Boston Celtics 112, Orlando Magic 94
by Evan Dunlap on May 7, 2009 12:14 AM EDT
in 2008/2009 Recaps
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PrintIn a game completely devoid of any drama, the Boston Celtics handily defeated the Orlando Magic, 112-94, to even their Eastern Conference Semifinals series at 1-1. Boston never trailed in its commanding victory, which was also the Magic's first decisive loss of the postseason. Eddie House posted a career-playoff-high with 31 points on 11-of-14 shooting (4-of-4 from three-point range) to lead all scorers, while Rajon Rondo posted his third triple-double (15 points, 11 rebounds, 18 assists) of this postseason. Rashard Lewis and Mickael Pietrus led Orlando with 17 points apiece, but no one distinguished himself. More worrisome is the likely suspension of starting point guard Rafer Alston, who slapped House in the back of the head after House made one of his three-pointers. UPDATE: Kelly Dwyer has video and commentary, while InsideHoops writes that Alston said he was responding to an elbow House threw.
| Team | Pace | Efficiency | eFG% | FT Rate | OReb% | TO Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Magic | 89 | 106.1 | 50.0% | 34.3 | 17.1 | 14.7 |
| Celtics | 125.8 | 56.9% | 26.3 | 20.6 | 11.2 |
Quite honestly, there isn't much to say regarding this game. Nobody should be surprised that the Celtics were highly motivated to make a statement after their dismal showing in Game 1. But I don't think anybody expected the Magic to just wilt the way they did. The Celtics led the entire way, and their offense made the Magic's league-best defense look absolutely silly. Crisp ball movement, hot shooting... to say Boston was potent tonight is to do that word a disservice. And it managed this incredible performance with Paul Pierce stuck on the bench due to foul trouble.
It may be tempting to use the "it's just not their night" excuse regarding this game. When House is shooting the way he did.... it's just not the Magic's night. When Kendrick Perkins is hitting set shots from the baseline.... it's just not the Magic's night. You get the idea. But there's a litany of things that went wrong for Orlando in this game. I won't even attempt to list them all. Suffice it to say, though, that the Magic would be hard-pressed to beat any NBA team with the way they played tonight.
Even more frustrating was that Orlando had several opportunities to make a run when the game was still competitive. When Dwight Howard went to the foul line with 7:11 to play in the first half, he had a chance to bring Orlando within 8 with two makes. He split the pair, and the Celtics responded with a three-pointer from House. The next Magic possession resulted in an ugly hook from Howard, which the C's converted into an easy layup for Glen Davis. Maddening.
Worse was the beginning of the third quarter, when the Celtics looked out-of-sorts offensively, managing four points in the first 3:31 of the half. They left the door open for the Magic to challenge... except the Magic managed a single point in that same timespan. Boston worked itself out of its funk and began bombing away from the outside, scoring seemingly at will, and blew the game wide open.
Nothing good came of this game. Celtics Hub doesn't think House will shoot this hot again in this series, and thus is due for an ineffective outing in a more competitive game later this series. That's the only potential positive I see. And with Alston's probable suspension, Orlando faces the prospect of having to defend home court with a two-man point guard rotation of Anthony Johnson and Tyronn Lue. I am... less than enthusiastic... but will keep hope alive. Against my better judgement, perhaps.
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Yeah, I miss Nelson right now. Bad.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone
See, the Rockets/Lakers game is a prime example of what TO DO, which we failed at miserably.
The Rockets fell down by 14 in the 1st quarter, then have outscored the Lakers by 24-9 in the 2nd quarter to take the lead with just under 4 mins to go. Unlike the Magic, they didn’t just give up after falling behind early. Whodathunkit? Anyway, the Rockets may well lose tonight, but at least they made some effort to get back into the game…
I was just gonna say that...
at least the Rockets are keeping it interesting so far
by Stan in a Van (Down by the River) on May 6, 2009 11:44 PM EDT up reply actions
disappointed with the effort tonight
i felt howard didnt want to win today….he threw about 6 or 7 hooks that completely missed the rim early in the shot clock….like charles barkley said, the magic were just going through the motions
and more than likely, we will be a pt guard short game 3…just great
The effort was piss poor tonight, no doubt about it.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone
I dunno, it's kinda gaining momentum media wise
by Stan in a Van (Down by the River) on May 7, 2009 12:08 AM EDT up reply actions
of course it is!
and did the media demand Rondo’s immediate suspension after he THREW HINRICH INTO A SCORER’S TABLE?
