Spurs on 5 game win streak, but this is big test to see if we are finally clicking, or if we are only winning because we are playing bad teams.
Boston's size is ridiculous and they're better offensively than they have been, seemingly
On a side note, following Shelden William's career since last year at Duke, he's one of the most over-looked pick-ups of the off season
I'm going to say the Celtics win in a close one
I'm pumped for this game!!
Two damn good,smart basketball teams going at it fully healthy....
Not sure if Davis is playing today or whatever. But if so, would be fun to watch him and Blair go at it. Might cause a tremor
I have a feeling this one is going to be good.
If we play disciplined team defense tonight, we have a pretty good shot.
Bonner the Barbarian will show no mercy tonight.
Remember when Sheed told his teammates to just give the ball to whoever Bonner is guarding? That better not be the case tonight. I'd like to see Bonner light it up tonight. We're going to need him to open the floor for us.
Listen to the TNT tools trying to compare KG to TD all time..
Kenny Smith should know Tim is the greatest PF of alltime I can't believe some people still debate over who's better between KG and TD. It's a no brainer TD is way better than KG.
We're playing in slow-motion right now. Yes, the Celtics have a good D, but that doesn't mean we have to throw away the ball like that.
Wow, Spurs not looking good so far, Celts are playing like a well oiled machine. I think its gonna take a lot longer for the Spurs to gel.
Boston is playing good defense early and the Spurs are letting them.
Dick Bavetta is looking more and more like the crypt keeper these days
Team's MUST LOVE IT when Tim puts the ball on the floor and dribbles into traffic.
Spurs are absolutely killing themselves. Turning the ball over, missing chip shots, missing free throws. Boston isn't winning this game. Spurs are losing it.
Memo to Spurs: Game started at 7.
How is garnett allowed to bearhug Timmy? That pisses me off cuz they going to call touch fouls on Tim later
Celtics winning in the shitty calls category so far.
Duncan has three TOs take that scrub out
Sheed still looks funny in green.
Hadn't had a good look at Sheed this season. He looks fatter, soft even.
Lol at Pierce trying to flop after that turnover. Fairy boy
Celts defense too tough for Spurs
Scalabrine v. Bonner. Dat's a lotta freckles...
The way this game is officiated, we are not going to win it
These refs are garbage!!!
Our only FG in 2000 years In our own basket
Spurs are sleepwalking, no energy, Celts defense killing them.
Wow the spurs beat themselves that quarter.. They're even making baskets for Boston
This is Spurs last shot and it won't happen. 2007 trophy was the last.
My dead cat could've reffed a better quarter. I don't think the refs are trying to give the game to the Celtics; I just think they're just incompetent sometimes and that was a lot of those times right there.
There is no emoticon to express what I feel...
Well this is embarrassing. We can't hit our open shots, we can't hit our free throws, and now Blair is playing for the Celtics while still wearing a Spurs jersey.
Blair is from the east coast, maybe hes pulling a Tim donaghy
At least Laker fans will be pissed because of a Celtics win
The Spurs are 1/1 when shooting the ball into the opponent's basket. We did that well!
BONNER SUCKS! . WHY DO PEOPLE NOT SEE THIS... We his is not hitting the 3 he is completely terrible...
At least Bonner doesn't score baskets for the opposing team.
Why does the ref working the baseline defer to bavetta so much?
Pop should put Ratliff on Wallace.
Somebody tell Bavetta we're in San Antonio...
Bavetta: "we're in SA? Then I'll make sure Spurs lose "
Thank god Cs are not making their WIDE OPEN THREES and FTs
Bavetta's got an agenda here....
Marquis Daniels looks like a hippie out there.
Seeing Bonner on Garnett makes me scared
I seriously can't stand KG
Can someone seriously explain to me what bonner is doing out their when he is 0/4 on WIDE OPEN threes? Please tell me..... His defense is terrible, his rebounding is terrible..
