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RETRIEVING CONTENT...PLEASE WAIT
Comments from the Other Side - Sixers 12/18
Friday, December 18, 2009
by FLCeltsFan 11:23 PM
Celtics own this game from the jump....Celts 106 Philly 89
Sixers 122-C's 89.
The Celtics have the talent but its hard to counteract E.J.'s magicical coaching qualities.
Everything, I mean EVERYTHING is speaking for a Celtics win tonight, but for some strange reason that's why I think the Sixers will steal this one.
Nothing against Willie, but I better not see him guarding Allen or Pierce down the stretch, and I'd prefer that he not take any shots in the final minutes if the game is close. Better yet, I'd prefer that he not even be in the game down the stretch if it's close.
Every team needs a Deshawn Stevenson or Willie green to torment the fan base. Or at least any team coached by EJ.
Sad thing is that Willie Green is a solid 8th man and his contract is not so horrible. He gets so much hate because his coaches rely on him for things he can't do.
AI to miss this game
Iverson caring lasted 1 day.
The Sixers are so bad its not really an issue
Jordan still has jokes... Thad guarding Garnett
What have we done to make the basketball gods hate us?
I can't stand watching this talented team deteriorate any longer. We were 41-41 last year, that after losing Thaddeus Young to injury late in the year. We will be LUCKY to get 20 wins if Jordan's the head coach.
The Sixers looks scared. You can tell they came into Boston with the mentality that "damn, oh well, this is a loss right here, we ain't winning in their house". That's why they will lose tonight.
In addition to all of its other problems, we don't have any mentally tough players
I cant stand listening to these Boston announcers on LeaguePass. They are by far the worst, most biased announcers in the league. How does anyone listen to them?
I hate Boston.
I can't believe we're actually in this game.
Refs gonna give this thang to Boston obv.
Or not
Wow! Sixers getting a break from the refs in the Gahhhden. They must have made a mistake.
Nice makeup call refs
That's Exhibit A of a "superstar" foul call.
Refs has been terrible to both sides
KG's reaction was hilarious
I hate KG. I used to like him but since he went to the Celtics he is just so unlikeable
Foul on Pierce on the inbounds and then on Perkins on the shot. But we are at the Gaaaaahhhhhden.
How are we getting these calls?
Erry Christmas from the Sixers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The only games of the year I want the Sixers to win are against Boston.
A predictable outcome for a loser team like theirs.
I can't stand KG and I hope he gets hurt again like last year. I know people will say that is classless, but I really don't care.
I wouldn't go that far, but something about Rondo and Perkins rub me the wrong way. I'm also tired of Rasheed Wallace getting ejected every game. It's disgraceful.
Anyway, this was a good win. We beat one of the best teams in the league without two of our key players, not an easy task.
THAT is what happens when you play defense.
Way back in the day........Sixers/Celtics games always meant something. Glad to see this win. If we don't win another game, I'll have to remember this.
I'm going to savor this win. With our team who knows when we will get another one?
Well Rondo just isn't that good, the hype is what annoys me about him. One of the most overrated players in the game.
I agree with Perkins. All he goes is complain to the refs. How about you make a play? You are arguably the worst starting center in the NBA and he acts like he's Dwight Howard. You suck, little man. Stop complaining. You aren't getting every call and you intimidate no one.
What was with the Wallace meltdown. I missed it what happened?
He tried to attack a ref and his teammates and coaches stopped him from getting himself beat up
I don't care what anyone says, Sheed is the man.
Willie Green played 45 minutes and we won.
That is the basketball equivalent of shooting yourself in the leg and trying to win a marathon
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Celtics Going for 12th Straight Win
by FLCeltsFan 11:15 AM
 at 
Philadelphia 76ers (6-19) at Boston Celtics (20-4)
Friday, December 18
7:30 PM ET
Game #25, Home Game #12
TV: CSNHD, CSN-P, NBA LP 754
Radio: WEEI, WIP
TD Garden
Referees: Bill Kennedy l Leroy Richardson l Zach Zarba
This is the 3rd meeting between these two teams this season. The Celtics beat the Sixers in Philly 105-74 earlier in the season. They also won 113-110 in Boston to begin their current win streak. Since that last victory in Boston, these two teams have been going in opposite directions. The Sixers have gone 1-9 in that time while the Celtics have won 10 straight.
The Celtics haven't been as dominant at home as they have been on the road. They are 8-3 at home while losing only once on the road. The Sixers have been dismal on the road, however, with a 2-10 record. Allen Iverson was just finding his groove in Philly when injured his shoulder and also has arthritis in his knee and will miss this game. I'm going to guess that rather than switching the entire lineup around they are going to insert Willie Green into the starting PG spot, but I may be wrong.
n spite of the Sixers' losing streak and poor record, the Celtics need to take them seriously because if they don't, they could get burned. With Allen Iverson, Andre Iguodala and Thaddeus Young in the starting lineup, they have plenty of firepower to put points on the board. They also have firepower off the bench with Elton Brand and Jason Kapono. The Celtics need to continue to emphasize defense and not hope to trade baskets with the Sixers.
