2008–09 Boston Celtics season

2008–09 Boston Celtics season
Division champions
Head coachDoc Rivers
General managerDanny Ainge
PresidentDanny Ainge
OwnersBoston Basketball Partners L.L.C.
ArenaTD Banknorth Garden
Results
Record62–20 (.756)
PlaceDivision: 1st (Atlantic)
Conference: 2nd (Eastern)
Playoff finishConference Semifinals
(lost to Magic 3–4)
Stats at Basketball-Reference.com
Local media
TelevisionCSN New England
RadioWEEI
< 2007–08 2009–10 >

The 2008–09 Boston Celtics season was the 63rd season for the franchise in the National Basketball Association (NBA). They started the season as the defending NBA champions, where they defeated the Los Angeles Lakers in six games, winning their seventeenth NBA championship, as well as marking their ninth series victory over the Lakers in the NBA Finals. The Celtics started the season 27–2, which surpassed a mark set by the 1966–67 Philadelphia 76ers for the best two-loss start in NBA history.[1] This run also included a 19-game winning streak, which improved a Celtics franchise record set in 1981–82.[1] However, the Celtics lost seven out of the following nine games, and eventually finished with a 62–20 record. The Celtics had the fifth best team offensive rating in the NBA.[2]

The team's star power forward Kevin Garnett suffered a season-ending injury in February.[3] Despite not having Garnett, they defeated the Chicago Bulls in the first round in seven games, However, they lost to the Orlando Magic in the conference semifinals in seven games, eliminating them from the playoffs. The Magic would go on to the NBA Finals, their second NBA Finals appearance, only to lose to last year's Finals runner-up, the Los Angeles Lakers in five games.

Until 2024, this was the last time that the Celtics won 60 or more games.

Key dates[edit]

  • June 26: The 2008 NBA draft took place in New York City.
  • July 1: The free agency period started.
  • October 8: The pre-season started with a game against the Philadelphia 76ers.
  • October 28: The regular season started with a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, which Boston won 90–85.
  • December 11: Recorded the best season start in franchise history, starting at 21–2.[4]
  • December 23: Recorded the longest winning streak in franchise history at 19, and the best season start in NBA history with 27–2.[5]

Summary[edit]

NBA Draft 2008[edit]

Main article: 2008 NBA draft

On June 26, the Celtics selected shooting guard J. R. Giddens with the 30th and center Semih Erden with the 60th overall picks in the 2008 NBA draft, and traded cash considerations in exchange for small forward Bill Walker, who had been selected by the Washington Wizards with the 47th overall pick.[6] Giddens had worked out with the Celtics before the draft for three days, and received praises from head coach Doc Rivers, who thought he could fight for minutes on the team right away.[6] He was already familiar with future teammates Leon Powe and Kendrick Perkins, who were his teammates at the 2003 McDonald's High School All-American Game. Walker was considered a lottery pick,[7] but suffered the third knee injury in his career during a workout at the Golden State Warriors facility on June 15.[8] However, he remained in the draft despite the injury,[9] and was expected to have minor surgery in July that would keep him out for three to four weeks.[10][11] Erden was not expected to join the roster this season, and was seen by general manager Danny Ainge as their first-round pick in 2009.[12]

Free agency[edit]

The Celtics headed into the off-season with several free agents and tried to gather a group to repeat as the NBA Champions, with a key decision on unrestricted free agent James Posey,[12] who, in a widely anticipated move,[13] opted out of the second and final year of his contract with the Celtics on June 30,[14] but stated that he wanted to return to the Celtics on a new contract.[13] P.J. Brown, who made key contributions during the 2008 NBA Playoffs, was leaning towards retirement,[15] and the status of restricted free agent Tony Allen remained uncertain after the first-round selection of J. R. Giddens, who was seen as a possible replacement.[12] Later it was revealed that the Celtics did not extend a qualifying offer to Allen, making him an unrestricted free agent.[16] The Celtics also hoped to keep unrestricted free agent Eddie House, and decisions were to be made on unrestricted free agents Sam Cassell and Scot Pollard.[17]

The Celtics were interested in small forward Corey Maggette as a replacement for James Posey, but Maggette signed with the Golden State Warriors on a much higher contract than the Celtics were able to offer, which added to the urgency to re-sign Posey.[18] On July 11, the Celtics addressed their need for a backup center by signing Patrick O'Bryant to a 2-year, $3 million contract,[19] after he had an impressive workout with the team a week earlier,[20] and consequently ruled out the return of Scot Pollard and P.J. Brown.[19] Eventually, James Posey signed with the New Orleans Hornets on July 16, since the Celtics were reluctant to offer him more than a three-year deal at the mid-level exception.[21][22] Compensating for the loss of Posey,[23] the Celtics re-signed Tony Allen to a 2-year, $5 million contract, and were also able to re-sign Eddie House to a 2-year, $5.6 million contract, using the mid-level exception only on House.[24]

On August 22, the Celtics signed small forward Darius Miles, who was forced to sit out the previous two seasons due to microfracture surgery on his right knee and thought to have a career-ending injury,[25] to a non-guaranteed contract,[26] and expected him to fight for a roster spot at training camp.[27] He worked out twice with the team and impressed with his health and attitude,[27] but would sit out the first ten games of the regular season for violating the league's substance abuse policy if he made the roster.[28][29] This signing ultimately put the roster up to the league maximum of 15 players, of which 14 players had fully guaranteed contracts. On September 29, the first day of training camp, Sam Cassell re-signed with the team, which put the roster one player over the maximum.[30] On October 20, Miles was waived, a move which finalized the roster for the start of the season.[31] On February 27, Stephon Marbury signed with the Celtics. In the following season he was offered a one year contract for the veteran's minimum for $1.3 million but declined the contract.[32]

Draft picks[edit]

Main article: 2008 NBA draft
Round Pick Player Position Nationality College/Team
1 30 J. R. Giddens SG  United States New Mexico
2 60 Semih Erden C  Turkey Fenerbahçe Ülker

Roster[edit]

