The Celtics gave this one away more than the Hornets won it. They dominated the first half, but they were outscored 58 -41 in the second half. The Celtics shot 61% in the first half and 55% for the game but couldn't hit the big shots down the stretch.
The Celtics defense was missing tonight as they allowed the Hornets to shoot 51%. They also allowed the Hornets to shoot 44% from beyond the arc.
The Celtics out rebounded the Hornets 44-29. They also outscored the Hornets in the paint 36-32 and had 16 fast break points to only 10 for the Hornets.
The difference in this game were the turnovers. The Celtics committed 20 turnovers, most of which came in the 4th quarter. The Hornets only committed 9 turnovers. It could have been fatigue or just mental lapses but the Celtics gave this game away.
One question was answered as Rondo had a very solid game with 23 points, 4 rebounds, 7 assists and 2 steals. He played Chris Paul very well and proved that he can play with the best.
The Celtics should have won this game. It sets the table for a big game on Friday as the Hornets play in the Garden. The Celtics will certainly be looking for revenge in that game. The Celtics finished the trip 4-1, which was very good considering the opposition. They now go home for games against the Sixers, Suns and Hornets.
This year, we came into the season with a lot of questions, but also a lot of hope. The last 20 years have been pretty rough for the Celtics and for Celtics fans also. The past few seasons we knew that even with a 20 point lead, we could somehow find a way to lose. This season, we know that even if we are down 20, we still could find a way to win.
We came into the season with big hopes and big questions. Would Rondo be able to handle the starting PG spot? Would the team be able to mesh and build chemistry? Would it take until the All Star break to get it going? Would Perk be able to handle the center spot? Would the bench be strong enough? Could they compete with the Western teams? Are the three stars too old?
As the season has gone along, the Celtics has answered these questions very convincingly. Rajon Rondo has been a revelation. He has struggled at times but has always come back strong against the teams he has struggled against. He has been a leader on the court and hasn't backed down from any challenge. I loved the way he stood up to Rafer Alston when he started to shove him before the Houston game. The knock on him was that he couldn't shoot, but his shot has been falling with regularity. He also has proved to be fearless taking the ball to the hoop and if you doubt that, take a look a this great dunk on Maxiel. He took a very hard hit but bounced right back up and went back to work. What a tough kid.
Would the Celtics be able to mesh and build chemistry? That question was answered very quickly as the Celtics got off to a 29-3 start and were playing like a team that had been together for years. Each of the three stars checked their egos at the door and if anything, were being too unselfish. Every player on the team was willing to play a role and that helped the team to mesh right from the start. By the All Star break, they had best record in the league and had definitely answered the chemistry question.
Perk has been very strong in the middle especially on defense. KG loves the big guy and credits Perk with his being able play as well as he has this season. Perk has cut down on his fouls and has proved that he is more than capable of being the starting center on a championship team. When Perk goes to the bench, Leon Powe, Big Baby or PJ Brown, depending on the matchups, do a very good job of filling in.
The Celtics had to give up a lot of players to get KG and Ray Allen and that left the bench rather thin, but Danny did a great job of signing free agents and Big Baby was a great pick in the second round of the draft. Both Powe and Big Baby have played very well are are capable of a double double on any given night. Tony Allen is close to his pre-injury form and has been playing great defense and gaining explosiveness taking the ball to the hoop. Eddie House and James Posey have both played very well and even Scal has contributed off the bench. Two of the knocks was that the Celtics lacked size off the bench in the front court and that they needed a veteran point guard to back up Rondo. With the signings of PJ Brown and Sam Cassell, those questions have more than been answered. The Celtics now have a very deep bench that can compete with anyone in the league.
There are still questions as to whether the Celtics can compete with the Western teams should they get to the finals. The Celtics have answered that question as well with a 23-4 record. They are 6-0 against the vaunted Texas teams, completing the sweep for the first time since the Kings did it in 2001. They have done it on the road and they have done it at home.
Another question was whether the Celtics would play defense. The last 3 seasons, Doc hasn't done much to make us believe that defense would be a priority for this team. But with the addition of Tom Thibodeau, the Celtics now lead the league in every defensive category. Tracy McGrady said that he had never faced defense like the Celtics threw at them in his entire career. There is no question now that the Celtics are committed on the defensive end of the court. This is the best defensive team I have seen in all my years of watching the Celtics and that goes back to the Russell years.
Then there was the question as to what would happen if one of the 3 stars was injured. The answer to that was a 7-2 record when KG was out and a 6-1 record when Ray Allen was out. The other players simply stepped up their games and tightened up the defense while they were out. A little luck is included also as the Celtics have been relatively injury free with just KG's abdominal strain and assorted other minor injuries as blips on the radar. Scot Pollard has been out all season pretty much but the signing of PJ Brown has made up for that.
