Celtics Take Game 1, Stay Perfect at Home

The question of rest vs rhythm was answered early. The Celtics came out strong and got off to an 8-0 lead before Billups hit a 3 to stop the run. The Pistons then went on an 8 point run of their own to give the Pistons their first lead at 13-12. The Celtics finished the quarter on a run to grab a 22-17 lead at the end of one. The Pistons shot just 37% in the quarter in part because of some rust on the game and in part because of the Celtics stifling defense. Perk was a beast right from the start, grabbing 8 rebounds in the first quarter. He finished with 5 points, 10 rebounds and 1 assist in 31 minutes and his defense on Rasheed Wallace was a big factor in this game. The Celtics started the second quarter with Ray, PJ, Posey, Powe and House. The Pistons scored the first 5 points of the quarter to tie the game at 22. The lead went back and forth throughout the half and the Celtics ended the half up 41-40. The Celtics shot 51% for the half while holding the Pistons to 39%. The Celt...