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RETRIEVING CONTENT...PLEASE WAIT
Comments from the Other Side - Rockets 3/19
Saturday, March 20, 2010
by FLCeltsFan 3:44 PM
Don't underestimate KG playing post D on Scola In the past games against the c’s, KG has completely owned scola in the defensive post. He uses his long arms to harass him and he knows scola is always going to go right (funny how nobody else knows).
Rajon Rondo is overrated in my opinion. Remember that playoff game against the magic where they rolled the ball in bounds to him near the end of the game to save time? Then around half court, Rafer or somebody dove for it? That was priceless
This game will be one of the toughest ones they’ve had in a while. If the Rockets win, it could send them thru the roof with confidence.
Way to underestimate Kendrick Perkins and Nate Robinson off the bench can be the single most notable reason we might lose this game
Rajon Rondo - the spiritual and "alien appearance" heir to Sam Cassell
Except he can't shoot at all
The .548 shooting would imply otherwise. Seriously, folks, where is this “Rondo is overrated” shit coming from? He’s a fantastic defender, rebounder, and passer, and his only real issue is that he lacks a consistent jumpshot. But when he can finish at the rim as well as most big men, that doesn’t really matter much.
Nba TV? Fantastic, I'll have to go to a bar to watch it now...
Our Big 3 tops Celtics Big 3 and leads us to victory, with rondo struggling from the field.
Must defeat Evil Guys in Green!
If we can stop Robert Parish we have a chance.
Celtics are a .5 team since the all star break. This SHOULD be a win, but with the rockets I don't know..
Give Martin the ball, watch old man Allen try to stay with him.
Run run run. Cannot make this a half court game or else Boston will murder the rockets. let's make it happen boys!
Contain Larry bird and we got this
Anyone notice the weird scheduling.... Two years ago yesterday our historic winning streak was put to end by the Celtics and now this year we take our longest winning streak of the season against the Celtics again? Sadly this year its only 4 games, but this year I think we keep the streak alive.... Man that streak was amazing
Officials: #14 Joe DeRosa, #57 Greg Willard, #40 Leon Wood This gives me hope. No Tony Brothers, Joey Crawford or Dick Bavetta, so I think we're good tonight.
Officials: #14 Joe DeRosa, #57 Greg Willard, #40 Leon Wood
This gives me hope. No Tony Brothers, Joey Crawford or Dick Bavetta, so I think we're good tonight.
Scola is schooling KG lol
Celtics look so slow
Go rockets. Make big baby cry
Celtics playing some great defense. If only we played great defe...wait, we did. 3 years ago.
Either Celtics defense is really good, or the rockets are just horrible offensively.
The Celtics are such a superior defensive team over us.
We just match up so bad with them. They are taller than us in every position.
They miss and miss and rebound and rebound. They don't score much, but they keep us from scoring.
Paul Pierce is a horrible matchup for Trevor Ariza.
Watching a good defensive team like Boston exposes what a average team we are.
Rockets can't get a call for the life of them when it matters.
I have nothing but contempt for these morally bankrupt officials.
Amazing! These thugs are allowed to swat, commit offensive fouls(Ray Allen on Scola), and push, and don't get called for it. Then, when they run into one of our players, we called for a foul.
Rajon Rondo is playing spectacuar defense.
Rondo is doing a great job staying denying brooks the ball and that's got our whole offense discombobulated.
This is about as close to Van Gundy's defense versus Adelman's offense as we could get. Thibodeaux with the awesome job bottling up Brooks and forcing the Rockets to go to something else.
If Houston starts to play some faster ball, Boston won't make it out alive.
There is no question in my mind that our players thought they were going to play against members of the AARP tonite and were just going to outrun the old gizzards to death. Instead, Boston decided to show up and teach these young pulps a lesson.
Completely scouted our backcourt. Damn that Tom Thibodeux!
Chuck Hayes 5-6 FTs means God is on our side tonight!
Are we looking something personal in Martin and Allen
Thank god for FT attempts, keepin' us in the game.
Rondo has that rep as a elite defender that's why he gets to do anything he wants on that end. Pretty much like how Artest bullies guys around.
I usually think Ray Allen is a stand-up guy. But it just goes to show that even the nicest guys can be corrupted on a team full of douchbags.
I wish someone would lay out Allen, I would if I were out there. I hate that guy.
Ray Allen is too good, too classy to hate.
It was intentional, I replayed it numerous times and Nate was looking down at Scola's leg. Nate used his left leg to trip him and then took a step and acted like he was falling too.
Woot! We're in the penalty now. Lots of C's with 4 fouls.
Please let Garnett or Paul foul out.
Foul, more foul calls... Good job, refs.
Wow rockets getting some homecookin tonight... 27 fouls for Boston, only 12 for rox
Celtics getting it done down the stretch while the Rockets wither away.
Oh well....Celtics are just a better team than us.
I hate the Celts, not as much as the Jazz but they are making all their shots and playing good D against us. I don't even think we played that badly, but they just outplayed us. Simple as that.
Just can't leave Garnett that open down the stretch he will get it done more often than not.
Does pierce have to practice acting like a douche at all times or does it just come naturally?
I think it comes naturally. Only a natural douche can drive someone else to stab them 11 times
Oh well, Celtics will get eliminated in the first round.
Pierce is the kind of player you wish bad things upon.
It was a good game against an elite team that played elite.
The Celtics are a better team than us so it wasn't surprising that we lost. But I now hate Ray Allen with a passion for his stunts tonight. And the worst part of it is he got away with his antics without any kind of foul called on him.
Boston Celtics = Rockets streak killer Ended our 22 game win streak and ended brooks consecutive games with a 3 pointer streak
We're still learning to play against a superior defense. Scola and Brooks couldn't get untracked. We'll play better on the rematch.
that's the defense we used to play, Celtics stole our treasure............
They showed up and played tight D this game that's for sure. They also got away with a lot. They are like Utah, the refs know they play rough so they swollow their whistles.
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Celtics Continue Road Trip Against Tough Mavs Team
by FLCeltsFan 1:31 PM
![[image]](http://www.sports-collectibles-store.com/media/nbaneonbc-t.jpg) at ![[image]](http://www.sports-collectibles-store.com/media/nbaneondm-t.jpg)
Boston Celtics (44-24) at Dallas Mavericks (46-22)
Saturday, March 20
9:00 PM ET
Game #69 Road Game #36
TV: CSN-NE, KTXA, NBA LP 757
American Airlines Center
Referees: Ron Garretson, Matt Boland, Kevin Fehr
The Celtics continue their tough stretch of 3 games in 4 nights against a very strong Dallas Mavericks team. The Mavs improved themselves a great deal at the trade deadline when they added Caron Butler, Brendan Haywood and DeShawn Stephenson. All 3 are playing well for their new team.
The Mavericks are in the 3rd spot in the West, battling with Denver, who is half a game ahead of the Mavs, for the second spot. They are just 4 games behind the Lakers and would love to take over that top spot so they are taking every game seriously and playing hard.
