This was a much needed win as much for the fans as it was for the team. I know that it was just the Pacers and the real proof will be beating one of the top teams and they will get their chance at that on Sunday. But, it was also just the Nets, Wizards, Bucks, and Grizzlies. This is a step in the right direction in that they blew out a team that they should have blown out. Recently they have been losing to teams they should have blown out so this is at least progress.
The effort we saw tonight just reinforces what I have been thinking. The Celtics problems don't stem from injuries or age. If they were from injuries and age, we wouldn't see a game like this one. But the fact that they are capable of a game like this one shows that their problems stem mostly from mental issues and focus.
Maybe getting booed by their fans at home was the wake up call they needed. We'll see if they can muster up 2 good games in a row when they head to Cleveland on Sunday. Maybe this is all just a big plan to get teams to underestimate them so that they can pounce on them when they get to the playoffs. If so, they are doing a great job of it. Just watching Brandon Jennings spewing trash talk all the way down the tunnel after the Bucks game shows how little respect teams have for the Celtics these days. It will be interesting to see what happens when the Celtics face the Bucks in their final two games this season.
Perk had a great game against the Pacers. I have said all along that Perk's greatest value to this team won't show up in the box scores and unfortunately a lot of people go by what they see in the stats. Perk may not get the rebounds, but often he will box out so that his teammates can get the rebound. Also, Perk sets some great picks to get his teammates open. I was happy to hear Doc mention Perk's screens in his post game press conference because often the dirty work that he does goes unnoticed. Here is what Doc had to say about Perk tonight:
"Perk doesn’t get a lot of credit tonight, but I thought this was one of his best games in a long time because of the picks," said Celtics coach Doc Rivers. "I mean, he was a human pick machine tonight, just flying around, got guys open, and they got the points and Perk got a pick. You don’t get an assist for a pick, but if you did, he probably would’ve led the team in assists tonight.”
You know, I've been thinking about home court. Why are we worried about home court? The way this team has been playing at home, maybe home court in the playoffs isn't all that great an idea. The Celtics have a better road record than home record at this point and so maybe home court in the playoffs doesn't matter so much. More important in my opinion is avoiding the Hawks in the first round.
The Michael Finley signing is looking pretty good so far. He obviously can still shoot and shoot very well. He was 4-5 in this game and looks good shooting the ball. I can see him coming up big for us in a game or two in the playoffs. Another deal that is looking mighty good is Nate Robinson. He brings great energy off the bench and as he gets more used to the system we will see even more production. Against the Pacers, when he came in you could almost see the energy of the team pick up. He was 5-9 from the field and 5-6 from beyond the arc. He also came up with 4 steals. I really think that by playoff time, these two guys are going to be paying big dividends for the team.
Twenty Five years ago, Larry Bird set a record that stands to this day. Against Doc Rivers and the Hawks, Larry scored 60 points. Nine days before, Kevin McHale set a team record with 56 points. Kevin came out of the game in the 4th quarter and Larry told him he should stay in and keep going. Kevin was happy with the 56 points and the team record and Larry told him that if he got there he wouldn't stop. And true to his word, Larry kept going until the final buzzer when he hit is final bucket for 60 points. Even the Hawks players on the bench were going crazy over some of the shots he was hitting. It all goes to prove that Magic was right... "There will never, ever, ever be another Larry Bird."
Finally, a big congrats to Big Baby on the news that he is going to be a daddy. Let's hope that fatherhood will mature him a little bit. If not, his fiance will have her hands full with a little baby and a big baby.
I have a feeling. Boston will be looking for blood tonight. It will be interesting to see if the Pacers can stick around with the vets. This game could quickly turn into a blow-out, how much fight do the blue and gold have in them?
Can't believe how healthy the C's are at this point. Relatively healthy I guess, but still.
Celtics pride has died
If there was ever a time for a poor-playing Celtics team to come out of their shell it would be on a Friday night, in Boston, and against an Indiana team that frankly wins by losing.
Especially on the heels of a 20 point drubbing at the hands of the Memphis Grizzlies. I fully anticipate an ultra motivated Boston team tonight.