The Celtics seem to be everywhere in the court...
Ok, Perkins is pissing me off.
Why does ray Allen look like he is always chewing something when hitting ft
Yeah, let's give Garnett the jumper he knocks down the most all night.
Garnett HAS RANGE in case you haven't seen a NBA game in the pas 12 years.
Celtics making us look like a D-League team.
Maybe we would win the game if we stopped shooting.....
This attitude that these games don't matter or its early just isnt what we need anymore... Were not the team of 4 years ago... There is no showing of heart out there... No sense of urgency and it start with our head coach... Who looks like he would rather be at the winery right now.
Boston plays like we SHOULD play.. They spread the ball to ALL their weapons..they run plays for ALL of them..when a guy hasn't touched the ball in a while, they run a play for him..
The Celtics are on a whole other level right now. The Spurs are just getting embarassed.
I don't like Boston...at all. But I respect the fact that they play the type of defense we should be playing.
This crowd is completely deflated...even moreso than usual.
Mcdyess got blown up by Perkins inside
Lol rondo owning parker
Where is the vomit icon??? I need it now..watching this LIFELESS effort.
NOBODY is playing well right now. Credit the Celtics, they are MUCH more intense than we are and their D is amazing.
Ok guys lets just give the ball to Bosten each time down the floor, why even try...
Right now you can see the hunger in the Celtics, they look like they want to win it all this year. Spurs well...Still coasting I guess. Maybe in a couple of months we will see that hunger. I hope...
Mcdyess just cant match up with garnett or Perkins inside
We need more scrub teams to play lol
Damn I thought the spurs were bad the Celts players never shut up
F*** KG and his chest thumping ways.
God I hate KG....
KG going theatrical for the cameras.
The refs have been absolutely horrible in this game.. Boston is getting EVERY call..
Wallace is FAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Just saying.
I wish OUR "big man" could pick and pop tha 3.
Celtics are killing us - all right, happens, but the way they do it isn't good.
They sure look a lot like us 3 or 4 years ago...
We can still win it easily.
Maybe if the Celts decide to forfeit...
Scalabrine makes an off-balance J at the buzzer..story of the game..
Ha...when the Celtic Ginger is making buckets...it ain't your night...
When Scalabrine is hitting buzzer beaters you know you are in trouble.
Do they just want to make Wallace look good tonight? He has been hitting 3's all his life...why would you just leave him wide open?
Well atleast I got to c gingervginger 1on1 I don't remember cn that before
Celtics are good, we are not ...
I have noticed that the Celts are not a very good rebounding team as they said.
No Garnett No Perkins It's more easy to score against Sheed or Scalabrine.
I really hate Ray Allen, just saying. I wish Bowen were here just to guard him 2nite.
Rondo > Parker tonight... That might just be the difference...
Flop by pierce
Man Rondo has Parker's number tonight, just sticking some solid D. Looking a lot better than Parker.
Rondo >>>>>>>>>>> Parker
Pop looks like a lost coach.
Anyone notice they pulled Sheed out of the game when he reverted back to being a chucker...??
Tonight was an example of a team that can stop both TD and TP... or at least considerably reduce their production...
I'll give it to them: the Spurs find creative ways to lose to the Celtics.
A very anti flopping Rasheed Wallace vs the King of Floppers - Manu Ginobili.
If Sheed reacted the way he did to a little flop, imagine Sheed's reaction to a Ginobili flop like this one vs Bonzi Wells:
And I just love this video that is a take off on the Rebok You've been Rondo'd commercials.
So, we might be in for some fun in this game if Manu is up to his old tricks. However, Sunday was his first game back from yet another injury and so he might not be back in full flop form. After any injury, you have to work your way back into the really good flops. But I'm sure we will see him attempt at least one or two good flops. The only question is if Sheed is feeling cheritable enough to mention it.
