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RETRIEVING CONTENT...PLEASE WAIT
Wizards Rally in the Fourth to Beat Celtics 85-78
Saturday, January 12, 2008
by FLCeltsFan 11:14 PM
The Wizards out-played the Celtics in a sloppy game to prevent them from the best start in franchise history. Both teams were playing in the second of back to back games, but in spite of playing in an overtime game the night before, Washington out-hustled the Celtics on both ends of the court. The Wizards out-rebounded the Celtics 49-30 and seemed to beat them to every loose ball. Much of rebounding is desire and effort and the Celtics have been out-rebounded in the last three games 42-40 (Charlotte), 52-44 (NJ) and 49-30 (Washington). This is cause for concern. Either the Celtics are already wearing down or they just don't want these games as much as the other teams.
The Celtics offense seems to be sputtering. They shot 41% from the field and missed 6 free throws. Two of the Celtics stars struggled from the field with Pierce shooting only 5-13 and Ray Allen even worse hitting only 3-13. The Celtics played defense in spurts, pressing in the back court and trapping but for most of the game, they allowed the Wizards too many easy baskets. The excuse can be made the the Celtics played the night before, but the Wizards also played the night before and their game went to overtime.
The Celtics were out scored 25-13 in the fourth quarter and they out rebounded the Celtics throughout the game. The rebounding differential was 15-12 in the first quarter, 26-16 at the end of the second, 36-22 at the end of 3 and 49-30 at the end of the game. The Celtics shot 46% and held the Wizards to 36% but the rebounding differential and the fact that the Wizards took 13 more shots than the Celtics was too much to overcome. The Celtics also turned the ball over 19 times.
KG came as close as anyone to playing well as he finished with 19 points on 7-14 shooting to go with 6 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 blocks. Perk played well this game scoring 9 points to go with 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal and 2 blocks. Big Baby played 9:53 and didn't have much of an impact in this game with only 1 rebound and 1 steal.
Tony started in place of Rondo who sat out with a sore back from a fall in the Nets game. He definitely isn't a ball handler and it is a scary sight to watch him dribbling the ball. The Celtics should give Pruitt a chance to show what he can do with Rondo on the sideline. He can't do much worse. Tony finished with 8 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 steals. House played the points for much of the game as Tony was in foul trouble and had trouble handling the defensive pressure of the Wizards. He finished with 11 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals.
Pierce shot only 5-13 and finished with 15 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal and 2 blocks. Ray Allen struggled from the field shooting only 3-13 from the field and finishing with 8 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, and 1 steal. Posey hit a couple of big 3s and finished with 8 points, 1 rebound, 3 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks. Scal played 7+ minutes and had only 1 assist to show for it. Pollard, Rondo, Powe, and Pruitt all did not play.
The Celtics have lost 2 of their last 3 games and have been beaten on the boards in those 3 games. They haven't been playing the defense that made them so dominant in the first part of the season. Teams are playing them better defensively and they are not handling the defense very well. It may be because they are tiring already or because they are losing focus or just because other teams are figuring them out and learning how to play them. Whatever is causing the Celtics to falter, hopefully they can figure it out and solve it soon as they face these same Wizards on Monday night and don't want to lose twice to them.
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New Feature: Around the Nets' Boards
by FLCeltsFan 9:28 AM
It is fun to read what the opposing fans are saying about the Celtics in their game threads. I will be starting a new feature here on LOY's Place and post some of the best comments from the fans in game threads around various boards during the games. Here is the first edition - Around the Nets' Boards
If we beat the Celtics maybe people will give the Nets more R-E-S-P-E-C-T.
Im scared and I mean really scared each time we play these guys one of our players gets injured
Unfortunately Ray Ray is back for this game. Might be an ugly one
Tonights game is about only one thing, BEING AGGRESSIVE.
We have to push things down the Celtics throat.
Excellent first quarter. We need to keep up the intensity.
Refs have gotta watch Ray Allen with that oft arm. That's the third time he has used it this game. Vince got elbowed in the jaw
I don't think its intentional. BUT Ray has used that oft arm twice on Boki and once on Vince. They gotta start calling that
Interesting, RJ did the same thing and got called for an offensive. PP does the same, he gets a 3pt foul
What a bull call. Pierce flopped.