![[image]](http://www.sportsecyclopedia.com/nba/boston/00-Celticslogos.gif)
Probable Starters
![[image]](http://assets.espn.go.com/i/nba/profiles/players/65x90/4149.jpg)
Rajon Rondo PPG 12.0 APG 9.5 SPG 2.5
![[image]](http://assets.espn.go.com/i/nba/profiles/players/65x90/3080.jpg)
Ray Allen PPG 15.5 APG 3.0 3P% .364
![[image]](http://assets.espn.go.com/i/nba/profiles/players/65x90/3253.jpg)
Paul Pierce PPG 18.0 RPG 4.4 APG 3.8
![[image]](http://assets.espn.go.com/i/nba/profiles/players/65x90/3007.jpg)
Kevin Garnett PPG 15.3 RPG 7.5 BPG 0.7
![[image]](http://assets.espn.go.com/i/headshots/nba/players/65/2018.jpg)
Kendrick Perkins PPG 12.0 RPG 7.5 BPG 1.9
![[image]](http://www.sportsecyclopedia.com/nba/phil76/00-76erslogos.gif)
Probable Starters
![[image]](http://a.espncdn.com/i/headshots/nba/players/65/3995.jpg)
Jrue Holiday PPG 5.9 RPG 2.7 SPG 1.0
![[image]](http://a.espncdn.com/i/headshots/nba/players/65/2004.jpg)
Willie Green PPG 8.0 APG 2.3 3P% .333
![[image]](http://assets.espn.go.com/i/nba/profiles/players/65x90/3826.jpg)
Andre Iguodala PPG 19.7 APG 5.5 3P% .324
![[image]](http://assets.espn.go.com/i/headshots/nba/players/65/3244.jpg)
Thaddeus Young PPG 16.0 RPG 5.4 BPG 0.1
![[image]](http://assets.espn.go.com/i/nba/profiles/players/65x90/3534.jpg)
Samuel Dalembert PPG 6.5 RPG 8.4 BPG 2.0
Key Matchup
![[image]](http://www.sportsecyclopedia.com/nba/boston/PierceBos.jpg) vs ![[image]](http://www.sportsecyclopedia.com/nba/phil76/IgouudalaPhi.jpg)
Paul Pierce vs Andre Iguodala
Andre Iguodala is a handful for any player to guard. Pierce's defense will be needed to try to slow him down as he can put up big numbers if left open anywhere on the court as he is also a threat from beyond the arc. He is also a good defender and Pierce will have to work to get any open looks.
Keys to the Game
Defense
As I have said many times before, defense is going to be the key to every game this season and to winning the championship. We have seen the Celtics' smothering defense on the road, now they need to focus on keeping it at home as well. The Sixers are a good 3 point shooting team and so the Celtics need to defend the perimeter as well as the paint.
Rebound
The Sixers have a good rebounding team and with Allen Iverson back, he will push the ball up for easy baskets if the Celtics allow them to get rebounds. They will also get second chance points as Iguodala is one of the best in getting put backs and taking advantage if given a second chance at scoring. Much of rebounding is effort and desire and the Celtics must come into this game with both.
Play 48 Minutes
The Celtics tend to start off slowly, choosing to trade baskets in the first half,and only after they fall behind or play even for awhile do they amp up the defense and pull ahead. The Celtics need to get back to strong starts and playing the entire game instead of playing defense in spurts in the first half and clamping down in the second.
X-Factor
Rest vs Rust
It's always hard to tell how a few days off will affect a team. Usually, the Celtics come out strong after 3 days off. But we have also seen teams come out rusty and take awhile to get back into a rhythm. Hopefully, the Celtics will come out rejuvenated and put the Sixers away early.
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Random Thoughts with Game Day Finally Here
by FLCeltsFan 10:41 AM
I was just watching the NBA on TNT show this morning and they presented the best Playoff drama where they were voting for the best performances by a player under duress. They missed the boat on this one. Three are good: Kobe playing on a bad ankle in the 2000 finals, Derek Fisher returning to the Jazz after dealing with his daughter's cancer in New York all day, and Paul Pierce returning to play after going down in the 2008 finals. It was a bit irritating that Kenny, Chuck and Ernie were making fun and saying that Pierce's injury was fake, however. There are two that are a bit iffy in my opinion. Steve Nash playing against his former team. Yeah, that is a bit of drama but I think they could have done better. Dirk scoring 50 points after being mocked by Tim Thomas. Yeah, that's a bit of drama but again, they could have done better. And the last one just doesn't belong. Kobe playing after being in court for raping a girl? PULLEEZE! Nothing noble about that. The one they left off was Ray Allen's performance in the 2008 finals after spending all night and the following day in the hospital after Walker was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes. That is a lot more drama than a rapist playing after pleading not guilty in court.
The Lakers have won two games on their road trip after losing the first. But, they are struggling. Both games took a miracle shot by Kobe to win it and one went to overtime. And it took some serious help from the refs to beat the Bucks. Kobe travels first and then plows into Andrew Bogut who had good position and was set and Kobe gets the basket and 1. Horrible, horrible call that was the difference in the game. I'm sorry but when I watch a bad call like that which decides a game, Tim Donaghy sounds more and more believable.
The Lakers play the Nets on Saturday and the Pistons on Sunday before heading back home to play the Thunder and then the Cavs on Christmas day. That kind of irks me. When the Celtics were champs and played the Lakers on Christmas day, they had to play on the road. No respect for the Celtics. They should have had the home game for Christmas since they were the champs, but instead they were in LA. The Kobe and LeBron puppets are back. Looks like we will see a lot more officiating go in favor of the Lakers and Cavs since David Stern is determined to get a Kobe/LeBron finals.
The Red Claws won their 7th in a row last night. Lester Hudson finished with 17 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 block. Bill Walker contributed 8 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists and 1 block. Jim Fossel has been doing a good job of covering the Red Claws and will now be posting his recaps over on the Celtics Town blog. You should check out his latest post. Here is a just a portion of it:
Jon Jennings has – from scratch – assembled what is now the best team in the D-League. They have the most NBA talent, the best record, and one of the most experienced coaching staffs around. He’s not only brought pro basketball to the Pine Tree State, he’s brought a very watchable on-the-court product that will serve both Maine basketball fans and the Boston Celtics well. I've become a Red Claws fan and if you watch a few games, I'm sure you will be too. Their next game is Saturday 12/19 at 7:30 vs Fort Wayne and you can watch it on NBA Futurecast.
