The score was maintained like this, with the Trail Blazers unable to launch an offensive surge because they couldn't completely shut down the Celtics on defense.
The Celtics were in good form and had made ample preparations before the game, facing the suddenly intensifying double-team defense from the Trail Blazers with more composure.
After a timeout by Beelman, the Celtics even executed a Princeton Offense tactic, with Ilgauskas coordinating from a high position, and Fox and Nash cutting into the basket continuously to create scoring opportunities.
One direct layup was successful, and Nash circled out and then made a pass to the baseline, Duncan received the ball for a mid-range jump shot and scored—it was rare for Duncan to shoot from the baseline, but this time it went in.
This showed that the Celtics players were truly in form, playing better and smoother, gaining more confidence. For them, this might be a transformative game.
