We all hate the guy for his theatrics, but Rip Hamilton (25 pts, 9 assists, 6 reb) killed the Celtics today. Coupled with the fact that Ray Allen (10 pts, 2-1o FG) was a no-show and you get a 105-95 Pistons victory at the Garden.
The Celtics play was too streaky. They had strong runs to start the 3rd and 4th quarters but both times allowed Detroit to retake control of the game.
The Pistons shot too many free throws (34-40). And this had nothing to do with poor officiating.
Paul Pierce (26 pts, 11-20 FG) and Glen Davis (18 pts, 6 reb) carried the offensive load. As a team the Celtics shot 2-14 from3 FG.
Pierce played 47 minutes, 42 seconds of this game. Doc is all talk when it comes to reducing Paul and Ray's minutes. Why couldn't Bill Walker get 10 minutes?
Stephon Marbury (12 minutes, 0 pts, 3 assists) had little impact. It was surprising to watch Will Bynum pick his pocket twice in the second quarter.