Celtics-Cavaliers Preview

By BRETT HUSTON
Posted Oct 27 2009 1:20PM

There are plenty of uncertainties surrounding the future of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics as they're currently constructed, and after discouraging playoff exits for both teams, the pressure to win now has only increased.

Shaquille O'Neal and Rasheed Wallace have some experience doing just that.

The veteran big men may eventually make a difference for their new teams in the postseason, but the spotlight will still be on reigning MVP - and potential free agent - LeBron James and Boston's Big Three in the NBA's season opener Tuesday night as the Cavaliers seek a 12th straight home win over the Celtics.

Cleveland (66-16) and Boston (62-20) were the top two seeds in the Eastern Conference last season, and considering they had represented the East in the past two NBA finals, but both teams were ousted by the Orlando Magic. The Celtics fell in seven games in the conference semifinals before the Cavaliers were eliminated in six in the East finals.

Those postseason failures sparked Cleveland general manager Danny Ferry and Boston counterpart Danny Ainge to tinker with their respective rosters, but that wasn't all on the minds of the two Eastern powers. James can opt out of his contract following this season, and Ray Allen can do likewise with the Celtics, leaving the possibility Boston may rebuild around point guard Rajon Rondo considering the mileage on veterans Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce.

The Cavaliers signed free agent swingmen Anthony Parker and Jamario Moon while Boston added similar versatility in Marquis Daniels. The biggest changes, though, came at center - Cleveland jettisoned Ben Wallace and Sasha Pavlovic to Phoenix for three-time finals MVP O'Neal, while the Celtics signed Wallace, a four-time All-Star who's been on a playoff team for 13 consecutive seasons.

"I've heard, 'Is Shaq good for their team?' Like, how could he not be?'' Celtics coach Doc Rivers said. "I'll take him. He gives them size, he gives them another post player, he gives them a great passer. He gives them a rebounder. He's one of the most intimidating forces in the league."

While the burly O'Neal will partner with the solid shooting of backup center Zydrunas Ilgauskas to give Cavaliers coach Mike Brown two very different big men, Boston should have the same luxury on the interior. Center Kendrick Perkins is a consistent scorer in the low post, while Wallace, who's attempted 4.6 3-pointers a game over the past four seasons, provides a threat on the perimeter.

"He'll spread the floor offensively, something we've never had,'' Rivers said. "Heck, most people don't have a (center) sitting behind the 3-point line. Defensively, he's been terrific. He's also going to give us some post play on the offensive end.''

The other thing Wallace adds is a hot temper, having been whistled for 291 technical fouls since entering the league in 1995.

O'Neal has 117 himself since Wallace debuted, and many feel his dynamic personality won't mesh with James'.

"People look too far into individuals than the team aspect of things,'' James said. "They think two stars can't coexist. But it's not just about me and Shaq, it's about the whole team. Me and Shaq can't do it by ourselves. We need everybody on the floor to work hard every day to make this thing happen.''

While All-Star point guard Mo Williams gives James a secondary scorer, Cavaliers guard and former Celtic Delonte West didn't play during the preseason after being arrested last month for carrying three loaded guns while riding a motorcycle. In addition, his wife reportedly filed a domestic violence report over the weekend.

On Monday, Brown said that West would likely be inactive for Tuesday night's game.

Wallace likely will join Daniels on Boston's second unit along with Eddie House, Glen Davis and Shelden Williams. Wallace and Williams should provide quality depth in case Garnett's surgically repaired right knee, which caused him to miss 25 games last season, hampers him.

Davis, who played well in Garnett's absence last season, is out indefinitely with an injured right hand.

Garnett, the 2007-08 defensive player of the year, Pierce and the Celtics have held James to 40.0 percent shooting in 14 combined regular-season and playoff games the past two seasons, but James has averaged 30.3 points on 45.1 percent shooting in his past seven games against the Celtics at Quicken Loans Arena, while Pierce has been held to 14.7 points while shooting 34.3 percent.

The Cavaliers have won 11 straight at home over Boston by an average of 12.8 points, with their last loss coming in overtime on Dec. 18, 2004. Overall, the home team has won 16 consecutive games in the series.

Copyright 2009 by STATS LLC and Associated Press. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and Associated Press is strictly prohibited

Celtics rally to take opener, but Cavs not panicking

By Sam Amico, for NBA.com
Posted Wednesday October 28, 2009 12:07AM

CLEVELAND (NBA.com exclusive) -- There are still 81 games to go, but for starters, this one was pretty good.

The verdict: Boston 95, Cleveland 89 in front of a sellout crowd of 20,562 Tuesday at Quicken Loans Arena. And it was exactly the type of opening night you would expect from two teams loaded with stars.

It was the Cavaliers' LeBron James soaring through the air to swat shots from behind.

