1) A Big Name Free Agent Next Summer?
Whether it's Wade or someone else... On the free agent question there is only one thing to remember: At first glance it might seem like a longshot but the Celtics honchos think it's plausible. They've been targeting this for a long time.
2) The Knee
Bill Simmons tried to throw a gummy bear into the cogs of the coming season with his energetic tweet about OMG STAPLES! in Garnett's knee, but where did that come from? Does anyone have any solid information about either the surgery or how the big guy is looking right now? All I've heard is vague second hand rumors.
Maybe Sportsguy's right. Or maybe not.
3) Rondo
I don't understand the people who rank this guy so low among point guards. Did he not just outplay Derrick Rose (who was stellar himself) head to head? Does he not obliterate Devin Harris and Steve Nash every single time? He also plays Billups and Parker to a standstill.
Going into a game I never worry about the point guard match up. If anything I worry about the opposing point guard. Rondo's top 5 now and threatening to move higher.
4) Less Minutes For 3 People You Know
The Big Three will be playing less and this time Doc means it. Last year they wanted to play Pierce, Allen and Garnett significantly fewer minutes but the injury tsunami drowned the frontcourt (at one point forcing Bill Walker to play power forward). This year's bench is deep. The Big Three should all average in the low 30's or less.
5) Big Baby
I don't know if you heard that recent interview with Paul Pierce, but he raved about how good Big Baby looked. "He looks GOOOOOD." Mr. Baby has dramatically slimmed down and should be much quicker. He's once again in a contract year and is going to be way better this season.
6) Big Bench
Back on the minutes thing- Sportsguy also tweeted that the Celtics signing of Rasheed, Baby, and Shelden Williams was further proof of the dire state of Garnett's health. Well it could also be interpreted as further proof the Celtics really are committed to lessen those minutes.
7) Medium Bench
Marquis is the neoPosey, giving you all this:
*He allows Eddie House to stay on the floor more since he can bring the ball up and cover a variety of guys on defense.
* He rests Pierce.
* He rests Ray.
* He shreds the opposing defense with his drives further opening shots for the green bombardiers.
8) Small Bench
Right now it's Eddie House and no one else. I forsee Lester Hudson making the team but spending his winter in the great state of Maine. By the way just as Pierce lauded Big Baby, Rondo lauded Lester.
Go Red Claws!
9) More on Marquis
Does anyone else feel the Celtics might have lucked out when Grant Hill said "No thanks" and the Celtics ended up with Daniels? This is just like two years ago when Reggie Miller declined, opening the door for Posey.
10) Nine
There might be more but nine guys will get regular and significant minutes: Rondo, Ray Allen, Pierce, Garnett, Perkins, Wallace, Daniels, Baby, and House. That's written in something approaching the hardness of stone.
With the Minute Limitation Edict solidly in place uneven playing time could go to practically anyone else: Scalabrine, Giddens, Walker, Tony Allen... and depending on the condition of The Knee, Shelden Williams.
Finally, a prediction: Delonte West will not play the season opener against his old team due to being very very suspended.
Just a little while longer to camp. I miss hoops so much it hurts.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Monday, May 11, 2009
10 quick things
1. Baby and the Kid
The kid in the white shirt did establish position, but had both feet out of bounds so it wasn't a charge. It's a no-call.
2. Baby and the Rising Level of Play
Remember all the people who wanted to trade, cut, or otherwise harm Big Baby when he played poorly the first part of the season? I'll say this again: Never judge a player when he's injured or out of shape (unless he's like Eddie Curry and never gets into shape).
3. Baby and the Shot
We've watched as his jumper has gone from unreliable, to spotty, to decent, to good, and now to STONE COLD CLUTCH. Good things happen when you practice a lot. That was a bolt of lightning straight from the cradle to Orlando's grave!
4. Pierce and the Pass
Remember it was only a few years ago when every end of game shot was Pierce against the world? No more. Paul drew the double, expertly hit the open infant, and crushed the spirit of the southern sorcerers.
5. Sam Jones
I always wondered why Sam was hardly ever around at any Celtic events all these decades. From Dan Shaughnessy's column in today's Globe: "According to Jones, he only has been to Boston twice since hanging 'em up after the 1969 championship season. "I came back for Red," said Jones, 75, who lives less than two hours from the Orlando arena. "I never go any place unless I'm invited and I haven't been invited."
Also: "Celtics coach Doc Rivers requested an audience with Jones outside the locker room before the game. "He's one of the few Celtics that I hadn't met," said Rivers. "It was pretty cool."
Huh. Somebody send Sam some invitations.
6. How Unlikely
The Celtics just beat the Magic after getting a total of 2 points from their bench, on the road, with no Garnett, no Powe, Perkins hurting, Ray Allen not shooting well, and Paul Pierce out for a critical period in the second half with foul trouble. Now that's magic!
7. Grape Fermenters
I am finding the incessant whining about referee bias in favor of Boston very irritating. (I'm talking to you, you Florida vintners!) Yes the Celtics got a break on the non-goaltend against Rondo. But a red hot Pierce was unfairly put on the bench with phantom fouls. If that doesn't happen one or two calls mean nothing- Boston wins easily and doesn't need Big Baby's heroics.
Here the undeniable nugget: If the refs favor Boston, they don't keep putting Paul Pierce on the bench. Also the foul calls and free throws would be lopsided in Boston's favor, which they are not.
8. Unlikely Wins
I would have bet everything (not that I ever bet anything) that Boston/Houston twin victories would not happen yesterday. The two most injury decimated teams in the playoffs came up huge and gave hope to all that believe in liberty, humanity, justice, and a morally sound universe.
9. Speaking of Magic
About twenty years ago I was in the inland mountain region of the island of Bali where the people are strong believers in magic. On parting, a Balinese friend gave me a special ring with a big dark stone which he said contained powerful magic. (He additionally said I should never wear it while using the bathroom or the magic would disappear.)
Yesterday I was going through some drawers and found the ring. I put it on for the first time since the 80's and wore it while watching the game.... I just wanted you to know why the Celtics really won: The magic ring beat the Magic.
10. On We Go
Back to Boston. Two out of three. The Celtics limp but they live!
The kid in the white shirt did establish position, but had both feet out of bounds so it wasn't a charge. It's a no-call.
2. Baby and the Rising Level of Play
Remember all the people who wanted to trade, cut, or otherwise harm Big Baby when he played poorly the first part of the season? I'll say this again: Never judge a player when he's injured or out of shape (unless he's like Eddie Curry and never gets into shape).
3. Baby and the Shot
We've watched as his jumper has gone from unreliable, to spotty, to decent, to good, and now to STONE COLD CLUTCH. Good things happen when you practice a lot. That was a bolt of lightning straight from the cradle to Orlando's grave!
4. Pierce and the Pass
Remember it was only a few years ago when every end of game shot was Pierce against the world? No more. Paul drew the double, expertly hit the open infant, and crushed the spirit of the southern sorcerers.
5. Sam Jones
I always wondered why Sam was hardly ever around at any Celtic events all these decades. From Dan Shaughnessy's column in today's Globe: "According to Jones, he only has been to Boston twice since hanging 'em up after the 1969 championship season. "I came back for Red," said Jones, 75, who lives less than two hours from the Orlando arena. "I never go any place unless I'm invited and I haven't been invited."
Also: "Celtics coach Doc Rivers requested an audience with Jones outside the locker room before the game. "He's one of the few Celtics that I hadn't met," said Rivers. "It was pretty cool."
Huh. Somebody send Sam some invitations.
6. How Unlikely
The Celtics just beat the Magic after getting a total of 2 points from their bench, on the road, with no Garnett, no Powe, Perkins hurting, Ray Allen not shooting well, and Paul Pierce out for a critical period in the second half with foul trouble. Now that's magic!
7. Grape Fermenters
I am finding the incessant whining about referee bias in favor of Boston very irritating. (I'm talking to you, you Florida vintners!) Yes the Celtics got a break on the non-goaltend against Rondo. But a red hot Pierce was unfairly put on the bench with phantom fouls. If that doesn't happen one or two calls mean nothing- Boston wins easily and doesn't need Big Baby's heroics.
Here the undeniable nugget: If the refs favor Boston, they don't keep putting Paul Pierce on the bench. Also the foul calls and free throws would be lopsided in Boston's favor, which they are not.
8. Unlikely Wins
I would have bet everything (not that I ever bet anything) that Boston/Houston twin victories would not happen yesterday. The two most injury decimated teams in the playoffs came up huge and gave hope to all that believe in liberty, humanity, justice, and a morally sound universe.
9. Speaking of Magic
About twenty years ago I was in the inland mountain region of the island of Bali where the people are strong believers in magic. On parting, a Balinese friend gave me a special ring with a big dark stone which he said contained powerful magic. (He additionally said I should never wear it while using the bathroom or the magic would disappear.)
Yesterday I was going through some drawers and found the ring. I put it on for the first time since the 80's and wore it while watching the game.... I just wanted you to know why the Celtics really won: The magic ring beat the Magic.
10. On We Go
Back to Boston. Two out of three. The Celtics limp but they live!
Thursday, May 7, 2009
10 things about the playoffs so far
1) That Toddlin Town
Before commenting on anything else I have a few choice words on the Chicago series and to the wonderful basketball fans of that great metropolitan area: QUIT WHINING! (You bunch of babies.)
It was a fantastic series of historic splendor marred only by your constant sniffling about referee bias and rough play by those terribly mean Celtics. Boo-freakin'-hoo. The Bulls played great. They lost. The refs didn't beat your team; the Celtics did.
I can see why they call Chicago "the whiny city."
2) Now Orlando
Not to be outdone, the good residents of the Magic Kingdom seem to wish to repeat this unseemly whimpering.
Last night Orlando outshot Boston from the free throw line 37 to 25; the refs called early fouls on Paul Pierce effectively taking him out of the game; and many Magic followers complain about bias FOR the Celtics?
Stop right now before you stoop all the way down to Chicago level.
3) Crazy Old Rafer
Admit it, you were surprised Rafer Alston made it through six quarters without doing something completely insane. Then WHAP! he smacks Eddie House on the noggin after a basket, filmed from five different angles, for no reason, accomplishing nothing, and possibly getting himself suspended.
What took him so long?
5) Scal
Nothing makes the loss of Kevin Garnett and Leon Powe easy to swallow but Scal is doing all he can. With Scalabrine in the rotation, the holes in the defense are sealed. Plus he's knocking down some shots.
You know I was a critic of signing Scal way back when but now I see what Danny was doing. I'm sorry Scal. You're the man. I apologize. What was I thinking?
6) Rondo
All season long you've read comments from the national legion of dumbness saying: "Rondo only gets his stats because of Garnett." "Rondo's a scrub." "Calderon's better that Rondo." "Duhon's as good as Rondo." "Rondo wouldn't be anything on another team." ...and so on.
I do not believe I have ever seen a player open a larger can of Shut Up. All that talk of Rondo not being able to play has been replaced by pure hatred of him...
...and in the world of basketball fandom isn't seething hatred the biggest compliment of all?
7) An Announcing Oddity
I've noticed in these playoffs that many members of the media, particularly announcers on ESPN and TNT have taken to using the phrase, "Scoring The Basketball," as in "Ray Allen's really scoring the basketball tonight."
Even in an increasingly confusing world, I find this phrase a real stumper. It's kinda redundant isnt' it? Scoring the basketball? Is there something else you could put through the net to get points in this sport?
8) Midseason Acquisitions
Last year it was Sam and PJ. This year it's Mikki and Steph. Both years it's been a mixed bag.
Marbury's starting to contribute, but Moore hasn't done well enough and has lost his spot in a decimated rotation already down two big men. There's still time for him to turn it around but he's not looking good so far.
9) Garnett
The big fella still hasn't had his operation and yesterday on WEEI Danny Ainge once again stated there's a small chance Garnett could return if the Celtics make it to the Conference Finals or maybe the final Finals.
From Bill Doyle in the Worcester Telegram: "Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge told WEEI yesterday Garnett might be able to play if the team reaches the Eastern Conference finals or the NBA Finals, but he wasn't counting on it because Garnett still is limping. Ainge said Garnett's return would be based on how much pain he could withstand. The decision would be up to him and the team doctor."
Hmm. I don't know what to think...
Wait, yes I do: GO SCAL!
10) Seeds Of Hope
It's kind of a shame the Celtics couldn't have somehow gotten the number one seed, because the Magic might have been able to take out Cleveland giving the Celtics a downward slope to the final Finals. Still the Cavs earned their favorable road.
I do know this though: The Celtics are not done yet. There are eight teams left and Boston is one of them. As long as they're alive there's hope.
Before commenting on anything else I have a few choice words on the Chicago series and to the wonderful basketball fans of that great metropolitan area: QUIT WHINING! (You bunch of babies.)
It was a fantastic series of historic splendor marred only by your constant sniffling about referee bias and rough play by those terribly mean Celtics. Boo-freakin'-hoo. The Bulls played great. They lost. The refs didn't beat your team; the Celtics did.
I can see why they call Chicago "the whiny city."
2) Now Orlando
Not to be outdone, the good residents of the Magic Kingdom seem to wish to repeat this unseemly whimpering.
Last night Orlando outshot Boston from the free throw line 37 to 25; the refs called early fouls on Paul Pierce effectively taking him out of the game; and many Magic followers complain about bias FOR the Celtics?
Stop right now before you stoop all the way down to Chicago level.
3) Crazy Old Rafer
Admit it, you were surprised Rafer Alston made it through six quarters without doing something completely insane. Then WHAP! he smacks Eddie House on the noggin after a basket, filmed from five different angles, for no reason, accomplishing nothing, and possibly getting himself suspended.
What took him so long?
5) Scal
Nothing makes the loss of Kevin Garnett and Leon Powe easy to swallow but Scal is doing all he can. With Scalabrine in the rotation, the holes in the defense are sealed. Plus he's knocking down some shots.
You know I was a critic of signing Scal way back when but now I see what Danny was doing. I'm sorry Scal. You're the man. I apologize. What was I thinking?
6) Rondo
All season long you've read comments from the national legion of dumbness saying: "Rondo only gets his stats because of Garnett." "Rondo's a scrub." "Calderon's better that Rondo." "Duhon's as good as Rondo." "Rondo wouldn't be anything on another team." ...and so on.
I do not believe I have ever seen a player open a larger can of Shut Up. All that talk of Rondo not being able to play has been replaced by pure hatred of him...
...and in the world of basketball fandom isn't seething hatred the biggest compliment of all?
7) An Announcing Oddity
I've noticed in these playoffs that many members of the media, particularly announcers on ESPN and TNT have taken to using the phrase, "Scoring The Basketball," as in "Ray Allen's really scoring the basketball tonight."
Even in an increasingly confusing world, I find this phrase a real stumper. It's kinda redundant isnt' it? Scoring the basketball? Is there something else you could put through the net to get points in this sport?
8) Midseason Acquisitions
Last year it was Sam and PJ. This year it's Mikki and Steph. Both years it's been a mixed bag.
Marbury's starting to contribute, but Moore hasn't done well enough and has lost his spot in a decimated rotation already down two big men. There's still time for him to turn it around but he's not looking good so far.
9) Garnett
The big fella still hasn't had his operation and yesterday on WEEI Danny Ainge once again stated there's a small chance Garnett could return if the Celtics make it to the Conference Finals or maybe the final Finals.
From Bill Doyle in the Worcester Telegram: "Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge told WEEI yesterday Garnett might be able to play if the team reaches the Eastern Conference finals or the NBA Finals, but he wasn't counting on it because Garnett still is limping. Ainge said Garnett's return would be based on how much pain he could withstand. The decision would be up to him and the team doctor."
Hmm. I don't know what to think...
Wait, yes I do: GO SCAL!
10) Seeds Of Hope
It's kind of a shame the Celtics couldn't have somehow gotten the number one seed, because the Magic might have been able to take out Cleveland giving the Celtics a downward slope to the final Finals. Still the Cavs earned their favorable road.
I do know this though: The Celtics are not done yet. There are eight teams left and Boston is one of them. As long as they're alive there's hope.
Monday, March 9, 2009
10 things while waiting for guys to heal
1) Orlando Game
If I'm Orlando (though I rarely find myself morphing into metro areas) I'm not feeling too good about that win. Up a gazillion to a team down two starters and three more rotation players who is also blending in two new guys, the Magic barely escaped. Do you believe in magic? I do not. A healthy Celtics team will buzzsaw Orlando.
2) Health
Let's take an inventory:
Tony Allen: Out for the entire regular season.
Scalabrine: Out until April.
Big Baby: He was on crutches yesterday and is listed day to day.
Garnett: Good news from Marc Spears in the Globe: Kevin Garnett could return as soon as Sunday in Milwaukee.
Rondo: More good news from Marc Spears: Rondo could return as soon as Wednesday at Miami.
3) Rondo
You know how so many people have been saying Rajon Rondo is the most important player on the Celtics? And you know how the heathen worshippers of false franchises snickered at that statement? Well, yesterday showed just how critical he is.
