Detroit Pistons at Boston Celtics, 05/20/2008
times read: 824
| Final |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
OT |
Total |
| Pistons |
17 |
23 |
17 |
22 |
|
79 |
| Celtics |
22 |
19 |
28 |
19 |
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88 |
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Game Preview:
Celtics seek ninth straigh home win in opener vs. Pistons
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Detroit at Boston 8:30 pm EDT
Eastern Conference finals Game One
BOSTON...
Game Recap:
Garnett shines as Celtics stay perfect at home in playoffs
By Mike Petraglia
PA SportsTicker Contributing Writer
BOSTON (Ticker) -- The Boston Celtics showed no ill effects
from playing their...
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Date Posted: 5/20/2008 11:06:00 PM
By: Jessica Camerato
Picking up right where he left off against the Cavaliers, Paul Pierce led the Celtics to a Game 1 victory over the Pistons. The team captain posted 22 points, six rebounds, and six assists in nearly 44 minutes of play. Kevin Garnett also did damage with 26 points and nine rebounds. KG was impressed by Pierce, who admitted to being banged up after his battle with LeBron James.
"What he's not telling you is he gets his work done every day when he's hurt, whether he's beat up, whether he's damn near walking on one leg, he gets his routine," Garnett said. "You all don't get to see the real professional behind the scenes. The things he does on the floor don't surprise me. He's probably one of the strongest mental players in the league."
Ray Allen tried to find his rhythm tonight, adding nine points off of 3-for-10 shooting. Even though he threw up an uncharacteristic airball, he wasn't overly concerned with the miss.
"Honestly, I got to that point and I had taken that shot thousands of times," he said. "I had a great feeling tonight because I felt free, more free than I had felt ... I was so amped and ready to go so it's good to get those shots because now I am developing my rhythm again."
The Celtics were able to combat just one day's rest against a Pistons team that hasn't played a game in a week. Head coach Doc Rivers was happy with his team's energy and the Celtics success in establishing the pace of the game. Tayshaun Prince couldn't say if the Pistons long break was a factor. All he knew was that he couldn't use it as an excuse for sluggish play.
Rasheed Wallace refused to show any nerves and proclaimed that the Pistons will win Game 2. Chauncey Billups, who received therapy on his hamstring after the game, said his team has to take charge.
"They are a great team," Billups said of the Celtics, who outscored the Pistons 44-22 in the paint. "When you try to iso, they load up so you won't be able to get a lot of looks like that. So you have to get back in the offense. We definitely have to be more aggressive."
The Celtics and Pistons will face off for Game 2 on Thursday night at the Garden. Stay tuned to HOOPSWORLD for in-depth coverage of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Checkout the 2008 Playoff Weekly Stats Leaders Here
Date Posted: 5/20/2008 8:41:00 PM
By: Jessica Camerato
In just one half the difference between the Pistons and the Celtics first two playoff opponents is already glaring. This is the first time that the Celtics have had to tackle a team, not one or two flashy individuals.
The box score for both teams are almost identical. The starters scored 33 points for the Celtics and 32 for the Pistons. The big men are getting it done at the basket -- KG leads all scorers with 14 points and Antonio McDyess is right behind with 10.
The struggling Ray Allen hit his first bucket three-and-a-half minutes into the game. Although he dunked on a fast break, he still looked hesitant pulling up from the field. Allen shot 3-for-7 in the first half.
While both teams have been aggressive on the boards, the Celtics have moved the ball better. They dished off 16 assists to the Pistons seven. Paul Pierce and Rajon Rondo contributed four apiece; Garnett, Allen, and James Posey each have two. Suprisingly, it's 6'11" Rasheed Wallace who leads the Pistons with four.
This is still anyone's game. Check back later to see who took Game 1 at the Garden.
Date Posted: 5/20/2008 7:23:00 PM
By: Jessica Camerato
One year ago today the Boston Celtics were dealt a devastating blow -- the fifth overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft. Tonight, they are preparing for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Detroit Pistons. Funny how things work out.
It has only been two days since Kendrick Perkins sulked into the Celtics locker room with a look of intense focus. He had no interest in talking about Game 7 against the Cleveland Cavaliers and avoided any interaction with the media. Today Perkins was loose and added that Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce seemed to be in the same mood. The big man held court, explaining that Game 7 and Game 1 are two different things. He also added that the short one-day break may actually help the team keep their rhythm.
Tony Allen didn't shy away as he talked about his last-second foul on Chauncey Billups back in December. The misstep cost the Celtics the ball game. Allen said he learned that he has to keep his feet still and cracked up when a Boston reporter asked if he wanted to practice on him.
Over in the Pistons locker room Rasheed Wallace provided pregame entertainment with his iPod. Wallace and Billups rapped along as 2Pac's "Got My Mind Made Up" blared through the mini-stereo. The veteran Pistons looked relaxed as they received treatment on the trainer's table, made phone calls, and listened to their iPods. The younger players, like Cheikh Samb and Rodney Stuckey, looked a little more anxious and fidgeted at their lockers.
The Pistons whiteboard was cluttered with game notes but the bottom was sectioned off. "Simplicity" it read in capital letters. Will keeping it simple be enough for the Pistons or will the Celtics create a more complex problem? Tip-off is a few minutes away … stay tuned to HOOPSWORLD for all the sights and sounds of the first half.
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