It was Shaquille O'Neal making his Cleveland debut, the energetic home crowd going bananas every time he touched the ball.

It was Paul Pierce pulling up for one of his patented mid-range jumpers in the fourth quarter, rescuing the Celtics from what appeared to be a late Cavs run.

It was Kevin Garnett returning to the Celtics' lineup, wearing the wide smile of a man who was just happy to be back on the floor, ready to make another run at another championship.

Prior to tip-off, Pierce called it a "measurement game," an early gauge of where two reshaped title contenders stand.

And at first, it looked as if the Celtics were more likely to take a seat and watch. The Cavs bolted to a lead of 13-2. They built it to 17-4. They made the Celtics look old, slow, overmatched, unprepared.

Then suddenly, everything shifted. The Celtics did what they have always done, what led them to the championship in 2008 -- they bent their knees and shuffled their feet on defense, and hit the open man and cut to the basket on offense. Mostly, they stayed calm when it seemed as if all had been lost.

"We tried to handle their intensity early," said Celtics coach Doc Rivers. "We knew they were gonna come out jacked up."

Interestingly, it wasn't until the Celtics' reserves entered the game late in the first quarter that things began to change. That's when Rivers inserted veteran newcomers such as Rasheed Wallace and Marquis Daniels, who led the way with energy, hustle and a couple of big baskets.

A 28-21 first-quarter deficit turned into a 51-45 halftime lead, and it practically happened in the blink of an eye.

"Our second unit saved the game," Rivers said.

The first unit did the rest -- with old standbys Pierce (23 points, 11 rebounds), Garnett (13 points, 10 rebounds) and Ray Allen (16 points) proving that the Big Three is alive and well, thank you very much.

Meanwhile, the Cavs were far from panicked afterwards, understanding that the dynamic duo of LeBron (38 points, eight assists) and Shaq (10 points, 10 boards) will need some time to gel. Especially when you consider the Cavs are still figuring out a rotation that also includes new faces and expected key contributors such as swingman Anthony Parker and forward Jamario Moon.

As Celtics guard Rajon Rondo said, "You've got to understand that our core is basically the same. We've been playing together for three and a half years now. It's gonna take them some time."

As O'Neal added, "We just have to keep at it. You can't win a championship in the first game."

Or as Rivers simply put it, "They're gonna be great."

After the game, Rivers quickly addressed his team, then watched on TNT as the Los Angeles Lakers received their championship rings. It may have only been the first game, but Rivers and the Celtics suddenly remembered how that felt.

"I like what happened tonight because everyone contributed," Rivers said. "It's one of 82, but it's a big one."

For James and the Cavs, there's plenty of time to get things right.

"We'll be around," he said.

And you had better believe it.

• Celtics: Allen, Davis, Walker
• Cavaliers: Green, Powe, West

• Celtics: Garnett
• Cavaliers: --

• Lead Changes: 5
• Times Tied: 4

• Arena: Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland, OH
• Officials: #29 Steve Javie, #25 Tony Brothers, #63 Derek Richardson
• Attendance: 20562
• Duration: 2:44