2008–09 Boston Celtics roster
Players Coaches
Pos. No. Name Height Weight DOB From
SG 20 Allen, Ray 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) 205 lb (93 kg) 1975-07-20 Connecticut
SG 42 Allen, Tony 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 213 lb (97 kg) 1982-01-11 Oklahoma State
F/C 11 Davis, Glen 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) 289 lb (131 kg) 1986-01-01 LSU
F/C 5 Garnett, Kevin Injured 6 ft 11 in (2.11 m) 253 lb (115 kg) 1976-05-19 Farragut Academy (IL)
G/F 4 Giddens, J. R. 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) 215 lb (98 kg) 1985-02-13 New Mexico
PG 50 House, Eddie 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) 175 lb (79 kg) 1978-04-15 Arizona State
PG 8 Marbury, Stephon 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 205 lb (93 kg) 1977-02-20 Georgia Tech
C 7 Moore, Mikki 7 ft 0 in (2.13 m) 225 lb (102 kg) 1975-04-11 Nebraska
C 43 Perkins, Kendrick 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m) 280 lb (127 kg) 1984-11-10 Clifton J. Ozen HS (TX)
G/F 34 Pierce, Paul (C) 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) 235 lb (107 kg) 1977-10-13 Kansas
PF 0 Powe, Leon Injured 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m) 240 lb (109 kg) 1984-01-22 California
SG 13 Pruitt, Gabe 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 170 lb (77 kg) 1986-04-19 USC
PG 9 Rondo, Rajon 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) 171 lb (78 kg) 1986-02-22 Kentucky
F/C 44 Scalabrine, Brian 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) 235 lb (107 kg) 1978-03-18 USC
SF 12 Walker, Bill 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) 220 lb (100 kg) 1988-09-10 Kansas State
Head coach
Assistant coach(es)
Legend
  • (C) Team captain
  • (DP) Unsigned draft pick
  • (FA) Free agent
  • (S) Suspended
  • Injured Injured

Roster
Last transaction: February 24, 2009

Regular season[edit]

Standings[edit]

Atlantic Division
 W L PCT GB Home Road Div
y-Boston Celtics 62 20 .756 — 35–6 27–14 15–1
x-Philadelphia 76ers 41 41 .500 21 24–17 17–24 6–10
New Jersey Nets 34 48 .415 28 19–22 15–26 8–8
Toronto Raptors 33 49 .402 29 18–23 15–26 6–10
New York Knicks 32 50 .390 30 20–21 12–29 5–11
#
Eastern Conference
Team W L PCT GB
1 z-Cleveland Cavaliers 66 16 .805 —
2 y-Boston Celtics 62 20 .756 4
3 y-Orlando Magic 59 23 .720 7
4 x-Atlanta Hawks 47 35 .573 19
5 x-Miami Heat 43 39 .524 23
6 x-Philadelphia 76ers 41 41 .500 25
7 x-Chicago Bulls 41 41 .500 25
8 x-Detroit Pistons 39 43 .476 27
9 Indiana Pacers 36 46 .439 30
10 Charlotte Bobcats 35 47 .427 31
11 New Jersey Nets 34 48 .415 32
12 Milwaukee Bucks 34 48 .415 32
13 Toronto Raptors 33 49 .402 33
14 New York Knicks 32 50 .390 34
15 Washington Wizards 19 63 .232 47

Record vs. opponents[edit]