The Celtics are back in action tonight after a 3 day layoff. We are playing the Sixers, who have been terrible of late. But, the Celtics haven't played very well at home on Friday nights this season. Let's hope that has changed along with the return of their swagger. I'd love for an early Gino appearance tonight.
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Hudson & Walker Shine As Red Claws Win
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
by FLCeltsFan 9:57 PM
If you haven't been watching the Red Claws play, you should be. The games are all streamed on line through NBA Futurecast. Austin Ainge has been impressive in his first head coaching job as he has guided the Red Claws to a 6 game win streak. They are 6 and 1 on the season.
After trailing most of the game, the Red Claws pulled ahead on two clutch free throws by Lester Hudson. They then pulled a page from the Celtics book and played great defense to hold on for an 81-77 win.
The two Celtics assignees played very well in this game. Hudson played 38 minutes and was 8-19 from the field for 25 points. He also added 7 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block. Bill Walker was 7-18 from the field for 16 points along with 6 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 block.
The Red Claws play Erie again on Thursday night at 7:00 PM. The Celtics are off again and it would be a good time to catch the Red Claws in action on NBA Futurecast.
Box Score
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Comments from the Other Side - Grizzlies 12/14
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
by FLCeltsFan 9:47 AM
Boston vs grizzlies tonight on sportsouth. If Grizzlies have another game like vs. Cleveland then we will win. Boston on a 10 game streak will likely make it to playoffs. Lets just hope will meet them there in the championship!
I think we get blown out, but hopefully we can see Rudy put KG on a poster.
Why do fans have such animosity towards KG? I don't understand it. To me he represents the ultimate leader in basketball. He plays every game with total passion and pride. It seems very rare in some sports. Football they only play a few games each year in NFL so they are very intense and completely invested in every play of every game (usually).
So what is all the hate of KG?
I got into arguments a lot about it. I think he is one of the most inspiring players of all NBA. He is right up there with Pau Gasol to me, if not higher. What is the issue? What has he done like Shaq feuding with Kobe, like Lebrandon James doing dances in front of the losing team? Or lowered his integrity by asking for a trade from Minnesota? I thought he gave his all to them to the end.
Sorry buddy but I'm in the bandwagon of KG haters. I don't know why. In the early days in the Wolves I just didn't like how he played. When he got the respect of the league he lost the respect to the league. He started to intimidate just the young players, push them. I have a good example in that great night when Pau Gasol dunked on his face in his rookie or sophomore year. IS that kind of player you might love if he is in your team but since I also support lakers...
I Don't know about this one I hope we can win
The biggest thing that you have to remember against Boston, IMO...you have to pick up the pace and get a lot of buckets in transition. Get their older guys on their heels and you have a chance at a victory.
I hope to see very little green at the game
Come on Boston, bring you worst!!!
This game we have no chance in hell. Games like this is the reason why we should be beating teams that we are better than like the Kings, Clippers, GSW, Bucks. OKC instead of choking the games away.. Long night Boston by 20.
I think we have a SMALL chance, but don't get your hopes set too high. Don't forget, this is the BEST team in the league, and they have only lost a single road game this entire year. I say a win here is going to be very difficult.
Best team in the NBA on the second night of a back to back? Hope we keep it close. At least we are at home.
The Celtics are a tough match up. KG is still a beast. Ray Allen is a killer. Rondo is better than westbrook.
Then there is Paul Pierce.
And Sheed.
And Kendrick Perkins.
OH BOY.
This is going to be a tough game
If we win, I will call it one of the greatest Grizz victories in franchise history.
We are playing the Celtics, not the Lakers!!! Playing the 5th best team in the league, AT BEST.
Name the 4 teams better than them.
7 game series, I am taking: Lakers, Nuggets, Cavs, and Hawks over them. Maybe others too, depending on which old *** on the Celtics is hurt a the time.
The Cavs? Really? The Hawks are still too young to take down a veteran Celtics team in a 7 game series. Boston has already proven that they can beat the Lakers in the finals with a healthy team.
Barring injuries, the Celtics are the best in the East, no doubt. And until the Lakers prove that they can beat them, I'm saying that Boston is the best in the league.
Lakers are the most overrated team in the NBA. They played 17 of their first 21 games at HOME!!!! If they didn't have the record they have right now that would really be a disgrace. Celtics would probably pummel the lakers in LA. Cant wait to see that matchup.
Lakers have played the 7th hardest schedule this year, compared to 27th for the Celtics based on this years records of opponents, but yeah, being 1 game better DEF means the CELTS are better.
I can have people agree with me, just not based on something a team did two years ago when their average starter is now 54 years old and has 2 goat knees. Whatever, if you polled 10 knowledgable basketball people every single one would tell you the Lakers are a better team than the Celtics. But you like KG and Gatorade, so more power to you.
Perkins matches up well with Bynum, KG eats girls like Pau for dinner, Pierce is a superstar (over Artest), Kobe is a superstar (over Ray Allen), Rondo is better now compared to Fisher. Team unity, I give the edge to the Celtics as well.
Fine. We will see. Although you people will end up with an excuse b/c there is no way the Celtics make it to the Finals. So I guess since they will get rolled in the EC playoffs they will always be better than the lakers, great reasoning...
Well, call me crazy, but the loss of Posey and the aging of KG and others will doom them over the course of the season, like the Spurs the last few years. Rondo's improvement is nice, but we all know how he and the team feel about each other. So whatever.
I seriously believe, after watching several games of each team, that the Cavs, Hawks, and Magic would beat the Celts in 7 game series
Notice that the starters didn't play the fourth quarter last night. OJ, ZBo, Gasol, and Conley didn't touch the floor in the fourth and Rudy came out as soon as he hit 40..... With 8 minutes left. Great strategy by coach Hollins and look for us to have fresh legs tonight. Hope OJ isn't too sore after his spill last night.
KG INTENNNNNNNNNNNNNSEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE LOOK AT HOW MUCH I SWEAT I AM SO INTENSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I AM SO GLAD I WAS ABLE TO HOOK UP IN BOSTON SO I COULD VALIDATE MY CAREER WITH THE HELP OF OTHER PLAYERS WHO CAN LEAD THE WAY OUT OF A PAPER BAG!!!!!!!!! INTENSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
NOW NOW, don't start interfering with what these people see on Sportscenter, KG yells after he scores every time, he is so intense, surely he is better that everyone, I mean, for goodness sakes, he yells after every made FT like he just won a Western Conference Title, oh wait...he wouldn't know what that sounds like would he.
I hope I go and I see Eddie house's kid, I am gonna yell and tell him Santa isnt real, see how he likes that!!! Man, what is the deal with that kid, he is EVERYWHERE.
Man I hate that kid of Eddie House. So annoying! Worse than Jason Kidd's
KG is a shell of himself. He's an old dog that likes to bark, but his teeth are shot.
Rudy's going to throw one down in his face.
I would love for us to get a win here, but I'm not as hopeful. I think part of why we beat Cleveland is that they panicked a little bit at the end.
Bench is also a key, they are hella deep so Sam Young needs to produce on both ends and Hasheem needs to step up even more.
The person who should have the easiest time scoring is OJ. Rondo will give Mike fits, Pierce can still defend the best of them. KG is always manic, Perkins/Gasol could be interesting as well.
First to 90 wins
Grizz 99
Uglies in green 91
There are a few numbnuts cheering for the Celts, but it sounds like they are well outnumbered, which is definitely a start.
The Celtics pretty much never miss...but we are playing pretty flawless..I hope they miss a few shots at some point..we just have to keep fighting and see where that gets us...The Celtics are the best and most complete team in the league in my opinion...
Okay I can see now that Boston announcers are going to get on my nerves
Dude if you've never heard this Tommy whatever his name is guy, you are in for a treat
Has the Celtics ever let a team shot 65%!!!!! On them before????
I don't think I can take listening to these homeristic Boston announcers "Rudy Gay has been to the line 5 times already. Their not calling fouls on the other end" Dude, whatever.
Could someone please explain to me how Shelden Williams pulled a looker like Candace Parker???
These announcers are gonna be SOOO pissd if we stay ahead.
Every time Boston misses... "Now that was a foul!!!!"
Rudy Gay is THE TRUTH!!!!
Does sheed REALLY have to scream and 1 after EVERY SINGLE SHOT???
No one can say Rudy isn't getting calls tonight. Well, at least in the first half.
This commentating crew is ridiculous, complaining that the might Celtics aren't getting calls.
KG coming in acting SUPER HARD, does he realize he is a joke, and that people who are not Celtics fans laugh at that crapt? Starin down Marc after he gets beat and gets lucky on a bail out swat?
The Celtics could get called for many moving screens but the refs wont call it
KG is fun to watch
Memphis is getting respect from the officials lately. They deserve it.
I am glad we are getting some calls so glad
About freaking time, the "truth" as you call him, flailed like the whinner he is, and luckily they called the moving screen...
Sheed is killing them.
"Everybody who flails their arms gets a foul called. In my day the refs wouldn't fall for that nonsense. Whenever a ref makes a call like that it's a joke to all refs." - Celtics announcers
These guys are by far the worst I've ever heard.
If they lose it is the refs fault.
How are these Boston play by play people employed still???
I rather have a sheed out.
That's one of the worst calls I have seen in a while, Pierce flops like a fish out of water every time he touches the **** ball, get the hell outtta here, we gonna play ball or play dolls Pierce??? Why don't you try and man up and play Rudy, you wont b/c you cant.
All the Celtics do is fake the fouls and set moving screens
Uh oh. Game over. Scalabrine is in for Boston. No need to watch any further.
Veteran teams act as hard as they play...annoying but reality..and the refs fall for it half the time..
I hate to say it, but rondo is amazing...the kid is just good...I was hoping Boston was dumb enough not to pay him...
Yea the "color" guy for the Celtics is so bad. He thinks that everything the Celtics do is right and the Grizzlies can't do anything good. At least most announcers give credit to the other team when they play well.
I think he was a former coach with them, I know he played for them. Heinsohn is ridiculous. He does that with everybody.
Tommy Heinsohn? Was the Celtics coach when Dave Cowens, John Havlichek beat the Suns with Paul Westphal back in the 70's for the NBA championship. He's in the NBA Hall of Fame as a player and coach.
Dang I'm surprised you guys aren't familiar with that Boston homer announcer. I've been cringing at his comments for what seems like forever now.
He was the main CBS color commentator through the 80's during the Bird-Magic rivalry. Was neutral on national TV during the games, but never hid that he was a Celtic fan before and after.
Perkins always seem to have a grimace on his face
HAHA 4 FOUL ON PERK.
But that means sheed will come in.
Love it, obvious foul on Pierce during rudy's play, KG goes untouched, yet gets the ccall....
Every time Rondo does his cute palm thing he is traveling, I am not sure why its not being called, but he is clearly traveling every time...whatever...
Lmao how do you get blocked by rondo.... Embarrassing.....
Late call! NBA is a flawed game because of what gets called and what doesn't. The refs can control a game and momentum. It stinks.
THE TRUTH has traveled no less than 3 times blatantly, that time he got a free 3pointer out of it...this is stupid.
You can take your tommy points and shove em up yer .......
I hate Wallace and his bald spot
That 3 hurt my heart
He makes it look easy hate Allen
Aight c's deserve it., clutch 3 by ray ray
That was a killer. Ray Allen is cold blooded
They keep saying Ray Allen is over the hill.
THen he keeps doing this.
Grrr.
I just listened to Paul Pierce' post game comments. He had nothing but praise for our team. He said we had one of the best starting five's in league. He expressed a lot of respect for the young guys playing unselfishly as a team. I appreciated what he said.
