Big Al and Delonte Finish Off the Heat in Miami
With just under a minute left to play, Delonte West buried a jumper to tie the game at 89-89 in the Celtics 91-89 victory over the Miami Heat down in South Beach. With 0.01 seconds on the clock, Al Jefferson buried a hook shot that was the dagger of defeat for the Heat.
Delonte finished the game with 28 points, 4 rebounds, 3 steals and 4 assists — leading the Celtics scoring efforts on the night.
The Celtics will return home on Wednesday night to finish up their season when they host the Pistons in a 7:30PM ET contest.
Injury Update: Delonte Remains Doubtful
Rotoworld reports that Delonte West, who missed Saturday’s game against the Pacers, remains doubtful for Tuesday’s Celtics game in Atlanta:
Delonte West (ankle) did not travel with the Celtics to Indiana on Saturday and Coach Rivers called him doubtful for Tuesday’s game in Atlanta.
“He could (still play Tuesday in Atlanta),” said Rivers. “Eddie (Lacerte, the trainer) just wants him to run and do stuff back at home. There’s a chance (of playing against the Hawks). I doubt it, but there’s a chance. If he comes up, he’ll come up on Monday morning or maybe Sunday night.” It’s going to be very risky to play West next week. Look for Allan Ray to keep getting extra burn. Apr. 8 - 12:01 pm et
Stay tuned for more updates as they become available…
Scratched from Starting Five, Delonte Hits Game Winning FT’s
According to media reports, Delonte West was scratched from the starting five of last night’s game because he was late for the team’s pre-game meeting…
(From Yahoo Sports)
West almost missed the game, too: He was late to a meeting and dropped from the starting lineup as punishment. But he was part of two big plays down the stretch.
West finished the game having played 25 minutes scoring 11 points. His two made free throws with 1.9 seconds on the clock were the game winning points in the Celtics 98-96 victory over the Cavs.
Both teams were without their stars. LeBron James missed the game following the Cav’s overtime victory in Chicago on Saturday afternoon. Paul Pierce missed the game for the Celtics in an effort to keep his many ailments in check.
Gerald Green tied a career high with his 25 point effort. Al Jefferson added 24 points and Kendrick Perkins had a great game for the Celtics — scoring 12 points, pulling down 9 rebounds and dishing out a team high 5 assists.
Celtics Enjoy Playing the Spoilers…
The Celtics fought hard with Orlando, forcing a double overtime game on Wednesday night. Despite Orlando’s best efforts, Paul Pierce, Delonte West and the Boston Celtics emerged victorious — causing ripples throughout the Atlantic Division.
The Celtics defeated the Magic 105-96 on the floor of the TD BankNorth Garden. Paul Pierce led the team with his 32 points, but Delonte West added in 17 points, three rebounds, three assists and a couple of steals.
Tonight — the Celtics are on the road and facing off against the Philadelphia 76ers. While Philly is out of the playoff picture like the Celtics are, the Celtics certainly have a much brighter (and more immediate) future in place.
Tonight’s game will tip off at 7:00PM ET with television coverage available on Fox Sports New England. Tune in and check out Delonte West squaring off against Willie Green. West should have a speed advantage to rely on tonight as both he and Green are the same height — but West is some 20 pounds lighter.
Delonte and the Celtics Welcome Jameer and the Magic
Tonight at the TD BankNorth Garden, Delonte West will welcome his former teammate Jameer Nelson and the surging Orlando Magic.
The Magic have won their last two games against teams battling with them for the final spots in the Eastern Conference playoff hunt. With wins over the Knicks and the Nets, the Magic are hoping to come into Boston and continue their winning ways.
The Celtics though are looking to win their second straight as they continue to develop their youth and look forward to better days ahead.
In the past when these two teams played, it usually matched Delonte up directly Jameer at the point. Tonight though, with Rajon Rondo assuming the duties as the Celtics PG — Delonte will be matched up with NBA veteran Grant Hill.
For more coverage on tonight’s game, be sure to check out the Yahoo! Sports preview. Coverage for tonight’s game begins at 7:00PM ET with the Celtics Tonight pregame show on Fox Sports New England.