Okay, so yes, there were similarities. Both went to two overtimes, both featured the same two teams. There were even two great breakout performances.
But don’t kid yourself. Sunday’s two-overtime duel between the Celtics and the Bulls was nothing like their two-OT duel that was Michael Jordan’s coming out party in 1986.
Let’s set them up.
In ’86, the Bulls were facing a great Celtics team. They were not a great team and finished with a 30-52 record, albeit mostly because of a nagging foot injury for Jordan (indeed, it was their worst record in the Jordan era). But to beat the Celtics – who had lost exactly one home game all season and who had been to the last two NBA finals – would have been an upset of exceptional proportions.
Game two was the second time Jordan lit up twice times in that series, scoring 49 in game one and 63 in game two (he spend game three in foul trouble and finished with just 19), and basically carried his team as far as they got – namely, a three game sweep against a team that was just too good to handle.
In 2009, the Celtics were a team ripe to be upset. Kevin Garnett, the foundation of their defence and a vital part of their big three, was ruled out on the cusp of the postseason. In his absence, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen had to pick up some slack and reserve big men Glen Davis and Brian Scalabrine got many more minutes then usual.
On the other hand, the Bulls of 2009 were a team that came together at the right time, winning seven of their last ten games, with two of those losses by five points or less. Rookie Derrick Rose was the best of his class, averaging 17 points and six boards a game. One would be foolish to overlook Ben Gordon and John Salmon’s contributions too: together they led the team in minutes and points.
It was a 2-seed vs an 8-seed, but an upset wasn’t all that unlikely.
Let’s look at the teams.
2009’s Bulls team is a little more balanced. Yes, Rose had another great game – his third triple-double in four games – but he’s got a solid supporting cast. Gordon, who hit that ridiculous three to tie the game up late. Even Noah, who made some clutch plays down the stretch that helped tip the game.
Even the Celtics aren’t as powerful. The ’86 C’s were one of the great teams in recent memory, basically six hall of fame players deep: Bird, McHale, D.J., Ainge, Parish and Walton coming off the bench.
And while I’m not doubting that Ray Allen and Paul Pierce are great players, it would be foolish to put this Celtic team in the same breath as the ’86 team – especially without KG. The 85-86 Celtics lost one game at home and only three in the playoffs.
Not to sound flippant, but Glen Davis is not and never will be Robert Parish or Bill Walton and maybe not even Tom Kite.
Let’s look at the finishes.
Sure, Jordan was ice-cold in ’86, nailing free throws at the Garden with no time left. He was clutch, carrying the Bulls into extra time. But he only got to OT because of a stupid play by McHale, who left his man to try and make a block.
In overtime, Jordan launched a wide-open jumper that would have given the Bulls the lead with two seconds left… but it clanked out (Ditto for Bird, who hit the back of the rim on a long three). Then, in the second OT, the Celtics pulled away.
On Sunday, the Bulls lasted through two breakneck OT periods on top of a great 48. Salmons, hit four clutch free throws and blocked a potential game winner. Gordon hit a huge three to tie the game at 110. Allen hit a late three in regulation to send the game to OT. It was a bona-fide classic.
Yes, there were missed shots: Rose missed a game winner at the end of the fourth, Allen had a late shot blocked in OT. And the second OT wasn’t that competitive: if the game was a tug-of-war, it was when one side runs out of steam and falls slowly towards the mud. Still, I’d much rather watch that then ’86 any day – Jordan and Bird be damned.
So, which one is best?
If one had to choose between these two games – both excellent games, mind you – one would have to wildly different answers for wildly different reasons. ’86 was a coming out, the opening chapter to a legendary NBA career. ’09 was a great game that will likely be played on ESPN Classic (although had it been broadcast on TNT… maybe on NBA-TV in a couple years).
Of course, context means a lot, too. Had MJ lit up against Don Nelson’s Bucks, would we remember it as fondly ? If Larry Bird doesn’t say “that was God disguised as Michael Jordan”, do we even care? Maybe.
In this sense, it’s too early to say anything about Sunday’s game. Was it a coming-out for Rose? Or was it a spurt of greatness on national TV? Or will it be doomed to vague memory, like that great three-OT game in the 1993 Finals.
I hope not. Because if I had to choose which one to watch later tonight, I’d take ’09 in a heartbeat.