Boston Celtics (14-4) at San Antonio Spurs (10-6)
Thursday, December 3
8:00 PM ET
Game #19, Road Game #9
TV: TNT, TSN
Radio: ESPNR, WOAI, WEEI
AT&T Center
The Spurs got off to a slow start, losing 6 of their first 10 games but have righted the ship and, like the Celtics, have won their last 5 games. One of these teams will get their sixth straight victory, while stopping the other's win streak at 5.
Like the Celtics, the Spurs are subject to speculation that their team is too old. Both teams have some nice young players, and both teams have stars that are getting up in age. The average age of the Celtics is 27.9 while the average age of the Spurs is 28.7. McDyess is 35, Duncan is 33, and Jefferson is 29 while KG is 33, Pierce is 32 and Ray is 34.
The Spurs have been off since Sunday, while the Celtics played on Tuesday and are playing in the 3rd game of a 4 game road trip. For some teams, a layoff of 3 days is enough for them to show some rust to begin the game and for other teams, it is enough for them to come out well rested and on fire. The Spurs are a veteran team that should come out focused and so the Celtics need to match that focus and get off to a good start. If they dig a hole in the first quarter, they will find that is isn't easy to come back against a defensive minded team like the Spurs.
In their last game, the Celtics ended the Bobcats' 4 game win streak and hopefully they will do the same for the Spurs 5 game win streak. Coach: Doc Rivers
Average Age: 27.9
Average Height: 6-6
Average Weight: 224
Coach: Gregg Popovich
Average Age: 28.7
Average Height: 6-7
Average Weight: 224
Probable Starters
Tony Parker/Keith Bogans/Richard Jefferson/Tim Duncan/Antonio McDyess
Key Matchups vs
Rajon Rondo vs Tony Parker
Rondo has been compared to Parker at times and this matchup will be a big challenge for both players. When Rondo is aggressive and focused, he can pretty much take on any point guard in the league, including Parker. Rondo usually gets up for big games and this is a big one.
vs
Kevin Garnett vs Tim Duncan
This is a matchup of the two best power forwards in the league. KG is playing very well so far on this trip and should continue that trend in this game although Duncan's defense could slow him down. Duncan is also playing at a high level, averaging 18.5 points, 10.8 rebounds and 2 blocks for the season. This should be a battle and a fun one to watch at that.
Honorable Mention
Kendrick Perkins vs Antonio McDyess
Perk has been tearing it up on both ends of the court recently. He should have the advantage against McDyess and I expect another big night from him.
Keys to the Game
Defense - The Celtics appear to have returned to their defensive form that we saw in the first 5 games. They need to continue to play the swarming team defense that we have come to know and love.
Focus
The Celtics problems during their mini slump earlier were due to a lack of focus. They need to come out focused and stay focused for 48 minutes. This game won't be easy, but if they focus like they have in their past 2 games, they will give themselves to get another road win.
Rebound The Spurs are a good rebounding team and the Celtics need to concentrate on crashing the boards. Tony Parker is very good at running the break when the Spurs get defensive rebounds and Duncan is one of the best at putting back offensive rebounds. By dominating the boards, the Celtics can prevent both from happening.
Run the Offense In recent games we have seen the Celtics return to the ball movement that makes them so tough to guard. They also have to continue to take the ball inside rather than just depend on jumpers.
I think back to Perk's first 4 seasons in the league and how many articles I wrote about what a great player he was going to be and how I loved the way he played defense. Way back then, I was a lone voice singing Perk's praises. Well, almost a lone voice. The crack staff over at Perkisabeast were also on the Perk bandwagon with me back then.
I have been so excited to see all the love that Perk is getting lately. And he deserves every bit of it. Here is just a sampling of what I found just in the last day. First, from Celtics Hub:
Kendrick Perkins is leading the league in FG Percentage at 64.3% per game. Let that register for a little bit for a guy who use to be one of the most hesitant shooters on the team, if not the league.