2008-09 NBA Records
Team ATL BOS CHA CHI CLE DAL DEN DET GSW HOU IND LAC LAL MEM MIA MIL MIN NJN NOH NYK OKC ORL PHI PHO POR SAC SAS TOR UTA WAS
Atlanta — 0–4 3–1 3–0 1–3 1–1 1–1 3–0 1–1 1–1 3–1 1–1 1–1 1–1 3–1 3–1 2–0 1–3 2–0 1–2 2–0 1–3 1–2 0–2 1–1 2–0 0–2 3–1 1–1 4–0
Boston 4–0 — 2–1 2–1 2–2 2–0 1–1 3–1 1–1 1–1 3–1 1–1 0–2 2–0 3–1 2–1 2–0 4–0 2–0 3–1 2–0 2–2 4–0 2–0 1–1 2–0 1–1 4–0 1–1 3–0
Charlotte 1–3 1–2 — 2–1 0–3 0–2 0–2 1–3 1–1 0–2 2–2 2–0 2–0 2–0 1–3 1–3 1–1 1–2 1–1 2–2 1–1 0–4 3–1 1–1 1–1 2–0 0–2 2–2 2–0 3–1
Chicago 0–3 1–2 1–2 — 1–3 1–1 1–1 3–1 2–0 1–1 2–2 2–0 0–2 1–1 1–3 3–1 0–2 3–1 2–0 2–1 1–1 1–3 2–2 2–0 0–2 2–0 0–2 1–3 2–0 3–1
Cleveland 3–1 2–2 3–0 3–1 — 2–0 2–0 3–1 2–0 1–1 3–1 2–0 0–2 2–0 3–1 4–0 2–0 3–0 1–1 4–0 2–0 1–2 3–1 2–0 2–0 2–0 2–0 3–0 2–0 2–2
Dallas 1–1 0–2 2–0 1–1 0–2 — 0–4 2–0 2–1 2–2 2–0 3–1 0–3 2–2 2–0 1–1 4–0 1–1 1–3 2–0 2–1 1–1 2–0 3–1 3–0 3–1 2–2 2–0 2–2 2–0
Denver 1–1 1–1 2–0 1–1 0–2 4–0 — 0–2 2–1 1–3 1–1 4–0 1–3 3–0 2–0 1–1 4–0 1–1 2–2 2–0 4–0 1–1 2–0 1–2 2–2 3–1 2–1 2–0 2–2 2–0
Detroit 0–3 1–3 3–1 1–3 1–3 0–2 2–0 – 2–0 0–2 2–2 2–0 1–1 1–1 1–3 3–1 1–1 2–2 0–2 2–2 1–1 3–0 1–2 0–2 0–2 2–0 1–1 3–0 0–2 3–1
Golden State 1–1 1–1 1–1 0–2 0–2 1–2 1–2 0–2 — 0–4 1–1 3–1 0–4 0–3 0–2 1–1 2–2 2–0 2–2 1–1 2–2 0–2 1–1 1–3 2–1 2–2 0–4 1–1 2–2 1–1
Houston 1–1 1–1 2–0 1–1 1–1 2–2 3–1 2–0 4–0 — 0–2 3–1 0–4 2–2 2–0 1–1 4–0 2–0 3–1 1–1 3–0 2–0 0–2 2–1 2–1 3–0 2–2 1–1 2–2 1–1
Indiana 1–3 1–3 2–2 2–2 1–3 0–2 1–1 2–2 1–1 2–0 — 1–1 1–1 1–1 2–1 2–2 1–1 2–1 0–2 1–2 2–0 1–3 2–2 1–1 0–2 2–0 0–2 2–2 0–2 2–1
L.A. Clippers 1–1 1–1 0–2 0–2 0–2 1–3 0–4 0–2 1–3 1–3 1–1 — 0–4 1–2 1–1 1–1 1–2 1–1 0–3 2–0 3–1 0–2 0–2 0–4 1–3 1–3 0–4 0–2 0–3 1–1
L.A. Lakers 1–1 2–0 0–2 2–0 2–0 3–0 3–1 1–1 4–0 4–0 1–1 4–0 — 4–0 1–1 2–0 4–0 2–0 3–1 2–0 3–0 0–2 1–1 3–1 2–2 3–1 2–1 2–0 2–1 2–0
Memphis 1–1 0–2 1–1 1–1 0–2 2–2 0–3 1–1 3–0 2–2 1–1 2–1 0–4 — 1–1 1–1 0–3 0–2 1–3 0–2 1–3 1–1 0–2 1–3 0–4 2–2 0–4 1–1 0–4 2–0
Miami 1–3 1–3 3–1 3–1 1–3 0–2 0–2 3–1 2–0 0–2 1–2 1–1 1–1 1–1 — 2–1 1–1 3–1 0–2 2–1 2–0 1–3 2–2 2–0 0–2 2–0 1–1 1–2 2–0 4–0
Milwaukee 1–3 1–2 3–1 1–3 0–4 1–1 1–1 1–3 1–1 1–1 2–2 1–1 0–2 1–1 1–2 — 0–2 2–2 0–2 3–1 2–0 1–3 0–3 0–2 0–2 2–0 2–0 2–2 1–1 3–0
Minnesota 0–2 0–2 1–1 2–0 0–2 0–4 0–4 1–1 2–2 0–4 1–1 2–1 0—4 3—0 1–1 2–0 — 1–1 1–2 1–1 2–2 0–2 1–1 1–2 0–4 1–3 0–4 0–2 1–3 0–2
New Jersey 3–1 0–4 2–1 1–3 0–3 1–1 1–1 2–2 0–2 0–2 1–2 1–1 0–2 2–0 1–3 2–2 1–1 — 0–2 2–2 1–1 1–2 4–0 1–1 0–2 2–0 0–2 2–2 1–1 2–2
New Orleans 0–2 0–2 1–1 0–2 1–1 3–1 2–2 2–0 2–2 1–3 2–0 3–0 1–3 3–1 2–0 2–0 2–1 2–0 — 0–2 4–0 1–1 2–0 2–1 2–2 3–1 2–2 2–0 0–3 2–0
New York 2–1 1–3 2–2 1–2 0–4 0–2 0–2 2–2 1–1 1–1 2–1 0–2 0–2 2–0 1–2 1–3 1–1 2–2 2–0 — 1–1 1–3 0–4 1–1 0–2 1–1 1–1 2–2 1–1 3–1
Oklahoma City 0–2 0–2 1–1 1–1 0–2 1–2 0–4 1–1 2–2 0–3 0–2 1–3 0–3 3–1 0–2 0–2 2–2 1–1 0–4 1–1 – 0–2 1–1 0–4 1–3 2–1 2–2 1–1 1–3 1–1
Orlando 3–1 2–2 4–0 3–1 2–1 1–1 1–1 0–3 2–0 0–2 3–1 2–0 2–0 1–1 3–1 3–1 2–0 2–1 1–1 3–1 2–0 – 3–0 1–1 1–1 2–0 2–0 2–2 2–0 4–0
Philadelphia 2–1 0–4 1–3 2–2 1–3 0–2 0–2 2–1 1–1 2–0 2–2 2–0 1–1 2–0 2–2 3–0 1–1 0–4 0–2 4–0 1–1 0—3 – 1–1 2–0 2–0 1–1 2–2 0–2 4–0
Phoenix 2–0 0–2 1–1 0–2 0–2 1–3 2–1 2–0 3–1 1–2 1–1 4–0 1–3 3–1 0–2 2–0 2–1 1–1 1–2 1–1 4–0 1–1 1–1 – 2–2 3–1 1–3 2–0 2–2 2–0
Portland 1–1 1–1 1–1 2–0 0–2 0–3 2–2 2–0 1–2 1–2 2–0 3–1 2–2 4–0 2–0 2–0 4–0 2–0 2–2 2–0 3–1 1–1 0–2 2—2 – 3–0 3–1 2–0 2–2 2–0
Sacramento 0–2 0–2 0–2 0–2 0–2 1–3 1–3 0–2 2–2 0–3 0–2 3–1 1–3 2–2 0–2 0–2 3–1 0–2 1–3 1–1 1–2 0–2 0–2 1–3 0–3 – 0–3 0–2 0–4 0–2
San Antonio 2–0 1–1 2–0 2–0 0–2 2–2 1–2 1–1 4–0 2–2 2–0 4–0 1–2 4–0 1–1 0–2 4–0 2–0 2–2 1–1 2–2 0–2 1–1 3–1 1–3 3–0 – 1–1 3–0 2–0
Toronto 1–3 0–4 2–2 3–1 0–3 0–2 0–2 0–3 1–1 1–1 2–2 2–0 0–2 1–1 2–1 2–2 2–0 2–2 0–2 2–2 1–1 2–2 2–2 0–2 0–2 2–0 1–1 — 0–2 2–1
Utah 1–1 1–1 1–1 0–2 2–2 2–2 2–2 2–0 2–2 2–2 2–0 1–2 1–2 4–0 0–2 1–1 3–1 1–1 3–0 1–1 3–1 0–2 2–0 2–2 2–2 4–0 0–3 2–0 — 1–1
Washington 0–4 0–3 1–3 1–3 2–2 0–2 0–2 1–3 1–1 1–1 1–2 1–1 0–2 0–2 0–4 0–3 2–0 2–2 0–2 1–3 1–1 0–4 0–4 0–2 0–2 2–0 0–2 1–2 1–1 —