Without Rondo the Celtics were lost on both ends. Only when they shifted to "Ray in Seattle" mode did the Celtics mount their comeback. But "Ray in Seattle" mode, and for that matter "Paul alone" mode will only get you so far. For the Celtics to optimize their mojo on both ends they absolutely NEED Rondo. He pushes the tempo and stymies his opposite number. Without him the Celtics depend on individual play and are much less effective.
4) Marbury
If you're hard on Marbury purely for bad play you're making a mistake. He's struggling on the floor; that's not a worry. He'll get his legs and game back.
The worry about Stephon Marbury was his attitude not his talent, remember? Also recall how long it took PJ Brown to contribute last season? Stephon Marbury is on the right path.
5) Minutes
Due to the fickle nature of chance the Celtics have been forced to play Ray n' Paul extended minutes. This can't go on for too much longer. The team has got to think Health First. If it costs a spot in the standings so be it.
The fact that Ray n' Paul have played long minutes in early March does not matter. It's what they do over the next five weeks that will impact the playoffs. They have to get a little more rest. The return of tall guy and fast guy will help, but in the meantime I haven't seen anything from Bill Walker that says he shouldn't play.
6) Schedule
Remember how brutal the early schedule was with so many games packed into such a short period of time? Unfortunately the Celtics have a week like that coming up just when they need it least. They play 5 games in 7 days starting Sunday against the Milwaukee Bucks and ending the following Saturday versus the Memphis Gasol-Donaters.
After that it's calm seas for the rest of the regular season.
7) When They Have Everybody
You know the line, "Can't anybody here play this game?" With luck the Celtics will have to answer the opposite question: When everyone returns who sits? You have 5 big men, 3 little guys, 3 wings, and Scal whatever he is; all who have earned minutes. That's 12. No team plays 12 in the playoffs.
8) Leon
One guy who will play is Leon Powe. Man has he been effective.
9) Pierce Now Third
As you know Paul Pierce has moved into third position on the all time Celtics scoring list behind only John Havlicek and Larry Bird. This is an extraordinary accomplishment. Generally stars who play on as many bad teams as Pierce did, don't stick around. They move on. That's a shame because playing with one team your entire career has a special lustre. (Nothing was sadder than seeing Robert Parish (Warriors don't count) as a Bull or Walt Frazier as a Cavalier.)
Congrats to Paul Pierce! May he someday retire a Celtic!
10) Dirty Celtics?
There were vile allegations of "dirty play" by the Celtics after Big Baby's gentle handling of Varejao in the Cleveland game. This is SO terribly untrue. Varejao went right at Baby's forearm, viciously attacking with his head. There is nothing uglier than an aggressive headbutt. Glen Davis to his credit remained calm. He took the hit and did not retaliate even though his forearm could have been severely injured.
If I'm Orlando (though I rarely find myself morphing into metro areas) I'm not feeling too good about that win. Up a gazillion to a team down two starters and three more rotation players who is also blending in two new guys, the Magic barely escaped. Do you believe in magic? I do not. A healthy Celtics team will buzzsaw Orlando.
2) Health
Let's take an inventory:
Tony Allen: Out for the entire regular season.
Scalabrine: Out until April.
Big Baby: He was on crutches yesterday and is listed day to day.
Garnett: Good news from Marc Spears in the Globe: Kevin Garnett could return as soon as Sunday in Milwaukee.
Rondo: More good news from Marc Spears: Rondo could return as soon as Wednesday at Miami.
3) Rondo
You know how so many people have been saying Rajon Rondo is the most important player on the Celtics? And you know how the heathen worshippers of false franchises snickered at that statement? Well, yesterday showed just how critical he is.
Without Rondo the Celtics were lost on both ends. Only when they shifted to "Ray in Seattle" mode did the Celtics mount their comeback. But "Ray in Seattle" mode, and for that matter "Paul alone" mode will only get you so far. For the Celtics to optimize their mojo on both ends they absolutely NEED Rondo. He pushes the tempo and stymies his opposite number. Without him the Celtics depend on individual play and are much less effective.
4) Marbury
If you're hard on Marbury purely for bad play you're making a mistake. He's struggling on the floor; that's not a worry. He'll get his legs and game back.
The worry about Stephon Marbury was his attitude not his talent, remember? Also recall how long it took PJ Brown to contribute last season? Stephon Marbury is on the right path.
5) Minutes
Due to the fickle nature of chance the Celtics have been forced to play Ray n' Paul extended minutes. This can't go on for too much longer. The team has got to think Health First. If it costs a spot in the standings so be it.
The fact that Ray n' Paul have played long minutes in early March does not matter. It's what they do over the next five weeks that will impact the playoffs. They have to get a little more rest. The return of tall guy and fast guy will help, but in the meantime I haven't seen anything from Bill Walker that says he shouldn't play.
6) Schedule
Remember how brutal the early schedule was with so many games packed into such a short period of time? Unfortunately the Celtics have a week like that coming up just when they need it least. They play 5 games in 7 days starting Sunday against the Milwaukee Bucks and ending the following Saturday versus the Memphis Gasol-Donaters.
After that it's calm seas for the rest of the regular season.
7) When They Have Everybody
You know the line, "Can't anybody here play this game?" With luck the Celtics will have to answer the opposite question: When everyone returns who sits? You have 5 big men, 3 little guys, 3 wings, and Scal whatever he is; all who have earned minutes. That's 12. No team plays 12 in the playoffs.
8) Leon
One guy who will play is Leon Powe. Man has he been effective.
9) Pierce Now Third
As you know Paul Pierce has moved into third position on the all time Celtics scoring list behind only John Havlicek and Larry Bird. This is an extraordinary accomplishment. Generally stars who play on as many bad teams as Pierce did, don't stick around. They move on. That's a shame because playing with one team your entire career has a special lustre. (Nothing was sadder than seeing Robert Parish (Warriors don't count) as a Bull or Walt Frazier as a Cavalier.)
Congrats to Paul Pierce! May he someday retire a Celtic!
10) Dirty Celtics?
There were vile allegations of "dirty play" by the Celtics after Big Baby's gentle handling of Varejao in the Cleveland game. This is SO terribly untrue. Varejao went right at Baby's forearm, viciously attacking with his head. There is nothing uglier than an aggressive headbutt. Glen Davis to his credit remained calm. He took the hit and did not retaliate even though his forearm could have been severely injured.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
10 things during a transition
1) Above All Else...
Don't panic.
Lemme take you back to last March. The Celtics were playing great. They'd just become the first team since 2002 to sweep the Texas triangle. The sun was shining and all was pleasant on the green planet. Then the Celtics brought in PJ Brown and Sam Cassell. In New Orleans on the last game of that otherwise glorious road trip, Sam and PJ took the floor. The Celtics led by 13 points after the first quarter but when the green-neophytes came in, everything fell apart. The new guys both played poorly. The Celitcs lost, and they lost the following game too.
One year later the very same thing is happening. Two new players (one who'd been sitting out) are tossed into the race only to falter. This time the Celtics have the further liabilty of Kevin Garnett being absent as well.
Let's pause for a subtotal:
Add 2 new players
minus Garnett
minus his back up Scalabrine
minus Tony Allen
= a rough patch.
This is inevitable. It will get better.
2) Not For a While Though
Kevin Garnett is out. He will remain off the floor a while longer. The Celtics have done a miraculous job of winning without him but that balloon seems to have popped. They absolutely definitely unquestionably need the big guy back. Without him they lost to the Clippers and until he comes back they will lose more games.
What does this mean?: it is very possible that the Celtics will not have homecourt advantage in the final two rounds this spring.
Do not panic...
3) 1969
1969 was Bill Russell's last season. (Sam Jones too.) The Celtics limped into the playoffs 4th in the East. They had to win on the road in every series. That is exactly what they did, culminating in what was arguably the greatest game in franchise history when the celebratory balloons remained in the rafters of the LA Forum while the Russell and his friends celebrated their 11th title below.
This team is like that team: veteran, poised, cool under pressure, capable of winning anywhere. The 2008-2009 Boston Celtics can win the championship no matter where the games are played.
4) More Than the Minimum
Stephon Marbury signed for more than the minimum. This is huge. HUGE!!!
What is means is the Celtics ownership is not among those that are dumping salary at all costs. It means the Celtics will STILL spend to win. Way to go Wyc!
5) Rondo's "Bad Game"
People tell me Rondo had a bad game against Indiana. It must be true since I've heard it from so many different places.
All I can say is Rondo had 17 assists. I mean Chauncey Billups had a bad game against Boston last week and his stats read: 5 assists, 4 turnovers, and three points. So if Rondo has a bad game and gets 17 assists that should tell you something. It was probably the best "bad game" in the history of the sport.
(A sidenote: Jim O'Brien's entire defense was set up to prevent penetration. In other words he was scheming to shut off Rondo and Pierce from driving. You couple that with the Celtics getting creamed on the boards which effectively cut off the Boston fastbreak and it's not surprising that Rondo has such a "bad game.")
6) Ray Allen
Ray had a bad game too, against Detroit. I'm sure everybody's noticed but Mr. Jesus has been keeping this team flying all season. He's been the Celtics most consistent player. Last year his play was spotty. It's amazing what two sound ankles will do for you.
7) Marbury
In his entire 13 year career Stephon Marbury has played 18 playoff games. He will likely surpass 18 games in the coming playoffs alone.
8) Yaks
I said this before: the new Portland NBDL franchise should be called The Maine Yaks (maineyaks). It's the only way to keep from having a moose as a mascot.
Having a local minor league affiliation is fabulous idea. We overly exuberant sorts who pay an unhealthy amount of attention to the team will benefit from regular eyeball reports from Portland. Former Celtics assistant coach Jon Jennings who's fronting the Yaks always seemed like a very good guy.
The NBDL has got to get some other eastern teams going as well, otherwise the travel will be obscene.
9) Cancer
I always hated the word "cancer" being used to label a player. It's part of the landscape though.
Stephon Marbury's been described with that term. All I can say is, so was Robert Parish and Dennis Johnson. The Celtics have a strong history of successful oncology.
10) Playoffs
Now that injuries have put the Celtics own seeding in doubt and seeing that the rest of the East is in constant movement, trying to figure who they will draw in the postseason is impossible.
It doesn't matter. The Celtics are battling themselves, not anyone else. Above all they need to be healthy. If that happens they can take anyone they face anywhere they play them. Detroit in the first round? Fine. Then Orlando? No problem. Cleveland and LA on the road? Too bad for them... as long as the Celtics are healthy.
Don't panic.
Lemme take you back to last March. The Celtics were playing great. They'd just become the first team since 2002 to sweep the Texas triangle. The sun was shining and all was pleasant on the green planet. Then the Celtics brought in PJ Brown and Sam Cassell. In New Orleans on the last game of that otherwise glorious road trip, Sam and PJ took the floor. The Celtics led by 13 points after the first quarter but when the green-neophytes came in, everything fell apart. The new guys both played poorly. The Celitcs lost, and they lost the following game too.
One year later the very same thing is happening. Two new players (one who'd been sitting out) are tossed into the race only to falter. This time the Celtics have the further liabilty of Kevin Garnett being absent as well.
Let's pause for a subtotal:
Add 2 new players
minus Garnett
minus his back up Scalabrine
minus Tony Allen
= a rough patch.
This is inevitable. It will get better.
2) Not For a While Though
Kevin Garnett is out. He will remain off the floor a while longer. The Celtics have done a miraculous job of winning without him but that balloon seems to have popped. They absolutely definitely unquestionably need the big guy back. Without him they lost to the Clippers and until he comes back they will lose more games.
What does this mean?: it is very possible that the Celtics will not have homecourt advantage in the final two rounds this spring.
Do not panic...
3) 1969
1969 was Bill Russell's last season. (Sam Jones too.) The Celtics limped into the playoffs 4th in the East. They had to win on the road in every series. That is exactly what they did, culminating in what was arguably the greatest game in franchise history when the celebratory balloons remained in the rafters of the LA Forum while the Russell and his friends celebrated their 11th title below.
This team is like that team: veteran, poised, cool under pressure, capable of winning anywhere. The 2008-2009 Boston Celtics can win the championship no matter where the games are played.
4) More Than the Minimum
Stephon Marbury signed for more than the minimum. This is huge. HUGE!!!
What is means is the Celtics ownership is not among those that are dumping salary at all costs. It means the Celtics will STILL spend to win. Way to go Wyc!
5) Rondo's "Bad Game"
People tell me Rondo had a bad game against Indiana. It must be true since I've heard it from so many different places.
All I can say is Rondo had 17 assists. I mean Chauncey Billups had a bad game against Boston last week and his stats read: 5 assists, 4 turnovers, and three points. So if Rondo has a bad game and gets 17 assists that should tell you something. It was probably the best "bad game" in the history of the sport.
(A sidenote: Jim O'Brien's entire defense was set up to prevent penetration. In other words he was scheming to shut off Rondo and Pierce from driving. You couple that with the Celtics getting creamed on the boards which effectively cut off the Boston fastbreak and it's not surprising that Rondo has such a "bad game.")
6) Ray Allen
Ray had a bad game too, against Detroit. I'm sure everybody's noticed but Mr. Jesus has been keeping this team flying all season. He's been the Celtics most consistent player. Last year his play was spotty. It's amazing what two sound ankles will do for you.
7) Marbury
In his entire 13 year career Stephon Marbury has played 18 playoff games. He will likely surpass 18 games in the coming playoffs alone.
8) Yaks
I said this before: the new Portland NBDL franchise should be called The Maine Yaks (maineyaks). It's the only way to keep from having a moose as a mascot.
Having a local minor league affiliation is fabulous idea. We overly exuberant sorts who pay an unhealthy amount of attention to the team will benefit from regular eyeball reports from Portland. Former Celtics assistant coach Jon Jennings who's fronting the Yaks always seemed like a very good guy.
The NBDL has got to get some other eastern teams going as well, otherwise the travel will be obscene.
9) Cancer
I always hated the word "cancer" being used to label a player. It's part of the landscape though.
Stephon Marbury's been described with that term. All I can say is, so was Robert Parish and Dennis Johnson. The Celtics have a strong history of successful oncology.
10) Playoffs
Now that injuries have put the Celtics own seeding in doubt and seeing that the rest of the East is in constant movement, trying to figure who they will draw in the postseason is impossible.
It doesn't matter. The Celtics are battling themselves, not anyone else. Above all they need to be healthy. If that happens they can take anyone they face anywhere they play them. Detroit in the first round? Fine. Then Orlando? No problem. Cleveland and LA on the road? Too bad for them... as long as the Celtics are healthy.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
10 things, some fascinating, some not
1) No Garnett?
Four days ago in Utah Kevin Garnett limped off the court with what appeared to be a serious knee injury. That was a very unpleasant moment. Forty eight hours later we heard the injury was not critical. What a relief to finally take in some air after two straight days of breath holding. I never realized how important oxygen was!
So what have the Celtics done without their best player? Win. Boston is 5-0 this season without Mr. Garnett and 14-2 without him since he moved over from the land o' lakes. That's incredible!
They can't win a title without Garnett but they can win some games for a while.
2) Doc
This nonKevin winning percentage alone is adequate proof of just how great a coach Doc Rivers is. This is not like filling Robert Parish's spot with Bill Walton for a short time. Doc subs Brian Scalabrine for Garnett and wins. Then Scalabrine goes down and he plugs in Big Baby and still wins... against good teams on the road. The team never loses faith in one another. The team just keeps going forward. Great great job Doc.
3) Scalabrine
Speaking of Brian Scalabrine-- No one has risen in the eyes of Celtic observers more. In just a few months he's gone from a novelty equivalent of the departed mascot Lucky to indispensible understudy and calming veteran presence. Admit it: When Scal went out you said to yourself, "Oh no! We NEED him!"
4) Scalabrine and Rondo
And speaking more of Scalabrine-- Rajon Rondo made a fascinating statement that he loves playing with Scal on the floor because the big redhead regularly moves to the corner on offense taking a tall defender with him. This opens up the middle for Rondo's drives. With Jersey Red on the floor opportunities are created for Rondo that are not available when Garnett, Perkins, Baby, and Powe play in some tandem combination.
Last night is a perfect example. Scal plays most of the first quarter and Rondo scores 11. Scal goes out and Rondo only scores 3 the rest of the way.
5) Rondo
The incredible Rondo has run another point guard gauntlet on this extended road trip: So far he's faced Chris Paul, Jason Kidd, Steve Nash, Deron Williams, and Chauncey Billups. That's five straight guys who will some day get hall of fame consideration.
Question: How did he do? Answer: On average a lot better than they did.
Here's Rondo vs. 5 all stars over that period:
Points: Rondo 86, All Stars 66.
Assists: Rondo 50, All Stars 41.
Rebs: Rondo 38, All Stars 11.
If it wasn't for early foul trouble in Utah it would have been even more lopsided.
6) 666666
Phew, compiling data is hard! I'm never doing that again.