Showing posts with label boston celtics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label boston celtics. Show all posts
Monday, April 27, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
Avery, Marbury Are Birds Af A Feather
With Stephon Marbury expected to sign with the Boston Celtics sometime today, one expects that New Yorkers will breathe a little easier. But as a certain hockey player comes closer and closer to coming to New York, another headache is on the horizon.
The player is Sean Avery, late of the Dallas Stars, currently filling a spot on the Rangers AHL affiliate. Like Marbury, he had signed with a big market team for a bundle and wore out his welcome fast. After stirring up problems in the dressing room, both players found themselves not playing their sport at all.
Marbury’s off-court antics (peaking in an infamous truck party) and fights with management led to an exile from the team and his eventual banning from practice. Avery’s off-ice problems – and especially saying Dion Phaneuf went after his sloppy seconds – led to his out from the league.
Both were suspended indefinitely, not allowed to dress for games or attend practice or even travel with the team. Avery went to counseling, Marbury infamously flew to LA to watch his Knicks play the Lakers.
And now, both players could end up in a homecoming kind of way. Avery is likely headed to the Rangers, the team where he first rose in stature in the past few seasons. Marbury is likely to sign with the Boston Celtics, where he would play alongside Kevin Garnett again, like his did in his Minnesota days.
Let’s not get carried away here, though, since there are some pretty big differences between the two. Marbury is the more talented of the two and in his prime was one of the best point guards in the NBA. He went to two All-Star games, led the league in assists in 2004 and has been named to two All-NBA teams.
Avery, at his best, is been a second-line forward who works best by drawing the other team into taking penalties. True, he scored 18 goals once, but he’s only had one season – his first – with less then a 150 penalty minutes.
Obviously, Marbury coming to the Celtics means a lot more on paper then Avery coming to the Rangers does.
The Celtics now have somebody to backup Rondo and Marbury is an improvement from Sam Cassell. Boston is hoping that either Garnett’s influence or Marbury’s desire to win a title will temper any problems that may arise, like if Marbury decides he doesn’t want to come off the bench.
Of course, him acting out is unlikely and doesn't give Marbury any credit. At this point in his career, Marbury likely realizes his situation and won't stir up much trouble.
But if Avery comes to New York, he doesn’t add much. A little depth, perhaps, but he doesn’t address their problems: their lack of a scorer, their lack of defence and their power play – it’s ranked 28th in the NHL right now, behind Tampa Bay, the NY Islanders and Phoenix. The Rangers have deeper problems then Avery can fix, but by signing him they at least look like they’re trying.
While he might not bring his baggage to the team – he loves the spotlight, but I’m sure he loves actually playing more – he doesn’t really solve anything and doesn’t make the Rangers any better.
If they can get him, anyway. Unlike Marbury, Avery has yet to clear waivers – and the rumour mill says St. Louis, Minnesota, Edmonton and Pittsburgh are all interested in him too.
The player is Sean Avery, late of the Dallas Stars, currently filling a spot on the Rangers AHL affiliate. Like Marbury, he had signed with a big market team for a bundle and wore out his welcome fast. After stirring up problems in the dressing room, both players found themselves not playing their sport at all.
Marbury’s off-court antics (peaking in an infamous truck party) and fights with management led to an exile from the team and his eventual banning from practice. Avery’s off-ice problems – and especially saying Dion Phaneuf went after his sloppy seconds – led to his out from the league.
Both were suspended indefinitely, not allowed to dress for games or attend practice or even travel with the team. Avery went to counseling, Marbury infamously flew to LA to watch his Knicks play the Lakers.
And now, both players could end up in a homecoming kind of way. Avery is likely headed to the Rangers, the team where he first rose in stature in the past few seasons. Marbury is likely to sign with the Boston Celtics, where he would play alongside Kevin Garnett again, like his did in his Minnesota days.
Let’s not get carried away here, though, since there are some pretty big differences between the two. Marbury is the more talented of the two and in his prime was one of the best point guards in the NBA. He went to two All-Star games, led the league in assists in 2004 and has been named to two All-NBA teams.
Avery, at his best, is been a second-line forward who works best by drawing the other team into taking penalties. True, he scored 18 goals once, but he’s only had one season – his first – with less then a 150 penalty minutes.
Obviously, Marbury coming to the Celtics means a lot more on paper then Avery coming to the Rangers does.