Doc was also a question mark coming into the season. Celtics fans have been calling for his head for the past 3 seasons. His teams didn't win. His teams didn't play defense. His rotations were very suspect. All were the knocks on Doc the past few years. But, this season, Doc has done a great job of managing the egos and the talent on this team. With the addition of Tom Thibodeau, this team is playing great defense. Other than a few times when you had to stop and wonder what Doc was thinking, he has done a very good job of managing rotations and minutes and making in game decisions. As much as I really didn't like Doc last season, I have to say that he is the perfect coach for this team, just as KC Jones was the perfect coach for our last championship team.
And the Celtics are not just winning, they are winning by an average of over 10 points a game. The Celtics have answered every question and challenge as they have come at them. They have played methodically, carving up the opposition like a skilled surgeon. The only stetch where you can say that they struggled was in the 3 games after the All Star game when KG was just coming back from the injury. Other than that, they have just gotten better and better. They are peaking at the right moment as they go down the stretch to the playoffs. It certainly has been a fun season for Celtics fans as this team has gone far and above all that we had hoped for when Danny announced the trade for Kevin Garnett. And, I have a feeling that it is just going to get better.
Here are comments found around the Mavs boards during their game with the Celtics.
Official GDT: Celts and KG the "Tanker" @ Dallas Mavs
There is no way possible we lose to Boston; they just are not that good. The only way they beat us last time is because we were without Harris...oh, wait...
(Celtics fan) Not sure if you are being sarcastic. But We beat you without KG last time.
A PF is not as important as a PG. I.E. Spurs win more without Duncan than thay do without Parker. Harris was more important to us than KG was to you!
Who won that game for you? Rondo!!!!!!!!!! If you only had Eddie House, you think you would have won even with KG? No way in hell! Especially if we had Harris!
Mavs favored to win by 3.5 points.
Remember the swarming suffocating defense the Celtics imposed upon us last time?
The Celtics defense is freaking suffocating, I really don't want to see Jason kidd not initiating the offense tomorrow. We have to almost do everything right to get this win. Good luck.
Celtics are one of the top teams, I don't know what some of you are talking about. At this point, I hope the Mavs lose every game so we can say bye to Avery. Apparantely the team is really fragmented and now the local media is covering it. Bye Avery
It will take a miracle for DAL to win tonight And the slow descent of Avery from hottest coach in the league to the Cuban dog house continues....
Mavs will lose by 17, kidd will have single digits in points rebounds and assists, jet will get torched by whoever he guards, and dirk will be dirk, book it.
The Mavs need this in the worst possible way. Winning against the Celtics, the best team in the league would be a such a ridiculous confidence booster for this group. I got to admit, my confidence level right now is not too high against good teams, but one win, just one win would change that entirely. Until I see it though, I think it will be a loss.
The Mavs better represent tomorrow. Not just for Dallas but for Texas. If Boston wins, they will be the first team since 2001 to go through the Texas Triangle unscathed.
We better pwn Jesus Shuttlesworth.
Dallas is the last man.. Err, team standing. Spurs blew it. Houston got creamed. Its time for us to show why nobody comes out of the triangle alive.
Not feeling good about this game but someone needs to put Boston in its place. It might as well be Dallas
Not feeling good about this one, win or lose I just hope Dirks owns KG... Its always a good feeling.
Can Stack keep Pierce in front of him once? Just once?
Can someone teach me the Paul Pierce armbar???
Mavs getting outhustled once again!
The Celtics are just pure beasts.
Sager with the scoop on the Cuban/Johnson tiff. Cubes was critical of the team's effort and of AJ's substitution patterns. Avery said, "Then you coach the team!"
Who scares y'all more...the entire Celtics team or Kobe?
We can beat these guys, they take a lot of jumpshots, if we can defend the jumpshooting we can win
Leon frickin' POWE gets THAT charge foul on the frickin' MVP? Goodness, gracious...
I want us to beat the Celtics even more now because of the BS call just now
From the boxscore: All our starters have massively positive +/-; all our bench has massively negative +/- The reverse is true for the Celts. Our starters can beat their starters.
Once again you see why KG will always be limited. His offensive game will not strike fear into anybody's hearts. Dirk and Damp both have played great D on him. The key to the second half will be to control the boards. They attack them so hard for extra possesions that if we do our job we will be all right against this team.
The Celts are getting away with murder
Look at KG trying to defend Dirk. Silly..
This officiating is getting ridiculous.
SOMEONE has to shut that screaming woman up!
