The Celtics manhandled the Cavaliers 106 - 87 tonight at Quicken Loans Arena.
They inflicted most of their damage in the paint, outscoring Cleveland 60-26.
With the Celtics offense sputtering early, Rajon Rondo (23 points, 12 assists, 5 rebounds) looked for his own shot. He tuned up Mo Williams and Ramon Sessions for 11 1st quarter points.
The Cavs held an early 9 point lead, due mostly to the all-out hustle of Anderson Varejao. Shaq was unable to box him out.
The Cs broke the game open with a 35 point 2nd quarter. The bench (Glen Davis, Marquis Daniels and Nate Robinson) scored 16 points in the quarter. Davis finished with 17 pts, 11 rebounds. Quisy had 16 points on 7-10 FG.
The Celtics maintained their defensive intensity throughout the 3rd quarter. Paul Pierce had three blocks and Davis had one spectacular stuff on a Sessions' dunk attempt.
KG (11 points, 10 rebounds) tweaked his ankle in the 3rd quarter. While it appeared painful, Garnett managed to play through the injury.