tag:forum.connpost.com,2009:/celticscentral//71 2009-01-05T06:19:10Z Movable Type 3.32 tag:forum.connpost.com,2009:/celticscentral//71.6128 2009-01-05T03:58:41Z 2009-01-05T06:19:10Z

One player talked about the defense... Energy. We are talking, communicating, guys were all over the place. We were very active, rotating, double teaming. We were doing everything coach wrote on the board. The coach he was talking about was...

Tom Energy. We are talking, communicating, guys were all over the place. We were very active, rotating, double teaming. We were doing everything coach wrote on the board. The coach he was talking about was Mike D'Antoni. The team he was talking about were the Knicks. The player was Al Harrington. They just held the Celtics to 88 points total, only 35 in the critical second half on 13 of 44 shooting (29%). They did it with smart, aggressive defense. Role Reversal? In addition to the defense, the Celtics who normally take a modest amount of threes (16 per)took 25 three pointers, while the league's top volume 3 point shooting Knicks (29 per) took only 22. Wilson Chandler dazzled the Celtics with a career high 31 points, while Al Harrington backed him up with 30 more. David Lee had a blue collar double double (14 and 14), playing mostly against Kevin Garnett. The Celtics had but two players in double figures. Tom Thibodeau who? Defensive genius Mike D'Antoni doesn't need you apparently. Paul Pierce was the only real offensive threat for the Cs all night finishing with 31 points, on 10 of 17 shooting with 4 of 6 three pointers. Ray Allen added 16 points on 7 of 18 shooting, but was 0-9 from the arc (2 of 9 overall in the second half). A constantly double teamed Kevin Garnett made exactly one basket and was 1 for 6 shooting for 6 points with 9 rebounds. Kevin blocked 5 shots to help the largely ineffective Celtic defense. His points, attempts, and makes were all season lows. He was kicked, limping and taken out at one point in the game. Just when you think you know what to expect in this league, a game like this happens. Things 'happen" in the NBA just like the commercials say. But this kind of defense by the New York Knicks isn't one of them. They did it before their 4th consecutive sell out crowd, and the starving NY fans enjoyed the New Year's feast. Knick forward/center David Lee said it was the loudest they've been all year. Though it wasn't until the second half that things really clicked for the Knicks, you could see the impact immediately. Kevin Garnett was double teamed as soon as the ball touched his hands. As Al Harrington stated, rotating help defense abounded by the New York team all night. In fact, the Knicks defense looked a lot like the Celtics' does. They doubled and trapped anyone in or near the post and along the blocks. They overloaded the ball side at times, and played with great energy. They usually only left open Celtic non-shooters. Rondo oblidged by shooting 1 for 7, mostly from the outside. Tony Allen was 2 of 9, while Davis actually made 3 of 5 shots. Brian Scalbrine was 1 of 3 on open looks, but did play with the best energy on a lackluster Celtic team. He defended Harrington well, making him miss three straight times in the 4th quarter. In an unusual move, in an effort to stop Rajon Rondo from driving and making lay-ups, the Knicks put lean, quick 6' 11" Jared Jeffies on Rajon Rondo to start the game. It worked quite well. Rondo played just 25 minutes with 3 points and 3 assists and was hardly a factor all night. The surprise was that the Celtics didn't do anything effective in response. Usually when you double Kevin Garnett, the Celtics make you pay with lethal passing. I'd have to go back and look closer, but either they cut off the best passing options or the Knicks forced KG into bad decisions. The Celtics were outplayed and Doc Rivers was apparently out coached in this one. His line up and strategy responses were unusual. His response to the defensive challenge was to play Rondo, Perkins and Garnett well under 30 minutes each, though Pruitt wasn't used until garbage time with a minute left. Perkins was unsually quiet as well with 3 rebounds and 8 points. Perhaps his shoulder was hurting more than he would care to publicize. Shortly after Glen Davis replaced Garnett in the first quarter, Al Harrington came in and torched Glen for 9 first quarter points (4 of 6 shooting) in just under 6 minutes. No adjustment was made. Paint By Numbers The Knicks must be learning their lessons. The Celtics owned the paint the first two games, scoring 50 in the first meeting, then an outrageous 60 points in the last meeting between the two teams. Tonight the Knicks outscored the Celtics 36-32 in the paint The amazing thing is that they played defense like that at all. They run an 'offense first' system. D'Antoni actually left Phoenix because Steve Kerr wanted him to stress defense more. At one point with about 2:30 left in the game, the Celtics had a small ball line up of Garnett, Pierce, Ray Allen Eddie House and Rajon Rondo on the floor against David Lee, Jared Jeffries, Al Harrington, Wilson Chandler and Chris Duhon. After Jefferies cut through the middle to take a simple pass from a doubled Al Harrington for an easy basket with Garnett occupied with Lee to lead 95-86. Doc Rivers called a time out and the Knick fans gave their team a standing ovation. The Celtics came back out with the same unit. Rondo missed a jumper,Ray Allen missed three open jump shots while Eddie House and Rondo grabbed rebounds. Ray fouled Wilson Chandler on a drive and he made the three point play, officially ending the Celtic hopes. Injuries? Besides a late New Year's party, the only thing I can think of is that all three Celtic stars were hurt in this game at one point or another. Ray Allen was landed on by Glen Davis as they both tried to stop a lay-up and block the shot. Ray winced in pain on the floor. Garnett was kicked in the leg and was limping at one point. Pierce banged knees one time and tripped and fell another time with his nose smacking into Jefferies' leg. Slump? Whatver the problem, the Celtics look tired and out of gas. They are 2-4 over their last 6 games. Next up: Charlotte Bobcats away on Tuesday.]]> tag:forum.connpost.com,2009:/celticscentral//71.6122 2009-01-04T05:24:43Z 2009-01-04T05:58:51Z

Just to keep things current.... Stephon Marbury has stated in the New York papers that the Celtics are one of the teams he would consider, but they aren't the only team. Also, no offer can be made 'unless and until'...

