Bobcats, 95-83 (final)

This one came out of nowhere.

The Celtics were outplayed by a Charlotte team that was hungrier to earn its 13th win than Boston was to earn its 30th. The Celtics were without Ray Allen, but they seemed to be missing much more than their veteran shooting guard.

As a result, the Celtics dropped just their second game at home this season and ended their winning streak at nine games. The Bobcats had lost 11 straight road games before tonight’s win.

Jason Richardson led the Bobcats with 34 points on 14-of-22 shooting. Raymond Felton had 16 points and 8 assists for Charlotte. The Bobcats shot 49 percent for the game and held the Celtics to 42-percent shooting.

Paul Pierce didn’t show up for this one. The usually steady captain broke his new rule and talked to the media before the game. Pierce was just 4-of-14 from the field and finished with 13 points and 3 assists. You can expect him to be quiet before all future home games.

Kevin Garnett led the Celtics with 24 points and 8 rebounds, but unlike last week against the Rockets, KG couldn’t carry the C’s by himself.

Not used to losing this season, the fans here at the Garden were very vocal in expressing their displeasure with the officials. They also stood and chanted for defense on several occasions, but the home team just couldn’t deliver enough times to get the win.

Boston’s next game is Friday at New Jersey.

We’ll have plenty of postgame reaction in a bit.