I think Tyson Chandler is better than both Dirk and KG. HE can guard literally any position. You also have to consider who Dirk and KG guard. They rarely guard the opposing teams best player though tonight Doc has been having KG guard Dirk for the majority it seems.
The Mavs have throughly out played the Celtics and are only up 1. This is not good. Avery is just horrible.
If we lose this game it will almost entirely be because of officiating.
James Posey with a 3. Seriously is it me or does it seems like this guy always hits shots against us at the wrong time?
I hate the Celtics....
Sure The officiating Like the finals Like last years one and done Like the suns series three years ago It is the coaching.. It is Avery
IF THAT WAS PIERCE IT'D BE A FOUL
The amount of contact the Celctics are getting away with is mind boggling.
I don't understand why people can blatently hold Nowitzki, but no one else. Is it because he's white? Seriously, it's mind boggling.
Jeez how can an MVP not get a call with a contact like that at home? Why do the refs hate him so much?
I think its about who it is. Perkins played Dirk exactly the way KG did and he's fouled out. KG ain't foulin' out of this game.
Whoa. We caught a break on that one. Celtics can't run the break to save their life this game.
Ray Allen open for 3? That's predictable.
that's how you draw up a play That is what happens when you have a real coach
Some guy with a bum ankle hits an off balance 3 while running full speed?
You gotta admit... KG is a competitive stud.
But they held Rondo to 0-7. So we can stand with it. I just wonder who can step up when Dirk's covered by the best defender? It seems no one.
Rondo held himself to 0-7, he was playing with a bad back.
Paul Pierce wins the quarters for them. He gets around 10 free throws in the 4th quarter. And Dirk gets only 3 shots while he's on fire in the 3rd?
IF YOU WANNA CROWN THEM THEN CROWN THE CELTICS ASS BUT THEY ARE WHO WE THOUGHT THEY WERE! AND WE LET OFF THE HOOK! Seriously though we deserved to lose when we couldn't take the lead when Boston couldn't buy a bucket then of course they finally get one of the best shooters of all time an open look (which was sprung free by that POS posey falling down)
I'm very tired of seeing questionable officiating in close games.
(Celtics fan) Me too. Both Pierce and Garnett should've went to the line MORE. And on Dirk's last drive, KG was blatantly HELD by Dampier. He about ripped his jersey off. And if Dirk wasn't such a prima donna, he would've went INTO the defender, not backed off and just toss a prayer floater into the air.
(another Celtics fan) There were some bad calls both ways. I did not agree with some of the fouls that were called against the Mavs; then again your guys got some calls as well. The refs completely missed Dampier grabbing KG's jersey, the refs also called KG for a foul when Dirk clearly swung his elbows and hit KG. Since the mavs have lost 7 games in a row to teams over 500 since the Kidd trade I think there are bigger issues then the way the games are being called.
The Celtics became the first team since the Kings in 2001 to go 1-2-3 through Texas. They are the first Celtics team to accomplish this feat since the 1986-87 season. What's more, the Celtics went 6-0 against the three Texas teams this season. They are 4-0 on their current road trip and are playing great basketball down the stretch toward the playoffs.
This was another exciting game that was close throughout. At the end of one, the Mavs were up 29-24. Dallas led 48-46 at the half and 70-63 at the end of three. They kept it close and as with other recent games, they clamped down defensively at the end to win it 94-90.
Rondo struggled throughout his 22 minutes going 0-7 from the field with 1 rebound, 3 assists, 3 steals and a very un-Rondolike 5 turnovers. Sam Cassell played 26 minutes and didn't shoot much better (1-9) but did take better care of the ball with no turnovers and finished with 4 points, 6 assists and 3 rebounds. It is this luxury of being able to bring Sam in with his poise and experience that may be the difference between this team being a contender or a champion. House played only 9 minutes for 4 points, 1 assist and 1 rebound.
Ray Allen came back from his foot injury and played 31 minutes finishing with 21 points, 2 rebounds and 1 steal. He had a very clutch 3 with 31 seconds left when Sam found him in the corner for his 6th assist. Pierce had a great game with 22 points, 13 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal and 3 blocks. He continually attacked the basket and drew fouls. He was 10-13 from the line but did miss 2 critical free throws with just over 2 minutes left. KG also had a great game finishing with 20 points, 13 rebounds, 3 steals, 1 assist and 1 block. As the announcers were talking about his poor free throw shooting, he calmly hit 2 free throws with 5 seconds left to clinch the win.