Game log[edit]

2008–09 game log
Total: 62–20 (home: 35–6; road: 27–14)
October: 2–0 (home: 2–0; road: 0–0)
Game Date Team Score High points High rebounds High assists Location
Attendance		 Record
1 October 28 Cleveland W 90–85 Paul Pierce (27) Kendrick Perkins (8) Rajon Rondo (6) TD Banknorth Garden
18,624 		1–0
2 October 31 Chicago W 96–80 Kevin Garnett (18) Kevin Garnett, Kendrick Perkins (10) Rajon Rondo (6) TD Banknorth Garden
18,624 		2–0
November: 14–2 (home: 7–1; road: 7–1)
Game Date Team Score High points High rebounds High assists Location
Attendance		 Record
3 November 1 @ Indiana L 79–95 Kevin Garnett (18) Kevin Garnett (14) Paul Pierce, Rajon Rondo (4) Conseco Fieldhouse
18,165 		2–1
4 November 4 @ Houston W 103–99 Ray Allen (29) Kevin Garnett (11) Rajon Rondo (7) Toyota Center
18,291 		3–1
5 November 5 @ Oklahoma City W 96–83 Paul Pierce (20) Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, Kendrick Perkins (9) Rajon Rondo (11) Ford Center
19,136 		4–1
6 November 7 Milwaukee W 101–89 Paul Pierce (18) Paul Pierce (10) Rajon Rondo (8) TD Banknorth Garden
18,624 		5–1
7 November 9 @ Detroit W 88–76 Tony Allen (23) Kevin Garnett (12) Rajon Rondo (5) The Palace of Auburn Hills
22,076 		6–1
8 November 10 Toronto W 94–87 Paul Pierce (36) Kevin Garnett (10) Paul Pierce (4) TD Banknorth Garden
18,624 		7–1
9 November 12 Atlanta W 103–102 Paul Pierce (34) Kevin Garnett (12) Rajon Rondo (10) TD Banknorth Garden
18,624 		8–1
10 November 14 Denver L 85–94 Ray Allen (26) Kevin Garnett, Kendrick Perkins (9) Rajon Rondo (7) TD Banknorth Garden
18,624 		8–2
11 November 15 @ Milwaukee W 102–97 (OT) Paul Pierce (28) Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett (7) Paul Pierce, Rajon Rondo (6) Bradley Center
17,952 		9–2
12 November 18 New York W 110–101 Paul Pierce (22) Paul Pierce, Kendrick Perkins, Rajon Rondo (8) Rajon Rondo (7) TD Banknorth Garden
18,624 		10–2
13 November 20 Detroit W 98–80 Rajon Rondo (18) Kendrick Perkins (10) Rajon Rondo (8) TD Banknorth Garden
18,624 		11–2
14 November 21 @ Minnesota W 95–78 Kevin Garnett (17) Paul Pierce, Leon Powe (11) Ray Allen (6) Target Center
19,107 		12–2
15 November 23 @ Toronto W 118–103 Ray Allen (21) Kendrick Perkins (8) Kevin Garnett (5) Air Canada Centre
19,800 		13–2
16 November 26 Golden State W 119–111 Ray Allen (25) Kevin Garnett (13) Rajon Rondo (7) TD Banknorth Garden
18,624 		14–2
17 November 28 Philadelphia W 102–78 Ray Allen (23) Kendrick Perkins (7) Rajon Rondo (12) TD Banknorth Garden
18,624 		15–2
18 November 29 @ Charlotte W 89–84 Paul Pierce (19) Kendrick Perkins (12) Rajon Rondo (9) Time Warner Cable Arena
19,177 		16–2
December: 12–3 (home: 8–0; road: 4–3)
Game Date Team Score High points High rebounds High assists Location
Attendance		 Record
19 December 1 Orlando W 107–88 Paul Pierce (24) Kendrick Perkins (13) Rajon Rondo (12) TD Banknorth Garden
18,624 		17–2
20 December 3 Indiana W 114–96 Ray Allen (31) Kevin Garnett (14) Rajon Rondo (17) TD Banknorth Garden
18,624 		18–2
21 December 5 Portland W 93–78 Ray Allen (19) Kendrick Perkins (12) Rajon Rondo (7) TD Banknorth Garden
18,624 		19–2
22 December 7 @ Indiana W 122–117 (OT) Ray Allen (35) Kevin Garnett (20) Paul Pierce (8) Conseco Fieldhouse
16,102 		20–2
23 December 11 @ Washington W 122–88 Ray Allen, Paul Pierce (22) Kevin Garnett (12) Paul Pierce (8) Verizon Center
20,173 		21–2
24 December 12 New Orleans W 94–82 Paul Pierce (28) Kendrick Perkins (13) Paul Pierce (6) TD Banknorth Garden
18,624 		22–2
25 December 15 Utah W 100–91 Rajon Rondo (25) Kendrick Perkins (14) Rajon Rondo (8) TD Banknorth Garden
18,624 		23–2
26 December 17 @ Atlanta W 88–85 Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce (18) Kendrick Perkins (10) Rajon Rondo (7) Philips Arena
18,729 		24–2
27 December 19 Chicago W 126–108 Ray Allen (27) Kendrick Perkins (8) Rajon Rondo (15) TD Banknorth Garden
18,624 		25–2
28 December 21 New York W 124–105 Rajon Rondo (26) Kendrick Perkins (12) Kevin Garnett (8) TD Banknorth Garden
18,624 		26–2
29 December 23 Philadelphia W 110–91 Kevin Garnett, Rajon Rondo (18) Kendrick Perkins (11) Paul Pierce (7) TD Banknorth Garden
18,624 		27–2
30 December 25 @ L. A. Lakers L 83–92 Kevin Garnett (22) Paul Pierce (10) Rajon Rondo (12) Staples Center
18,997 		27–3
31 December 26 @ Golden State L 89–99 Paul Pierce (21) Rajon Rondo (10) Rajon Rondo (9) Oracle Arena
19,596 		27–4
32 December 28 @ Sacramento W 108–63 Kevin Garnett (21) Kendrick Perkins (12) Rajon Rondo (6) ARCO Arena
16,029 		28–4
33 December 30 @ Portland L 86–91 Paul Pierce (28) Kevin Garnett (8) Rajon Rondo (7) Rose Garden
20,651 		28–5
January: 11–4 (home: 6–1; road: 5–3)
Game Date Team Score High points High rebounds High assists Location
Attendance		 Record
34 January 2 Washington W 108–83 Paul Pierce (26) Kendrick Perkins (10) Rajon Rondo (14) TD Banknorth Garden
18,624 		29–5
35 January 4 @ New York L 88–100 Paul Pierce (31) Kevin Garnett (9) Paul Pierce (4) Madison Square Garden
19,763 		29–6
36 January 6 @ Charlotte L 106–114 (OT) Paul Pierce (28) Kevin Garnett (13) Rajon Rondo (6) Time Warner Cable Arena
17,112 		29–7
37 January 7 Houston L 85–89 Paul Pierce (26) Kevin Garnett (8) Ray Allen (6) TD Banknorth Garden
18,624 		29–8
38 January 9 @ Cleveland L 83–98 Kevin Garnett (18) Kevin Garnett (15) Rajon Rondo (13) Quicken Loans Arena
20,562 		29–9
39 January 11 @ Toronto W 94–88 Ray Allen (36) Kevin Garnett, Glen Davis (11) Rajon Rondo (11) Air Canada Centre
19,800 		30–9
40 January 12 Toronto W 115–109 (OT) Paul Pierce (39) Kevin Garnett (12) Rajon Rondo (8) TD Banknorth Garden
18,624 		31–9
