The Celtics last game was on Friday and the next game isn't until tomorrow. When last they played, the Celtics were on a hot streak, having won 7 in a row and swept their 4 game road trip in impressive fashion. Will the Celtics continue their win streak on Tuesday against the Bucks at home? Or, will they lose focus after the layoff? Stay tuned for the answer.
Speaking of road win streaks, the Lakers' cupcake schedule is about to come to an end. Consider the fact that the Lakers have played 19 games so far. Just 4 of those have been on the road and they have had just 3 back to back games. Boy, have they ever had it easy! The Celtics have played 20 games with 10 of those on the road, including a 4 game road trip. The Celtics have also already had 5 back to back sets. And considering that the Lakers have had such a soft schedule, they have just 1 less loss than the Celtics? I think I'd rather be tested early, as the Celtics were than to have such a cushy schedule to begin the season. But then again, the Lakers have such a complex system, they needed extra time at home to perfect it. Here is a page from Phil's playbook and you can see how complex their triangle system is.
Happy birthday to Larry Bird who turns 53 today. I really wish he could have stayed with the Celtics organization in some capacity. Just one more thing that Celtics fans can blame Rick Pitino for. In honor of Larry's birthday, here is a tribute to one of the greatest players to ever play the game:
Marquis Daniels will sit out the Bucks game to rest his sore hand. We heard weeks ago that he has been battling a sore wrist but it was aggravated in practice. Here is Quisy's take on the injury:
“Nolan Ryan Rondo threw the ball in practice, I tried to catch it, and it just hit my thumb wrong and swelled up a little more,” said Daniels, who said he may have an MRI taken of the thumb and wrist tomorrow. “I had to sit down and rest it a little bit. I don’t remember how it happened. I just noticed that it’s been swelling the last couple of days. I wanted to keep playing, but Doc thought it would be best if I sat out and let it heal up.
“It affects me to a certain extent, but I’ve played through it,” he said. “I hope I heal quick. Hopefully it should be gone. It’s very frustrating. I don’t want to miss any time or any games.”
You have to love it. "Nolan Ryan Rondo." I think Quisy just gave Rondo a new nickname. There is a knock on Marquis that he is injury prone, but I love that he didn't want to sit and tried to play through the injury. That's the kind of guy you want on your team rather than the guys who get a hangnail and have to sit out. We have a team of tough players who would rather play through an injury than sit it out. Paul Pierce has been a warrior throughout his career that way. KG tried to play through the knee injury last season but couldn't. Ray Allen played through pain in his ankles when he first came here. Rondo has played with sprained ankles more than any player in the league, I think. Perk has played with shoulder pain and missed only 10 games the season he had plantar fasciitis. Most player sit out entire seasons with plantar fasciitis but Perk played through it. I'll take our starting 5 over any in the league for toughness.
Now for a bit of comic relief. Jarrett Jack tucks the ball under his arm in the middle of a play and ties his shoes. Several Chicago Bulls mill around him, but NOBODY even TRIES to knock the ball away while he has it tucked under his arm and is bent over tying his shoes. They should be embarrassed. I don't think I have ever seen anything like that before. (hat tip to Red's Army for the video)
Up next are the Bucks who let the Cavs go on a 29-0 run to put their game away on Monday. Let's hope they continue to be as charitable with the Celtics tomorrow. And, don't for get to Vote for Perk!!
[Discuss this topic on the Celtics Green Forums!]
I for one believe Donaghy. The FBI felt that everything Donaghy told him was true. That would include the facts about refs influencing games to make playoff series last longer, refs carrying out personal agendas, etc. We have all seen calls that just defy logic. The refs answer only to David Stern. Anyone criticizing or questioning them gets fined or suspended. Whenever there is a system where there are no checks and balances, it opens the door to corruption. I don't think that we have heard the last of this scandal yet.
I was doing some rooting around on the web and came across this picture of Rondo doing a pretty serious dunk back when he was at Kentucky. Rondo definitely has some serious hops. This is definitely Dunk Contest worthy. Good stuff!
Everyone who has talked to me for more than 2 minutes over the past 6 years knows that I love Perk. Over the past few years, Perk has won over a lot of fans with his work ethic and his tough defensive play. Every year he has been in the league, he has improved. This year he has added improved offense to his defensive repertoire.