Perk fouled out with 5 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 block and played some very good defense. When Perk fouled out, Doc re-inserted Ray Allen and it paid off with the big 3 at the end. PJ Brown played 12 quality minutes and hustled for rebounds and loose balls and finished with 4 rebounds, 1 steal and 1 block. Powe once again made the most of his minutes with 6 points, 2 rebounds and 1 block and took a charge to draw the foul on Dirk. Posey also gave quality minutes off the bench with 12 points and 4 rebounds and hit 2 clutch free throws in the end of the game as well.
The Celtics shot only 35% from the field while the Mavs shot 39%. The Mavs also out rebounded the Celtics 51-49. But the Celtics took good care of the ball with only 8 turnovers while the Mavs turned it over 14 times. They kept the game close throughout and pulled out the game with defense at the end. The Celtics have just one more game on this road trip with a stop in New Orleans on Saturday. Win or lose in that one, this trip has been a resounding success.
The Celtics take on the Dallas Mavericks tonight in a bid to become the first team to sweep the Texas Triangle since the Kings did it in 2001. The last Celtics team to accomplish this was in 1987. If the Celtics continue to play defense like they did in the first two games, they will have a very good chance of beating the Mavs. Here is footage from the only other Celtics team to sweep the Mavs, Spurs and Rockets.
What is it with all the teams wearing green uniforms? I know it was St. Patrick's Day but we already have 4 teams with green uniforms: Celtics, Sonics, Mavericks and Bucks. I accidentally turned the Bulls' game on Monday and I watched for a few seconds thinking something was very odd with it before realizing what was going on. It was bad seeing the Bulls, and Raptors in green, but it was downright wrong seeing the Knicks in green. I don't know about you, but I don't like the other teams usurping our green.
I sometimes listen to a syndicated sports call in show late at night. After the San Antonio game, they had one Spurs fan call in who sounded like he had been drinking away his sorrows. He said "We were doing fine until an alien landed on the court for the Celtics." I thought that was just too funny.
With Cleveland beating the Pistons, the magic number for the Celtics to clinch home court advantage throughout the playoffs is 9. So, any combination of Celtics wins and Pistons losses that add up to 9 will clinch it.
The Celtics loss must have taken a lot out of the Rockets. They lost the following night to the Hornets 90-69. The Celtics will face the Hornets for the first time on Saturday night. At least they have a day off between the Mavs and the Hornets, but then again, the Celtics are pretty good in back to back games.
The Celtics plan to practice for the first time since Sam Cassell joined the team tomorrow before heading to New Orleans. Just think. Sam has been doing pretty well for the Celtics. Just think of what he could do once he actually gets to practice with the team. Signing Sam is the piece that is going to push this team over the top from contender to favorites. The Celtics owners really did come through for this team. They never hesitated to add Sam and PJ, even through they are way over the luxury tax cap.
I really like Scal. This guy is one of the nicest guys in the NBA. But, I am glad that Doc has realized that we have 12 better players on the roster now. I think Scal can still be very useful. The guy has a high basketball IQ and knows the game, he just doesn't play that well. But, he could be a very valuable assistant coach in practices and on the bench.
The Celtics still can't get any respect. They have a 54-13 record. Have beaten all the teams they have been supposed to beat. They have beasted on the West, and yet, going into Houston, I didn't see a single analyst outside of Boston who thought the Celtics would win that game. Their excuse for picking Houston was that the Celtics were playing in back to back games. I guess they haven't looked at the Celtics record in back to back games.
I have to say I have been pleased with Doc's coaching for the most part this season. He has made a few moves that make you scratch your head at times like playing small ball when we are getting beat on the boards horrendously. Or, like when he leaves KG in the game when we are up 20 and there is less than 2 minutes left in the game. That's when players can get hurt. But, I will leave you with his dunk from that game that capped off the win. Amazing stuff.
Here are comments found around the Rockets' boards during their game with the Celtics. The Rockets had an incredible streak and are to be commended for it. There isn't an asterisk on this one either. Yes, the Rockets didn't have Yao but the Celtics didn't have Ray Allen, either. And 10 of those wins were without Yao so it isn't like he just went out. Like the Houston fans, though, I questioned Doc keeping KG on the floor with less than 2 minutes left in the game and up 20+ points. KG is too valuable to the Celtics to risk an injury in garbage time.
Win Win Win !! 23 in a row Tracy will bounce back and score 30 on Boston
KG is going to be the biggest concern, without Ray Allen they are weak with outside shooting, especially with Tony Allen starting instead of him.
They are going to play Bruce Bowen tonight. Who will be out next game for Celtics? I vote for Pierce.
This should be a blowout I don't see a problem winning against Boston
I have a bad feeling KG is going to abuse our bigs tonight...
Scola will eat KG alive!!!
