The Boston Celtics opened up the 2007-2008 Playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks the same way they opened up the regular season.  They played tenacious defense, forcing 15 turnovers and holding the Hawks to just 38% shooting from the field.  They had great ball movement on offense, notching 22 assists as a team.  More importantly, they never let up -- Boston went up by 20 with 9:30 left in the 4th, maintained that lead for the rest of the game and walked off the court with a convincing win. 

Boston came out of the gates dominating the Hawks.  Pierce knocked down 3 early three's, the D wasn't allowing the Hawks to get into any sort of rhythm, and it didn't take long for the Hawks to get visibly frustrated.  Bibby notched an early technical, Pachulia body checked Pierce to the ground and it was apparent that the Hawks were in over their heads. 

However, Boston wasn't playing a perfect game.  Their penchant for turning the ball over killed their early momentum.  After a few quick turnovers mid-way through the first, the C's offense quickly lost it's identity.  KG and Allen hit the bench, the second unit came in and Atlanta gained a little confidence.  Between the middle of the 1st quarter and early in the second, Boston ran off a string of 12 basket-less possessions. 

Atlanta's athleticism and aggressive play were giving the Celtics fits.  The Hawks were constantly swiping at the ball, going for steals.  They attacked every jumpshot and layup, piling up 6 blocks in the first half alone.  They were beating the Celtics up and down the court, and for a few shining moments, it appeared as if the Hawks might just be able to hang with the Celtics.  Fortunately, Boston regained its composure, took back control of the game and went into halftime up 49-40.

As we've seen countless times this season, Boston came out of that lockerroom ready to put the game away.  For me, that's the crowning achievement of Doc Rivers this season.  We make the perfect adjustments at half and find a way to elevate our game to an entirely new level.  Tonight was no exception.  Four minutes into the second half the Celtics (to quote NBA Jam) "Put The Nail In The Coffin".  Rondo came away with a nifty steal due to some sloppy passing by the Hawks, pushed the ball up the court and found Ray Allen open for 3 to put Boston up by 16.  Allen rattled off 10 straight points on 4 shots (2 threes) and Boston closed out the quarter up 73-55, holding Atlanta to just 15 points.

Boston didn't let Atlanta even think about getting back into the game.  They kept the defensive pressure up, executed beautifully on offense, and effectively shut Atlanta down.  Three moments from the fourth quarter can sum up the Celtics play on the night.  First was Atlant's head coach Mike Woodson, staring blankly out onto the court, a la Isiah Thomas.  You didn't need to be a mind reader to know what Coach was thinking... it was a mixture of vulgarities, self-loathing and an impending sense of doom.  Second, and this was one of my favorite moments of the game, involved Leon Powe.  Pierce got the ball from Cassell over on the right wing, KG slid over to that side of the court, and Atlanta's D rotated over, leaving Leon open underneath the basket.  Pierce, with an amazing pass, hit the open Powe, who slammed down a thunderous dunk literally over two Hawks defenders who were late to recover (and who fouled Powe).  Leon's dunk was so powerful, he literally fell to the ground.  As we've seen anytime a Celtic falls to the floor KG sprinted over to help Leon, but instead of pulling Leon to his feet, KG began punching Leon in his ribs and stomach (and no, I'm not making this up).  He then helped Leon to his feet, and as Leon turned to head back towards the Boston bench KG punched Leon in the back of his head, sped up to walk with Leon over to the sideline and was screaming in Leon's ear the entire way.  I think this is that KG intensity we've been hearing so much about.  The third moment involved KG as well, and that was the "MVP" chant he received as Doc pulled him out towards the end of the game.  It's just nice to see our fans chanting "MVP" for one of our own players instead of a freakin' Laker.

BOXSCORE 

MVC:  This award should probably go to Rondo tonight.  He scored 15 points (on 6-9 shooting), was second on the team with 6 rebounds, dished out 9 assists (with zero turnovers) and racked up 2 steals.  Any worries about him in the playoffs should immediately be squashed.  Were this a closer game, I'd have named him the Most Valuable Celtic.  Instead, tonight, KG is walking away with the honor.

Tonight's game was truly over by halftime.   There was that one stretch I mentioned early where Atlanta looked like they might make it close during our 12 possession drought.  This occurred while KG was on the bench.  Well, he's getting the MVC for one simple play.  On that 13th possession, Doc put KG back in the game.  Garnett got the ball on the baseline and knocked down his patented turnaround jumper.  Nothing fancy, just a simple shot we've seen hundreds of times.  It's just that that simple shot killed the Hawk's momentum and having KG back in the game allowed Boston to regain their composure and play their game instead of trying to keep up with the Hawks.

If we've learned anything from this game it's that the Celtics are serious about these playoffs.   The entire team stepped up -- from the Big 3, to Rondo and Perk all the way down to Cassell, Posey and Powe.  Atlanta is an exciting, young, aggressive team.  If they can keep their nucleus together, they're going to develop into a true contender.  They just don't have the weapons to compete with Boston this year.  Aggressive, hectic basketball will always be conquered by a team that can execute.  And if there's one thing this veteran Celtic group can do, it's execute. 

I'm not saying this series is in the bag, but if Game 1 is any indication (and I'm pretty sure it is), Boston may want to start making hotel reservations for round 2.