The Celtics now have somebody to backup Rondo and Marbury is an improvement from Sam Cassell. Boston is hoping that either Garnett’s influence or Marbury’s desire to win a title will temper any problems that may arise, like if Marbury decides he doesn’t want to come off the bench.
Of course, him acting out is unlikely and doesn't give Marbury any credit. At this point in his career, Marbury likely realizes his situation and won't stir up much trouble.
But if Avery comes to New York, he doesn’t add much. A little depth, perhaps, but he doesn’t address their problems: their lack of a scorer, their lack of defence and their power play – it’s ranked 28th in the NHL right now, behind Tampa Bay, the NY Islanders and Phoenix. The Rangers have deeper problems then Avery can fix, but by signing him they at least look like they’re trying.
While he might not bring his baggage to the team – he loves the spotlight, but I’m sure he loves actually playing more – he doesn’t really solve anything and doesn’t make the Rangers any better.
If they can get him, anyway. Unlike Marbury, Avery has yet to clear waivers – and the rumour mill says St. Louis, Minnesota, Edmonton and Pittsburgh are all interested in him too.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Lakers' choke in the big smoke
Call it the choke in the big smoke.
The Lakers had a 24-point lead, a home floor, and the MVP of the league on their team last night. And yet, they still fell apart, losing 97-91.
Tailor-made for ESPN Classic. Sometimes you just get that feeling, that you’re watching something that you’ll see there in a few years: the 2006 Fiesta Bowl, the 2005 Rose Bowl, game five of the 2006 NHL Finals.
But last night, they might as well have simulcast that game – it was that good.
Oddly enough, I only caught the comeback, after I tuned in at halftime. In a way, though, that’s for the best – had I watched the first half, I don’t know if I would have watched the second half, the Lakers were that dominant.
Dominant. The big three sure were last night. Ray Allen shook, blew even, the cobwebs off and was great, grabbing rebounds, hitting tough shots and, in one inspired possession, grabbed a board, ran the length of the court and hit a dynamite reverse layup. It was a dagger in the heart of the Lakers – after Allen blew their doors off with that, they were dead in the water.
They shouldn’t have been. Throughout most of the fourth, when the Celtics battled their way back into the game, they couldn’t close the gap - they tied the game four times, but didn’t take the lead until the final five minutes of the game. The Lakers had chances and chances to build on their lead, make it a two possession game at the least. But they couldn’t hit.
(Fun fact: ESPN Classic is re-airing this as an instant classic. What was the last such game that was an Instant Classic? Answer at the end of the column.)
Reigning league MVP Kobe Bryant had an odd night to say the least. He was 6-19 for 17 points. And he had 10 rebounds. But late in the game, he was definitely Michael Jordan-like.
Just not NBA-Champion Jordan. More like the Jordan of the late 1980s, who tried to do too much and never got anywhere with it.
So, where would this choke rank on the all-time choke list? Let’s pull that dossier out and see:
1983 NFC Championship: leading 21-0 in the fourth quarter at home, the Redskins fall apart defensively to the Niners, who tie the game. But in a stunning double-choke, the Niners are called for two bad penalties that keep a Redskin drive alive, and Mark Moseley hits his first field goal of the game (he had been missing them all game) and the Skins pull out a win.
1993 AFC Wild Card: with their Run-and-gun offense, the Houston Oilers lead 35-3 in the third, only to choke it all away. The Bills, in a role-reversal, score 28 in the third and a touchdown in the fourth to knot the game at 38. They would win on a Christie kick in overtime to seal the comeback.
Game three, 1982 Smythe Finals: The Edmonton Oilers, led by hall of famers Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier and Paul Coffey lead the Los Angeles Kings 5-0 after 40 minutes. But the Kings battled back, scoring five unanswered goals, the last of which with only 5 seconds left. The Oilers had suddenly lost their scoring touch and missed several good chances. They would lose in overtime, on a Daryl Evans goal, and the series in five games.
1990 Smythe Semi-finals. After winning game four in double overtime, the Winnipeg Jets take a 3-1 series lead over the Oilers. But the Edmonton would win the next two games, each by a goal, and force game seven, where they won 4-1. The Oilers would go on to win the Stanley Cup, while the Jets were never a force again in the playoffs.
