2012 NBA Playoffs

Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Rajon Rondo all recorded double-doubles to engineer the Boston Celtics to an overwhelming 107-91 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference second-round matchup at Wells Fargo Arena.

The Celtics captured a 2-1 lead in their semifinals matchup with the Sixers, gaining significant scoring contributions from their captain Paul Pierce for the first time in the series.

After struggling offensively in the last two games, Pierce exploded for 24 points on 6-for-17 shooting and 11-for-14 from the free-throw line. The former Finals MVP also grabbed 12 boards and dished out 4 dimes in a productive 37 minutes of action.

Garnett racked up another double-double with 27 points and 13 boards, while Rondo tallied 23 points and 14 dimes for the Celtics, who trailed the Sixers 33-28 at the end of the first quarter but a 32-point production in the second quarter gave them an 11-point lead, 60-49, at halftime.

The Celtics remained in attacking mode in the second half and ripped the game apart with buckets from Pierce, Garnett, and Rondo. Reserve forward Mickael Pietrus also contributed 13 points in the crucial win.

Backup forward Thaddeus Young had his best game of the playoffs, recording a team-high 22 points and 5 boards. Lou Williams and Jodie Meeks each had 13 points and Jrue Holiday chipped in with 15 points and 9 dimes but the Celtics proved to be a much better defensive unit in Game 3.

Boston shot .519 percent from the field and smothered the Sixers to just .407 shooting on the floor. The Celtics also had advantages in rebounding (44-37) and assists (26-22) and made 22 of their 28 free-throw attempts.

The Sixers must have better production from their starters if they want to even up the series at 2-2 in Game 4 of their second round series Friday at Wells Fargo Arena.

 

 

Pierce Explodes as Celtics Take 2-1 Edge Against Sixers