Hey while I was laboring I noticed an oddity in the box score from the Phoenix game: 6 guys were tied for the game high in rebounds at 6 each: Rondo, Perkins, Pierce, House, Powe, and Shaq. Is that an all time record of lowest top rebounder in a game? Anybody know?
7) Mikki Moore to the Rescue
The Moore I think about it, the Moore I believe this will work. Yes he's not strong, doesn't rebound much, or block shots, but what he does well will be magnified and multiplied on this wonderful Celtic team. He brings energy, plays good team defense (as opposed to bodying down low), can shoot the midranger, can run, and is tall. In Boston he'll inject that energy into the team. He'll be faster, taller, and will shoot better...
...well that last statement is a fabrication, but you get the idea.
8) More Rondoness
It's been argued over and over by the addled antiRondo faction on the internet that Rondo's stats are bogus; that they are inflated because he plays with Garnett. So when Garnett goes out what happens to Rondo's stats? Minutes- up. Shots- up. Points- up. Rebounds- up. Assists- up. Rondo critics, shut- up.
9) Saer Sene and the Renounced Senegalese
The man with the longest arms in the history of the NBA is available. Mouhamed Saer Sene has been waived by OKC. Want him? No? Didn't think so.
Cheikh Samb also of Senegal, has likewise been waived. Is it an international conspiracy against this African nation?
10) Baby and Powe
It would be wrong to not save the last "thing" to briefly discuss the contributions of Glen Big Baby Davis and Leon Powe. As previously mentioned they are both playing well at the same time, something that has not happened before. They are playing together and gaining poise. It cannot be overstated how important this is. If they continue on their current path, it is the difference between a championship and no championship.
Four days ago in Utah Kevin Garnett limped off the court with what appeared to be a serious knee injury. That was a very unpleasant moment. Forty eight hours later we heard the injury was not critical. What a relief to finally take in some air after two straight days of breath holding. I never realized how important oxygen was!
So what have the Celtics done without their best player? Win. Boston is 5-0 this season without Mr. Garnett and 14-2 without him since he moved over from the land o' lakes. That's incredible!
They can't win a title without Garnett but they can win some games for a while.
2) Doc
This nonKevin winning percentage alone is adequate proof of just how great a coach Doc Rivers is. This is not like filling Robert Parish's spot with Bill Walton for a short time. Doc subs Brian Scalabrine for Garnett and wins. Then Scalabrine goes down and he plugs in Big Baby and still wins... against good teams on the road. The team never loses faith in one another. The team just keeps going forward. Great great job Doc.
3) Scalabrine
Speaking of Brian Scalabrine-- No one has risen in the eyes of Celtic observers more. In just a few months he's gone from a novelty equivalent of the departed mascot Lucky to indispensible understudy and calming veteran presence. Admit it: When Scal went out you said to yourself, "Oh no! We NEED him!"
4) Scalabrine and Rondo
And speaking more of Scalabrine-- Rajon Rondo made a fascinating statement that he loves playing with Scal on the floor because the big redhead regularly moves to the corner on offense taking a tall defender with him. This opens up the middle for Rondo's drives. With Jersey Red on the floor opportunities are created for Rondo that are not available when Garnett, Perkins, Baby, and Powe play in some tandem combination.
Last night is a perfect example. Scal plays most of the first quarter and Rondo scores 11. Scal goes out and Rondo only scores 3 the rest of the way.
5) Rondo
The incredible Rondo has run another point guard gauntlet on this extended road trip: So far he's faced Chris Paul, Jason Kidd, Steve Nash, Deron Williams, and Chauncey Billups. That's five straight guys who will some day get hall of fame consideration.
Question: How did he do? Answer: On average a lot better than they did.
Here's Rondo vs. 5 all stars over that period:
Points: Rondo 86, All Stars 66.
Assists: Rondo 50, All Stars 41.
Rebs: Rondo 38, All Stars 11.
If it wasn't for early foul trouble in Utah it would have been even more lopsided.
6) 666666
Phew, compiling data is hard! I'm never doing that again.
Hey while I was laboring I noticed an oddity in the box score from the Phoenix game: 6 guys were tied for the game high in rebounds at 6 each: Rondo, Perkins, Pierce, House, Powe, and Shaq. Is that an all time record of lowest top rebounder in a game? Anybody know?
7) Mikki Moore to the Rescue
The Moore I think about it, the Moore I believe this will work. Yes he's not strong, doesn't rebound much, or block shots, but what he does well will be magnified and multiplied on this wonderful Celtic team. He brings energy, plays good team defense (as opposed to bodying down low), can shoot the midranger, can run, and is tall. In Boston he'll inject that energy into the team. He'll be faster, taller, and will shoot better...
...well that last statement is a fabrication, but you get the idea.
8) More Rondoness
It's been argued over and over by the addled antiRondo faction on the internet that Rondo's stats are bogus; that they are inflated because he plays with Garnett. So when Garnett goes out what happens to Rondo's stats? Minutes- up. Shots- up. Points- up. Rebounds- up. Assists- up. Rondo critics, shut- up.
9) Saer Sene and the Renounced Senegalese
The man with the longest arms in the history of the NBA is available. Mouhamed Saer Sene has been waived by OKC. Want him? No? Didn't think so.
Cheikh Samb also of Senegal, has likewise been waived. Is it an international conspiracy against this African nation?
10) Baby and Powe
It would be wrong to not save the last "thing" to briefly discuss the contributions of Glen Big Baby Davis and Leon Powe. As previously mentioned they are both playing well at the same time, something that has not happened before. They are playing together and gaining poise. It cannot be overstated how important this is. If they continue on their current path, it is the difference between a championship and no championship.
Friday, February 13, 2009
10 things at the break
1) A Call For Charity
Rondo is so good with so much room to grow it's scary.
I do not (DO NOT) understand the vocal legion of basketball viewers who STILL insist he is sub par. This is wanton dumbness that can only be hurting these fine people in other aspects of their lives.
Can't anyone help them?
2) Coach Thibs
Doc got booted and Mr.T (I pity the poor fool who doesn't play defense) took over. He did what I would do if I ran the zoo: Keep Rondo In The Game. I mean I understand Rondo's a slightly built fellow who takes a pounding but when he's pacing the offense everything becomes simple and beautiful.
Mr. T just kept Rondo in there, something he could afford to do with a week of rest approaching; with Rondo playing Robin to Pierce's caped crusader the Celtics took the game over in the fourth and swept by the hapless unbranded cows.
3) Trade Deadline Nears
Will they or won't they? After much thought my best guess is... I dunno. Trades often come together at the last possible minute so to coin a phrase "anything is possible." Around the league some owners are desperately trying to win while others are just as desperately trying to keep their business empires afloat. Between those factors there are plenty of teams looking to Monty Hall it this week.
In all the chaos there is a possibility for the Celtics to get involved, perhaps as a third team facilitating a deal.
4) Perkins...
...has not been the same since his shoulder injury. At least he's not out though. With so many big name guys going down for the season there's something to be thankful for, and isn't Valentine's Day all about giving thanks? (Oh wait that's the November one isn't it?)
5) Nowitzki and Pierce
The two have been linked since they went back to back in the draft years ago. For a long time everybody felt sorry for Pierce while saying how lucky Dirk was to play with a talented franchise and for a deep-pocketed free-spending owner.
As the old song goes, who's sorry now? Dallas is ok but no contender. Dirk doesn't have much talent around him. Mr. Cuban is still wealthy but somehow eerily disturbing (don't you think?) While Paul Pierce is the happy thriving defending champ and Finals MVP.
6) A Lack Of Tallness?
Perhaps.
Do you toss and turn wondering what will become of you in May and June with only Baby and Powe anchoring the interior of the second unit? Think of this: They've never both played well at the same time until now. Yes it's true. For the first time ever Leon and Glen are starting to play well as a pair.
Shhh... don't tell anyone but this could be huge.
7) Marion Traded To Toronto
First off Jermaine's not really helping Miami. He's not really helping anybody. He's only a place holder now.
The other thought: Is there a clause in Marcus Banks and Shawn Marion's contracts that says they must never ever be parted til the end of time? Antoine Walker and Tony Delk did the same dance a few years back, remember?
No Raptor fans, this doesn't help you much either. Since his contract is short, you do get to rid yourself of Marion soon though. Just know that Marcus Banks has to leave at the same time.
Also your future's very bright with Joey, Kris and Jason.
8) One-handed Rebound
Did anyone else see Rondo rebound the ball one handed in the middle of the lane to start a break (I think in the first half)? The ball caromed out and Rondo just caught it one handed like it was a softball and he had a glove on.
Connie Hawkins used to do that, but I've never seen a point guard do it.
9) Record
The Celtics are one game ahead of last year's pace. True.
10) Title
It's coming. Again. Have faith.
If you're complaining instead of enjoying this team please change before you ruin your life. It's for your own good.
Rondo is so good with so much room to grow it's scary.
I do not (DO NOT) understand the vocal legion of basketball viewers who STILL insist he is sub par. This is wanton dumbness that can only be hurting these fine people in other aspects of their lives.
Can't anyone help them?
2) Coach Thibs
Doc got booted and Mr.T (I pity the poor fool who doesn't play defense) took over. He did what I would do if I ran the zoo: Keep Rondo In The Game. I mean I understand Rondo's a slightly built fellow who takes a pounding but when he's pacing the offense everything becomes simple and beautiful.
Mr. T just kept Rondo in there, something he could afford to do with a week of rest approaching; with Rondo playing Robin to Pierce's caped crusader the Celtics took the game over in the fourth and swept by the hapless unbranded cows.
3) Trade Deadline Nears
Will they or won't they? After much thought my best guess is... I dunno. Trades often come together at the last possible minute so to coin a phrase "anything is possible." Around the league some owners are desperately trying to win while others are just as desperately trying to keep their business empires afloat. Between those factors there are plenty of teams looking to Monty Hall it this week.
In all the chaos there is a possibility for the Celtics to get involved, perhaps as a third team facilitating a deal.
4) Perkins...
...has not been the same since his shoulder injury. At least he's not out though. With so many big name guys going down for the season there's something to be thankful for, and isn't Valentine's Day all about giving thanks? (Oh wait that's the November one isn't it?)
5) Nowitzki and Pierce
The two have been linked since they went back to back in the draft years ago. For a long time everybody felt sorry for Pierce while saying how lucky Dirk was to play with a talented franchise and for a deep-pocketed free-spending owner.
As the old song goes, who's sorry now? Dallas is ok but no contender. Dirk doesn't have much talent around him. Mr. Cuban is still wealthy but somehow eerily disturbing (don't you think?) While Paul Pierce is the happy thriving defending champ and Finals MVP.
6) A Lack Of Tallness?
Perhaps.
Do you toss and turn wondering what will become of you in May and June with only Baby and Powe anchoring the interior of the second unit? Think of this: They've never both played well at the same time until now. Yes it's true. For the first time ever Leon and Glen are starting to play well as a pair.
Shhh... don't tell anyone but this could be huge.
7) Marion Traded To Toronto
First off Jermaine's not really helping Miami. He's not really helping anybody. He's only a place holder now.
The other thought: Is there a clause in Marcus Banks and Shawn Marion's contracts that says they must never ever be parted til the end of time? Antoine Walker and Tony Delk did the same dance a few years back, remember?
No Raptor fans, this doesn't help you much either. Since his contract is short, you do get to rid yourself of Marion soon though. Just know that Marcus Banks has to leave at the same time.
Also your future's very bright with Joey, Kris and Jason.
8) One-handed Rebound
Did anyone else see Rondo rebound the ball one handed in the middle of the lane to start a break (I think in the first half)? The ball caromed out and Rondo just caught it one handed like it was a softball and he had a glove on.
Connie Hawkins used to do that, but I've never seen a point guard do it.
9) Record
The Celtics are one game ahead of last year's pace. True.
10) Title
It's coming. Again. Have faith.
If you're complaining instead of enjoying this team please change before you ruin your life. It's for your own good.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
10 things about Baby, Powe, playoffs, and all stars
I have a few thoughts during this, the relentless march to banner 18:
1) Big Baby's Resurgence
Remember all the calls for metaphorical infanticide? You probably do since they were still taking place only a month ago. Then something wonderful happened: Glen Davis got into playing shape. That's all it ever was. He came into camp a little heavier and a lot slower. The advantage Baby has over other players is his incredible quickness to size ratio. Without that he is not very useful. Now that his turbo-tootsies have returned Mr. Baby is back on a positive career path.
2) Big Baby's Expanding Game
He can shoot too and not just from five feet and in. Big Baby is by no means the first Celtic frontcourter to expand his range. Ryan Gomes comes to mind as a recent example. Let me go back further though:
Long ago in the 1970's the Celtics drafted a great young center whose nickname also started with the word Big. Big Red was a marvel. Dave Cowens was undersized for the 5 spot but absolutely ferocious. The Celtic coach was Tommy Heinsohn (For those who didn't see the 70's teams play you really missed something. Think Mike D'Antoni style offense coupled with matching defense.)
Because Cowens was so quick he was routinely open for the long jumper. Tommy told Dave to shoot it. Dave replied I can't shoot it, I'll miss. Tommy said it doesn't matter if you miss; if you shoot it now you'll hit it later. And that's what happened.
Returning to the present, Doc and Baby have gone through the exact same conversation. I wonder if Tommy told Doc the Cowens story.
3) Leon
Have the same people who were Baby bashing seamlessly switched to Powe pummeling? Don't you remember how great Leon was in the Finals? Remember how well he started the season? He hasn't forgotten how to play; he's just going through a rough stretch and has gotten inconsistent minutes because of it. Leon shall return!
Leon can play. Baby can play. Quit waiting until guys go through hard times so you can enthusiastically kick them when they're down.
(Scalabrine can play too.)
4) The Final Play Of The Philly Game...
...after Ray Allen hit that shot. Doc wisely placed long tall Patrick O'Bryant on the inbounds then comically motioned for him to wave his arms. Patrick mimicked Doc, jumping and waving like crazy, setting up a frenzied human barrier. The pass had to go over those wildly flailing arms and it sailed high, never having a chance to find it's intended Sixer target. I only note that because it was Patrick's first chance contributing to a critical moment in a win. It was effective and funny.
5) Ball Kids
You know those memos Mike Gorman reads every game advertising, "You can be a Celtics ball kid. You must be ages 13 to 18."
That's nice and all but I have a recommendation: How 'bout give the kids a rest and try some variety: "You can be a Celtics ball geezer. You must be ages 73 to 78."
On second thought, nevermind.
6) A Good Suggestion
That was a dumb idea. Here's a great one:
Via TrueHoop: "The TrueHoop Network gangs up to deliver a killer set of suggestions to reform All-Star Weekend. D-League All-Stars vs. Rookies, anyone?"
http://www.thetwomangame.com/2009/02/scorers-table-all-star-reform/
"Mike Kurylo, Knickerblogger: I’d like to see the freshmen play the NBDL All Stars. It’s become apparent that the NBDL is a viable source of NBA level talent. I think this would be a competitive game, since each has something valuable to play for. The D-Leaguers will be fighting to show that they belong in the league, and they may have an extra chip on their shoulder playing millionaire rookies."
Wouldn't that be cool?
7) HORSE
In case you missed it, the Celtic representative for horse should be Rajon Rondo.
Garnett speaking about Rondo:
"Paul [Pierce] told me never to play that man in H-O-R-S-E and I had to learn the hard way," admits Garnett. "He's really good at using the basket, he's really good at using the backboard and really good with the English. He makes it look easy."
http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/articles/2008/12/16/rondos_mates_quick_with_the_compliments/?page=2
8) Shorthanded
Before we go through another whiny year of "woe is us" excuses from Laker likers over Bynum's injury, I have two things to point out:
The Celtics won the Finals easily last year playing THREE injured starters.
Three times that I can recall off the top of my head the Celtics lost championships because of injuries: Russell vs. the Hawks in the late 50's. Havlicek vs. the Knicks in the mid 70's. McHale and Walton in 1987. It happens. It's unfortunate. It's part of the game.
9) Quick Hits on the Philly Game
I think Ray sealed the all star replacement spot with that shot.
Uncharacteristically Rondo sort of channeled Tony Allen last night, alternating wonderful possessions with turnovers. He shot 9 for 12 from the field and had 8 assists but gave up the ball 7 times.
Two nice passes Paul Pierce; twice in the last minute.
Good pick on that last play Big Baby.
10) The Celtics Have To Do It Themselves
It was actually better for Boston with Jameer Nelson healthy. Before, Orlando had a decent shot at taking out Cleveland in the playoffs had the seedings worked out. Now Cleveland and Boston meet in the Eastern Finals which like last season will be the REAL FINALS.
1) Big Baby's Resurgence
Remember all the calls for metaphorical infanticide? You probably do since they were still taking place only a month ago. Then something wonderful happened: Glen Davis got into playing shape. That's all it ever was. He came into camp a little heavier and a lot slower. The advantage Baby has over other players is his incredible quickness to size ratio. Without that he is not very useful. Now that his turbo-tootsies have returned Mr. Baby is back on a positive career path.
