Celtics-Cavaliers Preview

By SANTOSH VENKATARAMAN
Posted Oct 27 2010 12:40AM

The Cleveland Cavaliers' season ended in bitter disappointment when the Boston Celtics knocked them out of the playoffs in May. That setback paled in comparison to the blow absorbed two months later when LeBron James made "The Decision" to leave his home state to join Miami.

The Cavaliers are no longer one of the league's marquee teams and may be hard-pressed to even make the playoffs as they begin to pick up the pieces following the departure of James in their season opener Wednesday night at home against the Celtics.

The date of July 8, 2010, will forever be remembered in Cleveland (0-0) after James - an Akron native who became an iconic figure in Ohio after being drafted first overall by the Cavaliers in 2003 - used a nationally-televised, prime-time special to utter the infamous words that he was "taking his talents to South Beach" to try to earn his first NBA title with the Heat.

The loss of James capped a tumultuous offseason in which popular coach Mike Brown was fired and general manager Danny Ferry opted to leave the organization.

The moves were thought to be orchestrated by owner Dan Gilbert in an effort to re-sign James. Gilbert was rebuffed by Michigan State coach Tom Izzo, and eventually hired former Nets and Hornets coach Byron Scott on July 2.

When the two-time MVP departed six days later, Gilbert lashed out in an open letter to Cavaliers fans, guaranteeing that Cleveland will win a championship before "the self-titled former 'king' wins one." A local radio host hired a witch doctor Tuesday to try to jinx James and his attempt to win a title elsewhere.

Cleveland won the most games in the NBA the previous two seasons (127), but never reached the stated goal of winning the franchise's first title. The expectations are far lower now.

"I love the underdog theory," Scott said. "Being a guy who came in and was put in the same situation, I can relate to it. I know it's a very motivating factor for a lot of players.

"As much as possible, I'm going to keep bringing it up. I don't want them to forget what people are saying and writing about them. If that's the thing to keep them motivated and playing at a high level, I'll say it every single day."

There are solid players left for Scott, albeit no superstars. Former All-Stars Mo Williams and Antawn Jamison join center Anderson Varejao and improving third-year forward J.J. Hickson to form the core.

Williams - the leading returning scorer at 15.8 points per game - is questionable for the opener after missing most of the preseason with a groin injury.

"So yes, it was a time where I felt their same pain," said Williams about losing James. "But at the same time, when you get here and get around this organization and the new team and Byron and the new coaches, you feel excited."

A less notable departure for Cleveland was the loss of Shaquille O'Neal to Boston (1-0). The declining 38-year-old center had a minimal impact in his lone season with the Cavaliers in 2009-10, and signed a two-year offseason deal with the Celtics.

O'Neal and Boston got the NBA's first look at James in an 88-80 victory over Miami in the ballyhooed league season opener Tuesday. While James scored 31 points, the Celtics held Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh to a combined 21 and limited the Heat to 36.5 percent shooting.

Rajon Rondo, who averaged 20.7 points and 11.8 assists in last season's playoff series against the Cavaliers, handed out 17 assists. Ray Allen scored 20 points, and O'Neal was limited to nine and seven boards in 18 foul-plagued minutes in his Celtics debut.

Copyright 2010 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

Cavs shock Celtics in 1st game without LeBron

By TOM WITHERS
Posted Oct 27 2010 11:45PM

CLEVELAND (AP) For one night, losing LeBron didn't hurt so bad.

After nearly four months of emptiness, anger and worry, the Cleveland Cavaliers returned to the floor and realized they can still win.

Maybe they're going to be OK after all.

Playing their first game in seven years without LeBron James, the Cavaliers stunned the Boston Celtics 95-87 in their season opener Wednesday night, a win that gave heartbroken Cleveland fans reason to believe that life will be fine minus the two-time MVP.

"This was for the city," forward Antawn Jamison said. "It was for the fans to let them know the Cavs will survive and this is a place where you can still watch good basketball. And most of all, you can watch a team that wins."

J.J. Hickson scored 21 points, Daniel Gibson added 16 - all in the second half - and the Cavaliers made several big, clutch plays in the closing minutes to hold off the Celtics, who defeated James and the Miami Heat on Tuesday night.

Rajon Rondo scored 18, Paul Pierce 13, Ray Allen 12 and Kevin Garnett had 15 rebounds for Boston, which led by 11 points in the third quarter but shot only 6 of 16 and was outscored 27-14 in the fourth.

"We took them a little bit too lightly," said Shaquille O'Neal, who spent last season with Cleveland.

Gibson, who missed his first eight shots, made four free throws in the final 17.2 seconds for Cleveland, dealt a devastating blow in July when James announced he was leaving as a free agent. The loss rocked a city that hasn't celebrated a pro sports championship since 1964 and triggered predictions the Cavaliers would slide back among the NBA's bottom dwellers.

Not just yet.

"Guys in this locker room believe," said Jamison, who joined the Cavs last season thinking he could win a title with James. "We've been listening to what people are predicting for us. We're going to let our game do the talking. It's probably going to take a month or so for people to realize, 'Hey, this is a team that can win and compete for the playoffs."'

