The Celtics lost to the Magic, 83-78, in a game full of wretched shooting. With that said, the intensity in the fourth quarter was like that of a playoff game.
The Celts fell behind by 16 points in the 1st quarter and spent the whole game scratching and clawing their way back. They cut the lead to 3 at the half, but slipped in the 3rd and trailed by 7 heading into the final quarter. They finally tied it at 78 with about 2 minutes left, but not much went right after that.
The game turned with the Celtics trailing 80-78, and in need of a stop. Referee Eric Dalen made a highly questionable foul call on Paul Pierce with Orlando's shot clock winding down. After Rashard Lewis made both free throws, a dribble happy Ray Allen coughed up the ball costing the Celtics any chance at pulling out the win. Vince Carter lead the Magic with 26 points on 10-29 shooting. He also had 6 turnovers. But it kills me to say he had 5 big points in the final 5 minutes of the 4th quarter. Rasheed Wallace had a terrible shooting night (4-16 FG, 0-8 3 FG), but played fantastic defense in the fourth quarter. He had 13 rebounds (5 offensive) and 3 steals. Two of those steals came on successive plays in which 'Sheed was guarding Dwight Howard.
Perk (14 minutes, 5 points, 2 rebounds, 5 fouls, 1 tech) was a non factor.
Here's the understatement of the night:
"I haven't seen the scorer's sheet, but I didn't feel we shot the ball particularly well," - KG
The Celtics shot 34% from the floor, including 2-19 from three.