Posey is looking like and Allstar vs us when we should be making him look like a Puss.
Everything is going Rondo's way.... He's embarrassing DA on both sides of the court.
You know what's funny? The refs CLEARLY did not give KG his third foul when he CLEARLY deserved to be called for a foul. Interesting...
Pierce is a Grade A flopper... The Nets have to adjust to how the game is being officiated... The Refs are letting things go so they have to take it harder to the hole.
Garnett is ripping Boone up.
That's BS Pierce wasn't even in the shooting motion! He just threw up one of his special bricks... Wow BS
Pierce didn't even go for the ball he went for the neck... Boone should have leveled him.
The Celtics do have a good defense and the Nets aren't going to get any calls tonight so I can understand this offensive drought it's important to ride things out and play solid defense though. Now if only we could do something about Paul Pierce's flopping...
So let me get this straight Pierce falls down and the Celtics get 2 free throws? This is messed up... How many calls is Pierce going to get?
Kg is hitting unbelievably tough shots over booneThe Celts showed us why there the best defensive team in the league. We lucky were only down by 3 at the half. It kind of reminded me of the first time we faced them and the took over in the second quarter. Its anybodys game....Go Nets!
WOW RJ'S FOURTH FOUL? PIERCE FLOPS RIGHT ON CUE.
I'm sick of how RJ isn't getting the same calls Pierce is, the Nets are getting no love when they drive in the lane but the Celtics are getting everything.
Bull call - Pierce flops again and gets the offensive foul called...
Glen Davis got away with the offensive foul....
This game is a joke what are the refs smoking.
We can't let GLEN DAVIS take us to school.
Glen Davis is an offensive foul machine, he literally shoves Collins to the ground but no foul call?
And yet another bad call. This is frustrating
FBI should investigate this game, **** referees
Luckily Celtics can't hit FT's either this game.
My drunk analysis of the 4th quarter.... Celtics are an amazing defensive team....
Kevin Garnett is just amazing.
I hate Kevin Garnett
Pierce is the worst flopper ever! And refs just called his flops
Peirce gets EVERY CALL on EVERY FLOP hes worse than ginobili
Truth. He's also the one Celtics player that needs to get knocked out his arrogance is amazing....
We should have led by 15 if the referees are fair
LOL @ Frank going zone when Ray and House are on the floor. I swear this might be the most brain dead coach in the game.
I hope the Celtics will just like The Mavs of last season, have the best record, and will lose soon in the playoffs.
I hope KG, Pierce, or Allen will be out of this season.
37% free throw, we shot better from the 3, get us 20 free throw coaches
source: Various Nets Message Boards
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Celtics Grind Out a Win in New Jersey
Friday, January 11, 2008
by FLCeltsFan 11:44 PM
In a game of runs that was downright ugly at times, the Celtics ground out a win against a tough Nets team. Both teams went on runs as the Nets went up 12 early and the Celtics came back to go up 47-44 at the half. The Nets went back up by 9 in the second and the Celtics came back once again for an 86-77 win. There were 15 lead changes and 11 ties in the game as it went back and forth until the Celtics used their defense in the fourth quarter to take control and win the game.
Both teams struggled from the free throw line with the Celtics shooting 13-21 for 62% and the Nets were a woeful 9-24 for 38%. At the end of 3, the Nets were out-rebounding the Celtics 42-29 but they put forth a bit more effort on the boards in the 4th to finish with a 52-44 deficit on the boards. The Celtics shot 48% from the field while holding the Nets to just 37%.
In the third quarter, Rajon Rondo took a hard fall and hit the pole on his way to land in the front row of seats. He left the game with a sore back and did not return. House and Tony Allen manned the point the rest of the game. Hopefully it isn't serious and Rondo will be ready to go in the Wizards game.
Rondo finished with 4 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal in just 22 minutes as he left the game with a sore back. House and Tony shared the point guard duties the rest of the game and House finished with 9 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal while Tony had 2 points and 2 rebounds. Ray Allen had a very good game after sitting out the game against the Bobcats and finished with 16 points on 7-14 shooting to go with 4 rebounds and 2 assists.