As the final seconds ticked off, Cleveland fans jumped for joy, owner Dan Gilbert pumped his fist and hugged those sitting near him, first-year coach Byron Scott smiled and confetti fell from the ceiling of Quicken Loans Arena like it did so many times while James was around.

All night, the Q quaked.

"It felt like Game 7 of the finals," said Cavs guard Ramon Sessions, who scored 14 and started in place of injured Mo Williams. "I've never been to the finals, but that was the type of atmosphere here."

With the score tied 86-all, Cleveland's Anthony Parker drilled a 3-pointer with one tick left on the 24-second shot clock. Boston got a tip-in from Glen Davis, and during a timeout, the officials reviewed Parker's shot and determined it was in fact a 3.

Celtics coach Doc Rivers disagreed, shaking his head and saying "No way." Rivers didn't think Parker got the shot off in time, and it did appear to take him several seconds to gather himself and shoot.

"That was the longest second in NBA history," Rivers cracked. "I wasn't going to argue. Somebody didn't push that button quick enough."

Scott wasn't complaining.

"We're at home," he joked. "It's supposed to be a long second."

The Cavs played without Williams, still working his way back from a groin injury before camp training camp opened.

Things have changed dramatically since the teams met in the playoffs last season. James is with Miami; former Cavs coach Mike Brown is looking for work after being fired; O'Neal and Delonte West swapped wine-and-gold jerseys for green-and-white ones, and Scott returned to coaching after a spin as a TV analyst.

There wasn't a trace of James inside an arena he helped put on the NBA's map. Earlier in the day on a building outside, a giant black-and-white banner depicting Cleveland's skyline was hung in the exact spot where James' iconic image once towered.

No. 23 is gone, but hardly forgotten. He'll be back on Dec. 2 - now wearing No. 6 - and Cleveland is waiting.

While walking around the city, Rivers received congratulatory handshakes from Cavs fans who thanked him for beating James.

"I got lots of them," Rivers said, laughing. "I thought it was pretty funny."

Afterward, Rivers felt even more love.

"We're the most popular team in Cleveland right now, beating Miami and losing to the Cavs," said Rivers, who praised the Cavs. "That's what the Cleveland fans want to see. This is blue-collar town. This team will fit them very well."

Before the game, Gilbert said he did not regret criticizing James in the hours after the superstar announced he was leaving as a free agent. Gilbert sent a scathing letter to Cleveland fans, calling James "narcissistic" and "cowardly." Later that night, James told The Associated Press that he felt James quit on the Cavs in Game 5 last season against the Celtics.

Gilbert didn't back off from any of his remarks, and believes the Cavs remain a playoff team without James.

"Not a lot of teams have the quality of Antawn Jamison and Daniel Gibson coming off the bench," he said. "When you think of it in that sense, and having the kind of quality coach we have, anything can happen."

It already has.

NOTES: Like many, O'Neal was shocked when James said he was joining the Heat. "I was baby-sitting at the time," he said. "I thought it was a joke. I thought he was coming back, but I got an e-mail saying he went to Miami and I was like, 'stop lying."' ... Aerosmith front man, longtime Celtics fan and new "American Idol" judge Steve Tyler sat courtside with the band's drummer Joey Kramer, who was misidentified as bassist Tom Hamilton on the arena's scoreboard. ... Varejao mimicked one of James' signature chase-down blocks by running down Allen from behind and swatting his layup into the stands. ... The Cavs have won nine of 10 over Boston at home in the past five seasons.

Copyright 2010 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-Cavs notebook

By Sam Amico, for NBA.com
Posted Wednesday October 27, 2010 11:15PM

THE FACTS: Led by J.J. Hickson (21 points, 8-for-11 shooting), Cleveland opened the post-LeBron James era by doing something it couldn't do last season with James: Defeat Boston in the season opener at home. Final score: Cavaliers 95, Celtics 87 in front of a sellout crowd Wednesday at Quicken Loans Arena.

QUOTABLE: "I'm very proud of our guys because there were times in this game, the third quarter especially, that we got down by double digits and could have mailed it in, but they didn't. They are starting to trust each other big time." -- Byron Scott

THE STAT: Veteran forward Antawn Jamison scored just four points off the bench for the Cavs, but they may have been the biggest four of the night. They came with about 8:00 left in the game and the Cavs trailing 79-78. But by the time Jamison finished burying his back-to-back flip shots in the lane, it gave the Cavs a three-point lead and tons of momentum.

TURNING POINT: With 2:29 left and the Cavs clinging to a 86-84 lead with one second left on the shot clock., Scott called a timeout and drew up a play. Cavs guard Anthony Parker caught the ball, seemed to hesitate a little, then let a 3-pointer fly from near the top of the key. It went in, and after further review by the officials, it was ruled Parker got the shot off in time. "Longest second in NBA history," said disappointed Celtics coach Doc Rivers.

QUOTABLE II: "I think they value that their true strength is playing together. They don't have that one or two go-to guys, but they do play well together. When you don't match that, you find yourself in difficulty." -- Kevin Garnett

HOT: Cavs guard Ramon Sessions and center Ryan Hollins, both acquired in an offseason trade involving Delonte West (now with the Celtics), played key roles in the win. Sessions started in place of Mo Williams (hamstring) and scored 14 points, while Hollins came off the bench to score 10 on 4-for-6 shooting.

