tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75017020474098545272024-03-12T19:39:22.974-07:00The_Mighty_QRonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00058245700585211559noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501702047409854527.post-78895979444484138062010-01-02T21:25:00.000-08:002010-01-02T21:58:51.303-08:002010 is hereSo I guess it is time for my Celtics decade recap.<br /><br />This past decade was certainly eventful. 10 years ago I would have been writing about Pitino's curse, oh wait, I littered the internet expounding on the shortcomings of Rick Pitino.<br /><br />Fortunately, Rick Pitino resigned in Miami on Jan. 3, 2001 right smack dab in the middle of my divorce. Speculation is that he went on to have a good time with Tiger Wood's hiram.<br /><br />The team had horrible talent surrounding Pierce and Walker and had a cheapskate (I mean very Shreeeewwwwwwdddd Businessman) owner. Still Jim O'Brien got the best out of his team and earned a playoff run to the 2002 ECF and got within 6 games of winning the NBA title.<br /><br />The team was thankfully sold to Wyc Grousebeck and Steve Paglicia who hired Danny Ainge to turn this franchise back into a winner. I have already chronicaled the turnaround and now the Celtics are back in the running for championships (as it should be).<br /><br />The team has a nice mixture of veterans and a very good young PG and C to build a future team around. I am optimistic that Glen Davis can be the future PF succeeding Garnett and Wallace.<br /><br />We will have to keep restocking our roster through the draft, free agent signings, and trades. Danny has a proven track record in all three rostering tools.<br /><br />Doc Rivers is a proven NBA coach. You need talent to win in this league. The rest of the NBA is getting a lot better with very few weak sisters (New Jersey and Minnesota come to mind immediately with Philadelphia, Detriot, Golden State, and Washington on the decline). There may be no teams that can win 60 games this year due to moving closer to parity. Even the "mighty" Los Angeles Lakers is finding tough sledding on the road.<br /><br />Look at tonights results: Orlando lost in Chicago<br /> Memphis walloped Phoenix in Phoenix<br /> Charlotte beat Miami in Miami<br /> Oklahoma had their win streak snapped in Milwaukee (just like the Celtics on Saturday night trips into Milwaukee)<br /><br />There is an awful lot of basketball to be played and I think the Celtics will regroup, get healthy, and get on a roll. Minutes from the veterans are getting reduced and we are getting useful stints out of Glen Davis, Tony Allen, Rasheed Wallace, Eddie House, Lester Hudson, and even JR Giddens. I still think that a trade is coming in February for the Celtics. But if parity continues to hold, there may not be that many sellers for Danny to take advantage of.<br /><br />So I will be doing a lot of statistical data collection to see which teams are competing and which teams are rebuilding. January is moving month in the NBA. The Celtics are trying to hang on until they get healthy.<br /><br />RonRonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00058245700585211559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501702047409854527.post-82355139418390670972009-06-28T21:06:00.000-07:002009-06-28T21:15:18.356-07:002009 will be remembered forKevin Garnetts knee injury, nothing more, nothing less. In witnessing the playoffs, don't you think Chicago goes down in 5 games, Orlando in five, and Cleveland gets beat again by Boston.<br /><br />Our pride would not let us lose to the Lakers, I just know it. So our 2nd significant knee injury (the other to Brady) and the opportunity to win two championships was lost.<br /><br />I think the Bruins anf the Red Sox suffered injuries that kept them from performing at their peak. But fear not, the Celtics are still the favorites to come back and win in 2010 provided that Rondo and Ray Allen are not traded. Free Agency will be the key to Celtics success in 09-10.<br /><br />I'll come back and run through the possibilities as I have time to post up.Ronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00058245700585211559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501702047409854527.post-66622483201962123402009-03-06T21:13:00.001-08:002009-03-06T21:17:56.902-08:00Stephon MarburyI have to admit that I was nervous about bringing Stephon Marbury in here because of his checkered past and history of being on losing teams.<br /><br />I was wrong.<br /><br />However, I remain concerned about his ability to defend and getting his timing down to help the Celtics. He is making the effort to play team ball and work on the defensive end and that is all I can ask for.<br /><br />Welcome to Boston, Stephon.Ronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00058245700585211559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501702047409854527.post-88273127094025348142008-06-30T20:50:00.000-07:002008-06-30T22:05:58.132-07:00We finally won our championship!!!The first since internet blogging media era was developed.<br /><br />A lot of hard work went into making this 2008 Celtics Championship possible. 8 years ago at the hieght of the Pitino dark ages, this was not thought to be possible. The owner, Paul "Thanksdad" Ga$ton was in it to make money for himself and to screw the loyal Celtics fans. He would not exceed the salary cap let alone (god forbid) pay a luxery tax. But he was not a shrewd businessman because he paid out some god awful contracts to god awful players recruited by god awful management. Honestly, go back and reread chapter two of Larry Bird's "On Playing and Coaching the Game I Love" on his experience with Ga$ton and More Losses Carr.