The Boston Celtics are often described as a seasoned veteran team.  The Orlando Magic could use a little of that seasoning.

Amid critical miscues within the final minute of regulation by the Magic, the Celtics came away with a 95-92 win in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals.  The win gives Boston a 2-0 edge in the series, with both victories coming at the Amway Arena in Orlando. 

After Paul Pierce (28 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists) nailed two free throws to push the lead to 95-92, Vince Carter drove to the basket and drew Pierce’s sixth foul.  Carter stepped up to the line with 31 seconds remaining and bricked both shots, failing to capitalize on an opportunity to trim the deficit to one or two. 

Rashard Lewis has only scored 11 points in the first two games of the series.

The Celtics milked the clock, and Kevin Garnett missed a long jumper.  Orlando guard J.J. Redick secured the rebound and started dribbling up the court.  He got close to half court and turned to call time out – but this was a crucial mistake which forced the Magic to inbound the ball in the backcourt with less than five second left.  Jameer Nelson was left to attempt a running three-pointer which was off the mark at the buzzer.

Rajon Rondo flashed that playoff dominance that we’ve become accustomed to seeing, with 25 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists.  Rondo made several big baskets – including some clutch jumpers – in the closing minutes of the contest.  He is still getting wherever he wants to go on the floor, and forcing the Magic defense to react to him.

The Magic got big numbers from Dwight Howard – 30 points and 8 rebounds.  Unfortunately, he didn’t have efficient support from his teammates.  Carter ended with 16 points, but only shot 5-15.  Rashard Lewis was missing in action (5 points, 2-6 FG) and Nelson didn’t shoot well from the field (4-12).

Boston has all of the momentum as they head home for Game 3 on Saturday.  Not only does Boston hold a 2-game advantage, but they get three full days of rest before the next game. 

The way things have gone in the first two games, Orlando will need nothing short of magic to get back into the series.