I am still at a loss for words about Dwight Howard taking a swing at Rondo right in front of the official and nothing happening to him. Perk got a technical for looking at someone in the New York game. And Howard can take a swing at Rondo and get away with it? If it wasn't for Rondo's quick reflexes he would have been out cold because Howard was swinging with some power behind hit.
I am really disgusted with the officiating this season. I thought they would have cleaned up their act after the scandal this summer and would try to avoid all appearances of impropriety. But, it seems that the officiating is even worse this season than ever. I am starting to think that the officials have been given a directive to keep games close, especially when they are on national TV. When the Magic were making their run in the game against the Celtics, the calls seemed to go in favor of the Celtics. But when the Celtics started to make a run, the refs were calling it the other way. There were 3 non-calls that changed the end of that game.
Powe was battling on the offensive glass and got two rebounds and was fouled at least 3 times and maybe 4 as he missed the put backs. They were hacking at his arm and it was so obvious that Hubie Brown mentioned it. And with Powe on the floor because of the fouls, the Magic went down the other end for a dunk. This was a 4 point swing because of the non-calls. Then, when Howard took a swing at Rondo, he should have gotten a T. That would have been a point for the Celtics and the ball. Instead, they ignored the swing and gave the ball to Orlando. That was a 5 point swing. And they ignored a blatant travel by Turkoglu with the ref right there, and gave him a basket and foul instead. Another 5 point swing. Those 3 non calls changed the game. The Celtics really should file a complaint about that game, especially the swing that Howard took at Rondo.
And speaking of Rondo, the poor little guy is getting some pretty hard hits these days. Every game, he ends up hitting the floor hard and slowly picking himself up. Time for Leon, Perk and Baby to play big brothers and protect the little guy a little, or at least make whoever hits Rondo wish they didn't. At the rate he is taking hits, he won't have anything left by the end of the season. I liked Doc's quote that when Rondo hits the floor he has no padding and feels it everywhere as when Baby hits the floor, the floor feels it everywhere. I guess Rondo needs some padding. Maybe one of those protective padding things that Alonzo Mourning wears would help.
Big Al is really making some noise. He followed the 39 point, 15 rebound performance in the Wolves win against the Suns with a 40 point, 19 rebound game in a win against the Nets. He was named Player of the Week for his efforts. I really like Big Al and am glad that he is doing well. I would love to have him back in Boston one day.
Rumors, rumors, rumors. There are all kinds of rumors floating around about players Danny may be targeting to fill the back up point guard role. The most obvious are the Damon Stoudamire rumors. Then, too, there are the Sam Cassell rumblings. There are also rumors of a possible Delonte West return as well as Mike Bibby possibilities. So far, Danny insists that he likes the roster as is. But there is no denying that the Celtics need a back up point guard. Even Rondo has said he would like to have a veteran around as a mentor. Danny will sign one, but who it is remains a mystery. Stoudamire will clear waivers on Wednesday and there are several teams including the Suns, Spurs, Raptors and Mavs who are reportedly interested in obtaining his services. Seems to me that if Danny offers him a contract, he will probably take it, but Danny may be waiting for someone else and pass. There was a report from Miami that the Celtics have offered him a contract, but I am not sure I believe it. Other rumors swirl around Chris "the Birdman" Anderson who is eligible to return from his 2 year suspension. Hornets have first crack at him once he is reinstated, but he is good friends with KG and if the Hornets pass, the Celtics may be interested.
I was disappointed in KG when I heard that he stayed in the locker room for the Magic game. I know he wanted to play and was disappointed with Doc's decision to make him sit, but he should have been there to support his teammates. He said he didn't want to be a distraction. He should have been there cheering on his teammates and encouraging them and his intensity, even on the bench, would have given the team a lift. Ubuntu means putting aside one's own agenda for the good of the team. In my opinion, KG didn't do that. Sitting to be sure that he doesn't do damage that would keep him out for a longer time is the smart thing and the best for the team. If he is truly putting team first and if a ring is the only goal, sitting now shouldn't be a problem.
Leon Powe is playing very well. When he gets minutes, he makes the most of them. Doc needs to keep him in the rotation and if KG is out again, Leon needs to get the nod. I think Powe would match up very well with Haslem. When Doc goes to his dreaded small ball lineup, He should have Leon in there at least for some rebounding.
Doc's decision to start Scal at power forward and then play him for 22 minutes was terrible. Scal had 1 point and 1 rebound in 22 minutes as the starting power forward. Powe came off the bench with 9 points and 9 rebounds in 26 minutes. Nine times as much in 4 more minutes. Scal should never get more minutes than Powe or even Big Baby. I can handle Scal at the 3 but not the 4 or 5. He is just too soft.
The Celtics are playing in Miami after having 2 nights in South Beach. The '86 Celtics wanted a championship so much that they made a pact with each other that they wouldn't drink any beer or liquor until they won the championship. I wonder how bad this team really wants the championship. Do they want it enough to put aside personal distractions to win it?
Finally, this is a great video that goes from Celtics past to Celtics present. Having been around for much of the Celtics glory days, I just am so excited to have them back on top again. Excellent video, it gives me the chills every time I watch it.
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