Tom one of the teams he would consider, but they aren't the only team. Also, no offer can be made 'unless and until' a buy out is completed from the Knicks. That is not any closer than it was a few weeks ago, it seems. Playing time is reportedly an issue with Stephon. If that is the case, other pastures may look greener for the narcissistic point guard. He would be strictly a back up to Rajon Rondo if he came here. I can't see Doc allowing any other scenario to apply, similar to how the law was laid down with Sam Cassell last year. Though that rule also may be bent a little for a talent like Marbury, in my humble opinion. In the meantime, the Celtics have 2nd year point guard Gabe Pruitt to take a closer look at. He has shown some promise in spot minutes this season. The team could use help at the center position with a legit shot blocker-type. 7' Patrick O'Bryant is the team's work-in-progress, has that skill, and may get more of an opportunity, IF no other option presents itself through trade or free agency, AND he demonstrates to Coach Rivers that he is making enough progress to merit the team's time. (I know. That is a long sentence with many conditions.) Retired Robert Horry is mentioned in some quarters as a viable option for a tall defensive-minded forward who can also stretch the defense with three point shooting range. The hitch here is that Horry and Danny Ainge have had a strained relationship since the days that Ainge coached him. Many remember the 'accidental' throwing of a towel in Ainge's face. Power forward Joe Smith of the Oklahoma City Thunder is a player of interest for the Celtics, but word has been sent by OKC management that there will be no buy out of his contract, thus his acquisition would require a trade. If you really want to expand your mind, Antoine Walker would love to comeback to the Celtics. Latest word is that Miami Heat refugee Mark Blount is not being considered.... at this moment. Yes, it is an interesting set of players out there.]]> tag:forum.connpost.com,2009:/celticscentral//71.6116 2009-01-03T04:33:20Z 2009-01-03T07:32:35Z

This was more like it. Playing the Wizards, the Celts eased on down the road, while the Wiz followed the yellow brick road, falling asleep in the meadow, and making everything else seem hard. After getting beat in their last...

Tom Solid Bench Support It ballooned to 58-34 at the half, with Pierce leading with 17 points. House and Tony Allen had six each by the break. Leon Powe had 6 rebounds in 7 minutes. Glen Davis played well. He hit a jumper, had a rebound, an assist, a steal and a block. In one of his best performances in a while, Davis finished the night with 3 steals and played solid ball at both ends of the court. Pierce led six Celtics in double figures and it was almost eight Celtics in double digits, though the next highest scorers had only eleven points. They were Ray Allen and Eddie House. Garnett, Rondo and Tony Allen all had ten points. Kendrick Perkins was a point short of a double-double with ten rebounds, and three blocks in 27 minutes. Garnett finished with 8 rebounds, 10 points and 3 assists in under 26 minutes. Washington got Caron Butler back from injury, but he only scored 8 points. Antawn Jamison was 6 of 20 for 14 points, as reserve Nick Young led the Wiz with 15 points. With the score 86-55 after three periods, and Washington throwing in the towel, both benches were emptied for the entire 4th quarter. New Year, New Start Boston looked rejuvenated as they sprang from the gate 28-14, and that was with Caron Butler making a desperation 40 footer at the 1st quarter buzzer. Paul Pierce led the way with 13 points on 5 of 5 shooting, including 3 for 3 from beyond the arc. The Green Machine shot a machine-like 12 of 19 for .632% Washington never did recover. Both teams took it to the rack. In a rarity, and because things were already decided, the Wizards out scored the Cs in the paint 48-44. That is somewhat surprising, because Washington finished shooting just .383% for the night. Accounting for a significant amount of points in the paint, the Wizards did have 18 fastbreak points to the Cs 14. Tony Allen was 5 for 7 in his usual, relentless hoop attack. But Tony had a solid all around game with 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and a steal (2 TOs). Ray Allen finished with 11 points, 6 assists, 3 rebounds, a steal and a block (2 TOs), and has made 27 of 28 free throws (1 for 1 in this contest). Garnett's Dressing Down Effective? After getting a chestful of pushing and an earful of face-to-face tough talk from Kevin Garnett in their recent practice, 7' Patrick O'Bryant played a solid 5:38 to end the game, finishing with 4 points, 3 rebounds, including one right over a Wizard who had better position, and one alert assist. Whether this is a sign of things to come from the lanky O'Bryant or a blow out aberration, only time, Doc and Patrick can tell. So, Boston's cage has been rattled with the recent 1-3 road trip to the west coast. But the players seem intent on correcting things, improving, and moving forward. So far, so good. Unusual Stats of the Night Rajon Rondo hit a three point shot. Every Celtic scored at least two points. The Wizards had only 8 turnovers. Next up: Knicks in New York on Sunday. That will have a bit of irony, due to the recent Marbury to the Celtics rumors. I wonder if Marbury will buy a ticket to be in the Garden on that day. Hmm.... ]]> tag:forum.connpost.com,2009:/celticscentral//71.6109 2009-01-02T16:35:12Z 2009-01-04T21:52:05Z

Thank you Marc Stein, Stephon Marbury and Danny Ainge for making me face myself in the mirror. There are situations and events in life to which every person must face a personal examination. Though just a sport, this is one...

