The Celtics were banged up during this entire game. Ray Allen had a bad ankle, Avery Bradley's shoulder was popping in and out & Paul Pierce was playing with a sprained MLC, and boy, it didn't mattered one bit.
The Celtic started the game 3-13 From the field, at times it seemed like Kevin Garnett was going to be the only scorer for Boston. The first Celtic field goal in the quarter by another player than KG, was a Ray Allen jumper at the 2:40 mark. Celtics had 6 first quarter field goals and Garnett scored 4 of them.
The Sixers had 8 different players scoring in the first quarter, they ended the period with a 28-18 lead. Andre Iguodala lead the way with 10 points. Evan Turner had 2 points and 5 rebounds.
Celtics showed a little bit more energy in the 2nd quarter behind Kevin Garnett's 14 points. But it wasn't enough to get the lead, which with hot shooting and nice passing the Sixers went into the locker room leading 47-42. The Sixers Evan Turner scored 10 points in the quarter, they also kept getting solid contributions from just about everyone. Jodie Meeks (3 Points), Lavoy Allen (6 points) and Lou Williams (2 points) got into the action.
Rajon Rondo, Avery Bradley, & Paul Pierce were a combined 3-16 in the first half. Evan Turner had 5 FG himself.
The Celtics started the third quarter with a KG jumper and a 14-2 run starting from the mid 2nd quarter to get a 47-46 lead. Boston showed more focus, defensive effort and more energy overall. Despite Garnett hitting jumpers from left and right, Rajon Rondo penetrating and finding teammates (especially Avery Bradley) Philly fought back and took a 57-53 lead.
KG kept the Celtics in the game, Paul Pierce and Rajon Rondo remembered they were playing a game tonight. But no player had a bigger impact in the third period than Spencer Hawes, he was scoring at will and drawing fouls. Sixers led 71-67 after three. Evan Turner and Andre Iguodala finished the quarter with 16 points each, KG with 20.
The Sixers opened a 10 point lead early in the 4th quarter behind Lavoy Allen. That lead didn't last long as the Celtics continued fighting back. Allen has 12 points and 6 rebounds. Rajon Rondo is three points away from a triple double/ He has 7 points, 10 rebounds and 15 ast with 6:33 left.
After nailing 2 straight jumpers, Rajon Rondo got another triple double in the playoffs. This quarter has one name and it's RAJON. That's his 8th triple double of his playoff career. With 2:56 left in the game, The Celtics are leading 85-84.
With outstanding defense and clutch shooting by Garnett and Pierce, Boston got their biggest lead of the game. They lead by 6. 90-84.
After a Rondo jumper. the Celtics had a 3 point lead. Sixers couldn't shoot a three pointer, they got fouled (made both free throws) on purpose by the Celtics. Boston was in front by 1 point with 3.4 seconds remaining. Celtics draw very good play, they passed the ball to Rondo (he was in the sixers side of the floor) and nobody could catch him. Time expired and Celtic ran out of the clock. Celtics won the first game of the series, 92-91.
Final Stats:
Celtics
KG 12-20 FG 29 Points, 11 rebounds.
Rajon Rondo 6-15 FG 13 Points, 17 Ast & 12 rebounds.
Paul Pierce 14 Points, 3-11 FG , 6 rebounds & 6 Ast.
Sixers
Andre Iguodala 7-16 FG 19 Points, 6 rebounds & 6 ast.
Spencer Hawes 6-12 FG 15 Points & 7 Boards
Evan Turner 7-13 FG 16 Points & 10 rebounds.
Photo Credit: Getty Images/NBA Yahoo sports.
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