41 January 14 New Jersey W 118–86 Paul Pierce (22) Kevin Garnett (9) Rajon Rondo (12) TD Banknorth Garden
18,624 		32–9
42 January 17 @ New Jersey W 105–85 Ray Allen (25) Kevin Garnett (10) Rajon Rondo (14) Izod Center
17,578 		33–9
43 January 19 Phoenix W 104–87 Rajon Rondo (23) Glen Davis (9) Paul Pierce (8) TD Banknorth Garden
18,624 		34–9
44 January 21 @ Miami W 98–83 Ray Allen (27) Kevin Garnett (13) Rajon Rondo (10) American Airlines Arena
19,600 		35–9
45 January 22 @ Orlando W 90–80 Paul Pierce (27) Paul Pierce (10) Paul Pierce (4) Amway Arena
17,461 		36–9
46 January 25 Dallas W 124–100 Eddie House, Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett (23) Rajon Rondo (7) Rajon Rondo (14) TD Banknorth Garden
18,624 		37–9
47 January 28 Sacramento W 119–100 Eddie House (28) Tony Allen, Kevin Garnett (8) Rajon Rondo (9) TD Banknorth Garden
18,624 		38–9
48 January 30 @ Detroit W 86–78 Kevin Garnett (22) Kevin Garnett (9) Rajon Rondo (12) The Palace of Auburn Hills
22,076 		39–9
February: 8–4 (home: 2–2; road: 6–2)
Game Date Team Score High points High rebounds High assists Location
Attendance		 Record
49 February 1 Minnesota W 109–101 Paul Pierce (36) Kendrick Perkins (11) Rajon Rondo (8) TD Banknorth Garden
18,624 		40–9
50 February 3 @ Philadelphia W 100–99 Paul Pierce (29) Glen Davis (11) Rajon Rondo (8) Wachovia Center
16,831 		41–9
51 February 5 L. A. Lakers L 109–110 (OT) Ray Allen (22) Kendrick Perkins (9) Rajon Rondo (12) TD Banknorth Garden
18,624 		41–10
52 February 6 @ New York W 110–100 Paul Pierce (26) Kevin Garnett (11) Rajon Rondo (7) Madison Square Garden
19,763 		42–10
53 February 8 San Antonio L 99–105 Kevin Garnett (26) Kevin Garnett (12) Rajon Rondo (16) TD Banknorth Garden
18,624 		42–11
54 February 11 @ New Orleans W 89–77 Paul Pierce (30) Kevin Garnett (10) Rajon Rondo (11) New Orleans Arena
18,080 		43–11
55 February 12 @ Dallas W 99–92 Paul Pierce (31) Rajon Rondo (15) Rajon Rondo (14) American Airlines Center
20,285 		44–11
All-Star Break
56 February 19 @ Utah L 85–90 Paul Pierce (20) Kendrick Perkins (11) Rajon Rondo (7) EnergySolutions Arena
19,911 		44–12
57 February 22 @ Phoenix W 128–108 Rajon Rondo (32) Eddie House, Rajon Rondo, Paul Pierce, Kendrick Perkins, Leon Powe (6) Rajon Rondo (10) US Airways Center
18,422 		45–12
58 February 23 @ Denver W 114–76 Ray Allen (26) Rajon Rondo (8) Rajon Rondo (8) Pepsi Center
19,784 		46–12
59 February 25 @ L. A. Clippers L 91–93 Paul Pierce (20) Kendrick Perkins, Leon Powe (9) Ray Allen (6) Staples Center
18,609 		46–13
60 February 27 Indiana W 104–99 Ray Allen (30) Kendrick Perkins (11) Rajon Rondo (17) TD Banknorth Garden
18,624 		47–13
March: 9–6 (home: 5–2; road: 4–4)
Game Date Team Score High points High rebounds High assists Location
Attendance		 Record
61 March 1 Detroit L 95–105 Paul Pierce (26) Glen Davis, Rajon Rondo, Paul Pierce, Kendrick Perkins (6) Rajon Rondo (6) TD Banknorth Garden
18,624 		47–14
62 March 4 @ New Jersey W 115–111 Paul Pierce (31) Kendrick Perkins (13) Paul Pierce, Rajon Rondo (5) Izod Center
15,791 		48–14
63 March 6 Cleveland W 105–94 Paul Pierce (29) Leon Powe (11) Rajon Rondo (10) TD Banknorth Garden
18,624 		49–14
64 March 8 Orlando L 79–86 Ray Allen (32) Ray Allen (9) Paul Pierce (3) TD Banknorth Garden
18,624 		49–15
65 March 11 @ Miami L 99–107 Ray Allen (27) Leon Powe (13) Stephon Marbury (4) American Airlines Arena
19,600 		49–16
66 March 13 Memphis W 102–92 Leon Powe (30) Leon Powe (11) Rajon Rondo (8) TD Banknorth Garden
18,624 		50–16
67 March 15 @ Milwaukee L 77–86 Kendrick Perkins (26) Kendrick Perkins (12) Rajon Rondo (8) Bradley Center
18,134 		50–17
68 March 17 @ Chicago L 121–127 Paul Pierce (37) Kendrick Perkins, Mikki Moore (10) Rajon Rondo (10) United Center
22,107 		50–18
69 March 18 Miami W 112–108 (OT) Paul Pierce (36) Paul Pierce (11) Rajon Rondo (10) TD Banknorth Garden
18,624 		51–18
70 March 20 @ San Antonio W 80–77 Ray Allen (19) Paul Pierce (12) Rajon Rondo (12) AT&T Center
18,797 		52–18
71 March 21 @ Memphis W 105–87 Glen Davis (24) Rajon Rondo (7) Rajon Rondo (10) FedExForum
18,119 		53–18
72 March 23 L. A. Clippers W 90–77 Ray Allen (20) Kendrick Perkins (13) Rajon Rondo (7) TD Banknorth Garden
18,624 		54–18
73 March 25 @ Orlando L 82–84 Paul Pierce (26) Kendrick Perkins (11) Ray Allen, Rajon Rondo (5) Amway Arena
17,461 		54–19
74 March 27 @ Atlanta W 99–93 Ray Allen (22) Glen Davis (12) Paul Pierce, Rajon Rondo (5) Philips Arena
20,054 		55–19
75 March 29 Oklahoma City W 103–84 Paul Pierce (27) Mikki Moore (11) Rajon Rondo (12) TD Banknorth Garden
18,624 		56–19
April: 6–1 (home: 5–0; road: 1–1)
Game Date Team Score High points High rebounds High assists Location
Attendance		 Record
76 April 1 Charlotte W 111–109 (2OT) Paul Pierce (32) Kendrick Perkins (12) Rajon Rondo (9) TD Banknorth Garden
18,624 		57–19
77 April 3 Atlanta W 104–92 Paul Pierce (21) Kendrick Perkins (10) Rajon Rondo (6) TD Banknorth Garden
18,624 		58–19
78 April 8 New Jersey W 106–104 Rajon Rondo (31) Rajon Rondo, Kendrick Perkins, Mikki Moore (9) Rajon Rondo, Stephon Marbury (5) TD Banknorth Garden
18,624 		59–19
79 April 10 Miami W 105–98 Paul Pierce (28) Rajon Rondo (10) Rajon Rondo (12) TD Banknorth Garden
18,624 		60–19
80 April 12 @ Cleveland L 76–107 Paul Pierce (14) Kendrick Perkins (6) Rajon Rondo (6) Quicken Loans Arena
20,562 		60–20
81 April 14 @ Philadelphia W 100–98 Paul Pierce (31) Kendrick Perkins (12) Tony Allen, Stephon Marbury (5) Wachovia Center
17,752 		61–20
82 April 15 Washington W 115–107 Glen Davis (21) Leon Powe (13) Stephon Marbury (8) TD Banknorth Garden
18,624 		62–20
2008–09 season schedule