Boston Celtics (25-8)		Cleveland Cavaliers (27-10)
Start of 1st Quarter
(12:00) Jump Ball O'Neal vs Perkins (Varejao gains possession)
	11:31 [CLE 2-0]	Varejao Step Back Jump shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: O'Neal (1 AST)
Allen Jump Shot: Missed	11:12
	11:10	O'Neal Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)
	11:03 [CLE 4-0]	James Jump Shot: Made (2 PTS)
Garnett Running Hook Shot: Made (2 PTS)	10:46 [BOS 2-4]
	10:26 [CLE 6-2]	Varejao Jump Shot: Made (4 PTS) Assist: Williams (1 AST)
Allen Turnover : Bad Pass (1 TO) Steal:Parker (1 ST)	10:13
	10:06 [CLE 8-2]	James Alley Oop Layup shot: Made (4 PTS) Assist: Parker (1 AST)
Allen Jump Shot: Missed Block: O'Neal (1 BLK)	09:45
	09:44	Team Rebound
	09:36	Varejao Jump Shot: Missed Block: Pierce (1 BLK)
	09:34	Varejao Rebound (Off:1 Def:0)
	09:27 [CLE 10-2]	Williams Jump Shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: Parker (2 AST)
	09:14	Varejao Foul : Personal (1 PF)
Garnett Jump Shot: Missed Block: James (1 BLK)	09:06
	09:04	O'Neal Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)
	08:54 [CLE 13-2]	Parker 3pt Shot: Made (3 PTS) Assist: James (1 AST)
Team Timeout : Regular	08:49
Pierce Step Back Jump shot: Missed Block: James (2 BLK)	08:35
	08:32	O'Neal Rebound (Off:0 Def:3)
	08:15	Varejao Layup Shot: Missed Block: Garnett (1 BLK)
	08:11	Varejao Rebound (Off:2 Def:0)
	08:09	Varejao Layup Shot: Missed Block: Garnett (2 BLK)
Pierce Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	08:07
Pierce Dunk Shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: Rondo (1 AST)	08:05 [BOS 4-13]
	07:38 [CLE 15-4]	O'Neal Jump Shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: Williams (2 AST)
Rondo Turnover : Bad Pass (1 TO) Steal:Williams (1 ST)	07:28
Allen Foul : Shooting (1 PF)	07:24
	07:24 [CLE 16-4]	Parker Free Throw 1 of 2 (4 PTS)
	07:24 [CLE 17-4]	Parker Free Throw 2 of 2 (5 PTS)
	07:13	O'Neal Foul : Shooting (1 PF)
Pierce Free Throw 1 of 2 (3 PTS)	07:13 [BOS 5-17]
Pierce Free Throw 2 of 2 Missed	07:13
	07:12	O'Neal Rebound (Off:0 Def:4)
	07:03 [CLE 19-5]	O'Neal Jump Hook Shot: Made (4 PTS) Assist: James (2 AST)
Garnett Jump Shot: Missed	06:46
	06:45	Varejao Rebound (Off:2 Def:1)
	06:42	Rondo Violation:Kicked Ball
	06:28	James 3pt Shot: Missed
Garnett Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	06:27
Rondo Jump Shot: Made (2 PTS)	06:15 [BOS 7-19]
	05:48 [CLE 21-7]	O'Neal Turnaround Bank shot: Made (6 PTS) Assist: Parker (3 AST)
Rondo Running Jump Shot: Made (4 PTS)	05:30 [BOS 9-21]
	05:22	Williams Jump Shot: Missed
Allen Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	05:21
Pierce 3pt Shot: Made (6 PTS) Assist: Rondo (2 AST)	05:16 [BOS 12-21]
	04:54	O'Neal Substitution replaced by Ilgauskas
Perkins Substitution replaced by Wallace	04:54
	04:54	Williams Substitution replaced by Gibson
	04:47 [CLE 24-12]	James 3pt Shot: Made (7 PTS)
Garnett Layup Shot: Made (4 PTS) Assist: Rondo (3 AST)	04:32 [BOS 14-24]
	04:21 [CLE 26-14]	James Layup Shot: Made (9 PTS) Assist: Varejao (1 AST)
Rondo Turnover : Bad Pass (2 TO)	04:08
Allen Substitution replaced by Daniels	04:08
	04:08	Varejao Substitution replaced by Hickson
	03:59	Ilgauskas Jump Shot: Missed
Garnett Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)	03:58
Wallace Jump Shot: Missed	03:49
Garnett Rebound (Off:1 Def:2)	03:48
Wallace 3pt Shot: Made (3 PTS) Assist: Rondo (4 AST)	03:37 [BOS 17-26]
	03:17	Hickson Layup Shot: Missed Block: Wallace (1 BLK)
	03:17	Jump Ball Hickson vs Wallace (Parker gains possession)