2002 Eastern Conference Finals, game three: Leading by 21 in the fourth quarter, the New Jersey Nets fall apart late (Jason Kidd missed four three-pointers late), while the Boston Celtics – led by Paul Pierce, who would score 19 in the fourth – come back to win, 94-90. However, the Nets would win the series in six games.
1994 Western Semi-Finals, game two: The Houston Rockets led by 20 in the fourth, but the Phoenix Suns roared back. Led by Charles Barkley (34 points, 15 boards, 6 assists) and Kevin Johnson (27 points, 6 boards, 6 assists), they forced overtime and won, 124-117, giving them a 2-0 series lead. At the time, it was the largest comeback in NBA playoffs history. However, the Rockets made NBA history too: they became only the second team to win a series after losing the first two games at home.
So where does it rank? Above the two hockey ones, for sure, as well as the Suns comeback, since it’s the finals. Ahead of the Celtics comeback in ’02, since it was on the road. Ahead of the Niners comeback in 83, since the Niners lost (albeit on two bad calls).
And if they win the series, it’s ahead of the Bills comeback, since they got stomped in the Superbowl that year.
So, what was the last instant classic? Not Lebron’s two-OT masterpiece against the Pistons. And it’s not game five of the ’05 Finals, either.
It was that two-OT duel between Dallas and Phoenix – or should I say between Dirk and Nash – from late last season. Although, game five was also an instant classic, too.
The Lakers had a 24-point lead, a home floor, and the MVP of the league on their team last night. And yet, they still fell apart, losing 97-91.
Tailor-made for ESPN Classic. Sometimes you just get that feeling, that you’re watching something that you’ll see there in a few years: the 2006 Fiesta Bowl, the 2005 Rose Bowl, game five of the 2006 NHL Finals.
But last night, they might as well have simulcast that game – it was that good.
Oddly enough, I only caught the comeback, after I tuned in at halftime. In a way, though, that’s for the best – had I watched the first half, I don’t know if I would have watched the second half, the Lakers were that dominant.
Dominant. The big three sure were last night. Ray Allen shook, blew even, the cobwebs off and was great, grabbing rebounds, hitting tough shots and, in one inspired possession, grabbed a board, ran the length of the court and hit a dynamite reverse layup. It was a dagger in the heart of the Lakers – after Allen blew their doors off with that, they were dead in the water.
They shouldn’t have been. Throughout most of the fourth, when the Celtics battled their way back into the game, they couldn’t close the gap - they tied the game four times, but didn’t take the lead until the final five minutes of the game. The Lakers had chances and chances to build on their lead, make it a two possession game at the least. But they couldn’t hit.
(Fun fact: ESPN Classic is re-airing this as an instant classic. What was the last such game that was an Instant Classic? Answer at the end of the column.)
Reigning league MVP Kobe Bryant had an odd night to say the least. He was 6-19 for 17 points. And he had 10 rebounds. But late in the game, he was definitely Michael Jordan-like.
Just not NBA-Champion Jordan. More like the Jordan of the late 1980s, who tried to do too much and never got anywhere with it.
So, where would this choke rank on the all-time choke list? Let’s pull that dossier out and see:
1983 NFC Championship: leading 21-0 in the fourth quarter at home, the Redskins fall apart defensively to the Niners, who tie the game. But in a stunning double-choke, the Niners are called for two bad penalties that keep a Redskin drive alive, and Mark Moseley hits his first field goal of the game (he had been missing them all game) and the Skins pull out a win.
1993 AFC Wild Card: with their Run-and-gun offense, the Houston Oilers lead 35-3 in the third, only to choke it all away. The Bills, in a role-reversal, score 28 in the third and a touchdown in the fourth to knot the game at 38. They would win on a Christie kick in overtime to seal the comeback.
Game three, 1982 Smythe Finals: The Edmonton Oilers, led by hall of famers Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier and Paul Coffey lead the Los Angeles Kings 5-0 after 40 minutes. But the Kings battled back, scoring five unanswered goals, the last of which with only 5 seconds left. The Oilers had suddenly lost their scoring touch and missed several good chances. They would lose in overtime, on a Daryl Evans goal, and the series in five games.
1990 Smythe Semi-finals. After winning game four in double overtime, the Winnipeg Jets take a 3-1 series lead over the Oilers. But the Edmonton would win the next two games, each by a goal, and force game seven, where they won 4-1. The Oilers would go on to win the Stanley Cup, while the Jets were never a force again in the playoffs.