Pierce amazed me with the fact that he can have a very quiet game and seem as though he isn't doing much and then finishes with a stat line of 18 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks. KG played 33 minutes and finished with 20 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals and 3 blocks. Perk played only 18 minutes as he picked up a technical for complaining on a call in the second quarter and Doc pulled him and he never re-entered the game.
Posey played very well in spurts, hitting big shots and pulling down rebounds during one of the Celtics' runs. He finished with 9 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals. Big Baby once again did some good things on both ends of the court finishing with 7 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 block. Pollard, Scal, Powe, and Pruitt all registered DNP's.
The game went back and forth and a couple of times it looked as though the Nets were going to pull away but the Celtics fought back each time. They clamped down on defense in the fourth quarter to pull out the win.
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A Big Three Matchup
by FLCeltsFan 8:35 AM
 
Tonight's game against the Nets is going to be a good one for several reasons. First, New Jersey is a perennial Atlantic division rival. Teams have to beat teams in their division. The Atlantic division, or Titanic division as it has been called, has been one of the worst in the NBA for several years. In '04-05, The Celtics won the division with a 45-37 record with NJ coming in third at 42-40. The following season, New Jersey won the division with a 49-33 record and was the only team in the Atlantic with a winning record. Last season, The Raptors won the division with a 47-35 record and the Nets were second right at .500, 41-41. This season, the Celtics lead not only the Atlantic but the entire NBA with a 29-4 record. Behind them, the Nets and Raptors are tied at 18-17. The other two teams in the Atlantic division, the Knicks and Sixers, don't figure to challenge for anything any time soon.
Both the Celtics and the Nets have a Big Three, or a trio of three All Stars to lead the team. For the Nets, they have Jason Kidd, Vince Carter, and Richard Jefferson. The Celtics have Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, and Kevin Garnett. Two of the respective trios match up against each other with Pierce on Jefferson and Ray Allen on Jefferson. The key to this game may be the play of the matchups of the other two. Jason Kidd vs Rajon Rondo will be crucial. Kidd has had 4 triple doubles in a row and is on a roll. If Rondo can take him out of his game, it will go a long way toward neutralizing the Nets' offense as so much of it goes through Kidd. KG will be matched up against Sean Williams who is strong and a very good shot blocker but KG has the advantage in height and in experience. KG needs to exploit this matchup.
Momentum is on the Nets side in that they handily beat the Sonics in their last game with their Big Three rolling as Richard Jefferson dropped 28, Vince Carter scoring 18 and Jason Kidd getting 16 points and 11 rebounds. The Celtics on the other hand dropped a stinker to the Bobcats 95-83 where Ray Allen sat out and Pierce went for 13 points and 8 rebounds and KG finished with 24 points and 8 rebounds. However, after each of the Celtics other 3 losses, they came back to blow out their next opponents by an average of 31 points - beating Golden State by 23, New York by 45 and Chicago by 25. The Celtics played no defense in their last game.
The Celtics have not lost two games in a row all season and so this game will be a pride thing. If they don't come out strong in this one and go for the jugular, you have to question their heart. You have to beat your divisional rivals. Besides, we should win this one for Scal who has to like beating his old team.
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Bobcats hand Celtics Worst Loss of Season
Thursday, January 10, 2008
by FLCeltsFan 7:25 AM
The Celtics suffered their worst loss of the season last night under very unlikely circumstances. First, it was to the Bobcats who were only 1-11 on the road. Second, it was at home where the Celts had lost just one other game. The Bobcats played the night before while the Celtics were off since Saturday. And given all that, the Bobcats didn't just squeak by, the won by double digits. Maybe this will compare to the Christmas day massacre back in 1986 when they blew a 25 point lead to the Knicks and went on to lose in OT. That served as a wake up call for the '86 team and it may be a wake up call for this team. To this point the Celtics have been able to come out with poor energy and still pull out a win but last night they were unable to mount any kind of comeback as they seemed out of sync on both ends of the floor.
The Celtics trademark defense was nowhere to be seen last night as the allowed the Bobcats to shoot 49% from the field and were able to only muster up 42% themselves. The Cats seemed to be able to score at will whether it was getting inside for dunks and layups or hitting the open jumper. The Celtics defense seemed totally out of sync. The help defense wasn't there all night and they couldn't defend the pick and roll at all. They were outscored in the paint by a huge margin of 48-28. They were also out rebounded 42-40.