Playoffs[edit]

Game log[edit]

2009 playoff game log
First Round: 4–3 (home: 3–1; road: 1–2)
Game Date Team Score High points High rebounds High assists Location
Attendance		 Record
1 April 18 Chicago L 103–105 (OT) Rajon Rondo (29) Rajon Rondo (9) Rajon Rondo (7) TD Banknorth Garden
18,624 		0–1
2 April 20 Chicago W 118–115 Ray Allen (30) Rajon Rondo, Kendrick Perkins (12) Rajon Rondo (16) TD Banknorth Garden
18,624 		1–1
3 April 23 @ Chicago W 107–86 Paul Pierce (24) Rajon Rondo (11) Glen Davis, Stephon Marbury (6) United Center
23,072 		2–1
4 April 26 @ Chicago L 118–121 (2OT) Paul Pierce (29) Glen Davis (12) Rajon Rondo (11) United Center
23,067 		2–2
5 April 28 Chicago W 106–104 (OT) Rajon Rondo (28) Kendrick Perkins (19) Rajon Rondo (16) TD Banknorth Garden
18,624 		3–2
6 April 30 @ Chicago L 127–128 (3OT) Ray Allen (51) Kendrick Perkins (13) Rajon Rondo (19) United Center
23,430 		3–3
7 May 2 Chicago W 109–99 Ray Allen (23) Kendrick Perkins (13) Rajon Rondo (11) TD Banknorth Garden
18,624 		4–3
Conference Semifinals : 3–4 (home: 2–2; road: 1–2)
Game Date Team Score High points High rebounds High assists Location
Attendance		 Record
1 May 4 Orlando L 90–95 Paul Pierce (23) Kendrick Perkins (16) Rajon Rondo (8) TD Banknorth Garden
18,624 		0–1
2 May 6 Orlando W 112–94 Eddie House (31) Rajon Rondo (11) Rajon Rondo (18) TD Banknorth Garden
18,624 		1–1
3 May 8 @ Orlando L 96–117 Paul Pierce (27) Kendrick Perkins (7) Paul Pierce, Rajon Rondo (6) Amway Arena
17,461 		1–2
4 May 10 @ Orlando W 95–94 Paul Pierce (27) Rajon Rondo (14) Ray Allen (4) Amway Arena
17,461 		2–2
5 May 12 Orlando W 92–88 Glen Davis (22) Kendrick Perkins (11) Paul Pierce (8) TD Banknorth Garden
18,624 		3–2
6 May 14 @ Orlando L 75–83 Rajon Rondo (19) Rajon Rondo (16) Rajon Rondo (6) Amway Arena
17,461 		3–3
7 May 17 Orlando L 82–101 Ray Allen (23) Kendrick Perkins (15) Rajon Rondo (10) TD Banknorth Garden
18,624 		3–4
2009 playoff schedule