2002 Eastern Conference Finals, game three: Leading by 21 in the fourth quarter, the New Jersey Nets fall apart late (Jason Kidd missed four three-pointers late), while the Boston Celtics – led by Paul Pierce, who would score 19 in the fourth – come back to win, 94-90. However, the Nets would win the series in six games.
1994 Western Semi-Finals, game two: The Houston Rockets led by 20 in the fourth, but the Phoenix Suns roared back. Led by Charles Barkley (34 points, 15 boards, 6 assists) and Kevin Johnson (27 points, 6 boards, 6 assists), they forced overtime and won, 124-117, giving them a 2-0 series lead. At the time, it was the largest comeback in NBA playoffs history. However, the Rockets made NBA history too: they became only the second team to win a series after losing the first two games at home.
So where does it rank? Above the two hockey ones, for sure, as well as the Suns comeback, since it’s the finals. Ahead of the Celtics comeback in ’02, since it was on the road. Ahead of the Niners comeback in 83, since the Niners lost (albeit on two bad calls).
And if they win the series, it’s ahead of the Bills comeback, since they got stomped in the Superbowl that year.
So, what was the last instant classic? Not Lebron’s two-OT masterpiece against the Pistons. And it’s not game five of the ’05 Finals, either.
It was that two-OT duel between Dallas and Phoenix – or should I say between Dirk and Nash – from late last season. Although, game five was also an instant classic, too.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Pistons tough out a win in Boston
Suddenly, it didn’t seem quite at all like it supposed to.
Under the cozy confines of the TD Banknorth Garden – the new Boston Garden – the Boston Celtics suddenly looked very much human on their home court.
They had not lost there all playoffs: four wins against Atlanta, four more against Cleveland and a win in the opening game of this series against the Pistons. They had not lost at home since March 24, nearly two months prior.
They had not allowed their opponents to score 100 plus on their floor all playoffs. They held Cleveland to an average of 81.5 points a game and Atlanta to just 77 points.
But on Thursday night at the Garden, the Pistons came away with a tough 103-97 win over the Celtics, despite the best efforts of Ray Allen.
In one of his best nights in recent memory, Allen found his stroke in the second half and led several Celtics rallies. In one inspired stretch, he hit a long three, then a 14-foot jumper – cutting the Pistons lead to two.
But as strong as Allen was, however, Rip Hamilton was just as clutch. Driving to the basket, Hamilton hit a one-handed floater as the shot clock expired, giving the Pistons a two-possession lead late in the fourth. Not a play that’s likely to be seen many highlight tapes, but it was a dagger to the Celtics defence, which couldn’t make stops when they had to.
But Allen was far from done. He hit a three with 10 seconds to play, cutting the lead to three. He would finish the night with 22 points, 12 of them in the fourth quarter, a huge increase from his nine points in game one.
It was far from just him, however. Both Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce would finish with more then 20 points. Rajon Rongo had a great – if quiet – night, scoring 10 with nine boards and eight assists.
But the Pistons managed to spread the ball around well – six players had 10 or more points. Rookie Rodney Stuckey had 13 points in just 16 minutes of play. Rasheed Wallace had 13 points and 10 boards. Hamilton led the team with 25 points.
It was their ball movement that helped to do in the Celtics. Their defence was hard-pressed at times to keep up the Pistons ball movement – and the Pistons took this for all they could.
After being down by two at the end of the first, the Pistons exploded in a 32 point second quarter and led by seven at the half.
In the third quarter, the Celtics rallied back and led by as many as four before the Pistons again went on a run and finished the quarter leading by nine.
Despite a late rally in the fourth, the Celtics couldn’t close the gap and found themselves on the losing side of the box score.
So now, for the first time, the Celtics are behind the eight ball. They cannot just rely on their home court advantage to win a series, like they did against Atlanta and Cleveland.
Instead, the Pistons won a hard-fought game on the road, and signaled this is not going to be an easy win for the Celtics.
And as the series shifts to the Palace, the advantage now lies with Detroit.
Under the cozy confines of the TD Banknorth Garden – the new Boston Garden – the Boston Celtics suddenly looked very much human on their home court.