Perk deserves to be on the All Star team. And, there are some Perk fans out there trying to make it happen. KWAPT has started a Vote for Perk website to make it easier for you to cast your ballot for the Beast! In case you are wavering on whether he deserves to be there or not, here are some facts from Loscy's article this morning.
So back to that difference: Perk’s play is starting to translate into noticeable stats:
* Perk has 38 blocks this season, which is good for 5th best in the association.
* Perk’s blocks are almost an equal balance between jump blocks and close blocks.
* More impressive than that, Perk has a 1.88 ratio of blocks/fouls.
* Perk is shooting 64% from the field. Whoa.
* Perk is averaging a career high 12 ppg.
But the kicker in all of this? Perk’s game is continuing to develop in ways that still don’t show up in the stat sheet:
* Perk’s improvement in setting legal screens (hip hip, hooray!).
* Perk’s vision to see the passing lane.
* Perk’s ability to execute a pass when a player is on the move and cutting to the hoop (very new).
* Perk’s ability to not only back down a player on the post, but to also front him.
* Perk’s evolving post moves: spins, hesitations, ball fakes.
* Perk’s slowly increasing range from the baseline.
Simply put, this man is a beast. Perk is truly contributing to making a great team greater.
Good stuff and very good points. And from Hardwood Paroxysm, there are these facts:
I was all prepared to rip this to shreds with advanced staty-stats. Then I actually looked at them. And you know what? Perk’s been downright awesome. He’s averaging 17.4 points per 40. THINK ABOUT THAT. ON A TEAM WITH KG, PIERCE, AND ALLEN (AND RONDO) HE’S AVERAGING 17.4 PER 40.
So Perk’s sixth in usage, and fourth in PER. He’s tops in TRR. He’s tops in TS% (natch). So he’s taking a more active role in the offense, and being more productive. Even with fewer minutes, those numbers are terrific for a what, fifth, sixth option? In short, the man is a Goddamn beast, there’s no other way to say it.
When Celtics blogs started talking about Perkins for All-Star game I chuckled at their brazen homerism. Now? Good God, you’re talking about arguably the most productive overall member of the best team in the league. Maybe it’s not so crazy after all.
So there you have it. There are solid facts and statistics that prove that Perk very much deserves to be an all star. But yet, Perk's value goes way beyond statistics. They don't measure hustle, tip outs, screens, box outs and defense in the box score, but yet those are the things Perk does every trip down the floor in every game. If every Celtics fan voted for Perk every day, he would win. So, here's your chance to do something good. Go to Vote for Perk and cast your ballot today and every day. I'll be including this link in every day's links to remind you. Let's get Perk to the All Star Game!!!
I have to admit that I was a bit worried about the game against the Thunder. It would have been easy for this team to let up. Last game of a 4 game road trip. Playing in the second of back to back games after a tough win over the Spurs the night before. But they came out strong and dominated from start to finish.
I loved during the game that Mike and Donny spent time talking about Perk. They were discussing that he is only 25 years old and actually younger than their rookie, Lester Hudson. They felt that if he stays in Boston he will have the chance to be one of the Celtics greats. They listed the great Celtics centers as Russell, Parish, Perk, and Cowens. Perk played just 25 minutes in this one and finished with 13 points (5-7) with 8 rebounds and 1 block.
The Celtics had 7 players in double figures including Pierce (21), KG (23), Perk (13), Ray Allen (11), Rondo (15), House (11) and Sheed(10). KG tied Perk with 8 rebounds and won the Tommy Award. KG has that spring in his step and the intensity back in his attitude. He is getting healthy and getting his conditioning back and with them, his confidence is back as well.
The Celtics out-rebounded the Thunder 40-30. They shot 57% from the field and 53% from beyond the arc while holding the Thunder to 47% from the field and 17% from 3. The Celtics had 29 assists on 39 field goals while their defense prevented the Thunder from getting into any type of rhythm.
The Celtics are playing with intensity. They are starting strong. They are getting that killer instinct back. They are winning with defense. Their offense is clicking but when it isn't, like in San Antonio, they are still finding ways to win with their defense. The Celtics have won 7 straight and 4 in a row on this road trip. They have a 3 days off now before facing Milwaukee at home and then head out for another 4 game trip. Hopefully they will continue to build on this and not look back. They have gotten into a rhythm and all talk of them looking old is gone.