The Mavs are a good home team with a 24-10 record and are 9-1 in their last 10 games. The Celtics have been a good road team and are 23-12 on the road and 7-3 in their last 10. This is the second meeting between these two teams with the Mavs winning 99-90 in Boston. After that game, Sheed was fined $35,000 for complaining about the refs favorable treatment of Dirk Nowitski and he vowed retribution for that game.
The Celtics are playing in the second of back to back games after beating a tough Rockets team the night before. Paul Pierce was in foul trouble early and played only 28 minutes. KG played 31 minutes and Ray Allen played 36 minutes so hopefully they will still have some energy for this game. The Celtics defense was great against the Rockets. They withstood a couple of runs by the Rockets and just buckled down and built the lead back up again, both of which are good signs for this team. A win against a Dallas team that has been on fire would go a long way to convince the fans that the Celtics are heading in the right direction.
![[image]](http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/.element/img/2.0/sect/basketball/nba/teampages/toppers/celtics_514x96.jpg)
Probable Starters
![[image]](http://assets.espn.go.com/i/nba/profiles/players/65x90/4149.jpg) ![[image]](http://assets.espn.go.com/i/nba/profiles/players/65x90/3080.jpg) ![[image]](http://assets.espn.go.com/i/nba/profiles/players/65x90/3253.jpg) ![[image]](http://assets.espn.go.com/i/nba/profiles/players/65x90/3007.jpg) ![[image]](http://assets.espn.go.com/i/nba/profiles/players/65x90/3730.jpg)
PG: Rajon Rondo
SG: Ray Allen
SF: Paul Pierce
PF: Kevin Garnett
C: Kendrick Perkins
![[image]](http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/.element/img/2.0/sect/basketball/nba/teampages/toppers/mavericks_514x96.jpg)
Probable Starters
![[image]](http://a.espncdn.com/i/headshots/nba/players/65/429.jpg) ![[image]](http://a.espncdn.com/i/headshots/nba/players/65/1705.jpg) ![[image]](http://a.espncdn.com/i/headshots/nba/players/65/510.jpg) ![[image]](http://a.espncdn.com/i/headshots/nba/players/65/609.jpg) ![[image]](http://a.espncdn.com/i/headshots/nba/players/65/1000.jpg)
PG: Jason Kidd
SG: Caron Butler
SF: Shawn Marion
PF: Dirk Nowitski
C: Brandon Haywood
Key Matchups
![[image]](http://www.sportsecyclopedia.com/nba/boston/RondoBos.jpg) vs ![[image]](http://www.sportsecyclopedia.com/nba/dallas/KiddDal.jpg)
Rajon Rondo vs Jason Kidd
Kidd may be slowing down, but he is still a tough matchup. Rondo has to continue to be aggressive and use his speed to beat Kidd.
![[image]](http://www.sportsecyclopedia.com/nba/boston/KGBos.jpg) vs ![[image]](http://www.sportsecyclopedia.com/nba/dallas/DirkMVP.jpg)
Kevin Garnett vs Dirk Nowitski
Dirk is a tough cover since he is a threat from beyond the arc as well as in the paint. KG needs to make Dirk work on both ends of the court. Dirk had 37 points in their win in Boston and KG has to do a better job of defending him in this game.
Honorable Mention
Nate Robinson vs Jason Terry
Terry is a scoring threat off the bench for the Mavs and is averaging almost 17 points per game. Nate will need to play his game and give the Celtics some offense off the bench as well as limiting Terry's scoring threat.
Keys to the Game
Defense When the Celtics play their trademark tough defense, they are very hard to beat. We saw the Celtics customary defense against the Rockets and the question is, can they bring it two nights in a row. They need to get back to consistently playing the tough lock down defense night in and night out.
Rebound The Mavericks are a very good rebounding team and the Celtics need to be aggressive in crashing the boards and going after rebounds. Limiting the Mavs' second chance points will be important.
Limit Turnovers The Celtics still turn the ball over too much and they need to work on taking better care of the ball. A team like the Mavs will make them pay by converting the turnovers into points. Most turnovers are the result of a lack of focus and so the Celtics must also improve their level of focus.
Be Aggressive The Celtics need to be aggressive in going after loose balls and taking the ball to the basket. While the Celtics are good shooters, they shouldn't depend on the outside shot. They need to aggressively take the ball to the hoop as well as be aggressive in going after loose balls and rebounds.
X-Factor
Back to Back
The Celtics are playing in the second of back to back games. Fatigue could be a factor in this one.
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Fiddlin' and Diddlin' - Daily Links 3/20
by FLCeltsFan 11:06 AM
Herald Boom! Celtics KO Rockets
Won more for road
Kendrick Perkins on familiar turf
LeBron James scores big, Cavs beat Bulls
Globe Celtics 94, Rockets 87
Winning with savvy
Stingy Rondo throws Brooks off his game
Stingy Rondo throws Brooks off his game
An old formula works to perfection
Tough road ahead for Celtics
Pierce, Allen lead Celtics past Rockets
Dallas News Boston Celtics at Dallas Mavericks preview
CelticsBlog SB Nation Survey + Chance to donate $500 to a charity of this community's choice
Now We're Talking
Paul Pierce Finishes What Ray Allen Started
Bostonist Sports Redux: Does A Win Mean Anything?
Sporting News Celtics-Mavericks Preview
Celtics.com Ford Keys to the Game: Celtics at Rockets
Red's Army Elitist Attitudes
T-Mobile Recap: Cs defense grounds Rockets
Your Morning Dump... Where Sheed contributes
Celtics Hub A Team I Recognize: C’s 94, Rockets 87
NESN Celtics Live Blog: Big Three Make Bold Opening Statement in Texas With Win Over Rockets
Paul Pierce Leads Celtics Past Rockets 94-87
North Station Sports Boston Celtics Defense, Blows Up the Athletic Rockets
Big Baby-- The Big Difference For the Celtics?
Celtics Town Celtics pierce Rockets, 94-87
Morning Walkthrough: Team of old, not old team
Lex Nihil Novi The Sherman Douglas Shoe Saga (Part 3)
1984 NBA Finals Game 1 (the Video)
CelticsLife Celts Hold off Rockets, 94-87
Celtics/Rockets Post Game Videos
Celtics 94, Rockets 87 Highlights
Stats Don't Lie, NBA Games 3/19/10
Today's Video: "More than a Game" Documentary
Gino's Jungle The Four Games That Can Silence the Doubters
Fourth Step Back to Perfection in Houston
ESPN Celtics chat: Friday at 2 p.m.
Which way?
