During the Bruins' regular season, I once "advised them" to watch BC's hockey team play, and maybe learn a lesson on how to score goals. Now, I think the Bruins should be forced to watch the Celtics' continuing playoff run, to learn a lesson on how to win.
Not many gave the Celtics a chance, including myself. And I took great care to ridicule those that did predict another deep postseason venture. But the Celtics have played as a team, and that's allowed them to beat some individuals. The C's don't have anyone as good as Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, or Dwight Howard on their roster. But the Celtics, at least in theory thus far, have had a better team.
Howard was held to 13 points as the Celtics gutted out a 92-88 win over the Magic. It can be argued that the C's could have and should have won more comfortably, and that they let Orlando buzz around for too long. But you also have to give credit to the Magic for that.
Ray Allen was 8/16 shooting with 25 points. Pierce was 6/8 with 22. He made 8 of 10 free throws. Rondo was stymied, reduced to just 8 points, 8 assists and 4 boards. KG only had 8 points. But that's sort of the whole strength of the teamwork. There's layers, so when Rondo and/or KG have bad outings, Pierce and Allen are there to pick up the slack. The bench also contributed. Sheed had 13 in 20 minutes, and the bench combined for 25 total.
This won't be an easy series, but winning Game 1 on the road was huge. The Magic may have been rusty, a little underprepared. The C's played on Thursday, which means they were fresh but still in rhythm. Orlando hadn't played in nearly a week (last Monday). And the competition they'd encountered in their previous series was of pushover quality.
They weren't ready, the Celtics shot well and took advantage. That's what you do to win, exploit every opportunity, protect every weakness.
Game 2 Tuesday night in Orlando.
Photo Credit:
The Canadian Press
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