The guy has surely come a long way but Perk’s continued progression on the offensive end has been a pleasure to watch, as he firmly establishes himself as one of the premiere big men, not only in the Eastern Conference, but the entire league
.
That is good, but it gets even better. Hardwood Paroxysm set out to use stats to refute the Celtics Hub article and ended up gushing over Perk even more.
I was all prepared to rip this to shreds with advanced staty-stats. Then I actually looked at them. And you know what? Perk’s been downright awesome. He’s averaging 17.4 points per 40. THINK ABOUT THAT. ON A TEAM WITH KG, PIERCE, AND ALLEN (AND RONDO) HE’S AVERAGING 17.4 PER 40.
So Perk’s sixth in usage, and fourth in PER. He’s tops in TRR. He’s tops in TS% (natch). So he’s taking a more active role in the offense, and being more productive. Even with fewer minutes, those numbers are terrific for a what, fifth, sixth option? In short, the man is a Goddamn beast, there’s no other way to say it.
When Celtics blogs started talking about Perkins for All-Star game I chuckled at their brazen homerism. Now? Good God, you’re talking about arguably the most productive overall member of the best team in the league. Maybe it’s not so crazy after all.
No matter how you crunch the numbers, Perk is a beast. Damn Lies and Statistics is a site geared toward fantasy basketball and even there, I found good things being said about Perk. It doesn't matter whether we are talking shooting percentage, PER, or fantasy stats, Perk is getting noticed:
The one line that stood out to me in Boston’s 108-90 win in Charlotte was Kendrick Perkins‘ 21-point, 12-rebound, 3-block effort, which also included 9-for-10 shooting from the floor. Perkins is a real-life monster. I mean that literally. He is the spitting image of Boris Karloff after makeup, but make no mistake, this is one of the best big men in the league. He is strong like bull and is an outstanding man-on defender. He is developing a decent touch from mid range and with Kevin Garnett beginning to fade and Rasheed Wallace withering away, he will be a key to what I think will be a Celtic championship. Steal him from a non-suspecting owner.
Next, I found that A. Sherrod Blakely on CSNNE is also singing Perk's praises along with Larry Brown and Dwight Howard.
The Boston Celtics are riding a five-game winning streak and Perkins' all-around game has been a major factor in that success.
"The kid's gotten better," said Bobcats coach Larry Brown."They've done a wonderful job with him."
And it isn't just coaches and teammates singing the praises of Perkins.
Dwight Howard, arguably the NBA's top center, has been impressed with Perkins' improved play which he believes has been helped tremendously by Celtics assistant Clifford Ray who used to be an assistant in Orlando.
"He's very smart, and I worked with Cliff from the time I got into the league until the time he left to come to Boston," said Howard. "He (Ray) was a big help to me and he's really helped Kendrick's game. I'm real happy to see the progress that Kendrick has made, not just defensively, but offensively, since he's come into the league."
Now, just a few quotes from ME about Perk. The first one is from October 2006:
It is no surprise to hear that Perk is putting in extra work after practice.
Kendrick Perkins is working hard to separate himself from the big-man pack, spending a half-hour with assistant Clifford Ray after practice refining his shooting form.
I love this kid!! He is one of the hardest workers in the league and if Doc gives him decent minutes this season, I expect him to make a huge leap in his play.
Perk has made himself into one of the toughest players on the Celtics and in the league. His work ethic is second to none and each year he improves his game in some areas. Center is one of the toughest positions to fill and the Celtics have filled this position with a very tough rebounder, shot blocker, and defender. He gives the Celtics something they haven't had in many years, and that is an enforcer. I truly believe that Perk can establish himself as one of the premier centers in the league.
And his development, maybe more than any other player on this roster, is what makes this Boston team potentially better than the 2008 championship squad.