Hawkeyes
Boomshakalaka
View for afar: Road warriors
The Boston Celtics' road-game dominance this season could boost their playoff run
Pasadena Star News Lakers clinch playoff spot, but Bynum hurt
The Score Sir, Your Tattoos Are Terrible: Marquis Daniels
Rhymes With Hondo Boston 94, Houston 87
Yahoo Wall or Turner? Ask LeBron, Kobe
Dimemag Joe Johnson, LeBron ruin Michael Jordan’s night; plus more March Madness
Off the Dribble Updating the Status of Labor Talks
Hoopsworld Andrew Bynum Strains Achilles
Green Street Fast Break: Celtics - Rockets
CSN-NE Celtics start road trip with a blast
NBC Sports Celtics bring Rockets back to earth
Chron.com Rockets' offense stifled by Celtics as win streak ends
Dallas News "Retribution" from Rasheed Wallace? Mavericks not concerned
Orlando Sentinel Magic all-star Dwight Howard takes over the league-lead in technical fouls, passing Boston Celtics center Kendrick Perkins.
CBS Sports Players respond to Stern: Owners' financial losses oversold
Pro Basketball Talk Nate Robinson still does not like D'Antoni
Covers.com Who Is The Best Backcourt Duo In The NBA?
Orlando Sentinel Dwight Howard technical fouls draws sympathy from Skip Bayless
Scout.com Sneak Peek: May Issue Cover
Detroit News Celtics garner respect but fall short of earning it
Mass Live Doc Rivers thinks about playoff matchups, Kevin Garnett can't do it alone and more
FanHouse Dwight Howard Picks Up 15th Technical Foul, One More Is a Suspension
4 Sport Boston A Celtics Fan's Goonie Approach
A Stern Warning Paparazzi photos of Pau Gasol released!
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Celtics Begin Brutal Stretch Against Rockets
Friday, March 19, 2010
by FLCeltsFan 4:11 PM
![[image]](http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b58/FLCeltsFan12/10-CelticsCourtR.jpg) at ![[image]](http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b58/FLCeltsFan12/10-RocketsCourt160w.jpg)
Boston Celtics (43-24) at Houston Rockets (35-31)
Friday, March 19
8:30 PM ET
Game #68, Road Game #35
TV: NBA-TV, RTV, FSH, CSN-NE
Radio: WEEI, KILT
Toyota Center
Referees: Joe DeRosa, Leon Wood, Greg Willard
he Celtics begin on a very tough stretch of games starting with this game in Houston. This is the first of back to back games with the second in Dallas on Saturday. This stretch includes 3 games in 4 nights and starting with this game, the Celtics face 8 straight Western Conference teams including two games against this Rockets team. The 9th game in this stretch is the final meeting between the Celtics and Cavaliers. Only one team in the next 9 games has a losing record, and that is the young and athletic Kings team that will present its own set of challenges. This is the first meeting between the Celtics and Rockets. The Rockets have struggled with injuries this season but are healthy except for Yao Ming, who has been out all season. They helped themselves at the trade deadline by swapping Tracy McGrady for Kevin Martin and are now making a run at the playoffs. They currently sit 9th in the West, 4.5 games behind the Portland Trailblazers and are just half a game ahead of the Grizzlies who are in the 10th spot.
The Rockets are 20-14 at home and 6-4 in their last 10 games, but have won 4 in a row. The Celtics are 22-12 on the road and 7-3 in their last 10 games. The Celtics have won 2 in a row and 3 of their last 4 games. They have had 3 blowouts in their last 4 games but all against lottery teams. This next stretch of games will be a very important barometer to tell us where the Celtics really are going into the playoffs. A win against Houston would be a great first step.
Probable Starting Matchups
Point Guard
![[image]](http://assets.espn.go.com/I/nba/profiles/players/65x90/4149.jpg) vs ![[image]](http://a.espncdn.com/i/headshots/nba/players/65/3192.jpg)
Rajon Rondo vs Aaron Brooks
Shooting Guard
![[image]](http://assets.espn.go.com/I/nba/profiles/players/65x90/3080.jpg) vs ![[image]](http://a.espncdn.com/i/headshots/nba/players/65/2394.jpg)
Ray Allen vs Kevin Martin
Small Forward
![[image]](http://assets.espn.go.com/I/nba/profiles/players/65x90/3253.jpg) vs ![[image]](http://a.espncdn.com/i/headshots/nba/players/65/2426.jpg)
Paul Pierce vs Trevor Ariza
Power Forward
![[image]](http://assets.espn.go.com/I/nba/profiles/players/65x90/3007.jpg) vs ![[image]](http://assets.espn.go.com/i/nba/profiles/players/65x90/3653.jpg)
Kevin Garnett vs Louis Scola
Center
![[image]](http://assets.espn.go.com/i/headshots/nba/players/65/2018.jpg) vs ![[image]](http://a.espncdn.com/i/headshots/nba/players/65/2834.jpg)
Kendrick Perkins vs Chuck Hayes
Key Matchups
![[image]](http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/.e1d/img/4.0/global/basketball/nba/players/4149.jpg) vs ![[image]](http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/.e1d/img/4.0/global/basketball/nba/players/4304.jpg)
Rajon Rondo vs Aaron Brooks
Aaron Brooks is averaging over 20 points and 5 assists per game in his 3rd season with the Rockets. Rondo will need to stay in front of Brooks on defense and try to limit his shots. He also needs to continue to look to distribute the ball and get the other starters involved early.
![[image]](http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/.e1d/img/4.0/global/basketball/nba/players/3080.jpg) vs ![[image]](http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/.e1d/img/4.0/global/basketball/nba/players/3843.jpg)
Ray Allen vs Kevin Martin
Before the trade deadline, there was a lot of talk of the Celtics trading Ray for Kevin Martin. Instead, Martin went to the Rockets and Ray stayed a Celtic. Both have been shooting the ball well and Ray will need to play defense along with hitting his shots since Martin has been averaging over 20 points per game.
Honorable Mention
Kevin Garnett vs Louis Scola
KG has been getting closer to the KG of old and he will need to bring his defense to keep Scola from getting easy baskets inside. KG also has a height advantage over Scola and should be able to get his shot off over him.
Keys to the Game
Defense
Rebounding
Ball Movement
Be Aggressive
Play 48 Minutes
X-Factor
On the Road Again
The Celtics have played better on the road this season than at home. However, their last 3 home games have been won in blowouts. Let's hope that home success hasn't reversed their earlier ability to win on the road.
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Fiddlin' and Diddlin' - Daily Links 3/19
Random Thoughts Before a Crucial Stretch of Games
by FLCeltsFan 9:46 AM
The Celtics have been showing signs of life recently. They have won 3 out of their last 4 games and they won their last 3 home games in blow outs. The questions still swirl though because those 3 blowouts were against teams with losing records and the loss was against a contender. But now it's crunch time. Here's a look at what is coming up for the Celtics.
The Celtics have their next 8 games against teams from the West. I'm really sick of hearing how much better the West is. Yes, the teams in the 9th and 10th spots in the West have winning records while the 9th and 10th teams in the East don't. It's time for the Celtics to put up or shut up and prove that they belong at the top.
First up is Houston with a 35-31 record. They are in the 9th spot and 4.5 games out of 8th. We know that they are going to be motivated because they still have hopes of catching Portland and making the playoffs. They improved themselves at the trade deadline by picking up Kevin Martin and are playing good basketball, having won 4 in a row.