	03:17	Team Rebound
	03:14	Parker Turnover : Lost Ball (1 TO) Steal:Rondo (1 ST)
Rondo Layup Shot: Missed Block: James (3 BLK)	03:12
	03:10	Team Rebound
	02:45 [CLE 28-17]	Gibson Running Jump Shot: Made (2 PTS)
Pierce Foul : Offensive (1 PF)	02:32
Pierce Turnover : Foul (1 TO)	02:32
	02:32	Team Timeout : Regular
	02:32	Parker Substitution replaced by Moon
Garnett Substitution replaced by Williams	02:32
	02:08	James Jump Shot: Missed
Wallace Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	02:06
Pierce Layup Shot: Missed Block: Moon (1 BLK)	02:00
	01:56	Moon Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)
	01:42	Moon 3pt Shot: Missed
Williams Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	01:41
Daniels Running Bank shot: Made (2 PTS)	01:19 [BOS 19-28]
Rondo Foul : Personal (1 PF)	01:05
Rondo Substitution replaced by House	01:05
	00:50.9	Gibson Jump Shot: Missed
Team Rebound	00:50.4
	00:49.8	Hickson Foul : Loose Ball (1 PF)
Pierce Jump Shot: Missed	00:38.9
	00:37.9	Gibson Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)
	00:21.9	James Layup Shot: Missed
Pierce Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)	00:20.6
House 3pt Shot: Missed	00:15.9
Team Rebound	00:14.4
	00:14.2	Ilgauskas Foul : Loose Ball (1 PF)
Williams Free Throw 1 of 2 (1 PTS)	00:14.2 [BOS 20-28]
House Substitution replaced by Rondo	00:14.2
	00:14.2	Moon Substitution replaced by Williams
	00:14.2	Hickson Substitution replaced by O'Neal
Williams Free Throw 2 of 2 (2 PTS)	00:14.2 [BOS 21-28]
	00:00.9	James Turnover : Lost Ball (1 TO) Steal:Daniels (1 ST)
End of 1st Quarter
Boston Celtics (25-8)		Cleveland Cavaliers (27-10)
Start of 2nd QuarterBack to Top
Daniels Turnover : Traveling (1 TO)	11:42
Williams Foul : Shooting (1 PF)	11:32
	11:32 [CLE 29-21]	Williams Free Throw 1 of 2 (3 PTS)
	11:32 [CLE 30-21]	Williams Free Throw 2 of 2 (4 PTS)
House 3pt Shot: Made (3 PTS) Assist: Daniels (1 AST)	11:09 [BOS 24-30]
	10:53	Williams 3pt Shot: Missed
Team Rebound	10:52
Allen Layup Shot: Made (2 PTS)	10:37 [BOS 26-30]
	10:20	Ilgauskas Jump Shot: Missed
House Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	10:19
	10:03	Williams Foul : Shooting (1 PF)
Williams Free Throw 1 of 2 (3 PTS)	10:03 [BOS 27-30]
Williams Free Throw 2 of 2 (4 PTS)	10:03 [BOS 28-30]
	09:42	Moon Turnover : Lost Ball (1 TO) Steal:Allen (1 ST)
Allen Step Back Jump shot: Missed	09:18
	09:17	Varejao Rebound (Off:2 Def:2)
	09:11	Moon Jump Shot: Missed
Wallace Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)	09:09
	08:55	Williams Foul : Shooting (2 PF)
Timeout : Official	08:55
	08:55	Gibson Substitution replaced by Parker
	08:55	Moon Substitution replaced by James
Allen Free Throw 1 of 2 Missed	08:55
Team Rebound	08:55
Allen Free Throw 2 of 2 (3 PTS)	08:55 [BOS 29-30]
Wallace Foul : Personal (1 PF)	08:39
	08:31	Williams Jump Shot: Missed Block: House (1 BLK)
Allen Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)	08:28
Daniels Layup Shot: Missed Block: Parker (1 BLK)	08:26
	08:24	James Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)
Williams Foul : Shooting (2 PF)	08:10
	08:10 [CLE 31-29]	Varejao Free Throw 1 of 2 (5 PTS)
	08:10 [CLE 32-29]	Varejao Free Throw 2 of 2 (6 PTS)
Wallace 3pt Shot: Made (6 PTS) Assist: Allen (1 AST)	07:49 [BOS 32-32]
	07:25 [CLE 34-32]	Varejao Jump Shot: Made (8 PTS) Assist: Williams (3 AST)
Daniels Layup Shot: Made (4 PTS) Assist: Allen (2 AST)	06:59 [BOS 34-34]
Wallace Foul : Personal (2 PF)	06:45
	06:45	Williams Substitution replaced by Gibson
	06:45	Ilgauskas Substitution replaced by O'Neal
