Celtics Vs. Bulls: Jesus Shuttlesworth Does It Again

This Article Originally Published at GetOutofMyBallpark.Com

After a couple of pensive days waiting to see how the defending champs would respond to a Game 1 loss, the C's seem to have found their playoff legs.  It took a good old fashioned 105-103 beating by the young Bulls team (a la Atlanta Hawks from a season ago) for the Celtics to wake up and smell the urgency.  While it was by no means a pretty win Monday night, it will have to do as long as it means taking that momentum into Chicago.

Saturday afternoon was certainly forgettable.  For a team with as much veteran presence as the Celtics have, it seemed like only Rajon Rondo, one of the youngest and newest, made the statement that he came to play.  Pierce and Allen combined didn't even crack double digits in the first half.  The highlight of course was the battle of two of the leagues premier guards, and what an afternoon it was for both of them. 

Head to head and back and forth all game testing each others mettle, making impossible shots routine, and both putting their respective teams on their backs.  Although Rose had the bigger scoring night (36 points) in his post season debut, Rondo (29 points) held his place with his own team high in scoring.  More impressive is the fact that Rondo hasn't been groomed to be a scorer, but more of a play-maker.  His aggressiveness being rewarded with unfettered access to the interior realms of the Bulls defense.  It's funny how even 18-foot jump-shots have a chance of falling when you actually take them.

Unfortunately, the remaining two of the 'Big Three' didn't come to play with the same competitive fire.  Ray was frustrated all night by double teams he couldn't shake, and contested shots that just wouldn't fall, leaving the All-Star with a paltry 4 point total in the first game of the playoffs at home.  While Allen struggled Pierce, the floor general, ended with 23 hard fought points of his own, that just weren't enough.  The crushing blow came with two seconds left.  Pierce could of stolen the game with a make from the charity stripe, but missed his second of two free throws sending the game into overtime.  There Tyrus Thomas dominated and the Bulls came away with the win.

After the shock and embarrassment settled in, and Game 2 was finally underway, the Celtics new that if they lost two in a row, it would be near impossible to reign the beast back in.  Adjustments were made and from the outset it was clear the C's wouldn't have a rookie come into their house and tear it to shreds two games in a row.  Rose got in early foul trouble and was forced to ride pine.  Stepping into his place was Ben Gordon, UConn alum and scorer extraordinaire. 

"Sugar" Ray Allen had only 2 points in the first half, and things wouldn't change until halftime when Doc asked for a volunteer.  Ray stepped up to the plate knowing that a fellow Husky would surely steal the show if he didn't.  The second half was just a stage for Gordon and Allen, the battle turning into an "anything you can do I can do better" contest. 

It stayecd that way right down to the last second, when Ray came off a Glen Davis screen to hit the game winning three pointer.  Both players had monster games, Gordon with a game high 42 points, and Allen with a total of 30 but those last three were the deciding factor and made up for the difference. 

As spectacular a performance as Allen put on, it didn't come cheap.  Leon Powe left the game with a sprained left knee and would not return, again leaving a large hole in the lineup inside the paint.  The difference-maker was Rondo, who came to play again with his first triple-double of the playoffs.  Though he was all-important in completing the win, he also went down with an ankle injury but returned and will likely suck it up and get treatment for the rest of the playoffs.  Boston 118, Bulls 115.

With the series tied 1-1, the C's need to figure out what exactly is missing (other than a whole bunch of injured players) and quickly.  Is it the sense of urgency and importance of every possession, or are they just to depleted for the long haul?  Thursday night we'll all find out together.   Stay tuned, 8 pm on TNT.

AngryBlackAle

P.S.  Leon Powe Torn ACL and Meniscus, out for season.  Bad to worse...

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