<br /><br />First Ga$ton had to sell the team. He sold it to a dedicated Celtics fan with a lot of money (or more possibly access to a lot of money). His name was Wyc Grousebeck. His managing partner Steve Paglicia knew Danny Ainge and hired him as basketball GM. He made Red Auerbach president again (that was taken away by Pitino). A good first step, but the Celtics lacked the talent needed to become a championship contender. Plus they had no cap room and an albatross of a contract with Vin Baker. Antione Walker was the ringleader of this outfit but he really was nothing special. He was a rah rah competitor type. Danny traded him off to Dallas a draft pick, Raef LaFrentz, Jiri Welsch, Chris Mills (expiring contract). Danny traded Eric Williams and Milt Palacio for Ricky Davis and drove Jim O'Brien to resign. Mark Blount had a career 40 games to lead the 36-46 juggernaut Celtics into the 8th seed and 4 game ass-kicking by Indiana. John Carroll's NBA coaching career was over.<br /><br />Enter Doc Rivers. Ainge was a brilliant drafter - Al Jefferson, Gerald Green, Kendrick Perkins, Tony Allen, Delonte West, Ryan Gomes, Leon Powe, to go along with RD, Blount, and Pierce. Ainge traded Mihm and one other to the Lakers for Gary Payton (last year of contract). Walker, somehow came back to Boston, after not fitting in with Dallas and Atlanta (gee I wonder why). We were all set to make a run at the finals, right? Wrong, our nemesis Indiana won again with a game 7 waxing on our HC.<br /><br />In 2006, the Celtics couldn't get anything going with Blount, RD, Pierce, West, and Jefferson (out of shape and injured much of the season). RD, Blount, Justin Reed got traded to Minnesota for Wally Baby. That didn't help in the standings but Doc's sanity was saved.<br /><br />Things had to get better in 2007, Right????? Well the Celtics lost 350 man games to injury and the season was completely lost. The Celtics were playing for lottery balls and the right to draft Greg Oden or Kevin Durant. Surely in 2007 we would have one of the first two picks right????<br />Well the draft lottery was on May 22, 2007 which was my ex-wifes 50th birthday and she grew up in Portland. My three daughters were born in Seattle. So I knew the Celtics were going to get shafted and get the worst possible pick at 5 and have to draft the Chinese Nowitzki (Chinese Jerome Moiso???). Paul Pierce would get traded and lead his new team to championship, CORRECT?????<br /><br />And, then Delonte, Wally, and #5 went to Seattle for Ray Allen and BBD on draft night. And a month later on our 5th anniversary get away, the Celtics traded Al J, GG, Gomes, Theo Ratliffe's contract, and god knows every draft pick until 2015 to Minnesota for Kevin Garnett.<br /><br />Now I felt like I was at least back in the game. Posey, House, PJ Brown, Sam Cassall, and Pollard walked through that door. Rondo and Perkins became vital starters. Tony Allen, BBD, and Powe all played important roles. The Celtics went from a very poor 24 win team to the Route 66 team with the number one seed.<br /><br />The playoffs proved to be difficult endeavor with a bad matchup in the 1st round against Atlanta who managed to hold HC three times but were not competive in Boston. Cleveland, though, gave Boston a fantastic match where Paul Pierce had the defining moment of his career in Game 7 that brought back memories of that Bird - Dominique show down 20 years earlier. As Boston led by one point in the final minute, there was a jump ball between Perkins and Z. Z had the tip and tapped it toward James when Pierce knocked it away and promptly dove after that ball and clutched in a crowd of Cleveland white shirts. There was The Moment of Truth! I thought this game could have decided the 2008 and I was right. Detriot, was a solid team all year and the past six really if you think about it. But between Ray Allen, KG, and Pierce, Boston wore them down and closed out with a major 4th Qtr beat down in Mo-town.......<br /><br />Then it was on to the Los Angelos Lakers and that CBS song of spring of 20 years ago kept running through my head bringing back those famous Bird and Magic matchups. It was our obligation to deny Phil Jackson is 10th title as HC and preserve Red Auerbach's legacy. I felt the Lakers were not as strong defensively as what we already had faced. After that Game 2 scare, the Game 3 loss, and starting out in that 45-21 hole in Game 4 (during which there was a tornado warning in my area and reports of a brief touchdown five miles from home), I felt Red Auerbach get very angry as the rain, hail, and wind fell. Well, the Celtics came back to win 96-91 in the Tornadic Comeback Classic and I got to my luck TV set at Larry Bud's Tavern. Finally four nights later, I did my old 1980's ritual of eating a Super Bird at Denny's, hitting a large bucket of golf balls at the driving range, and then going up to Larry Buds for the clincher. I think I had the Victory Cigar in my mouth with four minutes left in the game.<br /><br />So after twenty two years, which in my case is almost 1/2 a lifetime ago, the Celtics fans finally get their championship they long deserve. Congratulations to us for all the poor decisions, poor luck, and poor refereeing that was seemingly directed by David Stern to screw the Celtics. And the Curse of Len Bias got tamed after only 22 years.Ronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00058245700585211559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501702047409854527.post-88756189788497701622008-05-20T20:42:00.000-07:002008-05-20T21:00:26.630-07:00KG is not clutch?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!!!!Bill Simmons wrote for ESPN:<br /><br />"It also wasn't a surprise. Garnett's crunch-time woes have been the dirty little secret of this storybook Celtics season. Sure, he saved the franchise and made the C's relevant again. He's also the reason they might not win the 2008 championship. Put simply, Garnett shrinks from pressure more times than he comes through. The NBA is a simple league to figure out: In a playoff series, the best player prevails unless his supporting cast is significantly inferior to the other team's. So when Boston's best player can't dominate close games against a quality opponent … um, that's a problem."