It was an emotional night at TD Garden, especially after the first quarter when a video tribute was shown over the big screen at TD Garden to honor former Celtics coach Doc Rivers who was coaching his first game in Boston after leaving the Celtics to take a job with the Clippers over the summer. As for the game, the Clippers came out on top, beating the Celtics 96-88.
Playing their second game in as many nights, the Celtics got off to a good start leading by three after one and six at the half, but struggled in the second half as the Clippers were able to come from behind to earn the win on the road. Jeff Green led the way for the Celtics with a game-high 29 points, followed by Jordan Crawford who had 20 while Brandon Bass added 17 points and 12 rebounds in the loss.
Chris Paul led the Clippers with 22 points, while Jamal Crawford had 21 off the bench.
The Celtics will return to action Friday night (7:30, CSNNE) back at TD Garden where they will host the Knicks.
What they'll be saying: Much of the talk before the game was surrounding Rivers and the reception he would get from the crowd and to no surprise the coach who spent nine seasons and won a World Championship in Boston was welcomed back with open arms to a standing ovation following the video. As for the game, the Celtics only got four points from their bench and turned the ball over 17 times. The Celtics will look to get back on the winning track against the Knicks Friday, the team they humiliated in New York last Sunday.
