Allen Iverson, Pistons Can't Pull Out First WIn Together Against Celtics

Allen Iverson's home debut against the Boston Celtics started out great. Rip Hamilton included him in his usual pre-game warmup and the raucous Palace crowd welcomed him with open arms. He quickly scored the night's first basket, amid loud cheers, as the Pistons quickly took an early lead. Both teams seemed to be over excited early on, as they played sloppily on both ends of the court. But, in the second quarter Boston found their footing and never looked back. With Hamilton and Rasheed Wallace going 0-11 in the first half and Rodney Stuckey leaving the game after a dizzy spell, the Pistons had no chance of catching up. Boston's Tony Allen shot the lights out and their entire bench was contributing throughout the game. Iverson had some flashes of brilliance but seemed hesistant to take over the game. He tried for more assists than shots, something I think will come in time as he and his teammates get used to playing together. Hopefully the team will have a more solid identity next ... (link)