In other news, the Nets WON! They finally got their first win of the season against the Bobcats. They really aren't as bad as their record looks. They have an all star point guard and a talented center and some young talented players. They started out with a lot of injuries and then as the losing streak wore on, teams were putting out a superhuman effort to try to avoid being the first team to lose to them. Now that the Nets have won one, they should have an easier time of it.
David Stern is talking about women in the NBA. I really don't think this is a good idea. It opens the door for a Pandora's box of problems. I love the WNBA and I love the NBA. But, I think that mixing them would be asking for nothing but trouble.
Bill Walker had 14 points and 3 rebounds as the Red Claws beat the Armor 102-79 in their home opener. I'll try to post some thoughts and photos from JimFoss once he gets them up. Here is a link to Jim's recap over on Celtics Blog. He does a great job of getting us into the feel of the game. Here is a photo from the action.
Great win tonight. Great road trip. Great defense. Perk is a Beast Life is good.
Our Young, Rested Team 97
Their Old, Tired Team 89
I was hoping for triple overtime tonight so they would be exhausted and miss their flight, etc. But no such luck. This would be a premier win as none of their guys are really hurt. Think we'll be close but no cigar
The win streak comes to a sudden end:
Thunder 108
Celtics 92
KD will own KG......Russ will own Rondo...MARK MY WORDS!!!
How bout KD owning PP? , but that doesn't sound good, does it?
Lot's of match-up problems for the Thunder on this one. Could get out of hand early.
Probably wont win....but doesn't mean they can't.
I see this as a bad matchup for RW0. Rondo leads the league in steals, so Russ is going to have to pay special attention to his handle. I'm going to be at work with 98% Celtics fans tonight, so wish me luck....If I don't post anything around midnight then pray for me as I'll be in intensive care.
Our starters are 2" taller than theirs with the exception of Green vs Wallace. Rondo is very quick. Not sure about the rest of their squad. Our defense needs to keep helping each other. Our guards need to watch out for long passes to the paint after Celtic defensive rebounds. We have a great chance at winning and think we will.
Only problem is Wallace doesn't start. KG starts at power forward. So he has at least 3 inches on Green.
KG can be a streaky player. He can hang 30 or 3 on any given night. I think we have a shot at these guys.
Upset of the season thus far, Thunder by six!
Thunder by 3. Book it! (Unless of course, it doesn’t happen.)
The Celtics are on a big winning streak, but they're coming off a tough win on the road last night. The Thunder has the Celtics in a great position for them to slip up on the road.
Well we get to play the Celtics at a perfect time (we're on a long homestand and they're playing back to back road games) but they are still a much better team than we are. It will be close but we lose by 8
LOL at Jeff Green guarding Kevin Garnett Looks like Earl Boykins.
Russell Westbrook has a very bad tendency to go for fruitless offensive rebounds.. He just goes up against Kevin Garnett to grab the rebound, I mean what are the odds that he gets that one? So he falls to the ground and the Celtics have #'s in transition and Pierce hits a wide open three.
I am not sure I can hate a team more than I hate the Lakers but the Celtics are making a push.
This team is just Charmin Soft on the interior, we're getting murdered.
Wallace says "And 1" every time he shoots
I really didn't see Garnett do anything too horrible there. Don’t know why they’re babbling on about it.
They’re still talking about “jousting” by the Celtics and the Thunder “can only be pushed so far.” Clearly they know more about basketball than me but it seems like it’s been a pretty civil game to me.
Were actually doing a pretty good job of getting to the line. If we can keep that up we could pull this one out
Not of Boston shoots 60% from the field all game.
True we need to stop pierce, hes murdering us. And so is garnett. Ugh this is one of those Jeff Green just does nothing games =/
I'd hate to point to the refs on this one because we would've lost either way, but, man, it was like the Celtics had there own crew out there. Kinda figured we'd lose, but not that way.
That game was really discouraging. Don't mind losing to the Celtics, I realize it would take a great game for this team to beat the Celtics whether home or away, but that was a beat down.