We are a perimeter oriented team and they are the best defensive team in the NBA. And in the end it comes down to star-power and they have us definitely beat there.
This is gonna be a tough game, the Celtics are the best defensive team and probably best team in the league. And the old saying goes "to be the team, you have to beat the team"
Anyone else think their stats tend to be skewed? If you think about it most of their schedule is against Eastern conference teams..Of course they are going to play better D because they are so much better than the other teams in the east. Rockets on the other hand have been playing in the west and still in the top 5 in the defensive categories.. Their D might be comparable or a little worse than ours IMO.
Based on all games played so far, Rockets' defense is 2nd with Celtic 1st. However, since post allstar game, Rockets have the best defense rating in the league
Starters: rockets slightly better than Celtics. (don't give me the star power shaite, we are just so much more balanced.) Bench: rockets way better tan Celtics. The Celtics sucks huge dumps when it comes to bench power, it seems they could even make a fast break layup. They are really ugly at this.
I hope we can give the Celtics a good game...and by that I mean crush them mercilessly.
We can guard Paul Pierce, the only concern for me is Garnett. I hope they don't exploit the match up because they are heavily favored there. Garnett alone can tear us, good thing they have no one for T-Mac, but T-Mac better bring his A game.
I hope Mutombo elbows Garnett.
I honestly didn't see Sam Cassell being a factor in Ray Allen's absence. That is a huge intangible to consider when sizing up Houston's chances in this game, because Celtics knocked off the Spurs last night solely with Cassell's heroics. Had he not been there, the blowout would have been sustained.
After watching the Celts last night I am positive they will end the streak tonight. I dunno if any of you saw that entire game last night against the Spurs but it was a truly impressive win. They were beaten up in the first half and they just came roaring back with terrific defense and big time play from Rondo and Cassell to go along with Pierce and KG. I was so impressed with that win..to do it against a Spurs team that desperately needed a win and were at home and without Ray Allen.
This is gonna be a GREAT game!!! The Celtics wont be easy at all. They came back from 25-9 after 1 to beat the Spurs in SA. They are easily the best team in the league. And even without Ray Allen, the Rockets will still have their hands full.
Rondo is not making friends here....
PJ Brown looks really out of shape, no wonder he's barely playing.
Someone stop Leon powe
Powe is getting superstar calls.
I'm tired of Powe killing us on the inside
Who is this powe? Maybe battier could guard him, I mean he's abusing the heck!....
Powe is a beast.
I think KG just realized how small we truly are
Our front court is way to short for this Boston team, they're killing us.
Powe is the next shaquille o'neal
Never thought id say this: we need to get Powe in foul trouble
Powe is what Raptors fans like to call "lack of depth".
Well it could be worse..you can tell we are getting in a couple of the Celtic players heads
What we all know is that Celtics though have the best record, they are not one of the top teams in the league. Like the lakers with the big 4, nice face, but not much use. I doubt if they could even make the east finals.
Like the Celtics are so proud of the game yesterday against the spurs, but the thing is, the Celtics strived, but the spurs are merely fine tuning for the play offs, popovic said he "regret not calling a time off"... that's not what a top coach would hesitate doing in a true game, he was just letting the players make decisions on the court. There is really not much to brag about.
The lakers with gasol IS a top team in the league, and better than the Celtics.
If the Celtics are in the west I don't think the'd be in the top 5. The record doesn't mean much.
Boston running away with this. There is absolutely ZERO shame in losing to one of the best if not the best team in the NBA. Boston has too many weapons and play strong defense on top of it.
I can't believe he got called for the flagrant 1, he didn't throw him down.
Looks like Tony Allen is playing it up. He already got the flagrant.
You can't give good hard fouls in the league anymore.
That's just a hard foul, not F1
Boston should be running on tired legs by the 4th
That is a TERRIBLE flagrant call. Perfect example of a call being made because of the results, not the actual foul
Garnett is pretty much having his way out there
They are beating us at our own game.
Give credit to Boston for their tough D
Referees trying to end the streak
Stern I know you love the greens.
The Celtics are getting every call imaginable.
Powe is such a damn scrub...
You know why t-mac can't do anything? Cuz of tom thibodeu whatever He knows the rockets team and knows how t-mac plays
I never realize how ugly the Celtic jersey is.....
Props to Boston. Undisputed best team in the league
Is that **** by Garnett necessary?
Kevin Garnett's a bittch man. He aint never done **** in his career but he runs up and down the floor yelling at the rafters like he did something just because he dunked.
KG still playing with less than 2 min left? Don't Celtic has a bench ?
KG with the big dunk so fiercely just made us look like a fool.
