Bench gets it done

Looking back, it seems like an old bad joke to the Boston Celtics' bench now.
Highlighted by the All-Star trio of Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen, the Celtics were expected to have a special season. But one understandably major unknown entering this season was their bench. But now with the likes of Leon Powe, James Posey and late veteran additions Sam Cassell and P.J. Brown, Celtics coach Doc Rivers is very comfortable turning to his proven bench when it's time for his starters to come out.
In fact, during the Celtics' 89-73 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 2 of a second round best-of-seven series at TD Banknorth Garden on Thursday, it was actually the bench that sparked the victory.
"Just be focused and ready when your name is called," said Powe, who had 11 points and seven rebounds. "Just try to go out and play 110 percent, all out. It is the playoffs, you don't have time to rest."
Cleveland shocked the Celtics' starters by opening Game 2 with a 21-9 lead after making 10 of its first 16 shots. Cavs center Zydrunas Ilgauskas nailed five sweet no-rim jumpers to get a quick 10 points. The Celtics finished the first quarter down 24-17 after missing 8 of 15 shots while Cleveland shot 52.4 percent from the field.
The Celtics entered the second quarter with Powe, Posey, Brown, Cassell and only one starter on the floor in Pierce. Using mostly reserves in the second, Boston outscored Cleveland 27-12 in the frame to vault to a 44-36 halftime lead and never looked back.
The Celtics' reserves scored 20 points on 9 of 16 shooting from the field in the second, including seven points and six rebounds from Powe. The Cavaliers struggled offensively in the second missing 15 of 17 field-goal attempts (11.8 percent), giving up nine points off four turnovers and went scoreless the final 4:36 of the first half.
"Their second unit was able to come up with key rebounds and key loose balls," Cleveland coach Mike Brown said.
Make no mistake, the Celtics are led by Garnett, Pierce and Allen. But as good as those three All-Stars are, on occasion they need their bench to be there like an insurance policy. Game 2 against Cleveland was one of those nights when the bench needed to be exercised.
From the beginning of the season to the post-season, the Celtics' bench has gone from questioned to applauded.
"I thought the bench was a real key to why we got the lead and kept the lead," Pierce said. "Of course, you know what Sam Cassell does, what he brings when he comes into the game. James Posey has been tremendous for us defensively and offensively. Leon Powe, P.J. Brown, you know the guys who contributed, who got in the game really did a great job for us. It was a total team effort and this is the way we want to play each and every night."