Tom his report of the Celtics being the probable destination for the exiled Stephon Marbury. Straight journalism will give you the facts with slightly slanted commentary. Bloggers are hybrids who can go in many opinionated directions. I'm telling you, Marbury has been among the top two on my Un-Wanted Poster for quite a while. The other player is Ron Artest. Marbury is being paid $20 million a year NOT to play with the Knicks. A classic "doesn't get it" player, he has been unable or unwilling to change throughout a tsunami set of career waves. Still, he stands. Currently a player without a team (Exile on Main Street), he said recently that "the team I'm going to, a lot of people will be shocked." When I read that, I thought immediately it is very possible that it is the Boston Celtics. Danny Ainge just thinks that way. Not that Ainge is that unique. Other teams have said to have inquired about Marbury. Danny Ainge, like Warren Buffet, is buying, when others are selling. You couldn't get a better bargain among current available options than what Marbury would have to sign for with the Celtics, around $1-2 mil, I assume. The Bad He often makes teams better..... when he leaves them. He needs the ball in his hands a lot. He runs the shot clock down and gets too large a percentage of his assists only when he can't first make something happen for himself. He's not a good defender. His game, like Allen Iverson's, revolves around himself first. Clutchness? His play-off numbers are significantly lower than his regular season stats, though he has been known to win a game or two along the way. When you have the ball in your hands so much, should that be mention worthy? The Good We hear about a requited Stephon, one who is on record as being very willing to come off the bench on a championship team. We did see him attempt to play better defense last season before his Escape From New York. He has the ability to do so. He wouldn't start on the Celtics. He would be a viable second unit point guard for a unit that lacks exactly what he brings. That unit struggles to get shots, to get shots off and needs a solid penetrating distributor. Starbury's strength is his All Star level ability to dissect the middle even against the NBA trees. Perfect. He would be a starter playing against second unit point guards and second unit defenses. It would be a mismatch every time. He would draw double teams, freeing up our 'slightly short' power forward book-ends, Davis and Powe. Unlike Eddie House, he could bring the ball up against pressure defenses. He would be a viable replacement for Rondo should he get injured or be having a bad game. In the Incredible World of Danny Ainge, sports looks more like life. Many don't know that ..... while Amnesty International was listing Saddam Hussein among its worst offenders, he was our ally against Iran. You say that's an extreme example? Perhaps it is. But....on a team that prides itself on defense and ego-less team play, Danny is about to consider bringing aboard the total antithesis of both. You can say, 'How could a player that averages 8 assists per game, as Marbury has, be selfish?' Let's put it this way, like Detroit's adding of Allen Iverson, the Celtics would be adding a player who probably can't change who he is. Unlike Detroit, he wouldn't be starting. The Celtics could absorb, even embrace Marbury's strengths as he plays deeper in the rotation. It makes all the difference in the world. The idea is that, in the Garnett led Celtic locker room, with right hand men Ray Allen and Paul Pierce, even past indiscretions between Garnett and his former team mate would be assuaged in order to bring a second championship home (Marbury's first). The U.S. became an ally of Russia, in order to defeat Germany. It is reported that Garnett has not vetoed any move to bring Marbury aboard. It would put Sam Cassell into coach mode for the year, I'm guessing. It would move House to a shooting guard. It would not solve the need for another big. Doc Rivers isn't giving up on that according to this Boston.com piece. So, if it happens, it comes down to idealism and relativity. The risk is low, given the situation. If Marbury doesn't fit in, he would be easy to jettison. That similarly could be said for another polarizing figure out there, one Mr. Antoine Walker. My initial thoughts? Though Marbury represents himself in all negotiations and has represented some of the worst traits of basketball over the years, he most likely would be adaptable enough to be of value, perhaps great value, to the Celtics this season. If this is all real, it would behoove Marbury to compromise with Walsh on the few (2 or3) millions dollars said to be in question and bring his negotiations to completion. If that is all that is stopping this, then get it done. It is time. But Walsh might now play hard ball just to delay things. And Marbury just might be more self serving than even I think him to be. The sooner he was able to come to the team, the sooner he could learn its system. That was a hindrance last season for Cassell as it is more important for a point guard than a big. Though I'm sure they would find a way to simplify things to make it work. This is possibly another fortuitous moment in Dany Ainge's career, as Danny has been striking out, left and right in getting another big to come to the Celtics this season. If the Celtic braintrust has discussed this, and I'm sure they have, internal discussions with the Big Three must have gone well enough to proceed. If it goes down, I'm willing to give Marbury a fresh start here. Going back to my initial thought.... I asked myself if I would mind or be happy if he went to the Cavaliers, the Lakers, or Orlando. The final thought is that I would rather have him on the Celtics, as a sub, than on the teams the Celtics would face to get a second title. If he was to be a starter, it would be the other way around. I can't emphasize enough that subtle but profound difference. I actually like how he has intentionally produced a very low priced shoe to sell. See, he is a good guy.....right?]]> tag:forum.connpost.com,2008:/celticscentral//71.6100 2008-12-31T06:01:08Z 2008-12-31T08:03:08Z

The Boston Celtics finally look human again. They are now 28-5...if you want to call that human. Greg Oden was a big factor in this game. So was fatigue. So was the Portland defense generally. A Rematch of the Infamous...