NOT: After a strong showing in the season opener against Miami, Celtics guard Ray Allen struggled to discover his stroke. Allen did many of the little things well, but went 4-for-13 and scored 12 points.

FANTASY SPOTLIGHT: Celtics forward Glen Davis scored 14 points and grabbed five boards in 32 minutes. Davis is likely to continue to get that type of playing time behind older veterans Shaquille O'Neal (38 years old) and Garnett (34).

INSIDE THE ARENA: James' departure led many to believe Cleveland crowds would no longer possess the occasional celebrity. But that wasn't the case Wednesday, when flamboyant Aerosmith front man Steven Tyler sat near the Celtics' bench. Tyler and his bandmates hail from Boston.

GOOD MOVE: Scott decided to stick with reserve guard Daniel Gibson (16 points), despite the fact Gibson missed his first eight shots. But then he made four of his final six to play a crucial role in the second half.

NOTABLE: The Cavs' reserves scored 34 points, including a stretch of 20 straight that spanned the late third and early fourth quarters. Also, Gibson scored 11 of his 16 in the fourth.

UP NEXT: For the Cavaliers, Friday @ Toronto, Saturday vs. Sacramento, Tuesday vs. Atlanta. For the Celtics, Friday vs. New York, Tuesday @ Detroit, Wednesday vs. Milwaukee.

• Celtics: Bradley, Harangody, Perkins
• Cavaliers: Eyenga, Samuels, Williams

• Celtics: O'Neal, Robinson
• Cavaliers: --

• Lead Changes: 10
• Times Tied: 10

• Arena: Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland, OH
• Officials: #26 Bob Delaney, #38 Michael Smith, #66 Haywoode Workman
• Attendance: 20562
• Duration: 2:28