2) Big Baby's Expanding Game
He can shoot too and not just from five feet and in. Big Baby is by no means the first Celtic frontcourter to expand his range. Ryan Gomes comes to mind as a recent example. Let me go back further though:
Long ago in the 1970's the Celtics drafted a great young center whose nickname also started with the word Big. Big Red was a marvel. Dave Cowens was undersized for the 5 spot but absolutely ferocious. The Celtic coach was Tommy Heinsohn (For those who didn't see the 70's teams play you really missed something. Think Mike D'Antoni style offense coupled with matching defense.)
Because Cowens was so quick he was routinely open for the long jumper. Tommy told Dave to shoot it. Dave replied I can't shoot it, I'll miss. Tommy said it doesn't matter if you miss; if you shoot it now you'll hit it later. And that's what happened.
Returning to the present, Doc and Baby have gone through the exact same conversation. I wonder if Tommy told Doc the Cowens story.
3) Leon
Have the same people who were Baby bashing seamlessly switched to Powe pummeling? Don't you remember how great Leon was in the Finals? Remember how well he started the season? He hasn't forgotten how to play; he's just going through a rough stretch and has gotten inconsistent minutes because of it. Leon shall return!
Leon can play. Baby can play. Quit waiting until guys go through hard times so you can enthusiastically kick them when they're down.
(Scalabrine can play too.)
4) The Final Play Of The Philly Game...
...after Ray Allen hit that shot. Doc wisely placed long tall Patrick O'Bryant on the inbounds then comically motioned for him to wave his arms. Patrick mimicked Doc, jumping and waving like crazy, setting up a frenzied human barrier. The pass had to go over those wildly flailing arms and it sailed high, never having a chance to find it's intended Sixer target. I only note that because it was Patrick's first chance contributing to a critical moment in a win. It was effective and funny.
5) Ball Kids
You know those memos Mike Gorman reads every game advertising, "You can be a Celtics ball kid. You must be ages 13 to 18."
That's nice and all but I have a recommendation: How 'bout give the kids a rest and try some variety: "You can be a Celtics ball geezer. You must be ages 73 to 78."
On second thought, nevermind.
6) A Good Suggestion
That was a dumb idea. Here's a great one:
Via TrueHoop: "The TrueHoop Network gangs up to deliver a killer set of suggestions to reform All-Star Weekend. D-League All-Stars vs. Rookies, anyone?"
http://www.thetwomangame.com/2009/02/scorers-table-all-star-reform/
"Mike Kurylo, Knickerblogger: I’d like to see the freshmen play the NBDL All Stars. It’s become apparent that the NBDL is a viable source of NBA level talent. I think this would be a competitive game, since each has something valuable to play for. The D-Leaguers will be fighting to show that they belong in the league, and they may have an extra chip on their shoulder playing millionaire rookies."
Wouldn't that be cool?
7) HORSE
In case you missed it, the Celtic representative for horse should be Rajon Rondo.
Garnett speaking about Rondo:
"Paul [Pierce] told me never to play that man in H-O-R-S-E and I had to learn the hard way," admits Garnett. "He's really good at using the basket, he's really good at using the backboard and really good with the English. He makes it look easy."
http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/articles/2008/12/16/rondos_mates_quick_with_the_compliments/?page=2
8) Shorthanded
Before we go through another whiny year of "woe is us" excuses from Laker likers over Bynum's injury, I have two things to point out:
The Celtics won the Finals easily last year playing THREE injured starters.
Three times that I can recall off the top of my head the Celtics lost championships because of injuries: Russell vs. the Hawks in the late 50's. Havlicek vs. the Knicks in the mid 70's. McHale and Walton in 1987. It happens. It's unfortunate. It's part of the game.
9) Quick Hits on the Philly Game
I think Ray sealed the all star replacement spot with that shot.
Uncharacteristically Rondo sort of channeled Tony Allen last night, alternating wonderful possessions with turnovers. He shot 9 for 12 from the field and had 8 assists but gave up the ball 7 times.
Two nice passes Paul Pierce; twice in the last minute.
Good pick on that last play Big Baby.
10) The Celtics Have To Do It Themselves
It was actually better for Boston with Jameer Nelson healthy. Before, Orlando had a decent shot at taking out Cleveland in the playoffs had the seedings worked out. Now Cleveland and Boston meet in the Eastern Finals which like last season will be the REAL FINALS.
Friday, January 2, 2009
10 things about possibly signing Marbury
First a couple of jokes:
1) He's gotta have a leprechaun tattoo on there somewhere.
2) His cousin left a handgun in a locker and needs to get it back.
(cymbal crash) Ok on with the post:
I've never had a good thing to say about this guy. Here's some highlights:
3) Every team he's left has gotten better. Every team he's joined has gotten worse.
4) He's selfish on the court, and...
5) ...he seems just a tiny bit totally out of his freakin' mind.
Having said all that here's why signing Marbury might still be a good idea:
6) Marbury has always been The Man. That's never worked out too well. In Boston though he won't be The Man; he'll only be the sixth man which is a lot easier.
7) Coming off the bench he'll be going against second line players instead of starters most of the time. He still has talent enough to do very well against such guys.
8) The Celtics badly need a scorer to help their second string. Marbury can do that. He also allows Eddie House to play more of his natural off guard spot. So it helps at two positions. It also will help Powe and Baby inside as their men will be shifting away defensively more often.
9) Being a selfish player is really bad when you're starting, but you want your sixth man to have a little of that. He needs to take charge of what has at least temporarily become a moribund second string. Marbury taking some shots a la Andrew Toney could be good.
Finally:
10) Here's the bottom line- Danny and Doc will know BEFORE they sign him if this will work. So if they are for bringing in Marbury that's all you need to know. If he comes here IT WILL WORK. End of story. The skies will clear, Stephon will burst onto the scene as a curiously positive on-court presence and all the problems of his past will vanish like vapor.
BUT if Danny does NOT sign him then you can rest assured that Mr. Marbury is just too non compos mentis, and is too self-centered and toxic to ever help a team win a title.
1) He's gotta have a leprechaun tattoo on there somewhere.
2) His cousin left a handgun in a locker and needs to get it back.
(cymbal crash) Ok on with the post:
I've never had a good thing to say about this guy. Here's some highlights:
3) Every team he's left has gotten better. Every team he's joined has gotten worse.
4) He's selfish on the court, and...
5) ...he seems just a tiny bit totally out of his freakin' mind.
Having said all that here's why signing Marbury might still be a good idea:
6) Marbury has always been The Man. That's never worked out too well. In Boston though he won't be The Man; he'll only be the sixth man which is a lot easier.
7) Coming off the bench he'll be going against second line players instead of starters most of the time. He still has talent enough to do very well against such guys.
8) The Celtics badly need a scorer to help their second string. Marbury can do that. He also allows Eddie House to play more of his natural off guard spot. So it helps at two positions. It also will help Powe and Baby inside as their men will be shifting away defensively more often.
9) Being a selfish player is really bad when you're starting, but you want your sixth man to have a little of that. He needs to take charge of what has at least temporarily become a moribund second string. Marbury taking some shots a la Andrew Toney could be good.
Finally:
10) Here's the bottom line- Danny and Doc will know BEFORE they sign him if this will work. So if they are for bringing in Marbury that's all you need to know. If he comes here IT WILL WORK. End of story. The skies will clear, Stephon will burst onto the scene as a curiously positive on-court presence and all the problems of his past will vanish like vapor.
BUT if Danny does NOT sign him then you can rest assured that Mr. Marbury is just too non compos mentis, and is too self-centered and toxic to ever help a team win a title.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
10 new board suggestions for RealGM
Merry Christmas everyone. Blessings on the day. Especially you Tiny Tim.
RealGM has about 50 basketball discussion boards, but judging by the amount of times the following subjects come up, they could use a few more. Here's some suggestions:
1) The Tommy Board
Yes we know. You hate Tommy. You say he's a homer and that he's the worst announcer in the game. Yet you keep tuning in. Do you turn the sound down and play Vivaldi? No, you just keep listening then get on the internet and gripe about it.
Tough tinsel, Tommy whiners. He was a great player, a brilliant coach, and still knows way more about this game than anyone in your struggling franchise. We love him and he's not going anywhere.
(This would be the most frequented board on that entire website.)
2) The Paul Pierce Fakes Injuries Board
All I have to say is: What pray tell did he gain from this Machiaveliian ploy ?
3) The Paul Pierce Was Nothing Before KG and Ray Allen Arrived Board
This is the first of many discussion groups dedicated to saying each of the Celtics are really not very good because they never won a championship before last year. So if you bring up Paul Pierce, he isn't very good...
4) The Garnett Was Nothing Before Joining Pierce and Ray Allen Board
...they also say Garnett is really not that great because he also never won a title with bad teammates. (Who in the name of James Naismath ever has?)
So every time a Celtics player is discussed, each according to these self proclaimed experts is really not good. Their past proves it.
How come then, basketball-back-of-the-classers, are the Celtics playing like one of the all time great teams if each of their players is so untalented?
5) The Doc Rivers Was A Terrible Coach Before He Got Great Players Board
This is always from the very same people who say Pierce, Allen, and Garnett are all no good when the topic is solely about them.
Doc is coaching the same way he always has. Of course he couldn't win with Allan Ray and Gerald Green starting!
Earth to whiners, name me a a Phil Jackson team filled with bad players? How would he do if he didn't parachute in to a stacked roster?
6) The I Really Used To Like Kevin Garnett But Now I Hate Him Board
Garnett hasn't changed one bit. You used to like him because he used to lose. You hate him because now he's burying your favorite team (and loving every minute of it).
7) The I Hate Every Player On The Celtics Aside From Ray Allen (Except in LA where they hate Ray Allen too) Board
You hate the Celtics? Like we care.
8) The Perkins Is A Scrub Board
A "scrub" to these nice folks is apparently someone who has not made the all star game.
A guy who plays to his strengths, makes few mistakes, shoots a high percentage, controls the middle, is a great teammate and a furiously hard worker is no scrub!
9) The Rondo Is A Scrub Board
Heh heh. Heh heh heh. Ha. Ha ha ha. Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha. HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HAHA HA!!!! ...sniffle.
Seriously stop. Of all the dumb dumbness out there, I think this is the absolute dumbest.
10) The Celtics Are Not Going To Win The Title Again Board.
Yes they are.
(Merry Christmas to all you visiting Celtic loathers too. May all your nonbasketball wishes come true.)
RealGM has about 50 basketball discussion boards, but judging by the amount of times the following subjects come up, they could use a few more. Here's some suggestions:
1) The Tommy Board
Yes we know. You hate Tommy. You say he's a homer and that he's the worst announcer in the game. Yet you keep tuning in. Do you turn the sound down and play Vivaldi? No, you just keep listening then get on the internet and gripe about it.
Tough tinsel, Tommy whiners. He was a great player, a brilliant coach, and still knows way more about this game than anyone in your struggling franchise. We love him and he's not going anywhere.
(This would be the most frequented board on that entire website.)
2) The Paul Pierce Fakes Injuries Board
All I have to say is: What pray tell did he gain from this Machiaveliian ploy ?
3) The Paul Pierce Was Nothing Before KG and Ray Allen Arrived Board
This is the first of many discussion groups dedicated to saying each of the Celtics are really not very good because they never won a championship before last year. So if you bring up Paul Pierce, he isn't very good...
4) The Garnett Was Nothing Before Joining Pierce and Ray Allen Board
...they also say Garnett is really not that great because he also never won a title with bad teammates. (Who in the name of James Naismath ever has?)
So every time a Celtics player is discussed, each according to these self proclaimed experts is really not good. Their past proves it.
How come then, basketball-back-of-the-classers, are the Celtics playing like one of the all time great teams if each of their players is so untalented?
5) The Doc Rivers Was A Terrible Coach Before He Got Great Players Board
This is always from the very same people who say Pierce, Allen, and Garnett are all no good when the topic is solely about them.
Doc is coaching the same way he always has. Of course he couldn't win with Allan Ray and Gerald Green starting!
Earth to whiners, name me a a Phil Jackson team filled with bad players? How would he do if he didn't parachute in to a stacked roster?
6) The I Really Used To Like Kevin Garnett But Now I Hate Him Board
Garnett hasn't changed one bit. You used to like him because he used to lose. You hate him because now he's burying your favorite team (and loving every minute of it).
7) The I Hate Every Player On The Celtics Aside From Ray Allen (Except in LA where they hate Ray Allen too) Board
You hate the Celtics? Like we care.
8) The Perkins Is A Scrub Board
A "scrub" to these nice folks is apparently someone who has not made the all star game.
A guy who plays to his strengths, makes few mistakes, shoots a high percentage, controls the middle, is a great teammate and a furiously hard worker is no scrub!
9) The Rondo Is A Scrub Board
Heh heh. Heh heh heh. Ha. Ha ha ha. Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha. HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HAHA HA!!!! ...sniffle.
Seriously stop. Of all the dumb dumbness out there, I think this is the absolute dumbest.
10) The Celtics Are Not Going To Win The Title Again Board.
Yes they are.
(Merry Christmas to all you visiting Celtic loathers too. May all your nonbasketball wishes come true.)
Sunday, December 14, 2008
10 Sunday things
1) First Round Opponent
In the first round of the playoffs it's very clear that the Celtics will face either: Detroit, Miami, New Jersey, Chicago, New York, Toronto, Philadelphia, Milwaukee, or Indiana.
2) Mutombo
He's coming here. it makes too much sense for him not to. He will win a title here. His renowned charity work would burgeon in Boston. (The only other destination that makes any sense at all is San Antonio.)
3) When Dikembe Arrives
Probably Cassell will just move to offical assistant coach status from his current unoffical assistant coach position.
4) When Dikembe Arrives #2
It won't bury Big Baby. Somehow, some way, Baby will still play. He's got a great attitude. He's young. Cripes, he's just a kid. Wait until he fills out.
5) Utah
Next stop Jazz. (Utah ...Jazz... that still gets me. What an oxymoron.) Is Deron Williams still hobbled? He gave Rondo fits last year, but if he's not healthy and thriving the Wasatch StanGetz's will be going down!
6) Utah #2
Remember last year the Jazz walloped the Celtics in Boston? I think they were the only West team to win in ye olde TD Bankitybank Center last season. The Celtics surely recall this and will parcel out some vengeance tomorrow night.
7) Cavs
They're good. They're very good. But they're not as magnificent as your Hollingery types are leading you to believe. They are 3-3 vs. top teams. That's .500 and not so impressive.
8) Atlanta
Speaking of the Cavs, they just lost to the Hawks. The Atlanta game on Wednesday scares me a little bit. If the Celtics can win down in GA they have an excellent chance of setting both an all-time franchise winning streak and a new mark for best start to a season by anyone ever.
9) Comcast
How come Cousy isn't welcome any more but nonCeltic Donny Marshall is? Donny's decent. There's nothing wrong with him. He works hard at the job.
The only thing that bothers me is this: Donny if you're listening I don't care about any of the following things: shoes, neckties, shirts, suits, golf and UCONN. I care about the Celtics.
10) Posey
That sneaky SOB! Man was he great to watch. He was grabbing, tugging, slapping and hounding on every play and getting away with it. What a smart devious veteran... and I say that with the utmost love and respect.
Bonus thing)
Antoine? Noooooohhhhhhhh!!!! Bill Walker fills the Walker quota for this franchise.
In the first round of the playoffs it's very clear that the Celtics will face either: Detroit, Miami, New Jersey, Chicago, New York, Toronto, Philadelphia, Milwaukee, or Indiana.
2) Mutombo
He's coming here. it makes too much sense for him not to. He will win a title here. His renowned charity work would burgeon in Boston. (The only other destination that makes any sense at all is San Antonio.)
3) When Dikembe Arrives
Probably Cassell will just move to offical assistant coach status from his current unoffical assistant coach position.
4) When Dikembe Arrives #2
It won't bury Big Baby. Somehow, some way, Baby will still play. He's got a great attitude. He's young. Cripes, he's just a kid. Wait until he fills out.
5) Utah
Next stop Jazz. (Utah ...Jazz... that still gets me. What an oxymoron.) Is Deron Williams still hobbled? He gave Rondo fits last year, but if he's not healthy and thriving the Wasatch StanGetz's will be going down!
6) Utah #2
Remember last year the Jazz walloped the Celtics in Boston? I think they were the only West team to win in ye olde TD Bankitybank Center last season. The Celtics surely recall this and will parcel out some vengeance tomorrow night.
7) Cavs
They're good. They're very good. But they're not as magnificent as your Hollingery types are leading you to believe. They are 3-3 vs. top teams. That's .500 and not so impressive.
8) Atlanta
Speaking of the Cavs, they just lost to the Hawks. The Atlanta game on Wednesday scares me a little bit. If the Celtics can win down in GA they have an excellent chance of setting both an all-time franchise winning streak and a new mark for best start to a season by anyone ever.
9) Comcast
How come Cousy isn't welcome any more but nonCeltic Donny Marshall is? Donny's decent. There's nothing wrong with him. He works hard at the job.