The next night, the Celtics face the Mavericks, who may have improved the most of any team at the deadline. The Mavs are in 3rd places and just half a game out of 2nd. They are 9-1 in their last 10 games and are picking up a head of steam heading into the playoffs. The one loss came at the hands of the Knicks, who handed the Mavs a blow out loss on their home court. So, if the Celtics stay focused and play like they are capable of playing, this could be a win, even on the tail end of back to back games.
The Celtics then get a night off and play in Utah on Monday. Utah sits in 4th place with a 44-24 record. The Jazz are 2 games behind the 3rd spot and 2 games ahead of the 5th. They are 7-3 in their last 10 and have won 2 in a row. Those two wins were over Washington and Minnesota so, as with the Celtics wins, need to be taken with a grain of salt. Just like every team the Celtics face in this stretch, the Jazz are playing hard to solidify their playoff spot. The key in this game will be the Rondo/Williams matchup.
After the 3 game road trip that will be very important in proving just where the Celtics are right now, heading to the playoffs, the Celtics come home to a 6 game homestand. The Celtics face Denver, Sacramento, Oklahoma City, Houston and their final meeting with Cleveland. The only team with a losing record over this 9 game stretch will be the Kings, who just happen to be a young and athletic team that could present it's own problems for the Celtics.
Now a look a the Celtics and some key positives to look at. KG has been slowly rounding back into shape. He still isn't the same player that he was 2 years ago, but he is getting closer. Paul Pierce appears to be snapping out of the slump he had been in and is playing his trademark aggressive style of ball again. Rondo is now concentrating on finding the open man and getting his teammates open looks and that is paying dividends.
Perk has struggled with his role since having to change that role with other players injured on a regular basis. In the last couple of games, it is evident that he is settling back into his role as defender and rebounder. I just loved this quote from ESPN Boston. It shows how much of a team player Perk is.
“There was a play right before they came out [of the game] where we should’ve thrown it to [Kendrick Perkins], and Perk said, ‘No, I told Paul to just keep being aggressive, we’ve got to get him back aggressive.’ So it’s great when everybody recognizes that.” He doesn't care about stats or the spotlight. He just wants to win and he wants what's best for the team. I love Perk and love the fact that he is settling back into his role of setting screens, grabbing rebounds, and taking what the offense gives him.
Along with this, the bench is finding a rhythm. It was great to see them hold the lead in the past couple of games. Big Baby is being pushed by Shelden and has been showing some great energy going after rebounds and loose balls. I just wish he could make a layup. Michael Finley and Nate Robinson are settling in and paying dividends. Marquis Daniels is playing more aggressively and settling into his role as well.
The Celtics may just be rounding into shape and hitting their peak at the right time. Of course, this next stretch of 9 games is going to tell us a lot more about how far they have come and how far they still need to go. I'm optimistic that they are going to pass this test. To quote KG, "Anything's Possible." Pass the Koolaid, I can feel a 9 game win streak coming up (or at least 7 or 8 out of 9).
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Fiddlin' and Diddlin' - Daily Links 3/18
Thursday, March 18, 2010
by FLCeltsFan 10:56 AM
Herald Paul Pierce finds groove as Celtics rout Knicks
Rajon Rondo’s game has its point
Doc Rivers’ words working wonders
Inactive Brian Scalabrine plays an active role
LeBron’s Cavs lock up division
Globe Welcome to the Garden
Celtics 109, Knicks 97
Walker putting minutes in the bank
Rondo took a pass
CelticsBlog Celtics Handle Knicks on St. Patrick's Day
Celtics Lucky to be Playing Knicks
Is Rondo Scoring Less The Key To Winning?
Celtics Green The Text for Today's Sermon
Basketball Morons
Comments from the Other Side - Knicks 3/17
Celtics.com Ford Keys to the Game: Knicks at Celtics
Red's Army Has 'Sheed really been that bad?
T-Mobile Recap: Celtics beat Knicks
Your Morning Dump... Who were those masked men?
Bleacher Report Boston Celtics Take Two Game Win Streak on the Road
Celtics Hub Nothing to See Here: C’s 109, Knicks 97
The Popularity of the Beast
North Station Sports Kevin Garnett: "Locked In and One as a Unit It's Hard to Beat Us"
Celtics Looking to Achieve a Milestone Tonight Against the Knicks
Celtics Rout Knicks On St. Paddy's Day In The Hub 109-97
The 2010 Celtics are Starting to Resemble the Boston Celtics Again
Celtics Town A couple funny NBA videos
After tonight, Celtics schedule gets brutal
Celtics earn third straight home blowout
Hardwood Houdini Who Do You Despise More, Lebron or Kobe?
Lex Nihil Novi The Ultimate Hustle: The Boston Celtics and Fast Eddie Felson
Is Michael Finley Better than Kobe?
Don't Get Too Excited about the Celtics
The Sherman Douglas Shoe Saga (Part 1)
Starters Showing Signs of Life
Celtics Life NBA Announcing: Where Awful Happens Part I
Bill Walker talks playing time
Celtics Breeze Past Knicks, 109-97
Celtics 109, Knicks 97 Highlights
Gino's Jungle Michael "PJ Brown" Finley - A Nickname Awaiting?
Gino, Where Have You Been?
Gino Dances For The Third Straight Home Game
Celtics Stuff Live All The Kids Are Right
Celtics Eyes Want to Smile on Pierce, Perkins . . . and Wallace?
Celtics 17 He's Still In The League?
Pro Basketball Talk Rajon Rondo is not lacking for confidence
NY Times Celtics Put Brakes on the Knicks’ Two-Game Winning Streak
CSN-NE House won't play against Celtics
Rondo: 'I don't think anybody can beat us'Rondo: 'I don't think anybody can beat us'
Celtics 109, Knicks 97: Live Blog
Home warriors: Celts humble Knicks
Rondo and Perkins re-adjusting to their roles
Patriot Ledger Ex-Celtic Bill Walker has something to prove
NBA.com Giddens Makes Knicks Debut in Defeat to Celtics
Coughing up No. 1 seed in the West? Puh-leeze, Lakers say
Nearly a month after trade deadline, some hits, some misses
Eagle Tribune Davis warns not to jump off bandwagon
Pierce, KG show title spark
Off Broadway
WEEI The Three-Pointer: Taking care of business
ProJo Celtics beat Knicks, 109-97
Rondo moving up the charts
Celtics Journal: Walker finds his N.Y. niche
Epoch Times Celtics Rout Knicks on St. Patrick’s Day
Telegram As usual, St. Patrick's a Celts fan
Knicks give Walker more play time
NY Daily News Knicks taunted by former teammate Nate Robinson in 109-97 loss to Celtics
NESN Paul Pierce Scores 29 Points, Kevin Garnett 22 as Celtics Cruise Past Knicks
Celtics Building Momentum Off Success at Home
Ex-Celtic Bill Walker Showing Promise for Knicks
Doc Rivers, Nate Robinson At Odds -- Over March Madness
Dana Barros: Inconsistency Plaguing Celtics and Fan Base (Video)
Celtics Live Blog: Knicks Visit Boston for St. Patrick's Day Tilt
Leon Powe Thinks Celtics Look 'Old'
Banner 18? Shamrocks and shenanigans...
