(to be blunt, that’s Boston’s Mark Blount snatching a rebound with Loren Woods’ hand on his back)
No “Eastenders” gags after tonight’s Raptors loss to the Celtics, but Tornto coach Sam Mitchell continues his hot streak as CSTB’s hoops quote machine. From the Associated Press :
Rafer Alston was 1-for-9 with six missed 3-point attempts and was called for one of two technical fouls that helped the Celtics erase a nine-point, third-quarter deficit.
“We were playing well, moving the ball, and we had semi-control of the game,” Raptors coach Sam Mitchell said. “Then two of our players’ immaturity showed up. I didn’t even want to look at them. It was inexcusable how they conducted themselves.”
Alston and Loren Woods were whistled for technicals in the final minute of the third quarter, helping Boston to a 12-3 run that tied the game. Pierce made just one of the technical foul shots.
“I let the emotions get the best of me,” Woods said. “I lost it, and I lost the game for us.”
Mitchell left the two on the bench for the rest of the game and said they would stay there for Saturday’s game against Cleveland.
“We could have used them both, but I wasn’t going to let either one of them back in the game,” Mitchell said. “These guys cannot conduct themselves like that in front of 19,000 people and get rewarded by playing.”
Alston said he was going to take some time to think about whether he’s a good fit for the team and the league: “I may not even play the rest of the season,” he said.