The only thing that bothers me is this: Donny if you're listening I don't care about any of the following things: shoes, neckties, shirts, suits, golf and UCONN. I care about the Celtics.
10) Posey
That sneaky SOB! Man was he great to watch. He was grabbing, tugging, slapping and hounding on every play and getting away with it. What a smart devious veteran... and I say that with the utmost love and respect.
Bonus thing)
Antoine? Noooooohhhhhhhh!!!! Bill Walker fills the Walker quota for this franchise.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
10 quick things
1) Ubuntu
How do you say, "The bench sucks," in Swahili? I mean they don't (at all) but after the KG/Baby incident I'm just asking.
2) Rondo
I confess. On RealGM, I've been Rondobaiting. Is that immoral? It sort of sounds like it is.
I've been going to other boards and politely telling them Rondo's better than their guy. I know it's wrong, but Lord help me, I can't stop.
3) To the people who made fun of Mr. Davis:
I wrote this elsewhere (I'm trying to get up to 10 things quickly because I've got to go to work.):
"Yeah, real men don't show emotion! Real men go on RealGM and whine incessantly about the refs and Kevin Garnett's personality...
(That's why they call it "Real"GM.)"
4) Vecsey
Great line from Peter Vecsey in today's NY Post:
"AFTER visiting the Jose Conseco Fieldhouse tomorrow, the 19-2 Celtics invade our nation's capital Thursday. Given the way they're playing, David Stern has canceled the remainder of the season, called off the playoffs and ordered them to go straight to the White House."
5) Giddens and Walker:
Are playing better in the D-league than Gabe Pruitt ever did. Bill Walker could be contributing to the big squad now if there were adequate minutes for him.
6) Techs
I just read in the papers today that the Celtics lead the league by far in technical fouls. So let me ask you this whiny fans of other teams: If the refs are favoring the Celtics how come they keep T-ing the green guys up?
If anything the refs are mad at the Celtics.
7) Evening Out
Ray's improved because of health and Rondo. Rondo's improved dramatically. Perkins has improved. Garnett and Pierce have gotten some of the load taken off their shoulders. This is a five pronged trouble machine for other teams. The Celtics are really formidable now- even moreso than last year.
8) Big 4
Who's been not only the best point guard in the East but the best player on the Celtics the past few weeks? It's Rondo! Rondo has actually been more important to this team recently than Garnett, Pierce or Allen!!
If he maintains or improves on this level of play, it's the Quality Quartet, the Terrifying Tetrad, yes... The BIG FOUR.
9) O'Bryant
I'm very very patient in making judgements about young big men, but Patrick's not giving me anything to be positive about yet. I'm not giving up hope, but I'm looking for a reason here.
10) Streak
11 in a row. It must be frustrating for Cleveland and LA to win 9 out of 10 and lose ground.
How do you say, "The bench sucks," in Swahili? I mean they don't (at all) but after the KG/Baby incident I'm just asking.
2) Rondo
I confess. On RealGM, I've been Rondobaiting. Is that immoral? It sort of sounds like it is.
I've been going to other boards and politely telling them Rondo's better than their guy. I know it's wrong, but Lord help me, I can't stop.
3) To the people who made fun of Mr. Davis:
I wrote this elsewhere (I'm trying to get up to 10 things quickly because I've got to go to work.):
"Yeah, real men don't show emotion! Real men go on RealGM and whine incessantly about the refs and Kevin Garnett's personality...
(That's why they call it "Real"GM.)"
4) Vecsey
Great line from Peter Vecsey in today's NY Post:
"AFTER visiting the Jose Conseco Fieldhouse tomorrow, the 19-2 Celtics invade our nation's capital Thursday. Given the way they're playing, David Stern has canceled the remainder of the season, called off the playoffs and ordered them to go straight to the White House."
5) Giddens and Walker:
Are playing better in the D-league than Gabe Pruitt ever did. Bill Walker could be contributing to the big squad now if there were adequate minutes for him.
6) Techs
I just read in the papers today that the Celtics lead the league by far in technical fouls. So let me ask you this whiny fans of other teams: If the refs are favoring the Celtics how come they keep T-ing the green guys up?
If anything the refs are mad at the Celtics.
7) Evening Out
Ray's improved because of health and Rondo. Rondo's improved dramatically. Perkins has improved. Garnett and Pierce have gotten some of the load taken off their shoulders. This is a five pronged trouble machine for other teams. The Celtics are really formidable now- even moreso than last year.
8) Big 4
Who's been not only the best point guard in the East but the best player on the Celtics the past few weeks? It's Rondo! Rondo has actually been more important to this team recently than Garnett, Pierce or Allen!!
If he maintains or improves on this level of play, it's the Quality Quartet, the Terrifying Tetrad, yes... The BIG FOUR.
9) O'Bryant
I'm very very patient in making judgements about young big men, but Patrick's not giving me anything to be positive about yet. I'm not giving up hope, but I'm looking for a reason here.
10) Streak
11 in a row. It must be frustrating for Cleveland and LA to win 9 out of 10 and lose ground.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
10 things after 9 straight
1) Pause to Reflect
Are you a little worried about the back up center spot, or back up point, or allocation of minutes to some young guy who you just know would help the team? You think Garnett should be shooting more? You wonder about Rondo's free throw shooting?
Stop. Give it up. Quit worrying. This, right now, is as good as it gets. This as good as you will ever have it.
The Boston Celtics are on a 9 game winning streak. They are defending champions. They are 17-2 and visibly gaining momentum.
You'll never have a more comfortable hoops moment than now. Please pause to enjoy it.
2) Rondo
He of the gargantuan hands has taken a LEAP. He has become an elite passing point guard. You can combine that with his lofty FG%, position leading blocks, numerous steals, shutdown D, mesmerizing speed, and defense shredding driving ability.
For the legion of nonCeltic affiliated Rondo-doubters out there all I have to say is this: If Rajon Rondo was on a mediocre team where he had to shoot a lot instead of on a GREAT team where he wisely makes his teammates better, he'd be scoring 20 a game.
3) Tommy Bashers
Fans of other teams: You don't like Tommy? We don't care. He's our guy. We love the Celtics and Tommy IS the Celtics. I've said this before: If you're hearing Tommy somewhere else in the country you're eavesdropping. The broadcast isn't meant for you!
You criticize him because he's a homer? Well, being a homer is okay with me. Tommy Heinsohn is a homer in the splendid tradition of the great Johnny Most. He's a regional treasure...
4) Refs
...and he gets to complain about the refs. Why? Because of legal precendent from his ref-warring days when he was the best coach in the game. The rest of you- I'm talking to you fans of other teams: When the Celtics kick your favorite franchise's posterior back to the D-league, it's because the Green is BETTER than your squad...
That's it. David Stern didn't do it. The refs certainly didn't do it. Garnett, Pierce, Allen, Rondo, Perkins and the Celtics bench did it.
5) Other Coaches.
And another thing for you opposing fans: Get off your coach's back. What's Sam Mitchell supposed to do with the talent he has and Jermaine O'Neal hobbled? How about Mo Cheeks getting a lumbering Elton Brand to squeeze in with his non-shooting racehorses? Or Don Nelson with his best players injured, young, or gone?
I'll tell you: They're gonna lose some games, maybe a lot of games. These guys are good coaches but just like Doc Rivers when he didn't have the players, they are not going to win big.
6) Summary To This Point For Fans Of Other Teams
Quit complaining about the following: Tommy, refs, David Stern, your own coach, losing to a team with three hall of famers, and quit underestimating Rondo. Please retain some dignity.
7) Great Starts
The Celtics, Cavs and Lakers are off to really impressive starts. But do not discount the emergence of other teams by playoff time. If anyone thinks the Spurs (when healthy) can't play with the best in the game they have short memories and have forgotten San Antonio's every-other-year thing.
8) Devin Harris
Whoa! It's very impressive what the young man is doing. Dallas must be sick over this. Fortunately for Boston, Rondo matches up very well with Harris.
9) Spring Roster
Is the current roster the playoff roster? Last year at this time therre was no PJ Brown. There are rumors the Celtics might pick a player up by midseason: Horry (huh?) Marbury (double huh?) Joe Smith, or maybe even PJ Brown himself.
10) Sam
As far as that goes, Sam Cassell seems very comfortable with his quasi-assistant coach role. He doesn't appear to care about minutes, or even giving up his uniform to bring in someone else. But he got two techs and an ejection last night! I wonder what he said from the bench.
I can see why they kept him around. He's smart and a great team guy.
Are you a little worried about the back up center spot, or back up point, or allocation of minutes to some young guy who you just know would help the team? You think Garnett should be shooting more? You wonder about Rondo's free throw shooting?
Stop. Give it up. Quit worrying. This, right now, is as good as it gets. This as good as you will ever have it.
The Boston Celtics are on a 9 game winning streak. They are defending champions. They are 17-2 and visibly gaining momentum.
You'll never have a more comfortable hoops moment than now. Please pause to enjoy it.
2) Rondo
He of the gargantuan hands has taken a LEAP. He has become an elite passing point guard. You can combine that with his lofty FG%, position leading blocks, numerous steals, shutdown D, mesmerizing speed, and defense shredding driving ability.
For the legion of nonCeltic affiliated Rondo-doubters out there all I have to say is this: If Rajon Rondo was on a mediocre team where he had to shoot a lot instead of on a GREAT team where he wisely makes his teammates better, he'd be scoring 20 a game.
3) Tommy Bashers
Fans of other teams: You don't like Tommy? We don't care. He's our guy. We love the Celtics and Tommy IS the Celtics. I've said this before: If you're hearing Tommy somewhere else in the country you're eavesdropping. The broadcast isn't meant for you!
You criticize him because he's a homer? Well, being a homer is okay with me. Tommy Heinsohn is a homer in the splendid tradition of the great Johnny Most. He's a regional treasure...
4) Refs
...and he gets to complain about the refs. Why? Because of legal precendent from his ref-warring days when he was the best coach in the game. The rest of you- I'm talking to you fans of other teams: When the Celtics kick your favorite franchise's posterior back to the D-league, it's because the Green is BETTER than your squad...
That's it. David Stern didn't do it. The refs certainly didn't do it. Garnett, Pierce, Allen, Rondo, Perkins and the Celtics bench did it.
5) Other Coaches.
And another thing for you opposing fans: Get off your coach's back. What's Sam Mitchell supposed to do with the talent he has and Jermaine O'Neal hobbled? How about Mo Cheeks getting a lumbering Elton Brand to squeeze in with his non-shooting racehorses? Or Don Nelson with his best players injured, young, or gone?
I'll tell you: They're gonna lose some games, maybe a lot of games. These guys are good coaches but just like Doc Rivers when he didn't have the players, they are not going to win big.
6) Summary To This Point For Fans Of Other Teams
Quit complaining about the following: Tommy, refs, David Stern, your own coach, losing to a team with three hall of famers, and quit underestimating Rondo. Please retain some dignity.
7) Great Starts
The Celtics, Cavs and Lakers are off to really impressive starts. But do not discount the emergence of other teams by playoff time. If anyone thinks the Spurs (when healthy) can't play with the best in the game they have short memories and have forgotten San Antonio's every-other-year thing.
8) Devin Harris
Whoa! It's very impressive what the young man is doing. Dallas must be sick over this. Fortunately for Boston, Rondo matches up very well with Harris.
9) Spring Roster
Is the current roster the playoff roster? Last year at this time therre was no PJ Brown. There are rumors the Celtics might pick a player up by midseason: Horry (huh?) Marbury (double huh?) Joe Smith, or maybe even PJ Brown himself.
10) Sam
As far as that goes, Sam Cassell seems very comfortable with his quasi-assistant coach role. He doesn't appear to care about minutes, or even giving up his uniform to bring in someone else. But he got two techs and an ejection last night! I wonder what he said from the bench.
I can see why they kept him around. He's smart and a great team guy.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
10 Things: Champions
1) At Last
What an amazing turnaround. What a season. What a story.
After 22 years the skies have cleared and the sun shines through. In the heavens above the stars are once again in proper alignment. It's been rags to riches and worst to first. It's the type of tale that Hollywood could make into an all-time epic film... that is if Hollywood wasn't so busy licking their wounds from getting steamrolled by the incredible resurgence of the Boston Celtics.
Without reason the Lakers came into the Finals as presumptive favorites. That did not hold. The Western Conference representatives were drowned in a great green tidal wave. In the end it was the Celtics easiest series of the playoffs. This was a thunder clap announcing the return of the Boston Celtics to the place where they once regularly resided- once again on top of the world. Once again champions.
2) The Finals
The Finals themselves were thrilling. Every Celtic win brought with it a very special storyline:
Win #1: The image of Paul Pierce in a wheelchair. The series seemed like it was over before it really even began. The sound bite of Doc in the huddle rallying his players, saying we're the better team, we don't stop playing. Then unexpectedly Pierce bounded out of the tunnel. The crowd erupted like a volcano. You could see Banner 17 in the distance.
Win #2: Leon Powe rebounding, scoring, and just bullying the weaker Laker frontline. LA only added to the drama with a furious 4th quarter comeback. But it fell short. Banner 17 moved closer.
Win #3: After a grinding loss in Los Angeles, the Celtics came out flat while the Lakers blazed. Boston fell 24 points back. It seemed sure that the series would be tied. But Doc Rivers and his players stayed positive and mounted the greatest comeback in Finals history. Essentially the title was decided right there.
Win #4: Adding to their record setting season, Boston just shattered their opponents in the greatest blowout ever in a deciding game.
One or two of those tales would have made for a normal finals. Four makes it an instant legend that will be remembered forever.
3) Doc
In the last few days some stories have come out about Doc Rivers and the little things he's done to motivate his team through the season: You might have watched the Duck Boat parade Thursday. Well apparently early on, Doc rented a Duck boat and took Pierce, Allen and Garnett for a ride, telling them this is what they do for you after you win a title in Boston.
The championship banners you see in the Boston Garden are duplicates. The real ones hang in the Celtics practice facility. Apparently there was an empty space among those banners. Doc Rivers had a spotlight mounted to highlight that void. Then he had the light taped so no one could turn it off and said the light would remain on until a new banner hung there. Day after day, month after month, the light shone on the empty space. Now the banner has been won. The light can be turned off.
Early in preseason Doc introduced the word "ubuntu" to his players. In short: All for one and one for all. They took it to heart. Every man blended into the team.
Doc wouldn't touch the trophy until the Celtics won it.
All these little things added up and ultimately paid off.
(By the way, how much do you think Doc could get for the Gatorade shirt on Ebay?)
4) Regular Season
I've heard more than a few people say regular season games don't mean anything (most of that was from fans of the opposing team trying to convince themselves they could beat the Celtics in the postseason). As it turned out regular season games meant everything, especially in the early rounds of the playoffs.
Here are a few of my favorite regular season moments. They needed every one to earn what turned out to be a precious home court advantage:
Ray Allen's buzzer beater in Toronto, and his even more incredible buzzer beater after a steal in Charlotte.
Rondo dunking over Maxiell in the third regular season Detroit game.
Sweeping the first west coast trip.
Taking the Texas triangle.
Beating San Antonio and Dallas without Kevin Garnett.
But my favorite regular season moment of all was the second Detroit game when Big Baby on the court with seven all stars, took over the game. That knocked the Pistons back. Never again was Boston threatened for best overall record.
5) Never Been Done (or almost never)
24 wins to 66.
Adding players like PJ Brown and Sam Cassell so late in the season and blending them in.
Not having a fixed rotation. This one I love. Everyone has always said you need a fixed rotation, but it was a myth. The Celtics never had one. They really only had six guys -the starters and Posey- who had fixed roles. The rest of the roster was utterly fluid. Doc always said all 12 of his guys could play and all 12 of his guys were always ready, and -hey- he meant it. Guys sat for a week or two, even in the playoffs, then would bounce up rust-free and make a huge shot or grab a crucial rebound.
This alone was an eye opener.
Small ball. Criticized at every turn, a small ball lineup prevailed in the 24 point comeback.
6) Danny
Danny Ainge- unfairly maligned as one of the worst execs in the game for so long, orchestrated this turnaround and this championship. The funny thing is, much of the national media and basketball viewing public still can't see how he did it. They still say he was no good until this past year, not understanding he was slowly and methodically accumulating assets, positioning himself to take advantage of any opportunity that would arise.
And whoa, how he took advantage. In moves that were first bewildering and then quickly breathtaking, Ainge acquired two perfect-fit all stars, followed by just the right role players. The Celtics were transformed from lottery losers to contenders in a matter of weeks.
7) Ownership
Wyc Grousbeck, Steve Pagliuca and the rest of the ownership group were smart, patient, and above all committed. They did what owners have to do: let the basketball guys run the show and fork over the dough. All I can say is thank you. Or actually, THANK YOU! Terrific job.
(You can go out there and proudly tell fans of other franchises: Our rich guys are better than your rich guys.)
