Well, TD Banknorth Garden was alive today, but it ended with a performance from a rookie that turned the tide against the Boston Celtics. The Celtics, without KG, started their first round playoff series with a lose to the Bulls. The Bulls came out with no hesitation and went at the Celtics from the get go. Derrick Rose led the bulls with a career high 36 points (he tied a record that had been set by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar by most points scored for a rookie in their first playoff game) and 11 asts. Joakim Noah (11 pts and 17 rebs, finishing with his left hand in traffic) and Tyrus Thomas (16 pts, 6 rebs, and 3 blks) both had great games for the Bulls as they surprised the Celtics.
The Celtics came out a little tentative and never seemed to really get it going until the second half. The Bulls were up 9 at halftime, but the Celtics fought back to make this a close one. Rajon Rondo seemed to almost match Derrick Rose with his 29 points, 7 asts, and 9 rebs. At one point it seemed like those two were the only people on the floor. Paul Pierce caught fire late and ended the game with 23 pts and 7 rebs. Kendrick Perkins had 14 pts and 8 rebs, but it seemed like the Celtics should have gone to him more, because the Bulls couldn't handle his size in the paint.
Key facts:
- The Celtics let this one get away from them with both Pierce and Allen having shots to win the game (missed free throw and missed jumper).
- Derrick Rose won't have another game like he did today, but it was a joy to watch.
- Ray Allen won't have another game like he did today going 1 of 12 from the field.
The Celtics should be a little nervous, but it's just one game (on their home floor) that they lost. Again, the Celtics let this one get away from them. They have to play better next game. If they go down 0-2, I think my prediction goes into the tank.
What did you think about this game? How was Derrick Rose's performance? Where are the rest of the Celtics? Are the Celtics in trouble already?
3 comments:
Where as Derrick Rose may not have a game like he had today... I have followed this guy for the past season and he has the ability to become a great player in the league as long as he is surrounded by a supporting cast. Boston indeed let this one slip away... But I am really debating on taking that comment back. The shot at the end of the 4th quarter where Noah fouled Pierce would have NOT gone in. So Chicago really almost gave the game up. Win or Lose, Chicago was the better team today. Made all the right decisions at the right time. Derrick Rose lead the cool headed young Bulls to this victory. Doc Rivers can't be happy. And I am not sure if any of you all notice at the end of the game, but not one Celtics Players gave their supporting fans a high five; Doc Rivers did, but not his players. Makes me believe that they underestimated the Bulls and if they do not give the Bulls the proper respect, we just may see an upset.
Ease up on D-Rose LB! I drafted this dude for my fantasy squad and he never disappointed (except when got caught on camera crying after getting hit by a shoulder). He's going to be a solid player for a long minute as long as he doesn't have to be the primary scorer, or at least option #1 all of the time.
As for Boston, Ray is headed down that Detroit path, at least for their primary scorers. That 1 for 12 was more a forshadowing of things to come rather than a fluke occurence. It only serves to underscore the importance of KG to that team. They should have posted Paul Pierce more during the game as he's their next best (maybe even their best) post player. He can handle anyone the Bulls throw at him, it's just that the others have to be ready to hit when the kick out comes their way. The Celtics might pull it in 7, if only because Paul Pierce is from the darkside of LA, but I won't be shocked if the Bull get'em in 6.
Ray Allen can probably play two more years in teh league. He has one thing that doesn't go away, shooting!!! He had some wide open shots, but most of his were contested. They did a good job on Gordon, so maybe that took a little extra work and thus he's difficulty with the jumper this game. I think the Celtics squeak out of this one but go home in the 2nd round.
Post a Comment