C’s hammer Sixers

Garnett, Allen lead way in blowout win

NBA. A quarter-century ago, games between the Celtics and Sixers were something special. Both teams were among the best in the NBA, and the rivalry was fierce.

Before last night’s game, Celtics coach Doc Rivers said he thought the rivalry was working its way back. Sixers coach Maurice Cheeks said the same thing.

If it is, it’s the most one-sided rivalry in the history of the NBA. The Celtics proved once again that they dominate this matchup, improving to 3-0 on the season against the Sixers by coasting to a 100-86 win last night in Philadelphia.

The Sixers came into the game almost as hot as the Celtics, winners of four straight and seven of their last nine. It was the first sellout for the Sixers all season, and their players talked about how big a game it was for them.

But Paul Pierce quickly put an end to any thoughts of an upset, hitting two 3-pointers in the first minute as the Celtics jumped to a 15-0 lead. The Sixers clawed their way back, tying the game at 44 in the second quarter. But Kevin Garnett, who led the way with 26 points, was too much, as the Celtics easily racked up their ninth straight win.

Sam Cassell made his debut as a Celtic with 7:07 left in the second quarter. The veteran point guard, who was bought out of his contract by the Los Angeles Clippers last week, hadn’t even had a chance to practice with the team yet.

Before the game, coach Doc Rivers said, “We’re going to throw him out there. God knows what’s going to happen.”

What happened was that Cassell picked up three fouls in three minutes and left the game to a chorus of heckling from the fans. He returned in garbage time, and finished with zero points and one assist.