We're halfway through this one from the Palace, and the Celtics trail the Pistons 48-43.
Here are some thoughts:
* The Celtics just look tired tonight. After shooting lights out to start, they've come back to Earth big time. They've never been able to go on a run and take a big lead. Jason Maxiell and Greg Monroe have been persistent on the boards; the two have combined for 10 rebounds, and the Celtics as a team have 15. They've gotten slower and slower rotating on defense as the game as gone on, and they continue to switch on pick-and-rolls and create major mismatches. The switching also has led to wide open three-point shots for Detroit. The Celtics need to wake up or else they'll easily drop this game.
* Rajon Rondo is being his usual self. He hasn't missed a shot -- he went 4-of-4 in the first half including 2-of-2 from beyond the arc. He also is halfway to extending his streak, as he has handed out 5 helpers so far.
* Jeff Green makes it look easy sometimes. He has 6 points so far on 2-of-3 from the field in 10 minutes. He has shown his entire arsenal: he has driven to the basket, shown off his floater, and taken jumpers. Keep it up, Jeff...my fantasy team needs all the help it can get.
* Both teams are very similar in almost every category: field goal percentage, rebounds, and turnovers. So what's the difference? Free throws. At one point in the second quarter, the C's were 3-of-7 from the charity stripe while Detroit were 9-of-11.
* Leandro Barbosa is not making his presence felt. The Pistons have done a nice job of closing up the lane to the hoop, especially on the left, Barbosa's favorite side. The Celtics have to find a way to get him going.
* John Mason, the public address announcer for the Pistons, is really entertaining. Considering how quiet it is in the arena and the lack of fans in the seats, Mason's voice booms throughout the arena and you can clearly hear him on television. He's pretty entertaining to say the least.
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