Incase some people forgot, we just went toe to toe with the best team in the NBA. They are the best road team in the NBA. We are one Ray Allen circus shot away from having a chance to tie or take the lead down on the other end. But that's why the Celtics are great. They have guys that can make shots like that.
This game gets played 2 weeks after Von Wafer is on board and we have the 3pt shooting to win this game.
If the grizzlies weren't so tired I doubt the Celtics woulda won. Think about it. The best team in the league can barely beat a team going back to back and having to travel to boot.
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Forsberg: 10 Reasons for a 10 Game Win Streak
Monday, December 14, 2009
by FLCeltsFan 4:22 PM
Chris Forsberg who is covering the Celtics for ESPN Boston is fast becoming my favorite Celtics reporter. He has been keeping Celtics fans up to date on the inside scoop on the team and has been providing great coverage both on Twitter and on his ESPN Celtics Blog. He has a great article up now with 10 reasons for the Celtics recent win streak. He lists Rondo's All Star level play, KG's re-emergence, their defense and finishing ability among other reasons. My favorite by far is Reason #3:
3. Kendrick Perkins is even more of a beast
The leap that Perkins has made this season is astounding. In his seventh season in the league, he's showing signs of morphing from good to great, particularly in the offensive end, where his game has elevated to match his previously tremendous defense.
Consider this, Perkins, who entered the season as a career 55 percent shooter, is now chasing the record for highest field goal percentage in Celtics history. (Stop and think for a moment about all the elite players that have worn the Celtics jersey, particularly the big men, and let it sink in that Perkins is on pace to absolutely annihilate the franchise record for field goal percentage.)
Perkins, who is currently tops in the NBA at 65.2 percent, is set to challenge Cedric Maxwell's two-decade record of 60.9 percent set during the 1979-80 season.
Perkins is shooting a ridiculous 78.1 percent (57 of 73) over this 10-game winning streak. Part of his success can be traced to great entry passes from Rondo, but Perkins is absolutely thriving in setting screens at the top of the key, then rolling to the basket for easy layups. You can check out the rest of the article here. I highly recommend it. I love it that people are finally seeing in Perk what I have seen for years. Perk is a BEAST! And now, he is even Beastier then ever.
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Celtics Road Trip Comes to an End in Memphis
by FLCeltsFan 1:42 PM
 at 
Boston Celtics (19-4) at Memphis Grizzlies (10-13)
Monday, December 14
8:00 PM
Game #24, Road Game #13
TV: CSN HD, SSO-MEM, NBA-LP 754, 755
Fed Ex Forum
The Grizzlies are a dangerous team with some very talented young players. They have added veteran leadership from Zach Randolph who has been a beast on the boards lately, setting several team records recently. Rudy Gay exploded for 41 against Miami in his last game and OJ Mayo is always capable of putting up big numbers.
In spite of all the talent on this team they are just 10-13. They have a winning record at home of 6-4 at home, however. The Celtics are a league best 11-1 on the road and are riding a 10 game win streak coming into this game.
The Grizzlies are playing in the second of back to back games and are coming off a 118-90 blow out win over Miami on the road. The Celtics are coming into this game with a day's rest but are playing in the final game of a 3 game road trip and 7 of their last 8 wins have come on the road.
The Celtics need to take this game very seriously because the Grizzlies aren't a pushover team any longer. Any given night they can be very dangerous. They also have a lot of young and athletic players who can give the Celtics problems.
Coach: Doc Rivers
Average Age: 27.9
Average Height: 6-6
Average Weight: 224
Probable Starters
![[image]](http://a.espncdn.com/i/headshots/nba/players/65/3026.jpg) ![[image]](http://a.espncdn.com/i/headshots/nba/players/65/261.jpg) ![[image]](http://assets.espn.go.com/i/nba/profiles/players/65x90/3730.jpg)
Rajon Rondo/Ray Allen/Paul Pierce Pierce/Kevin Garnett/Kendrick Perkins
![[image]](http://www.sportsecyclopedia.com/nba/memphis/00-Grizlogos.gif)
Coach: Lionel Hollins
Average Age: 24.7
Average Height: 6-8
Average Weight: 228
Probable Starters
![[image]](http://a.espncdn.com/i/headshots/nba/players/65/3195.jpg) ![[image]](http://a.espncdn.com/i/headshots/nba/players/65/3450.jpg) ![[image]](http://a.espncdn.com/i/headshots/nba/players/65/3005.jpg) ![[image]](http://a.espncdn.com/i/headshots/nba/players/65/1017.jpg) ![[image]](http://a.espncdn.com/i/headshots/nba/players/65/3206.jpg)
Mike Conley/OJ Mayo/ Rudy Gay/Zach Randolph / Marc Gasol
Key Matchups
vs ![[image]](http://www.sportsecyclopedia.com/nba/memphis/GayMEm.jpg)
Paul Pierce vs Rudy Gay
Rudy Gay will be a very tough matchup for Paul Pierce. He is averaging over 20 points and 6 rebounds a game. He went off for 41 vs Miami on Sunday and Pierce will need to play very well on both ends of the court to get the best of this matchup.
![[image]](http://www.sportsecyclopedia.com/nba/boston/RAllenBos.jpg) vs ![[image]](http://www.sportsecyclopedia.com/nba/memphis/MayoMem.jpg)
Ray Allen vs OJ Mayo
Mayo has been on the national radar since high school and is a very promising young player and very athletic. Ray needs to use his veteran wiles if he hopes to keep May from going off.
Honorable Mention
Kendrick Perkins vs Marc Gasol
Gasol has been playing well and Perk needs to be physical inside to keep him from getting easy baskets. Gasol has a height advantage, but Perk has a strength advantage.
Keys to the Game
Defense - Defense is the key to every game. They especially need to bring their defense against this young and talented Grizzlies team.