No one outside of KG played really well and KG who finished with 24 points on 8-13 shooting to go with 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal and 2 blocks. But even KG didn't seem to have the energy on the defensive end that he usually has. Pierce had an off night shooting only 4-14 and finishing with 13 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists and 1 steal. His man, Jason Richardson, finished the game with 34 points, although most of those were tough shots with Pierce in his face.
Tony Allen started in place of the injured Ray Allen and was just 1-5 from the field, finishing with 6 points, 1 assist, 1 steal and 1 block. Rondo started off strong, taking blowing past his defender and taking it to the hoop on several possessions but he seemed to lose his aggressiveness in the second half. He finished with 13 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal. Eddie House also seemed to lose his way offensively shooting only 3-10 and scoring 7 points to go with 1 rebound, 2 assists and 1 steal.
Perk finished with 6 points, 10 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, and 1 block. I have seen comments that he didn't do his job defensively because Mohammed continually got inside for dunks and layups but Perk was one of the few playing good defense. He had to leave his man to help because the rest of the team wasn't keeping their guys in front of them. Pollard finished with 1 rebound and 1 block in just under 10 minutes. Scal got his first real playing time in a long time as he played 14 minutes. He started the game with 2 airballs before hitting a jumper. In the 3rd quarter, he went baseline for a big dunk that should have been the wake up call for this team, but they were so lethargic, nothing could get them going. Scal finished with 4 points, 1 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal. James Posey played fairly well although he also struggled on offense shooting 3-7 and finishing with 10 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists.
There is no excusing the Celtics lack of energy and failure to play any facsimile of defense, but they also faced some of the worst officiating I have seen this season and that is saying something because on a whole, the refs have been terrible. The lead official, Ken Mauer, made one terrible call after another. There were a few that stood out and were at crucial times that could have changed the momentum in the game. in the second quarter when the Cats were on their 12-0 run, Rondo drove to the basket for a layup and was called for an offensive foul when the defender stepped in front of him and was clearly still moving. This should have been a 3 point play for the Celtics to stop the Cats run at that point. There were 3 bad calls down the stretch as the Celtics were trying to make a run. In the 4th, Pierce was called for a phantom foul on Richarson. Mauer was right there and the replay clearly showed that there was no contact. Then, a few plays later, he called a foul on Perk for setting a pick where the replay showed no contact. Finally, Posey was called for a travel as he hit a 3 and clearly was fouled on the shot. Like I said, nothing could excuse the Celtics lack of energy and poor play, but if I was the commissioner, I would be checking out Mauer's betting history.
The Celtics play last night can be summarized by two plays. One was at the end of the half. There were 3.2 second left and the Cats inbounded on the baseline after made free throws. Jason Richardson was able to take the ball the full length of the floor for a layup to end the half. Another play was when the Cats made a steal at midcourt and again took it in for an uncontested layup. Tommy was furious at the lack of defense on that play as the Celtics stood around watching him drive in for the layup without even giving chase.
All in all, it was the Celtics worst effort all season. They have had games where their offense was off but their defense was able to keep them in the game but last night, the defensive intensity just wasn't there. Hopefully this will be a wake up call that they can't just sleepwalk through 3 quarters and then turn it on, even against the worst teams because those teams are going to come in with their very best effort to try to knock them off and in some games, the refs are going to help them do it.
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The Perfect Mix
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
by FLCeltsFan 9:46 PM
When Danny overhauled the team this offseason and brought in 9 new players, the initial reaction was that it would take months, possibly until the All Star break for the team to gel. There were also questions about the 3 stars' egos and if there would be enough basketballs to go around. Finally, there were big questions about the bench that was going to be very weak.
Needless to say, this team gelled right from the beginning, getting off to an 8-0 start and losing only 3 of their first 32 games. The 3 stars have checked their egos at the door and at times may even be a bit too unselfish. The bench has shaped up nicely and contributed to the winning with a different player stepping up almost every night. How do we explain the quick start and strong play of this team that was just put together a couple of months ago? It is simply that Danny may have found the perfect mix of players.