KG just lost my respect for him.. Sure show your great dunk on some bench
Look at their scrub bigs feasting on us in the paint. Woulda been great to have yao tonight
Man, just hate Celtics so much. They totally humilated the Rox. Revenge them the next season.
Kg is an idiot, that's for sure
KG just added a punctuation on an impressive win. If he were a Rocket and did that in a big game like this a lot of people would feel differently I'm sure.
Houston fans are pathetic. They didn't even stay to cheer this team on in the end.
They beat us at our own game. And they beat us down low. Plain and simple
I also was not a fan of Doc keeping KG in until the 1:50 mark, wtf is that? Mcgrady was benched with 6 minutes to go, but KG was dunking over our 3rd string and the Celtics bunch was loving it. I thought that was kind of weak. Like dude...you beat our asses...we know.
Pure classlessness. They're lucky mike Harris didn't go nate Robinson on Kevin Garnett. Oh well, anybody ever seen KG try to fight anyway. He wouldn't do anything but barely shove anthoney peeler and ran away from David Robinson.
BTW much respect to Tibidediu (I know I spelled that wrong). We run a lot of the same things offensively that we did last season. His defensive game plan was perfect. Trap the pick and roll with McGrady and rotate into the passing lanes that we normally use. The Celts had a big time advantage defensively against us tonight.
The Celtics stopped the Rockets' 22 game win streak in impressive style. The first half was played fairly evenly and the teams were tied at 40 at halftime. But in the third quarter, the Celtics took over and outscored the Rockets 32-16 in the period. The final score was 94-74 and the Celtics are 2-0 so far in the Texas Triangle.
The game had a playoff feel to it right from the beginning. Before the play even got started, Rondo and Alston squared up against each other and were given technicals. Scola threw Tony to the floor on one drive and got a flagrant call on it. Tony made the 2 free throws and then went to the bench. Word was that he had a bruised back. Hopefully it isn't serious. It was a hard fought game throughout.
The player of the game was Leon Powe who came off the bench and scored 21 points and pulled down 4 rebounds in just 20 minutes. He didn't play last night and came in tonight and took over the game while he was on the floor. KG played like a man possessed finishing with 22 points, 11 rebounds, 3 steals, 3 assists and 2 blocks. Doc still had him in the game with 2 minutes left and he punctuated the win with 2 monster dunks at the end. Maybe he was just working off his frustration over being called a tanker. Pierce also had a huge game with 20 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals. Posey was big with 10 rebounds.
The Celtics shot 43% from the field while keeping the Rockets to 41%. The Celtics owned the boards with a 45-35 edge. They also took good care of the ball, only turning the ball over 11 times. They forced the Rockets into 16 turnovers. The officiating was fairly even with a few missed calls on both sides but didn't lean toward one team or the other as The Celtics shot 17 free throws to 18 for the Rockets. It was the Celtics defense that won the game as they held McGrady to only 8 points and just shut off every avenue to the basket in the second half.
The Celtics also scrambled for every loose ball and every rebound. Pierce and Baby both dove to the floor for a loose ball to force a jump ball. James Posey leaped into the stands trying to save the ball. The Celtics were definitely the more active team in the second half.
The Celtics now have a day off before closing out the Texas part of this trip in Dallas. The Mavs lost to the Lakers 102-100 tonight and will be looking to avenge their earlier loss in Boston. The Celtics are looking very confident and are playing very balanced ball as a team right now and are peaking at the right time. We should also have Ray Allen back for Thursday's game.
The Pioneer Press has a little article in which Glen Taylor, the Wolves owner, accuses KG of tanking last season.
The Minnesota Timberwolves have been criticized in recent seasons for tanking down the stretch to try to improve their draft position. But owner Glen Taylor strongly disagrees, especially with what happened at the end of last season.
"It was more like, I'd say, K.G. tanked it," Taylor said today.
Kevin Garnett took himself out of the lineup late last season, Taylor said. Garnett missed the last five games with what was said to be a sore right quadriceps.
"I think the other guys still wanted to play, but it sure changed the team and didn't make us as (good)," Taylor said.
Sounds like a lot of sour grapes to me. We all know what kind of competitor KG is and I just don't see him taking himself out of the lineup unless he had to. It just doesn't fit with his character. The trade hasn't exactly worked out the best for the Wolves so far and it has worked out great for the Celtics and KG and this may be Taylor's way of answering criticism and justifying the trade.
Here are comments from around the Spurs boards during their game with the Celtics. I really don't want to ever hear about Tommy being a homer after listening to their announcers. And the officiating was terrible both ways, not just in the Celtics favor as the Spurs got away with quite a bit too. Some pretty interesting stuff here. Enjoy....