<br /><br />Well, lets explore that topic further. On Sunday, it was a moment of Truth. Paul Pierce was the man for Boston standing up to Lebron James, who has chance to be the greatest basketball player in NBA history. That was Pierce's biggest victory of his career (much bigger than that game 5 victory against Philadelphia in 2002 when he went off for 49 that night). So it was Pierce who stood out. My guess is that Garnett on Sunday deferred to Pierce and just support him on defense, rebounding, and passing. Garnett scored enough to keep the defenses honest.<br /><br />Tonight, in Game 1 of the ECF, Garnett was the leading scorer and Sheed could do nothing about it. And in the 4th qtr, it was Garnett to Perkins and Garnett to Rondo for two critical Boston baskets to hold off Detriot. So Garnett is more effective as a FACILITATOR for the Celtics because he trusts his teammates. I think Simmons did not do his homework on Garnett in the playoffs and based his conclusions on a couple of poor performances in Atlanta and Cleveland.<br /><br />If we want to question anybody here, it must be Ray Allen who really is in poor form right now.Ronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00058245700585211559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501702047409854527.post-75103389590562076972008-04-28T20:13:00.000-07:002008-04-28T20:33:19.285-07:00No excuses for this!!!!Celtics have gone south on us again by poor shooting and lack of athletism. The Celtics are having a lot of trouble matching the Hawks energy level on the road and they are not making shots, not finishing at the rim and not getting much in the way of coaching adjustments in stopping Joe Johnson or Josh Childress.<br /><br />A lot must change or this series will be lost and then ........ well I do not want to go there, period.<br /><br />Can the Celtics respond to the Hawks apparent superior athleticism and confidence? Even if the Celtics win Game 5 Wednesday, this series will be far from over. I'm sure that Garnett and Ray Allen did not sign up with Boston to lose the 1st round of the playoffs.<br /><br />I think Coach Doc is a fine coach (a radical change in opinion for those of you who know me and bother to read my diary) but he must be feeling a bit snake bit when it comes to playoff basketball. <br /><br />I hope Perkins doesn't get a suspension for stepping on the court during the Za Za - KG altercation. That would force Baby and PJ to play more. <br /><br />In fairness, the Celtics played better but had trouble making shots for two critical stretches and once again Atlanta made their shots. The 4th quarter was awful for Boston. A ten point lead turned into another horrible set back. Celtics simply lacked good plays on both ends of the court and this does not bode well for future series. Again, I have to wonder what is going on here and what is holding the Celtics back from breaking through on the road. Are they mentally soft? I don't believe so because they won three straight games in Texas. I think Doc is having trouble with adjustments or it is something worse - the Celtics are not in good health and nobody bothered to the media.<br /><br />I'm confused and worried now.Ronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00058245700585211559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501702047409854527.post-64184761083956518752008-04-26T21:19:00.000-07:002008-04-26T21:36:41.259-07:00What was that?????OK, I have been hearing that the Celtics have been a bit sloppy the past month and perhaps tonight it caught up with them. Atlanta flat out kicked our ass tonight and that is really all that needs to be said here.<br /><br />As I said on CSL postgame tonight, the Celtics were not much good in any phase of the game. They did not guard the perimeter, they did not hustle back on defense, they did not share the ball on offense (at least not as well as Atlanta), they shot the ball very poorly, they played passively, were smaller and slower than the Hawks.<br /><br />Doc was very upset with the Celtics tonight and for good reason. More importantly, he must make some adjustments..... and perhaps plan to use Posey, House, Powe and BBD as the 4 backups. Heck I would use Tony Allen over Sam Cassell for defensive pressure.<br /><br />The Celtics appeared to never get untracked in the 2nd half. Perhaps the delay due to the clocks threw them off for the night. I had hoped for a 4 game finish to save energy for the later rounds. But this cluster foul-up of a game might be the bad game the Celtics needed to get them going again and play at the Texas road trip level again.<br /><br />Congratulations to Atlanta, and it sucks to be you Monday and Wednesday. Bye Bye and thanks for letting me vent tonight JB, Jughead, and Duke.Ronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00058245700585211559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501702047409854527.post-63599794703930536252008-04-23T21:25:00.000-07:002008-04-23T21:56:06.631-07:00Games One and Two vs AtlantaBoston has taken care of business at the TD Banknorth so far. They are clearly superior to the Atlanta Hawks at every position. Atlanta tries to hang in there by being physical helping to disrupt the Celtics. That foul in the 1st qtr by Josh Smith on Paul Pierce was BUSH LEAGUE. That should have been an F1 foul. The Celtics continued to punish the Hawks at both ends of the court in all phases of the game.<br /><br />Tonight, Bibby was wirebrushed hard by the Celtics fans and deservedly so. He is being thoroughly outplayed by 2nd year sensation Rajon Rondo who is a rapidly rising star in this league. Atlanta was better off with Acie Law IV running the point. Perhaps Coach Woodson should consider starting Acie Law IV in Games 3 and 4.