The success starts at the top with the Celtics 3 stars. Not just any stars could have blended their talents and personalities like these three have. All three were friends before they became teammates. Their personalities have meshed because all are hard workers and all 3 are very intense. KG, Ray and Pierce all give their all whether it is in practice or in games. All 3 have labored for years as the only star on losing teams and winning is the only goal for all 3. None are interested in individual stats but are willing to do whatever is needed for the wins. All 3 are willing to mentor the younger players for the good of the team.
Of all these factors, the biggest factor is that all three were willing to forget their egos and personal stats to be team players. If a rookie has the hot hand then they will get him the ball as they did in the Detroit game. There has been no ego whatsoever among these three. They have bought into Ubuntu and are willing to sacrifice for the good of the team. You would be hard put to find 3 other superstars who could mesh as well.
Their games mesh together as well as their personalities and work ethics. Pierce is a slasher who can get into the paint and draw the foul. Pierce also can rebound and hit the long range shot. Ray Allen is the long distance shooter who can spread the floor. He has a quick release and is great on the catch and shoot or pull up jumper. KG has the midrange game and can also play under the basket. He is the shot blocker and rebounder. All 3 are clutch players and are capable of being go to guys depending on the matchups.
But, Danny didn't stop with the three stars. He brought in some veterans in House, Pollard and Posey that fit this team perfectly. House is the long distance shooter who brings energy and scoring off the bench. Pollard comes in and brings intensity along with rebounds and shot blockiing. Posey is a glue guy and is the defensive specialist off the bench. Posey brings championship experience to the mix. His routine of hugging each starter before the game and giving them a pep talk is just one of the things he does to give the team a boost up.
Scal and Powe haven't gotten much playing time lately, but these are great guys to have on the bench and to have in the locker room. Both bring energy and a terrific work ethic to the team and make practice competitive, even when they don't get in the game. Perk is in his 5th year and his work ethic and intensity is second only to KG. He is the perfect center for this team. He doesn't need stats or individual glory. He is more than happy to fill the role that the team needs of him. He plays tough defense and blocks out on rebounds and sets picks for his teammates. Having a center who is willing to settle for this type of role and thrive in it is incredibly valuable.
Also held over from last year's team are Tony Allen and Rajon Rondo. Rondo is the perfect point guard for this team. He is a pass first point guard and is one of the quickest PG's in the league. He takes pride in his defense and is willing to learn and works hard on his game to improve with every game. Tony Allen is improving game by bame and has worked hard to come back from last season's injury. He fills the need for a slasher and scorer off the bench and brings energy to the second unit.
Finally, we have the rookies. Danny drafted well. Big Baby is contributing already and was a key to the win in Detroit. He has benefited from playing alongside KG and is willing to work hard and do whatever is needed of him. We haven't seen much of Gabe Pruitt, but what we have seen is very good.
The key to this team is that they all get along. Not a single player complains about playing time or their role on the team. Every player, from 1 to 14 is willing to do whatever it takes for the team to win, whether it is playing 48 minutes or sitting on the bench. You can see the camaraderie among them whether it is high fiving in the game, cheering their teammates on from the bench, or rushing over to help up a teammate off the floor. Yes, Danny has found the perfect mix for this team and it has Celtics fans very excited about the future.
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Ray and Big Baby Sit Out Practice
by FLCeltsFan 3:35 PM
The Globe is reporting that Ray Allen and Big Baby both sat out practice today.
Allen said he has been having radiating discomfort in his right arm and hand for the last few days and even saw some discoloration in his right pinky finger. He had an MRI and a CT scan today. Allen was dressed in practice gear, but mostly rode the exercise bike during the Celtics' practice today. Allen said he first noticed discomfort in the neck area around five days ago, but has no idea what caused it. It is not considered serious but sitting him is more on the precautionary side. It is doubtful that he will play in Wednesday's game. Tony Allen will probably get the start in his absence. Hoopsworld has this from Ray about the injury: "I thought like anything else, you have stiffness in the neck but I started noticing three of my fingers started going numb. Then yesterday my pinkie started getting discolored and that's when I realized it was something worse than I thought," Allen said, adding, "It's radiating through my shoulder blade. It's an uncomfortable feeling, it's real uncomfortable. It's like when you hit your funny bone but that's what I'm feeling all day long."
