Celtics Take Game 1 in Orlando

A frustrated Howard.

Despite the Orlando's best attempt at a 20-point comeback, the Celtics held off the Magic this afternoon by a score of 92-88. The Celtics came out playing remarkable defense and held the rusty Magic to just 32 first half points. They forced turnover after turnover and continuously contested the Magic's shots.

However, the Celtics became complacent with the large lead as we have come to see. Their offense slowed down from their productive ball movement set to a possession style that attempted to milk the shot clock. As a result, the Magic led by Jameer Nelson, Vince Carter, and J.J. Redick clawed their way back and made it interesting. The Celtics' lead though was too much for the Magic to overcome and the Celtics took the first game of the series.

Paul Pierce and Ray Allen picked up the slack today on the offensive end on a day where Rajon Rondo and Kevin Garnett were quiet. Pierce and Allen combined to go 14-24 from the field, 4-8 from downtown, and 15-17 from the line on their way to 47 points. RR and KG couldn't find their strokes and they were a combined 8-28 on their shot attempts.

Kendrick Perkins and Rasheed Wallace did an impeccable job of shutting down Superman Dwight Howard making him look more like Lois Lane. Their great D allowed the Celtics to guard the big man one on one, as they held to just 13 points (3-10 FGs, 7-12 FTs) and seven turnovers. Wallace in particular did a good job of getting in Howard's head, as was evident by their mix up in the second quarter that resulted in a double technical foul.

Adjustments have to be made. That Magic played very poorly for three quarters today and the Celtics were the beneficiary of their lackluster play. Orlando was 5-22 from three point range and that very low percentage is not in line with their record breaking three point offense. This team can make the three ball and will not miss as many open shots as they did today.

The long layoff definitely hurt the Magic. They were rusty and did not look like a team that had won 27 of their last 30 games. Tuesday night is a big game for the Celtics, as they try and hand the Magic back to back losses for the first time since January.