<br /><br />The Hawks have athletic forwards - Josh Smith and Al Horford and a nice SG in Joe Johnson in their SL. They have Zaza Pachulia coming off the bench who can be effective. Perhaps they can give the Celtics trouble in Atlanta but I sincerely doubt they will win a game and make it back to Boston for a game Five. Atlanta pretty much brought everything they had to the table to try to win the game and snatch HCA from the Celtics. The NBA playoffs tell you what kind of team you have. Boston is clearly better in talent, experience, desire, and in poise than Atlanta. Atlanta is a nice team for the future but they should consider trading Mike Bibby this offseason. <br /><br />The Celtics are doing a great job at hustling and giving up few easy baskets or even uncontested jump shots. Basically, this was a low stress game from the middle of the third quarter and on. I don't even think the lead was ever below 15 in the final frame. After Saturday's game, I will probably talk about the same thing as tonight. I notice there is less to talk about when the Celtics meet expectations and play well in accomplishing their goals. This is the playoffs and that means one game at a time and this blog will cover each game until a 17th Championship is won.Ronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00058245700585211559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501702047409854527.post-17376377876885002572008-04-05T12:33:00.000-07:002008-04-05T13:01:45.537-07:00Exhibition Season II is hereThe Celtics have gotten to the 60 win plateau for the first time since 1986, I believe. Everytime they get to 60 wins, they win the championship with the exception of 1973 when Havlicek seperated his shoulder against the Knicks. I don't see this team losing either of the 1st two rounds. In fact, I see them going 4-0, 4-0 against the likes of Atlanta and Philly/Cleveland/Washington. Detriot in the third round is when the playoffs get interesting for Boston but I think the Celtics are a better team than Detriot. That leaves the finals with the Western Conference survivor. And Boston has beaten everyone at least once rather badly so they would have the psychological advantage in a potential NBA finals.<br /><br />The next two weeks of the NBA season will be spent getting confidence going with Sam Cassell and PJ Brown and Doc Rivers will establish a nine man rotation. Tony Allen will be getting more PT to see if he has anything to offer. He was a gifted athlete but his knee injuries have caused him to lose confidence on drives to the basket. He can get after it on the defensive end pretty good and makes some good passes off his drives. He makes too many dumb turnovers.<br /><br />My best guess is the Celtics will lose against Charlotte and Milwaukee and win the last five games to get to 65 wins and HCA throughout the 2008 playoffs. Doc Rivers will then get his 1st playoff series win (and his 2nd, 3rd, and hopefully 4th) this year.<br /><br />I guess Doc Rivers has shut this critic up for a long while.Ronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00058245700585211559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501702047409854527.post-69564350922397672962008-03-26T19:51:00.000-07:002008-03-26T20:25:40.084-07:00Celtics send a message to Phoenix tonightBy administering a twenty point second half beatdown, the Celtics took to Phoenix all over the court by making all the hustle plays that were not made in those 4th qtrs of the last two games.<br /><br />The Celtics must continue this high level of energy and I think they will be successful at bringing home the long awaited 17th title. I would like nothing better than to do it in Phoenix, the city that denied the Patriots their undefeated season. If I can't be in the Phoenix arena, then I would like to be at the Vine Tavern, drinking a Sammy's and smoking a Red Auerbach victory cigar afterward to bring joy to the Patriots fans who were so cruelly denied a 4th Super Bowl.<br /><br />That and winning it for the Sonics fans who unfortunately are going to lose their team to Oklahoma City. Might as well root for a fellow green team and for Ray Allen as well. I certainly have a lot to be thankful to Seattle for.<br /><br />I also want to win this as a big FU to David Stern who has systematically screwed the Celtics time and again since the 1980's. We know what these friggin New York lawyers are all about. We know the lottery is fixed. Well David Stern, Ole Red will get his revenge on or about Father's Day, 2008. Puff Puff Puff to you David Stern.<br /><br />I hope we stick it to Phoenix, but doing it in front of Jack Nicholson, who can't handle the truth would be a hoot. Or go into San ANtonio and reverse the curse of Tim Duncan.<br /><br />What about that work by KG against Amare tonight!!!!! Wasn't that special???? If you missed it, watch SC three times. ANd buy the victory CD at the end of the season.<br /><br />How about that hustle by Powe and BBD, making Shaq look old and slow. And hats off to Perkins for standing strong and taking advantage of his opportunities.<br /><br />Datoni loses his composure when things don't go his way, and he looked thoroughly lost trying to make adjustments to the Celtics on slaughts early in the 4th.<br /><br />For Phoenix, Amare Stoudemire is the face of the franchise along with Steve Nash and their pick and roll type games broke down the Celtics for a while in the 2nd qtr to a 62% FG by halftime yet the game was tied 57-57. Then came the 60-40 beatdown so this little slump of back to back lousy 4th quarters ended quickly.<br /><br />Oh and the Lepracahn has sliced Texas into 6 pieces this year. He just had too many barbecue ribs and black beans while feasting on Texas and forgot to save room for some Cajun Shrimp and rice plus a Philly Cheesesteak.<br /><br />The magic number to clinch the best record is down to 7. April competition figures to offer little resistance to the Celtics.Ronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00058245700585211559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501702047409854527.post-91219307713074658622008-03-10T18:42:00.000-07:002008-03-10T18:59:03.244-07:00The 50 win milestone has been reachedThis has not happened since 1992 or Larry Bird's last season as a player. As I remembered, the Celtics had Bird, Parish, McHale, Reggie Lewis, and Dee Brown with Pinckney, and others coming off the bench. A nice team but they lost to Cleveland in Seven that year. A series of very poor drafts after the death of Len Bias would doom the Celtics to irrelevency for a long time.