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May 12, 2009
Celtics Proving Something; Learning Some Things
This could be called the "Why I'm Loving These Games When I'm Not Pulling My Hair Out" Series.
Since Kevin Garnett went down with injury, the thought of every NBA pundit and even most Celtic fans was that the Celtics' repeat championship aspirations went with him.
After experiencing the barbarian horde-like pitched battles waged in 11 playoff games with lesser teams in the NBA pantheon, teams that a Garnett-led Celtic team would have dispatched with much greater ease, that view seems to be correct.
A school of Piranhas can consume a luckless cow to the bone in 20 minutes. Ants can feed of carcasses for days. Wolves attack in packs, singling out weaker animals. Much larger injured or weakened elephants become prey for lions. Older lions are challenged by younger lions wanting to take their place.
The Celtics are prime sirloin. If you are going to eat, nothing feels better than taking a bite out of filet mignon. The cocky, self indulgent current champions light up their adversaries eyes like Piranhas or wolves when they have discovered juicy, luscious, limping prey.
It is said to beware of wounded lions. They are more dangerous, more desperate and unpredictable. Are these Celtics wounded lions?
The Celtic story lines of this post season are quite different than those of last years 'Finals or Bust' mantra.
What we have learned first and foremost is that they are not last year's team. Second, this Celtic team is ready to rumble. There are no excuses. There is no whining. There are no pointing to injuries of current or sand bagged players.
In fact, that type of thing was nipped in the bud early on. Doc Rivers, and Glen Davis, in particular, said they didn't want to hear anything more about Kevin Garnett.
Method to the Mindset
You never want to let an opponent get an edge. Any injury is immediately sensed and attacked by enemies.
a) Though some think that Paul Pierce has been playing at less than 100%, Pierce has offered no excuses for his less-than-MVP type play.
b) Rajon Rondo literally says nothing about sprained or swollen ankles.
c) Though obviously in pain, Kendrick Perkins' tender, formerly dislocated shoulder has not even been an issue.
d) Tony Allen's unfortunate personal issues and limited effectiveness aren't even mentioned.
e) A lack of bench production has led to zero finger pointing.
f) Doc's decision to sink or swim with the starting five if he has to, has led to no insurrections or second guessing by his players.
g) Reformed narcissist Stephon Marbury has been Eddie House and Rajon Rondo's biggest cheerleader from the bench.
From the tough precision fighters of last year's title run that landed laser like punches on their opponents, knowing that it was only a matter of time before they buckled and hit the canvas, this team has become more of a street brawler. And far more vulnerable. The punches don't always connect, they are wasting energy at times, flailing away with big round house misses, and are flat out of breath at other times.
But they keep punching. They will bloody and be bloodied.
They still can land a haymaker or two, but they are absorbing far more more punishment themselves. Not coincidentally, it's the defense that has most suffered.
So, as I morphed from animal to boxer analogy, there is a often fine line between seeking prey and being preyed upon.
These limping lions, these formerly highly efficient heavyweight professional boxers, now reduced to brawlers, are making it dangerous for anyone who thinks they are the prey.
You will take this championship from them when you can pry it from their hands.
Things We have Learned
They are proving is that they will play tenaciously hard no matter what. Rajon Rondo, Kendrick Perkins and Glen Davis can play at levels not before seen. Paul Pierce is a confident, yet calming influence, and one cool cucumber. Even when things aren't going well, Ray Allen will find a way to help. Doc will ask the most of those who can do the most.
There are times when the spirit is willing but the body is weak. Secondary heroes have been scarce. The starting five are playing with great heart. For that reason alone, I have absolutely enjoyed this season's playoffs.
I'm not sure where the ride ends with this group. But I have a feeling it may surprise a few people, including a few NBA pundits. But I am a sentimentalist. I always go for the one with the most heart. I'm a believer that is isn't the size of the dog in the fight, it is the size of fight in the dog.
There I go again with another analogy.
The Celtics meet the Magic in Boston tonight for game 5 in a series tied 2-2 after a Glen Davis buzzer beating shot. Again it will be interesting to see who the prey is.
Posted by Tom on May 12, 2009 10:04 AM
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