Enemy Chatter: Pierce played like a man possessed

I often wonder what opposing teams, their beat reporters and bloggers are saying about the Celtics after playing the Celtics. Here's a dose of 'enemy chatter' from Orlando.

Paul Pierce played like a man possessed in the first half, scoring at will and piling up 22 points. And even though Orlando was able to keep Pierce in check during the second half, Rajon Rondo emerged in the third and fourth quarters. However, it can’t be understated how important Howard’s presence on defense is because when Marcin Gortat was in the game, Rondo did whatever he wanted offensively. Clearly not deterred, Rondo attacked the basket many times against Gortat and scored. When Howard was in the game, Rondo was forced to operate around the perimeter but it didn’t seem to matter, as he was able to make a few jumpers at crucial junctures of the game. There were times, though, when Rondo was able to get out in transition and score when Howard was trailing him. Needless to say, Rondo is a smart player.

Magic Basketball

On the other end, Orlando was simply a step slow. Yes, it held the Celtics to just below their average efficiency, and yes, it forced some turnovers. However, the Magic moved sluggishly on defense. Matt Barnes and Mickael Pietrus too often allowed Pierce to catch the ball in his comfort zone--really anywhere from 15 to 18 feet from the basket, but especially on the right side, elbow extended--and he made them pay by sinking some signature stepback jumpers. He also drew fouls, some more legitimate than others, to work his way to the line. That is his game.

Orlando Pinstriped Post

After haunting Cavs fans in the second round, Rondo has danced his way into the heads of the Magic faithful

As for Pierce, the Magic should have seen this coming. I guess they thought Barnes and Pietrus (two solid defenders) would be able to do something, anything.

On Page 2, some fun at the expense of JJ Reddick, Vince Carter and Rashard Lewis.

No, this series isn't over, but the Magic now find themselves in a deep, dank, dark hole with the Celtics shoveling dirt on top of their heads. How deep, dark and dank is the hole? Well, let me put it to you this way: The Celtics are 32-0 all-time when going up 2-0 in a best-of-seven series.

By the way, has anybody seen Rashard Lewiss? I'm not going to mention his contract -- $118 million$118 million$118million$118 million! -- but he hit only 2 of 10 shots and scored 6 points in Game 1 and followed that up with a 2-of-6, 5-point performance in Game 2. The only way the Magic will ever justify Lewis's salary is with a championship and right now that seems about as likely as Stan Van Gundy on the cover of GQ.

Orlando Sentinel - Celtics Showing They're Better

As for Carter and Redick? Barring a miraculous comeback to win this series, their gaffes will go down as one of the most glaring in Magic history. Carter's reputation for not delivering in the clutch worsened tonight, and I expect several national, mainstream media columnists to paste him in the papers and on the internet tomorrow for failing to come through.

Orlando Pinstriped Post