Tom A Rematch of the Infamous Bench Tirade Game This was the team that drew Garnett's anger at the Celtic bench, with an upset Glen Davis removing himself to the end of the bench with a towel over his head, the last time these two teams played. Did it help? Tonight the Portland Bench outscored the Cs by 29 to 9. Keep in mind that Portland's bench is one of the best benches in the league and normally average 35 points a game. That is something I thought should have been considered the last time. The Celtics' bench usually averages 28 points. Second Half Portland Victory Portland outscored the Celtics 51-41 and out rebounded them 23 to 11 in the second half, gaining the lead on a Greg Oden lay-up 63-62 with :57 left in the third quarter. It was their first lead since they lead 9 to 8 in the first. Though the Celtics would challenge, they would never lead again. The Blazers scored the first 6 points of the 4th quarter, four by LaMarcus Aldridge while the Celtics were held to two points for the first 4 minutes of the 4th quarter. Normally this is when the Green Machine would take over. But two things happened: TrailBlazer height and Celtic fatigue. Portland has three bonafide big men and they all contributed to this Celtic loss. Portland used the tandem of 7' 1" Joel Pryzbilla and 7' Greg Oden together for the first time this year according to the Blazers' announcers. It was then, at the end of the third quarter that the Blazers took the lead. Then 6' 11" LaMarcus and Greg played solid defense, with LaMarcus scoring ten of his twenty points in the big fourth quarter while making two huge blocks to keep the Celtics at bay. Steve Blake made some big shots as well, finishing with 21 points (5 of 7 from the arc) on the evening. Paul Pierce led the Celtics with 28 points, but the team made just 12 of 33 (36%) second half shots, as thoughts of a plane trip home danced through their heads. Clearly, the Portland defense rose to the occasion as you could see that especially Greg Oden's presence in the paint affected the Celtic offense. More Numbers Ray Allen had but 12 points, on 2 of 11 shooting, only 2 rebounds and zero assists. Rajon Rondo had 13 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists, 3 steals and 4 turnovers. Kevin Garnett had 17 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists and a block. The Celtic bench scored 9 points. Possibly a still hurting Kendrick Perkins (shoulder) had zero rebounds in twelve second half minutes, and only 6 for the game, with only 7 points in over 36 minutes. But he was needed to defend Oden and Aldridge, as they proved to be too much for Powe and Davis. After starting the year with the league's fastest start at an almost perfect 27-2, the Celtics dropped 3 of 4 on this west coast holiday swing to end 2008 decidely more earthly. This should give all the fans and media types fodder to write articles about. I'll be no different. Slow Collapse The Celtics started very strong and slowly got stuck in the mud as the game went on. By the 4th quarter, it was all they could do to keep competitive. Bear in mind, this was against a team that was missing its leader and leading scorer, Brandon Roy. Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett got things rolling with 8 and 6 first quarter points, winning the opening stanza big: 23-13. By half time the lead was whittled down to 45-40, as Steve Blake stepped up with 13 first half points including 3 of 4 from the arc, and Travis Outlaw added 7 points off the bench. Greg Oden was making his presence felt with 6 points, 5 rebounds and 2 steals. The Celtics were led by Ray Allen and Paul Pierce with 12 points each at the half. Learning Their Lesson After being manhandled by the Celtics in Boston earlier this year, the Blazers came out and immediately established that they were finally going to be the aggressor physically. At one point, Oden pushed Ray Allen into the photographers on a baseline drive. Ray got up a bit upset and the Portland players were energized, enthused and amused by the mild mannered center's show of physicality. After coughing up the ball for 6 first quarter turnovers the Blazers had just one more TO by half time and only 8 more in the game, as they made a concerted effort to not make things easy for the Cs this time. Their overall defense made the Celtics take a number of shots with the clock running down. While Rajon Rondo had 7 assists, the Celtics made only 27 shots, 13 assisted, all night. Bench Challenged Again Eddie House could not get untracked (1 for 5), and while Glen Davis played solid defense at times, drawing a few charges as well, he reacted a bit slow to Greg Oden, allowing him to get the ball too low for him to stop him. Oden finished with 13 points on 5 of 9 shooting and 11 rebounds. The Blazers outplayed the Celtics by twelve points while he was on the floor in what was said to be one of his best efforts this year. Unusual Stat of the Night Leon Powe played 8:34 minutes without a rebound, block or point scored. With Antonio McDyess returning to Detroit, and Dikembe Mutombo returning to Houston, it might be time for the Celtic players to call PJ Brown to talk him out of retirement. If he is staying retired, Danny might want to make a full court press for Joe Smith, before he tries to go back to Cleveland. The options are getting slim for veteran big men with talent. Just thinking out loud. Next up: Washington on January 2nd]]> tag:forum.connpost.com,2008:/celticscentral//71.6091 2008-12-30T18:19:17Z 2008-12-30T19:00:34Z

The Celtics (28-4) want to end their West Coast road trip with a win to even things up 2-2 going home. The Cs looked more like the Green Machine, by administering their 6th most lopsided win in their history, a...

Tom this today on Gabe. Foxsports.com I probably should have mentioned this before..... My friends at Bleacherreport.com in inconjunction with Foxsports.com, have asked me to write commentary on NBA games once a week that will appear on Foxsports NBA home page. A more opinionated style of writing is expected, and one thing I have is opinions, so I thought I might do it for a while. The actual segment is called Court Awareness. Check it out. You have my permission to agree.... or even disagree with my thoughts there. Here's hoping your holiday has been a good one and though it is a busy time of the year, that you are planning some quiet time heading into the new year. P.S. I'm also writing more regularly for CelticsStuffLive on ComcastSports.com, as the new year begins. More on that later. Talk to you after the Celtics/Portland game tonight! ]]> tag:forum.connpost.com,2008:/celticscentral//71.6084 2008-12-29T05:03:47Z 2008-12-29T06:11:44Z

It was that bad. The Celtics won by 45 points and the Kings set a franchise record for fewest field goals made with just 19 (according to the Kings announcers). Neither could either remember the Kings being down by 40...

Tom More Numbers The Celtics finished shooting .519% while the Kings could only manage .279% on 19 of 68 attempts. The Celtics out rebounded the Kings 53 to 31 and out scored them in the paint 40 to 16. Unusual Stat of the Night Sacramento had just one player in double figures and that was John Salmons with but 11 points. Next up: In Portland on Tuesday night]]> tag:forum.connpost.com,2008:/celticscentral//71.6074 2008-12-27T06:19:38Z 2008-12-27T07:15:50Z

The Celtics have the rings, but the Warriors were golden last night. In an unlikely turn of events, the Warriors beat the NBA champs for only their 9th win against 22 losses this season. Stephen Jackson led both teams with...