I really hate the Celtics. I just wish one time a team would beat them so bad it would wipe that smuggness off their faces.
That was a tough one to watch. OKC played pretty well in the first half, I thought. But in the second half, they just didn't show up.
Its not just win / loss ........... Its how they lose. The Celtics should be team to measure against and find out how much improvement this team has made........... And the Thunder did not even show up tonight
That's how it's been though. It doesn't matter which team we're up against. We play very good one game and we play very bad another. The only difference from this game compared to a lot of our other losses is that the Celtics are pretty much the best aside from the Lakers.
Boston Celtics (15-4) at Oklahoma City Thunder (10-8)
Friday, December 4
8:00 PM ET
Game #20, Road Game #10
TV: FS OK, CSN HD, NBA-LP 761,762
Radio: WEEI, WWLS
Referees: Ron Garretson, Tony Brothers, Eric Dalen
The Thunder aren't a gimme game any more. They are playing very good basketball and are over .500 for the season. They have beaten some very good teams including Orlando, San Antonio, and Utah.
Oklahoma has become a good defensive team, especially in the paint. They are holding teams to the third lowest field goal percentage at the rim in the league. They don't have a shot blocker as such, but their collective length allows them to contest just about every shot. Perk will have his work cut out for him in this game.
The Celtics are playing in the second of back to backs after facing the Spurs the night before. The Spurs game was a tough one that kept the Starters on the floor up to the end of the game. The Thunder are coming in with a days rest. Also, the Thunder is another of those young and athletic teams that tend to give the Celtics problems.
The Celtics need to take this one very seriously or the Thunder could surprise them.
Probable Starters
Rajon Rondo/ Ray Allen/ Paul Pierce/ Kevin Garnett Probable Starters
Russell Westbrook/Thabo Sefolosha/Kevin Durant/Jeff Green/Etan Thomas
Key Matchups vs
When we play against Durant there will always be thoughts of what might have been if the Celtics had landed the 1st or 2nd pick in that draft instead of the 5th. Durant is blossoming in to a very good player and both Pierce and Durant have been playing well. This should be a good matchup.
vs
Kevin Garnett vs Jeff Green
This is another of those what might have been matchups. The Celtics picked Jeff Green with the 5th pick in the draft and then traded him to Seattle in return for Ray Allen and this was the trade that set the table for KG to Boston. The way KG has been playing, this should be a mismatch in the Celtics favor. KG has height and experience advantages. Green has youth and possibly quickness, but I'll put my money on the intense veteran in this one.
Game Notes
• Celtics won the season series 2-0 against the Thunder in 2008-09
• Paul Pierce led the Celtics with 23.5 points per game last season
• Kevin Durant led the Thunder with an average of 19.0 points per game against the Celtics last season
• The Celtics are 7-3 against the Thunder since the 2004-05 season
• The Celtics are leading the all-time series 65-50 with the Celtics 34-19 at home
Keys to the Game Defense The team that plays the best defense is going to come out on top in this one. Both teams can put up the points and the team that stops the other team will have the advantage.
Rebound Rebounding is especially important when playing teams like the Thunder who will run on misses on the defensive end and who are athletic enough to get put backs on the offensive end. Also, the team that wins the rebounding battle is usually the team putting out the most effort. The Celtics were badly out rebounded against the Spurs and need to make that a priority against this young Thunder team.
Be Smart Typically, in the second of back to back games, the outside shots stop falling because of tired legs. If they aren't falling, the Celtics need to realize this and take the ball inside instead of continuing to shoot blanks.
X-Factor
Fatigue
The Celtics are playing in the second of back to back games and in the 4th game of a road trip. They got a hard fought win in San Antonio, but it may have taken a lot out of them. The young and athletic Thunder may be too much for the Celtics if their legs are tired and their focus is wavering at the end of this trip.
Spurs on 5 game win streak, but this is big test to see if we are finally clicking, or if we are only winning because we are playing bad teams.
Boston's size is ridiculous and they're better offensively than they have been, seemingly
On a side note, following Shelden William's career since last year at Duke, he's one of the most over-looked pick-ups of the off season
I'm going to say the Celtics win in a close one
I'm pumped for this game!!
Two damn good,smart basketball teams going at it fully healthy....