They had not lost there all playoffs: four wins against Atlanta, four more against Cleveland and a win in the opening game of this series against the Pistons. They had not lost at home since March 24, nearly two months prior.
They had not allowed their opponents to score 100 plus on their floor all playoffs. They held Cleveland to an average of 81.5 points a game and Atlanta to just 77 points.
But on Thursday night at the Garden, the Pistons came away with a tough 103-97 win over the Celtics, despite the best efforts of Ray Allen.
In one of his best nights in recent memory, Allen found his stroke in the second half and led several Celtics rallies. In one inspired stretch, he hit a long three, then a 14-foot jumper – cutting the Pistons lead to two.
But as strong as Allen was, however, Rip Hamilton was just as clutch. Driving to the basket, Hamilton hit a one-handed floater as the shot clock expired, giving the Pistons a two-possession lead late in the fourth. Not a play that’s likely to be seen many highlight tapes, but it was a dagger to the Celtics defence, which couldn’t make stops when they had to.
But Allen was far from done. He hit a three with 10 seconds to play, cutting the lead to three. He would finish the night with 22 points, 12 of them in the fourth quarter, a huge increase from his nine points in game one.
It was far from just him, however. Both Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce would finish with more then 20 points. Rajon Rongo had a great – if quiet – night, scoring 10 with nine boards and eight assists.
But the Pistons managed to spread the ball around well – six players had 10 or more points. Rookie Rodney Stuckey had 13 points in just 16 minutes of play. Rasheed Wallace had 13 points and 10 boards. Hamilton led the team with 25 points.
It was their ball movement that helped to do in the Celtics. Their defence was hard-pressed at times to keep up the Pistons ball movement – and the Pistons took this for all they could.
After being down by two at the end of the first, the Pistons exploded in a 32 point second quarter and led by seven at the half.
In the third quarter, the Celtics rallied back and led by as many as four before the Pistons again went on a run and finished the quarter leading by nine.
Despite a late rally in the fourth, the Celtics couldn’t close the gap and found themselves on the losing side of the box score.
So now, for the first time, the Celtics are behind the eight ball. They cannot just rely on their home court advantage to win a series, like they did against Atlanta and Cleveland.
Instead, the Pistons won a hard-fought game on the road, and signaled this is not going to be an easy win for the Celtics.
And as the series shifts to the Palace, the advantage now lies with Detroit.
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
LeBron goes cold, KG gets hot and the Celts win game one
The game could be summarized in the final minute of the fourth quarter, if one was so inclined. Garnett, carrying the team on his back. Both sides trading blows, never taking a commanding lead until the final seconds.
And LeBron James going cold, missing his final four shots, as the Cleveland Cavaliers losing to the Boston Celtics 76-72.
In an arena that was hazy from the opening fireworks, it seemed as if some the starters were lost in the fog. Celtics guard Ray Allen finished the night without a single point, despite playing 37 minutes. Forward Paul Pierce only had four, shooting a dismal 2-14 from the field.
But the big surprise was LeBron, who was missing shots from all over. He only hit two of 18, both of them in the paint, and finished with 12 points. Instead, the onus fell to Zydrunas Ilgauskas and Wally Szczerbiak, both of whom played great.
Playing the low post, Ilgauskas grabbed 12 rebounds and helped keep the game with team-high 22 points. Wally World, scored 13, hitting some late shots that kept the Cavs in it.
But it was Kevin Garnett who dominated this game. When the other starters couldn’t get anything going, KG exploded out of the gate, hitting his first four of five shots. Coupled with another great night from Rajon Rondo, the Celtics were able to take a 10 point lead after the first quarter.
But Cleveland clawed it’s way back into the game with a 22-point second quarter, thanks to a 13-3 run, but couldn’t quite take the lead. Instead, Boston went into halftime leading by 41-37.
The third quarter was all Cleveland. Ilgauskas had eight points, all in the first five minutes of the half, as the Cavs took the lead. But the Celts were far from done. Down by six with midway through the third, they went on an 8-1 run and tied the game to end the quarter.
The fourth opened with both teams trading both shots and the lead for the first four minutes, but Boston eventually pulled to a four-point lead on a 25-foot three by Sam Cassell. Neither team scored a basket for nearly two minutes until Cassell drained another shot, this time from 22 feet out.
Cleveland answered with a quick two baskets, a Szczerbiak three and a LeBron layup – his only basket of the second half –but still couldn’t close the gap.