Tom The Celtics have the rings, but the Warriors were golden last night. In an unlikely turn of events, the Warriors beat the NBA champs for only their 9th win against 22 losses this season. Stephen Jackson led both teams with 28 points, got solid shooting from Marco Belinelli with 22 more, and great bench support from Kenny Azubuike (10 points, 2 blocks) and Rony Turiaf (14 points, 2 blocks) as they stunned the Celtics with a double digit win. Paul Pierce led that Celtics with 21 points on 7 of 11 shooting. Kevin Garnett was second with 14 points and had 3 blocks, but only 4 rebounds. Rajon Rondo almost had a triple double with 11 points, 10 rebounds, and 9 assists. Ray Allen had his lowest output of the year with 7 points. Leon Powe started in place of the injuured Kendrick Perkins, who sat out with a shoulder injury. Leon scored 12 points, with 7 rebounds and 2 blocks in 25 minutes. In a holiday carry over, the Celtics just kept on giving. This time they gave up the ball 23 times, led by Rondo's 7 turnovers, and gave life to the lowly and depleted Warriors. That was all they needed, as they used a 23 to 6 run to start the 4th period to take over the game. They continued to make shots down the stretch and the Celtics looked like they were a bit hungover from their holiday loss to the Lakers. Except for Rondo, they struggled to find energy all night Losing two in a row for the first time since last March, the Celtics looked like they would win this game while conserving energy at the same time. That was until the Warriors took the lead in the 4th quarter on a Stephen Jackson jump shot at 79-78 with 6:03 left in the game. After a Ray Allen offensive foul, Jackson followed that up with a three pointer to give the Warriors a 4 point lad at 82-78. Garnett missed a turnaround jumper, and Belinelli make a bank shot. Rondo then had a runner blocked and Ray Allen fouled out when he jumped into Stephen Jackson shooting a three pointer. Jackson made all three foul shots for the Warriors 13th unanswered points to go up 87-78 with 4:23 left in the game. The shocked Warrior crowd stood for the rest of the game, as Golden State's depleted line-up responded to every Celtic attempt to regain the lead. CJ Watson made two big jumpshots while Rony Turiaf hit 4 four free throws and Jackson added two more to keep the lead away from the Celtics. The Celtics 'fall' to 27-4, as they fight for home court advantage in the play-offs again this year. The Cavs are 25-4 and the Lakers are 24-5. This is developing into a three horse race for pole position in the post season. Next up: Sacramento on Sunday in Sacramento tag:forum.connpost.com,2008:/celticscentral//71.6063 2008-12-26T03:55:45Z 2008-12-26T07:16:51Z

There was no Christmas miracle for the Boston Celtics this year. Their 19 game winning streak and the league's best record to 29 games is over. In a game that the stats tell only part of the story, the Celtics...

Tom Three Pointers From Heaven Lamar Odom made two three pointers and had but eight on the year previously. Even worse, Luke Walton made two three point shots in the contest and only three all year previously. These are not the type of scoring flurries you will see often. Whether it bodes poorly for the Celtic defense, or just fortunate for the Lakers offense, it is an anomaly. Kobe Bryant led both teams with 27 points, 16 in the first half, and Pau Gasol added 20 points, 14 in the second half. Gasol erupted for 7 points in the critical point from 2:48 to 1:28 left in the contest. The Celtics won the battle of the paint 44-34, but again, that number is a bit deceiving, as the Lakers kept the Cs out when they needed to most, down the stretch. The Lakers won a game they needed to, and the Celtics were a bit late in what they tried to do most of the night. The rematch is February 5th in Boston. Dikembe Mutombo is rumored to be signing with the Celtics or Spurs by the New Year. This was a game that highlighted the need for height of the bench behind Perkins. Davis and Powe are excellent at what they do, but it is asking a lot of them to deal with talented 7 footers like Gasol and Bynum. Summary A very competitive game the whole way, if not perfectly played, the Laker win only adds to the league intrigue of who the best team is going forward. Unusual Stats of the Night Kendrick Perkins 34 minutes - 7 rebounds - zero assists - 2 blocks - 8 points Andrew Bynum 35:37 minutes - 7 rebounds - zero assists - 2 blocks - 9 points Next up for Boston: Golden State tonight at 10:30]]> tag:forum.connpost.com,2008:/celticscentral//71.6062 2008-12-25T17:12:23Z 2008-12-25T18:18:09Z

It doesn't get any better than this. Harkening back to the Bird/Magic '80's or Russell/West '60s, the Kobe Bryant Lakers meet the Kevin Garnett Celtics in the year of 2008 today at 5:00 p.m. Most of your presents will have...

