Terry hit some big shots and we matched their energy in the second half. Not even Paul Pierce's 37 points could save the Celtics, who built a 30-14 lead in the second quarter. Indiana's win over Orlando gave the Pacers a one-game lead over Boston in the battle for the final playoff spot in the East. You're not going to come into our locker room after a loss and see nobody smiling, but guys take it very seriously. When he and Robinson were covered inside, Porter and Anderson took over outside as the Spurs made 21 shots in the second half and missed just 11.
Basketball is a simple game and they made it look very easy.
They went into Duncan and when he was trapped he was able to find open guys on the perimeter. Of Boston's 36 second-half points, Pierce had 18 and Walker 9. They combined for 50 of the team's 77 points. The Spurs went ahead when Anderson hit the first basket of the third quarter, giving them their first lead since 2-0. Pierce and Walker scored 18 of Boston's 20 points in the third quarter but they were on the bench when the Spurs scored the last six points of the third quarter to lead 68-61.