Not sure if Davis is playing today or whatever. But if so, would be fun to watch him and Blair go at it. Might cause a tremor
I have a feeling this one is going to be good.
If we play disciplined team defense tonight, we have a pretty good shot.
Bonner the Barbarian will show no mercy tonight.
Remember when Sheed told his teammates to just give the ball to whoever Bonner is guarding? That better not be the case tonight. I'd like to see Bonner light it up tonight. We're going to need him to open the floor for us.
Listen to the TNT tools trying to compare KG to TD all time..
Kenny Smith should know Tim is the greatest PF of alltime I can't believe some people still debate over who's better between KG and TD. It's a no brainer TD is way better than KG.
We're playing in slow-motion right now. Yes, the Celtics have a good D, but that doesn't mean we have to throw away the ball like that.
Wow, Spurs not looking good so far, Celts are playing like a well oiled machine. I think its gonna take a lot longer for the Spurs to gel.
Boston is playing good defense early and the Spurs are letting them.
Dick Bavetta is looking more and more like the crypt keeper these days
Team's MUST LOVE IT when Tim puts the ball on the floor and dribbles into traffic.
Spurs are absolutely killing themselves. Turning the ball over, missing chip shots, missing free throws. Boston isn't winning this game. Spurs are losing it.
Memo to Spurs: Game started at 7.
How is garnett allowed to bearhug Timmy? That pisses me off cuz they going to call touch fouls on Tim later
Celtics winning in the shitty calls category so far.
Duncan has three TOs take that scrub out
Sheed still looks funny in green.
Hadn't had a good look at Sheed this season. He looks fatter, soft even.
Lol at Pierce trying to flop after that turnover. Fairy boy
Celts defense too tough for Spurs
Scalabrine v. Bonner. Dat's a lotta freckles...
The way this game is officiated, we are not going to win it
These refs are garbage!!!
Our only FG in 2000 years In our own basket
Spurs are sleepwalking, no energy, Celts defense killing them.
Wow the spurs beat themselves that quarter.. They're even making baskets for Boston
This is Spurs last shot and it won't happen. 2007 trophy was the last.
My dead cat could've reffed a better quarter. I don't think the refs are trying to give the game to the Celtics; I just think they're just incompetent sometimes and that was a lot of those times right there.
There is no emoticon to express what I feel...
Well this is embarrassing. We can't hit our open shots, we can't hit our free throws, and now Blair is playing for the Celtics while still wearing a Spurs jersey.
Blair is from the east coast, maybe hes pulling a Tim donaghy
At least Laker fans will be pissed because of a Celtics win
The Spurs are 1/1 when shooting the ball into the opponent's basket. We did that well!
BONNER SUCKS! . WHY DO PEOPLE NOT SEE THIS... We his is not hitting the 3 he is completely terrible...
At least Bonner doesn't score baskets for the opposing team.
Why does the ref working the baseline defer to bavetta so much?
Pop should put Ratliff on Wallace.
Somebody tell Bavetta we're in San Antonio...
Bavetta: "we're in SA? Then I'll make sure Spurs lose "
Thank god Cs are not making their WIDE OPEN THREES and FTs
Bavetta's got an agenda here....
Marquis Daniels looks like a hippie out there.
Seeing Bonner on Garnett makes me scared
I seriously can't stand KG
Can someone seriously explain to me what bonner is doing out their when he is 0/4 on WIDE OPEN threes? Please tell me..... His defense is terrible, his rebounding is terrible..
The Celtics seem to be everywhere in the court...
Ok, Perkins is pissing me off.
Why does ray Allen look like he is always chewing something when hitting ft
Yeah, let's give Garnett the jumper he knocks down the most all night.
Garnett HAS RANGE in case you haven't seen a NBA game in the pas 12 years.
Celtics making us look like a D-League team.
Maybe we would win the game if we stopped shooting.....
This attitude that these games don't matter or its early just isnt what we need anymore... Were not the team of 4 years ago... There is no showing of heart out there... No sense of urgency and it start with our head coach... Who looks like he would rather be at the winery right now.
Boston plays like we SHOULD play.. They spread the ball to ALL their weapons..they run plays for ALL of them..when a guy hasn't touched the ball in a while, they run a play for him..
