Final: Clippers 123, Celtics 112 -- Celtics blow 28-point lead after losing Kyrie to knee injury

The Celtics put together their best offensive first half of the season against the new-look Clippers, leading by as many as 28 points on their way to a 74 points before the break. That lead evaporated in a hurry however as Boston’s offense fell apart in the third quarter without Kyrie Irving (sprained knee) to the tune of 12 points on 18 percent shooting. That putrid output opened the door for the Clippers to come back into the game, largely thanks to the hot shooting of new addition Landry Shamet (17 points off the bench). The Clippers outscored Celtics 70-38 in the second half to pull away with a double-digit victory in what served as another embarrassing home loss for the Green, perhaps the worst of the season.   

First Half Notes

• Celtics starters come out with some pep in their step on the offensive end against Clippers new-look starting five.


• Kyrie set the pace early on with his offense, scoring 12 first quarter points, but the game changed once the bench entered midway through the frame.


• Boston closed out the quarter with a 29-6 run thanks to the balanced production of the second unit, combining to score 23 points in 20 minutes of action.


• Daniel Theis continues to be a revelation on the offensive end, knocking down his first two 3s of the night to push up his 3-point shooting on the year to an absurd 46.7 percent. That's a 15 percent jump from last year.


• In a refreshing change of pace for Boston's offense, they also managed to get to the free throw line a healthy amount for a change, thanks to getting the Clippers into the penalty early in each quarter.


• C's pushed the lead up to 26 at multiple points, on their way to 74 first quarter points.


• Kyrie Irving suffered a right knee sprain in the second quarter after landing on a Clippers players' foot while contesting a jump shot. He was ruled out for the remainder of the game after getting evaluated in the locker room with a sprained knee.


• C's posted a season-high 74 points in the first half thanks in large part to 23 free throw attempts.

• The Celtics may be shorthanded on the front line in this one with Aron Baynes (feet) remaining out and Daniel Theis (sore knee) questionable after a superb performance on Thursday night against the Lakers. If Theis can't go, look for Semi Ojeleye or Robert Williams to pick up some minutes at center against a Clippers team that plays a lot of small ball.


• Three new Clippers acquisitions are expected to make their debuts on Saturday night as Landry Shamet, Garrett Temple and JaMychal Green should make their debuts in Doc Rivers' rotation. Former Celtic Avery Bradley was dealt away for Green and Temple in a cost-cutting deal at the trade deadline.


• The Clippers hold just a half-game lead over the Kings for the eighth spot in the Eastern Conference. The Lakers are also looming just 1.5 games back, which should make it tough for the Clippers to make the postseason in wake of dealing away Tobias Harris. 


• Boston has won 10 of their last 12 games overall, including 12 of their last 14 at the TD Garden.