Word is Getting Out

Lowell Sun

It's almost scary to think that the Boston Celtics faced the second-best team in their conference, and they were still able to do almost exactly what they wanted on both ends of the floor.

Detroit Free Press

Remember when Danny Ainge picked up Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen and everyone said, “Well, yeah…but who else is on that team?” Well, guess what, the other players are pretty good. Rondo and Perkins can hold their own. The bench is effective. And they’re adding Sam Cassell who is one of the smarter, professional players out there, especially come playoff time. The Celtics will be favored to beat the Pistons and they deserve to be favored. Right now, they are the better team.

Detroit Free Press (again)

Now that the Celtics series is over, what have the Pistons learned about their potential playoff roadblock?

A few things.

Boston's role players can be deadly. Glen Davis scored 20 points in a 92-85 victory over the Pistons in January. Wednesday, Kendrick Perkins had 20 rebounds and 10 points.

"I've said all along, it's not just the Big Three, it's those other guys," Saunders said. "I think (Rajon) Rondo is one of the most improved players in the league. And Perkins gives them a big presence in there."

Dribble-penetration must be slowed -- the Celtics hurt the Pistons in that area each game. The ball must move -- the Celtics took away the Pistons' first option over and over. The Pistons also learned that nothing will come easy.


John Hollinger
ESPN.com:

I don't like to put too much weight on any one regular-season game. But between the hype, the crowd and the Pistons' melting down after a fourth-quarter technical, it felt just like June, didn't it? Biggest impact is that home court is now settled in Boston's favor -- it will be tough for Detroit, or anyone else, to steal a win there this spring.