From: Snoopy the Celtics Beagle <snoopy@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> To: celtics@xxxxxxxx, Celticsstuffgroup@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: Celtics/Wizards game 4/4/04 3rd quarter Date: Sun, 04 Apr 2004 15:48:35 -0400
3rd quarter:
Just noticed that with 5 minutes left in the game, the Detroit/Indiana game--the one deemed worthy of network broadcast--was 59-51. Or, about as many points as the C's and the Wiz had scored at halftime. Do they have better defense, or just crappier offense--you be the judge!!
nyahh, nyahh, ABC..our game is BETTER!!
OK, back to work, here...
Arenas opened the second half making a jumper. Waltah's! attempt to answer missed, and Jiri got the rebound. Haywood sent Jiri to the line, where he made both.
Jeffries committed an offensive foul, which Blount wasted no time converting to two points on a layup. But the C's had a problem on the next possession as Walter's pass was stolen and Blount was called for a foul that sent Brown to the line. Justice prevailed as Brown missed both.
The teams traded several bad shots before Pierce muffed a pass that led to an Arenas jumper--and a lead for the Wiz.
After Jiri ALSO turned the ball over, the C's lucked out as Haywood forgot to bounce th eball occasionally as he ran upcourt.
Timeout was called so the C's could wipe their hands. There was 7:15 left in the third and the Wizards were enjoying a slim 63-62 lead.
After the timeout, the C's made a more balanced attack, and got the ball out to Waltah! who made himself more lovable by hitting a three.
Waltah! came back on the next possession and went to the hoop, but got stuffed by Haywood.
Pierce and Blount came back with a vengeance on the next trip, with Mark making the ball one with the floor.
Jiri was looking a bit tired--with another uncharacteristic turnover, and sat in favor of Davis. Waltah! was less lovable, committing his third foul, which brought Mihm into the game.
Jeffries made his free throws, then Mihm turned the ball over on an offensive foul. Arenas converted the jumper.
Then Haywood and Mihm took a jump ball, which resulted in a Chucky Atkins three.
Mihm made another offensive foul, and the Wiz converted once more. Blount returned the favor with a steal that led to a Davis turnaround jumper.
The teams traded turnovers before Davis hit for a three of his own. Haywood made a jumper, then Atkins turned the ball over. Timeout was called with 2:15 left in the third quarter, and the Wiz still leading, 77-75.
Atkins and Mihm sat in favor of Banks and Waltah!
Arenas scored out of the break, and Waltah! responded with a three. Unfortunately, Waltah! was then called for his fourth foul, sending Brown to the line, where he went 1-2.
Blount rebounded the missed free throw, but Hughes stole the ball when Pierce tried to pass it. Fortunately, Hughes missed, and the C's finally rebounded the ball--thanks, Ricky! Pierce converted the basket.
Then, annoyingly, Ricky was called for a foul, sending Hughes to the line, where he made both.
The third quarter ended with the Wiz still ahead, 82-80.