I think we win this one to be honest. We always play well against the Celtics and the Celtics are slumping and I really believe they have lost focus, I imagine Roy Hibbert will have a monster game!.....of course I said the same thing at the beginning of the year, so I am probably wrong. I will certainly be watching this game
Pacer's' have a chance. Boston has blown a tire and is just finishing out the season. Imo, no home court for them in the playoffs.
Boston is going to play hard tonight, it is make or break time for them. Doc tried to motivate them a LA Times Article panning them, and I have a feeling it might work.
Big Baby with the finger wave after blocking McRoberts!?!!
I like that they are giving Rondo the outside shots. Back off of him and let him shoot that all night. He has been hitting them early, but where he is dangerous is driving to the basket.
Seems like Nate only hits 3s against the Pacers
Hmm, Sheed just goaltended his own putback dunk. Not something you see everyday.
In other news Nate Rob is on fire
Yikes. C’s shot 78% in the second quarter.
Bad news: Pacers down 20
Good news: Celtics have to cool down in the second half (right?)
Well.. According to history.. We are gonna win this game.. Every game vs Celtics...it seems at the half we are down by around 20 and we come back in the 3rd and win against Boston.
If basketball doesn't work out for the pacers they could open a bakery they already have 13 turnovers.
Pacers defense like I-90 going thru South Dakota...next stop 45 miles.
What is this "defense" you speak of?
It's something other teams do. The thing is, see, they actually try to keep the other team from scoring. Novel concept, I know, but it seems to work for them.
Down 20 to the Celtics? I didn’t think we were this bad. Well, I did, I just love to subtly jab the Celts these days.
Well, at least we held them under 100 points for the game. What? Another quarter you say!? Oh noes!
The C’s are actually looking C-like tonight. The bench as much if not more than their starters.
Riddle me this.... You know Robinson is shooting lights out for three so what does JOB's system do? Leaves him wide open to shoot 4-4 at one point... Has he missed one yet? Other teams must love to play us.
Robinson is like a pesky fly that buzzes around your head and is just smart enough stay away from the swatter. He is a PAIN
Wallace just looks lazy on Defense these days
Coulda chalked this one as a loss in the second. Came out in the third and played patty cake with the Celts. Net gain? 1 flippin' single solitary lonely insignificant little point.
This is just simply brutal. Fat lady sang in the first quarter already. I am usually optimistic but am getting worn down at this point
We caught Boston on a night they decided to show up, but they’ve been so poor as of late I somehow doubt that’s the case.
At 8:59, Obie wanted the lead to 15. 25 will have to do
It would figure that we'd face the Celtics after they were humiliated on their home court. You just knew they were out for blood tonight. No way we had any chance of winning this game.
at Indiana Pacers (21-43) at Boston Celtics (40-23)
Friday, March 12
7:30 PM ET
Game #64, Home Game #31
TV: CSN-NE, FSI, NBA LP 754, 755
Radio: WEEI, WFNI
Referees: Bob Delaney, Derrick Collins, Mark Lindsay
TD Garden
For the third game in a row, the Celtics are facing a team that they should be able to beat. The Pacers have been struggling and are just 3-7 in their last 10 games although they are coming off a win over the Sixers on Tuesday night. The Celtics are 5-5 in their last 10 and have lost 3 games after having won their previous 4.
This is a home game for the Celtics but unlike the past two seasons, home court isn't an advantage for them. They are just 18-12 at home this season and have played so poorly on their homecourt that the home fans have resorted to boos to show their displeasure. The Pacers have struggled on the road, though with a 7-27 record.
Although we shouldn't look past the Pacers, the Celtics face the Cavs on Sunday and it would be nice to right the ship somewhat with a dominant performance in this game before facing Cleveland on Sunday.
The Celtics had to be embarrassed by their lack of heart and any semblance of team play in their blowout loss to the Grizzlies and if they have any hopes of making it past the first round of the playoffs, they must start to get it together very quickly. This team has been together long enough that they know how to play together. It is a matter of whether they choose to put out the effort to do so.
