Celtics look like the real deal

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Great start to hopefully another memorable season for the Boston Celtics.

In the season opener in Cleveland, a team slated to compete for the world championship, Boston showed will, toughness and poise under pressure late in the game to claim a 95-89 victory over LeBron James and the Cavaliers.

When you think of Paul Pierce, you have to think about a clutch performer in crunch time. Pierce, who carried the Celtics late in games in the playoffs two years ago and right to the championship, delivered once again last night.

Pierce didn't have a great night overall (23 points on 6-of-13 shooting, 11 rebounds), but late in the game "The Truth" canned two jump shots and then two free throws, including scoring 10 points in the last four minutes, to propel the C's.

Is it a surprise that Boston goes to Pierce when games are on the line? And you think the Cavs would have figured that out, but I guess not.

Also, how nice was it to see Kevin Garnett back on the court after knee surgery derailed his season last year. Garnett is so intense, he plays defense and can change games in the paint offensively and defensively. While he only had 13 points and 10 rebounds, we all know KG is shaking off rust and it's going to take some time to be in midseason form. But a double-double is just fine with me, carry on KG you the man!

Ray Allen had 16 points and was 4 of 5 from 3-point range, and point guard Rajon Rondo had 8 points, 10 assists and 6 rebounds.

I like Rondo, but with those numbers it's hard to believe the Celtics will pony up approximately $11-12 million per season to keep him in the green after his contract is up after the year.

How many C's fans hated Rasheed Wallace for so many years (everyone raise their hands)? But now how many like him (put those hands up again). Wallace's debut with the C's was a success. He's physical down low, loves playing defense and can score from anywhere on the floor. Wallace had 12 points and canned three treys in 24 minutes off the bench. No doubt he's got to be one of, if not, the best sixth men in the league.

Although James got his complimentary 38 points, every other Cleveland player was held in check, including Shaquille O'Neal who had 10 points and 10 rebounds.

At least for one night, all signs point to the Celtics being able to contend for another NBA championship.

But we all know Boston will have to stay relatively healthy in order to rise to the top.