Just win, please A blow-out would be ideal
If this was a road game, I'd say we have no chance. At home, we have a chance, albeit a small one.
This could be the game to get us back on track. It's far from a easy win but we need to go all out and get some confidence back in this team.
Have no doubt Spurs fan..Spurs will KILL the C's. HOME COOKING. Pay Back time
Allen a game-time decision. How bout sittin' out this one, Ray?
Don't forget, The Celtics beat us last year at home on St. Patty's Day. It's going to be a good game that we have to win.
Why do we have to play the Celtics on St. Patrick's Day again? That's like playing the Mexican National Team on Cinco de Mayo.
Which is why I refused to wear green today. Instead, I am wearing my Duncan road jersey.
Big game for the spurs...I think they win simply because they're gonna want it more.
I'll be 5th row...hopefully close enough to burp green beer stench all over Paul Pierce.
This is a WIN! I am feeling this one fellas. Spurs are at home, finally had a day off and Spurs will have two days off after this game. The energy at the arena will be NUTS! Spurs are out for blood in this game. THey don't want 4 losses in a row.
Spurs need to win this game to stop the bleeding. It will be a tough game for sure. The Celtics match up well against our big 3 pretty well. Garnett on Duncan down low. Rondo can keep pace with the quickness of TP. Posey poses a problem for manu with his physical bordering on dirty style. I think it will be a defensive and low scoring game for both teams.
This is the best I've seen from the Spurs all year. 28-11 After the first.
I love seeing Tim Duncan work the post and muscle past KG..........
The Spurs are shooting 57% from the field and from 3pt land, while the Celtics are shooting only 23% from the field and 0% from 3pt land.
Big Baby is a rebounding beast.
Cassel keeping Celtics in the game. He's on fire
Can we swap Finley for Cassell straight up?
Bad third quarter by the Spurs. They really need to pick up the slack. Please beat Boston!
Sean... What a homer... Not as bad as Tommy nonetheless
I find it hilarious how the C's board has been talking **** about our announcers.
Posey is f'ing dirty...
I am sick and tired of teams coming into our house and getting calls over and over and over again.
Calm down my friend. Boston has been doing this all year, no surprise. I've had a chance to watch a handle full of Boston games this year and they are getting handed games. Sucks, but Spurs are going to have to play through it and hope they even out the calls.
Containing Pierce for the rest of the game is key I think. He KILLED us last game we played.
13-2 run now by the Celtics. Down 1 now, what the heck happened to that lead? O yeah, and didn't I say something about containing Pierce?
What a collapse. I expected the Celts to make adjustments, but not the spurs not making counter ones.
Refs really need to reign in Garnetts thugery.
Now the refs are handing the game to the Celts with Bogus calls. One on Bruce earlier and now one on Thomas when Garnett threw an elbow and THomas got called for the foul!
Guys you might as well forget about the refs. The far gone in the season the refs are not going to call Boston games different. NBA wants this.
Rondo is destroying us.
K.Perkins gets away with a LOT of HOLDING on screens
I've said this before: Is it a coincidence the Lakers are also allowed to this same slap happy defense.
I know, but they got away with it a LOT more in the game in Boston. One thing is for sure... Its gonna be very difficult for any team to get more than 1 win in Boston in the playoffs, especially if they are allowed to reach, slap and grab as much as they do. Since they have the best record in the league (and HCA throughout) that means you gotta win all your games at home and hope to STEAL ONE on the road, cuz you won't get 2 from them in Boston in the same series. The refs will make sure of that.
Here comes the Boston run...better buckle down now guys, if this game is within reach better believe the Refs will give this game to them.
Need to send that tape to the League of that shot to the back of Timmys head by Posey after the whistle.
If they have five white jerseys in the paint for the defensive rebound, they think the opponent won't crash the boards. Instead the opponent PG just goes into an undefended area and gets the EASY rebound.
Another torching by the opponent's point guards.
And they didn't even have their 3rd best player
We are indeed the 7th seed. 2.5 games from the 8th seed and lottery balls believe it or not. We better pray to god Golden state or Denver don't catch fire man.
If the Spurs keep playing like this and luck into a 7th or 8th seed -- I'd rather take my chances in the lottery . . . it's been kind to us before.
Stop blameing this loss on the REFS people. The Spurs lost this game, there is no other excuse.
Lets give the Celtics credit. I thought their defense in the 4th quarter down the stretch was very good. Reminded me of our good ole days.
The refs didn't cost anyone the game tonight, they lost by themselves to I hate to admit but a better team.
