The Golden State Warriors were neck and neck with the reigning Eastern Conference Champions at halftime. Then the second half started.
In one of their worst offensive showings of the season, the W’s suffered a painful loss at home to the Boston Celtics 115-93. Going a staggering 33-84 (39.3%) from the field, Golden State literally couldn’t take the lid off the rim in the second half. After scoring 30 points in both the 1st and 2nd quarters, the Warriors had the second highest point total against the Celtics of the season heading into halftime. The second half was a completely different story as the W’s could only manage 33 points total against the stifling Celtic defense.
The starters struggled mightily as only 2 of the 5 shot over 50%; Dorell Wright (8-16, 19 points) and Stephen Curry (7-10, 18 points). Monta Ellis had a horrible night by his standards, going 6-18 from the field for 15 points, well below his season average. Even with the offensive ineptitude the Warriors were within 4 points with about 9 minutes left in the game, but couldn’t figure out how to get the ball in the basket.
The Celtics made some serious defensive adjustments in the second half, forcing 8 turnovers (only 3 in the first half) and limiting the W’s free throw attempts (20 in the first half, 8 in the second). Each of the big 4 had big games, highlighted by Rajon Rondo’s 19 points and 15 assists and Kevin Garnett’s 24 points and 12 rebounds. Obviously when you give Boston 5 days of rest they are going to be ready to play, but you would never expect a high scoring team like the W’s to come out and put up a stinker on their home floor after a break like that.
With the win it marks the first time the Celtics have beat the Warriors at Oracle Arena since 2003. The W’s now sit at 26-30 and face another tough Eastern Conference team, the Atlanta Hawks, on Friday. Full box score of tonight's can be found here.