"The last two days or so it got a little worse to where I couldn't sleep. Anyway I turned, there was a real sharp pain back there," he said, adding. "I had an MRI this morning and then I had a CT-Scan because they saw something on the MRI and they wanted me to have a CT-SCAN. Actually, I had a shot in my (shoulder). I can lift it now but it's real achy. There's a little bit of burning in it."
Ray Allen injured his ankle in the last matchup with the Bobcats but played through the pain to hit a game-winning three point shot at he buzzer. He later suffered soreness in that ankle and had to miss two games. This time he isn't taking any chances.
Big Baby also sat out practice with a sore right knee that he injured in Saturday's game against Detroit. He is listed as day to day, but Doc expects him to be available against the Bobcats.
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Home or Away?
by FLCeltsFan 7:22 AM
by CF00
Currently the C's have the best home and away record in the league. What I don't understand is why is there so much disparity in the league, when it comes to the top teams and how they play. San Antonio for example has the 2nd best home record, but they are 6-7 on the road. Orlando on the other hand is 7-8 at home, and 15-5 on the road. Detroit has both a great home record and away record. Same with Phoenix. Dallas is like San Antonio and has a great home record but they are under .500 on the road. GS and New Orleans, NJ are better on the road. I guess if you play in Orlando, GS, NO, NJ you can't wait to get out? Denver, Portland, Cleveland, Utah great at home, terrible on the road. Out of all the top teams, the only 3 teams where there is consistency is Boston, Phoenix and Detroit.
Currently teams that are protecting their homecourt are Boston, Phoenix, Utah, Detroit, SA, Dallas, Denver, Portland, Cleveland, LA. But only 4 of those teams have a winning record on the road. The Lakers are 8-6 on the road.
Need mom's chicken soup apparently-
SAn--17-2 at home, 6-8 on the road
Dal--16-3 at home, 7-8 on the road
Por--16-3 at home, 5-10 on the road
Den--14-5 at home, 7-8 on the road
Uta--12-3 at home, 6-14 on the road
Cle-10-6 at home, 7-11 on the road
Road Warriors-
NJ-8-11 at home, 9-5 on the road
Orl-- 7-8 at home, 15-5 on the road
NO- 9-6 at home, 14-5 on the road
Doesn't matter we will beat you-
Boston--16-1 at home, 13-2 on the road
Detroit--13-3 at home, 13-5 on the road
Phoenix 11-4 at home, 13-6 on the road
Somewhere in between
LA-13-5 at home, 8-6 on the road
GS-9-7 at home, 11-8 on the road
Tor-8-8 at home, 9-9 on the road
Anyways I guess if you look around the league, and even the lesser teams and all the way down the majority of the league struggles on the road. Sac is 8-8 at home 4-12 on the road. Milwaukee 9-5 at home, 4-12 on the road. Washington 10-7 at home, 7-8 on the road. Houston 8-6 at home, 7-11 on the road. In the entire league, there are 8 teams that have a winning on the road and 4 teams actually have a better away record than a home record which makes no sense to me when I look at all the other teams that are completely horrible on the road. The 8 teams aren't even the teams you would think. It's Boston, Phoenix Detroit and then NJ, NO, LA, Orlando, GS. All the other top teams are terrible on the road. Take our next opponent for example. Charlotte is 10-10 at home and can't buy a victory on the road. They are 1-11 on the road. Home court does matter and this is going to play a large factor come playoff time considering we can win at home and on the road. There is a lot of parity among the playoff teams and we are at an advantage because we can do both.
A Boston vs Phoenix final isn't out of the question either.... Neither side has an easy road, but hopefully the west will beat up on each other a bit. It seems to me like Detroit, Boston, SA and Phoenix are the best teams right now with the west having a bit more power, but both conferences are just as strong at the top.. Phoenix quietly has their team together for the first time and has added Hill. It's going to be a good playoff and finals. There are a lot of good teams. There could be some upsets especially out west, but it's going to be tough for some of the upstart teams to make it all the way to the finals out there. the top teams are very strong this year.
source: Celtics Green
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Random Thoughts
Sunday, January 6, 2008
by FLCeltsFan 9:55 PM
First, Paul Pierce deserves a lot of credit for the Celtics success. It has been amazing to me as I watch the games, it doesn't seem as though Pierce is much of a factor, but then when I check the box scores, I am surprised to see what Pierce actually did in the games.