Player statistics[edit]

Legend
  GP Games played   GS  Games started  MPG  Minutes per game
 FG%  Field-goal percentage  3P%  3-point field-goal percentage  FT%  Free-throw percentage
 RPG  Rebounds per game  APG  Assists per game  SPG  Steals per game
 BPG  Blocks per game  PPG  Points per game Source: [33]

Regular season[edit]

Boston Celtics statistics
Player GP GS MPG FG% 3FG% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
Ray Allen 79 79 36.4 .480 .409 .952 3.5 2.8 0.87 0.16 18.2
Tony Allen 46 2 19.3 .482 .222 .725 2.3 1.4 1.17 0.50 7.8
Glen Davis 76 16 21.5 .442 .400 .730 4.0 0.9 0.70 0.25 7.0
Kevin Garnett 57 57 31.1 .531 .250 .841 8.5 2.5 1.11 1.19 15.8
J. R. Giddens 6 0 1.3 .667 .000 .000 0.5 0.0 0.17 0.00 0.7
Eddie House 81 0 18.3 .445 .444 .792 1.9 1.1 0.75 0.09 8.5
Stephon Marbury 23 4 18.0 .342 .240 .462 1.2 3.3 0.43 0.13 3.8
Mikki Moore* 24 0 19.0 .600 .000 .737 4.4 1.0 0.17 0.21 4.8
Patrick O'Bryant* 26 0 4.2 .516 .000 .667 1.3 0.3 0.12 0.31 1.5
Kendrick Perkins 76 76 29.6 .577 .000 .600 8.1 1.3 0.29 1.97 8.5
Paul Pierce 81 81 37.5 .457 .391 .830 5.6 3.6 0.99 0.33 20.5
Leon Powe 70 7 17.5 .524 .000 .689 4.9 0.7 0.34 0.54 7.7
Gabe Pruitt 47 0 7.8 .307 .292 .810 0.9 0.8 0.32 0.06 2.0
Rajon Rondo 80 80 33.0 .505 .313 .642 5.2 8.2 1.86 0.14 11.9
Brian Scalabrine 39 8 12.9 .421 .393 .889 1.3 0.5 0.18 0.26 3.5
Bill Walker 29 0 7.4 .621 .000 .696 1.0 0.4 0.21 0.07 3.0

*Statistics with the Boston Celtics

Playoffs[edit]

Boston Celtics statistics
Player GP GS MPG FG% 3FG% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
Ray Allen 14 14 40.4 .403 .350 .948 3.9 2.6 1.07 0.36 18.3
Tony Allen 10 0 6.0 .500 .000 1.000 0.9 0.3 0.20 0.00 0.9
Glen Davis 14 14 36.4 .491 .000 .710 5.6 1.8 1.29 0.57 15.8
Eddie House 14 0 16.6 .519 .486 .909 1.4 0.9 0.79 0.00 7.7
Stephon Marbury 14 0 11.9 .303 .250 1.000 0.9 1.8 0.07 0.00 3.7
Mikki Moore 10 0 6.6 .500 .000 .833 1.5 0.4 0.20 0.50 1.5
Kendrick Perkins 14 14 36.6 .575 .000 .667 11.6 1.4 0.43 2.64 11.9
Paul Pierce 14 14 39.7 .430 .333 .842 5.8 3.1 1.07 0.36 21.0
Leon Powe 2 0 12.0 .429 .000 .667 4.5 0.0 0.00 0.00 5.0
Gabe Pruitt 4 0 2.8 .000 .000 .000 0.0 0.5 0.00 0.25 0.0
Rajon Rondo 14 14 41.2 .417 .250 .657 9.7 9.8 2.50 0.21 16.9
Brian Scalabrine 12 0 20.5 .423 .448 1.000 2.2 1.0 0.17 0.42 5.1
Bill Walker 4 0 2.5 .000 .000 1.000 0.0 0.0 0.50 0.00 0.5

Salaries[edit]

Player Salary
Kevin Garnett $24,751,934
Ray Allen $18,388,430
Paul Pierce $18,077,903
Kendrick Perkins $4,578,880
Brian Scalabrine $3,206,897
Eddie House $2,650,000
Tony Allen $2,500,000
Rajon Rondo $1,315,080
J.R. Giddens $957,120
Leon Powe $797,581
Glen Davis $711,517
Gabe Pruitt $711,517
Bill Walker $542,114

Awards, records and milestones[edit]

Awards[edit]

Week/Month[edit]

  • Head coach Doc Rivers was named Eastern Conference Coach of the Month for games played in October and November.[34][35]

All-Star[edit]

Season[edit]

Records[edit]

Milestones[edit]

Injuries and surgeries[edit]

Transactions[edit]

Trades[edit]

June 26, 2008
 To Boston Celtics
The 47th pick in the 2008 NBA draft (Bill Walker) 		To Washington Wizards
Cash considerations
February 17, 2009
To Boston Celtics
Conditional 2nd-round draft pick and cash considerations 		To Los Angeles Clippers
Sam Cassell[51]
February 19, 2009
To Boston Celtics
Conditional 2nd-round draft pick from Sacramento 		To Portland Trail Blazers
Patrick O'Bryant[52]