Probable Starting Matchups PointGuard vs
Rajon Rondo vs TJ Ford
Shooting Guard vs
Ray Allen vs Brandon Rush
Small Forward vs
Paul Pierce vs Danny Granger
Power Forward vs
Kevin Garnett vs Troy Murphy
Center vs
Kendrick Perkins vs Roy Hibbert
Key Matchups vs
Paul Pierce vs Danny Granger
Danny Granger is a tough player who can hit from outside as well as take the ball to the basket. He always seems to play extra hard vs the Celtics since the time he lost a couple of teeth on the parquet. Paul Pierce needs to bring his defense as well as hit his shots to make Granger work on the defensive end. himself.
vs
Rajon Rondo vs TJ Ford
Rondo needs to make sure that the ball keeps moving on offense. Ford is a very quick PG and Rondo will need to be on his game in order to stay with him on defense and make him work on the offensive end.
Honorable Mention
Ray Allen vs Brandon Rush
The team needs to move the ball so that Ray can get involved in the offense. He has been the only starter in recent days who doesn't look like he is treading water on the court.
Keys to the Game Defense - first, foremost and always Rebound - The Celtics must put out more effort on rebounding the ball. They were out-rebounded by 19 vs the Grizzlies and that is unacceptable. When the Celtics want it bad enough they will show it in their rebounding numbers. Play 48 Minutes The Celtics need to come out strong and not let up. They came out completely flat vs the Grizzlies and we saw actual effort for about 3 minutes in the entire game. They must realize by now that they can't coast against any teams in this league and have to put in the effort for 48 minutes.
X-Factor Heart
If the Celtics have any heart at all left, they need to show it in this game.
There was a basket ball game and no fight broke out, not even mild resistance. It was so bad that Manny Pacquiao wants his autographed boxing gloves returned! It was so bad that France offered honorary citizenship to the Celtics' players. It was so bad that they are changing their name to the Puxatony Pfauxeltics--they retreat when they emerge from the dressing room onto the court and see their shadows.
After yet another errant shot the ball rolled from the midst of a group of Grizzlies toward Rajon Rondo. A Grizzly player followed, never quite catching up until the ball was literally at the feet of Rajon. The Griz retrieved it, Rondo never even having begun to bend over to pick up the rolling orb dangerously close to hitting his foot. Pierce's slashing drives have been reduced to lumbering forays where it is even money whether the ball is purloined along the way or blocked near the basket because he moves too slow and jumps to low to elude defenders. Perkins' pout has become his primary activity replacing positioning and contending for the ball. Garnett struggles gamely on, essentially playing on one leg in a parody of the man fighting with one hand tied behind his back. Ray Allen, most dependable (make that least undependable) of the Now-Mediocre Three, has a hot game every third or fourth outing rather than two out of three. None of the Aging Wonders (now looking more and more like the Wondering Aged) can keep a top-flight opponent from whizzing past them and mid-level ones are starting to look quicker and quicker.
The 2008 Champions were a serendipitous gelling. Last year was an aberration derailed by injury. This year is probably about what we should have expected as the three-year window slid closed. They are not as good as they once were. Unfortunately they are not as good once as they ever were. Father time steals a half step. Injury takes another step; and the injuries come more often and last longer. Big men tend to last longer (they don't get shorter) but KG's excellence was built on mobility. Playing on one leg is not a prescription for increased mobility. Swingmen flourish on athleticism. Ray and Paul have less and less and are the lesser for it. Last year, until the injuries, the progress of Rondo and Perk outweighed the decline in the Big Three. This year that is reversed.
Strange that Doc's post-massacre comments leaned toward the topic of change. Change what? There is no youthful talent to inject. There are no gifted second teamer's chomping at the bit to assume a starting role. Change the wheels on KG and Pierce? Oh but that it were so simple. Bring in Mr. Lazy to replace the flagging Perkins and energize the team? Can you say oxymoron? Start Quisey at swing? Daniels is a superb complementary player but an underachieving starting five needs more firepower not less. These are the two most likely candidates; the rest of the supporting cast consists of even-less-ready-for-prime-time players. Change the pace? Doc, Danny, and Pac all talk of running, and Tommy practically preaches it. Sweep the boards and make the quick outlet--oops, pathetic rebounding team. Push the ball up, Rondo, check. Fill the lanes with the hard-running gazelles--oops, flagging oldsters trying to conserve their wind. Well maybe Tony and Marquis as swing men but now the effective shooting range is about 14' and there isn't a fleet-athletic four unless you are talking about Scal (You weren't were you?).
