Unfortunate Trip Down Memory Lane: Cleveland 101, Boston 93.
Mo Williams racked up 20 points and sparked the Cavaliers back from a double digit deficit to take Game 1.
Four minutes into the first quarter, Kendrick Perkins was escorted bleeding into the locker room after being hit in the lip by Shaq. Perkins was given 5 stitches and returned around 6 minutes later. He played the rest of the game.
Rondo had another double double with 27 points and 12 assists. Kevin Garnett also registered a double double with 18 points and 10 rebounds. Unfortunately, these impressive performances weren't enough to keep up with the Cavaliers.
An unwelcome reminder of the regular season reared it's head as the Celtics crumbled in the third quarter - blowing a double digit lead. After the Cavs trailed by as much as 11, Mo Williams took matters into his own hands - scoring 10 points in 1:40 for Cleveland. Williams' play spurred the Cavaliers on a 21-9 run over the Celtics, as they took a one point lead to close out the third on a Lebron James buzzer beater.
The Cavaliers kept their energy up in the final quarter and extended their lead by as much as 8. The Celtics had success driving to the basket in the first half but were forced to settle for mostly jump shots in the second. As a result, they could not keep up with the surging Cavaliers; who closed with 7 unanswered points and took Game 1, 101-93.
The Celtics began the game in impressive fashion. Boston's defense controlled the court - forcing the Cavaliers to adjust. Plagued by a (much talked about) hurt elbow, Lebron James was only 1/5 from the field in the first quarter and his team shot a mere 30%. The King's 14 first half points were overshadowed by Rondo's 19 points and 8 assists. Sparked by number 9, the Celtics had their way with the Cavs through most of the first half and took a 10 point lead to start the second. With James on the bench, Delonte West and J.J. Hickson led Cleveland on a mid quarter run, bringing the Cavaliers back within four. However, the Celtics took care of business and brought their lead up to 11 before the second quarter buzzer - shooting 54% from the field and out-rebounding Cleveland +5.
The Celtics were unable to apply pressure to the top-seeded Cavaliers and fell to an 0-1 deficit in the series. Game 2 will take place Monday May 3rd, at 8:00pm.
