Preseason Recap: Shaq's Cavs Are No Match For Celtics

We all know that normally the significance of the preseason is minimal. However, the 2009-10 preseason held many notable components for the Boston Celtics. Many questions needed to be answered for the Celtics during training camp this year. These questions were integral to the success of the Celtics this season.

During this meaningful preseason, the Celtics answered those queries with emphatic authority. This squad proved that cohesion and chemistry will be no issue. They showed that the egos of their superstars and role players will take a back seat to the team's success.

Kevin Garnett (averaged 12 points and five rebounds per game) proved that, though he is still improving daily, he will return to regular season action as the player we remember. Marquis Daniels can fill the empty shoes of James Posey. Rajon Rondo is putting Ws over his contract, and Doc Rivers continues to earn the respect and admiration of his players.

All of the above were dire elements in question as the season approached.

The Celtics posted a 6-2 preseason mark. Their first loss came to the Houston Rockets, who were playing without Yao Ming (out for the season), Trevor Ariza, and Tracey McGrady, defeated a Celtics squad searching for their Mo-Jo. Garnett still looked awkward and lacked confidence in movement.

As each game progressed, the team seemed to gel more and more, sending a message to the NBA that they mean business in their pursuit of reclaiming the Larry O'Brien trophy.

The preseason ended with a performance that solidified their position as the team to beat in the East. The Cetlics, sitting stars Kevin Garnett, Glenn Davis and Ray Allen— while Pierce only played 13 minutes—destroyed the Cleveland Cavaliers' full roster.

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