Starting over? Well this summer half the team's contracts do expire. Unfortunately the other half are Perk, Rondo, and the Untradeables. If you were a real dreamer I suppose you could imagine that Garnett, Pierce, and Rasheed would recognize that their bodies (and careers) are done and forgo the $74M they will be paid over the next two years. Larry Bird did it and . . . well, nobody else that I can remember. Uh, is it good or bad news that the Celtics will draft 8-10 places higher than in the past couple of years. Will there be another pick sale this year like the last several? Will the owners be ready to buy considering that next year may well be a run-of-the-mill team well into the Luxury Cap? What's another 8-10 million for picks on top of $20M in luxury tax for a payroll of $80M. That's not deep pockets, that's a printing press.
How bad is it? Pretty bad! A call to the Celtics' ticket office now hits an automated menu: Press 1 for season tickets Press 2 for individual game tickets Press 3 to be transferred to the suicide hotline. [Discuss on CG Forums!]
This was an ugly loss for the Celtics. I'd say Grizzly fans are fairly kind considering how poorly the Celtics played.
Big win coming here. Thabeet and Rudy Gay should have a handful of fans there.
With the way Boston has been playing I wouldn't be surprise at a win here. We did almost beat them last time. Hopefully we give them all they can handle. And no lucky 3's!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Cs ARE NOT the championship level franchise they were 2 years ago as demonstrated by their humiliating home loss to the NJ Nets a few weeks ago.
I kind of wish Lester could have played in this game, so show to the C's the mistake they made by waiving him. But that's just me.
Well this sucks. The C's lost tonight to the Bucks, so a possible win tomorrow night will be even more difficult.
I know this is going to sound crazy but I think the Grizzlies have an excellent chance of beating Boston tonight.
I have no idea what's going on with the Celtics right now, but let's take advantage before they figure it out.
A well rested "young" Grizz team playing an "old" Celtic team after a back-to-back. I'll take the Grizz.
Well as usual, the refs are crap
Ha ha sheed blocks thabeet and talks sh-- to him
Bean town hearing boo's already...wow
The heck is wrong with Boston? This is more serious than I thought.
I like this. We might be playing an old Celtic team coming from a back-to-back, but I still like it.
12 points by the Celts in the first quarter. Nice!
These refs are letting them play tonight.. At least when Boston is on D
It's good to see the Celtics are playing like ****.
I hope we actually wait a bit before we blow this lead. (At least I hope we don't, but the are the Grizzlies after all)
Celtics 18 - our Bench 16 - LOL!
WOW... These officials are garbage
It looks like they have decided to call this game loose. As long as they to let them bang on both ends I can live with it. ZBO and Marc can hold their own with Bostons front line.
Not sure about that. Perkins, Davis and Wallace are a lot dirty. I would be absolutely scared if I have to face Perkins in a dark alley.
The C's have issues.
Yeah, I hope they solve them before they play Spurs and Portland, but not now.
Wow the boo birds are loud in Boston.
Next time when Boston visits Memphis, there will be no Boston fan in the arena.
Glad to see those no calls on PP's & RR's last drives - Ref's are calling it the same
KG rolled on the floor about 3 times after falling to the ground with the ball. He had control of it and I thought it should have been a traveling call.
Hashweed Wallace owns Z-Bo.
Terrible foul call there on big baby, he was stuck and we tied him up and they got a foul??? These refs are terrible.
I'm just glad they are bad in our favor for once.
So does Marquis Daniel's hair cause any aerodynamic drag?
Dang Boston doesn't know what hit them..they may get knocked out first round of playoffs..they dang near did for the past two years..getting too old..
Wow, we almost have them doubled up on boards.
Who turned Williams into a one-night capable backup?
Eye spy Celts fans heading for the exits. I haven't seen us play like this since that record blowout of the Nets (the one where Kidd and Scott cussed out the team afterwards).
Remember this night people. We may never see it again from Williams.
Yea lets beat them by 40 so then we could be in sport center in a ARE THE CELTICS DONE setment
at Memphis Grizzlies (33-31) at Boston Celtics (40-22)
Wednesday, March 10
7:30 PM
Game #63, Road Game #29
TV: CSN-NE, FSTN, NBA-LP 752, 753
Radio: WEEI, WRBO
TD Garden
Referees:
Ron Garretson, Tony Brothers, Eli Roe
The Celtics are coming off a tough 2 point loss to the Bucks and are playing in back to back games as well as having to travel overnight. Fatigue could be a factor but at some point this team has to shift into another gear and reach down deep to pull out wins.
