Rajon Rondo (18 points, eight assists) led the way with offensive penetrations and defensive disruptions, requiring only 26 minutes of playing time for his highest-scoring output of the sea son. Rondo outdueled Allen Iverson (16 points), raising questions about the Pistons' ability to adjust after acquiring the point guard from Denver for Chauncey Billups.
"We think Rondo matches up with Iverson quickness for quickness," said Paul Pierce (9 points), "and especially when you don't expect him to outscore Iverson, it's definitely a big plus. It just takes a lot of pressure off a lot of other guys. Nobody really had to have a huge night."
The Celtics continued a slow-start trend, falling behind, 13-2, in the opening minutes. But they gained their composure, closing the opening quarter tied, 21-21.
After that, the game consisted of the Celtics extending their lead and the Pistons wondering what happened to the combativeness and resilience they displayed in reaching their sixth successive Eastern Conference final in May.
"This is probably one of the better teams, not only in the Eastern Conference but in our league," Garnett said. "It's a team we might see later on, so the more, the merrier. We watched them play Cleveland [a 96-89 Detroit win Wednesday], and we knew that we had to bring it. For the most part, we were talkative, we had energy, and I don't think we looked back."
Garnett (15 points) not only turned up the volume, he brought a matchup the Pistons forwards (Tayshaun Prince and Rasheed Wallace totaled 17 points) were unable to counter.
But the most revealing battle was Rondo vs. Iverson.
"Rondo won a couple matchups last year when his speed was a factor," Celtics coach Doc Rivers said, referring to the Pistons with Billups. "So, yes, it's a bonus whenever you can win at that position against them. Both of them [Billups and Iverson] are terrific.
