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October 11, 2008
Pruitt Steals, Shoots, and Leaves...with a Celtic Win.
Gabe Pruitt banked in the winning shot to go with 4 steals, and 8 points on 4-7 shooting.
It was a game of tough defense by both teams, as formerly offensive minded Houston Rocket coach Adelman has bought into defense as the way to an NBA Championship.
In a brief conversation last night with another coach known for his defensive emphasis, Cavalier coach Mike Brown, he said, "(Getting the championship) been that way for 15 years."
Rick was relieved of his long time coaching duties in Sacramento, they say, because he wasn't defensive minded enough. When coach Adelman was told that, his response was, "give me defensive players, if you want me to play defense."
He now has (arguably) defensive player number one in Ron Artest, ironically from his former team, the Kings, and a team that was already defensive minded when he arrived in Houston. It just needed a little of Adelman's offensive genius and player motivation.
Two time Westen Conference Finals winner Adelman has slowly put his stamp on the team. This team is now a legitimate contender for Western Finals. It's two stars, Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady are also a bit fragile.
But the Celtics and Rockets played a competitive game with lots of physical contact and 37 Celtic fouls and 3 technicals called.
Point guard Gabe Pruitt had a solid performance, as did forward/center Glen Davis with 12 points and 6 rebounds. Glen used his weight effectively in keeping Yao out of the middle. The Celtics scored 42 points in the paint to the Rockets 28.
Paul Pierce scored 15 points as the Celtic stars all played between 22-25 minutes. Kevin Garnett had 10 points and 7 rebounds in 22 minutes. Ray Allen added 9 points on 4-8 shooting. Rajon Rondo had 6 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds and a steal in 24 minutes.
Patrick O'Bryant has contributed in three straight games and looks to be solidifying his spot on the team and in the rotation. He is a work-in-progress, but could fill PJ Brown's role, as length off the bench if he continues to improve.
Pruitt did not hurt himself tonight either. Darius Miles was shut out in scoring in 9 minutes and was the only Celtic not to get a foul called on him. But Darius did have a big block of Luis Scola's lay-up attempt with .04 left on the clock, to preserve the victory.
Leon Powe played well with 10 points 4 boards and 2 steals, but fouled out, as he and Big Baby were the Celtic's version of the Bruise Brothers, fouling 11 times between them. Rookie small forward Bill Walker made it a trio with 5 fouls in only 9 minutes. If they take this act on the road, they could all be a big "hit".(ouch)
The Celtics move to 2-1 in the preseason while giving the role players plenty of time this year. Doc will preserve his stars minutes more and will see how things develop for roster spots and and for playing time.
The next game is Tuesday in Cleveland against the Cavaliers again.
Posted by Tom on October 11, 2008 11:56 PM
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