Extra Basketball in Boston

Two extra periods were needed Wednesday night to settle this contest between the Celtics and Mavericks, with Boston finally pulling away 117-115. It looked like Doc Rivers and company were going to cruise to victory until a late push led by O.J. Mayo and Darren Collison got Dallas right back in the game. When it was all over, the Mavericks only led for 17 seconds of the game, but that was enough to keep the score tied at the end of regulation and the first OT. Even more astounding the Mavs were able to survive 28 turnovers on the road and keep this game competitive up to the final buzzer. Rajon Rondo and Mayo both played over 50 minutes and each set a career high in minutes on the night.
Paul Pierce netted a game high 34 points, his first 30 plus point effort of the young season. Pierce was one of six Celtics in double figures, highlighted by Rondo with 16 to go along with 9 rebounds and 15 assists. Mayo was Dallas' high man with 24 and got good help from Collison who finished with 20. They were joined by five other Mavericks in double figures.
The Celtics had chances to win at the end of regulation and the first overtime, but missed shots by Rondo and Pierce respectively kept the game going. Pierce opened the second OT with a three pointer that gave Boston the lead and they never looked back. Pierce went on to shoot five for six from the free throw line to eventually ice the game for the Celtics ending a long night. Despite coming into the game rested, the Celtics play back to back in Houston and San Antonio on Friday and Saturday night, and the heavy minutes tonight were not ideal for Doc Rivers.