ATLANTA (AP) The Boston Celtics lost Game 1 - and also they will often have lost their level leader for Game 2.
Josh Smith scored 22 tips and also pullled down 18 rebounds because Atlanta Hawks developed a major lead early, then presented on regarding an 83-74 success through your Celtics inside their opener belonging to the Eastern Conference playoffs Sunday night.
But that one will be valued with regard to exactly what transpired from the finalized minute, possibly not the actual Hawks' blistering start. While complaining about a call, Boston superstar Rajon Rondo seemed to be ejected for bumping a great public and faces some sort of possible suspension if your teams fulfill once more Tuesday nighttime around Atlanta.
''I didn't purposefully chest-bump him, but that's just what seems like that will be,'' Rondo said.
The Hawks, who directed through up to 19 throughout the first half, ended up stubborn into a four-point steer any time Rondo dropped their great having 41 seconds remaining. Boston's Brandon Bass ended up being insight on suggested a foul with Smith tussling for just a unfastened ball, together with equally gamers sprawled about the the courtroom available beyond the potent line. Rondo screamed at official Marc Davis, which swiftly labeled a technical. Rondo then bumped Davis along with his chest and also was tossed out.
A suspension could possibly be coming, too.
Rondo, whom obtained 20 tips and also dished out and about eleven assists, sort shown up that will cling out his chest for you to boxing techinque the official. That's a big no-no all of which will almost surely draw the wrath regarding NBA Commissioner David Stern.
''It's outside of my control,'' Rondo said. ''Obviously, I wish to be at this time there with regard to this teammates nonetheless rather than that, it's out connected with my control.''
Getting in most speedy lobbying, Celtics private coach Doc Rivers spotted items a tad differently versus the replay showed. Not surprisingly, he doesn't think Rondo reasonable to get a suspension.
''I'm often worried, however I would be shocked if this happens,'' Rivers said. ''I thought Rondo has been running in the direction of Marc, in addition to Marc switched returning when it comes to him, and that is when Rondo bumped him. . That's all them was, throughout my opinion. But we'll see.''
Rondo had an identical take.
''Obviously I ended up being angry with regards to the email and I claimed some words to help Marc. I well earned the initial tech,'' Rondo said. ''As I ended up being walking, I idea he stopped. My impetus maintained me into him. I even imagine I tripped on his or her foot.''
At that beginning, the Hawks considered much speedier along with faster compared to getting older Celtics. With every single starter outside of Jason Collins contributing at least several points, Atlanta raced to some 20-6 cause with all the game just over 5 a matter of minutes old. The Hawks 2 times forced your border while high while nineteen items and complete to get a 49-35 side with halftime.
Smith 100 % outplayed Boston's Kevin Garnett in the initial two quarters, commencing this crack with fifteen points, 11 rebounds along with a pair of assists. Garnett had solely two items upon 1-of-9 shooting.
''He was an animal,'' Atlanta coach Larry Drew explained associated with Smith. ''When he has playing with of which energy, they only creates individuals a great deal better.''
Smith were required to take this load. The Hawks' other large gun, Joe Johnson, experienced a gloomy nights having 11 tips on 3-of-15 shooting, carrying out more turnovers (four) than they made field goals. He was 0 involving in search of from 3-point range.
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