Just a few thoughts on last night's game. It was an incredible game with all kinds of twists and turns through it. Saying that the Spurs got off to a fast start is an understatement. The Spurs led 28-11 at the end of the first quarter. The Celtics shot only 24% while allowing the Spurs to shoot 57%. The Celtics were also outbrebounded 12-8 in the first. But, in the second quarter, the Celtics came out and chipped away at what at one time was a 22 point the lead a little at a time. They tightened up their defense and their shots started to fall.
By half time, the Celtics had made it a bit more acceptable. They had cut the lead to 53-43 by the half and were shooting 43% from the floor and bringing the Spurs down to 51% for the half. The Celtics also ramped up their effort on the glass to hold a 22-17 edge at halftime.
The Celtics came out strong in the third and went on a 9-2 run to start the quarter. They took their first lead at 56-55 with 7:36 left in the third and kept it tight the rest of the way. The Spurs did pull up by 9 in the 4th quarter, but as they had done the whole game, the Celtics kept their composure and chipped away to once again take the lead. In the end, the Celtics shot 47% and held the Spurs to 44%. The Celtics also kept their rebounding edge to finish with 40 to only 34 for the Spurs.
The stars of this game were the Celtics two point guards. Rondo had 20 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals in 28 minutes. Rondo came through in the clutch by flying in and stealing a big rebound and then making 2 very clutch free throws. Sam Cassell is paying big dividends already as he hit a huge 3 to put the Celtics up 2 with 46 seconds left in the game. He finished with 17 points and 5 rebounds in 27 minutes.
Paul Pierce and KG also came up big but played big minutes and that may have consequences as the Celtics face the red hot Rockets tonight. Pierce finished with 22 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1 steal in 44 minutes. KG had 21 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and 1 block in 39 minutes.
It was a physical game and Bowen got a shot in on Rondo who came up limping at one point but returned to the game afterwards. He also said that he would be fine for tonight's game against the Rockets. There was a lot of pushing and shoving in the game throughout as could be expected.
I don't want to hear anything from Spurs fans about Tommy being a homer as their announcers are even worse. When the Celtics took the lead in the third, it sounded as if they were ready to just give up and go home. I expected them to bow down and kiss Ginobili's ring with the way they gushed over everything he did. And every call against the Spurs was bad. There was one in particular that cracked me up. Bowen and KG were going at it for position and there was a whistle. The announcers were going on about how KG was holding Bowen's jersey and how could the refs call the foul against Bowen? At the same time, the replay showed clearly that Bowen was grabbing KG's jersey and he went to the line with his jersy still half out.
There was some drama at the end of the game with the Luck of the Irish winning out in this one. With the Celtics up 4, Ginobili drove to the hoop and was fouled. His layup went in and came back out and rolled around the rim twice before falling out. Then with 4 seconds left, Parker got a layup to cut the lead to 2. KG was inbounding the ball on the baseline and it went right to Bowen who dished to Horry who was wide open behind the 3 point line. His shot bounced off the rim to preserve the Celtics 2 point win. It was a good win and gave the Celtics their first sweep of the Spurs since the 1988-89 season. It is also important to note that in this game, Doc was the better coach than Greg Popovich. Doc did a great job of substituting and calling time outs and out coached Pop in this one. The final shot on NBA-TV Daily was of Doc and Sam giving each other a high five. Kind of says it all.
Bruce Bowen is quoted on MySA as saying that he is upset at being thought of as a dirty player. This is in the wake of a suspension for kicking Chris Paul in a recent game. If that was the only incident, he may have a point. However, he has a history of dirty plays and doing things in games that could hurt players. I went to YouTube and it is full of video evidence of Bowen's nastiness. Here are just a few.
First up, is an incident in 2005 where Bowen kicked Ray Allen, who was then with the Sonics, in the back.
Next, is Bowen kicking Amare Stoudamire in 2007. This video slows down the action at the end so you can see the kick very clearly.
And here is Bowen kneeing Nash in the thigh.
Here is Bowen undercutting Steve Francis. This is a regular tactic of his where he slides his foot under a player who is going up for a jumper.
Here is Bowen tripping Steve Nash as he sweeps his leg out to make the trip.
Here is his knee to Nash's thigh.
Here is Bowen doing a flying kick to Wally Szczerbiak's head.
And here is the kick to Chris Paul that finally got him a suspension.
And that isn't even all of them. There are more. It is obvious to me that this guy purposely undercuts players, kicks, and otherwise tries to hurt opposing players. He says that he isn't a dirty player, but as the old saying goes 'A picture is worth a thousand words.' The Spurs as a team play dirty and I hate playing them. Win or lose, I just hope we escape this game without any injuries.