Boston Celtics (1-1)		Cleveland Cavaliers (1-0)
Start of 1st Quarter
(12:00) Jump Ball Varejao vs O'Neal (Hickson gains possession)
Pierce Foul : Shooting (1 PF)	11:41
	11:41 [CLE 1-0]	Hickson Free Throw 1 of 2 (1 PTS)
	11:41 [CLE 2-0]	Hickson Free Throw 2 of 2 (2 PTS)
Rondo Driving Layup Shot: Made (2 PTS)	11:29 [BOS 2-2]
	11:14	Parker Jump Shot: Missed
O'Neal Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	11:13
Pierce Jump Shot: Missed Block: Moon (1 BLK)	10:59
	10:56	Varejao Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)
	10:50	Sessions Jump Shot: Missed
Pierce Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	10:48
O'Neal Layup Shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: Pierce (1 AST)	10:43 [BOS 4-2]
	10:25 [CLE 4-4]	Hickson Jump Shot: Made (4 PTS) Assist: Parker (1 AST)
	10:04	Varejao Foul : Shooting (1 PF)
O'Neal Free Throw 1 of 2 Missed	10:04
Team Rebound	10:04
	10:04	Varejao Violation:Lane
O'Neal Free Throw 2 of 2 (3 PTS)	10:04 [BOS 5-4]
	09:59	Team Timeout : Short
	09:47 [CLE 6-5]	Hickson Jump Shot: Made (6 PTS) Assist: Varejao (1 AST)
O'Neal Turnover : 3 Second Violation (1 TO)	09:28
Rondo Foul : Personal (1 PF)	09:09
	09:02	Hickson Jump Shot: Missed Block: Garnett (1 BLK)
	09:02	Team Rebound
	08:58	Hickson Jump Shot: Missed
	08:57	Moon Rebound (Off:1 Def:0)
	08:57 [CLE 8-5]	Moon Putback Layup Shot: Made (2 PTS)
Garnett Turnover : Traveling (1 TO)	08:38
	08:23	Varejao Turnover : Bad Pass (1 TO) Steal:Rondo (1 ST)
Garnett Reverse Layup Shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: O'Neal (1 AST)	08:05 [BOS 7-8]
O'Neal Foul : Shooting (1 PF)	07:49
	07:49 [CLE 9-7]	Sessions Free Throw 1 of 2 (1 PTS)
	07:49 [CLE 10-7]	Sessions Free Throw 2 of 2 (2 PTS)
Garnett Jump Shot: Made (4 PTS) Assist: Rondo (1 AST)	07:32 [BOS 9-10]
	07:19	Moon Jump Shot: Missed
Garnett Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	07:18
Allen Jump Shot: Missed	07:04
	07:03	Hickson Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)
	06:42 [CLE 12-9]	Hickson Running Hook Shot: Made (8 PTS) Assist: Sessions (1 AST)
Garnett Driving Dunk Shot: Made (6 PTS) Assist: Allen (1 AST)	06:15 [BOS 11-12]
	06:01 [CLE 14-11]	Hickson Slam Dunk Shot: Made (10 PTS) Assist: Parker (2 AST)
O'Neal Layup Shot: Made (5 PTS) Assist: Pierce (2 AST)	05:37 [BOS 13-14]
	05:26	Sessions Floating Jump shot: Missed
	05:26	Team Rebound
Pierce Foul : Loose Ball (2 PF)	05:26
	05:26	Team Timeout : Regular
	05:26	Sessions Substitution replaced by Gibson
Pierce Substitution replaced by Daniels	05:26
O'Neal Substitution replaced by Davis	05:26
	05:16 [CLE 16-13]	Parker Jump Shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: Gibson (1 AST)
Davis Jump Shot: Missed	04:52
	04:51	Gibson Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)
	04:41	Parker Turnover : Bad Pass (1 TO) Steal:Rondo (2 ST)
	04:29	Hickson Foul : Defense 3 Second (0 PF)
	04:29	Hickson Substitution replaced by Jamison
	04:29	Varejao Substitution replaced by Hollins
Allen Free Throw Technical (1 PTS)	04:29 [BOS 14-16]
Garnett Foul : Offensive (1 PF)	04:24
Garnett Turnover : Foul (2 TO)	04:24
	04:08	Hollins Jump Shot: Missed
Garnett Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)	04:07
	03:56	Hollins Foul : Personal Block (1 PF)
Rondo 3pt Shot: Made (5 PTS) Assist: Daniels (1 AST)	03:44 [BOS 17-16]
	03:22	Parker Jump Shot: Missed
Garnett Rebound (Off:0 Def:3)	03:18
	03:13	Gibson Foul : Personal (1 PF)
Garnett Substitution replaced by O'Neal	03:13
O'Neal Jump Shot: Missed	02:56
	02:55	Jamison Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)
	02:50	Gibson 3pt Shot: Missed
Rondo Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	02:47
Davis Turnaround Jump Shot: Made (2 PTS)	02:31 [BOS 19-16]
	02:13	Gibson Driving Layup Shot: Missed
	02:12	Hollins Rebound (Off:1 Def:0)
	02:12 [CLE 18-19]	Hollins Putback Layup Shot: Made (2 PTS)
Rondo Layup Shot: Made (7 PTS)	01:52 [BOS 21-18]
	01:42 [CLE 20-21]	Hollins Jump Shot: Made (4 PTS) Assist: Gibson (2 AST)
O'Neal Foul : Shooting (1 PF)	01:42
Team Timeout : Regular	01:42
Allen Substitution replaced by Wafer	01:42