	06:34	Parker Jump Shot: Missed
Williams Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)	06:33
Jump Ball Varejao vs Williams (House gains possession)	06:26
Daniels Jump Shot: Missed	06:10
	06:09	Parker Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)
Daniels Foul : Personal (1 PF)	06:06
Williams Substitution replaced by Perkins	06:06
House Substitution replaced by Pierce	06:06
	06:06 [CLE 35-34]	James Free Throw 1 of 2 (10 PTS)
	06:06 [CLE 36-34]	James Free Throw 2 of 2 (11 PTS)
Allen Driving Layup Shot: Made (5 PTS)	05:41 [BOS 36-36]
	05:18 [CLE 38-36]	James Layup Shot: Made (13 PTS)
Pierce 3pt Shot: Made (9 PTS) Assist: Perkins (1 AST)	04:55 [BOS 39-38]
	04:38	O'Neal Jump Shot: Missed
Pierce Rebound (Off:0 Def:3)	04:36
	04:31	Gibson Foul : Shooting (1 PF)
	04:31	Team Timeout : Regular
	04:31	Gibson Substitution replaced by Moon
Wallace Substitution replaced by Garnett	04:31
Daniels Substitution replaced by Rondo	04:31
Pierce Free Throw 1 of 2 (10 PTS)	04:31 [BOS 40-38]
Pierce Free Throw 2 of 2 (11 PTS)	04:31 [BOS 41-38]
	04:15 [CLE 40-41]	Moon Alley Oop Dunk Shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: James (3 AST)
Pierce 3pt Shot: Missed	03:56
	03:55	O'Neal Rebound (Off:0 Def:5)
	03:29	James 3pt Shot: Missed
	03:27	Varejao Rebound (Off:3 Def:2)
	03:21 [CLE 42-41]	O'Neal Layup Shot: Made (8 PTS) Assist: James (4 AST)
Allen Jump Shot: Missed	03:08
	03:07	O'Neal Rebound (Off:0 Def:6)
	02:45	O'Neal Hook Shot: Missed
Rondo Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	02:41
Allen 3pt Shot: Made (8 PTS) Assist: Rondo (5 AST)	02:37 [BOS 44-42]
	02:24 [CLE 44-44]	Parker Floating Jump shot: Made (7 PTS) Assist: James (5 AST)
Perkins Foul : Offensive (1 PF)	02:11
Perkins Turnover : Foul (1 TO)	02:11
Team Timeout : Regular	02:11
	02:11	Moon Substitution replaced by Williams
Pierce Foul : Personal (2 PF)	01:48
	01:48 [CLE 45-44]	James Free Throw 1 of 2 (14 PTS)
	01:48	James Free Throw 2 of 2 Missed
Pierce Rebound (Off:0 Def:4)	01:47
Perkins Jump Shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: Garnett (1 AST)	01:30 [BOS 46-45]
	01:06	Parker Jump Bank Shot: Missed
	01:04	Varejao Rebound (Off:4 Def:2)
	01:04	Varejao Tip Shot: Missed
Perkins Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	01:01
Allen 3pt Shot: Made (11 PTS) Assist: Rondo (6 AST)	01:00 [BOS 49-45]
	00:44.9	Williams Substitution replaced by Moon
	00:35.2	Team Turnover : Shot Clock Turnover
Perkins Jump Shot: Missed	00:21.8
Pierce Rebound (Off:1 Def:4)	00:19.8
Team Timeout : Short	00:14.7
	00:14.7	O'Neal Substitution replaced by Gibson
Perkins Substitution replaced by House	00:14.7
Instant Replay - Overturn Ruling	00:14.7
	00:02.8	Moon Foul : Shooting (1 PF)
Garnett Technical	00:02.8
	00:02.8	Gibson Free Throw Technical Missed
Team Rebound	00:02.8
Pierce Free Throw 1 of 2 (12 PTS)	00:02.8 [BOS 50-45]
House Substitution replaced by Daniels	00:02.8
Pierce Free Throw 2 of 2 (13 PTS)	00:02.8 [BOS 51-45]
	00:00.0	Gibson 3pt Shot: Missed
	00:00.0	Team Rebound
End of 2nd Quarter
Boston Celtics (25-8)		Cleveland Cavaliers (27-10)
Start of 3rd QuarterBack to Top
Perkins Driving Layup Shot: Made (4 PTS) Assist: Allen (3 AST)	11:39 [BOS 53-45]
	11:15 [CLE 47-53]	James Jump Shot: Made (16 PTS) Assist: Parker (4 AST)
Perkins Jump Shot: Made (6 PTS) Assist: Rondo (7 AST)	10:56 [BOS 55-47]
	10:41	O'Neal Jump Hook Shot: Missed
Pierce Rebound (Off:1 Def:5)	10:40
	10:26	O'Neal Foul : Shooting (2 PF)
Garnett Free Throw 1 of 2 (5 PTS)	10:26 [BOS 56-47]