Greenwich Time No luck of the Irish for Knicks: Chandler out plus another loss
Patriot Ledger Paul Pierce takes no prisoners against Knicks
Sportskeeda Kevin Garnett : The fall of the Kid
Green Street Kevin Garnett Press Conference, 3/17
Doc Rivers Press Conference, 3/17
Rondo getting the point of Paul and KG
Finley just making ‘the most of it’
Perkins reminded of old times
Fast Break: Celtics - Knicks
Doc to big men: Shelden ‘wants your minutes’
ESPN Shelden wants your minutes
Energy key for 'Quis
On the rebound
Pregame notes: Old friends in town
First impressions: Celtics 109, Knicks 97
Postgame notes: Walker, Giddens share Garden floor again
Paul Pierce's aggressive play a good sign for Boston Celtics
Page 2 celebrates St. Patrick's Day by compiling an Irish-themed list of sports figures
Herald News Celts' Finley giving bench a boost
USA Today NBA Insider: Michael Finley finds a new home in Boston
NY Post Boston writer: Nate fitting in well on Causeway Street
City Pages Al Jefferson's blood alcohol content was .12 the night he was arrested
Dimemag LeBron gets a little help from his (zebra) friends at The Palace
My Top 10 Favorite Celtics Of The Past 25 Years
Sports Hub Brian Scalabrine: Was Doc Mad About The Spray Tan?
Cleveland.com Cavs have a shot at becoming just the second NBA team with back-to-back 65-win seasons
Cavs have a shot at becoming just the second NBA team with back-to-back 65-win seasons
4 Sport Boston
Mass Live Celtics buzz: NCAA Tournament picks Celtics-style and more
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Comments from the Other Side - Knicks 3/17
by FLCeltsFan 9:48 AM
O how I hate the Celtics...
We can take this game for sure
They're old. It's that simple. KG is now what Kobe will be in 2-3 years... Old. Old, old, old.
Rasheeds much more of a negative then a positive, I strongly felt that he hurt the pistons in the playoffs that last couple of years more then he helped them.
The Knicks will win this game. Boston's coming in feeling high and mighty after their beatdown of Detroit, and won't expect shiit from the Knicks.
I'm not looking forward to listening to the cet's announcers this game . They are some of if not the worst and most biased I have ever heard in my life, in any sport.
Douglas is so tough that hes defending garnett down there lol. Celtics have a bunch of morons playing bouncing the ball instead of passing lol
Bad Announcers, Bad Refs, Bad Defense Not a good start
You remember when Celtics used to be one of the worst teams in the nba and then the trifecta trade happened. They must have a lot of pride with HOMEGROWN talent
I hate that they say that the knicks will buying players or something along those lines. Celtics lucked out.
I wish big baby didn't exist
"The Fallacy" at the line, bricks the Technical shot
Fitting the Celtics once had a player named Hondo and now have a player named Rondo
I'd love to see a brawl in this game.
I would like gallo to punch the announcers they think he's soft
Man, Ray Allen, you're old. Stop hitting shots.
I'm rooting for J.R. Giddens to spinkick Paul Pierce in the face.
Id thoroughly enjoy that
Looks like another 8 on 5 game
McGrady is a walking fastbreak... For the other team. Seriously, watch him play. When his misses or turns it over (which is often) it almost always leads to a fastbreak for the opponent the other way. Wow.
Lee with 6 of our 15 points, 2 of our 5 made shots, 2 of our 2 assist, and 2 of our 3 steals.
And letting Perk get open and not stopping any kind of penetration.
Perk is 6'10 damn near 300 pounds he cant do nothing with him
Wow the C's are straight up abusing the **** outta of us
Giddens has a handle?? I'm in love
Skywalker and TD have earned their spots next year
Giddens looks good too! Boston handed over two nice young players.
We've seen some bad reffing this year, but this game so far has been THE worst. These Celt announcers are making my skin crawl.
Man, I really, really hate the Celts.
Man I hate the Celts announcers they talk so much ****, but they got lucky by renting a team for a year.....next year they will suck for the next years to come but to them they talk as if they have owned this last decade
Breen said in the broad cast that Giddens could be a Bruce Bowen type defender... Interesting...
Celtics bitch at every single call. EVERY. SINGLE. CALL.
Can you blame them, it works.
I feel bad for lee.. He is not a center.. But he has to take a foul, I don't care if it is his 3rd and put that clown Perkins on his head..
I don't blame Lee for being unable to contain Perkins, but I do blame him for not even trying.
Toney gets leveled by Perkins , yet no foul call....
Good game refs..
It was a good pick. Perkins wasn't moving. Whoever was guarding Perkins should have been up there calling out the pick to poor TD, who had no idea that was coming.
Hard fouls turn into flagrants and leads to suspension, unless you have a defensive reputation. The Knicks don't have that. Only the Celtics, Cavaliers, Nuggets, and Artest can get away with a hard foul.
The guys that weren't backing down from the Celtics were Giddens and Walker.....
Giddens looks like he plays some D.
Perkins is one of those guys you absolutely despise...unless he's on your team.
Crazy how they can play decently two games in a row then bow down to the Celtics.
Perks owns lee everytime we play em
So Lee likes to chase after Shuttlesworths and Peter Pans but can't bear hug foul Perkins Pancakes
I think the Celtics have missed more layups then they've made
Did Tommy Heinsohn just compare David Lee to Dave Cowans?
They're both white. NO FURTHER QUESTIONS
But I mean these Celtics are incredibly arrogant. Did you see the that dunk the other night against the Pistons? There’s no reason for that and they need to be humbled occasionally.
lmao that chair pull better be on espn, might make big baby hang himself. That shit was funny, did you har the plop when he hit the ground
lol dat boy cause tidal waves and earth shakes wen he fall
I think Clyde gets the headline for tonight: "I don't even eat New England clam chowder."
Matt Bonner vs Brian Scallabrine, steal cage death match Who wins?
The Steel Cage
we should be baiting Sheed into a technical to mess with Boston's remainder of the season
Shelden Williams owning us
The only positive thing I can say about Nate is that he got us Bill Walker
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Basketball Morons
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
by bballee 12:14 AM
Contract Offers Not Extended
Today's column comes from the severely tickled little gray cells from other bloggers. My thanks to FlCeltsfan for dredging up in her Daily Links where I found the piece from CelticsHub.com, who offered the below as part of the notes and quotes from the "http://www.sloansportsconference.com/2010/agenda/". Zach's entire piece is a fascinating read and I look forward to his next installment from the conference.
--More from Cuban: Fans would “be shocked,” he said, at how often players just forget what play the team is supposed to run coming out of a timeout.
--Cuban: “Some guys in our sport are morons. You want to dump them on another team.” Cuban said teams try to conceal the fact that some of their guys are “morons” in a scheme he called “protect the moron.” He suggested that teams should “out the morons.”