No?
I'm a girl.
by TheGiantSquid on May 7, 2009 12:17 AM EDT up reply actions
Rondo's play was stupid/bad
But you can’t allow a player to strike someone in the head away from the ball like that. Especially in a 20 point game in the fourth quarter.
stupid? bad?
he THREW HINRICH INTO A SCORER’S TABLE, in front of a referee, and wasn’t punished for it. But please, keep defending it.
Alston was an IDIOT for doing that, make no mistake, but a suspension for a slap on the head. Get over yourself.
I'm a girl.
by TheGiantSquid on May 7, 2009 12:31 AM EDT up reply actions
They got tangled and he pulled him to the ground
It was a bad play, but it happens a lot during games. Usually during a fight for rebounding position though.
Apparently Eddie and Raefer got into it after the post game press conferences in the hallway outside the locker rooms. The League is going to be taking a hard look at all of this.
pulled him to the ground?
I think you’re confusing the words “pull” and “push”. Seriously, dude, you’re a fan, I get it , congrats. But if you honestly don’t see anything wrong with Rondo’s play then there’s not point discussing this.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryv3ophkSKA
for review, but really…watch it again and without the green-tinged glasses.
I'm a girl.
by TheGiantSquid on May 7, 2009 12:43 AM EDT up reply actions
They were tangled up after Hinrich boxed him out
Rondo was pissed grabbed his arm and pulled him into the scorer’s table. I don’t see how that is inaccurate.
But it really has no relation on what has gone on between Eddie House and Raefer Alston.
it's like talking to a brick wall
Rafer was elbowed in the stomach and slapped House on the back of the head. I don’t see how that is inaccurate.
Fun, isn’t it?
Slapping = srs bsns
I'm a girl.
by TheGiantSquid on May 7, 2009 12:47 AM EDT up reply actions
THEN WHY DOES ONE WARRANT A SUSPENSION
AND THE OTHER DOESN’T?
Good God, man.
I'm a girl.
by TheGiantSquid on May 7, 2009 12:48 AM EDT up reply actions
Easy, Squid.
Take a few deep breathes.
Just agree to disagree and drop the subject.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone
I fine >:|
off to bed anyway. night, erivera
I'm a girl.
by TheGiantSquid on May 7, 2009 12:50 AM EDT up reply actions
Because
striking a player in the head is more serious. The league allows a lot to go on as far as pushing/shoving. But slaps/punches/elbows are dealt with more harshly.
That's fine.
The general public is just taking issue with the lack of consistency with the calls that have been made in the playoffs. That’s all.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone
why did you delete my comment?
I said “Slaaap use common sense”. Someone alludes to my being a hooker in the Rockets thread and the comment still stands, but MY comment you delete?
I'm a girl.
by TheGiantSquid on May 7, 2009 10:49 AM EDT up reply actions
That comment was deleted too.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone
way to not answer the question
I'm a girl.
by TheGiantSquid on May 7, 2009 12:14 PM EDT up reply actions
I wanted to defuse the situation before it got out of hand. It’s nothing you said .. don’t worry. I apologize if that doesn’t seem fair, I’m just trying to police things (hopefully you understand).
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone
I went to sleep and thought nothing further of it
if you’d just left it alone, I wouldn’t be complaining about it now.
I'm a girl.
by TheGiantSquid on May 7, 2009 12:18 PM EDT up reply actions
That's fine.
Like I said, I apologize.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone
I hear you
Lets not forget that Rondo also slapped Brad Miller in the head and recieved no punishment. Rondo gets away with a ton, it isn’t just this post season. It’s the reason why so many fans despise him.