Focus - The Celtics need to come in focused and get off to a good start. They also have to be careful not to lose focus and finish strong as well. The Grizzlies will take advantage of any lapses on the Celtics part.
Rebound - The Celtics need to make an effort to crash the boards to prevent the Grizzlies from getting second chance points off of offensive rebounds and fast break opportunities on the defensive end.
Rondo As goes Rondo, so go the Celtics. He is the engine that makes the team run. He has been aggressive in pushing the ball and also on defense and that sets the tone for the rest of the team. He needs to continue to be aggressive on both ends of the court.
Bench The Celtics should have an advantage on the second unit if they play up to their capabilities. Sheed needs to go inside as he did against the Bulls. Eddie needs to hit his shots. Shelden needs to crash the boards. And most of all, Tony needs to engage his brain.
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Public Service Announcement
by FLCeltsFan 1:27 PM
With Christmas right around the corner, I am going to take a break from doing the links here and at CelticsBlog. I need the extra time to get shopping, baking, cleaning, wrapping, etc all done before Christmas day. I'll be back with the links again right after Christmas! Hopefully no one will go into withdrawal and need to go into rehab without all the Celtics news to browse through everyday.
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Red Claws Claw Back from 17 Down for Win
by FLCeltsFan 10:53 AM
Last night, with the Celtics off, I got a chance to watch the Red Claws game on Futurecast. At first, it appeared as though all was lost as they fell behind by 17 points. But, they fought hard and by the end of the 3rd quarter, they were down by just 3 and the final score was Red Claws 87, 66ers 82.
Celtic Bill Walker had a sub par shooting night with just 6 points on 2-8 shooting but he came through in other ways with 9 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal in 28 minutes of play. He also had 5 fouls which limited his time and effectiveness.
Jim Fossell has been doing some great writing in covering the Red Claws games.
Last night the Portland Expo crowd watched as their new team notched a gutsy win over the Tulsa 66ers. It was the sort of performance that Celtics fans will recognize, as it featured an anemic first half followed by an impressive second half. It was, by far, the most exciting game of the season, at home or on the road.
With the way the Maine Red Claws played in the first half other fans might have fled. Instead, the dedicated Maine basketball fans stuck it out, and saw the Claws come back from a 17-point halftime deficit to win the game 87-82. You can read the rest of his review here.
This is an exciting team and Austin Ainge is doing a very good job as the head coach. He would make a great coach for some NBA team looking for a young coach who can get the most out of young players. He certainly is doing it in Maine.
Box Score
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Fiddlin' and Diddlin' - Daily Links 12/13
Sunday, December 13, 2009
by FLCeltsFan 3:09 PM
Herald Celtics charge past Bulls
Celtics’ Ray Allen copes with time away
Rajon Rondo gets foe’s message
Replays help Pacers past Wizards
Web site providing new ticket ‘option’ for Celtics fans
Globe Updates from Celtics-Bulls
Pierce injuries shoulder, but returns to game
Analysis of Celtics-Bulls
Celtics’ Pierce deserves contract extension
Rondo undaunted by Miller
Celtics make it a perfect 10
Vote for Perk Vote For Perk
CelticsBlog Celtics Stuff Live 12/13: Mike Gorman
Rondo the (Bulls) Destroyer
Loy's Place Comments from the Other Side - Bulls 12/12
Telegram Celtics’ bench will take back seat
Celtics.com Ford Keys to the Game: Celtics at BullsFord Keys to the Game: Celtics at Bulls
Red's Army The Maestro
The Morning Dump... where Rondo takes his shot at Brad Miller
Enemy Chatter: "We're not even close..."
Green Street Fast Break: Celtics-Bulls
CSNNE Live from the United Center!
Celtics 106, Bulls 80
Celtics Hub Ray’s “Nothing But Net” Moment
10 in a Row with No Signs of Slow
Where’d the Bulls Go? C’s 106, Bulls 80
Sunday Notebook: Pierce Wants to Stay, Rondo’s a Bad Ass and Ray Copes
Chicago Now Boston Celtics beat Chicago Bulls 106-80 Haiku
North Station Sports Celtics Make Bulls See Red After Beatdown 106-80
An unwilling witness: why LeBron James has let me down
What Do We Do With Rajon Rondo Now?
CT News Celtics Play the Right Way
NBA.com NBA Development League: Red Claws at BayHawks
Celtics Town Celtics grab the Bulls by the horns
Celtics Loudmouth Quote of the Night
Hardwood Houdini Celtics Charge Past Bulls, Win Tenth Straight
Rondo Leads Celtics To Tenth Straight
Lex Nihil Novi Pistons Require 3 OTs to Top Celtics Record 83-84
Celtics Overcome 12 4th-Quarter TO's to Finally Beat Knicks 83-84
19-4: Celtics 106, Bulls 80
World B. Free Sounds Off after Celts Top Cavs
Celtics Life Live Game Chat, Celtics at Bulls
C's Blitz Bulls for 10th Straight Win
Celtics/Bulls Post Game Videos
Gino's Jungle Live from Chicago
Celtics Stuff Live The Gold Rarities Postgame Show
Daily Herald Bulls fade against surging Celtics, lose 106-80
Slam Dunk Central Celtics Use “Killer D” To Slaughter Bulls 106-80 For Tenth Straight Win
Bulls.com Celtics Show Bulls 2009 Playoffs are History
NW Herald Not much of a rematch
NY Post Post blows whistle on Donaghy claims
ESPN Do you want Ray to stay?
