Delonte Scores 25 in Return, Looks to do the Same Vs. Wizards
Last night Delonte led the Boston Celtics scoring efforts with his 25 points in 39 minutes of play. Having returned to the lineup having fought off back spasms, Delonte shot 10 for 16 from the floor including 3 for 3 from behind the three point arc. West also added 4 rebounds, 6 assists and 1 steal while committing two turnovers.
Delonte’s return was enough to get the attention of the media as well as head coach Doc Rivers. Shira Springer reported that…
Doc Rivers correctly predicted that “once [Delonte West] gets out on the floor, he’s going all out.” And wisely, Rivers did not limit West’s minutes in his return from a lower back bruise that forced the point guard to miss four games.
With West playing 39 minutes and running the team effectively, the Celtics found themselves engaged in a close game with Sacramento last night at TD Banknorth Garden.
In the same article, Springer also offered comments from Delonte, which were clear indications that West cares more about the team’s performance — rather than his own:
“We’re lacking our sense of urgency down the stretch of games,” said West (25 points, six assists). “We have to have the mentality on the floor to know when we definitely have to get a stop. We don’t have that mentality right now. It’s going to continue to cost us games until we do.”
The Celtics are on the road for the second game of a back to back tonight as they visit the Washington Wizards in an 8PM game. Delonte West will be matched up across from one of the most dynamic scorers in the league in Gilbert Arenas. Washington is 23-16 on the season, but more impressive at home. The Wizards, who have won three straight overall, are 15-3 at Verizon Center — the arena for tonight’s game.
Coverage of tonight’s game on FSN New England begins at 8:00PM ET.
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ahh close game. great game by delonte. and big al keeps improving. once the truth is back. celtics gonna b awsome