LeBron James Struggles, Kevin Garnett Dominates, Celtics Take Game One

In tonight's Eastern Conference Semi-Final game one the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers tipped off what looks to be a long, hard-fought series. 

King James came into this series averaging about 30 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists per game while shooting 48% from the field.  Tonights game was a different story for the Cavaliers superstar.  

James was out of rhythm all night long going 2-18 from the field including 0-6 from the three point line.  He comitted 10 turnovers en route to a lowly 12 point performance.  LBJ couldn't get to the lane with the same regularity as he did during the Washington series.  

Hard to believe considering all the personal tension between those teams.  

The Celtic defense is the main reason for Lebron's struggle.  They played great as a team, not allowing him to get to the lane for dunks.  Lebrons inability to get to the lane also prevented the Cleveland shooters to find any room.  As a team Cleveland shot 4-18 from beyond the arc. 

If I was to tell you that the Celtics would comitt 21 turnovers, Allen and Pierce would combine for four points, and they would only score 76 points you'd probably think they got blown out, right?  

Wrong.  

KG saved the day for the Boston faithful.  Garnett scored 28 points, grabbed 8 rebounds and wreaked havoc on defense all night.  He was big down the stretch and willing to take big shots, something he's been ridiculed for in the past.  

Ray Allen really looked out of it tonight.  It didn't seem that he was into the flow of the game at all.  He only attempted four field goals not converting on any of them.  Boston should look to get him going early in game two.  

The third member of the "Boston Three-Party" was out of rhythm as well.  He picked up two quick fouls in the first quarter, both within about twenty seconds of each other.  Once he returned he wasn't aggressive on offense and often settled for jump shots.  

A bright spot for the Celtics in tonight's game was the poise of point guard Rajon Rondo.  He picked up the slack in the first half on offense during Pierce and Allen's struggles.  The second year man earned his paycheck tonight scoring 15 points, dishing out 6 assists and grabbing 5 rebounds.  

Sam Cassell was clutch for Boston tonight scoring 13 points in just 18 minutes.  He hit big shots down the stretch in the fourth quarter to thwart Cleveland's attempt at stealing game one.  

Boston definitely looked wore out from the unnecessary seven game series with Atlanta.  They will need to win a game on the road in this series to avoid burnout. 

The Lakers don't appear to be having much trouble with their Western Conference schedule and will be fresh when they reach the finals.  If the dream Lakers-Celtics finals does take place Boston will need to close Cleveland out in 5 or 6 games to keep their legs fresh.  

I have a slight hunch that tonights game will be the first, last, and only time Wally Szczerbiak outscores LeBron James in a playoff game.