First impression: Celtics 106 , Bulls 80
Rough night for Pierce
Bulls can't slow Rondo
Bench solid for Celtics
Defending Del Negro
The Celtics-Bulls rematch that wasn't
BWorld Jazz drop LA Lakers from league’s best record; Celtics win
NESN Live Blog: Celtics at Bulls
Celtics Make It 10 in a Row With 106-80 Rout of Bulls
Kendrick Perkins Thriving Under the Radar
WEEI Kendrick Perkins on WEEI
MetroWest Daily News Celtics 106, Bulls 80: Power of ten
Courtside View: Celtics finding winning form
Yahoo Williams, Jazz end Lakers' streak
Behind the Box Score, where the C's outclassed the Bulls - Ball Don't Lie
Autographs Proof That The Nba In Fixed….tim Donaghy Rats Out…
Dimemag Game of the Weak
Hoopsworld 5 Things We Learned In The NBA This Week
The Hoop Lokomotiv Kuban announced Gerald Green
Hoopsworld Only Getting Worse for Bulls
Chicago Now Brad Miller called for flagrant on Rondo
Chicago Breaking Sports Celtics blowing out Bulls
Chicago Tribune Doc Rivers rises to Vinny Del Negro's defense
Orlando Sentinel Is the NBA headed for another Lakers/Celtics Finals?
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Comments from the Other Side - Bulls 12/12
by FLCeltsFan 9:59 AM
Once again, much of the posting on the game threads was to trash their own players. It's hard to tell who Bulls fans hate more: KG, Piercne, and Rondo or Hinrich, Deng and Salmons. They just aren't a happy bunch over there in Bulls land. Some entertaining stuff here. I hope you enjoy this edition of "Comments from the Other Side."
This is going to be ugly. The Celtics are going to try and embarrass the Bulls because they want to prove that series was a fluke without KG.
Unless we get another 36-11 from Rose or 35 from Salmons, and Noah pulls down 20 rebounds this isn't going to be fun.
So Boston to win by 20+ and Vinny to get another step closer to being fired?
If they keep the Celtics running, they have a shot. The chances of that are small.
We will see what kinda heart this team has tonight!!!
Unfortunatley they don't have much at the moment but lets hope they show up to play tonight!
Upsets happen in the nba all the time .. The crowd must be a factor
I hope Luol Deng has something left in the tank after playing 52 minutes last night.
I hope we win. I want us to win. We need a win.
I don't think we will win though.
Burning questions
Is this Vinny's last game?
Is Lawrence Frank house hunting in Chicago?
I got three words... We are dead
The BULLS are going to need all sorts of miracles to beat that punk team of the New England area.
Kg is too intense for us.
We'll lose by at least 30, guaranteed. Actually we might lose by 40. This is such a monstrous mismatch. The only question is if we'll break the 70 point barrier and also will they break the 110 barrier. VDN should just tell Rose, Noah, and Deng not to suit up. Why risk injury is such a forgone conclusion. Yes, this is what its come too this year.
What I want to see: Hard Foul on Rondo. I haven't forgotten he threw a punch at Miller and threw Kirk into a scorer's table.
This is an easy win for the Bulls.
If there is one game not worth watching this season its going to be this one.. We might as well start Hunter/Pargo/Johnson/Miller/Gray and let our other guys get an extra day of rest.. Or maybe they can just have the night off and go practice or something.
This is going to get really ugly. However, I got used to all those blowouts, so I'd like to add another one to my collection.
Just like the playoffs...rondo eats rose alive. Celtics win by 15+.
It's games like this that really help the tank.
How the Bulls will win is going to defy all logic, reasoning, and competence. Just know that it will happen. Just have to think outside the box.
Bulls win by 14, 130-99, Gibson with 20 and 15, Rose with a real triple dub (not those weak ones Rondo gets) with 25, 13, 10. Luol with some clutch three pointers and toughness.
KG continues doglike antics, bites Noah. Gets put to sleep after the game.
I don't care about the score of this game. What I do care about is this team not letting KG walk all over them and run his mouth all night. Hard fouls please.
If the Bulls lose by only 10, it's a victory of some sort.
Someone pop KG in the gob, preferably you Joakim, and I'll class this one as a win.
100 - 45 I am expecting us to break our own record tonight. If not tonight, then definitely against the lakers - for least points ever scored in an NBA game
I thought I was being pessimistic, but you just showed me I could be a lot worse. Thank you for that.
Hopefully they won't think they need to give 100% to stop our anemic offense and we can hang around for a while.
Bulls win 104-102 on a Pargo jump shot, James Johnson injures KG
Rondo would suck if it hadn't been for the Celtic;s Big Three. I can't wait for the day he's got to play without them.
We are talking about Celtics defense here - especially with KG in the lineup. They will lockdown Rose and let others take turn with crap-shoot/brickfest and it will be in Celtics' bag after the 1st qtr. I am expecting TON OF BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOSSSS by the 3rd qtr.
Which Celtic shows the Bulls up on national TV? That seems to be the theme lately; have a joke on the Bulls. My pick goes to Ronda.
Way too obvious. It will be a scrub like Eddie House or Marquis Daniels Doc will give his backups big run when they have the lead.
Nice to see that I'm not the only one that thinks there's a possibility the Bulls could lose by over 40 points, one of the poll options is Celtics by 42 and 7% of respondents have chosen that.
Noah better not get called for a loose ball foul all night. Perkins is literrally putting 2 hands in his back and shoving him 3 feet away.
wtf was Funk talking about after Pierce's first FGA? He “looked tired”? Is he serious?
Love what Miller did.
HAHAHA PAY BACK RONDO YOU LITTLE ****
Rondo with the fake but BRAD WITH THE REVENGE!!!!
BRAD, REVENGE IS SO SWEET
That was my favorite Brad Miller play of the year
Brad should have stepped on Rhonda afterwards
Rondo should have been put on his arse months ago.
Rose has to watch out for Perkins now
So that's a flagrant, but Rondo doing the same thing wasn't?
Thanks for the confirmed bias NBA officials.
Wow, good point. And Rondo's was still worse since he actually got Brad in the side of the face.