Against the Rockets: 19 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 steal,and 1 block
Against the Grizzlies: 23 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1 steal
Against the Pistons: 19 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists and 1 stealHe is doing a bit of everything and yet when watching the game it doesn't seem that way because he is doing it all within the flow of the game and not forcing anything. In the Detroit game especially, he realized that Big Baby was the hot hand and they were leaving him alone and Pierce continually found him in the post. He truly is turning into a complete team player.
Chauncey Billups is a sore loser. He made this comment after the game: "They're a little more happy than we was when we won our game out there," he said. "It was just like a regular game for us. Two good teams playing. They're kind of playing like it's the Super Bowl, man. It's just a regular game, two good teams playing. There's a little more at stake for them and their psyche than [for] us, but they won, it's cool." I guess the Pistons dissolve into shouting at each other during time outs in all their regular season games. They wanted this game every bit as much as the Celtics. Championship caliber teams should be playing every game like it is the Super Bowl. If they aren't they don't have what it takes to win it all. The Celtics need it more for their psyche? What a pompous jerk!! Round 3 of the Pistons/Celtics rivalry is going to be on March 5. As of now, it isn't scheduled for national TV but if they don't add it, they aren't very smart as the rubber match between these two teams should be one of the best matchups of the regular season.
The much maligned bench of the Celtics have been making some very good contributions lately. In the Houston game, Pollard had 10 points. Against the Grizzlies, Tony added 20 points and against Detroit, Big Baby poured in 20 points and Tony added 10. Pollard has been contributing quality minutes as have House and Posey and it seems as though one player off the bench comes up big every game. This depth will be needed for the Celtics to win a championship.
We now have 3 players sporting stitches from teams playing us very physical. KG has 4 stitches over his eye courtesy of Kwame Brown. Posey has 4 stitches in his arm courtesy of Rudy Gay (although Gay may have gotten the worst of that one with a broken tooth) and Rondo has stitches over his eye courtesy of the Pistons. Thankfully, Ray Allen wasn't hurt when he was tackled by Lamar Odom but he very easily could have been. The Celtics have a bullseye on their backs as every team wants to be the one to knock them off. But the real problem has been the officiating as they allow way too much contact against the Celtics. I have to believe that either the refs are incompetent or Stern has an agenda against the Celtics. Either way, something should be done about it before someone really gets hurt.
The Celtics have 3 days off before playing the Bobcats on Wednesday. This could be another one of those trap games. They may have a big letdown after the huge win over the Pistons. They may tend to overlook the 11-21 Bobcats who are just 1-11 on the road. The Bobcats always play well against us and they are not a team to take for granted.
The trade I would like to see is Brian Scalabrine for Tyronn Lue. Lue is one of KG's best friends and is one of the people KG consulted about coming to Boston.
"First, his presence here was a big factor in getting Kevin to come," Ainge said. "When I went out there to visit him, Tyronn Lue was staying at his house. He and KG are best friends. And that was key, because Tyronn had played for Doc and told KG that Doc was good to play for." Lue for Scal works in the trade checker. Lue has played in Doc's system. He should fit in with the chemistry since he is best friends with KG. Atlanta has more than enough point guards and Lue seems to be the odd man out. This would give us the insurance behind Rondo that we need and it would allow Tony and House to play to their strengths at the 2 rather than having to concentrate on bringing the ball up and setting up the offense.
I had to wonder if maybe Big Baby's outburst last night might be due to the Gilbert Arenas syndrome. Ever notice how Arenas always has a huge game against the Celtics? Ever since the Celtics promised to take him with one of their first round picks and then went back on that promise, letting Arenas slip to the second round, he has had it in for the team and always gives the Celtics his best shot. Just after the draft, Big Baby said that Detroit promised to take him in the first round and then didn't, allowing him to slip to the Celtics in the second round.