I get the suspension if it happens, but Rondo has done worse without any punishment. So yeah, screw him.
by magic fanatic on May 7, 2009 1:14 AM EDT up reply actions
That wasn't a slap - Rondo clubbed Miller like a baby seal
"And this he knows if nothing more
That waiting in the dark like destiny
Are those who kissed the dogs of war
And there is no tomorrow."
Yeah you're right but
the Alston/House incident was a bad play that happens all the time too. Alston called out, “Hey Eddie, nice shot.” and when to go give him a high five. House was caught completely off guard so didn’t get his hand up in time and instead Alston just hit him in the head. Stuff like this happens all the time.
But hey, if my team was benefiting from horrendously bad/inconsistent decisions from the front office, I’d be defending it too.
by Lee for three on May 7, 2009 12:47 AM EDT up reply actions
Like I said, it is what it is.
Clearly both sides disagree .. let’s just leave it at that.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone
Well I guess there really isn't much more to say
until a decision is made by the league. But if he does get suspended there will be no question in my eyes that the NBA will do whatever it has to for longer series and ensuring that the teams with the larger fanbases/bigger appeal will get preferential treatment in advancing in the playoffs for the sake of increased ratings and more $$.
It’s going to happen to Denver when they play the Lakers in the WCF…you can bet on it..
by Lee for three on May 7, 2009 12:59 AM EDT up reply actions
We'll just see how it goes.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone
The NBA is going to be in a precarious position ..
.. because if the league does indeed suspend Alston, some eyebrows are going to be raised when you consider some of the shenanigans that occurred in the Bulls/Celtics series.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone
I think the NBA has been very consistent on blows to the head...
when no basketball play is involved. i.e. away from the ball.
It is natural to relate each flagrant and controversy in the playoffs. But the Rondo/Hinrich confrontation was of a very different sort of situation.
The Rondo non-flagrant on Brad MIller was the true dicey call.
I don't agree that it's been consistent.
.. but I don’t feel like butchering the subject to death. It is what it is.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone
I hope not because it was an open hand slap to the back of his head.
Of course House’s elbow will not count before hand. I don’t think you can classify it as a punch.A PUNCH IS CLOSED FIST. Rondo’s was definitely more violent.
The Surfdog
It's going to be a grey area topic, with Rafer.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone
Updated with video and another link
Here’s KD:
The question now? Does that slap constitute a punch, which results in an automatic (no matter the context) one-game (at least) suspension? Or does the open hand keep Alston within the bounds of the legal? After all, Kevin Garnett(notes) does the same thing to his teammates about 15 times per game, up to and including tonight. That said, I’m leaning toward the former. How about you?
Just saw his interview..Skip says House elbowed him in the stomach
Can’t really tell on the replay
by Stan in a Van (Down by the River) on May 7, 2009 12:16 AM EDT reply actions
still like Barkley said...push him back, don't slap him upside the head
by Stan in a Van (Down by the River) on May 7, 2009 12:19 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, that doesn't justify the slap to the head.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone
Focus issues...
This is not the first time this postseason we have wondered where Orlando’s fire is. This is a real problem. If you cannot get excited about playing in May, you should not be playing this game. You work 82 games to get to this point, play like you want to be there.
Philip,
The Curse of the Big Aristotle
http://bigaristotle.blogspot.com/
Eh, if this happened in Game 3 .. then it should be considered a "problem".
It’s human nature for a team to let up after splitting the first two games on the road in the POs. That doesn’t excuse the lack of effort the Magic gave tonight but this isn’t exactly a foreign issue for NBA teams.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone
If Alston is suspnded I may just have to give up on the NBA
The NBA cannot seriously be taken seriously when they say they try to referee consistently. The Dwight suspension was completely legit, but they’ve let Rondo’s crap slide twice when it could have put the Celtics season on the line and if they suspend Skip for Game 3 the NBA is officially rigged and has no credibility. Play for a powerhouse and get away with whatever you want. If you don’t, the NBA couldn’t give a crap about you.
