When the Celtics visit the Bulls tonight, it will be the first time James Posey plays them as a Celtic. Bulls fans hate James Posey and we can expect to hear boos whenever he touches the ball. The Bulls should be fired up to play the Celtics because of their record, but even more, Posey's presence in the lineup tonight should make that fire even higher.
Posey was involved in 4 incidents with the Bulls when he was a member of the Heat that dates back to the 2006 playoffs. The first incident was in Game 3 of the Bulls-Heat 2006 first round match up. Kirk Hinrich was running down the court when Posey hit him with a hard shoulder block, knocking Hinrich to the floor Posey was called for a Flagrant 2 foul and was ejected from the game and suspended for the next game. Posey defended himself by saying, "I was just trying to get back on defense and cut the ball off." "He didn't see me and that's how collisons happen. That's all it was."
In the first game of the 2006-2007 season, Posey was involved with another incident with Bulls. This time, rookie Tyrus Thomas, who was going for a rebound, was hit in the face by Posey which led to Thomas having his nose broken.
In a December 27 game against the Bulls, Posey was ejected for tackling Luol Deng who was going for a layup. Posey was once again called for a flagrant 2 foul and ejected along with being suspended for the next game.
In Game 2 of the 2007 first round playoff series between the Heat and Bulls, Posey fouled Tyrus Thomas away from the ball on a play that looked very similar to the play on opening night when Posey broke Thomas' nose. I wonder if Thomas will be trying to stay away from Posey tonight or looking for revenge? It is odd that all the incidents involved the Bulls. Does Posey have it in for the Bulls, or possibly after the first incident, they go at him and when they push him, he pushes back.
Either way, this will be an interesting sub-plot in tonight's game. The Bulls fans, and I am sure a few of the Bulls as well, feel that Posey is a dirty player and will be motivated to beat his team as revenge for these incidents. Hopefully the Celtics will be just as motivated to come away with a win. Watch for Posey to get some "special attention" from both the Bulls and the Bulls Fans.
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