<br /><br />Now with KG, PP, RA, RR, KP, JP, EH, TA, LP, BBD, PJ, and ET this team looks like a #1 NBA seed. I would say they have a chance to run the table after the Texas trip in two weeks and finish with about 67 wins. They dispatched a Philly team who had been playing well (They did beat Phoenix rather badly there - something we failed to accomplish) with relative ease. Perkins has shored up the middle and emerged as a solid force in the paint. The Celtics will continue their winning streak against Seattle and I expect them to win out until that upcoming 5 game road trip. Every night is a new star stepping up and contributing. That is what the great teams feature and the Celtics certainly have it going this year.<br /><br />The Celtics are going to the finals this year, I believe and they have an excellent chance to win the 17th Championship.<br /><br />And look what Shawn Marion turned down and he ended up traded to a team with Blount and RD on it. BWAHAHAHAHAHHAAHAHHAH!Ronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00058245700585211559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501702047409854527.post-8557509440008662242008-03-05T19:43:00.000-08:002008-03-05T20:37:45.535-08:00Celtics defend Homecourt TonightThey passed the test with flying colors. Celtics managed to outplay the Pistons in all phases of the game.<br /><br />Here was my key to the Celtics victory. They were able to work the ball inside better than the Pistons as this link will attest to: <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/shotchart?gameId=280305002">http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/shotchart?gameId=280305002</a> Notice how the Celtics had far more assists, FG, and a far higher FG% than the Pistons. The game was played at the Pistons tempo and the Celtics still won this handily.<br /><br />Garnett scored 31 and punished his matchup (Rasheed Wallace or Antonio McDyess) regularly.<br />Perkins garnered 20 boards with many of them in contested and had 10 points from well executed pick and rolls plus inside passing. Perkins benefitted but also worked for inside position. Rondo won his matchup against Billups in a huge growth game. He also abused Hamilton by blowing by him and got the dunk and flagrant on Maxiel.<br /><br />Detriot made two runs mostly with Rajon Rondo, Perk, and KG on the bench.<br /><br />Speaking of benches - Baby came in with a nice outing of 7 points, 4 rebs, an assist and a steal. Boston's bench outscored the Pistons bench 15-5.<br /><br />Billups was 14 of 15 from the FT line after 3 qtrs and got no FTA in the decisive 4th qtr. He threw down Rondo on an offensive possestion.<br /><br />The crowd sounded really energetic tonight - something that I expect will grow as time wears on.<br /><br />Celtics have a tougher remaining schedule due to their Texas road trip. Detriot has games against Cleveland which may be problematic.<br /><br />Boston has clinched a playoff spot in the 1st week of March. I would venture to say that has not happened since the 1980's this early in the season. I think Boston's magic number to clinch the Atlantic is 8. I suspect this will happen on the Texas trip.<br /><br />The Celtics are developing into one of the better defensive teams out there.Ronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00058245700585211559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501702047409854527.post-20872817831253826502008-03-05T10:01:00.000-08:002008-03-05T10:10:40.216-08:00Big day today - March 5, 2008 - Lunchtime UpdateCeltics vs Pistons - at TD Banknorth Garden - Boston, MA.<br /><br />This one is for the old schoolers who remember those legendary battles with Bill Laimbeer (I called him f---face), Rodman, and Little Lord Fauntleroy.<br /><br />This renewal of the rivalry has compelling matchups as well:<br /><br />KG vs the Sheed<br />Baby/Powe/PJ Brown vs Jason Maxiel (nice fantasy find for me)<br />Teyshawn vs PP<br />Rip vs Ray<br />Billups vs Rondo<br /><br />Both have deep benches and neither coach is afraid to use them.<br /><br />Both games this year have been close and the road team has been 2-0.<br /><br />Winner of this game has a psychological advantage heading toward a potential ECF showdown.<br /><br />This is a significant milepost on the Celtic Championship Trail of 2008.Ronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00058245700585211559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501702047409854527.post-18527429611599044102008-03-02T18:59:00.000-08:002008-03-02T20:44:42.863-08:00Today - we embark on an adventure not taken since 1987The Boston Celtics as of this writing are 45 and 12 and about to add Sam Cassell as the veteran PG. This is probably the only question mark the Celtics had going forth. Cassell has had championship experience with Olajowan and the Rockets. He always seemed to make the right play out there and made all the critical shots and never got rattled. Young Rondo is playing well, but his 1st foray into the playoffs will expose his lack of experience particulary against Chauncey Billups. I think getting Cassell will help that matchup problem.<br /><br />The Celtics have a big game coming up Wednesday against the Pistons. I think this is the final matchup against our closest EC rival and likely opponent in the ECF. A win here gives the C's a 4 game cushion and the Season series victory as well as a slight psychological advantage going forward. This could be Cassells debut.<br /><br />PJ Brown was added to shore up rebounding and defense. It is a nice addition but I don't think it will have much effect unless Powe, Davis, or Perkins are injured. If anything, it will make Pollard expendable. I wish we could trade Scalabrine with somebody after this season but he onlyhas two more years on his contract and he is relatively cheap insurance.<br /><br />The Celtics have had a couple of rough stretches - In January against the Wizz and Charlotte and those 3 west coast games coming out of the All-star break. The team has limited their losing streaks and have been competitive in all but two losses (home loss to Charlotte and that brutal loss to Phoenix). Both times, they bounced back with five game winning streaks.