They are coming off a game against a young and athletic team only to face yet another young and athletic team. The Grizzlies are currently 3.5 games out of the playoffs in the west and are scrambling to try to make up ground on Portland for that 8th spot. After the loss to the Bucks, the Celtics are just half a game up on the Hawks for the 3rd spot in the east.
Both teams are 6-4 in their last 10 games. The Grizzlies are coming off a win over the Nets on Monday while the Celtics would like to start another win streak after losing their last game to the Bucks. The Celtics are 18-11 at home and have not played all that well at the Garden while the Grizzlies are 14-17 on the road.
The Celtics have got to win these games against the lower level teams if they expect to make any noise in the playoffs. This would be a good time to start.
Probable Starters
Rajon Rondo/Ray Allen/Paul Pierce Pierce/Kevin Garnett/Kendrick Perkins
Mike Conley/OJ Mayo/ Rudy Gay/Zach Randolph / Marc Gasol Key Matchups vs
Paul Pierce vs Rudy Gay
Rudy Gay will be a very tough matchup for Paul Pierce. He has been playing very well this season and is capable of scoring a lot of points. Pierce has struggled in his last couple gamesand will need to play very well on both ends of the court to get the best of this matchup.
vs
Kevin Garnett vs Zach Randolph
Randolph has been playing great ball this season and made his first appearance at the All Star game. He has been out with a sore back, but the Memphis papers are expecting him to return for this game. I expect to see Perk on Randolph when he goes inside.
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. Rebounding has been their weak link this season and they must make more of an effort on the boards.
Rondo As goes Rondo, so go the Celtics. He is the engine that makes the team run. When he is aggressive in pushing the ball and also on defense it sets the tone for the rest of the team. He needs to continue to be aggressive on both ends of the court.
The Big Three Needs to Be Big - Ray Allen took only 3 shots and missed all 3 against the Bucks. Paul Pierce was just 3-13 and missed an open jumper that would have tied the game in the final seconds of the game. KG fared somewhat better with 14 points and 10 rebounds. The team needs more from these 3 if this team is going to turn the corner and be a dominant force in the playoffs. This kind of play isn't going to get them there.
X-Factor
Fatigue - The Celtics are playing in the second of back to back games after traveling from Milwaukee overnight. The Grizzlies had the previous night off so should be rested.
The Celtics played pretty bad last night. Pierce 3-13, Ray 0-3. (Why in the world did Ray take just 3 shots?) But yet, they lost by just 2 points and got an open look for the last shot. The most important thing is that we see this team 2 more times before the playoffs and Brandon Jennings pretty much insured that KG will be up for their next meeting by spouting trash talk at KG all the way down the tunnel after the game. We play them again on April 10 and 14 (last game of the season) and they should be a couple of very good games. I would answer the person who said that the Bucks would like the Celtics in the first round with "Be careful what you wish for."
Boston has struggled lately, I believe they are 16-16 in their last 32 games after starting 14-5. We are one of the hottest teams around, we are playing at home, the crowd will be pumped up and Squad 6 is going to get at least one reaction from a Celtics player
I’d cheer when Ray Allen is announced, but after that he is just another guy in Kelly Green. And then after the game is done, he goes back to being my favorite Milwaukee Buck of all time.
We actually have a good shot to win this one it surprises me to say. Boston was terrible against a team which is worse than us in Washington, hopefully we can sneak this one by.
Take it to the old guys tonight. I’m tired of the BS that the Celts are allowed to get away with (because they really are a step slow). They lost to the Nets and they should have lost to the Wiz. If the Bucks stay focused and ignore the efforts of KG and Pierce to get into their heads, the Bucks have a good chance of pulling out not just a win, but a convincing win
I might be saying this just because I don't want to jinx it, but I don't see us winning tomorrow. I think we'll play a good game and we'll be there in the end, but I don't know that we have that killer instinct to win a game like this, I hope I am wrong and I might just be hedging...
We will be close but Bogut will get ejected after being slapped by KG and we will lose.
A week ago I would've predicted a loss here, but the Celtics had a lot of trouble with the Wizards of all teams in their last game. I think we can catch them trying to coast their way into the postseason. The only player I fear in this game is Rondo.