Garnett Free Throw 2 of 2 (6 PTS)	10:26 [BOS 57-47]
	10:09	Williams Turnover : Bad Pass (1 TO) Steal:Pierce (1 ST)
	10:07	Varejao Foul : Personal (2 PF)
Rondo Reverse Layup Shot: Made (6 PTS)	09:57 [BOS 59-47]
	09:33	James Jump Shot: Missed
Team Rebound	09:32
	09:32	Varejao Foul : Loose Ball (3 PF)
Garnett Jump Shot: Made (8 PTS) Assist: Rondo (8 AST)	09:21 [BOS 61-47]
	09:20	Team Timeout : Regular
	09:04	James Turnover : Bad Pass (2 TO) Steal:Allen (2 ST)
Allen Layup Shot: Missed Block: Varejao (1 BLK)	08:55
	08:53	O'Neal Rebound (Off:0 Def:7)
	08:41	O'Neal Jump Hook Shot: Missed
Garnett Rebound (Off:1 Def:3)	08:36
	08:26	O'Neal Foul : Defense 3 Second (2 PF)
Allen Free Throw Technical (12 PTS)	08:26 [BOS 62-47]
	08:20	Williams Foul : Personal (3 PF)
Pierce 3pt Shot: Missed	08:05
Team Rebound	08:05
Team Turnover : Shot Clock Turnover	08:05
	07:44 [CLE 49-62]	O'Neal Dunk Shot: Made (10 PTS) Assist: James (6 AST)
Allen Turnover : Bad Pass (2 TO) Steal:Varejao (1 ST)	07:22
	07:08	James 3pt Shot: Missed
	07:06	Varejao Rebound (Off:5 Def:2)
	07:05	James Turnover : Bad Pass (3 TO) Steal:Allen (3 ST)
Perkins Turnover : Bad Pass (2 TO) Steal:Varejao (2 ST)	06:48
	06:38 [CLE 52-62]	Parker 3pt Shot: Made (10 PTS) Assist: James (7 AST)
Team Timeout : Regular	06:37
Pierce Foul : Offensive (3 PF)	06:29
Pierce Turnover : Foul (2 TO)	06:29
	06:09	Parker Jump Shot: Missed
Rondo Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)	06:08
	06:05	James Foul : Shooting (1 PF)
Allen Free Throw 1 of 2 (13 PTS)	06:05 [BOS 63-52]
Allen Free Throw 2 of 2 (14 PTS)	06:05 [BOS 64-52]
	05:50	Parker Turnover : Bad Pass (2 TO) Steal:Rondo (2 ST)
Rondo Layup Shot: Made (8 PTS)	05:44 [BOS 66-52]
Allen Foul : Shooting (2 PF)	05:29
	05:29	O'Neal Substitution replaced by Ilgauskas
	05:29 [CLE 53-66]	Williams Free Throw 1 of 2 (5 PTS)
	05:29 [CLE 54-66]	Williams Free Throw 2 of 2 (6 PTS)
Allen Jump Shot: Missed	05:16
Garnett Rebound (Off:2 Def:3)	05:15
Rondo Jump Shot: Missed	04:56
	04:55	Ilgauskas Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)
	04:39	Parker 3pt Shot: Missed
Pierce Rebound (Off:1 Def:6)	04:37
Perkins Foul : Offensive (2 PF)	04:34
Perkins Turnover : Foul (3 TO)	04:34
	04:22 [CLE 56-66]	Williams Running Bank shot: Made (8 PTS)
Garnett Turnaround Jump Shot: Made (10 PTS) Assist: Rondo (9 AST)	04:05 [BOS 68-56]
Rondo Foul : Personal (2 PF)	03:41
Perkins Substitution replaced by Wallace	03:41
	03:26	Varejao Running Jump Shot: Missed
Pierce Rebound (Off:1 Def:7)	03:24
Allen 3pt Shot: Missed	03:20
	03:20	Team Rebound
	03:09 [CLE 58-68]	Williams Running Jump Shot: Made (10 PTS)
Pierce 3pt Shot: Missed	02:52
Rondo Rebound (Off:1 Def:2)	02:51
Allen Jump Shot: Made (16 PTS) Assist: Rondo (10 AST)	02:43 [BOS 70-58]
	02:26	Varejao Layup Shot: Missed Block: Wallace (2 BLK)
Garnett Rebound (Off:2 Def:4)	02:24
Allen Layup Shot: Missed Block: James (4 BLK)	02:20
	02:18	Parker Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)
	02:05 [CLE 61-70]	James 3pt Shot: Made (19 PTS)
	02:01	Varejao Foul : Shooting (4 PF)
Garnett Free Throw 1 of 2 Missed	02:01
Team Rebound	02:01
	02:01	Varejao Substitution replaced by Hickson
Allen Substitution replaced by Daniels	02:01
Garnett Free Throw 2 of 2 (11 PTS)	02:01 [BOS 71-61]
Rondo Foul : Personal (3 PF)	01:55
Rondo Substitution replaced by House	01:55
	01:55	Parker Substitution replaced by Moon
	01:42	Williams 3pt Shot: Missed
Garnett Rebound (Off:2 Def:5)	01:41
Wallace Jump Shot: Missed	01:27
	01:26	Moon Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)