<br /><br />Anyways, tonight I will summarize the road to be taken to bring home #17 this June. The Celtics will be best served by clinching home court throughout the playoffs. I don't see anybody from the West threatening Detriot or Boston for best overall record this year if only because they will be knocking each other off trying to get into the field. They will all converge with 48 to 55 victories. Boston only has one more really tough stretch with the 4 games in Texas and New Orleans. Detriot has to play in Cleveland twice and has two more against Toronto plus two home games against San Antonio and Phoenix. I think Boston will finish at 64 wins while Detriot wins 62 times.<br /><br />Expected seedings: 1. Boston 2. Detriot 3. Orlando 4. Cleveland 5. Washington 6. Toronto 7. Atlanta 8. Philadelphia ; I like Washington to finish strong with Gilbert Arenas coming back and Atlanta and Philadelphia to keep coming. I expect New Jersey to fade away. Indiana has O'Brien as HC, nuff said. Chicago, Milwaukee, and Charlotte are good enough to play spoilers but are longshots to make the playoffs. The other two teams simply stink and most be blown up. I'll bet Marion must really be kicking himself for refusing to go to Boston last summer. Look at him now.<br /><br />OK here are the hypothetical playoff matchups for round 1 - Boston vs Philadelphia; Detriot vs Atlanta; Orlando vs Toronto; Cleveland vs Washington. I expect Boston and Detriot to advance quickly. The other two series will be toss-ups. I'll say that Orlando and Washington advance. Now the 2nd round gets interesting - Boston has had trouble with Gilbert Arenas and Washington a real physical team. Detriot vs Orlando will depend on how the Sheed vs Howard matchup goes. This will be a low scoring ugly series. Still I think Boston and Detriot come out and set up the series that decides the NBA championship. The Western Conference is so evenly matched that their playoffs are starting now and that will kill the survivor. Dallas took the Lakers to OT and 10th place Portland broke LA's winning streak. <br /><br />This is pure speculation on my behalf as there is lots of basketball to be played and thinks change daily in the NBA. One thing is for certain. The best team will win the NBA championship because they have to survive a challenging 82 game schedule and win 4 best of seven series. The NBA rewards success whereas <strong>other leagues</strong> I won't mention here <strong>punish success</strong> and <strong>games get exposed for bad bounces and the fact that one loss eliminates you can come down to ONE LUCKY PLAY. </strong>In consideration of the luck factor in football, a Celtics championship in 2007 would very much reduce the disappointment of the Super Bowl XLII result of the Patriots.<br /><br />So this is the introductory article of the 2008 Campaign for a 17th Celtics championship. Tomorrow we do roster analysis including the newest member Sam Cassell.Ronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00058245700585211559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501702047409854527.post-90655817021081872482008-02-04T10:16:00.000-08:002008-02-04T10:33:21.571-08:00It's over and it is time to move onto the CelticsLast night hurt me more than anything. I'm sure it hurt many of you Celtics fans whose 1st team is likely to be the New England Patriots. We all hurt when a Boston team loses especially to a New York team. But congratulations to the Giants and Tom Coughlin for pulling off an outstanding victory - one I'm sure that the sports historians will talk about two centuries from now if the American sporting tradition is still around. I can sit here and blame fukda media but I am not going to do that.<br /><br />The Celtics had some rough spots but I have noticed that they are able to compete effectively without Kevin Garnett in the line-up. They are 2-1 with one of the wins against a fine Dallas team. Orlando came up with a buzzer beater from All-star snub Hedo Terkoglu (The roster number of 12 means there will be at least three snubs). Maybe Doc should invite Hedo and rest Garnett. The defense is strong and the increased use of Leon Powe has given Boston a rebounding presence. The Celtics are getting by at the point guard as Rondo is an emerging star in this league. Time is certainly on his side.<br /><br />So my advice to you hungover Patriot fans wating for spring training to start is to watch the Celtics for a few weeks and see why they have the best record in the NBA. Maybe keep watching them and enjoy a playoff campaign where a true champion emerges because the winner is required to win a best 4 out of 7 series against 4 quality opponents. The nature of the NFL is that some games are decided by lucky plays and the Giants last night got three lucky plays and benefitted from one bad Belichick coaching decision by benching Gostkowski on a potential 50 yard FG attempt to give the Patriots a 10-3 lead in the 3rd.<br /><br />OK enough football talk, it doesn't matter and I'm moving onto the Boston Celtics.<br /><br />QRonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00058245700585211559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501702047409854527.post-49614385922693009352007-12-31T21:43:00.000-08:002007-12-31T22:10:09.092-08:00Celtics at the New YearNever in my wildest dreams that the Celtics would be 26 and 3 at the New Year leading the NBA in the standings. Yet the naysayers argued that the Celtics had a soft schedule. Well the first WC road trip yielded 4 wins in 5 nights. In your face Naysayers. As Moss would say, it was satisfying shutting you naysayers up.<br /><br />The 4 wins were against Sacremento (a good solid 35 win team in the tougher conference and Boston had not won their during Pierce's tenure), Seattle (young and enthusiastic plus Wally and West were motivated), Utah (They don't give up many in their Salt Palace), and of course the Fakers (What was that Tackle by Lamar Odom on Ray Allen for).<br /><br />I went to the game in Seattle and it was a good game by the Celtics. I think this Durant kid will be special. West and Sczerbiak were huge in the 2nd qtr. West whacked Garnett from behind. Man I miss that kid but he had to go to make room for Ray Allen (which led to the Garnett deal). The Celtics pulled away slowly as Seattle made Boston work for this win. Pierce had an outstanding game and this is much his best season.