C's Hold On, Win Game 2, Take Commanding Lead

The Celtics showed a killer instinct tonight, playing the type of game that championship teams need to play.  They already had a 1-0 lead on the road, and they easily could've played lackluster in this game, dealing with a 1-1 series heading back to Boston.  But they played with poise down the stretch, hit their free throws (while Vince missed 2 big ones) and got the win.
  • First half was a dogfight, as Orlando came to play.  You didn't think they'd come out flat again did you?  Remember Mike Brown's not the coach.
  • Dwight Howard's Flagrant 1 Foul on Pierce should've been a Flagrant 2 in my opinion, and he should've gotten tossed.
  • One note is that Scalabrine was suited up this game, in place of Shelden Williams.  I thought it may have been because Doc read my article, but it turned out Shelden had back spasms.  
  • Paul Pierce had an enormous first half offensively, with 22 points, at times carrying the Celtics when they needed him.
  • Rondo was also spectacular in the first half controlling the tempo.  Yeah John Hollinger, the Magic have the more talent.  What games do you watch?  Oh that's right you base everything on stats.
  • Howard played much better in the first half for this one, as he scored 17 points.  He was making his moves quicker and actually scored on some plays.
  • My announcer tangent: anyone hear Mark Jackson say when Howard picked up his 3rd foul that "the Magic don't lose much when Gortat comes into the game"?  Is that a backhand slap at Howard or over-the-top praise for Gortat?  Please, oh please Mark Jackson go take the Clippers job so we don't have to listen to you anymore.
  • Perkins was very solid tonight with 10 points, 5 rebounds and 2 blocks in just 15 minutes.  He fouled out fairly early n the 4th quarter.
  • Glen Davis' energy was very helpful in the 3rd quarter.  He had a solid game himself, with 8 points, 6 rebounds and a couple of big charges taken.
  • JJ Redick continues to give the C's some fits.  Not sure if they just don't expect him to be able to take the ball to the basket, but he's really been giving Orlando a lift when he's in the game.
  • The 4th quarter Orlando came back and took the lead, but KG answered with a big fadeaway to give the Celts a lead they wouldn't relinquish.
  • Pierce hit 2 big free throws, Vince missed 2, and they held on down the stretch.
All in all a fantastic road win.  A thing of beauty to watch.  Only 2 more wins to get to the Finals.