With 19 first half points, Paul Pierce was done giving his interview and headed to the locker room to join his teammates. Right before he entered, Pierce raised his fist to the crowd, and the Garden erupted into cheers. This is the new Celtics. Boston beat the Washington Wizards 103-83 last night, sparked by Pierce's 28 points. Newcomers Kevin Garnett (22 pts, 20 rebounds) and Ray Allen (17 pts) were also as good as advertised. The surprise? Just about everything else.
The Celtics completely shut down the Wizard's Gilbert Arenas, holding him to just 21 points on 5-20 shooting. Washington was one of the best scoring teams last season, but it seemed as if they couldn't buy a shot against Boston. The Celtics also held them to 0-16 from 3-point range, the most any NBA team has ever shot without making a single one.
The other pleasant surprise for Boston was second year point guard Rajon Rondo, who amassed 15 points and had complete control over the game at all times. Rondo was the big question mark for the Celtics this year, and if he can play as well this season as he did Friday night, then consider Boston the Big 4. ESPN broadcasters were calling Rondo a backup point guard before the game, but maybe Jeff Van Gundy and the crew might want to rethink their position.
I know, I'm a little tired of Boston sports myself. But you can't ignore what's going on with this Celtics team, and how exciting they are. It is looking like a perfect mix of chemistry, talent and determination. The East better watch out.
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