Tom It's the Giving Season Last year's MVP against last year's NBA Champion. The offensive machine (leading the NBA in scoring at 107 points per game) of the purple and gold Lakers against the defensive meatgrinder (leading the NBA in field goal defense at 42% pre game) of the green machine called the Celtics. Something will give today. One team will give its fans a great Christmas present and the other team's fans heartburn. They both are expected to give the network a great rating. Ratings for the NBA are up since the re-emergence of this rivalry last season. So far, the Los Angeles team is burning up the league to the tune of a 23-5 record. They have 7' center Andrew Bynum for the whole season this time, and many think that addition will make big difference if these two teams lock in battle for a play-off series again. Like all NBA teams, they simply could not keep the Celtics out of the middle last year. Kobe Bryant admits that today's game is their measuring stick as to how much they have improved. He knows nothing matters unless they can beat the Celtics. This is their first test and first chance to do so since getting blown out in game six, the title clinching game last June. But is even better than that. The Celtics haven't "been asleep in the hay" themselves. The Celtic all star trio of long time Celtic Paul, his new team mates, sharp shooting Ray Allen, and defensive monster Kevin Garnett have gotten even more comfortable together this season. Astoundingly, after that run to the title, the Celtics appear to have improved, if it is possible to improve on a 66-16 season. The Celtics are riding one of NBA's longest winning streaks in its history at 19 straight games and are in the midst of the fastest start ever with two losses at 27-2. This is the best Celtic start in the this storied franchise's history. But the improvement includes the other two members of the Celtic starting five, center Kendrick Perkins and point guard Rajon Rondo. Rondo is rounding out his game and maximizing his abilities on a team with three of the leagues top scorers. His new aggressiveness in driving to the hoop now draws defenders away from the other starters, making it even easier for them to score. He sees the floor so well now, that defenses must respond quickly or be beaten by wide open jump shots. Kendrick Perkins has increased his scoring as a result of making quicker decisions with the ball when he receives it. Any of the starting five must be covered now, unlike last season. If the Celtics have a weakness it would be their bench, and they have been playing well at times this year, too. The Laker's bench has its own problems. Even with their great start, the Lakers have stumbled a bit recently, losing 2 of their last 4 games and needing last second heroics to win two games against lesser teams (Indiana and New York), not that long ago. Many of you will have memories of the Golden Years of the NBA. which decade is "Golden' to you will depend on your age. I'm old enough to include both decades in my memory banks as to those Celtic/Laker rivalries. This feels just like the old times. Both young and old will get a treat watching the competition between these two current teams as they battle for dominance of the league and of each other. This is basketball played at its highest level. If you enjoy basketball, your final gift of the day just might be this game. Sit back and enjoy, lest you be buried with a stake of holly through your heart. Myself? I'll be watching the game at a home full of Laker fans. Keeping in the Christmas spirit, I'll be civilized, but all the better if the Celtics prevail. In any event, have a wonderful holiday, and I hope you can catch this contest. I don't think you will regret it. ]]> tag:forum.connpost.com,2008:/celticscentral//71.6057 2008-12-24T03:41:48Z 2008-12-24T13:48:48Z

After a 22 year dearth of championship level play, the Boston Celtics are on the way to the NBA's most successful 2 year combined run in its history. If you don't get NBA League Pass and are missing these games,...

Tom Chants of Beat LA On top of that, this win sets up a perfect showdown with the arch enemy, 23-5 Lakers on Christmas Day. If the Celtics win that contest, they will have won 20 straight, tieing for the 3rd most consecutive wins in NBA history, at the same time extending the league's fastest start ever with two losses. More important, the Green Machine could plant a seed, make that a boulder, of doubt into the minds of the team they beat so handily in last year's Finals. Near the end of the game, the Boston crowd began a spontaneous chant of "Beat LA!" There could be no better Christmas present than that for Celtic fans with long memories. Can the Celtics come close to last year's phenomenal pace (66 wins) and win another title? It sure looks that way. If so, they will have attained a performance level reserved for discussion of only the very best teams in the league - ever. Unlike Bill Russell, Dave Cowens, and Larry Bird, who were Celtics from their rookie year on, this version of dominance in green is led by transplanted (by trade) Kevin Garnett, a player every bit as unselfish as his predecessors. The Good of the Team KG is averaging 16.3 points a game, his lowest since his rookie season, and 6 points and 3.5 shots less than his last season in Minnesota. Previously a perennial league rebound leader, he is averaging almost 4 rebounds less than he did in Minnesota, as he is asked to concentrate more on defending the high pick and roll and let Kendrick Perkins and others concentrate on rebounding. He had just 4 rebounds in this contest and just one single board a few games ago. He is averaging just 4.75 rebounds in the last four games. What better example than that, that he is the team's leader in everyway you can be? Let there be no doubt. All three stars have sacrificed their games to make this team become the undefendable monster it is still transforming into. Ray Allen stepped back the most last season and Paul Pierce moreso this season. But it is KG leading the "blind to the numbers" attitude that embodies this basketball team. We can only imagine what Paul Pierce and Ray Allen would be truly willing to sacrifice to win without Kevin Garnett aboard. His presence both buoys and anchors the selfless approach that has come to embody this team. His intensity demands no less from every other player on the team. He leads by example, stating right from his Celtic entrance a year ago, that this is Paul Pierce's team. The Champion Boston Celtics encore season is proving to be even better than their first amazing run to the NBA title so far. It's kind of like Babe Ruth hitting 59 home runs one year, then starting out on a pace to beat that. It is that kind of two year run we are watching thus far. No matter what they say publicly, they are, to a man, aware of what they are accomplishing. It is a Doc Rivers driven mind set to play it all down. Doc and the key Celtics know that you don't get a trophy for winning streaks. You don't get a trophy for best record. But you do get home court advantage throughout the play-offs, and that has more meaning now than ever. All eyes will be on the Christmas Day game to see if the Lakers can slow down the team that outplayed them in six games, and demolished them in game #6 for the title last summer. The Celtics have three Hall of Famers, are unselfish, and consistently play some of the best defense the league has seen in years. The Numbers After Rondo and Garnett's 18, Ray Allen added 16 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Paul Pierce supported with 10 points and led with 7 assists. Kendrick Perkins led with 11 rebounds, while adding 8 points, and 2 steals. Eddie House was 3 for 6 from Eddie's house, netting 13 points, with 2 assists and a steal. Gabe Pruitt played well again on both sides of the floor with 4 points, 2 rebounds and 2 assists in just 10 minutes. Not So Unusual Stat of the Game Poor shooting Philly shot 0-11 from the arc, and had 54 points in the paint as a result of returning to their fastbreaking ways (20 fastbreak points to the Celtics' 8) That style of ball, which the roster is better suited for, will again take precedent with Elton Brand out. I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday! I know where I'll be at 5pm on Christmas Day. Watching a prelude of the potential NBA Finals opponents size each other up once again. I hope you will be, too. ]]> tag:forum.connpost.com,2008:/celticscentral//71.6044 2008-12-22T02:08:43Z 2008-12-22T04:49:58Z

Singular glory and re-writing the record book is one Celtic win away. Their next win puts this roster of the Boston Celtics in a class of their own. The 2008-9 version of the Boston Celtics continues to make its case...