Not sure I can remember a player who turned into a dirtier, cockier prick of player than KG after Boston won the championship. Maybe I just never noticed it with Minnesota, but I can't stand that ****.
This will be an intense game. I'm actually worried about Nate Robinson. He always seems to go off against us.
I think we win a close one but I expect it to get dirty, the last couple of BOS games had a few small near-fight moments. If I was BOS, dunno how dirty I'd be willing to play w/ KT and Stackhouse on the opposing team, those two will take absolutely 0 crap from anyone and have no problem handing out a hard foul.
Giving the way the Celts have played as of late, we have a shot. This isn't the unbeatable Boston team of 2 years ago. I'm hoping for a win, but refuse to guarantee it because I don't want to jinx it.
Their old guys>>>our old guys.
This will be an interesting game to be sure. Boston Imo is the worst of the top 4 teams in the east, but I think I would rather play ATL or ORL in the first round. Boston has the front court to bother and shut down Bogut, and Rondo would more then likely murder BJ in the playoffs.
It's on TV here in Australia. Yippee! Someone let Bogut know, he can show-off. His mum flew in from Australia last night so I would imagine she will be at the game too so maybe he will just go off to impress his mom and home country
I think this is another W. Boston simply aren't playing great basketball and we are.
The C's will try to intimidate Bogut with Perkins, KG, and Glen Davis. They'll be very physical and do a lot of talking and glaring. Bogut has to win the battle underneath for the Bucks to win. Another test.
Bucks can't let the Celtics get under their skins, they've been doing that all year. It never helps to lose your temper. Make KG regret his talking with your play. Then talk after the game
I hate the C's but I respect em cause they do play hard solid D and share the ball. Bogut this is your time to prove something to these fake NBA thugs. Ignore all that **** talking and just play STRONG! Garnett isnt nothing but a wannabe thug that loves to run his mouth and act like something hes most definetly not..
They are at home. Maybe in Boston you could play the "moral victory" card with a close loss. At home, against the old-ass Celtics, who have looked worse as the year rolls on... They need to win. Period.
KG is going to be in full bully mode tonight. Ignore him and play your game and we should be fine with how the C's are going of late.
Win! And escape without Bogut getting suspended for punching out KG.
Hopefully KG gets in foul trouble so we don't have to listen to him whine all game. And I think his ghetto-ness can potentially intimidate LRRAM and Ersan.
Tough match ups for Bogut tonight going against Perkins and probably Sheed. Both of them are very good on the ball in the post.
I don't think the corpse of Sheed comes into the post anymore. Just lazy chucking, like a slow motion Sam Perkins.
KG is decomposing while I'm typing this. Bogut needs to man up tonight. Who punches KG first? Stackhouse or Bogut?
I miss seeing Ray Ray's sweet jumper. Sooo much better than Micheal Redd.
it's already hilarious with garnett pushing delfino into a foul
More Celtics than Bucks fans in the building right now.
Perkins put his hand through the rim on that. How the F do you miss that?
I cannot EVER remember a guy going through the hoop to block a shot and getting away with it, these refs are real dandys
I want to win this game even more after that blown call. That was ridiculous.
Bogut looks intense tonight. He REALLY wants this game.
You can tell that Bogut isn't going to take anyone's **** tonight. He's going at it hard.
I haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaate KG
Bogut > Boston
SHeed cant hold Bogut
Sheed is also a tough cover for Bogut though.
Uh oh ... Nate
Please don't let the undeserving dunk champion go off.
We played perfect pretty much and only up 2. Yikes.
It seems like whenever Ridnour comes in a lead shrinks, with or without Bogut on the floor.
Get ridnour out of the game. BJ3 can play 48 minutes.
Perkins and his "I'm gonna kill you" face is hilarious.
Perkins is the only CelticI actually like (maybe Allen too), but his facial expression is hilarious.
Sometimes it's like bogut turns to rust when he goes to the bench.
That a charge, no way that is not a charge.
On that second look he WAS sliding his feet, so I take that back.
Hate to say it, but this feels like one of those games where the refs hose us early in several calls that don't get remembered, just to keep it close, so that the Celtics can pull it out in the end, which of course is all anyone outside of the Bucks' fanbase will care about or remember.
