Fortunately for our sanity, the Celtics rattled off a 23-7 run to take a 10-point lead. They C's were sparked by Rondo (8 of his 10 points came in the 4th). Two came on his patented fake-behind-the-back-pass-layup move on Jason Smith (video above).
But... the Celtics were unable to slam the door. Philly cut the gap to 107-105 with one minute left when we all witnessed the heart-attack inducing sequence of the game.
Rondo stripped Thaddeus Young, tipped the ball to Paul Pierce who launched a full court pass to Eddie House who dished to Ray Allen who missed a left-handed layup. Take a breath. Philly rushed back up court, but Paul Pierce drew a charge foul on Andre Iguodala. Take another breath. Then with the shot clock winding down, Rondo nailed a fade away 17-footer to give the Celtics a 109-105 lead with 9 seconds left.
The Celtics held on in the final seconds to win it, 113-110.
Paul Pierce was brilliant again - 27 points, 10-15 FG, 6 rebounds, 6 assists
Jason Kapono and Willie Green combined for 38 points and hit 6-8 3 FGs.