I was going to finish this here, but just overnight, more love for Perk has surfaced. CelticsBlog has their lead piece on Perk and all the love he getting. And the Globe has Perk front and center as well. They quote Larry Brown, Doc, Kevin Garnett and Rondo singing Perk's praises. Here's the quote from Rondo.
“He’s the reason why we’re getting in the bonus so early in the game,’’ Rondo said. “He’s doing the dirty work, getting the offensive rebounds. Perk is my best friend on the team. We have a great relationship and I hope that continues.’’
Parish loves to watch Perkins for the simple reason that the youngster reminds him of the way the game used to be played, when big men were paint-oriented.
“He’s definitely a throwback,” Parish said. “Back then, there would have been a place for him, because he’s the kind of player who does things that don’t show up on the stat sheet. But you can tell he wants the ball now. He has a lot more confidence from his teammates.”
I love Perk. And, finally, it seems that everyone else does too.
I am watching last night's game for the 2nd time now and I just love the ball movement and the defense I am seeing. I said it all along that what was ailing the Celtics through that down stretch wasn't age, it was focus. The team just wasn't focused. They didn't play team defense and they didn't run the team offense. They were all trying to do too much individually. They are back to team ball and it shows.
KG is finally hitting his stride and getting comfortable again. After any injury like KG had, it takes awhile to get your timing and comfort level back. Also, he had those shin problems that were slowing him down. Everyone was questioning the knee and he kept saying the knee was fine. Now we see that maybe he was telling the truth. The knee is fine. And we are seeing KG coming closer and closer to 100% now. He has his explosiveness back for the most part and we are seeing his defense rounding back into form as well. He has been shooting the lights out and was perfect again last night 6-6 from the floor for 16 points to go with 7 rebounds and 5 assists. And best of all, we are seeing him go into the paint more and more. That is a very good sign.
Ray Allen has been struggling but last night, he was hitting on all cylinders. The play that stands out in my mind was at the end of the first half where he hit that 3 while falling out of bounds. He was 6-9 from the field and 5-6 from beyond the arc and finished with 27 points to go with 5 rebounds, 5 assists, a steal and even a block. There is still no one in the league I'd rather have on my team to take the last shot in crunch time. I don't care if he has missed every shot in the game up to that time, Ray has that killer instinct and when it counts, he'll hit the shot more often than not. I also love the way Ray has been going to the hoop more this season when his 3's aren't falling. I'm definitely in the keep Ray Allen camp. This guy is class all the way.
Paul Pierce had a quiet game for the second game in a row, but with everyone else hitting, he wasn't needed. I think we will see this from Pierce all season. When the other players are hitting, he will sit back and let them go. But when the others are off, Pierce will step up and take over. I love that about him. He gives the team whatever they need when they need it. Pierce has come a long way and he has matured into a great leader for this team.
Rondo had a solid game, dishing out 9 assists and aggressively running the offense. The bench played well and held the lead when they came in and even extended it. Eddie found his shot again going 5-9. Sheed was only 1-3 from beyond the arc, but finally he didn't just keep bombing away from out there. He showed some nice moves inside and played good defense. His length and defense will be a difference maker in the playoffs.
And, you knew it was coming.... The player of the game was Kendrick Perkins. I just love this guy. And I love how he is finally getting notice from a lot of people who used to doubt him. Perk was incredible last night, finishing with 21 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 blocks. And, he got the Tommy Award. He had only 3 fouls and no technicals. He even had a nifty between the legs dribble on his way to a half hook shot on the opposite side of the rim. Perk has improved every year he has been in the league and with his weight loss and improved mobility over this off season, he has just taken off this season. I just love Perk! Before the game Dickerson was interviewing Perk and mentioned the fact that he was getting more notice around the league and asked Perk how he felt about that. And, as you might expect, Perk said he doesn't care about that at all. Just as long as the team wins, he doesn't care about his own stats or if he gets noticed. I just love Perk. Video courtesy of Red's Army
Next up San Antonio. If the team plays focused like they did in this one, I see another win.
at 
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