MILAN – The Celtics turned in one of those “that’s more like it” performances Sunday at the Mediolanum Forum against Emporio Armani Milano, using their defense and brilliant execution to thrill a soldout crowd filled with Celtics fans.
With former Brockton resident Marvelous Marvin Hagler in the house, the Celtics put on a performance worthy of a champion. Rajon Rondo scored 17 points on 7-for-7 shooting in the first quarter and the Celtics used stifling defense to cruise to a 105-75 win.
Boston led 34-31 at the end of the first quarter and then put locks on EA7 Milano, holding the Italian team to 16-for-64 shooting and 44 points. Paul Pierce added 14 for the Celtics and Jeff Green turned in another strong game with 17 points, including three 3-pointers.
Kevin Garnett needed only to play 12 minutes, 23 seconds as the Celtics outclassed their second European opponent after Friday’s disappointing 97-91 loss to Fenerbahce Ulker. Jared Sullinger, who got the start at power forward, added nine points and seven rebounds.
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Meanwhile, Darko Milicic continues to prove motivated to contribute as he tallied 8 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 blocked shots in the second quarter alone.
EA7 Milano used a 9-2 run to cut the deficit to 64-55 with 6:17 left in the third quarter but the Celtics responded with a 13-0 run, 6 on 3-pointers by Jason Terry, and the Celtics were never threatened.
Ioannis Bourousis led EA7 Milano with 15 points while former Oregon standout Malik Hairston added 11.