The Celtics are on a whole other level right now. The Spurs are just getting embarassed.
I don't like Boston...at all. But I respect the fact that they play the type of defense we should be playing.
This crowd is completely deflated...even moreso than usual.
Mcdyess got blown up by Perkins inside
Lol rondo owning parker
Where is the vomit icon??? I need it now..watching this LIFELESS effort.
NOBODY is playing well right now. Credit the Celtics, they are MUCH more intense than we are and their D is amazing.
Ok guys lets just give the ball to Bosten each time down the floor, why even try...
Right now you can see the hunger in the Celtics, they look like they want to win it all this year. Spurs well...Still coasting I guess. Maybe in a couple of months we will see that hunger. I hope...
Mcdyess just cant match up with garnett or Perkins inside
We need more scrub teams to play lol
Damn I thought the spurs were bad the Celts players never shut up
F*** KG and his chest thumping ways.
God I hate KG....
KG going theatrical for the cameras.
The refs have been absolutely horrible in this game.. Boston is getting EVERY call..
Wallace is FAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Just saying.
I wish OUR "big man" could pick and pop tha 3.
Celtics are killing us - all right, happens, but the way they do it isn't good.
They sure look a lot like us 3 or 4 years ago...
We can still win it easily.
Maybe if the Celts decide to forfeit...
Scalabrine makes an off-balance J at the buzzer..story of the game..
Ha...when the Celtic Ginger is making buckets...it ain't your night...
When Scalabrine is hitting buzzer beaters you know you are in trouble.
Do they just want to make Wallace look good tonight? He has been hitting 3's all his life...why would you just leave him wide open?
Well atleast I got to c gingervginger 1on1 I don't remember cn that before
Celtics are good, we are not ...
I have noticed that the Celts are not a very good rebounding team as they said.
No Garnett No Perkins It's more easy to score against Sheed or Scalabrine.
I really hate Ray Allen, just saying. I wish Bowen were here just to guard him 2nite.
Rondo > Parker tonight... That might just be the difference...
Flop by pierce
Man Rondo has Parker's number tonight, just sticking some solid D. Looking a lot better than Parker.
Rondo >>>>>>>>>>> Parker
Pop looks like a lost coach.
Anyone notice they pulled Sheed out of the game when he reverted back to being a chucker...??
Tonight was an example of a team that can stop both TD and TP... or at least considerably reduce their production...
I'll give it to them: the Spurs find creative ways to lose to the Celtics.
A very anti flopping Rasheed Wallace vs the King of Floppers - Manu Ginobili.
If Sheed reacted the way he did to a little flop, imagine Sheed's reaction to a Ginobili flop like this one vs Bonzi Wells:
And I just love this video that is a take off on the Rebok You've been Rondo'd commercials.
So, we might be in for some fun in this game if Manu is up to his old tricks. However, Sunday was his first game back from yet another injury and so he might not be back in full flop form. After any injury, you have to work your way back into the really good flops. But I'm sure we will see him attempt at least one or two good flops. The only question is if Sheed is feeling cheritable enough to mention it.
Boston Celtics (14-4) at San Antonio Spurs (10-6)
Thursday, December 3
8:00 PM ET
Game #19, Road Game #9
TV: TNT, TSN
Radio: ESPNR, WOAI, WEEI
AT&T Center
The Spurs got off to a slow start, losing 6 of their first 10 games but have righted the ship and, like the Celtics, have won their last 5 games. One of these teams will get their sixth straight victory, while stopping the other's win streak at 5.
Like the Celtics, the Spurs are subject to speculation that their team is too old. Both teams have some nice young players, and both teams have stars that are getting up in age. The average age of the Celtics is 27.9 while the average age of the Spurs is 28.7. McDyess is 35, Duncan is 33, and Jefferson is 29 while KG is 33, Pierce is 32 and Ray is 34.
The Spurs have been off since Sunday, while the Celtics played on Tuesday and are playing in the 3rd game of a 4 game road trip. For some teams, a layoff of 3 days is enough for them to show some rust to begin the game and for other teams, it is enough for them to come out well rested and on fire. The Spurs are a veteran team that should come out focused and so the Celtics need to match that focus and get off to a good start. If they dig a hole in the first quarter, they will find that is isn't easy to come back against a defensive minded team like the Spurs.
