Eastern Conference Semis

Eastern Conference Semis - Game 2

Written by Jeremy

Wednesday, 06 May 2009 17:09

Green-House Effect

Eddie House torches Orlando for 31 points; Celts even series

BOSTON - MAY 06: Eddie House(notes) #50 of the Boston Celtics celebrates in the second quarter against the Orlando Magic in Game Two of the Eastern Conference Semifinals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at TD Banknorth Garden on May 6, 2009 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

A captain got some much needed rest. A point guard notched his 3rd triple-double in the playoffs. And a House caught fire. All this and an open-handed slap to the head were part of tonight's Game 2.

Coming off a disappointing game 1 loss, the Celtics rebounded to blow out the Magic 112-94 in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals. This, even though Paul Pierce was in foul trouble throughout the game, and played only 15 minutes, and scored only 3 points (Yes, you read that right). But not to worry. Eddie House more than picked up the slack, pouring in 31 points on 11-14 shooting. If that wasn't enough, House even got a cheap-shot open hand to the head by Magic point guard Rafer Alston after one of his 11 makes. But House wasn't the only story of the game. Rajon Rondo had another triple-double, his third of the playoffs, and joined Larry Bird as the only other Celtic to have three triple-doubles in a single playoff. Kendrick Perkins continued his spectacular play, scoring 16 points and grabbing 9 boards. And Ray Allen shook off a poor Game 1 and scored 22 points in a game that the C's controlled from the outset. The key? Aggressive offense and attacking defense. It also didn't hurt that they turned the ball over only twice in the first half and ten times for the entire game.

The Celts will try to regain home-court on Saturday in Orlando. Will Orlando have Rafer Alston available for Game 3, or will the NBA suspend him for what Eddie House termed a "bush-league"play.

Game Notes:

Another trip-dub for Rondo: 15 points, 11 rebounds, 18 assists
Rondo joins Larry Bird as the only Celtics to have 3 triple-doubles in a playoff
Kendrick Perkins was outstanding once again: 16 points, 9 rebounds, 2 blocks, and stellar defense
Ray Allen rebounded from an awful game 1 with 22 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists
Pierce played only 15 minutes, and had just 3 points, coming on the first basket of the game
Rafer Alston gave Eddie House an open hand to the head after a made basket, but stayed in the game
After shooting a combined 7-33 in Game 1, the Perkins/Rondo/Allen trio shot 21-44 tonight

Game 2 Celtic Player of the Game:

Boston Celtics' Eddie House(notes) shoots a 3-pointer against Orlando Magic Anthony Johnson(notes) (8) in the second half of Game 2 of the NBA basketball Eastern Conference semifinals in Boston on Wednesday, May 6, 2009. House scored a career-high 31 points in the 112-94 Celtics victory.