	01:42 [CLE 21-21]	Hollins Free Throw 1 of 1 (5 PTS)
Rondo Jump Shot: Made (9 PTS)	01:21 [BOS 23-21]
	00:58.9	Parker Jump Shot: Missed
	00:56.8	Hollins Rebound (Off:2 Def:0)
	00:53.9	Gibson 3pt Shot: Missed
Davis Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	00:51.9
Rondo Turnover : Traveling (1 TO)	00:30.4
	00:09.7	Gibson Foul : Offensive Charge (2 PF)
	00:09.7	Gibson Turnover : Foul (1 TO)
Daniels Substitution replaced by Robinson	00:09.7
O'Neal Substitution replaced by Allen	00:09.7
	00:05.4	Parker Foul : Personal Take (1 PF)
	00:00.0
End of 1st Quarter
Boston Celtics (1-1)		Cleveland Cavaliers (1-0)
Start of 2nd QuarterBack to Top
	11:44	Jamison Foul : Personal (1 PF)
Robinson Step Back Jump shot: Missed	11:30
	11:28	Jamison Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)
	11:22	Williams Jump Shot: Missed
	11:21	Team Rebound
Wafer Foul : Loose Ball (1 PF)	11:21
	11:14	Williams Turnover : Lost Ball (1 TO) Steal:Daniels (1 ST)
	11:14	Hollins Foul : Shooting (2 PF)
Robinson Free Throw 1 of 2 Missed	11:14
Team Rebound	11:14
Robinson Free Throw 2 of 2 (1 PTS)	11:14 [BOS 24-21]
O'Neal Foul : Personal (2 PF)	10:56
	10:51	Sessions Jump Shot: Missed
	10:51	Team Rebound
Davis Foul : Loose Ball (1 PF)	10:51
	10:41 [CLE 23-24]	Sessions Driving Layup Shot: Made (4 PTS)
Davis Layup Shot: Made (4 PTS) Assist: Daniels (2 AST)	10:21 [BOS 26-23]
	10:15	Gibson Jump Shot: Missed
Davis Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)	10:14
O'Neal Foul : Offensive Charge (3 PF)	10:09
O'Neal Turnover : Foul (1 TO)	10:09
	10:09	Hollins Substitution replaced by Varejao
O'Neal Substitution replaced by O'Neal	10:09
	09:57	Sessions Turnover : Traveling (1 TO)
Daniels Jump Shot: Made (2 PTS)	09:43 [BOS 28-23]
	09:26	Gibson 3pt Shot: Missed
Daniels Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	09:25
Wafer Turnover : Bad Pass (1 TO)	09:19
	09:07	Jamison Floating Jump shot: Missed
Robinson Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	09:05
	09:05	Williams Foul : Shooting (1 PF)
Robinson Free Throw 1 of 2 (2 PTS)	09:05 [BOS 29-23]
Robinson Free Throw 2 of 2 (3 PTS)	09:05 [BOS 30-23]
	08:35	Gibson Layup Shot: Missed
	08:34	Varejao Rebound (Off:1 Def:1)
	08:34 [CLE 25-30]	Varejao Tip Shot: Made (2 PTS)
Davis Jump Shot: Missed	08:24
	08:23	Varejao Rebound (Off:1 Def:2)
	08:16	Sessions Foul : Offensive Charge (1 PF)
	08:16	Sessions Turnover : Foul (2 TO)
	08:16
Wafer Substitution replaced by Pierce	08:16
	08:16	Jamison Substitution replaced by Hickson
Davis Step Back Jump shot: Made (6 PTS) Assist: Robinson (1 AST)	07:53 [BOS 32-25]
	07:39	Williams 3pt Shot: Missed
Daniels Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)	07:37
Daniels Turnover : Bad Pass (1 TO)	07:36
	07:15 [CLE 27-32]	Hickson Step Back Jump shot: Made (12 PTS) Assist: Sessions (2 AST)
Robinson Layup Shot: Missed	06:52
	06:51	Varejao Rebound (Off:1 Def:3)
	06:46	Gibson 3pt Shot: Missed
Robinson Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)	06:45
Robinson Layup Shot: Missed	06:39
	06:35	Varejao Rebound (Off:1 Def:4)
	06:31	Sessions Layup Shot: Missed
	06:30	Hickson Rebound (Off:1 Def:1)
	06:30 [CLE 29-32]	Hickson Putback Layup Shot: Made (14 PTS)
O'Neal Jump Shot: Missed	06:12
Davis Rebound (Off:1 Def:2)	06:10
Davis Tip Shot: Missed	06:10
	06:09	Varejao Rebound (Off:1 Def:5)
	05:57 [CLE 31-32]	Sessions Jump Shot: Made (6 PTS) Assist: Gibson (3 AST)
Team Timeout : Regular	05:50
Daniels Substitution replaced by Garnett	05:50
Davis Substitution replaced by Rondo	05:50
Robinson Substitution replaced by Allen	05:50
	05:50	Gibson Substitution replaced by Parker
Pierce Driving Layup Shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: O'Neal (2 AST)	05:44 [BOS 34-31]
	05:44	Williams Foul : Shooting (2 PF)
Pierce Free Throw 1 of 1 (3 PTS)	05:44 [BOS 35-31]
Allen Foul : Personal (1 PF)	05:29
	05:29	Williams Substitution replaced by Moon
	05:22 [CLE 34-35]	Parker 3pt Shot: Made (5 PTS)
Pierce Jump Shot: Missed	05:06
	05:05	Varejao Rebound (Off:1 Def:6)
	04:52 [CLE 37-35]	Moon 3pt Shot: Made (5 PTS) Assist: Varejao (2 AST)
