technical for taunting. A 10-point Celtics lead with 34.1 seconds to play was down to seven. <br><br>But the Pacers could not get any closer, as Danny Granger's driving lay-up was off the mark and ultimately wound up in Pietrus' hands with 28.5 seconds to play. <br><br>Indiana got into the whole foul-to-stop-the-clock game, as the C's cashed in its final few points from the free throw line. <br><br>The Celtics (9-9) have now won four straight which matches their season-best winning streak.<br><br>Making the run of late even more impressive is that it has come with key guys like Rajon Rondo (wrist) and Ray Allen (ankle) out with injuries.<br><br>But guys being out has created opportunities for players such as Avery Bradley (great defense, as usual), E'Twaun Moore (four points, solid work running the offense) and Chris Wilcox (season-high 14 points, six rebounds) to assume a greater role in the team's success.<br><br>Those players have rewarded the C's with solid play, the kind of play that validates all the talk in the preseason about this team being one of the deepest the C's have had under Rivers' watch. <br><br>Still, the C's aren't going anywhere without major contributions from their Big Four. With Rondo and Allen out, that leaves Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett to carry the team. <br><br>They've done just that, but in their own unique way.<br><br>Pierce has done it the way he usually does - with a strong, all-around and often overlooked, game that's about more than just scoring. <br><br>He led all players with 28 points along with 10 rebounds and eight assists.<br><br>And Garnett has continued to play well defensively, as well as knock a shot down every now and then. He had 13 points, eight rebounds and four assists.<br><br>

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