I know I said a few times that I don't think Alston won't be suspended ..
.. but I can’t help to think he will be, given the circumstances.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone
of course he will
…ahh, so glad to see my cynical side again. Thanks, Rafer. :|
I'm a girl.
by TheGiantSquid on May 7, 2009 12:45 AM EDT up reply actions
I don't think the confrontation in the hallway helps Eddie/Raefer in the league's eyes
Fines for both players for that at the very least.
It's 'Rafer', btw.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone
No worries, man.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone
Just out of curiousity...
…where did you hear that there was a confrontation in the hallway? I haven’t read through all the news yet this morning and I’d like to know!
Yeah, I haven't heard anything of the sort.
.. the Sentinel would have reported that, had it occurred.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone
Particularly since Rondo slapped Rafer on top of the head in Game 1...
If they suspend Rafer for the House incident, it’ll increase my count of “Celtics unsuspended after incidents in the playoffs” to four:
Rondo hitting Miller in the head from behind
Rondo throwing Hinrich into the scorer’s table, then throwing an MMA-style elbow
Perkins elbowing Howard in the jaw
Rondo slapping Alston on top of the head (admittedly while going for the ball, but it’s results, not intent, according to the rule)
"And this he knows if nothing more
That waiting in the dark like destiny
Are those who kissed the dogs of war
And there is no tomorrow."
Oh well.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone
Yeah, it falls into the category of "stuff happens"
I just wish it didn’t have as much of an appearance of a double standard. Maybe there’s something I’m just not seeing.
"And this he knows if nothing more
That waiting in the dark like destiny
Are those who kissed the dogs of war
And there is no tomorrow."
All I'll say is that the NBA is doing a poor job of being consistent with handing out penalties.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone
Alston will be suspended
It’s just the way the NBA works. Rondo should have sat out a game for that Miller whack to the face, too. The shoulder barging was rubbish too, but not in the same league as head blows.
You play for a big team, you get away with murder. The NBA won’t touch Kobe for elbowing Artest in the throat, either.
Despite the bad loss by the Magic...
They managed to split the two games in Boston, and now have the home court advantage. I fully expect a different Magic team Friday night in Orlando, even if Alston is suspended. The other players would have to pick up their play for sure, just like they did when D12 was suspended for Game 6 against the 76ers.
Like the Boston players picked up their play in Game 2 to make up for Paul Pierce being no factor whatsoever because of foul trouble.
What a clinic the Boston offense put on… 34 assists on 41 field goals.
by Mike from Illinois on May 7, 2009 2:24 AM EDT reply actions
Yeah, Orlando should be able to bounce back for Game 3.
.. the good news is that Courtney Lee will be back.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone
I don't think it will.
.. Redick has proven to be a useful player during the playoffs. He’ll still get PT.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone
stop crying
rondo smashed the magic for a triple double. stop bringing up old sh#@t. so rondo pushed hinrich into the scorers table. hinrich needs to just get his weight up. The hinrich comes after rondo. If hinrich was ron artest then you all would say atest needs to be suspended for going after rondo. hinrich sucks and that was one reason why chicago lost. hinrich get yo weight up. raefer holla at you. this is basketball you gonna catch a bow every now and then. raefer get yo weight up too.
by chocolate_rocket on May 7, 2009 5:48 AM EDT reply actions
"Get yo weight up"
Apparently, that’s the answer to everything!!
When my boss comes to me and wants to chew me out for blogging, I’ll just tell him, “Yo boss, get yo weight up, yatch.”
And then everything will be fine.
:)
What an enlightening comment.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone
Rough loss
I see the Alston thing as a wash. I may live to regret that statement, but I honestly believe that if the league suspends him, then the elevated level of play from the rest of the team will make up for the loss. I’m not convinced he’s been a huge factor against Rondo anyway. I really honestly expected more from Skip, defensively. I will agree that the league is strongly biased towards the Cavs, Lakers, and Celtics.
I think Rajon Rondo and Perk both have major attitude problems, and I don’t particularly enjoy watching them because of that. I will give Rondo credit for saoring above the expectations people have had for him.