--Cuban returned to this theme later in discussing Gerald Green: “Oh my God,” he said. He then talked about Green’s athleticism before concluding that Green “just doesn’t understand the game of basketball.”
--Pagliuca on pace: “We want to run. Doc believes in the transition game and getting up the court.” The Celtics "http://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_2010.html", meaning only eight teams play more slowly.
--Cuban and Dean Oliver (the Denver Nuggets’ stat guru) both agreed that it’s obvious which teams use advanced stats and which don’t. The consensus seems to be that the following clubs have embraced adjusted plus/minus to varying degrees: Houston, Boston, Oklahoma City, Denver, Dallas, Portland, Orlando, Cleveland and (perhaps) San Antonio.
--Cuban can spot the non-believers easily: “There are times when another team puts five guys on the floor and you get excited,” he said. And later: “I can tell immediately if a team is using stats based simply on their line-ups.”
--Houston GM Daryl Morey agreed: “You watch the defense of the other team, and based on what shots they are trying to take away, you ask, ‘Do they know what shots are the most efficient?’” In other words: If your team is playing Houston, and your defensive guys are focused on preventing Houston from taking 20-footers, Morey is laughing (quietly, of course) about your team.
Now I suppose that it isn't too hard to believe players forget what play is called coming out of a timeout, after all football players forget the play, snap count, and assignment. But obviously not all the knives in the drawer are sharpened equally. The Celtics lean toward the opposite end of the spectrum. Defensive rotations depend upon recognition and reaction. Offensive plays are not simple to begin with and they extend into nearly endless options. Once again the key is recognition and reaction. Slow recognition and/or slow reaction leave teammates in the lurch.
It is no accident that the Celtics were in attendance at the conference and were in the list of teams using advanced stats. They always have an additional critical factor in player evaluations, be they drafts, FA signings, trades, or extensions. Your Boston Celtics--morons need not apply. Think it is a coincidence that Danny's biggest draft faux pas involve athletic dullards that never "got it?" Gerald Green (whose slide meant Ainge had done less research than usual) and Marcus Banks have such impressive physical tools that a succession of teams tried to salvage value from their terminated Celtics' careers.
A lot of the activity in the blogosphere has revolved around players Danny "should" have gone after. Some of his lack of interest, I think, directly reflects this intellectual aspect of the Celtics' screening process. I believe this has been a factor in the apparent lack of pursuit of such players as Darko, Ty Thomas, Kwame, Sean Williams, and Bird Man, all of whom possess the size and athleticism that has created problems for the Celtics front line.
As for current Celtics, I thought my opinion of Tony Allen had bottomed out but the Detroit game plumbed new depths. A look at his stat line: 7:11 0/1 0/0 2/2 0-0-0 5 0 1 2 0 2 seems to indicate a player avoiding shots (1) and looking for assists (5)--fine so far. The problem is that on those two turnovers he jogged back on defense while his teammates tried to stem the attack he set up for the opposition. The steal came while he loafed along the lane nearly ten feet from his assignment. The last of his assists was a showboat move passing the ball off the backboard for a dunk by Nate--the quintessential made-for-ESPN play for a meaningless basket rubbing in a sealed victory. His attitude and play is exactly what I don't want on my team when I'm choosing sides for the next game (season). This lackadaisical performance came in his first extended minutes in quite some time when he had an opportunity to show the coach he was staying ready and knew how to do-it-right. Instead Brain-Fart Tony loafed on defense and failed to get back after his turnovers. Playing on the last year of his current contract, already had no qualifying offer following his rookie contract, 5 years in the league and I'm not sure he has learned anything but how to cash his paycheck.
One final note about the Pags comments on running. Doc and Danny believe in it. Tommy consistently clamors for it. And yet this collection of antiques is singularly illsuited to a fast paced game. Half the team is on their last legs and conserve energy rather than race to fill the lanes on the break. Other than Nate none of the off-season and new additions are racehorses. The only two young gun wings suited to the up-and-down game were injured much of the first half and left in the deadline trade. Heinsohn's run-baby-run game remains a hope for the future rather than a war cry for the present. With Perk rebounding and Rondo pushing it up, the Green will create some early offense but the track meet is only a dream. Strangely the Celtics often look the fastest in the half-court offense where the blur of passes overwhelms the defense with ball movement. The ball, at least, seems not to suffer from "old" legs.
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Comments from the Other Side - Pistons 3/15
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
by FLCeltsFan 7:30 PM
Sorry these are late but I've been on jury duty this week. Should be back to normal after Wednesday. Enjoy today's Comments from the Other Side better late than never.
Another loss please
Please lose pistons.I love yall but we need this good pick
This is a game we'll probably win for some stupid reason. Boston likes playing to the level of their opponents sometimes. Pierce and KG been struggling.
Well, as badly as the Celtics are playing now, the piston have a real good shot of winning that game.
Part of me wants to win so that twit Bill Simmons can end up with egg on his face. After what he posted on his Twitter account when they beat us a while ago I was fuming.
Any injury is bad But we needed Tay to prove his previous back injury was perfectly healed if we want to have any hope of trading him this summer. This might make things more difficult.
They broke Prince again. Just when he was starting to build some trade value...
This is actually hilarious.
That's an odd sense of humor you got there
Laughter comes right before tears.
Stuckey, Ben, and now Tay out? Who needs to tank? We can lose the old fashion way now
Is tanking still out of the question?
We're making the Celtics look good
Class is in session, Jerebko is being taught the "Truth"!
Kwame can't handle big baby on D.
It would be nice for 2009 playoffs ben Gordon to show up now
It would be nice to see any Gordon show up now
I walk in late, immediately see a Rasheed dunk (the first since 2005 by my count) and find out Tay’s back exploded. Awesome. Angry Michigan BLANK Hating God is no longer content to smite just UofM players, but has extended his wrath east towards Detroit.
Was Jon Barry suggesting that the Pistons NOT wait until the last 2 seconds of the clock to take a shot? How delightfully absurd! Why, that’s as crazy as defending the pick and roll or perimeter!
No no “Finley eating up” sounds right, you had it right the first time, Mike. Dude has put on some weight, no?
He's on the Sheed diet
When a 40 year old Mike Finely is scoring at will against us You know we have serious problems
Maybe they should form an all fat guy team, trade for Shaq and Sean May.
Unbelievable. Boston is averaging 98 points per game, and we give up 64 in the first half. What a joke.
Bynum's skills are uniquely suited for coming back from down 30 he thrives when nobody else cares and he can do whatever he wants.
Die Perkins
As much as I dislike him he is a very good defensive player
Yea yea yea I’m just frustrated. Classic case of I wouldn’t mind him in a Pistons uni but hate him because he’s wearing a Celtics jersey. And that hanging on the rim was bush league
Well after this loss we are tied up for the 6th worse record and really close to the 4th worst record.
I never wish injury on another player But if KG were to suffer another injury, I hope it’s because he pulled a Gramatica and celebrated a little too enthusiastically.
