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November 9, 2008
Tony Allen Mows Down Motown: 88-76
This was supposed to be a showdown in Motown, but Tony Allen score a game high 23 points and tied his career best in field goals made (11) as the Celtics took control in the 2nd quarter and never looked back.
The lead was as high as 23 points in the two teams' first meeting since the Eastern Conference Finals. Prolific scoring machine Allen Iverson recently joined the Pistons in a trade that sent Chauncey Billups and Antonio McDyess to Denver.
Reluctant to shoot and defended solidly by Rajon Rondo, Allen Iverson was unable to get untracked as he scored 10 points on eleven shots in 31 minutes.
The Green Machine was rock solid defensively, as they held Detroit to 25% shooting in the first half, 31% after three periods, while making another strong 2nd and 3rd quarter stand. The Beantown Ballers allowed just ten 2nd period points and 32 points total in the middle periods.
The Pistons also missed most of the open shots they did get with Rip Hamilton, Rasheed Wallace and Jason Maxiell shooting a combined 0 for 15 in the first half.
After that it was academic, as Detroit really did not demonstrate their usual never-say-die pluckiness. Once the Cs got the big lead it stayed around 17 points for most of the game, until near the very end. Only Tayshaun Prince got untracked for the Pistons with 23 points tying him with Tony for game honors.
Former Celtic preseason invitee, Wil Bynum got in the game for the Pistons during garbage time and score 11 points in 12 minutes, including a lay-up right at Kevin Garnett.
Slow Start for Both Teams
Neither team could buy a basket to start the game, as the first points were scored on a Rip Hamilton assist to Allen Iverson with 8:48 left in the first. Detroit would see only one more assist the entire half.
The Celtics shot 5 of 21 (24%) and Detroit shot 7 of 24 (29%) in the ice cold first period.
Solid shooting and the Tony Allen Explosion
The good news for the Celtics is that they would shoot 53% (28 of 53) the rest of the way, led by Tony Allen's game high 23 points, Ray Allen's 17, and Rajon Rondo's 13.
If you added the total footage of the range on Tony Allen's eleven made shots it might not be more than eleven feet. Most of them were right at the rim or short range layups as a result of his relentless slashing to the hoop.
Tony manufactured 5 rebounds, 2 steals, an assists and a blocked shot to go with his highly efficient offensive evening.
The Cs were up 23 points when Ray Allen was on the floor last night. Ray added eight rebounds, three assists, and made 2 of 3 three pointers to complete his solid evening's work.
The Celtics carved up the Pistons for 44 points in the paint, including 13 fast break points, while allowing only 24 inside points to the Pistons.
The four man bench of Leon Powe, Glen Davis, Eddie House and Tony Allen put in their 4th straight strong performance with 43 of the Celtics 88 points, and extending the lead while they are in the game.
Nit Picking a 6-1 start
The Celtics's three stars were not needed to provide all of the offense once again. But should Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce each scoring in single digits be a bit of a concern? Pierce is in somewhat of a shooting slump of 32% over the last 5 games and has not been aggressively seeking his own shot lately.
It could be that the team's focus on finding out how much the other players can be counted on offensively, is a bit of a disruption to the rhythm of Paul Pierce especially. All three stars scoring are down this season even over the reduced numbers of last season. Doc Rivers is in the process of discovering what his rotation players can accomplish on a consistent basis.
Four of the last five games the starters have begun slow and have lost the first quarter. Over confidence? Sure, it is largely that.
Maybe, just maybe, Doc should concentrate on getting his stars involved offensively more deliberately. I know. If they are monopolizing the shot attempts it isn't a good thing either. It is hard to find the right balance, and it absolutely great that the bench players are doing so well, but perhaps it would be wise to let the big dogs work through and carry a few games.
Anyway, the Celtics completely dominated the Pistons as they went to 0-2 with Allen Iverson.
Unusual Stat of the Night
Kendrick Perkins and 10 rebounds and 2 blocks, but zero point and zero assists in 28 minutes.
Next: The Celtics play tonight in Boston against the 4-2 Toronto Raptors at 7:30
Posted by Tom on November 9, 2008 11:15 PM
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"Maybe, just maybe, Doc should concentrate on getting his stars involved offensively more deliberately. I know. If they are monopolizing the shot attempts it isn't a good thing either. It is hard to find the right balance, and it absolutely great that the bench players are doing so well, but perhaps it would be wise to let the big dogs work through and carry a few games."
Just the opposite Tom.
When "the big guys" give up the ball early.... note the lack of easy baskets for Perkins this season.... their offense will be all the easier for it later as the defense has to react.
Posted by: JB at November 10, 2008 7:15 AM
Interesting point, JB.
While Perk is not getting those wide open looks at the rim, he has been working from a little farther out, with some success I might add.
It is Rondo who has been making a bee-line to the basket. And he is performing better when he gets there this season.
If you mean later in the season, I agree. That's why it is good to establish the other players on the team.
If you mean later in the game, then my point is valid for the reason mentioned.
As I suggest, it's not a big thing, more about rhythms than anything, but noticeable nonetheless.
Thanks always for your observations.
T
Posted by: Tom Halzack at November 10, 2008 9:59 AM
Yes, I meant later in the game.....
I do not agree that Pierce (and Garnett) has not been looking for his own shot.... one game perhaps, but the two before he was like 6-16.
The key to me for both of them is to keep the defenses honest as well as getting those lay ups and dunks for Perkins.
By the way, Garnett is getting himself pushed a foot or two beyond his jump shot range on the perimeter, which is a major factor in his reduced effectiveness.
Posted by: JB at November 11, 2008 6:59 AM
OK. I see what you are saying.
Fair enough. I can see how someone not agree. Scoring is down for the big three, but shot count is up for them. It looks like we have inflationary recession here?
It might when and where they are looking for their shots.
I'm not sure I can quantify it. While there are times they are trying to run things as we know it. I should specify that I mean PP. But it is really Ray Allen who is getting less attempts this season. But shot count alone is not the only factor, as I see it.
I do agree that KG seems to be taking a fair amount of long shots and his pct. is down right now. But that makes the case that he not operating as he was last season.
Interesting stats, for sure.
Sounds like an article coming!
T
Posted by: Tom Halzack at November 11, 2008 2:20 PM
