Celtics Get Crushed By Cavaliers On Paul Pierce Night, 121-99

Prior to Paul Pierce’s #34 being retired by the Boston Celtics on Sunday afternoon, the C’s were blown out by the Cleveland Cavaliers, 121-99.

Including the playoffs, the Cavaliers have won eight of their last ten in Boston, entering Sunday’s game, with LeBron James coming off of back-to-back triple-doubles.

AUDIO: Paul Pierce Feature On The Celtics Radio Network

Following Sunday’s loss to the Cavs, the Celtics are now 6-5 against “Top Seven” teams this year. And the C’s have now lost three of their last five games dating back to last Sunday’s Super Bowl matinee game against the Portland Trail Blazers.

Early in the first quarter Kyrie Irving busted one helluva stepback jumper right in James’ grill.

With 5:04 left in the first, James drove to the hole, made hard knee-to-knee contact with Aron Baynes and later came up hobbling.

James would make his return to the game just three minutes into the second after receiving treatment on his right knee from team trainers.

Things were all tied up at 40, with 8:07 to play in the second, and leave it to the Cavs to go on a 24-to-12 run to take a 64-52 lead into halftime.

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Heading into halftime, the Celtics were struggling from beyond the arc, shooting only 24 percent, on 4-of-17.

The Cavaliers would take what was their largest lead at the time, 23, with 2:19 to the play in the third.

Watch Terry Rozier III knock one down from the North End.

Facing a 21-point deficit to start the fourth, the Celtics had to start looking to make another epic comeback after shooting 42 percent from the field and 27 percent from three.

With the Cavs shooting 54 percent from the field & 52 percent from three compared to the C’s 42 and 27 respectively, they were able to build a 29-point lead early in the fourth.

RELATED: Greg Monroe Makes Celtics Debut In OT Win Over Wizards

The offensive woes for the Celtics continued through the fourth quarter, finishing the game shooting 40 percent (36-89 FG) from the field and 26 percent (10-38 3PT) from three.

After scoring more than 30 points in each of the first three quarters, the Cavs were held to 26 points in the fourth, but still held on to win 121-99.

James led all scorers with a 24-point, 10-assist double-double to go with eight rebounds. The newest Cavaliers Rodney Hood, Jordan Clarkson, George Hill and Larry Nance Jr. combined for 49 points in their debut with the team.

Rozier III led all Celtics scorers with 21 points (3-8 3PT), nine rebounds and five assists, while coming off the bench. Irving chipped in with 18 points (7-14 FG), three rebounds and five assists. And Jaylen Brown struggled from three-land, missing all five of this attempts, yet he finished the game with five points.

UP NEXT: The Celtics (40-18) welcome the Los Angeles Clippers (28-26) to the TD Garden on Wednesday night for a primetime matchup. Catch the call of the game with Sean Grande and Cedric Maxwell live on 98.5 The Sports Hub. Pre-game coverage begins at 7:30 p.m., with tip-off set for 8:00 p.m.

—  By John ‘The Dude’ Hardiman, 985TheSportsHub.com

John Hardiman is a Digital Producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for John? Hit him up on Twitter @HardiDude or e-mail him at john.hardiman@bbgi.com.