8) 22 Years
So long in the wilderness. So much bad luck. So many bad decisions. So much tragedy. We lived in a darkened world as Darren Daye turned to Travis Knight. Larry, Kevin, and Robert retired. Reggie died. Gaston, Pitino and Wallace tried to devour the last of our pride. The team could gain no traction. Tanking proved fruitless as ping pong balls bounced the wrong way. There were small teams, slow teams, young teams, but never great teams.
Until now. Now that's all behind us. The Green is back on top.
9) Legends
In the Finals in Boston when we scanned the sidelines there were virtually no entertainment stars. Real stars were shown: Bill Russell returned and picked up Red Auerbach's mantle as patriarch of the franchise. Of course Tommy was there, and Jo Jo and Hondo and Walton and Max and more. Out there somewhere Cousy was watching, and I'm sure Bird, McHale, Parish, Cowens, Silas, Sam, KC and so many others were too. The living history of the Boston Celtics saw the rebirth; they saw the great and glorious green flame rekindled.
10) Banner 17
I write this last segment with moist eyes. We have all waited so long. The young ones among us have never felt this before. The Boston Celtics are back. They are champions once again.
Next year hungry teams like Los Angeles, Portland, New Orleans, Orlando and Utah will want the title. So will San Antonio, Cleveland, and Detroit. I say to them, you want the title? You know where it is. If you think you can take it, come and try.
The NBA Championship is in Boston, where it belongs.
What an amazing turnaround. What a season. What a story.
After 22 years the skies have cleared and the sun shines through. In the heavens above the stars are once again in proper alignment. It's been rags to riches and worst to first. It's the type of tale that Hollywood could make into an all-time epic film... that is if Hollywood wasn't so busy licking their wounds from getting steamrolled by the incredible resurgence of the Boston Celtics.
Without reason the Lakers came into the Finals as presumptive favorites. That did not hold. The Western Conference representatives were drowned in a great green tidal wave. In the end it was the Celtics easiest series of the playoffs. This was a thunder clap announcing the return of the Boston Celtics to the place where they once regularly resided- once again on top of the world. Once again champions.
2) The Finals
The Finals themselves were thrilling. Every Celtic win brought with it a very special storyline:
Win #1: The image of Paul Pierce in a wheelchair. The series seemed like it was over before it really even began. The sound bite of Doc in the huddle rallying his players, saying we're the better team, we don't stop playing. Then unexpectedly Pierce bounded out of the tunnel. The crowd erupted like a volcano. You could see Banner 17 in the distance.
Win #2: Leon Powe rebounding, scoring, and just bullying the weaker Laker frontline. LA only added to the drama with a furious 4th quarter comeback. But it fell short. Banner 17 moved closer.
Win #3: After a grinding loss in Los Angeles, the Celtics came out flat while the Lakers blazed. Boston fell 24 points back. It seemed sure that the series would be tied. But Doc Rivers and his players stayed positive and mounted the greatest comeback in Finals history. Essentially the title was decided right there.
Win #4: Adding to their record setting season, Boston just shattered their opponents in the greatest blowout ever in a deciding game.
One or two of those tales would have made for a normal finals. Four makes it an instant legend that will be remembered forever.
3) Doc
In the last few days some stories have come out about Doc Rivers and the little things he's done to motivate his team through the season: You might have watched the Duck Boat parade Thursday. Well apparently early on, Doc rented a Duck boat and took Pierce, Allen and Garnett for a ride, telling them this is what they do for you after you win a title in Boston.
The championship banners you see in the Boston Garden are duplicates. The real ones hang in the Celtics practice facility. Apparently there was an empty space among those banners. Doc Rivers had a spotlight mounted to highlight that void. Then he had the light taped so no one could turn it off and said the light would remain on until a new banner hung there. Day after day, month after month, the light shone on the empty space. Now the banner has been won. The light can be turned off.
Early in preseason Doc introduced the word "ubuntu" to his players. In short: All for one and one for all. They took it to heart. Every man blended into the team.
Doc wouldn't touch the trophy until the Celtics won it.
All these little things added up and ultimately paid off.
(By the way, how much do you think Doc could get for the Gatorade shirt on Ebay?)
4) Regular Season
I've heard more than a few people say regular season games don't mean anything (most of that was from fans of the opposing team trying to convince themselves they could beat the Celtics in the postseason). As it turned out regular season games meant everything, especially in the early rounds of the playoffs.
Here are a few of my favorite regular season moments. They needed every one to earn what turned out to be a precious home court advantage:
Ray Allen's buzzer beater in Toronto, and his even more incredible buzzer beater after a steal in Charlotte.
Rondo dunking over Maxiell in the third regular season Detroit game.
Sweeping the first west coast trip.
Taking the Texas triangle.
Beating San Antonio and Dallas without Kevin Garnett.
But my favorite regular season moment of all was the second Detroit game when Big Baby on the court with seven all stars, took over the game. That knocked the Pistons back. Never again was Boston threatened for best overall record.
5) Never Been Done (or almost never)
24 wins to 66.
Adding players like PJ Brown and Sam Cassell so late in the season and blending them in.
Not having a fixed rotation. This one I love. Everyone has always said you need a fixed rotation, but it was a myth. The Celtics never had one. They really only had six guys -the starters and Posey- who had fixed roles. The rest of the roster was utterly fluid. Doc always said all 12 of his guys could play and all 12 of his guys were always ready, and -hey- he meant it. Guys sat for a week or two, even in the playoffs, then would bounce up rust-free and make a huge shot or grab a crucial rebound.
This alone was an eye opener.
Small ball. Criticized at every turn, a small ball lineup prevailed in the 24 point comeback.
6) Danny
Danny Ainge- unfairly maligned as one of the worst execs in the game for so long, orchestrated this turnaround and this championship. The funny thing is, much of the national media and basketball viewing public still can't see how he did it. They still say he was no good until this past year, not understanding he was slowly and methodically accumulating assets, positioning himself to take advantage of any opportunity that would arise.
And whoa, how he took advantage. In moves that were first bewildering and then quickly breathtaking, Ainge acquired two perfect-fit all stars, followed by just the right role players. The Celtics were transformed from lottery losers to contenders in a matter of weeks.
7) Ownership
Wyc Grousbeck, Steve Pagliuca and the rest of the ownership group were smart, patient, and above all committed. They did what owners have to do: let the basketball guys run the show and fork over the dough. All I can say is thank you. Or actually, THANK YOU! Terrific job.
(You can go out there and proudly tell fans of other franchises: Our rich guys are better than your rich guys.)
8) 22 Years
So long in the wilderness. So much bad luck. So many bad decisions. So much tragedy. We lived in a darkened world as Darren Daye turned to Travis Knight. Larry, Kevin, and Robert retired. Reggie died. Gaston, Pitino and Wallace tried to devour the last of our pride. The team could gain no traction. Tanking proved fruitless as ping pong balls bounced the wrong way. There were small teams, slow teams, young teams, but never great teams.
Until now. Now that's all behind us. The Green is back on top.
9) Legends
In the Finals in Boston when we scanned the sidelines there were virtually no entertainment stars. Real stars were shown: Bill Russell returned and picked up Red Auerbach's mantle as patriarch of the franchise. Of course Tommy was there, and Jo Jo and Hondo and Walton and Max and more. Out there somewhere Cousy was watching, and I'm sure Bird, McHale, Parish, Cowens, Silas, Sam, KC and so many others were too. The living history of the Boston Celtics saw the rebirth; they saw the great and glorious green flame rekindled.
10) Banner 17
I write this last segment with moist eyes. We have all waited so long. The young ones among us have never felt this before. The Boston Celtics are back. They are champions once again.
Next year hungry teams like Los Angeles, Portland, New Orleans, Orlando and Utah will want the title. So will San Antonio, Cleveland, and Detroit. I say to them, you want the title? You know where it is. If you think you can take it, come and try.
The NBA Championship is in Boston, where it belongs.
Monday, June 9, 2008
10 Things After Game 2
1) Trick or Treat?
Sunday June 8th, 2008: the scariest Halloween ever. The Lakers made a frightening attempt at egging the TD Banknorth Garden before falling just short of an incredible fourth quarter comeback.
This is what LA does. Remember game 1 of the Western Conference finals? It was similar with the Spurs holding a 20 point lead when Los Angeles took advantage of a suddenly lackadaisical defense and steamed to an enormous triumph.
This time the lead was bigger and later. The Lakers ran out of time. Unlike the Spurs the Celtics held on.
...and the answer is: Treat! (phew)
2) Kareem
Former Milwaukee Buck great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was interviewed on the postgame by Mike Gorman. His take on the LA comeback- It was all about the Celtics. It was not what the Lakers did; it was the Celtics letting up and getting complacent.
Kareem is really smart and right on the mark: The Celtics determined what took place. (LA's offense is too potent to relax. See San Antonio above.)
This is good though. It means the Celtics are in control. If they play their defense it's their series...
3) Lessons
...That is lesson number one.
Lesson number two, learned in the first two rounds: Don't let up on the road.
4) The Best Two Teams
I mentioned this last time- The best two teams in the NBA played in the Eastern Conference finals when Boston faced Detroit. In that series the Celtics regained their awesome road prowess. They went into Motown and took two out of three. So now everybody moves to the west coast.
5) Comfort
It's not Atlanta. It's not Cleveland. It's not Detroit. It's LA, our comfy home away from home! Paul Pierce grew up there. Scalabrine and Pruitt played nearby. Leon Powe is from California. Sam Cassell is a liberated Clipper. Kevin Garnett owns a house in Malibu. The Celtics play very well in the land of tinsel. They're relaxed. It's not foreign territory; the Celtics have familiar couches in that town. They eat home cooked meals. They have old friends and favorite spots. For the purposes of home-versus-road Los Angeles is practically a Boston suburb, the last stop on the green line.
6) Leon
One Golden State Celtic looked particularly fantastic last night. My oh my. What a show by Mr. Powe. His efficiency per minute in Game 2 was probably enough to send John Hollinger into spasms. Absolutely magnificent.
7) 2006 Draft
Were you mad when Danny Ainge traded the 7th pick in the 2006 draft for Sebastian Telfair and Theo Ratliff? I was. As it turns out, I know nothing. Not only did the trade ultimately end up netting Kevin Garnett, look what Danny got in that draft: Rajon Rondo and Leon Powe: 16 assists and the Game 2 hero. That's the 21st and 49th picks.
We all expect Brandon Roy to have a fine career, and thanks to the young man's ping pong acumen the Blazers may stop this budding Lakers-dynasty-on-paper before it starts; but I believe we can safely say this turned out to be a good trade for both teams...
...and 2006 was a very good draft for both teams too.
8) Marcus versus Delonte
Speaking of 16 assists, do you recall the long and intense Marcus Banks vs. Delonte West debate? Well that debate is over. The winner is Rajon Rondo.
9) The Opposite of Ubuntu
Did you see Mr. Bryant scowling at his teammates when they didn't get him the ball in the final critical possession? He should have been mad, but his chronic undercutting of the other Lakers is unhealthy. The same guy who demanded a trade in the off-season just does not seem to support his teammates well when the going gets rocky. He's the antiubuntu.
All for one, as long as the one is him.
10) Game 3
The Celtics did what they had to do.
Game 1 was the epic phoenix flight of Paul Pierce. Celtics win.
Game 2 was the comeback from hell that fell just short. Celtics win.
Now Game 3: Celtics win again.
Sunday June 8th, 2008: the scariest Halloween ever. The Lakers made a frightening attempt at egging the TD Banknorth Garden before falling just short of an incredible fourth quarter comeback.
This is what LA does. Remember game 1 of the Western Conference finals? It was similar with the Spurs holding a 20 point lead when Los Angeles took advantage of a suddenly lackadaisical defense and steamed to an enormous triumph.
This time the lead was bigger and later. The Lakers ran out of time. Unlike the Spurs the Celtics held on.
...and the answer is: Treat! (phew)
2) Kareem
Former Milwaukee Buck great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was interviewed on the postgame by Mike Gorman. His take on the LA comeback- It was all about the Celtics. It was not what the Lakers did; it was the Celtics letting up and getting complacent.
Kareem is really smart and right on the mark: The Celtics determined what took place. (LA's offense is too potent to relax. See San Antonio above.)
This is good though. It means the Celtics are in control. If they play their defense it's their series...
3) Lessons
...That is lesson number one.
Lesson number two, learned in the first two rounds: Don't let up on the road.
4) The Best Two Teams
I mentioned this last time- The best two teams in the NBA played in the Eastern Conference finals when Boston faced Detroit. In that series the Celtics regained their awesome road prowess. They went into Motown and took two out of three. So now everybody moves to the west coast.
5) Comfort
It's not Atlanta. It's not Cleveland. It's not Detroit. It's LA, our comfy home away from home! Paul Pierce grew up there. Scalabrine and Pruitt played nearby. Leon Powe is from California. Sam Cassell is a liberated Clipper. Kevin Garnett owns a house in Malibu. The Celtics play very well in the land of tinsel. They're relaxed. It's not foreign territory; the Celtics have familiar couches in that town. They eat home cooked meals. They have old friends and favorite spots. For the purposes of home-versus-road Los Angeles is practically a Boston suburb, the last stop on the green line.
6) Leon
One Golden State Celtic looked particularly fantastic last night. My oh my. What a show by Mr. Powe. His efficiency per minute in Game 2 was probably enough to send John Hollinger into spasms. Absolutely magnificent.
7) 2006 Draft
Were you mad when Danny Ainge traded the 7th pick in the 2006 draft for Sebastian Telfair and Theo Ratliff? I was. As it turns out, I know nothing. Not only did the trade ultimately end up netting Kevin Garnett, look what Danny got in that draft: Rajon Rondo and Leon Powe: 16 assists and the Game 2 hero. That's the 21st and 49th picks.
We all expect Brandon Roy to have a fine career, and thanks to the young man's ping pong acumen the Blazers may stop this budding Lakers-dynasty-on-paper before it starts; but I believe we can safely say this turned out to be a good trade for both teams...
...and 2006 was a very good draft for both teams too.
8) Marcus versus Delonte
Speaking of 16 assists, do you recall the long and intense Marcus Banks vs. Delonte West debate? Well that debate is over. The winner is Rajon Rondo.
9) The Opposite of Ubuntu
Did you see Mr. Bryant scowling at his teammates when they didn't get him the ball in the final critical possession? He should have been mad, but his chronic undercutting of the other Lakers is unhealthy. The same guy who demanded a trade in the off-season just does not seem to support his teammates well when the going gets rocky. He's the antiubuntu.
All for one, as long as the one is him.
10) Game 3
The Celtics did what they had to do.
Game 1 was the epic phoenix flight of Paul Pierce. Celtics win.
Game 2 was the comeback from hell that fell just short. Celtics win.
Now Game 3: Celtics win again.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
10 Things, Finals Preview
1) LA's Run
Chances are you've heard of the Lakers 12-3 record in the playoffs. No doubt you've also heard that the Celtics went 12-8. Trouble for Boston? Nope.
Atlanta was not the worst team in the playoffs. Denver was, and by far. Whereas the Hawks play furiously on both ends, the Nuggets are the most obscenely indifferent defensive team the NBA has seen since Paul Westhead's one-way-only Nuggets of 90-91. Yes the current Nugs had that fine regular season record, but faced with intense playoff basketball they were pure lottery.
Utah was great this year but any Jazz fan will tell you the Lakers were the one match up they simply could not handle. The Jazz needed to be in the opposite bracket from LA. They could have taken anyone else in the West. Not Los Angeles. The first two rounds were gifts for the SoCal team.
The five game victory over the defending champs was more impressive. Yes the Lakers caught a late game break from the refs. Still, they came back from some huge deficits to arrive at the Finals. It was a very strong showing for them.
2) West
Everyone knows as a whole the West is better than the East. In some corners people are taking the depth of the Western Conference as proof the Lakers just ran off some sort of historical feat. Not true. Do not confuse overall depth with the strength of the top teams. There were seven good teams in the Western playoffs; not one is a top two team on this side of the big river.
For the purposes of degree-of-difficulty, reaching the finals from the East is a greater accomplishment. Why? Because the two best teams in basketball just played and Boston beat Detroit 4-2. The Pistons are better than San Antonio.
3) Level Of Play
Look, the Celtics ran away with the conference. They coasted in, giving lots of play to their bench. By the time the playoffs arrived they had lost a bit of their edge. They beat the Hawks despite playing poorly. They beat the Cavs despite playing only decently. They got their groove back a few games into the Detroit series, and that was that.
4) New Guys
There's another thing: It took some time for PJ Brown to reclaim his legs and game again. PJ seems to be fine now.
On the downside, Sam Cassell still hasn't made the adjustment. We'll see if that costs Boston.
5) Bench
I keep hearing about how great the LA bench is. Really? When did Luke become his Dad and Turiaf become Rodman? I mean they're good but not nearly great. The bench vs bench battle is up for grabs.