It wasn’t the Nate dunk that upset me as much as it was KG walking out to mid-court with his arms raised in triumph like a dbag.
Good news is New York won tonight. Bad news is they played Philadelphia so they stay even with us.
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The Text for Today's Sermon
Monday, March 15, 2010
by bballee 12:54 PM
The Green Engine That Could(n't?)
The text for today's sermon is taken from the book of Comments From the Other Side. FlCeltsfan Provides us with this sobering glimpse in the mirror stripped of green-tint. Usually I find the comments of the fans of other teams to be filled with hyperbole but these smack of truth, and some cringing sympathy worthy of an injured animal. Read these and see if you don’t find them frighteningly on target.
they been playing like they don't care as of late
This is a desperate Boston team on the verge of collapse. I really think they have anger management issues.
The more shots Sheed gets the happier I am
BOS just looks tired and bored
Every time I watch Rasheed Wallace play, I thank the basketball gods that we didn't sign him this offseason.
Celts just look sloppy out there. They are so far away from that team two years ago that it makes me laugh.
The Celtics try to intimidate so much but they are really soft. Their bark is worst than their bite.
Maybe Pierce is still hurt, but he looks like half the player he was last year.
Watching this Celtics team play, I don't see how they make it out of the first round.
This was a game undoubtedly circled on the calendar. One of those statement games that should have brought out the best. Strangely even though it felt like a runaway I kept checking the score and the Celtics were only a half dozen points down. Then in the third quarter, when good teams start to apply the clamps on defense and create and convert good shots on offense, the C's went into eclipse. The mind was willing but the body couldn't deliver. The starters looked slow and became more and more dispirited as their loggy legs and oxygen-starved chests consistently brought them too late onto the scene of the crime. I've been up in the air about the state the Green but this game brought the picture into focus. It is not that they aren't willing, they are just not able. Even if they shake the injury limitations, the truth is that their bodies won't let them do what they see/know needs to be done.
They compensate well for their receding game-lines, at least at first. But by the third quarter the age begins to show. In the second half the starters get warm but rather than hitting their stride they begin to falter as the fatigue robs them of the ability to execute the skills that have made them great. When the second unit hits the floor they feel the pressure to salvage the game that is slipping away. At this point they have neither the confidence nor the cohesion to overcome the ebbing momentum. This malaise of the backups can perhaps improve, and must if the tide is to turn at all.
This is all teetering on the edge. If the second unit doesn't gel, and quickly, this season may become a snowball of decline. Lost the edge, lost the momentum, lost the battle, lost the war. I think I can becomes I hope I can, then I doubt I can, rather than I know I can. That's the story of the Little Train That Couldn't.
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Comments from the Other Side - Cavaliers 3/14
Sunday, March 14, 2010
by FLCeltsFan 10:45 PM
Hopefully we blow them out, they been playing like they don't care as of late
Cav's should win but Kedrick Perkins might be a problem because I can see his size bothering us a little.
We should win this game...as long as no one jacks up 10 3's!
I think we will crush them in the first quarter and then hold the lead to the end of the game..
I hope powe gets in and 'accidently' punches BBD in the face
I"m hoping somebody goes after Big Baby.
Not only am I worried about us down low. But I'm very worried about Mo guarding Rondo.
AJ will probraly have KG on him and KG is washed up so he should post him up a lot and make him move. KG doesn't want to move a lot on his legs. Putting AV on KG would be helping KG out since AV isnt a scorer....Jamison is gonna make KG work on O and D.
I expect nothing short of decimation. This needs to be a statement game.
I wonder who is gonna be the lucky player to put fat boy Glen Davis on the the ground retaliation for the Shaq.
Extra love for each ligament snapped
I have no doubt that the C's will try to bully the Cavs from the start, this game is more important for them than us.
My only concern is Mo keeping up with Rondo. I hate this matchup for us... The only thing that should help is that he can play a few feet off of him...
Perkins and Big Baby are going to try to get us to lose our cool by playing dirty basketball. This is a desperate Boston team on the verge of collapse. I really think they have anger management issues.
Should be a good one. Need to run run and run some more against BOS old legs.
I hope we blow them out worse than Easter last year. I still just absolutely despise so many of those players. Its unbelieveable how they could assemble 6 or 7 of the top ten players on my dislike list.
This should be a breeze, the C's are on free fall.
Today in Cleveland, Boston takes a test.....and they will fail.
We can win this game easily. The Celtics are on a slump right now. They are fast falling. They could have an early exit in the playoffs.
Cannot bite of Garnett's pump-fakes. He can't score on the block consistently unless you put him on the foul line.
F*** you Peg-Leg... The next time you pound your chest you will be checking to see if you're having a heart attack, old bastard...
Perkins on Lebron,then on Jamison??? Are they playing zone or something???
No, they're just old and slow and can't handle ball movement.
Kevin Garnett looks like he hasn't had a soft bowel movement in weeks.
The Celtics are OLD
I hate the double tech call....it's either one or the other. Cs trying to get in JJ's head though. Old guys love the mind games.
The Celtics are playing dirty.
Wow... I didn't know they were allowed to call moving screens on KG.
Love that the Celts are getting called for all these cheapies. If this was two seasons ago there'd have been no chance of this happening.
Mo BEYOND useless so far. But at least Rondo isn't lighting him up.
I would love if someone just punched KG right in the face...
I love watching Sheed's sharp decline. He is terrible.
The more shots Sheed gets the happier I am
BOS just looks tired and bored
The Celtics have a lot of players to boo
Every time I watch Rasheed Wallace play, I thank the basketball gods that we didn't sign him this offseason.
Doc thinks his guys want to win this game.
Not much J.J. Can do when Glen Davis spends 8 seconds in the lane committing 4 offensive fouls with his gigantic back-side to get position.
Michael Finley was always one of my favorite non-Cavaliers ever. Why does he have to play for the Celtics now?
Because he's old???
I love all the pointed comments from Van Gundy that tear Rasheed down.
I just want to reach inside my T.V and punch Glen Davis.
Pierce can't guard west
Get physical in there Andy, let grandpa get his second technical.
Andy bleeds hustle while Big Baby bleeds gravy.
I can see why people hate on LeBron after this first half... They've talked about him more than they've talked about the game.
Cmon. I hate Perkins as much as the next red blooded American, but he backed down our interior cause he could. Had nothing to do with fouling.
Our defense has been fine. We just seem to be toying with Boston.
The Celtics are such a joke of a team. If the refs didn't let them play like football players and wrestlers they would be fighting for a playoff spot at this point. Pathetic losers, all of them.
Celts just look sloppy out there. They are so far away from that team two years ago that it makes me laugh.
Either the Cavs aren't being physical enough or the refs are letting Boston just beat up on our guys.
Wallace is playing for the Cavs. Thanks for the tip.
The Celtics are loony, they signed 37 year old Finley
Going to petition the league to allow one hockey type enforcer per team...the more I watch Davis, the more I see a needed cross-check!
The Celtics look terrible right now....if we can make some buckets now...
