Detroit Pistons win in Boston Garden
Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images
After the Eastern Conference Finals Game 1 ended and Boston had managed to hold off Detroit, I mentioned that road teams would be a lot more successful in this series.
Sure enough, the Detroit Pistons then take Game 2 in the Boston Garden and the series is 1-1. The score was close at 103-97 Detroit, but towards the end the Pistons kept a healthy two-possession or more lead by converting nifty plays on offense. A Ray Allen three pushed it to a three point lead but Rip Hamilton made a floater at the end of the shot clock, and then Billups made a layup after a time out and that was about it.
A game before the Pistons looked out of sync, shooting .424 from the field and rarely making aggressive trips to the line. The Detroit Pistons in Game 2 did what good jump shooting teams need to do; move the ball and find the open man. More importantly the open men shot with confidence, as the Pistons were close to shooting 50% from the field. They picked up more fouls and hit their shots at a 28 / 32 clip (.875%).
The guards led the way for Detroit. Chauncey Billups had a much more effective Game 2. He still looks a little hobbled physically but he has been able to assert his will with efficient shooting and playmaking. Flip Saunders likes the 7 assists 0 turnovers, and Billups was healthy enough to get to the line 8 times making 7 of the shots.
Rip Hamilton punched in a team high 25 points with 10 / 12 free throws being made. Rip had a slick floater at the end of a shot clock in the 4th quarter - it was that type of night for Detroit. Even Rodney Stuckey put up big numbers considering he only played 17 minutes and finished with 13 points 3 assists 2 steals.
The Pistons got numbers from only 6 people but that is par for the course in Detroit, except a 7th player like Maxiell usually contributes a bit more. It was more telling for the Boston Celtics who have been relying on their bench production throughout the year, despite having the Big Three. Game 2 actually was one of the few times the Big Three were all contributing with 20+ points.
That is because Ray Allen broke out of his shooting funk, as he had 25 points in 29 minutes on 50%+ shooting. He even hit a few threes. If there is a silver lining despite the loss at home, this would be it. If Ray Allen can contribute with perimeter shooting that will be a big help in opening up the Celtic offense. Kevin Garnett had another solid 24 point 13 rebound 2 block game and Pierce led the team again with 26 points.
However there were only 3 field goals by the bench, 2 of which are from PJ Brown who has found the fountain of youth. James Posey's 1 / 5 night from the three point line did not help. With Eddie House's struggles look for the Celtics to consider bringing back Sam Cassell to play more minutes, even though he had been supplanted due to his poor performance early in the playoffs against Atlanta. The Big Three in Boston need some help and it's going to have to come from the bench or with improved offensive play by Rondo or Perkins.
This win puts Detroit in a great position heading into Game 3. The Celtics have been teetering on the brink of elimination and can no longer hang their head on their home court performance. They will have to win a road game now to regain home court, and despite coming close on a few occasions earlier in the playoffs, this will still be a tall hurdle to clear for the Celtics. Returning to Boston for Game 5, the Celtics are aiming to steal one game in Detroit and bring it back 2-2. Meanwhile the Pistons are looking for an opportunity to take the next two home games for a 3-1 series lead.
Game 3 is Saturday Night at 7:30pm in Detroit.