Tom Mr. Fantastic Rajon Rondo notched a career high 26 points on 12 of 14 shooting, to go with 5 assists, 6 rebounds and 2 steals. He did it with astonishing finishing ability. Rajon Rondo exploded for 18 points on a perfect 9-9 shooting 3rd quarter. He was a one man wrecking crew and a lay-up clinic, at one point scoring 12 straight Boston points - all of them on aggressive, relentless drives to the hoop. Chris Duhon, Nate Robinson with non-existent Knick team help, were powerless to stop him. He was simply spectacular. It keyed a Boston 12 to 4 spurt to move Boston up 81-67. The Knicks would continue to make runs and got as close as six points with 2:22 of third period at 89-83 on a Tim Thomas lay-up. Where the Game Was Won While it will appear that Rajon Rondo was the difference in the game, it was really the disparity between the bigs on the two teams that was the difference. The Celtics starting guards were actually outscored by their counterparts, Chris Duhon and Quentin Richardson by 49 to 44. Richardson was on fire from the arc early, going 4-6 on many open looks before cooling down to 5 for 9 for the game. Quentin led all scorers with 29 points. Chris Duhon, averaging 11 points on the year, added 20 points on 6 of 9 shooting, with a game high 10 assists, but turned the ball over 6 times. The Celtic trio of Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Kendrick Perkins combined for 41 points to 29 for David Lee, Al Harrington, and Wilson Chandler. The difference was also in shooting efficiency among the bigs. Lee (8-13), Harrington (2-15), Chandler (1-7), and Tim Thomas (2-8) combined for 13 for 44 (.295). Pierce (5-11), Perkins (6-7), Garnett (5-8), Powe (4-8), and Scalabrine (3-4) combined for 23-38 (.605). The Celtics outrebounded the Knicks 47 to 23, with Perkins leading both teams with 12 boards in 29 minutes. They also outscored the Knicks in the paint by 60-34, though the Celtics 22 turnovers kept hope alive for New York. O-Yes and D-Light The Celtics have scored 250 points in their last two games. But they have allowed 213. Both are anomalies for sure. The two games against NY this season against the D'Antoni run and gun Knicks have been triple digit scoring affairs. The Celtics made 12 of 20 three point shots in this game, with Eddie House making 3 of 5, Pierce 3 of 6, and Ray 2 of 5. The Celtics never trailed as they started out 6-0, 13-3 and 24-8. They finished with a 40-21 first quarter lead. But New York nearly duplicated that with a 37 point second quarter and gaining back 11 points, largely against the Celtic reserves again. David Lee opened the 3rd quarter with a driving lay-up to get the Knicks within 6 at 66-60, before Ray Allen hit a three and Richardson scored on a lay up and made the foul shot. At that point, Rajon went into Tasmanian Devil mode and whirled and buzzed around the Knick defenders at will for his ten straight Celtic points. Similar to the last game, the Celtic bench gave up much of the lead in the first half, but played much better in their second half appearance. They combined for 39 points with Tony Allen leading the way with 11 and 5 assists. Tony Allen Eating Bob Cousy Cereal? 5 assists was Tony's season high and it comes on the heels of a 4 assist game, combining for 9 and that is more than Tony had in his previous 9 games total. The Numbers Ray Allen was second on the team with 18 points, 4 assists, 3 rebounds and 3 steals. Paul Pierce added 17 points, 5 assists and had 3 turnovers. Kevin Garnett contributed 12 points, 8 assists, 6 rebounds, 1 steal and had 4 turnovers. Kendrick Perkins bulled his way to a 12 point, 12 rebound night with 4 blocks and 5 turnovers. From the bench, besides Tony Allen, Leon Powe cleared space for 10 points, 5 rebounds and 2 blocks in 17 minutes. Eddie House drilled 3 from long distance for 9 points in almost 18 minutes. Brian Scalabrine added 7 points in 14 plus minutes. Some consideration must be made for New York's porous defense, much like any D'Antoni team must marked on a curve, as it were, regarding offense and defense. Yet Boston came out strong again, took control and never relinquished it. To their credit, the short-handed Knicks made a few strong comeback attempts against a much better and longer team. The Celtics are driving for history and next face a confused and now hurting Philly team as Elton Brand is out with a dislocated shoulder. Philly has been known to play the Celtics tough in the past. Unusual Stat of the Night Eddie House had 6 rebounds on the evening. Except for one other game this year when he had 5, Eddie has not had more than 3 in a game. That other game with 5? Yep. The Knicks. The Celtics are shooting .500 from the arc over the last two games making 22 of 44. ]]> tag:forum.connpost.com,2008:/celticscentral//71.6040 2008-12-21T23:08:42Z 2008-12-21T23:20:19Z

Just announced by the TV announcers. Glen Davis was on his way to the game against the New York Knicks when he was involved in a car accident. He is in the hospital now with possible whiplash and concussion....

Tom Just announced by the TV announcers. Glen Davis was on his way to the game against the New York Knicks when he was involved in a car accident. He is in the hospital now with possible whiplash and concussion. tag:forum.connpost.com,2008:/celticscentral//71.6030 2008-12-20T04:54:46Z 2008-12-20T14:21:34Z

Call it a Holiday Extravaganza. There was a snow storm outside and an avalanche of Green inside, constantly pushed onto the Bulls by Rajon Rondo. 'Tis the season for a holiday classical symphony and the Celtics gave one, led by...

