Brian Scalabrine isn’t the only three-point shooting redhead to put up big numbers in the Garden. In tonight’s game against the San Antonio Spurs, the Boston Celtics gave up 23 points to New Hampshire native Matt Bonner. It was the second-most points Bonner has put up in a game since he was drafted in 2003 by the Chicago Bulls. Matching his impressive performance with 23 points was his better known teammate, Tim Duncan, who also had 13 rebounds and 5 assists.

Now I am not a fan of the Spurs. I give them credit where credit is due but in my opinion, they are a very boring team to watch and just don’t carry the same type of energy that teams like the Celtics, Lakers and Cavs do. The game was exciting but like the game against the Lakers on Thursday, it was another disappointing loss for the C’s. They just didn’t look like they were ready to play tonight. I have to tip my hat to Mr. Matt Bonner however. While I will continue to dislike the Spurs, I have no conflict with cheering on a guy from New Hampshire who can put up 23 points against one of the best defenses in the NBA.

Bonner looked like he was playing for the Celtics crowd, hitting 3-of-6 from the 3-point range and running so hard that he looked like he spent too much time in the sun and got an Irish suntan. The only part of Bonner that didn’t look 100% pure Irish was his black and silver jersey with Spurs logo on the front. If Scal ever had a performance like the one Bonner put on at the Garden, every fan in and around Boston would be going bat-shit crazy. Hell, the second Scalabrine even steps on the court he gets a standing ovation, and why not? He looks like the quintessential Irishman. As does Bonner. Being from Boston, I just can’t help but cheer for the guy because growing up in a predominantly white town where the Irish flag is displayed proudly wherever you look, good basketball players are few and far between. For a goofy-looking, pale skinned redhead who grew up in New Hampshire - where the well-known athletes play sports that are either on skiis or skates - to have the chance to play at the Garden and put on a show like he did…well, it makes me want to go down to the local pub and have myself a Guinness.

Cheers to you, Matt Bonner.