In their last game, the Celtics ended the Bobcats' 4 game win streak and hopefully they will do the same for the Spurs 5 game win streak. Coach: Doc Rivers
Average Age: 27.9
Average Height: 6-6
Average Weight: 224
Coach: Gregg Popovich
Average Age: 28.7
Average Height: 6-7
Average Weight: 224
Probable Starters
Tony Parker/Keith Bogans/Richard Jefferson/Tim Duncan/Antonio McDyess
Key Matchups vs
Rajon Rondo vs Tony Parker
Rondo has been compared to Parker at times and this matchup will be a big challenge for both players. When Rondo is aggressive and focused, he can pretty much take on any point guard in the league, including Parker. Rondo usually gets up for big games and this is a big one.
vs
Kevin Garnett vs Tim Duncan
This is a matchup of the two best power forwards in the league. KG is playing very well so far on this trip and should continue that trend in this game although Duncan's defense could slow him down. Duncan is also playing at a high level, averaging 18.5 points, 10.8 rebounds and 2 blocks for the season. This should be a battle and a fun one to watch at that.
Honorable Mention
Kendrick Perkins vs Antonio McDyess
Perk has been tearing it up on both ends of the court recently. He should have the advantage against McDyess and I expect another big night from him.
Keys to the Game
Defense - The Celtics appear to have returned to their defensive form that we saw in the first 5 games. They need to continue to play the swarming team defense that we have come to know and love.
Focus
The Celtics problems during their mini slump earlier were due to a lack of focus. They need to come out focused and stay focused for 48 minutes. This game won't be easy, but if they focus like they have in their past 2 games, they will give themselves to get another road win.
Rebound The Spurs are a good rebounding team and the Celtics need to concentrate on crashing the boards. Tony Parker is very good at running the break when the Spurs get defensive rebounds and Duncan is one of the best at putting back offensive rebounds. By dominating the boards, the Celtics can prevent both from happening.
Run the Offense In recent games we have seen the Celtics return to the ball movement that makes them so tough to guard. They also have to continue to take the ball inside rather than just depend on jumpers.
at 
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![[image]](http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/.element/img/2.0/sect/basketball/nba/teampages/toppers/thunder_514x96.jpg)
![[image]](http://a.espncdn.com/i/headshots/nba/players/65/3468.jpg)
![[image]](http://a.espncdn.com/i/headshots/nba/players/65/3028.jpg)
![[image]](http://assets.espn.go.com/i/headshots/nba/players/65/3202.jpg)
![[image]](http://assets.espn.go.com/i/headshots/nba/players/65/3209.jpg)
![[image]](http://a.espncdn.com/i/headshots/nba/players/65/851.jpg)
![[image]](http://www.sportsecyclopedia.com/nba/boston/PierceBos.jpg)
vs ![[image]](http://www.sportsecyclopedia.com/nba/seattle/DurantSea.jpg)
![[image]](http://www.sportsecyclopedia.com/nba/boston/KGBos.jpg)
vs ![[image]](http://www.sportsecyclopedia.com/nba/okc/JGreenOKC.jpg)
at 
![[image]](http://a.espncdn.com/i/headshots/nba/players/65/9.jpg)
![[image]](http://a.espncdn.com/i/headshots/nba/players/65/261.jpg)
![[image]](http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/.element/img/2.0/sect/basketball/nba/teampages/toppers/spurs_514x96.jpg)
![[image]](http://a.espncdn.com/i/headshots/nba/players/65/1015.jpg)
![[image]](http://a.espncdn.com/i/headshots/nba/players/65/1995.jpg)
![[image]](http://a.espncdn.com/i/headshots/nba/players/65/1006.jpg)
![[image]](http://a.espncdn.com/i/headshots/nba/players/65/215.jpg)
![[image]](http://a.espncdn.com/i/headshots/nba/players/65/530.jpg)
![[image]](http://www.nba.com/media/act_rajon_rondo.jpg)
vs![[image]](http://www.nba.com/media/act_tony_parker.jpg)
![[image]](http://www.nba.com/media/act_kevin_garnett.jpg)
vs![[image]](http://www.nba.com/media/act_tim_duncan.jpg)
