 Boston rally to sink LeBron-led Cavs
(China Daily)
Updated: 2008-10-30 07:55 BOSTON: The Boston Celtics capped a night of celebration by opening the defence of their NBA crown with a rousing 90-85 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday. In a pre-game ceremony, the Celtics heralded last season's 17th NBA title by raising the championship banner to the rafters and the players were then presented with their winner's rings. Forward Paul Pierce, who has played his entire 10-season career with the team, was presented with the banner by several former Celtics' players. "It's moments like these that you cherish," Pierce, who struggled to fight back tears several times during the ceremony, told reporters. "It's very emotional. "I'm just glad I pulled it together in time so we could come out and play the game." The NBA Finals MVP then helped his side overcome a seven-point halftime deficit to lead all scorers with 27 points. LeBron James led the Cavaliers with 22.
The Cavaliers, who lost to the Celtics in a tight Eastern Conference semi-final series last season, did not watch the 20-minute ceremony as they opted to return to their dressing room after warming up. However, Cleveland forward Anderson Varejao admitted that the atmosphere was a motivating factor. "Seeing that makes us hungry to go out and get a ring of our own," he said. Pierce scored 11 of his points in the third quarter when Boston out-scored Cleveland 24-13 to open a four-point lead heading to the fourth quarter. The Celtics held on to their advantage for the remainder of the contest, with James missing a driving layup with 41 seconds left and two free throws in the final 11 seconds. Cleveland coach Mike Brown blamed his team's 21 turnovers for the loss. "They're the NBA champions," Brown said. "We're going to have to take it if we want it. "We won't beat them by making that many mistakes. Good teams will beat you every time when you do that." Rajon Rondo added 14 points for the Celtics and Leon Powe contributed 13 off the bench to make it a perfect night for the Celtics and their fans. "Only one team in the world can have this night... and it's us," Boston coach Doc Rivers said. "I'm glad we were able to complete the celebration with a win." Bulls 108, Bucks 95 In Chicago, Luol Deng and Ben Gordon provided enough big shots to lead the Bulls to a victory over former coach Scott Skiles and Milwaukee. Deng scored 21 points and Gordon added 18 to offset Michael Redd's 30. Derrick Rose, the No 1 draft pick out of Memphis and a Chicago native, wowed fans with his quickness and strength but mixed in enough mistakes to remind them he is a work in progress. He finished with 11 points, nine assists and four turnovers. Deng shot 8-for-13 after signing a six-year contract in the offseason, and Gordon scored 10 in the fourth quarter, making new coach Vinny Del Negro's debut a successful one. Lakers 96, Trail Blazers 76 In Los Angeles, Kobe Bryant had 23 points, 11 rebounds and five assists to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 96-76 season-opening victory over the Portland Trail Blazers and spoiling Greg Oden's debut, which was cut short by another injury. Bryant orchestrated a well-balanced offense for the Lakers, who also played tenacious defense. Oden's highly anticipated NBA debut didn't last long; the 20-year-old center left the game late in the first half with an injured right foot after taking four shots and going scoreless. He had five rebounds, one turnover, blocked one shot and picked up two fouls while playing 12:51. The injury was diagnosed as a sprain and X-rays were negative. Agencies (China Daily 10/30/2008 page22) |
