Here We Go…Game One First Half Notes

We had a day game today so I’m settled in to watch the C’s and Pistons. By the way, Yankees are losing 10-0 to Baltimore at the start of this game and Masterson’s throwing well so we’re off to a good start tonight. As always, feel free to post comments as we roll along tonight.

8:25: The Bulls win the draft lottery. Good for them…good to see the tanking Heat not get that top pick but I wouldn’t incredibly pumped about drafting Michael Beasley for this year, like Durant he probably will need at least a year of adjustment but whoever goes to Chicago (and even Miami) should have something around them.

8:31: Cool open with historic footage: that’s what ABC and ESPN haven’t done much since they got rights to the NBA. Remember when NBC started their coverage flying thru pictures of Jordan and Bird and Hakeem and the rest of the greats in the game?

8-0 Celts, 8:30 left 1st qtr.: First look of first possession was to Ray Allen - I like it, he missed but give him a shot, KG with an open jumper and then muscling up inside for 2 quick hoops in the games first two minutes is a good sign and the Pistons jump shooting is cold (0-4), no big surprise with the long layoff after beating the Magic in 5…a good take by Ray after passing up the jump shot he could do that all day until they collapse on him and somebody will be open either way.

12-11, 3:13 1st qtr.: Boy the C’s are trying to run on almost every miss. Allen’s cold and ugly with his jump shot - airballed the leaner. I like how the Celtics are rebounding the ball early, Perkins very strong underneath (8 rebounds!).  Remember that was the key in Detroit when Big Baby dominated the fourth quarter. McDyess is hurting them, he’s pulling a KG and shooting 18 footers - Garnett’s missed three straight as they’re becoming contested…

22-17 Boston, End of 1st Qtr: Checked in on the Yankees (still down 10-0) to see LaTroy Hawkins get tossed for throwing at a Baltimore guy’s head. Way to go New York. Ray Allen drove again for a dunk after a good series by Rondo…Rajon’s holding his own against Billups one quarter in…Your first bench player in: PJ Brown. I’m pumped that Chris and I were correct in being more pumped for PJ joining the team instead of Cassell (at least for the last few games). A Tony Allen sighting also! Wow. Good.

28-24 Celtics, 8:28 left 2nd qtr: Detriot did tie it up but hasn’t led.  Pierce/Posey/Powe/PJ and House in the game for the early stint of the second quarter after Ray Allen sits down. I doubt if we saw this lineup play in an important situation in the regular season and it’s staying level. C’s still pushing the ball despite the low score…

32-32, 6:12 2nd qtr.: Two important early stats shown by the TV crew: points on free throws: 11-0 Pistons (that’s why seems like C’s are dominating more than score shows) and Celts had 13 assists on first 15 field goals: that’s what we talked about in the last cast…do it with the passing not isolation and one on one. Mystery foul on KG at the 6:12 mark and C’s are in early bonus trouble in 2nd quarter: good teams like detroit exploit this.

39-37 Pistons, 2:08 left 2nd qtr.: I’m siding with Mike Breen on the foul with the body on Perk’s ‘block’ whose foul gave the Pistons their first lead…whistle’s gettin tight and C’s aren’t hitting their free throws (3-7). Pace has slowed right to Detroit, long possessions and the Celts crisp passing has disappeared, it’s really put it in Pierce or Garnett’s hands and make them do something - not what it should be every time down. Pistons offense really flowing now with good jump shots.

41-40 Celtics at the Half: Not a bad half of basketball. The ball is really running thru Pierce so far tonight but Rondo’s doing OK. Eight bench points for the Celtics but I’d like to see House get a 6 minute stretch in the second half to give Rondo some rest for the end-game situations. Somehow I doubt that’ll happen. So much is on Garnett and Pierce’s shoulders. Back for the second half in a while.