Allen Jump Shot: Made (3 PTS) Assist: Rondo (2 AST)	04:39 [BOS 37-37]
	04:24 [CLE 39-37]	Sessions Floating Jump shot: Made (8 PTS)
O'Neal Foul : Shooting (2 PF)	04:24
	04:24	Sessions Free Throw 1 of 1 Missed
Garnett Rebound (Off:0 Def:4)	04:24
Allen Driving Layup Shot: Made (5 PTS) Assist: Rondo (3 AST)	04:14 [BOS 39-39]
O'Neal Foul : Shooting (3 PF)	03:57
	03:57	Parker Free Throw 1 of 2 Missed
	03:57	Team Rebound
O'Neal Substitution replaced by Davis	03:57
	03:57	Parker Free Throw 2 of 2 Missed
Garnett Rebound (Off:0 Def:5)	03:57
	03:56	Jump Ball Varejao vs Garnett (Pierce gains possession)
Rondo Layup Shot: Missed	03:50
	03:49	Sessions Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)
	03:43 [CLE 41-39]	Sessions Layup Shot: Made (10 PTS) Assist: Parker (3 AST)
Pierce Layup Shot: Made (5 PTS) Assist: Rondo (4 AST)	03:38 [BOS 41-41]
	03:38	Moon Foul : Shooting (1 PF)
Pierce Free Throw 1 of 1 (6 PTS)	03:38 [BOS 42-41]
	03:25	Sessions Turnover : Bad Pass (3 TO) Steal:Garnett (1 ST)
Allen 3pt Shot: Missed	03:18
Rondo Rebound (Off:1 Def:1)	03:16
Garnett Jump Shot: Missed	03:04
	03:03	Moon Rebound (Off:1 Def:1)
	02:48 [CLE 44-42]	Moon 3pt Shot: Made (8 PTS) Assist: Parker (4 AST)
Rondo Jump Shot: Missed	02:29
	02:28	Moon Rebound (Off:1 Def:2)
	02:13	Parker 3pt Shot: Missed
Garnett Rebound (Off:0 Def:6)	02:12
Pierce Turnover : Bad Pass (1 TO) Steal:Sessions (1 ST)	02:06
	01:59 [CLE 46-42]	Sessions Driving Layup Shot: Made (12 PTS)
	01:43	Hickson Foul : Personal (1 PF)
	01:43	Team Timeout : Regular
	01:43	Varejao Substitution replaced by Hollins
Garnett Free Throw 1 of 2 (7 PTS)	01:43 [BOS 43-46]
Garnett Free Throw 2 of 2 (8 PTS)	01:43 [BOS 44-46]
	01:30	Hollins Layup Shot: Missed
Team Rebound	01:30
Garnett Turnaround Jump Shot: Missed	01:16
Team Rebound	01:16
Garnett Turnover : Traveling (3 TO)	01:14
	01:02	Sessions Jump Shot: Missed
Garnett Rebound (Off:0 Def:7)	01:01
Rondo Turnover : Lost Ball (2 TO) Steal:Hollins (1 ST)	00:53.9
	00:45.9	Sessions Jump Shot: Missed
Allen Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	00:43.9
Davis Jump Hook Shot: Made (8 PTS)	00:30.9 [BOS 46-46]
	00:08.9	Moon 3pt Shot: Missed
Garnett Rebound (Off:0 Def:8)	00:07.9
	00:07.6	Hickson Foul : Personal (2 PF)
Garnett Free Throw 1 of 2 (9 PTS)	00:07.6 [BOS 47-46]
Pierce Substitution replaced by Daniels	00:07.6
Garnett Free Throw 2 of 2 Missed	00:07.6
	00:06.9	Hickson Rebound (Off:1 Def:2)
	00:00.0	Parker Jump Shot: Missed
	00:00.0	Team Rebound
End of 2nd Quarter
Boston Celtics (1-1)		Cleveland Cavaliers (1-0)
Start of 3rd QuarterBack to Top
O'Neal Dunk Shot: Made (7 PTS) Assist: Allen (2 AST)	11:41 [BOS 49-46]
	11:11 [CLE 48-49]	Varejao Driving Reverse Layup Shot: Made (4 PTS) Assist: Parker (5 AST)
Allen Floating Jump shot: Made (7 PTS) Assist: Rondo (5 AST)	10:56 [BOS 51-48]
Allen Foul : Personal (2 PF)	10:35
	10:29	Hickson Jump Shot: Missed
Garnett Rebound (Off:0 Def:9)	10:28
Rondo Turnover : Bad Pass (3 TO) Steal:Varejao (1 ST)	10:13
	10:05	Parker 3pt Shot: Missed
Allen Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)	10:03
Rondo Layup Shot: Made (11 PTS) Assist: Allen (3 AST)	10:00 [BOS 53-48]
	09:41	Parker Turnover : Bad Pass (2 TO) Steal:Garnett (2 ST)
Allen Jump Shot: Missed Block: Varejao (1 BLK)	09:35
Team Rebound	09:35
Allen 3pt Shot: Missed	09:30
Garnett Rebound (Off:1 Def:9)	09:28
Garnett Tip Shot: Missed	09:28
	09:24	Hickson Rebound (Off:1 Def:3)
	09:14	Sessions Turnaround Jump Shot: Missed
Rondo Rebound (Off:1 Def:2)	09:10
Rondo Layup Shot: Made (13 PTS) Assist: Garnett (1 AST)	09:09 [BOS 55-48]
	09:09	Team Timeout : Regular
	08:53 [CLE 50-55]	Parker Jump Shot: Made (7 PTS) Assist: Moon (1 AST)
	08:37	Sessions Foul : Defense 3 Second (1 PF)
Allen Free Throw Technical (8 PTS)	08:37 [BOS 56-50]
Allen Turnover : Bad Pass (1 TO)	08:24
	08:15	Moon Turnover : Bad Pass (1 TO) Steal:Rondo (3 ST)
Rondo Layup Shot: Made (15 PTS)	08:09 [BOS 58-50]
	07:54 [CLE 52-58]	Moon Jump Shot: Made (10 PTS)
Allen Floating Jump shot: Missed	07:39
	07:35	Varejao Rebound (Off:1 Def:7)
O'Neal Foul : Shooting (4 PF)	07:27
	07:27 [CLE 53-58]	Hickson Free Throw 1 of 2 (15 PTS)
