CELTICS GREEN ...a boston celtics blog.: Random Thoughts 5/8

Tonight's game should have a completely different feel from game 1. For one thing, I just don't see LeBron, Pierce and Ray all shooting as poorly as they did in the first game. Pierce and LeBron may still be locked in their defensive battle against each other, but I expect Ray to bounce back with a much better game.

I watched the Magic beat the Pistons very decisively at home after losing two close ones in Detroit. I would rather meet the Pistons than the Magic because that is another of those athletic teams that give us fits. Billups went out with a strained hamstring and that could mean trouble for the Pistons if it is anything serious.

Did anyone else feel a little sick hearing Kobe talk about how he loves his teammates and they are his brothers and they have such great chemistry... These are the same teammates (except for Gasol) that Kobe was throwing under the bus this summer and the teammates he wanted to be traded away from because they were so bad. Before the season he was ranting about how bad these guys are and now they are his brothers? I can't stand that guy.

How good has Perk been in the last two playoff games? He has been playing like one of the top defensive centers in the NBA. He set the tone for that game 7 win and in Game 1 against the Cavs, he played great defense along with pulling down 12 rebounds. He is also pretty good at grabbing those offensive rebounds and putting them back. He has also been making his free throws. For 5 years I have been telling anyone who would listen that Perk was going to break out and that he would be one of the better centers in the league. I think he has turned that corner and is there. He is one of the best defensive centers in the league and his offense has also improved a great deal and although he won't look for his offense, he takes what's there. In today's Herald, Paul Pierce has some good things to say about Perk and I have to agree:

“I don’t know when the all-defensive team comes out, but if Perk isn’t on it then I’ll be surprised. I know KG is the defensive player of the year but he’s got somebody next to him. The greatest thing about Kendrick is his understanding of his role. Kendrick could be an All-Star when you see what other centers are doing across the league. He could definitely be an All-Star.”

Has there ever been a bigger drama queen than LeBron James? Every little bit of contact and he checking his mouth and acting like he was just hit by a car. Sam's so called flagrant foul wasn't all that hard and James checked his mouth for blood about 5 times and it didn't look like Sam even hit his mouth. He pulled him down by the jersey. Contrast Rondo who is about half his size getting flattened by players like Maxiell and Williams and no drama. The refs protect LeBron as it is and he gets a lot more calls than he should and his drama just gets to be a bit much after awhile. Just get up and get back to work. And, when James isn't on the floor checking his mouth for blood (which he does after just about every foul), he is whining to the refs. Come on LeBron, grow up and be a man. Stop all the drama.

Today's Herald has an article that states that the Celtics have to return to team offense.

Coach Doc Rivers and his staff have instructed the lads to move the ball around (unless they’re on a fast break), knowing that at some point they will free up one of their talented shooters for a less contested shot.

It seems to me that the ball movement stops when Doc takes Rondo out and inserts Sam Cassell. Sam more often than not will dribble the ball around until he can get his shot off. He doesn't look to set up teammates as much as he looks for his own shot. Sam needs to play more like a point guard than a shooting guard and the offense will be much better.

KG has to be one of the most intimidating players in the league. As if we needed something more from KG to get excited about, he has been doing that move on defense where he gets down on all fours that makes him looked like a caged animal and has to throw the guy he is guarding off. It sure would scare me. Wouldn't it scare you?

The Herald reports that he has renamed himself "The Cobra" because of this move. (hat tip to Jeff on Celtics Blog for finding this tidbit)

Celtics big guy Kevin Garnett announced he’s ditching The Big Ticket for a new name - The Cobra! Garnett told WBZ’s Steve Burton that he came up with the new moniker after he invented a new defense maneuver during a recent game where he got down on all fours. That’s ssssssspecial! Anyway, Garnett broke the news during Burton’s one-on-three interview with the Big Three, Garnett, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce. The extended interview will air on “Celtics TV” at 9:30 p.m. tomorrow on TV38.

The more I see and hear of James Posey, the more I realize what a special player he is. His hugs for the starters get them fired up to start the game. His defense on LeBron set the tone for the game. This guy does whatever it takes to get his team the win. Shaq said that without Posey the Heat wouldn't have won their championship and I would hazard a guess that if the Celtics win the title this year Posey's teammates will have a similar feeling this year. This guy is a winner and I am glad he is a Celtic.

Game 2 tonight is going to be big. Celtics need to hold serve on their court. It is certain that LeBron will come out with a better game and hopefully so will Paul and Ray. Should be a good one.

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