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Sixers knock off shorthanded Celtics

Oct 21, 2007 - 2:42 AM UNCASVILLE, Connecticut (Ticker) -- The Boston Celtics did little to allay fears of a lack of depth on their bench Saturday night.

With neither Kevin Garnett nor Paul Pierce dressing to face the Philadelphia 76ers, the Celtics fell, 96-78, in a preseason game at the Mohegan Sun Arena.

Former University of Connecticut product Ray Allen played in front of his old fans and led the way with 16 points, but he could not carry the load alone.

Boston looked short of ideas offensively early, and poor shooting was its downfall. The Celtics made only 14-of-39 (34 percent) from the field in the first half.

"I love the shots we got," said Boston coach Doc Rivers. "We were missing layups and wide-open 3-pointers, so I'll take the shots we got. Eddie House, Ray Allen, they're not going to miss that many shots every night."

Philadelphia took full advantage, jumping to a 15-6 lead midway through the first quarter and keeping Boston at arm's length for the rest of the half to lead, 50-40, at the break.

Willie Green did most of the damage, scoring 12 of his 14 points in the first half.

Boston looked like a different team at the start of the third period, going on a 10-2 run to close the gap to 52-50.

Brian Scalabrine hit consecutive jumpers to tie it and when Rajan Rondo made a jumper with 6:57 left in the third, Boston led for the first time since the opening stages, 56-54.

But the Celtics could not keep up the pace.

Turnovers handed the initiative back to Philadelphia, which led by double figures once again, 73-63, at the end of the third, and the visitors rammed home the advantage in the final quarter to take the victory.

"It's good to get out first win of the preseason," 76ers guard Andre Miller said. "We're working on our team right now, and we're not too worried about who they had out there.

"We're taking small steps and learning as we go on. (When the season starts) our condition will be what it needs to be."

The 76ers had five players scoring in double figures led by Jason Smith with 16, Andre Igoudala and Rodney Carney each with 14, Kyle Korver 11 and Andre Miller 10. Philadelphia shot 46 percent (30-of-65) from the field

James Posey had 12 points and Rondo 10 for the Celtics, who made 30-of-79 (38 percent) from the field.