	07:27	Hickson Free Throw 2 of 2 Missed
Garnett Rebound (Off:1 Def:10)	07:26
	07:17	Hickson Foul : Personal (3 PF)
	07:05	Hickson Foul : Defense 3 Second (3 PF)
Allen Free Throw Technical (9 PTS)	07:05 [BOS 59-53]
Pierce Jump Shot: Missed Block: Hickson (1 BLK)	06:58
	06:56	Moon Rebound (Off:1 Def:3)
	06:43	Moon 3pt Shot: Missed
Garnett Rebound (Off:1 Def:11)	06:41
Pierce 3pt Shot: Made (9 PTS) Assist: Rondo (6 AST)	06:33 [BOS 62-53]
	06:14	Parker Jump Shot: Missed
O'Neal Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)	06:13
O'Neal Turnover : Lost Ball (2 TO) Steal:Moon (1 ST)	05:48
Garnett Foul : Shooting (2 PF)	05:45
O'Neal Substitution replaced by Davis	05:45
	05:45 [CLE 54-62]	Hickson Free Throw 1 of 2 (16 PTS)
	05:45	Sessions Substitution replaced by Gibson
	05:45	Moon Substitution replaced by Jamison
	05:45 [CLE 55-62]	Hickson Free Throw 2 of 2 (17 PTS)
Pierce Jump Shot: Missed	05:29
Rondo Rebound (Off:2 Def:2)	05:28
Rondo Tip Shot: Missed	05:28
	05:27	Jamison Rebound (Off:0 Def:3)
	05:16	Gibson Turnover : Bad Pass (2 TO) Steal:Davis (1 ST)
Rondo Reverse Layup Shot: Made (17 PTS) Assist: Allen (4 AST)	05:10 [BOS 64-55]
	04:48	Gibson 3pt Shot: Missed
Garnett Rebound (Off:1 Def:12)	04:47
Pierce Jump Shot: Made (11 PTS)	04:37 [BOS 66-55]
	04:37	Team Timeout : Short
Garnett Substitution replaced by O'Neal	04:37
	04:18	Jamison Turnover : Lost Ball (1 TO) Steal:Pierce (1 ST)
Davis Jump Shot: Missed Block: Gibson (1 BLK)	04:09
	04:07	Gibson Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)
	04:02 [CLE 57-66]	Hickson Layup Shot: Made (19 PTS) Assist: Gibson (4 AST)
Allen Jump Shot: Made (11 PTS) Assist: Rondo (7 AST)	03:49 [BOS 68-57]
	03:31 [CLE 60-68]	Gibson 3pt Shot: Made (3 PTS) Assist: Parker (6 AST)
Rondo Jump Shot: Missed	03:06
	03:06	Hickson Rebound (Off:1 Def:4)
	02:53 [CLE 62-68]	Varejao Driving Layup Shot: Made (6 PTS) Assist: Gibson (5 AST)
Pierce Turnover : Bad Pass (2 TO)	02:37
Team Timeout : Regular	02:37
	02:37	Hickson Substitution replaced by Hollins
	02:37	Varejao Substitution replaced by Williams
	02:15	Gibson Driving Layup Shot: Missed
	02:12	Hollins Rebound (Off:3 Def:0)
	02:12 [CLE 64-68]	Hollins Tip Shot: Made (7 PTS)
O'Neal Foul : Offensive (4 PF)	01:55
O'Neal Turnover : Foul (2 TO)	01:55
Pierce Substitution replaced by Daniels	01:55
Rondo Substitution replaced by Robinson	01:55
	01:45	Jamison Running Jump Shot: Missed
Davis Rebound (Off:1 Def:3)	01:42
Allen Layup Shot: Missed	01:33
	01:31	Gibson Rebound (Off:0 Def:3)
	01:24	Jamison Jump Shot: Missed
O'Neal Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	01:23
Daniels 3pt Shot: Missed	01:09
Allen Rebound (Off:1 Def:2)	01:07
	00:56.3	Gibson Foul : Shooting (3 PF)
Robinson Free Throw 1 of 2 (4 PTS)	00:56.3 [BOS 69-64]
Robinson Free Throw 2 of 2 (5 PTS)	00:56.3 [BOS 70-64]
	00:44.9 [CLE 66-70]	Hollins Jump Shot: Made (9 PTS) Assist: Gibson (6 AST)
Robinson 3pt Shot: Made (8 PTS) Assist: Davis (1 AST)	00:29.9 [BOS 73-66]
	00:04.9 [CLE 68-73]	Gibson Running Jump Shot: Made (5 PTS)
Robinson 3pt Shot: Missed	00:00.0
Team Rebound	00:00.0
End of 3rd Quarter
Boston Celtics (1-1)		Cleveland Cavaliers (1-0)
Start of 4th QuarterBack to Top
	11:50 [CLE 71-73]	Gibson 3pt Shot: Made (8 PTS)
O'Neal Foul : Loose Ball (5 PF)	11:50
	11:50 [CLE 72-73]	Hollins Free Throw 1 of 1 (10 PTS)
O'Neal Jump Shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: Robinson (2 AST)	11:35 [BOS 75-72]
	11:16	Williams 3pt Shot: Missed
	11:15	Sessions Rebound (Off:1 Def:1)
	10:54 [CLE 74-75]	Williams Running Jump Shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: Sessions (3 AST)
	10:29	Hollins Foul : Personal (3 PF)
Wafer Substitution replaced by Rondo	10:29
O'Neal Turnover : Traveling (3 TO)	10:24
	10:07	Hollins Turnover : 3 Second Violation (1 TO)
Davis Reverse Layup Shot: Made (10 PTS)	09:52 [BOS 77-74]
	09:31	Sessions Jump Shot: Missed
O'Neal Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)	09:30
Robinson 3pt Shot: Missed	09:11
	09:09	Team Rebound
O'Neal Foul : Loose Ball (6 PF)	09:09
O'Neal Substitution replaced by O'Neal	09:09
	08:55 [CLE 76-77]	Gibson Jump Shot: Made (10 PTS) Assist: Hollins (1 AST)