Tom Cs Beat Bulls by 126 -108 The Bulls' defense looked about as good as the Thanksgiving Day turkey's, as the Celtics scored 60 points in the paint and shot almost 60% (.595) from the floor, including 12 of 24 from the three point line. Rajon Rondo did the carving with 15 assists. Ray Allen led both teams with 27 points, and Perkins scored his season high of 25 as they led the feasting, as the Celtics ate the Bulls for dinner for their 17th straight win. Dish, Dunk, Drain Rondo dished 10 assists, Perkins dunked 17 points, and Ray Allen drained 15 at the half. Yet, surprisingly, the Celtics were up only 57-55. What the starters taketh, the bench giveth away. In just about 7 minutes, the Celtics second unit gave back most of a twelve point first quarter lead, and the starters returned to stop the bleeding yet again. The 36 second quarter points might be the most the Celtics have allowed this season. So the starters came out and put up 41 points in the 3rd quarter, a season high, to push the lead up to 16, heading into the final quarter. They led by as many as 22 in the 4th period. Rajon Rondo showed Derrick Rose, the number one pick of this year's draft, what the 21st pick of the draft three years ago could teach him...and it was a lot. Rondo was driving and dishing the ball out like it was Halloween (3rd different holiday reference in one article - an NBA record). He tricked the Bulls defense with his treats to share to his team mates all night. While Perkins and Ray were his favorite targets, everyone got a piece of the Bulls. Another Rondo Gem Every time I think Rajon has his best game of the year, he comes out gives you another game to consider. Rajon was magnificent last night as he completely controlled this game when he was on the floor, yet only scored 4 points. I can't think of another player in the league who can do that, save maybe Jason Kidd. In a form of hoop perfection. with 8 assists in just the first quarter, and feeding Perkins for 9 points, Rondo constantly found Perkins free near the basket for lay-ups or Kendrick would pick and roll to the hoop for some beautiful team play. Ray Allen was the other major recipient, as he came off screens and picks for a team leading 10 first quarter points. Kevin Garnett was busy making three steals, 2 blocks, and sharing the ball for 3 assists in just the first quarter, as well. It looked like it would be an early blow-out. But that thought blew up when the second quarter started and Boston's second unit gave most of it back. The Numbers Kevin Garnett finished with a strong set of board numbers himself, dropping 17 points on 7 of 11 shooting, 4 assists, 4 steals, and 2 blocks and a partridge in a pear tree. Paul Pierce contributed 16 points on 6 of 9 shooting, 6 assists, 4 rebounds, 2 steals, and just 1 TO. Ray Allen's 27 points came on 10 of 18 shooting, including 5 of 9 from the arc, along with 5 assists, and 3 rebounds. Rajon Rondo's virtuoso performance added just 4 points on 2 of 3 shooting, but 15 assists, 5 rebounds (4 offensive), 4 steals and most impressive...just a single turnover, and that happened late in the third quarter. Kendrick Perkins just keeps getting better offensively, finishing (double entendre) with 25 points on an uber efficient 12 of 15 shooting, 8 rebounds, one assist, a block, a steal Unusual Stat of the Night Kevin Garnett had one rebound So....the Celtic starters twice destroyed the Bulls in this game, the second time for good, winning 126-108 in the highest point production of the year for the Green Machine. Even with a generally lackluster bench performance, Doc was able to rest the starters, as, incredibly, they did all this damage in under 30 minutes each, except for Ray who played just 33 minutes. Boston can tie the franchise's 18 game record winning streak against New York on Sunday ]]> tag:forum.connpost.com,2008:/celticscentral//71.6020 2008-12-19T17:46:05Z 2008-12-19T18:41:42Z

With a major snow storm hitting New England, The 24-2 Celtics want to snow the 12-13 Bulls for their 17 straight victory. Their last loss was on Nov 14 against Denver at home. The Celtics are 14-1 at home this...

Tom The Bulls The Bulls were a hard team to predict in the preseason. They have talent up and down the line up, but their 33-49 meltdown last season, plus the injection of an untried head coach in Vinny Del Negro made things hard to foresee. Some might see this team as underperforming considering they were a 49 win team just a few years ago. But they were also a 33 win team last season. Boston saw Chicago in just their second game of the year, winning 96-80. Rookie sensation point guard Derrick Rose has lived up to his #1 overall draft status, averaging 17.6 points and 6.4 assists as he learns the ropes of the pro game since that night. While the team hasn't reached the 49 win capabilities of 2 years ago, they are on pace for a .500 season. There have been strange line-ups alongs the way. The team started the year with all three of the team's three point shooters coming of the bench as solid defending, but poor shooting Thabo Sefolosha was strangely inserted into the starting line up. That would obviously lead to no outside shooters to start games. Spacing seems like it would be an issue, no? Tyrus Thomas took way too many outside shots that in that first game, but Coach Del Negro refused to publicly criticize his enigmatic player. Since then, even the Bulls beat writers have said that is still a quirk in Vinny, to the point of eye rolling (by the reporter) when Del Negro gives some 'blind eye' responses to obvious player missteps. While this team isn't a world beater, they have the talent to be trouble if the Celtics are looking too far ahead to Chrstmas Day against the Lakers. The Celtics The starting five is playing as well or even better than can be expected. Rajon Rondo and Kendrick Perkins have both improved this season, making that unit even harder to defend. Rondo is elevating his play to All Star consideration. Perkins remains the defensive stalwart and has added a bit more offense this season. The problem, if there is one with a team that 24-2 is the bench. Eventually they will have to perform better on a nightly basis or help will be needed. Danny Ainge and Doc Rivers say they are interested in 7'2" Dikembe Mutombo, if he wants to play in Boston for reduced dollars. He would shore up the back up position at center defensively, if he does come to Beantown. Remote chance, but stay tuned. In the meantime, little used, 2nd year point guard Gabe Pruitt played his best game as a pro in the absence of Eddie House, who was away at a family funeral. He scored 8 points, but more important, played solid defense against league stud Deron Williams. That goes far in elevating his status in Doc River's eyes. Boston just has to be careful about focusing on each game, and not over looking their next few opponents. If they don't, they could pick up an "L" they were not planning on. So far, Doc has them properly focused on each game at hand. Tonight should be no difference, but we will get to see how the league's number one pick does against the Celtics irrepressible Rajon Rondo, who is playing the best ball of his career right now. Game time is 7:30]]>