The Nest

For the first two games of the season, the Celtics picked up where they’d left off in 2007. Stiff defense and hard, aggressive offense. Protecting the boards with determination, attacking the ‘d’ with a vengance. Ah yes, Celtics fans rejoice! The big, Green Machine was back and running on all cylinders.

Enter Indiana Pacers

Last night (Saturday, Nov. 1, 08) the C’s ventured to Indianapolis, IN to take on the 0 and 1 Pacers and seemed to be taken by surprise. There would be no season series sweep of the Pacers this year. A pliable, even porous Celtics defense allowed over 40% shooting from the floor, or 5% higher than in their first two home games. An unfocused offense was a feeble 1 for 3 – shooting under 35% and allowing 24 turnovers.

It was nearly 4 minutes into the contest before Boston got its first points from the floor. Except for a couple of offensive flourishes, they never got on track and the final score (95-79) was indicative of the tone and flavor of the game with the Pacers generally controlling both ends of the court.

Eddie House sparked an 11 point rally with two foul shots, a Kevin Garnett slice through the lane, a Paul Pierce 3-pointer and a jumper by Ray Allen, pulling the C’s to within 3 at 41-38 with under 2 minutes to go before the halftime buzzer. But T. J. Ford and Indiana would have none of it, going on a 7-3 run to lead by 7 at the half

Ford’s aggressive offense gave Rajon Rondo all he could handle earning the point guard 4 fouls by the 8 minute mark of the 2nd quarter and sending Ford to the foul line early.

Boston was forced to play catch up very early in this one and the added pressure forced sloppy play, and eventually weary legs as Indiana took control in the 4th quarter, put the mighty C’s in their place and evened their record to 1-1.

Indy Weekend For Boston

The Celtics aren’t the only New England team being challenged by a Hoosier State opponent this weekend. The Patriots will take on the Colts in a Sunday night matchup that’s sure to eat up that extra hour we gained this week turning our clocks back and necessitate that extra cup of coffee tomorrow morning. oi vay!

celtics pacers