Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images

The Pistons just seemed like they couldn’t sustain any rhythm in game one of the Eastern Conference Finals, losing the game 79-88. [Box Score]

The Celtics played good defense and like they did during the three regular season meetings were able to disrupt what the Pistons wanted to do on offense. But it wasn’t all Celtics D that did the Pistons in last night. Two numbers that jump out at you and let you know that the Pistons just couldn’t get in sync were the uncharacteristically low assist total of 15 and the un-Piston-like 13 turnovers (7 of which came in the 3rd quarter alone).

Those two numbers also are pretty telling that our floor leader, Chauncey Billups, has been effected by the time off recovering from the strained hamstring. Chauncey wasn’t able to take advantage of his match up with Rajon Rondo. Billups numbers tell the tale, only 9 points, 2 assist, 2 turnovers. He didn’t have his same explosiveness or swagger. But, let’s not go so far as to say Chauncey when fully back into the swing of things is going to dribble Rondo like a basketball. Chauncey is with out a doubt the better of the two guards, but I’ve reluctantly come to realize that the Celtics point guard (who bares a strong resemblance to Earthworm Jim of Sega Genesis fame) is a formidable foe.