The Cavs would finally take the lead again late – with 90 seconds to play – on an Ilgauskas jumper, but KG and Cassell closed the door, giving the Celts a lead they wouldn’t relinquish.
All in all, Garnett finished with 28 points and eight rebounds; Rondo with 15 points, six assists and 5 rebounds; Cassell with 13 points, 10 of them in the final quarter. Remember, Ray Allen and Pierce only had four points combined.
But it wasn’t just them. It was a sloppy game all around, with neither team hitting 50 per cent of their shots. Cleveland, in fact, hit just under 31 per cent of theirs. The Celtics turned the ball over 19 times, three more then the Cavs did. And neither team could hand onto a lead.
But, if anything, this game will be remembered for LeBron’s worst shooting night in recent memory and perhaps in his career.
To put all the blame for this loss on LeBron would be far from fair, but his poor shooting night was a major factor in the Cavs loss. Up until this game, he had scored at least 30 points in nine of his last ten games against the Celtics – and in that lone exception, he scored 26.
Although he only hit two baskets, he managed to contribute in other ways. He led the team in assists with nine, had nine boards in the loss and was 80% from the charity stripe.
But, just in the MVP voting, LeBron was outdone by Garnett.
And LeBron James going cold, missing his final four shots, as the Cleveland Cavaliers losing to the Boston Celtics 76-72.
In an arena that was hazy from the opening fireworks, it seemed as if some the starters were lost in the fog. Celtics guard Ray Allen finished the night without a single point, despite playing 37 minutes. Forward Paul Pierce only had four, shooting a dismal 2-14 from the field.
But the big surprise was LeBron, who was missing shots from all over. He only hit two of 18, both of them in the paint, and finished with 12 points. Instead, the onus fell to Zydrunas Ilgauskas and Wally Szczerbiak, both of whom played great.
Playing the low post, Ilgauskas grabbed 12 rebounds and helped keep the game with team-high 22 points. Wally World, scored 13, hitting some late shots that kept the Cavs in it.
But it was Kevin Garnett who dominated this game. When the other starters couldn’t get anything going, KG exploded out of the gate, hitting his first four of five shots. Coupled with another great night from Rajon Rondo, the Celtics were able to take a 10 point lead after the first quarter.
But Cleveland clawed it’s way back into the game with a 22-point second quarter, thanks to a 13-3 run, but couldn’t quite take the lead. Instead, Boston went into halftime leading by 41-37.
The third quarter was all Cleveland. Ilgauskas had eight points, all in the first five minutes of the half, as the Cavs took the lead. But the Celts were far from done. Down by six with midway through the third, they went on an 8-1 run and tied the game to end the quarter.
The fourth opened with both teams trading both shots and the lead for the first four minutes, but Boston eventually pulled to a four-point lead on a 25-foot three by Sam Cassell. Neither team scored a basket for nearly two minutes until Cassell drained another shot, this time from 22 feet out.
Cleveland answered with a quick two baskets, a Szczerbiak three and a LeBron layup – his only basket of the second half –but still couldn’t close the gap.
The Cavs would finally take the lead again late – with 90 seconds to play – on an Ilgauskas jumper, but KG and Cassell closed the door, giving the Celts a lead they wouldn’t relinquish.
All in all, Garnett finished with 28 points and eight rebounds; Rondo with 15 points, six assists and 5 rebounds; Cassell with 13 points, 10 of them in the final quarter. Remember, Ray Allen and Pierce only had four points combined.
But it wasn’t just them. It was a sloppy game all around, with neither team hitting 50 per cent of their shots. Cleveland, in fact, hit just under 31 per cent of theirs. The Celtics turned the ball over 19 times, three more then the Cavs did. And neither team could hand onto a lead.
But, if anything, this game will be remembered for LeBron’s worst shooting night in recent memory and perhaps in his career.
To put all the blame for this loss on LeBron would be far from fair, but his poor shooting night was a major factor in the Cavs loss. Up until this game, he had scored at least 30 points in nine of his last ten games against the Celtics – and in that lone exception, he scored 26.
Although he only hit two baskets, he managed to contribute in other ways. He led the team in assists with nine, had nine boards in the loss and was 80% from the charity stripe.
But, just in the MVP voting, LeBron was outdone by Garnett.
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