	01:20	Williams Turnover : Bad Pass (2 TO) Steal:Garnett (1 ST)
	01:08	Hickson Foul : Shooting (2 PF)
Garnett Substitution replaced by Williams	01:08
	01:08	Williams Substitution replaced by Gibson
Wallace Free Throw 1 of 2 Missed	01:08
Team Rebound	01:08
Wallace Free Throw 2 of 2 (7 PTS)	01:08 [BOS 72-61]
	00:52.4 [CLE 63-72]	James Driving Layup Shot: Made (21 PTS)
Wallace Foul : Shooting (3 PF)	00:52.4
	00:52.4	James Free Throw 1 of 1 Missed
Williams Rebound (Off:0 Def:3)	00:51.9
Williams Turnover : Lost Ball (1 TO) Steal:Hickson (1 ST)	00:32.9
House Foul : Shooting (1 PF)	00:29.7
	00:29.7 [CLE 64-72]	James Free Throw 1 of 2 (22 PTS)
Williams Substitution replaced by Rondo	00:29.7
Daniels Substitution replaced by Allen	00:29.7
	00:29.7	Hickson Substitution replaced by Parker
	00:29.7 [CLE 65-72]	James Free Throw 2 of 2 (23 PTS)
Wallace 3pt Shot: Missed	00:08.9
Team Rebound	00:07.9
House Substitution replaced by Williams	00:07.9
Williams Layup Shot: Missed Block: Parker (2 BLK)	00:05.9
Team Rebound	00:05.7
Team Turnover : Shot Clock Turnover	00:05.7
	00:00.0	James Layup Shot: Missed
	00:00.0	Team Rebound
End of 3rd Quarter
Boston Celtics (25-8)		Cleveland Cavaliers (27-10)
Start of 4th QuarterBack to Top
	11:40	Ilgauskas Jump Shot: Missed
Daniels Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	11:39
Wallace Jump Shot: Made (9 PTS) Assist: Daniels (2 AST)	11:22 [BOS 74-65]
Williams Foul : Personal (3 PF)	11:12
	11:12	Hickson Substitution replaced by Parker
	10:56 [CLE 67-74]	James Jump Shot: Made (25 PTS)
Daniels 3pt Shot: Made (7 PTS) Assist: House (1 AST)	10:37 [BOS 77-67]
	10:22	Williams 3pt Shot: Missed
	10:22	Ilgauskas Rebound (Off:1 Def:1)
Wallace Foul : Shooting (4 PF)	10:21
	10:21 [CLE 68-77]	Ilgauskas Free Throw 1 of 2 (1 PTS)
	10:21 [CLE 69-77]	Ilgauskas Free Throw 2 of 2 (2 PTS)
Wallace 3pt Shot: Made (12 PTS) Assist: House (2 AST)	10:03 [BOS 80-69]
	09:35 [CLE 71-80]	Ilgauskas Jump Shot: Made (4 PTS) Assist: James (8 AST)
House Turnover : Bad Pass (1 TO)	09:20
	09:20	Moon Substitution replaced by O'Neal
	08:58	Parker Running Jump Shot: Missed
Wallace Rebound (Off:0 Def:3)	08:57
House 3pt Shot: Missed	08:42
Team Rebound	08:42
Timeout : Official	08:42
	08:42	Williams Substitution replaced by Gibson
Williams Substitution replaced by Perkins	08:42
	08:36	James Foul : Personal (2 PF)
Allen Jump Shot: Missed	08:29
	08:28	Ilgauskas Rebound (Off:1 Def:2)
Perkins Foul : Shooting (3 PF)	08:14
Wallace Substitution replaced by Garnett	08:14
House Substitution replaced by Rondo	08:14
	08:14 [CLE 72-80]	James Free Throw 1 of 2 (26 PTS)
	08:14 [CLE 73-80]	James Free Throw 2 of 2 (27 PTS)
	08:03	Ilgauskas Foul : Personal (2 PF)
Daniels Substitution replaced by Pierce	08:03
Pierce Jump Shot: Missed	07:48
	07:46	James Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)
Garnett Foul : Personal (1 PF)	07:37
	07:25	James Layup Shot: Missed Block: Garnett (3 BLK)
	07:25	Team Rebound
	07:25	Gibson Turnover : Bad Pass (1 TO)
Perkins Jump Shot: Missed	07:03
	07:02	Ilgauskas Rebound (Off:1 Def:3)
Garnett Foul : Personal (2 PF)	06:51
	06:51 [CLE 74-80]	Ilgauskas Free Throw 1 of 2 (5 PTS)
	06:51	Gibson Substitution replaced by Williams
	06:51 [CLE 75-80]	Ilgauskas Free Throw 2 of 2 (6 PTS)
Rondo Jump Shot: Missed	06:40
	06:39	James Rebound (Off:0 Def:3)
	06:27	O'Neal Layup Shot: Missed Block: Perkins (1 BLK)
Rondo Rebound (Off:1 Def:3)	06:24
Garnett Slam Dunk Shot: Missed	06:18
Garnett Rebound (Off:3 Def:5)	06:12
Garnett Jump Shot: Missed	06:12
	06:10	James Rebound (Off:0 Def:4)
