Game 1 between the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers Saturday night was the best of the two that played. Boston and Philadelphia went back and forth all second half, which finally conceded with the Celtics beating the Sixers, 92-91.
Led by Kevin Garnett and Rajon Rondo, the Celtics clawed back into the game to start the third quarter. Rondo once again had another triple-double with his 13-point, 12-rebound, and 17-assist performance.
KG is so far showing flashes from his Minnesota Timberwolves days in this year's playoffs. He had 29 points and 11 rebounds for the night. The Big Ticket also led the Celtics on their last surge in the fourth quarter, hitting jumper-after-jumper over young Philly center, Spencer Hawes.
“We anticipated them wanting to get out and run, but as the game went on we settled in a little bit,’’ Garnett said. “Second half, we were more defensive-minded but, at the same time, still punching back, if you will. And we were able to put some defensive stops together and close the game out.’’
Philadelphia looked liked it had the game won with about four minutes to go, but Boston surged back and eventually won. If Rondo and Garnett keep up this pace against the Sixers, it could be a quick sweep in this series.
Garnett thinks the division rivalry even gives him more motivation in this series.
“East Coast game, East Coast series,’’ Garnett said. “Boston-Philly. All the history I’ve read, watched - YouTube, whatever you want to call it - it’s just been typical. I don’t anticipate this being any less than that.’’
Boston looks like a dangerous team that could give the Miami Heat a run for its money if they both make to the Eastern Conference Finals. Boston looks like it could wrap up this series quick if they keep playing like this.
Evan Sidery is a beat writer for FootBasket. He is a fan
of the Colts and Pacers. You can see more about him by following him on Twitter.
