I am still amazed by the lack of respect the Celtics get. After the Celtics game against the Mavs, the top ten plays had just one play from the Celtics and that was a play by Pierce at #10. The top play was a 3 by the Pistons that wasn't even a buzzer beater. The play where Rondo took the rebound away from Dirk and then put it in off the glass and the steal by Posey weren't even in the top 10.
If you taped or Tivo'd the Mavs game, go back to halftime where they go into the Celtics locker room. After the little bit by Doc, the players go into the huddle and you can see KG in the back looking like he is ready to rip someone's head off. I would hate to be the person who gets in his way when they finally turn him loose on an unsuspecting opponent.
Thoughts on the Gasol trade. First, everyone has been very quick to declare the Lakers the favorites for the title before Gasol even suited up for them. After the Celtics made the trade for Garnett, all we heard was that there wouldn't be enough basketballs for them, they would take a long time to mesh, they had to prove themselves, etc. And we still hear the critics say that they haven't played the Spurs, Suns or Hornets yet and so they haven't proved anything. It seems to me that the Lakers have just as many questions now. Will Gasol fit with Odom, Bynum and Kobe in the Triangle offense? Will Gasol be able to stay healthy? He has a history of back and foot problems and sometimes those can become chronic. Finally, the playoffs are all about defense. Gasol has never been known for his defensive prowess. Will the Lakers play defense? Will the players mesh? Will Kobe make sacrifices as Pierce, KG and Ray Allen have to accomodate another star? Only time will tell but I am not ready to call them favorites yet.
"When I left (Seattle) the doctor there told me that he didn't want me to go to training camp and he didn't want me to play back-to-back (nights) starting the season off," Allen said. "The team had a relationship with the trainers, and the doctor, so they knew what the prognosis was - that I would have to ease into it. "But then when I was traded, with all the excitement and everything that I was doing, I just came here getting ready to play a season. There was no way I was going to come in and say, 'I can't play. I am not going to training camp.' And then, 'I'm not playing back-to-backs.' I was just going to take it day-by-day and see how I felt." "I've felt good, but I've still had slight problems with my ankles and trying to move forward," he said. "That's just with the soreness in them. It just hurts me a little bit.
That explains the struggles that Ray has had with his jumper. It was evident that his legs just weren't there as many of his jumpers came up short. The good news is that he said that he is feeling better and is looking forward to playing much better in the second half. A healthy Ray Allen would makes a huge difference for the Celtics down the stretch. The rest over the All Star break will be very beneficial for the team.
What a shocker in the Super Bowl. I was pulling for the Patriots but the Giants earned this one. This takes a little pressure off of the Celtics now as if both the Sox and Pats were champions, the pressure would have been huge for the Celtics to win also. Now the Celtics can go for a championship without that added pressure of both of the other Boston teams having won already.
The trade deadline is coming up quickly. Is Danny going to make a move or roll the dice with what we have? We need a back up point guard. House and Tony can fill in now, but in the playoffs, they won't be able to handle the pressure that is thrown at them. If Rondo gets in foul trouble or is out for any time, we are in trouble. Denver is now interested in Cassell. Stoudamire has already signed with the Spurs. Danny says he doesn't want to disrupt the chemistry. That may be a smoke screen as Danny is very good with those. Hopefully he has a PG up his sleeve because chemistry or no chemistry, this team can use a back up point guard.
- Big Baby is not getting minutes b/c he's not giving 100% when he's out there, gets too caught up in putting on a show so to speak. Bench guys need to realize that when called upon they need to give it their all and contribute, or they'll end up back on the bench. Converse to that is Powe who they feel has really earned his minutes.
Being a rookie, I think Big Baby still gets caught up in the "I can't believe I am here and playing with these guys" mentality. No surprise that Leon gives his all because he has since day 1. He give it his all in practice as well as games and makes good things happen.
- Goal is 3 finals appearances in next 4 years - I asked him about Thibideau's impact, and he said what we all thought, that he's helped bring that defensive intensity that we're all seeing.
Hmmmm... I wonder which year they don't plan to be in the finals? It is obvious that Thibodeau is the mastermind behind the defense. He has done that everywhere he has gone and I am nervous that he has only a one year contract and will be in much demand for head coaching positions next season. Defense is the key, especially in the playoffs and Thibodeau brings that to this team. Good read overall.
The Celtics are putting no timetable for KG's return. According to the Herald it is doubtful that he will play against the Cavs or the Clippers. He still isn't practicing with the team. He may play against the Wolves on Friday or more than likely, he will be out till after the All Star break. If he is, they will need to name a replacement for his spot on the All Star team. Ray Allen anyone? I don't blame them for being cautious. Right now it is a strain, but could easily be a tear if he plays before it is completely healed. Besides, Powe is getting some good minutes right now, which will benefit the team down the stretch.
After the Wolves game, KG said that he had been playing hurt and never said anything about it until he felt that "sniper shot" in the game and had to come out. So, we probably haven't seen the best of KG lately because of the injury. This shows that it had been getting worse while he was trying to play through it. While we are waiting for KG to return, Here is a video to whet your appetite as he will come back with a vengeance.
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