Robinson Turnover : Traveling (1 TO)	08:32
Robinson Technical	08:32
	08:32
O'Neal Technical	08:32
Robinson Substitution replaced by Pierce	08:32
	08:32 [CLE 77-77]	Gibson Free Throw Technical (11 PTS)
	08:32 [CLE 78-77]	Gibson Free Throw Technical (12 PTS)
	08:15 [CLE 80-77]	Jamison Running Jump Shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: Gibson (7 AST)
Daniels Layup Shot: Made (4 PTS) Assist: O'Neal (3 AST)	07:58 [BOS 79-80]
	07:42 [CLE 82-79]	Jamison Running Jump Shot: Made (4 PTS) Assist: Gibson (8 AST)
Daniels Jump Shot: Missed	07:21
	07:20	Hollins Rebound (Off:3 Def:1)
Davis Foul : Personal (2 PF)	07:08
O'Neal Substitution replaced by Garnett	07:08
	07:08	Hollins Substitution replaced by Varejao
Daniels Substitution replaced by Allen	07:08
	06:55	Sessions Running Jump Shot: Missed
	06:55	Jamison Rebound (Off:1 Def:3)
	06:55	Jamison Tip Shot: Missed
Davis Rebound (Off:1 Def:4)	06:54
	06:47	Williams Foul : Shooting (3 PF)
Allen Free Throw 1 of 2 Missed	06:47
Team Rebound	06:47
Allen Free Throw 2 of 2 (12 PTS)	06:47 [BOS 80-82]
	06:25	Sessions Foul : Offensive Charge (2 PF)
	06:25	Sessions Turnover : Foul (4 TO)
Davis Layup Shot: Made (12 PTS) Assist: Rondo (8 AST)	06:09 [BOS 82-82]
	05:46	Williams Jump Shot: Missed
Team Rebound	05:46
	05:46	Team Timeout : Regular
	05:46	Williams Substitution replaced by Moon
Pierce Turnover : Traveling (3 TO)	05:34
	05:21	Gibson 3pt Shot: Missed
Pierce Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)	05:19
	05:04	Jamison Substitution replaced by Hickson
	05:04	Gibson Substitution replaced by Parker
Garnett Jump Shot: Missed	05:01
Allen Rebound (Off:2 Def:2)	04:58
Pierce Jump Shot: Made (13 PTS) Assist: Rondo (9 AST)	04:39 [BOS 84-82]
	04:12	Varejao 3pt Shot: Missed
	04:12	Team Rebound
	04:12	Team Turnover : Shot Clock Turnover
Garnett Jump Shot: Missed	03:55
	03:54	Varejao Rebound (Off:1 Def:8)
Garnett Violation:Defensive Goaltending	03:38
	03:38 [CLE 84-84]	Sessions Layup Shot: Made (14 PTS) Assist: Varejao (3 AST)
Pierce Turnaround Jump Shot: Missed	03:17
	03:15	Varejao Rebound (Off:1 Def:9)
	03:09 [CLE 86-84]	Hickson Layup Shot: Made (21 PTS) Assist: Varejao (4 AST)
Rondo Turnover : Bad Pass (4 TO) Steal:Sessions (2 ST)	02:53
	02:51	Team Timeout : Regular
	02:51	Sessions Substitution replaced by Gibson
	02:27 [CLE 89-84]	Parker 3pt Shot: Made (10 PTS) Assist: Hickson (1 AST)
Allen 3pt Shot: Missed	02:09
	02:08	Moon Rebound (Off:1 Def:4)
	01:49	Moon 3pt Shot: Missed
Garnett Rebound (Off:1 Def:13)	01:47
Team Timeout : Regular	01:33
Davis Layup Shot: Made (14 PTS)	01:23 [BOS 86-89]
	01:07	Parker Running Bank shot: Missed
Garnett Rebound (Off:1 Def:14)	01:04
Allen 3pt Shot: Missed	00:57.9
	00:55.6	Hickson Rebound (Off:1 Def:5)
Garnett Foul : Personal (3 PF)	00:55.6
	00:55.6	Moon Substitution replaced by Sessions
	00:35.6	Hickson Foul : Offensive Charge (4 PF)
	00:35.6	Hickson Turnover : Foul (1 TO)
Team Timeout : Short	00:35.6
	00:35.6	Sessions Substitution replaced by Moon
Pierce Jump Shot: Missed	00:25.9
	00:24.4	Team Rebound
Davis Foul : Loose Ball (3 PF)	00:24.4
	00:24.4 [CLE 90-86]	Varejao Free Throw 1 of 2 (7 PTS)
Davis Substitution replaced by Robinson	00:24.4
	00:24.4	Hickson Substitution replaced by Sessions
	00:24.4 [CLE 91-86]	Varejao Free Throw 2 of 2 (8 PTS)
	00:21.1	Sessions Foul : Shooting (3 PF)
Rondo Free Throw 1 of 2 (18 PTS)	00:21.1 [BOS 87-91]
Rondo Free Throw 2 of 2 Missed	00:21.1
	00:18.9	Parker Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)
Robinson Foul : Personal Take (1 PF)	00:17.2
	00:17.2 [CLE 92-87]	Gibson Free Throw 1 of 2 (13 PTS)
	00:17.2 [CLE 93-87]	Gibson Free Throw 2 of 2 (14 PTS)
Team Timeout : Short	00:17.2
Pierce 3pt Shot: Missed	00:10.8
	00:08.9	Gibson Rebound (Off:0 Def:4)
Allen Foul : Personal Take (3 PF)	00:08.1
	00:08.1 [CLE 94-87]	Gibson Free Throw 1 of 2 (15 PTS)
	00:08.1 [CLE 95-87]	Gibson Free Throw 2 of 2 (16 PTS)
Allen 3pt Shot: Missed	00:03.9
	00:01.9	Parker Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)
End of 4th Quarter

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