Free agents[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b "Celtics Make It 19 Straight. Lakers Await". The New York Times. December 24, 2008.
  2. ^ "Offensive Rating". NBA.com. Retrieved April 30, 2021.
  3. ^ "Celtics vs. Jazz - Game Recap - February 19, 2009 - ESPN". ESPN.com. Retrieved June 14, 2019.
  4. ^ Big 3 carry streaking Celtics to 13th straight win, Associated Press, December 11, 2008
  5. ^ a b c Celts now 27-2 after winning 19th straight game, Associated Press, December 23, 2008.
  6. ^ a b Julian Benbow, Taking a shot with J.R., The Boston Globe, June 27, 2008.
  7. ^ Mark Murphy, Danny Ainge again busy late, Boston Herald, June 27, 2008.
  8. ^ a b Gary Parrish, K-State's Walker injures knee in draft workout Archived July 9, 2012, at archive.today, CBSSports.com, June 16, 2008.
  9. ^ Walker stays in draft, despite knee; UCLA's Mbah a Moute, too, ESPN.com, June 16, 2008.
  10. ^ Marc J. Spears, Walker looking to trade in his run of bad luck, The Boston Globe, June 29, 2008.
  11. ^ Marc J. Spears, Walker to have surgery, The Boston Globe, July 1, 2008.
  12. ^ a b c Steve Bulpett, Celts drafting offseason plan, Boston Herald, June 28, 2008.
  13. ^ a b Chris Forsberg, Posey to opt out today, The Boston Globe, June 30, 2008.
  14. ^ Marc J. Spears, Posey out; offer to Allen?, The Boston Globe, June 30, 2008.
  15. ^ Marc J. Spears, Ainge braces for free agency, The Boston Globe, June 25, 2008.
  16. ^ Marc J. Spears, Posey is Celtics' top target, The Boston Globe, July 1, 2008.
  17. ^ Marc J. Spears, Might 'The Birdman' cometh?, The Boston Globe, June 29, 2008.
  18. ^ Marc J. Spears, Posey officially on market, The Boston Globe, July 9, 2008.
  19. ^ a b c Marc J. Spears, Celtics get their 'big', The Boston Globe, July 12, 2008.
  20. ^ Steve Bulpett, C's make big move, Boston Herald, July 12, 2008.
  21. ^ Marc J. Spears, Posey bolts Celtics for Hornets, The Boston Globe, July 17, 2008.
  22. ^ Marc Stein, Posey agrees to four-year deal with Hornets, ESPN.com, July 16, 2008.
  23. ^ Frank Dell'Apa, Allen will be ready to jump in, The Boston Globe, July 24, 2008.
  24. ^ a b c Frank Dell'Apa, Celtics rebound, re-sign Allen, House, Boston Globe, July 22, 2008.
  25. ^ Miles, thought to have career-ending injury, signs with Celtics, ESPN.com, August 22, 2008.
  26. ^ Marc J. Spears, Celtics bring in Miles, The Boston Globe, August 22, 2008.
  27. ^ a b c Celtics sign Darius Miles, Boston Herald, August 22, 2008.
  28. ^ Ian Thomsen, A onetime phenom, Miles trying for unprecedented comeback, Sports Illustrated, July 17, 2008.
  29. ^ Marc Stein, Warriors want Williams, Miles wants in, Smith wants out, ESPN.com, July 19, 2008.
  30. ^ a b Frank Dell'Apa, Repeat performance would suit Cassell, The Boston Globe, September 30, 2008.
  31. ^ Gary Dzen, Celtics waive Miles, The Boston Globe, October 20, 2008.
  32. ^ Berman, Marc (October 16, 2009). "Marbury rips Knicks, coach, says he'll sit out season". nypost.com.
  33. ^ "Roster and Statistics". Basketball-Reference.
  34. ^ Rivers, Jackson garner Coach of Month honors Archived December 5, 2008, at the Wayback Machine, NBA.com, December 1, 2008.
  35. ^ a b Rivers Named NBA Eastern Conference Coach of the Month, Celtics.com, December 1, 2008.
  36. ^ http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=442842&publicationSubCategoryId=200[permanent dead link]
  37. ^ a b Celtics start slow, rebound to coast by Bucks, Associated Press, November 7, 2008.
  38. ^ Frank Dell'Apa, The Truth hurts, The Boston Globe, November 11, 2008.
  39. ^ Rondo's triple-double lifts Celts to 10th straight win, Associated Press, December 3, 2008.
  40. ^ Celts bounce back from back-to-back losses with rout, Associated Press, December 28, 2008.
  41. ^ James dazzles on both ends to prolong Celts' struggles, Associated Press, January 9, 2009.
  42. ^ a b Pierce, Celtics beat Raptors in overtime, Associated Press, January 12, 2009.
  43. ^ Garnett becomes youngest to reach 1,000 games, leads Celtics past Bulls, Associated Press, October 31, 2008.
  44. ^ Frank Dell'Apa, Rondo's deal is extended, The Boston Globe, November 1, 2008.
  45. ^ Allen's 35 helps Celts beat Pacers in OT, extend win streak, Associated Press, December 7, 2008.
  46. ^ Wafer hits 3 to push Rockets past reeling Celtics, Associated Press, January 7, 2009.
  47. ^ Career Leaders and Records for Points, Basketball-Reference
  48. ^ a b Mark Murphy, Celtics Notebook: Giddens goes home; no offer for Maggette; Perkins surgery, Boston Herald, July 2, 2008.
  49. ^ a b Monique Walker, Operation Green, The Boston Globe, July 3, 2008.
  50. ^ Steve Bulpett, Pierce's knee OK, Boston Herald, July 12, 2008.
  51. ^ "KG to see doctor in Boston on Saturday". Boston.com.
  52. ^ "Celtics Trade O'Bryant".
  53. ^ a b c d "NBA.com: July 2008 Transactions". Archived from the original on July 10, 2009. Retrieved August 15, 2008.

External links[edit]

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