Most Memorable Games from the Boston Celtics' 2012-13 Season
The Boston Celtics have had their fair share of memorable moments during the 2012-13 NBA season.
But what else would you expect from a team that has had more ups and downs than a roller coaster?
Believe it or not, the Celtics have still yet to discover their identity. That’s because every time they close in on one, their play takes a turn in the opposite direction.
Starting on Dec. 27, Boston lost four straight games, before winning its next six. Then, all of a sudden, the team dropped six in a row. But just when you think it's over, the Celtics rally to put together a season-high seven-game winning streak.
It’s nearly impossible to find another team in NBA history that has had as many “biggest win of the season” and “straw that broke the camel’s back” games than Boston.
But with every great roller coaster, each ride brings about several memorable moments that will last for quite some time.
The same holds true for the Celtics' season this year.
Note: The criteria taken into consideration in compiling this list first and foremost included only Boston wins. Other considerations included significant turning points during the season, game-tying/game-winning shots and achieved milestones.
5. 100-98 (2OT) vs. Miami Heat: Jan. 27
1 of 5Game Wrap-Up
Paul Pierce led the charge for the Celtics, recording his first triple-double of the season—17 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists. Kevin Garnett also chipped in with 24 points and 11 rebounds.
LeBron James provided late-game heroics for the Miami Heat, forcing the game into overtime. But behind tremendous team play—24 assists—and pesky defense, Boston survived in double overtime.
The Heat turned the ball over 20 times.
Why It’s Here
This was supposed to be the game that triggered the Celtics' demise. Not only that, it was supposed to be the beginning of the end for the Big Three era in Boston.
Except it wasn’t.
Sure, the team had lost six straight games. Sure, Rajon Rondo was expected to miss the remainder of the season after tearing his ACL. But you didn’t expect Pierce and Garnett to throw a pity party, did you?
Instead, the duo combined to put in an effort that made claims from their doubters seem laughable.
For the first time in months, the Celtics played like a team. Everyone contributed in a total team effort.
It is easily the moment that was the catalyst to earning the team its sixth consecutive postseason berth.
What We'll Remember
A somber Rondo being consoled by his teammates, shortly after head coach Doc Rivers informed them of the injury. It was a depressing sight to see.
4. 83-81 at Indiana Pacers: March 6
2 of 5Game Wrap-Up
Boston shot 41 percent from the field, got dominated inside the paint and endured a 4-of-15 shooting night from Paul Pierce. However, the play of Kevin Garnett—18 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks—paired with the nifty play calling of head coach Doc Rivers was enough for the Celtics to squeak by the Indiana Pacers.
Reserve Jeff Green snuck behind the defense for the game-winning layup with 0.5 seconds remaining.
The win moved the team to 7-1 against plus-.500 teams since Rajon Rondo’s injury—the best mark in the NBA during that span.
Why It’s Here
This was not a game Boston should have won.
The team struggled for the majority of the night offensively. Only stout defense—the Pacers shot 36.4 percent from the floor—kept the Celtics in it.
Trailing by nine with 4:35 to go, Boston closed the game on an 11-0 run. The team held Indiana to 0-of-7 shooting from the field, forcing four turnovers.
It was memorable as the Celtics displayed that they possess the kind of defense that can win them games no matter what. It also stamped the credentials of Jeff Green, proving that his resurgence was no fluke.
What We'll Remember
The entire Pacers defense converging on Pierce, expecting No. 34 to hoist up the final shot. Instead, they realized he was just setting a pick for a cutting Green.
3. 118-114 (3OT) vs. Denver Nuggets: Feb. 10
3 of 5Game Wrap-Up
Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett once again showed why they’re not ready to hang it up just yet.
Pierce put together another triple-double—27 points, 14 rebounds and 14 assists—while Garnett contributed with 20 points and 18 rebounds. Boston also got much-needed help from its bench as Jason Terry netted 26 and Jeff Green added 17.
Behind two late three-pointers in the first two overtimes, the Celtics pushed past the Denver Nuggets in triple overtime.
Why It’s Here
Boston came into the matchup as winners of its last six. The Nuggets came in as victors in nine straight.
Something had to give.
It was a game that many thought would bring about the end to the Celtics' Cinderella run without Rajon Rondo. Instead, Boston relied on a complete team effort—34 assists—to imply that it wasn’t going anywhere.
The game really put the league on notice that the Celtics were to be taken as a real contender.
What We’ll Remember
Boston connecting on not one but two last-second shots to extend the game.
2. 102-96 at New York Knicks: Jan. 7
4 of 5Game Wrap-Up
With Rajon Rondo out, Paul Pierce picked up the slack.
Luckily, he wasn’t alone.
The Celtics shot 52.7 percent from the field, with Pierce—23 points and six assists—and Garnett leading the way. The 17-year veteran finished with 19 points, 10 rebounds and three assists.
Three Boston starters finished with at least five assists for a team total of 26. The team also only committed 10 turnovers.
While their offense was clicking, the Celtics managed to slow down Carmelo Anthony to just 6-of-26 shooting from the floor.
Although J.R. Smith added 24 off the bench, it wasn’t enough for the New York Knicks to avoid defeat.
Why It’s Here
Over his career, Pierce has made a living with breaking the heart of Knicks fans.
This night was no different.
The 35-year-old added eight of his 23 points in the final stanza. That included a fadeaway, buzzer-beating jumper with 45 seconds remaining to give Boston a 100-94 lead.
It’s just Pierce’s latest chapter in his growing catalog of clutch shots.
What We’ll Remember
Garnett and Anthony getting into an on-court scuffle that resulted in a postgame confrontation. Who knew breakfast cereals could be such a touchy subject?
1. 112-88 vs. Toronto Raptors: March 13
5 of 5Game Wrap-Up
This game was really never in doubt.
In all, 12 Celtics logged in minutes during this one. Jeff Green led the way, pouring in 20 points on 7-of-14 shooting, along with six rebounds, two steals and a block. The Boston bench contributed 58 points on the night.
The Celtics shot 51.3 percent from the floor, and in a rare occasion, they won both the battles on the glass (40-34) and in the paint (52-46).
Why It’s Here
There’s usually not much to remember after a blowout. This one is different.
During the second quarter, Kevin Garnett hit a bank shot to help him pass Jerry West (25,192) for 15th on the NBA scoring list. Just a quarter later, Paul Pierce reached a milestone of his own, passing Charles Barkley (23,757) for 20th on the list.
The win—Boston’s largest margin of victory at the time—came two nights after the team suffered a 100-74 loss to the Charlotte Bobcats. It was the team’s worst defeat of the season.
What We’ll Remember
Pierce and Garnett only further adding to their legacies. Both are certain first-ballot Hall of Famers.
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