If you look back at the posts from the Philly series, we all discussed the stats that declare the criticality of the third game in a 7 game series. We’re in that spot again, and I have a feeling that the numbers will hold true for this next game.
Now throw the damn ball to Dwight and let Perk rack up some fouls. He’d better be practicing that hook for 12 hours tomorrow.
Yeah, if Alston is suspended .. the Magic should be able to make up for his absence in Game 3.
Rafer would only be gone for one game, theoretically. It’s not an impossible feat by any means.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone
Plus … Anthony Johnson would have a huge, and incredibly difficult, task defensively against Rajon Rondo’s quickness.
My confidence level is pretty low on both of these variables.
That's why Courtney Lee's return in Game 3 will be big for Orlando.
.. he’ll be able to help Anthony Johnson guard Rondo, if Alston is suspended.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone
All the elbows thrown in the Laker/Rockets should complicate Rafer's situation even more
How can you suspend a Skip Slap and not a Kobe elbow to the throat? Don’t answer that. ha
by Stan in a Van (Down by the River) on May 7, 2009 7:00 AM EDT reply actions
We'll see what happens today.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone
The recap had no mention of J.J.
Who played about as well as he can in the first two games, IMO.
He continues to shoot the ball wall, and didn’t deserve two or three of those fouls he got last night. Anyone else think the Celtics set too many moving screens to free up Allen and House?
I’ve been pleasantly surprised by his performance in Lee’s absence.
Also, it seems like Peaches got the idea in the fourth quarter last night – he shot something like 10 free throws in the period. Go to the basket Peaches…
Finally, we need Lee back for Game 3 if at all possible. I’d stick him on Rondo and tell him to keep him out of the lane.
I totally agree!
I watched all of the off the ball screens set for Ray Allen, and it’s ridiculous. I don’t want to hear about Dwight pushing and all of that. The Celtics move on nearly every screen they set last night.
I’m just saying.
Both teams set a lot of moving screens
I was glad they called both teams for it late in the game when it was getting chippy. No reason to have the PGs getting blown up by centers in a game that was over.
Every team in the NBA sets moving screens. Who cares.
.. that’s something that rarely gets called unless it’s blatant.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone
Like I said in the game one thread...
the next time KP or Big Baby come rumbling in like sumo wrestlers, our smaller guys shouldn’t fight so hard to keep their balance. There’s gotta be a limit on how blatant a foul a ref can ignore.
"And this he knows if nothing more
That waiting in the dark like destiny
Are those who kissed the dogs of war
And there is no tomorrow."
J.J. has played well the first two games .. I've been pleased with his effort and performance.
As for Courtney, he’ll be back for Game 3.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone
No doubt in my mind that Rafer is going to get suspended.
We really should start start Lee at PG and Pietrus at the 2. We really don’t have a better chance to win with AJ/Lue combo. Here’s looking to game four. Just our luck. Our players don’t get suspended for anything all regular season and then when the playoffs come they all turn into idiotic thugs.
Sports Picks 365
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Rafer Alston
Agreed - no doubt.
You think Lee staring at PG? Would Turk do most of the ball handling?
SVG won't start Lee at the point, even though it's not a bad idea.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone
Rivs, What do you mean by...
Yeah, if Alston is suspended .. the Magic should be able to make up for his absence in Game 3.
They should be able to? Able to do what? Lose by only 15? Are you implying they should be able to weather an AJ/LUE PG combo to win a basketball game? I disagree. I don’t give us a chance without Skip.
Sports Picks 365
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Rafer Alston
by DieSlowKeyshawn on May 7, 2009 11:03 AM EDT reply actions
No chance without Rafer? That's a bit much ..
.. with Lee coming back in Game 3 and the game being at home, the Magic should be okay. Don’t be surprised if SVG matches up Courtney with Rajon Rondo defensively. Granted, some of the other guys (Lewis, Turkoglu) on the team need to pick up the slack if Alston is gone but it’s not an impossible task.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone
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