Celtics 95 Cavaliers 89
The Cavs got off to a fast start, leading the Celtics by 14 after the first quarter, but it was all Boston after that. Newcomer Rasheed Wallace had 12 points, 3 rebounds and 2 blocks in only 24 minutes of action. Kevin Garnett made his long awaited return from injury and had a double double with 13 points and 10 rebounds. For the Cavaliers, LeBron James dominated the ball and scored 38 points. Guard Mo Williams only had 8 field goal attempts and Shaq played 29 minutes, collecting 10 points and 10 rebounds.
I thing Shaq should come off the bench. Because of his presence in the starting lineup the Cavs’ second best player, Mo Williams was too tentative and quite ineffective. Shaq would be more successful playing 15 to 20 minutes a game off the pine, being the primary option when James is out of the game.
The Celtics looked a little bit rusty, but they still managed to pull out the win. Two thousand and eight NBA finals MVP Paul Pierce hasn’t lost anything and their bench appears to be strong.
Clippers 92 Lakers 99
This game was not as close as the score suggests. The Clippers were out matched by the Lakers and whenever they got close, the yellow and purple pulled away.
Pau Gasol did not play for the Lakers, so Andrew Bynum got extended minutes and produced well. Bynum finished with 26 points and 13 rebounds. Kobe quietly scored 33 points. The Lakers looked so good that TNT broadcaster Reggie Miller said he would be disappointed if they didn’t start the season 20-1.
Rockets 87 Trail Blazers 96
Steve Blake started at point guard over newly acquired Andre Miller. Former Ohio State Buckeye, Greg Oden, had a strong defensive game for the Blazers, finishing with 12 rebounds and 5 blocks.
Wizards 102 Mavericks 91
Upset off the night. Without forward Antawn Jamison, the Wizards went in Dallas’ building and took care of business. Returning after two years of injuries, Gilbert Arenas was able to stay on the court for 38 minutes, while racking up 29 points and 9 assists.
Forward Josh Howard missed the game for Dallas and his replacement at guard, Quinton Ross, stunk it up, only scoring 2 pts in 19 minutes of action. Newly acquired Shawn Marion started at forward for Dallas and posted 16 points.