Game 1: Orlando Magic 95 Boston Celtics 90Analysis: Not surprised in the least bit that the Celtics lost this game. I figured coming off of their tough series that the Celtics would struggle in this one. I never thought they would be down 28 points though. At that point, the Magic got complacent and let the Celtics come back, but in the end it was too late. Interesting thing about this game is that even though Dwight Howard had 22 rebounds, the Celtics still outrebounded the Magic 47 to 40, so that is something to keep an eye on going forward. The poor shooting night from Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo is what really killed the Celtics in this one. If just one of those two gets back on track in Game 2 then I think the Celtics will win that game.
Key Players of The Game
Mickael Pietrus: In my mind, Pietrus was the difference maker in this game. I was not expecting him to come in and score 17 points and he played decent defense as well. Between him and Redick, they did a good job replacing the injured Courtney Lee. In fact, they probably played better than he would have.
Dwight Howard: Howard was mostly a beast on the backboards with 22 rebounds. He shot just 6 of 12 from the field though for 16 points. I think the Celtics could live with that for the rest of the series.
Rashard Lewis: Lewis had 18 points, 7 rebounds, 3 steals, and a block; while shooting 8 of 18 from the floor. Orlando was also +14 when he was out on the floor.
Ray Allen: Hard to pick on the guy after the series he had against the Bulls, but he came up short in this one. 2 of 12 from the field and just 9 points is not enough for the Celtics to win.
Rajon Rondo: Not the best game for Rondo, who has been struggling with his offense for a few games now. Rondo did have 10 rebounds, 8 assists, and 3 steals; but he shot only 2 of 12 from the floor and turned the ball over 7 times. Without those turnovers, the Celtics probably win this game.
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