The Golden State Warriors got off to a good start at TD Garden, trailing the Boston Celtics 32-27 after the first quarter. With the loss of Kendrick Perkins and the injury to Glen Davis the W’s were looking to get into the paint early and often against the Celtics. David Lee had a great start and was taking it to Kevin Garnett early in the first quarter, finishing with 14 points on 6-8 shooting. Steph Curry added 5.
Ekpe Udoh made his second start in a row, his second of the season, and was active on the glass and affected some shots around the rim. He finished the quarter with 3 rebounds (2 offensive) in 7 minutes. Monta Ellis had a circus shot and 1 for his only 3 points of the period.
Nenad Krstic got the start for the C’s and had 8 points on 3-5 shooting, while Ray Allen added 10. Ex Warrior Troy Murphy had 2 rebounds in 3 minutes, but the Warriors outrebound the Celtics 10-9 in for the period.
The excellent ball movement of the Celtics seems to have an added effect on the Warriors, who have a hard enough time defending as is. The Warriors are having some success in the paint, let’s see if they can keep it up.