6) What Will Win It
Chances are this series comes down to one factor: Can the Lakers shred the best defense in the league the way they did the best defenses in the West? If they can, hats off, they win. But if the Celtics do to Los Angeles what they did to Detroit in the fourth quarter of game 6, what they did to LeBron for much of the Cleveland series, and frankly what they've done to everybody since Estaban Batista was yelling out "ubuntu" in Rome -which is SHUT PEOPLE DOWN- then Boston raises the banner.
7) Heard It Before
Since that game in Rome, through the preseason, before the first game against Washington, and through the whole season, all we've heard is how the Celtics can't win the next one.
They won't be able to play together.
They can't play defense (sheesh).
They haven't won on the road, against this team or that team, faced pressure; advanced in the past, with this coach, with these players; and on and on and on. It's a numbing buzz of nonsense that has not once let up.
Well let me tell you world, and let me tell you LA: THE CELTICS ARE HERE. They're here because they keep winning. They've overcome every obstacle. They've beaten every team. They have the best defense in the game. The Celtics are alive. They're dangerous. They're ready.
8) Frontcourt
Wherever you look, there's an interesting match up in this series. Perkins is playing fantastic ball recently. He's a wildcard.
I imagine defensive assignments will change but if Gasol and KG cover one another, that means Perkins and Odom face off. That prospect is very intriguing. Power vs. finesse. It's a mini contest between two players who've been prone to mistakes in the past. Who imposes their will in this one?
9) Points
In looking at the point guards you only get more questions. Experience against havoc. If Rondo pushes the jets all series long, this will be trouble for Los Angeles.
10) Stars
No need for me to comment much on the marquis guys. There's some great players for both sides in this series. No doubt you've already thought and read more than enough about them.
It's time. Good luck to one side. May the Celtics win.
Chances are you've heard of the Lakers 12-3 record in the playoffs. No doubt you've also heard that the Celtics went 12-8. Trouble for Boston? Nope.
Atlanta was not the worst team in the playoffs. Denver was, and by far. Whereas the Hawks play furiously on both ends, the Nuggets are the most obscenely indifferent defensive team the NBA has seen since Paul Westhead's one-way-only Nuggets of 90-91. Yes the current Nugs had that fine regular season record, but faced with intense playoff basketball they were pure lottery.
Utah was great this year but any Jazz fan will tell you the Lakers were the one match up they simply could not handle. The Jazz needed to be in the opposite bracket from LA. They could have taken anyone else in the West. Not Los Angeles. The first two rounds were gifts for the SoCal team.
The five game victory over the defending champs was more impressive. Yes the Lakers caught a late game break from the refs. Still, they came back from some huge deficits to arrive at the Finals. It was a very strong showing for them.
2) West
Everyone knows as a whole the West is better than the East. In some corners people are taking the depth of the Western Conference as proof the Lakers just ran off some sort of historical feat. Not true. Do not confuse overall depth with the strength of the top teams. There were seven good teams in the Western playoffs; not one is a top two team on this side of the big river.
For the purposes of degree-of-difficulty, reaching the finals from the East is a greater accomplishment. Why? Because the two best teams in basketball just played and Boston beat Detroit 4-2. The Pistons are better than San Antonio.
3) Level Of Play
Look, the Celtics ran away with the conference. They coasted in, giving lots of play to their bench. By the time the playoffs arrived they had lost a bit of their edge. They beat the Hawks despite playing poorly. They beat the Cavs despite playing only decently. They got their groove back a few games into the Detroit series, and that was that.
4) New Guys
There's another thing: It took some time for PJ Brown to reclaim his legs and game again. PJ seems to be fine now.
On the downside, Sam Cassell still hasn't made the adjustment. We'll see if that costs Boston.
5) Bench
I keep hearing about how great the LA bench is. Really? When did Luke become his Dad and Turiaf become Rodman? I mean they're good but not nearly great. The bench vs bench battle is up for grabs.
6) What Will Win It
Chances are this series comes down to one factor: Can the Lakers shred the best defense in the league the way they did the best defenses in the West? If they can, hats off, they win. But if the Celtics do to Los Angeles what they did to Detroit in the fourth quarter of game 6, what they did to LeBron for much of the Cleveland series, and frankly what they've done to everybody since Estaban Batista was yelling out "ubuntu" in Rome -which is SHUT PEOPLE DOWN- then Boston raises the banner.
7) Heard It Before
Since that game in Rome, through the preseason, before the first game against Washington, and through the whole season, all we've heard is how the Celtics can't win the next one.
They won't be able to play together.
They can't play defense (sheesh).
They haven't won on the road, against this team or that team, faced pressure; advanced in the past, with this coach, with these players; and on and on and on. It's a numbing buzz of nonsense that has not once let up.
Well let me tell you world, and let me tell you LA: THE CELTICS ARE HERE. They're here because they keep winning. They've overcome every obstacle. They've beaten every team. They have the best defense in the game. The Celtics are alive. They're dangerous. They're ready.
8) Frontcourt
Wherever you look, there's an interesting match up in this series. Perkins is playing fantastic ball recently. He's a wildcard.
I imagine defensive assignments will change but if Gasol and KG cover one another, that means Perkins and Odom face off. That prospect is very intriguing. Power vs. finesse. It's a mini contest between two players who've been prone to mistakes in the past. Who imposes their will in this one?
9) Points
In looking at the point guards you only get more questions. Experience against havoc. If Rondo pushes the jets all series long, this will be trouble for Los Angeles.
10) Stars
No need for me to comment much on the marquis guys. There's some great players for both sides in this series. No doubt you've already thought and read more than enough about them.
It's time. Good luck to one side. May the Celtics win.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
10 ECF Things
1) Good Start
It was a fine win in game one. But only Celtics fans with serious short term memory loss will find the victory excessively gloat-worthy.
We've been here before against the Hawks and Cavs and the Pistons are better than either of those teams. Though there was a lot to love about Game 1, it was only 1 Game.
2) Chauncey
There are some encouraging signs though. The first and biggest is, whether due to rust or the leg strain Chauncey was off. Shockingly Detroit looked great against Orlando without Mr. Billups. Stuckey filled in admirably and the Pistons rolled.
The Celtics are not Orlando. They are much better defensively and Stuckey (though he is very talented) is a bit inexperienced to handle lead guard under that sort of pressure.
At the beginning of the game when Flip put Rip on Rondo you knew something was not right. If Chauncey remains hampered, Detroit is in for some pain. Rondo's speed becomes devastating if you're limping.
3) Comcast
Hats off to the TV guys at Comcast New England. Their coverage has been nothing short of magnificent. Only a few years ago they used to spend Celtic halftimes talking about the Red Sox and Patriots. Now their pre and postgame shows are wall to wall interviews, press conferences, and insight. Excellent job. I can't compliment them enough.
(By the way I always get a kick out of hearing Celticblog's Justin Poulin ask a postgame question to Doc, Pierce or Garnett. That's so cool.)
4) No Freakin' Freaks
The Cavs are not as good as Detroit but Cleveland does have something the Pistons lack: impossible individual match ups. No matter who you have on your squad, LeBron is an enormous problem and Zydrunas Ilgauskas is just too tall. Detroit clobbers their opponents with poise, precision and a starting five with stingers at every position. They lack impossible people though.
5) Click Your Heels Judy Garland
"There's no place like home." 9-0 now. 0-6 on the road. This oddity ends soon (I think). In Game 1 Boston played like the regular season Celtics for the first time in weeks. With Eddie House in the rotation instead of Sam Cassell the team that had the best road record during the first 82 might just be back.
Let's hope so. No doubt many of us can't keep doing these locked-up Game 5's and 7's without health risks.
6) Sometimes teams win
The internet can be a disturbingly negative place can't it? In many darkened sectors of the virtual world no one ever actually WINS a game. Every loss happens because someone did something wrong. I mean, if everyone plays well and both coaches are brilliant, someone is still going to lose.
7) Along Those Lines
Doc is not alternately brilliant and dumb. He's coaching the same way every game. Sometimes he finds a guy isn't producing and switches to another option. That's the nature of a club with such a deep bench.
8) SA/LA
The West finals are something too. The Duncan swipers vs. the pernicious forces of the netherworld. I know many want a Boston/LA finals. Not me. I want a Boston/Anybody final, but would prefer San Antonio. I just feel unclean watching the Lakers. Plus capturing the holy grail of the 17th banner against Duncan just seems like it was meant to be.
9) How 'Bout Them Bulls?
Wasn't it great not caring about the lottery? After recent years many of us never want to see another ping pong ball as long as we live.
Funny how the conspiracy devotees had every scenario mapped out except Chicago.
10) Game 2
The Pistons are dangerous. They bounced back twice against Philly, but the Sixers won their game with overwhelming intensity, which Detroit then matched.
It might be different this time. The Celtics won the first contest on talent. Detroit can raise their fervor but not their talent level. The Garnett and Pierce match ups will continue to give them serious trouble (and maybe Rondo too). If Ray Allen finds his stroke this series might just be over quickly.
We can only hope.
It was a fine win in game one. But only Celtics fans with serious short term memory loss will find the victory excessively gloat-worthy.
We've been here before against the Hawks and Cavs and the Pistons are better than either of those teams. Though there was a lot to love about Game 1, it was only 1 Game.
2) Chauncey
There are some encouraging signs though. The first and biggest is, whether due to rust or the leg strain Chauncey was off. Shockingly Detroit looked great against Orlando without Mr. Billups. Stuckey filled in admirably and the Pistons rolled.
The Celtics are not Orlando. They are much better defensively and Stuckey (though he is very talented) is a bit inexperienced to handle lead guard under that sort of pressure.
At the beginning of the game when Flip put Rip on Rondo you knew something was not right. If Chauncey remains hampered, Detroit is in for some pain. Rondo's speed becomes devastating if you're limping.
3) Comcast
Hats off to the TV guys at Comcast New England. Their coverage has been nothing short of magnificent. Only a few years ago they used to spend Celtic halftimes talking about the Red Sox and Patriots. Now their pre and postgame shows are wall to wall interviews, press conferences, and insight. Excellent job. I can't compliment them enough.
(By the way I always get a kick out of hearing Celticblog's Justin Poulin ask a postgame question to Doc, Pierce or Garnett. That's so cool.)
4) No Freakin' Freaks
The Cavs are not as good as Detroit but Cleveland does have something the Pistons lack: impossible individual match ups. No matter who you have on your squad, LeBron is an enormous problem and Zydrunas Ilgauskas is just too tall. Detroit clobbers their opponents with poise, precision and a starting five with stingers at every position. They lack impossible people though.
5) Click Your Heels Judy Garland
"There's no place like home." 9-0 now. 0-6 on the road. This oddity ends soon (I think). In Game 1 Boston played like the regular season Celtics for the first time in weeks. With Eddie House in the rotation instead of Sam Cassell the team that had the best road record during the first 82 might just be back.
Let's hope so. No doubt many of us can't keep doing these locked-up Game 5's and 7's without health risks.
6) Sometimes teams win
The internet can be a disturbingly negative place can't it? In many darkened sectors of the virtual world no one ever actually WINS a game. Every loss happens because someone did something wrong. I mean, if everyone plays well and both coaches are brilliant, someone is still going to lose.
7) Along Those Lines
Doc is not alternately brilliant and dumb. He's coaching the same way every game. Sometimes he finds a guy isn't producing and switches to another option. That's the nature of a club with such a deep bench.
8) SA/LA
The West finals are something too. The Duncan swipers vs. the pernicious forces of the netherworld. I know many want a Boston/LA finals. Not me. I want a Boston/Anybody final, but would prefer San Antonio. I just feel unclean watching the Lakers. Plus capturing the holy grail of the 17th banner against Duncan just seems like it was meant to be.
9) How 'Bout Them Bulls?
Wasn't it great not caring about the lottery? After recent years many of us never want to see another ping pong ball as long as we live.
Funny how the conspiracy devotees had every scenario mapped out except Chicago.
10) Game 2
The Pistons are dangerous. They bounced back twice against Philly, but the Sixers won their game with overwhelming intensity, which Detroit then matched.
It might be different this time. The Celtics won the first contest on talent. Detroit can raise their fervor but not their talent level. The Garnett and Pierce match ups will continue to give them serious trouble (and maybe Rondo too). If Ray Allen finds his stroke this series might just be over quickly.
We can only hope.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
10 Things About Road Losses
Frustrating isn't it? The Celtics are 0-5 away from Boston in the playoffs. I have ten theories about why they cannot win a single game on the road.
From least plausible to most plausible:
1) Malevolent Force
Since the 80's there is a great body of evidence supporting the malevolent force theory. The Celtics have been derailed by incompetence, hideous luck, ping pong pox, and tragedy. It's happened so frequently that one can only assume a huge unseen force really has it in for the team.
2) You Did It
You didn't sit in your lucky chair, or wear your sure-win hat, or cross your legs the right way, or your Celtics victory-dog was sleeping the wrong room. You yelled too loud, or not loudly enough. Your friend or co-worker or brother-in-law jinxed them.
Whatever you did, stop doing it. Whatever you didn't do, do it Wednesday night.
3) Karmic Retribution
I wrote a lot about Karma the last few years. (Admittedly I was grasping at straws during some dreadful seasons.)
Anyway the cumulative karma of Celtic-nation must have ebbed below minimally acceptable standards thereby by bringing on terrible vengeance from an unseen yet resplendent host...
4) Hoop Gods
...of hoop gods. Everyone knows the basketball universe is ruled by many gods. Ours is not a monotheistic cosmos.
The hoops gods are notoriously fickle. They greatly appreciate such offerings as making one last lay-up before you leave the court, no-peek free throws, and lofting one through the rim from behind the back-board. Yet even these regular rituals cannot always placate a warring host of hoop lords.
Sometimes they just like smiting things and right now they're smiting the Celtics.
5) Overwhelmed By Dark Forces
Staying on the metaphysical path... Everyone besides us hates the Celtics. They hate us because of the 16 banners. They hate us because of the 66 wins. They hate us because we're so astonishingly dazzingly beautiful. No one hates the Jazz or the Hornets. I think maybe the cosmic ether has been poisoned by all this negative thought.
6) Tony Allen Isn't Playing
He plays hard- often out of control but always hard. The Celtics have been too passive without him.
7) Eddie House Isn't Playing
Eddie has his weaknesses, but the second unit offense did flow a little better when he was in there. Plus he spreads the floor. That might allow a lane for Pierce to drive more.
8) Brian Scalabrine Isn't Playing
If he was, the team would be buoyed by a rising sea of intangibles.
9) The Playoffs Really Are Different
It is not good when all these veteran players are affected by hooting Georgians and Buckeyes. I mean, they had the best road record in the league during the regular season. Now- nothing. Ugh. This is a bad sign for future rounds (should they get past the Cavs).
10) Tight Tight Tight
They're not playing their game. The body language is bad. Garnett isn't acting crazy enough; he's too subdued now. They're all thinking too much as if they're playing together for the first time. No one has taken the climb-on-my-back Cedric Maxwell role. Instead of pushing the ball for easy opportunities, they keep walking it up and letting the defense get set. They keep settling for jumpers instead of slashing and burning inside. Loosen up and play free guys.
In closing let me remind everyone that though the Celtics are 0-5 on the road during these playoffs, they are 6-0 at home. They have homecourt advantage throughout. No one's beaten them yet in Boston, and that's where game 5 will be played.
From least plausible to most plausible:
1) Malevolent Force
Since the 80's there is a great body of evidence supporting the malevolent force theory. The Celtics have been derailed by incompetence, hideous luck, ping pong pox, and tragedy. It's happened so frequently that one can only assume a huge unseen force really has it in for the team.
2) You Did It
You didn't sit in your lucky chair, or wear your sure-win hat, or cross your legs the right way, or your Celtics victory-dog was sleeping the wrong room. You yelled too loud, or not loudly enough. Your friend or co-worker or brother-in-law jinxed them.
Whatever you did, stop doing it. Whatever you didn't do, do it Wednesday night.
3) Karmic Retribution
I wrote a lot about Karma the last few years. (Admittedly I was grasping at straws during some dreadful seasons.)
Anyway the cumulative karma of Celtic-nation must have ebbed below minimally acceptable standards thereby by bringing on terrible vengeance from an unseen yet resplendent host...
4) Hoop Gods
...of hoop gods. Everyone knows the basketball universe is ruled by many gods. Ours is not a monotheistic cosmos.
The hoops gods are notoriously fickle. They greatly appreciate such offerings as making one last lay-up before you leave the court, no-peek free throws, and lofting one through the rim from behind the back-board. Yet even these regular rituals cannot always placate a warring host of hoop lords.
Sometimes they just like smiting things and right now they're smiting the Celtics.
5) Overwhelmed By Dark Forces
Staying on the metaphysical path... Everyone besides us hates the Celtics. They hate us because of the 16 banners. They hate us because of the 66 wins. They hate us because we're so astonishingly dazzingly beautiful. No one hates the Jazz or the Hornets. I think maybe the cosmic ether has been poisoned by all this negative thought.
6) Tony Allen Isn't Playing
He plays hard- often out of control but always hard. The Celtics have been too passive without him.
