Magic v Celtic (83-91) - Still no Allen or Rondo. No problem.Celtics took this one in an absolutely ferocious comeback win in Orlando. This game really was a tale of two halves, sorry for the cliche, as the Magic opened up a 16 point lead by the end of the first quarter. Stan Van Gundy's men were swarming the Celtics, seemingly on a mission to make up for the recent hammering they suffered in Boston. Glen Davis was all over the game, hitting tough and-1 jumpers and being the pest on defense he became loved for in previous pastures. It wasn't for lack of effort that the Celtics found themselves in a big hole early, as Doc Rivers recognised the pressure on defense was at a level that could eventually turn the game in their favor. So as only the best coaches do in pressure situations he remained calm, kept faith in his squad and convinced them even while down big they could win if they kept getting the looks they were getting while remaining focused on defense.
That being said by the end of the 2nd quarter the Magic had stretched the lead to 21 points, at one point it was as much as 27 gap between the two eastern conference powerhouses. Howard was held to 4 points,4 rebounds and 3 fouls as the Celtics still without Perkins played him one on one in the post while surronding him at any opportunity the ball went up for a rebound, at times 3 v 1 to get the loose ball. Ryan Anderson however continued his hot streak finishing the first half with 12 points (ableit all in the first quarter) as he and the other role players took the fight to the Celtics. The only negative at this point was Jameer Nelson going down with a leg injury and SVG saying there was "no chance of a return" later in the game.
2nd half was a different animal, down 21 and seemingly out of the game the Celtics still went for it while giving time to rookie E'Twaun Moore while also playing Stiemsma and Wilcox. Halfway through the 3rd quarter it began. The Magic stopped hitting the tough looks they were getting over a pressured Celtics defense while the Celtics began to hit the good looks they had been getting all game. Moore, who up until this point was shooting 2-14 from the 3pt line was good for 4-4 from long range and 5-6 overall. Any sustained production like that is a huge bonus for this old Boston team. The Magic continued their drive and kick to the 3pt man but it seems this team kicks even when a drive to the rim is the better shot, as Hedo, J Rich and Reddick continually kicked out with a better chance with the layup. The Celtics closed the quarter strong, trailing by only 11 entering the 4th.
The Celtics came out with a vengance, as within the first couple of possesions brought it to within 6. Paul Pierce played almost the whole quarter and he was huge. Drawing double teams and kicking to Bass on back to back possessions for two good jumpers for the former Magic big man. Ryan Anderson sat for a majority of the 4th quarter which led me to believe that despite his brilliant season SVG still has trust issues with his shot selection and defensive capabilities (although Davis and Hedo were horrendus on both ends). The Magic had numerous occasions were they let the shot clock expire while failing to may Boston pay from the stripe (18-31 for the game). Things got so bad as Celtics went up with a 3 from Moore, that Nelson returned to the game as the only true penetrator the Magic had. Duhon decided to play slow ball against an old Celtics defense that excels in the halfcourt, strange decision from a strange point guard. Nelson brought the intesity needed but too little too late, Pierce had taken over as the Celtics just outplayed the Magic in every area down the stretch and exposed the drive and kick or dump to Howard game that Orlando rely on so much. So the game ended on a 44-15 run from the Celtics as they ran out deserved winners.
Only question is did this show the Celtics are genuine contenders (at least better than their awful start) or are the Magic this bad?
Rivers, Pierce and Pietrus share a laugh about how obvious this Magic offense is. But seriously, drive and kick thats it?
Grizzlies v Clippers (91-98) - In a matchup of who can wear the worst jerseys the Clippers took it thanks to Cp3 (18-7-7) and Blake (20-8-9) both flirting with triple doubles. Mo Williams was huge of the bench again with 18 himself as the Clippers took down one of the hottest teams in the NBA right now, the Grizz have now won 7 of their last 9. The Clippers however continue to find consistantcy issues although that would be expected from a team that overhauled its squad in the summer with no preseason or regular training. Come playoffs this team will be dangerous. However once Grizz get Randolph back and can move Speights to the bench I think this is one of the most talented teams out west. If these two clash in the 1st round of the playoffs I will definately be watching with a keen eye as to who can come out on top.
Worst Jersey matchup ever? You decide but I definately hate it.
Top Plays from last night;
Top Plays from last night;
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