Golden State 103, Boston 99

Despite an 18 point lead, the Celtics could not capitalize on the early advantage.

The C’s committed 25 turnovers, which kept the Warriors in the game by scoring 23 points off them. Monta Ellis continues to break out, playing the entire game and scoring 37 points, which included 2 clutch free throws.

Rajon Rondo did his best to preserve the lead, scoring 30 of his own and collecting 15 assists. Ray Allen also chipped in 24, but did not shoot well from 3 (1/7).

Props to Monta Ellis for never giving up. It would have been very easy for the Warriors to pack it in after being down 18 with seconds left in the first quarter. But they never backed down. Ellis scored 12 of his 37 points in the second quarter to pull the game to within 1 point at half.

I’ll leave it at this – Tony Allen is not Paul Pierce…yet. He needs time to find a role with this team and emerge as a potential star. The 5 turnovers he committed in the game could cost the C’s a game or two down the line until Pierce returns.

Elsewhere in late-night action:

Sacramento 106, Denver 101

No Tyreke? No problem.

Despite Tyreke Evans being sidelined with a sprained ankle, the Kings found a way to win at home. Andres Nocioni led the charge for the Kings with 21 points off the bench. Beno Udrih and Donte Greene each chipped in 17 in the win at the ARCO arena. It certainly helps when the Kings shoot an astonishing 50% from downtown.

Carmelo Anthony scored 34 points in the loss, which is Denver’s third in a row. Miss Billups much?

Philadelphia 104, Portland 93

Elton Brand should come off the bench more often.

Brand scored 25 points and picked up 9 rebounds in 30 minutes of action off the bench as the Sixers seem to be finally pulling it together, beating a tough Blazer team on the road. The Sixers as a team nearly shot 60 percent from the field tonight, a very impressive outing.

Brandon Roy continues to get no love – despite a 24 point night, he can’t seem to get the Blazers over the hump. Portland really could use a healthy big man…

Allen Iverson scored 19 in his return to action after missing four games with a knee injury.

-Duts