By the third quarter, though, the Celtics were getting back to their home-court groove - since Jan. 28, they have a 4-4 record at TD Banknorth Garden and two wins by double-digit margins.
"Our floor general is out there, making the calls, understanding what we're trying to do, and everybody's comfortable," Celtics captain Paul Pierce said of Rondo.
Rondo, who missed losses to Orlando and Miami, returned to the lineup after a productive morning workout in Waltham. He helped spark a decisive 21-9 run over a 5:16 span late in the third quarter, giving the Celtics momentum and a cushion sufficient enough for Pierce and Ray Allen (22 points) to limit their minutes in preparation for tomorrow's visit to Milwaukee.
The game also served as a further prep course for Stephon Marbury, who converted his first 3-pointer as a Celtic, and Mikki Moore (6 points), plus Bill Walker, who played significant minutes (18 last night) for the second successive game.
"Other than the first quarter, I thought we played pretty good basketball," coach Doc Rivers said. "I thought our defense after the first quarter was pretty good. I thought our bench was terrific. They got us the lead in the first half, then were able to finish the game. [Walker] played terrific defense and he just makes things happen."
But Rondo's return made the most noticeable difference for the Celtics.
After O.J. Mayo's 3-pointer gave Memphis (16-48) a 57-55 lead with 7:03 remaining in the third quarter, the Celtics scored the next 8 points. Pierce scored on a goaltending call, then Rondo poked away Mike Conley's dribble and found Powe with a behind-the-back pass for a dunk, Allen converted on a drive, and Rondo's drive provided a 63-57 lead with 4:47 left. Allen scored again in the lane, then converted two threes, and Pierce one, before Moore's follow dunk made the score 76-66 with 25 seconds remaining in the quarter.
Moore converted twice from the perimeter, one off a Marbury behind-the-backer, as the Celtic reserves preserved the lead. Marbury's first Celtic 3-pointer stretched it to 95-78 with 4:31 left.
