Celtics Silence Magic in ECF Rematch

In the 2010 Eastern Conference Finals, the Boston Celtics beat the Orlando Magic. On Sunday prior to the Super Bowl, the Celtics proved that they are still the better team. As a matter of fact, the Celtics have the best record in the East while the Magic are struggling to find their footing after retooling their team.

Rajon Rondo led the way for the Celtics — but in an unusual way. Usually, Rondo is racking up assists. Against the Magic on Sunday, Rondo had 26 points on 9-for-15 shooting from the field. Boston’s Big 3 each chipped in as Paul Pierce scored 18 points, Kevin Garnett scored 16 and Ray Allen added 11. However, Stan Van Gundy, the Magic’s head coach, thought Rondo was the difference.

Said Van Gundy: “He totally dominated us — got where he wanted to go anytime he wanted to go.”

Dwight Howard had 28 points and 13 points for the Magic but Orlando was just 3-for-24 from three-point land. Hedo Turkoglu, Gilbert Arenas and Quentin Richardson were a combined 1-for-20 from the field.

“If their 3-point game is going, they’re going to be tough to beat. We feel like Dwight couldn’t beat us by himself,” said Pierce.

He was right.

Rajon Rondo - Boston Celtics (Image: TSN.ca)