I really hope the NBA does something about Davis. He was out of control on that one.
Ice little cry baby shove by Pierce after he got his stuff destroyed by LeBron.
Rasheed is like putty in Varejao’s hands… he can manipulate him any way he wants
They should make an award for flop artists – the trophy would be the likeness of Paul Pierce
Celtics equal the dirtiest team in B-ball
Leon Powe is the one bright spot on free throw shooting
One good thing about the Celtics is all season this year they seem to lose their legs late with having their avg. Age of 52...
We need to speed this game up, seens slow. Boston is old we can wear them out if we speed it up
No more jumpers. Take it inside because the refs are calling them for a foul on every trip to the hoop.
Strong finish to the 3rd. Hopefully the Celtics will have their usual horrible 4th quarter and we can wrap this thing up easy
The Celtics are done. It is our time to be on top.
The Celtics try to intimidate so much but they are really soft. Therir bark is worst than their bite.
They must have left there dentures at home
Boston's starters just cant turn it on in 4th quarters.....
Looks like Orlando is our true competition.
Maybe Pierce is still hurt, but he looks like half the player he was last year.
Celtics are getting called for all the bullshit that they're used to getting away with
Is anyone else really worried about facing the Celtics in the playoffs?
Haha just kidding.
The Fall of Boston continues.
Watching this Celtics team play, I don't see how they make it out of the first round.
The Cavs outclass the Celtics in every single way.
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Can These Celtics Improve?
by bballee 2:44 PM
Any discussion of improvement has to begin with the health and play of Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett. If they were playing as they did in November, even November 2009 much less 2007, the Boston Celtics would be an entirely different team. The supporting cast that Danny has assembled is an excellent complement to a well tuned starting five. None of them are an adequate replacement for any member of those starters.
When the Big Three Era began I opined that in three years the team needed to be in a position to let the older stars begin to transition into lesser roles. Today I still feel that way but Danny's efforts have been to complement not supplant the aging warriors. That would have worked, at least through this season, if the trio had remained hale and hearty. Nine (3x3) seasons of good health for mid-thirties players was never a high percentage play.
It still could have a positive outcome this year. The bitch of it is that it seems impossible to know what course of action gives the best chance of Pierce and Garnett returning to a high level of functioning in time for the playoffs. Should they be shut down for a week? Two weeks? Should they sit out the second of back-to-backs? Should they be limited to just enough run to stay warm, say five minutes on the court and four off? Can their bodies get well (or at least better) while playing? I don't think Paul and Kevin can tell you. We are in uncharted waters here. It is not like players get older more than once so that they know how best to do it. Doc has talked upon occasion about the need for the Big Three to play significant minutes (I think we're talking 30 here not 40) in order for them to keep their rhythm. Was the 35-minute routine of the fall too much? Was it part of the reason that they began to break down?
Let's say, for the moment, that a regular routine of 30 mpg will allow them to round into shape (good shape not bad or broken) and is sustainable. That leaves about 40% of the game (18 minutes) needing to be filled by production, not just treading water. So what will it take to get true production out of the second unit? In November both Big Baby and Tony Allen were out. A second unit of Sheed, Williams, Daniels, House, and one starter was pretty effective. It even worked with Giddens or Scal (Walker was still out) as the fifth member of the backup unit. Then Daniels needed thumb surgery, House got and stayed cold, and Wallace went from hitting everything to nothing. Since then House is gone, Marquis has gone out and returned, Davis and Tony Allen are back, and Nate and Finley have been added. There are several problems, some major, some minor, some with solutions, some that will just have to remain limitations.
The second unit had developed to be lacking firepower, especially from outside. House never really hit his stride this year. Sheed came out blazing from the three-point line, dropped off and has never recovered his touch. Baby couldn't hit the jumper when he finally returned. Scal never got any kind of a rhythm going. Daniels was never an outside threat and even his mid-game was sub-par following his return from thumb surgery. After the addition of Nate, the Mighty-Mite seemed to bring the outside shooting House had been unable to provide this year. Just as, maybe more, important was the fact that he could create his own shot and jumble defenses to create openings for others. Wallace slowly seemed to accept his reduced efficiency from outside and spent more, and more effective, time in the blocks. Daniels returned to form with his cuts and herky-jerky drives producing baskets anywhere from 12' on in. Finally the late addition of Finley brought another outside threat and a bit more size to relieve Pierce. Michael can not likely continue his insane percentage shooting but will be a valuable contributor even if he settles down into the 40's. Slight upgrades, returns from the injured list, a more rounded mix, and good recipe ingredients portend better results from the second team.
It is often mentioned that the Celtics sets, both offensive and defensive, are more complicated than most. They also require recognition and reassessment from the players as duties, assignments, and responsibilities are fluid and reactive. This is not the man-on-man, I got number 12, throw it to me and I'll do something game so prevalent in the NBA. It has created problems with not only the dim-witted (Hello Gerald Green and Marcus Banks) but also slow adapters (Leon, Big Baby, Giddens, Walker, Williams, and Mikki all struggled). So far Nate seems eager and not slow-witted and Doc had rosy comments about Finley (Sunday's Herald, "Rivers said Finley is the best player he’s ever coached in regards to picking up sets on the fly. While Finley said it’s a work in progress, he’s feeling comfortable in his new surroundings.") Doc helped the adjustment for Robinson by giving Nate a Knicks' play so he was the teacher and the rest of the team was the newbies, at least for one set. As mid-season additions go this melding promises to be much more seamless and painless than most.
With Nate and Finley replacing House and Tony the athleticism may be about even but the ball handling, outside shooting, and ball movement are much improved. After lengthy absences, both Davis and Daniels are regaining their rhythm and confidence. If Sheed continues to work in the box, this second group will improve with familiarity, both with the system and with each other. More production from the second unit means more and better relief for the starters and that should pay benefits across quarters, games and the season.
There are some flaws with individuals that could be improved. These aren't new developments so changes are hardly a given. Perk could drop 2 turnovers and fouls a game by not trying to "improve" his picks with a shoulder, hip, or slide. The odd part is that this actually suggests a lack of faith in his teammates who if they use the screen properly don't need the improvement--just run closer to the rock, I mean Perk, I mean pick. Big Baby has been our most effective offensive rebounder. He can vastly improve the effectiveness of this effort by recognizing when he is surrounded by opponents who can out jump him (meaning everyone) and that the crowd means he has teammates open so a kick-out pass not only avoids a block but also is a likely assist. With half the team hitting their mid-thirties individual energy is in limited supply. By recognizing that the depth has been improved, experienced (older) players should not (not have to, or need to, just plain NOT) fail to box out, hustle back, fill the lane, or close out on the outside shooter. If you are in the game play hard, if you need to rest come out!
It is late in the season. Fortunately there is still time for improvement. The pieces are in place to provide that improvement. There is every chance for a synergistic effect between improvement on the second team and effects for and upon the starting unit. If Pierce and Garnett get even close to "right" and the backups gel then the Green could hit the playoffs playing their best ball of the year.
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