Rajon Rondo Leads Celtics to Game 7 Win

Rajon Rondo Leads Celtics to Game 7 Win
2012 NBA Playoffs

Boston, MA

When main man Paul Pierce fouled out in fourth period, the Boston Celtics turned to playmaker Rajon Rondo for scoring punch.

Rondo delivered just that, putting the lights out of the Philadelphia by scoring 11 of Boston's 14 points in the game's last four minutes to lead the Celtics past the 76ers, 85-75, in Game 7 and arrange an Eastern Conference finals showdown with the Miami Heat.

The Celtics-Heat showdown will begin Monday in Miami.

Rondo finished with his second triple double of the series with 18 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. The point guard scored 13 points, 17 assists and 12 rebounds in Game 1 of the series last May 12.

It was Rondo's third triple double of the playoffs after he scored 17 points, hauled down 14 boards and issued 12 assists against the Atlanta Hawks in Game 2 of the first round last May 4.

Boston's starters all scored in double digits with Kevin Garnett scoring 18 points, Brandon Bass 16, Pierce 15 and Ray Allen with 11. Garnett also had 19 rebounds for the Celtics.

Andre Igoudala led Philadelphia with 18 points while veteran forward Elton Brand and Jrue Holiday had 15 points apiece but they were the only 76ers in double figures. Lou Williams and Evan Turner were limited to seven and six points, respectively.

Pierce was whistled for his sixth foul with four minutes remaining in the payoff period with Boston ahead by just 71-68.

Rondo then single-handedly led a 7-0 attack with a layup, jumper and a three-pointer to put the game away, 78-68, with two minutes left.

After a tip-in by Elton Brand, Rondo sank two foul shots to make it 80-70 before Holiday made a three-pointer to cut the deficit to seven, 80-73.

But Rondo, Garnett and Allen delivered five foul shots to seal the victory for the Celtics. Jodie Meeks hit a jumper for the final tally.