This season has been incredible so far. The rest of January will feature 7 home games and 5 away games. We will face old friends against both Miami and Minnesota. We will face each of the 4 Atlantic division rivals with the Nets and Knicks on the road and Philly and Toronto at home. We face Orlando on the road and the red hot Tralblazers at home and finish the month by hosting Dallas.
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Oh Baby, Sweet Revenge
by FLCeltsFan 12:41 AM
The Celtics made a statement with a 92-85 win over the Pistons in Detroit. This win avenges the Dec 19 loss to the Pistons in Boston. It was all it was built up to be with 12 lead changes and 16 ties. There were 6 technicals called and blood drawn as Rondo received a cut over his eye early in the first quarter. This was a big game historically speaking as well. There have only been two regular season games since the 1954-55 season when the shot clock was adopted where two teams have had better combined winning percentages after at least 30 games than the Celtics and the Pistons had coming into this game. They brought a combined winning percentage of .844 into the game. One game where the combined winning percentage was higher than this game was in 1966 when the Boston Celtics (25-7) played the Philadelphia 76ers (33-3)with a combined winning percentage of .853. Those Sixers would go on to win the championship that season after beating the Celtics in the Eastern Conference finals.
The Celtics led early as they got out to a 10-3 start, but KG picked up two early fouls and went to the bench. The Pistons went on a 20-3 run with KG sitting on the bench and led by as many as 10 points. The Celtics came back though to trail by only 2 at the half. It was a see saw game through the entire second half until the Celtics pulled away in the final couple of minutes.
The player of the game was Big Baby Davis who came into the game and brought energy and had a career night with 20 points and 4 rebounds in 22 minutes. He made the big plays down the stretch, scoring 16 of his 20 points in the 4th period. With the Piston's defense collapsing on Pierce, Allen and Garnett every time they touched the ball, Big Baby was left open and made them pay. Pierce in particular did a great job of finding Baby in the post when he was double and triple teamed and he finished with 7 assists to go with his 19 points, 9 rebounds and 1 steal in 46 minutes of play. Once again, Pierce very quietly filled up the stat sheet within the flow of the game.
KG spent much of the first half on the bench with foul trouble. When he was in the game, he had an uncharacteristically poor shooting night, going 4-11 from the field and finishing with 15 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 block in 32 minutes. Perk had 7 points and 9 rebounds and got off to a quick start, scoring the Celtics' first 6 points. Once again, his boxing out and defense are so crucial to the team as he allows his teammates to get open on offense and grab rebounds on defense.
Ray Allen joined KG in foul trouble for much of the game and like KG had an off game. He finished with 9 points on 3-8 shooting to go with 6 rebounds, 2 assists and 5 fouls. Rondo struggled once again against the stronger Billups. He joined KG with the bandaid over his eye with an early hit. Much of the game, House or Tony manned the point and Rondo finished with 3 points, 5 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 block and no assissts in 25 minutes.
Tony Allen once again had a solid game showing that he is making his way back from the injury. He finished with 10 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal and 1 block. House did a good job on defense while he was in at the point and finished with 4 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal. James Posey had a quiet game with 3 points and 2 rebounds. Pollard gave a solid 5 minutes finishing with 2 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 block. In the 4th quarter after the Celtics took the lead, the Pistons were shown shouting at each other in a time out and Dickerson said they weren't being very nice to each other. This shows that their team chemistry has a chink in its armor which is a weakness teams can exploit.
The Celtics shot 28% in the first quarter but improved that to 42% for the game while holding Detroit to 39% for the game. The Celtics out rebounded the Pistons 50-36 but had 13 turnovers to just 6 for the Pistons, who take very good care of the basketball. It was the Bench that came through for the Celtics in this win with KG and Ray in foul trouble much of the game. The bench accounted for 39 points, 16 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks. For a team with a "weak bench" against one of the top teams in the league, that is pretty darn good.
This was about as big as a regular season game could get. Each team has won in the other team's building. They meet one more time in Boston on March 5. Right now, it isn't scheduled for national TV but I would go out on a limb to say that it will be added. What a battle that game is going to be but for now, the Celtics have proved that they can run with and beat the Pistons. The Pistons are pretty much where they are going to be, but the Celtics have a lot of room to improve and that has to make Celtics fans giddy.
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