BIG win leaves empty feeling.

Gino danced and the Celtics celebrated early, but Boston’s blowout win was unsatisfying.

Boston beat a pitiful Pistons team into submission with a 31-15 first quarter, and the beating continued except for a typical Celtics yawn in the third quarter.

Seven players scored in double-figures while the Celtics shot a staggering 62%. No starter played more than 28 minutes while 12 Celtics played-  each scoring.

So why am I still so unsatisfied? ( Rounders reference for any poker junkie.)

Because I know the Celtics aren’t capable of doing this to a good team, and quite frankly, Detroit looked abominable. Uncontested baskets and easy driving lanes made the game look a Harlem Globetrotters production rather than an actual NBA game. Tonight, Detroit played like a D-League. And I feel bad for offending the NBDL and its league.

The Celtics aren’t back. The Celtics didn’t snap out of their slump. The Big Three didn’t find their elusive rhythm.

Boston played a relatively strong first quarter against a weak-willed opponent. Detroit threw in the towel as soon as they realized they were on the road against a team in need of a win.

Don’t read any more into the win. Remember the feel of a blowout win: what it’s to like to see Gino, watch the Celtics celebrate, soak in the feeling of a win. But be careful of thinking of a Boston rebirth of basketball.

Play of the Game:

Nate Robinson’s exclamation dunk with 43.5 seconds left on an off-the-backboard alley-oop from Tony Allen