7) Eddie House Isn't Playing
Eddie has his weaknesses, but the second unit offense did flow a little better when he was in there. Plus he spreads the floor. That might allow a lane for Pierce to drive more.
8) Brian Scalabrine Isn't Playing
If he was, the team would be buoyed by a rising sea of intangibles.
9) The Playoffs Really Are Different
It is not good when all these veteran players are affected by hooting Georgians and Buckeyes. I mean, they had the best road record in the league during the regular season. Now- nothing. Ugh. This is a bad sign for future rounds (should they get past the Cavs).
10) Tight Tight Tight
They're not playing their game. The body language is bad. Garnett isn't acting crazy enough; he's too subdued now. They're all thinking too much as if they're playing together for the first time. No one has taken the climb-on-my-back Cedric Maxwell role. Instead of pushing the ball for easy opportunities, they keep walking it up and letting the defense get set. They keep settling for jumpers instead of slashing and burning inside. Loosen up and play free guys.
In closing let me remind everyone that though the Celtics are 0-5 on the road during these playoffs, they are 6-0 at home. They have homecourt advantage throughout. No one's beaten them yet in Boston, and that's where game 5 will be played.
Friday, May 9, 2008
10 Second Round Things
1) Cassell
Sam did good last night. In fact Sam did good in the first Cleveland game as well.
Still, on the subject of the point guard rotation that did not stop panic and wild accusations from many corners of the great green nation: "Why isn't Eddie House playing!?" "Rondo should play 43 minutes!" "I tell you there's no reason for Sam Cassell to be playing extended minutes!"
From a little nugget of truth --The-offense-is-sometimes-slower-when-Sam-runs-the-show-- came a tsunami of silliness.
Down 10, Mr. Sam with his close personal associates Leon Powe and James Posey, flat out won that game last night. Rondo uncharacteristically struggled early with two turnovers, two shots blocked, and a few missteps on defense.
Cassell entered and saved the day. No Sam, maybe no win.
2) House
Yes it would be pleasant if somehow Eddie House got some time too. The team does maintain the pace more consistently when House is in there. But there are 12 guys who could play and cold numbers determine that some remain seated. Right now those three are House, Big Baby and Tony Allen. Meanwhile Sam Cassell seems to have passed some critical point of cumulative court time where now he's playing on instinct with his new club instead of thinking. Whatever it is the Celtics are up 2-0 and Sam's a big part of it.
Still, Eddie House may yet play a key role in this championship run.
3) 2-0
As far as being up 2-0, haven't we been here before (like last week)? And didn't Detroit lead Cleveland 2-0 last year in the East finals? In other words, game 3 is obviously BIG. I do like the overall match up though. With only one athletic slasher as opposed to the Hawks' 3 or 4, Cleveland could well remain stymied for two more contests.
4) Bulpett
I love Steve Bulpett. He's my favorite Celtics scribe. He writes very well, is funny and has an easy-going personality. When he was interviewed on the postgame last night, I also noticed he slightly resembles Will Farrell. I think Steve could adequately fill in for Will should the comedian ever need an emergency understudy. Hollywood beckons Steve!
5) Ingrained
Every time West and Wally scored last night, I had a weird sensation. I automatically felt like two points should have gone on the board for Boston. Then reality snapped in. Oh yeah they got traded. Last year's team despite the horrific record was very likable.
But I'm sure everyone agrees: this year's team is just slightly preferable.
6) Posey
Whoa. What defense by this man. Key threes. Infectious energy. Posey's been great. I got a nickname for him: How about King James? It hasn't been used anywhere before has it?
7) Chauncey?
Billups tender hammy will spell doom for Detroit if he can't come back. The Pistons win that series with Billups healthy because he just destroys Jameer Nelson. But no Chauncey- no chancy. Nelson comes alive with Billups out. So...
8) Looking Ahead Before I Should
As much as I love the team-wide match up vs. the Cavs, I do not like the same thing (potentially) against Orlando. The Magic have two very tall mobile forwards who are dead-eye from long range. They also have Big Scary Dwight down low. Turkoglu and Lewis take the Celtics forwards way outside. This allows Howard to work alone against Perkins. The whole thing stretches the Celtics too far apart- kind of like tearing fabric. If the Celtics can put away Cleveland and Billups doesn't recover, a Boston/Orlando series will be difficult.
Imagine the new wave of silly-talk that will be generated if Orlando's hitting from outside. it will make the Sam Cassell thing look like nothing.
Regardless, should the Celtics prevail against the Cavs, either Orlando or Detroit will be very tough.
9) Mike and Tommy
Only one more Mike and Tommy game? And only if this series goes to 6 games? Noooooooooo!
10) Road
Lest we forget the Celtics had the best road record in the NBA this season. They faltered in Atlanta. I'm sure they're more aware of that than any of us.
Take game three fellas. Take game three.
Sam did good last night. In fact Sam did good in the first Cleveland game as well.
Still, on the subject of the point guard rotation that did not stop panic and wild accusations from many corners of the great green nation: "Why isn't Eddie House playing!?" "Rondo should play 43 minutes!" "I tell you there's no reason for Sam Cassell to be playing extended minutes!"
From a little nugget of truth --The-offense-is-sometimes-slower-when-Sam-runs-the-show-- came a tsunami of silliness.
Down 10, Mr. Sam with his close personal associates Leon Powe and James Posey, flat out won that game last night. Rondo uncharacteristically struggled early with two turnovers, two shots blocked, and a few missteps on defense.
Cassell entered and saved the day. No Sam, maybe no win.
2) House
Yes it would be pleasant if somehow Eddie House got some time too. The team does maintain the pace more consistently when House is in there. But there are 12 guys who could play and cold numbers determine that some remain seated. Right now those three are House, Big Baby and Tony Allen. Meanwhile Sam Cassell seems to have passed some critical point of cumulative court time where now he's playing on instinct with his new club instead of thinking. Whatever it is the Celtics are up 2-0 and Sam's a big part of it.
Still, Eddie House may yet play a key role in this championship run.
3) 2-0
As far as being up 2-0, haven't we been here before (like last week)? And didn't Detroit lead Cleveland 2-0 last year in the East finals? In other words, game 3 is obviously BIG. I do like the overall match up though. With only one athletic slasher as opposed to the Hawks' 3 or 4, Cleveland could well remain stymied for two more contests.
4) Bulpett
I love Steve Bulpett. He's my favorite Celtics scribe. He writes very well, is funny and has an easy-going personality. When he was interviewed on the postgame last night, I also noticed he slightly resembles Will Farrell. I think Steve could adequately fill in for Will should the comedian ever need an emergency understudy. Hollywood beckons Steve!
5) Ingrained
Every time West and Wally scored last night, I had a weird sensation. I automatically felt like two points should have gone on the board for Boston. Then reality snapped in. Oh yeah they got traded. Last year's team despite the horrific record was very likable.
But I'm sure everyone agrees: this year's team is just slightly preferable.
6) Posey
Whoa. What defense by this man. Key threes. Infectious energy. Posey's been great. I got a nickname for him: How about King James? It hasn't been used anywhere before has it?
7) Chauncey?
Billups tender hammy will spell doom for Detroit if he can't come back. The Pistons win that series with Billups healthy because he just destroys Jameer Nelson. But no Chauncey- no chancy. Nelson comes alive with Billups out. So...
8) Looking Ahead Before I Should
As much as I love the team-wide match up vs. the Cavs, I do not like the same thing (potentially) against Orlando. The Magic have two very tall mobile forwards who are dead-eye from long range. They also have Big Scary Dwight down low. Turkoglu and Lewis take the Celtics forwards way outside. This allows Howard to work alone against Perkins. The whole thing stretches the Celtics too far apart- kind of like tearing fabric. If the Celtics can put away Cleveland and Billups doesn't recover, a Boston/Orlando series will be difficult.
Imagine the new wave of silly-talk that will be generated if Orlando's hitting from outside. it will make the Sam Cassell thing look like nothing.
Regardless, should the Celtics prevail against the Cavs, either Orlando or Detroit will be very tough.
9) Mike and Tommy
Only one more Mike and Tommy game? And only if this series goes to 6 games? Noooooooooo!
10) Road
Lest we forget the Celtics had the best road record in the NBA this season. They faltered in Atlanta. I'm sure they're more aware of that than any of us.
Take game three fellas. Take game three.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
10 Playoff Things
Have you gotten mad at your television set recently? Have you raised your voice to it? Swore at it? Shut it off and left the room only to return moments later to turn it back on and yell at it again?
Did you momentarily (or even permanently) lose your faith in this team's ability to win?
Are you hoarse? Furious? Relieved? Confused? Do you love/hate/love/hate/love what's going on? Did the coach do a great job, then a horrible job, then a great job?
Are you having fun?
Welcome to playoff basketball. It's only the first round.
2) Alphabet Plan
Theoretically this is the optimal way things should go:
A) Atlanta loses to
B) Boston. Who then beats
C) Cleveland and
D) Detroit. Making the Celtics
E) East champions, and taking them to the
F) Finals, which of course they also win.
G) Good, huh?
3) V Is For
Taking a momentary detour: did you know the Hawks Salim Stoudamire is a vegetarian? True.
As it turns out, it's not only for slender bench riding guards. All time NBA first team badass Maurice Lucas was also a vegetarian. (His teammate big Bill Walton was another.) For those too young to remember the champion Blazers of the late 70's, Mr. Lucas was a very scary man.
The following is from Henry Abbot's Truehoop blog on ESPN.com:
"Red Hot and Rollin', that book about the 1977 Portland Trail Blazers, has gotten a lot of play on ESPN.com -- and deservedly so. But there's one great little detail that I just have to add to the mix. It comes from a conversation the book's editor, Matt Love, had with Maurice Lucas: Lucas: I was a vegetarian for my whole career in professional basketball. ... I read a couple really nice books on proper nutrition, eating the proper things, meditation. I was doing a lot of transcendental meditation, and so with that and the food, it all came together and worked. Of course, my mom thought I was crazy, that I had lost my mind.
Love: What did the other guys in the league think about your vegetarianism? That is unheard of today.
Lucas: Well, when I beat them all up they wouldn't say jack."
4) Playoff Realignment?
Nuh-uh.
Remember the good old days when the western part of the United States was filled with rugged self-reliant types like mountain men and range riders? No more. Now whining is the favorite past-time of the formerly great West.
Golden State had a better record than Atlanta. Boo freakin' hoo. In the words of the great Julie London, "Cry me a river."
There cannot be a playoff realignment that breaks up the regional conference apparatus and replaces it with a national 1-16 system.
Why? WHY? You want to know why? I'll tell you why: Let's say hypothetically that New Jersey, New York, Philadelphia, and Portland are all in the playoffs. In the first round Portland plays New Jersey, and New York plays Philly. Both series go seven games. New Jersey and New York both win and meet in the second round...
You want unfair? That's unfair. The Knicks are rested because their travel time between cities was meaningless, while the Nets had to fly cross-country at least four times and are completely exhausted.
My solution: Keep the current system and deport all whiners west of the Mississippi to Los Angeles. They weren't exactly bringing this issue up in the 80's when it worked in their favor, were they?
5) Who Shot the Clock?
Back to the Hawks: Did you become despondent after game three when Atlanta gutted out a win? It's ok. The end result of the series will be the same. Now the Hawks can go home and have a happy restful summer.
You know who else could use some rest? The Atlanta technical staff.
6) Here's What Caused The Problems
The Hawks played with surprising poise and fury, but the cause of the two road losses was that the Celtics lapsed on D. What got them 66 wins and the best record in basketball was their smothering defense. In games 3 and 4 they forgot it. Yes the offense sputtered, but offense always comes and goes. The defense was shockingly bad for the two road games. That in turn was the cause of the spotty offense.
7) Is it Over?
I mean the road maladies and shoddy D. Yes. Of course. At least I believe so. I think they'll come out and win game 6.
...but you never know.
8) How To React If Game 6 Unfolds Like Games 3 and 4
Start by gesturing at your television set. You may sputter something incoherent at first. Next form those indecipherable sounds into real words. Finally, yell very loudly at your television set just like in the other two road games. It will help. You'll feel better and your TV won't care.
Also if recordings of all of us yelling at our TVs could be put together I think it would make a great DVD. Think of it: Hundreds of people one after another, yelling at the refs, the coach, the players, the other players, the scorekeeper, David Stern, the TNT announcers, etc. We could call it Green Rage. It would gross dozens of dollars.
9) Or Else
The Celtics could just go back to winning. Then we could just make believe none of this ever happened. If the Celtics win game 6, I think we should all agree never to speak of this series again.
10) In Closing
My fellow greenhearts, I hope Friday night is a serene and celebratory evening for all of us. I hope you sleep restfully and wake up happy Saturday morning thinking of round 2 match ups.
Did you momentarily (or even permanently) lose your faith in this team's ability to win?
Are you hoarse? Furious? Relieved? Confused? Do you love/hate/love/hate/love what's going on? Did the coach do a great job, then a horrible job, then a great job?
Are you having fun?
Welcome to playoff basketball. It's only the first round.
2) Alphabet Plan
Theoretically this is the optimal way things should go:
A) Atlanta loses to
B) Boston. Who then beats
C) Cleveland and
D) Detroit. Making the Celtics
E) East champions, and taking them to the
F) Finals, which of course they also win.
G) Good, huh?
3) V Is For
Taking a momentary detour: did you know the Hawks Salim Stoudamire is a vegetarian? True.
As it turns out, it's not only for slender bench riding guards. All time NBA first team badass Maurice Lucas was also a vegetarian. (His teammate big Bill Walton was another.) For those too young to remember the champion Blazers of the late 70's, Mr. Lucas was a very scary man.
The following is from Henry Abbot's Truehoop blog on ESPN.com:
"Red Hot and Rollin', that book about the 1977 Portland Trail Blazers, has gotten a lot of play on ESPN.com -- and deservedly so. But there's one great little detail that I just have to add to the mix. It comes from a conversation the book's editor, Matt Love, had with Maurice Lucas: Lucas: I was a vegetarian for my whole career in professional basketball. ... I read a couple really nice books on proper nutrition, eating the proper things, meditation. I was doing a lot of transcendental meditation, and so with that and the food, it all came together and worked. Of course, my mom thought I was crazy, that I had lost my mind.
Love: What did the other guys in the league think about your vegetarianism? That is unheard of today.
Lucas: Well, when I beat them all up they wouldn't say jack."
4) Playoff Realignment?
Nuh-uh.
Remember the good old days when the western part of the United States was filled with rugged self-reliant types like mountain men and range riders? No more. Now whining is the favorite past-time of the formerly great West.
Golden State had a better record than Atlanta. Boo freakin' hoo. In the words of the great Julie London, "Cry me a river."
There cannot be a playoff realignment that breaks up the regional conference apparatus and replaces it with a national 1-16 system.
Why? WHY? You want to know why? I'll tell you why: Let's say hypothetically that New Jersey, New York, Philadelphia, and Portland are all in the playoffs. In the first round Portland plays New Jersey, and New York plays Philly. Both series go seven games. New Jersey and New York both win and meet in the second round...
You want unfair? That's unfair. The Knicks are rested because their travel time between cities was meaningless, while the Nets had to fly cross-country at least four times and are completely exhausted.
My solution: Keep the current system and deport all whiners west of the Mississippi to Los Angeles. They weren't exactly bringing this issue up in the 80's when it worked in their favor, were they?
5) Who Shot the Clock?
Back to the Hawks: Did you become despondent after game three when Atlanta gutted out a win? It's ok. The end result of the series will be the same. Now the Hawks can go home and have a happy restful summer.
You know who else could use some rest? The Atlanta technical staff.
6) Here's What Caused The Problems
The Hawks played with surprising poise and fury, but the cause of the two road losses was that the Celtics lapsed on D. What got them 66 wins and the best record in basketball was their smothering defense. In games 3 and 4 they forgot it. Yes the offense sputtered, but offense always comes and goes. The defense was shockingly bad for the two road games. That in turn was the cause of the spotty offense.
7) Is it Over?
I mean the road maladies and shoddy D. Yes. Of course. At least I believe so. I think they'll come out and win game 6.
...but you never know.
8) How To React If Game 6 Unfolds Like Games 3 and 4
Start by gesturing at your television set. You may sputter something incoherent at first. Next form those indecipherable sounds into real words. Finally, yell very loudly at your television set just like in the other two road games. It will help. You'll feel better and your TV won't care.
Also if recordings of all of us yelling at our TVs could be put together I think it would make a great DVD. Think of it: Hundreds of people one after another, yelling at the refs, the coach, the players, the other players, the scorekeeper, David Stern, the TNT announcers, etc. We could call it Green Rage. It would gross dozens of dollars.
9) Or Else
The Celtics could just go back to winning. Then we could just make believe none of this ever happened. If the Celtics win game 6, I think we should all agree never to speak of this series again.
10) In Closing
My fellow greenhearts, I hope Friday night is a serene and celebratory evening for all of us. I hope you sleep restfully and wake up happy Saturday morning thinking of round 2 match ups.
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