Doug Thonus just called out Rondo for laying on the ground for 10 seconds after Miller fouled him. He also makes an excellent point that he was T’d up for a lesser foul than what Rondo did to Miller
John Salmons has what it appears to be a career high 3 assists.
I love it when Noah instigates! You know KG wanted to punch him.
Ragin' Ronda reaches in a lot.
Deng wants to show everyone that it wasn't ONLY KG who missed the playoffs, He wasn't there as well and probably would have made the difference.
The defense isn't good, but the offense looks WAY less retarded than usual.
One thing you can learn from the Celtics are how to run double and triple screens. Of course wed get call for moving screens.
Damn Boston hacks at everything.
Looks like House is the one to get punked on National TV, not the Bulls.
Haha Noah taunting Garnett. I love it.
LMao kg goaltended Noah's shot after the whistle
C'mon Noah, make him earn those 2 points
(actually I just wanted to see KG get clobbered for once)
Let's see who's bench is worse
I don't think I want to know the answer to that.
Salmons getting owned by Scalabrine now?
Every time I watch SHeed against any teams, he is usually at the 3pt line but today, he has been mostly down in the post? WHy?????
Vinny giving James Johnson a talking to. Probably about hair conditioners or something.
I really **** hate Garnett.
If ever there was a game for JJ to unleash Hell, its this one
Preferably a chop KG’s skinny neck
Drose on the oop, Rondo hits him no call. When will the kid get a call from the refs?
I think I got it, Rondo benefits greatly by playing with Allen/KG/Pierce, and Perkins benefits by Rondo benefiting off of those 3. If my math is correct that makes Kendrick Perkins the worst player in the history of the nba
Defensively rondo is able to gamble all the time because he has great interior defenders behind him
Deng is 5-15, just KILLING Pierce man!
Pierce faking an injury? Quick get the wheelchair!!!
I hope Pierce is ok. If it was KG I would be hoping its career threatening.
Pierce is destined to be a dying man on a soap opera
Salmons has 9 assists!!! I cant remember one pass of his.
Obviously someone has been counting his passes to the Celtics as assist...
*waiting for Pierce to come back in the 4th to prima donna it up*
Perkins always looks mad, he could hit a 3 pointer while fouled and make the extra point after and still look pissed off
Perkins is such a bitch.
Yeah, but at least he isn't a clown, fake intensity loser like KG. Perkins is just an old fashioned bully. Oakley-like.
Rondo with another flop Hate that guy!
Then he does the unneccary under his leg dribble pass on the fast break
What I hate even more is how overrated his defense is he plays defense the same way iverson does, and everybody calls iverson a defensive liabilty, yet Rondo is somehow the next GP…
I officially hate our announcers now
I can't stand Rondo
I hate him but I respect him
Kinda like Rodman.
God I hate Rondope
Blowout is on. Commence 'stop trying', wetting their shorts, and loss of confidence.
Celts do get away with LOT OF hacks and fouls.
LOL Ragin' Ronda hitting stepback jumpers on us. Priceless.
Kirk Hinrich is a great ball handler
He ought to be for all the dribbling around aimlessly he does.
And Hinrich gets called for the same reach in that Rondo has been getting away with all night.
Boston is too consistent for the Bulls
We actually look pretty sharp at times, it's just that Boston is a lot better
We is bad.
I hate Kirk's complaining. I hate his stupid overdribbling. I hate his inability to run an offense. I hate his stupid face. F*** Kirk Hinrich.
The entire Boston team can set excellent screens That’s a direct reflection of their coach
We have the worst TV announcer in basketball the worst Radio play by play man in basketball and the worst PA announcer in basketball.
We have the sleepiest crowds
Where are those creepy fans, aka the "6th man" from the commercial?
Probably in jail
Vinny's postgame: "We gave good effort" "The guys competed"
Which soundboard line is Vinny gonna go with tonight!?!
Maybe Sheed's "Both teams played hard!"
Brad is out of here after this year and looks like his level of caring matches that. His objective this game was probably just to get Rondo back. Mission accomplished en route to getting smashed on the scoreboard.
Anyone find it odd that none of the Celtics cares that Brad hit Rondo
I heard some of the Celtics don't really like him
Yea, I know what you mean, I've heard that as well
But I still don’t think they’ll let that stand, no matter who the teammate is
Well if it was like Ray Allen they would have been crowding Brad
You don't think the "retribution" would have come a little quicker if they cared?
The coaches looked upset, but I didn’t see any of the other players try to get in Brad’s face or anything
Maybe they all think he's a little punk, too
Of course, the idea of KG and Sheed thinking of anyone else as a punk is kind of funny in a way.
We're fighting to not lose by 30!
How are there still fans in the seats?
Cause there's still beer at the bar, they didn't come to watch the game anyway
Lol @ Celtics announcers having a field day on Aaron Gray.
"He's so large...he should be allowed to have 3 digits on his jersey...he should be #345"
I think it's pretty safe to say that rondo > rose. My jaw dropped when people were acting like it was a no brainer before the game. Well guess what, league wide people consider rose and rondo about equal. Personally, I think rondo is better than him.
Put Rondo on this team and see what happens. There's no doubt he's a better passer and rebounder but there's no way he could play to his strengths on this crap team
Ronda's PER is currently 20.0
That's amazing. His PER in the title year was only 16.
Last year, his PER was 18.
It has nothing to do with the other guys. Ronda is just flat out improving on his own, and is probably one of the best defenders in the game today.
I hate that I have to defend this little b****. I hate his guts for being the sleazebag he is. But IMO, he just is better than Rose, no two ways about it.
I agree Rondo is far better than Rose and that he could succeed anywhere at this point of his career. But the benefit of playing with all-stars is in how he developed.
I have tickets to Thursdays knicks game. I used to look forward to bulls knicks. Now it’s like punishment.
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