	06:06	James Foul : Offensive (3 PF)
	06:06	James Turnover : Foul (4 TO)
	05:52	James Foul : Personal (4 PF)
	05:52	Team Timeout : Regular
Allen Jump Shot: Missed	05:45
	05:44	Team Rebound
Pierce Foul : Loose Ball (4 PF)	05:44
	05:44	James Free Throw 1 of 2 Missed
	05:44	Team Rebound
	05:44 [CLE 76-80]	James Free Throw 2 of 2 (28 PTS)
Perkins Layup Shot: Made (8 PTS) Assist: Pierce (1 AST)	05:32 [BOS 82-76]
	05:32	Williams Foul : Shooting (4 PF)
Perkins Free Throw 1 of 1 (9 PTS)	05:32 [BOS 83-76]
	05:17	O'Neal Jump Hook Shot: Missed
Pierce Rebound (Off:1 Def:8)	05:12
Garnett Jump Shot: Missed	05:02
	05:01	Ilgauskas Rebound (Off:1 Def:4)
	04:50 [CLE 79-83]	James 3pt Shot: Made (31 PTS)
Perkins Jump Shot: Missed	04:23
	04:22	Parker Rebound (Off:0 Def:3)
	04:16	James Turnover : Palming Turnover (5 TO)
Team Timeout : Regular	04:16
Perkins Substitution replaced by Wallace	04:16
Pierce Jump Shot: Made (15 PTS)	04:03 [BOS 85-79]
Garnett Foul : Shooting (3 PF)	03:42
	03:42	O'Neal Free Throw 1 of 2 Missed
	03:42	Team Rebound
	03:42	O'Neal Free Throw 2 of 2 Missed
Garnett Rebound (Off:3 Def:6)	03:41
Wallace 3pt Shot: Missed	03:27
	03:26	O'Neal Rebound (Off:0 Def:8)
	03:15	Pierce Violation:Kicked Ball
	03:15	Ilgauskas Substitution replaced by Varejao
	03:02	Parker Jump Shot: Missed
Pierce Rebound (Off:1 Def:9)	03:00
Garnett Turnaround Bank shot: Made (13 PTS)	02:43 [BOS 87-79]
Rondo Foul : Personal (4 PF)	02:30
	02:30 [CLE 80-87]	Williams Free Throw 1 of 2 (11 PTS)
	02:30 [CLE 81-87]	Williams Free Throw 2 of 2 (12 PTS)
Garnett Turnover : Bad Pass (1 TO) Steal:James (1 ST)	02:11
Pierce Foul : Shooting (5 PF)	02:08
	02:08 [CLE 82-87]	James Free Throw 1 of 2 (32 PTS)
	02:08 [CLE 83-87]	James Free Throw 2 of 2 (33 PTS)
Wallace 3pt Shot: Missed	01:52
	01:51	O'Neal Rebound (Off:0 Def:9)
	01:49	O'Neal Turnover : Lost Ball (1 TO) Steal:Rondo (3 ST)
Allen 3pt Shot: Missed	01:45
Rondo Rebound (Off:2 Def:3)	01:44
Rondo Putback Layup Shot: Missed	01:42
	01:36	O'Neal Rebound (Off:0 Def:10)
	01:17	James 3pt Shot: Missed
Pierce Rebound (Off:1 Def:10)	01:16
Pierce Jump Shot: Made (17 PTS)	01:03 [BOS 89-83]
	01:03	Team Timeout : Regular
Pierce Substitution replaced by Daniels	01:03
	00:53.4	Parker Turnover : Out of Bounds Lost Ball Turnover (3 TO)
Team Timeout : Regular	00:53.4
Daniels Substitution replaced by Pierce	00:53.4
	00:53.4	O'Neal Substitution replaced by Moon
Pierce Jump Shot: Made (19 PTS)	00:30.8 [BOS 91-83]
Wallace Foul : Shooting (5 PF)	00:25.8
	00:25.8 [CLE 84-91]	Varejao Free Throw 1 of 2 (9 PTS)
	00:25.8	Varejao Free Throw 2 of 2 Missed
Garnett Rebound (Off:3 Def:7)	00:23.9
Allen Turnover : Lost Ball (3 TO) Steal:James (2 ST)	00:18.9
	00:15.9 [CLE 86-91]	James Dunk Shot: Made (35 PTS)
	00:15.6	Varejao Foul : Personal (5 PF)
Pierce Free Throw 1 of 2 (20 PTS)	00:15.6 [BOS 92-86]
	00:15.6	Williams Substitution replaced by O'Neal
Pierce Free Throw 2 of 2 (21 PTS)	00:15.6 [BOS 93-86]
	00:15.6	Team Timeout : Short
Wallace Substitution replaced by Daniels	00:15.6
	00:15.6	Varejao Substitution replaced by Gibson
	00:15.6	O'Neal Substitution replaced by Ilgauskas
	00:15.6	Moon Substitution replaced by Williams
	00:12.9 [CLE 89-93]	James 3pt Shot: Made (38 PTS)
	00:11.3	Gibson Foul : Personal (2 PF)
Pierce Free Throw 1 of 2 (22 PTS)	00:11.3 [BOS 94-89]
Pierce Free Throw 2 of 2 (23 PTS)	00:11.3 [BOS 95-89]
	00:04.8	James 3pt Shot: Missed
Rondo Rebound (Off:2 Def:4)	00:03.6
End of 4th Quarter

broadcast information
country		channel			time
usa			TNT	National	Final
canada		--	TSN2	national	Final