Their defense is making every one of our guys look terible tonight
Not a fan of the Celtics complaining after every call or non call.
It's unbelievable how much these teams who get calls all the time whine about calls.
Let Large Infant shoot all day
That was kinda punkish on Jennings' part to be honest
It was very KG of him.
Rondo seems incapable of landing on his feet after layups
Bogut is so in Perkins head it's funny.
Anybody who doesn't think Rondo is the best player on the Celtics is delsusional.
HAHA you guys see Brad talking smack to KG in the tunnel?
LMAO at Jennings talking smack to KG all the way down the tunnel.
KG would slug him if he weren't a fake thug.
Yeah that was a good win against a quality team. I guess the Bucks would like the Celtics in the first round.
at Boston Celtics (40-21) at Milwaukee Bucks (33-29)
Tuesday, March 9
8:00 PM ET
Game #62, Road Game #33
TV: CSN HD, FSN Wisc, NBA LP 760, 761
Bradley Center
Referees: Tom Washington, Marat Kogut, Jason Phillips
The Bucks have been on a roll as of late. They are 9-1 in their last 10 games and have won 3 in a row. The Celtics have been picking up the pace lately also, having won 7 of their last 10 and bring a 4 game win streak into this game. The Bucks are in the 5th spot in the East, 7.5 games behind the Celtics who are in the 3rd spot, just a game and a half behind the Magic.
The Celtics beat the Bucks 98-89 in Boston earlier in the season, but this Bucks team is way different from the one we faced then. 6 players that were on the floor for the Bucks then have been traded and John Salmons, Primoz Brezec, Ersan Ilyasova, and Royal Ivey have replaced them in the rotation.
The Bucks come into this game well rested having last played on Saturday while the Celtics have had one day off coming into this game. Both teams are coming off a win over the Washington Wizards, although the Bucks' win was a blowout and the Celtics barely squeaked by after sleepwalking through the first 3 quarters.
We are entering the stretch run now where every game counts toward getting home court advantage in the playoffs. The Celtics can't afford to lose focus and hope to flip a switch sometime during the game. They may have gotten away with that against the Wizards, but that will be much tougher against a team like the Bucks. One win streak will end and if the Celtics don't want it to be theirs, they need to come out focused and play for 48 minutes. The Celtics may see the Bucks in the playoffs and they don't want to give them any confidence that they can beat them. They need to take care of business in this game. Coach: Doc Rivers
Average Age: 29.0
Average Height: 6-6
Average Weight: 228
Probable Starters
PG: Rajon Rondo PPG 14.1 APG 9.9 SPG 2.5
SG: Ray Allen PPG 16.5 APG 2.7 3P% .352
SF: Paul Pierce PPG 17.7 RPG 4.4 APG 3.2
PF: Kevin Garnett PPG 14.4 RPG 7.5 BPG .9
C: Kendrick Perkins PPG 10.8 RPG 7.8 BPG 1.8
Coach: Scott Skiles
Average Age: 28.4
Average Height: 6-6
Average Weight: 220
Probable Starters
PG: Brandon Jennings PPG 15.8 APG 6.1 SPG 1.4
SG: John Salmons PPG 13.8 APG 2.6 3P%..370
SF: Carlos Delfino PPG 10.6 APG 5.3 APG 2.6
PF: Luc Richard Mbah a Moute PPG 6.7 RPG 5.5 BPG .6
C: Andrew Bogut PPG 16.0 RPG 10.3 BPG 2.4
Key Matchups vs
Rajon Rondo vs Brandon Jennings
The Bucks rookie PG has been impressive and is one of the leaders for Rookie of the year. Rondo has been impressive himself as of late. Rondo needs to use his experience to get the best of this matchup.
vs
Kendrick Perkins vs Andrew Bogut
Bogut been having a great year and is a big reason that the Bucks are playing very well. There should be some good battles between these 2 physical centers.
Honorable Mention
Kevin Garnett vs Luc Richard Mbah a Moute
KG has a big height advantage over the 6'8" Mbah a Moute and should be able to get his shot off over him. But KG will need his speed and mobility to keep up with the young and athletic Mbah a Moute on the defensive end. Keys to the Game
Defense, Defense, Defense
Rebound the Ball
Strong Start -Don't dig a hole
Focus for 48 minutes
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