<br /><br />Beating the Fakers was special because the Celtics denied Phil Jackson his 939th coaching win to surpass Red Auerbach. No coach shall ever get their 939th win against the Celtics. It is one of the ten commandments of the NBA. And we finally have the upper hand in the rivalry and are much closer to winning the next championship.<br /><br />So what does 26 and 3 mean at this juncture? We are on pace for a 50 game improvement in the standings from last year. The 17th NBA championship is a good possibility, too.<br /><br />Now add in the Sixteen consecutive Patriot victories and that makes Boston 42-3 for the two non baseball local sports entries. The Celtics play Yao Ming and T-Mouth Wednesday and at Detriot, Saturday.<br /><br />So the Triple Crown watch is on for 2008.Ronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00058245700585211559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501702047409854527.post-69202635890101479742007-12-21T09:39:00.000-08:002007-12-21T10:11:46.251-08:00Accident Investigation12:00<br />Start of the 3rd Quarter Boston played very well in the 1st half and<br />11:38 earned a 7 point lead over a tough opponent.<br />Chauncey Billups misses 13-foot jumper<br />45-52<br /><br />11:37<br /><br />45-52<br />Kendrick Perkins defensive rebound<br />11:33<br /><br />45-52<br />Ray Allen misses 5-foot jumper<br />11:33<br /><br />45-52<br />Kevin Garnett offensive rebound<br />11:17<br /><br />45-52 <br />Paul Pierce misses 25-foot three point jumper Three point shooting betrayed us tonight.<br />11:15<br />Rasheed Wallace defensive rebound<br />45-52<br /><br />11:03<br />Rasheed Wallace bad pass (Rajon Rondo steals) Rajon Rondo has played well lately.<br />45-52<br /><br />10:52<br /><br />45-54<br />Kevin Garnett makes 19-foot jumper (Paul Pierce assists)<br />10:27<br />Tayshaun Prince misses 3-foot jumper<br />45-54<br /><br />10:26<br /><br />45-54<br />Ray Allen defensive rebound<br />10:10<br /><br />45-54<br />Ray Allen misses layup<br />10:08<br />Rasheed Wallace defensive rebound<br />45-54<br /><br />10:03<br />Paul Pierce blocks Chauncey Billups's layup<br />45-54<br /><br />10:02<br />Antonio McDyess offensive rebound<br />45-54<br /><br />10:00<br />Antonio McDyess makes slam dunk Hustle by Dice.<br />47-54<br /><br />9:37<br /><br />47-54<br />Paul Pierce misses 18-foot jumper<br />9:37<br /><br />47-54<br />Kendrick Perkins offensive rebound<br />9:23<br /><br />47-54<br />Kevin Garnett bad pass<br />9:04<br />Tayshaun Prince lost ball (Kevin Garnett steals)<br />47-54<br /><br />9:00<br /><br />47-54<br />Kevin Garnett traveling<br />8:51<br />Rasheed Wallace offensive foul (Ray Allen draws the foul)<br />47-54<br /><br />8:51<br />Rasheed Wallace turnover<br />47-54<br /><br />8:27<br /><br />47-54<br />Kevin Garnett misses 21-foot jumper Kept missing chances to open up double-digit leads.<br />8:26<br /><br />47-54<br />Boston defensive rebound <br />8:12<br /><br />47-54<br />Kendrick Perkins shooting foul (Antonio McDyess draws the foul)<br />8:12<br />Antonio McDyess makes free throw 1 of 2<br />48-54<br /><br />8:12<br />Antonio McDyess misses free throw 2 of 2<br />48-54<br /><br />8:12<br /><br />48-54<br />Kevin Garnett defensive rebound<br />7:54<br /><br />48-56<br />Kendrick Perkins makes layup (Rajon Rondo assists)<br />7:35<br />Rasheed Wallace makes 25-foot three point jumper (Chauncey Billups assists)<br />51-56<br /><br />7:22<br /><br />51-56<br />Paul Pierce bad pass (Antonio McDyess steals)<br />7:20<br /><br />51-56<br />Kevin Garnett jump ball<br />7:03<br />Chauncey Billups bad pass<br />51-56<br /><br />6:48<br /><br />51-56<br />Ray Allen misses 23-foot three point jumper<br />6:47<br />Rasheed Wallace defensive rebound<br />51-56<br /><br />6:41<br />Chauncey Billups makes 26-foot three pointer<br />54-56 Billups was the star of the game.<br /><br />6:41<br />Boston full timeout<br />6:24<br /><br />54-56<br />Rajon Rondo lost ball (Chauncey Billups steals)<br />6:24<br /><br />54-56<br />Rajon Rondo personal foul (Chauncey Billups draws the foul)<br />6:07<br />Antonio McDyess bad pass (Rajon Rondo steals)<br />54-56<br /><br />6:00<br /><br />54-56<br />Paul Pierce misses 25-foot three point jumper<br />5:58 Paul Pierce struggled in the 2nd half<br />Antonio McDyess defensive rebound<br />54-56<br /><br />5:33<br />Chauncey Billups misses 19-foot jumper<br />54-56<br /><br />5:33<br />Tayshaun Prince offensive rebound<br />54-56 (our rebounding broke down too)<br /><br />5:31<br />Tayshaun Prince misses tip shot<br />54-56<br /><br />5:30<br /><br />54-56<br />Kevin Garnett defensive rebound<br />5:07<br /><br />54-56<br />Kendrick Perkins misses two point shot (Should Garnett looked for his shot?)<br />5:05<br />Antonio McDyess defensive rebound<br />54-56<br /><br />4:54<br />Antonio McDyess misses 18-foot jumper<br />54-56<br /><br />4:54<br /><br />54-56<br />Kevin Garnett defensive rebound<br />4:31<br /><br />54-58<br />Kevin Garnett makes 11-foot two point shot<br />4:05<br />Richard Hamilton makes driving layup<br />56-58<br /><br />3:43<br /><br />56-60<br />Kevin Garnett makes 17-foot jumper (Rajon Rondo assists)<br />3:20<br /><br />56-60<br />Rajon Rondo shooting foul (Chauncey Billups draws the foul) [HORRIBLE CALL]<br />3:20<br />Chauncey Billups makes free throw 1 of 3<br />57-60<br /><br />3:20<br />Chauncey Billups makes free throw 2 of 3<br />58-60<br /><br />3:20<br />Chauncey Billups makes free throw 3 of 3<br />59-60<br /><br />3:04<br />Rasheed Wallace personal foul (Kevin Garnett draws the foul)<br />59-60<br /><br />2:53<br />Detroit full timeout<br />2:48<br /><br />59-60<br />Kevin Garnett misses 19-foot jumper<br />2:47<br />Rasheed Wallace defensive rebound<br />59-60<br /><br />2:30<br />Rasheed Wallace lost ball (Kevin Garnett steals)<br />59-60<br /><br />2:11<br /><br />59-62<br />Paul Pierce makes driving layup<br />2:11<br />Rasheed Wallace shooting foul (Paul Pierce draws the foul)<br />59-62<br /><br />2:11<br />Jason Maxiell enters the game for Rasheed Wallace<br />59-62<br /><br />2:11<br /><br />59-62<br />Paul Pierce misses free throw 1 of 1<br />2:11<br />Antonio McDyess defensive rebound<br />59-62<br /><br />2:10<br />Antonio McDyess lost ball (Rajon Rondo steals)<br />59-62<br /><br />2:08<br />Antonio McDyess shooting foul (Kevin Garnett draws the foul)<br />59-62<br /><br />2:08<br /><br />59-62<br />Kevin Garnett misses free throw 1 of 2<br />2:08<br /><br />59-62<br />Boston offensive rebound<br />2:08<br /><br />59-63<br />Kevin Garnett makes free throw 2 of 2<br />1:53<br />Richard Hamilton bad pass (Paul Pierce steals)<br />59-63<br /><br />1:47<br /><br />59-63<br />Paul Pierce misses layup<br />1:47<br />Antonio McDyess defensive rebound<br />59-63<br /><br />1:35<br /><br />59-63<br />Rajon Rondo personal foul (Chauncey Billups draws the foul)<br />1:35<br /><br />59-63 [1st Doc Rivers substitute]<br />Eddie House enters the game for Rajon Rondo<br />1:35<br /><br />59-63<br />Glen Davis enters the game for Kevin Garnett<br />1:35<br />Lindsey Hunter enters the game for Chauncey Billups<br />59-63<br /><br />1:25<br />Tayshaun Prince makes 19-foot jumper<br />61-63<br /><br />1:01<br /><br />61-63<br />Paul Pierce traveling<br />0:46<br />Tayshaun Prince misses 21-foot jumper<br />61-63<br /><br />0:44<br /><br />61-63<br />Glen Davis defensive rebound<br />0:43<br /><br />61-63<br />Jumpball: Antonio McDyess vs. Glen Davis (Ray Allen gains possession)<br />0:35<br />Antonio McDyess shooting foul (Ray Allen draws the foul)<br />61-63<br /><br />0:35<br /><br />61-64<br />Ray Allen makes free throw 1 of 2<br />0:35<br /><br />61-65<br />Ray Allen makes free throw 2 of 2<br />0:21<br />Richard Hamilton misses 16-foot jumper<br />61-65<br /><br />0:20<br /><br />61-65<br />Glen Davis defensive rebound<br />0:03<br /><br />61-65<br />Eddie House misses 19-foot jumper<br />0:02<br /><br />61-65<br />Kendrick Perkins offensive rebound<br />0:00<br /><br />61-65<br />Kendrick Perkins misses layup<br />0:00<br /><br />61-65<br />Boston offensive rebound<br />0:00<br />End of the 3rd Quarter<br /><a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/playbyplay?gameId=271219002&period=1">1</a> <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/playbyplay?gameId=271219002&period=2">2</a> <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/playbyplay?gameId=271219002&period=3">3</a> <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/playbyplay?gameId=271219002&period=4">4</a> All<br />4th Quarter Summary<br />TIME<br />DETROIT<br />SCORE<br />BOSTON<br />12:00<br />Start of the 4th Quarter<br />11:38<br /><br />61-67<br />Paul Pierce makes 16-foot two point shot<br />11:15<br />Lindsey Hunter makes 16-foot jumper<br />63-67<br /><br />11:02<br />Jason Maxiell shooting foul (Kendrick Perkins draws the foul)<br />63-67<br /><br />11:02<br /><br />63-67<br />Kendrick Perkins misses free throw 1 of 2<br />11:02<br /><br />63-67<br />Boston offensive rebound<br />11:02<br /><br />63-67<br />Kendrick Perkins misses free throw 2 of 2<br />11:02<br />Antonio McDyess defensive rebound<br />63-67<br /><br />10:44<br />Antonio McDyess makes 17-foot jumper (Richard Hamilton assists)<br />65-67<br /><br />10:30<br /><br />65-67 [This is where the PG issues started]<br />Eddie House lost ball (Lindsey Hunter steals)<br />10:26<br /><br />65-67 [Did KG get enough rest? Did DOc panic?]<br />Kevin Garnett enters the game for Kendrick Perkins<br />10:17<br />Tayshaun Prince misses 8-foot jumper<br />65-67<br /><br />10:15<br /><br />65-67<br />Kevin Garnett defensive rebound<br />10:00<br /><br />65-67<br />Eddie House misses 25-foot three point jumper<br />9:59<br /><br />65-67<br />Boston defensive rebound<br />9:59<br /><br />65-67<br />Eddie House loose ball foul (Antonio McDyess draws the foul)<br />9:41<br />Lindsey Hunter makes 26-foot three point jumper<br />68-67<br /><br />9:26<br /><br />68-67<br />James Posey lost ball (Lindsey Hunter steals) [No PG in the game]<br />9:22<br />Richard Hamilton makes dunk (Antonio McDyess assists)<br />70-67<br /><br />9:22<br />Boston full timeout<br />9:22<br />Arron Afflalo enters the game for Richard Hamilton<br />70-67<br /><br />9:22<br />Chauncey Billups enters the game for Lindsey Hunter [We are in serious trouble now]<br />70-67<br /><br />9:22<br /><br />70-67<br />Rajon Rondo enters the game for Eddie House<br />9:14<br />Jason Maxiell shooting foul (Kevin Garnett draws the foul)<br />70-67<br /><br />9:14<br /><br />70-68<br />Kevin Garnett makes free throw 1 of 2<br />9:14<br /><br />70-69<br />Kevin Garnett makes free throw 2 of 2<br />8:56<br />Chauncey Billups makes two point shot<br />72-69<br /><br />8:37<br /><br />72-71<br />Paul Pierce makes 19-foot two point shot<br />8:15<br />Chauncey Billups misses 21-foot jumper<br />72-71<br /><br />8:15<br />Detroit offensive rebound<br />72-71<br /><br />8:15<br /><br />72-71<br />Kevin Garnett loose ball foul (Jason Maxiell draws the foul)<br />8:15<br />Rasheed Wallace enters the game for Antonio McDyess<br />72-71<br /><br />8:00<br />Chauncey Billups misses 25-foot three point jumper<br />72-71<br /><br />7:58<br />Rasheed Wallace offensive rebound [OUCH]<br />72-71<br /><br />7:54<br />Rasheed Wallace misses 13-foot jumper<br />72-71<br /><br />7:52<br />Arron Afflalo offensive rebound [This cannot happen]<br />72-71<br /> <br />7:39<br />Rasheed Wallace traveling<br />72-71<br /><br />7:39<br /><br />72-71<br />Kendrick Perkins enters the game for Glen Davis<br />7:26<br /><br />72-71<br />Paul Pierce misses 19-foot jumper<br />7:24<br /><br />72-71<br />Paul Pierce offensive rebound<br />7:11<br /><br />72-71<br />Rajon Rondo bad pass<br />6:54<br /><br />72-71<br />Rajon Rondo shooting foul (Chauncey Billups draws the foul)<br />6:54<br /><br />72-71<br />Ray Allen enters the game for James Posey<br />6:54<br />Chauncey Billups makes free throw 1 of 2<br />73-71<br /><br />6:54<br /><br />73-71<br />James Posey enters the game for Rajon Rondo [NOT A GOOD THING]<br />6:54<br />Chauncey Billups makes free throw 2 of 2<br />74-71<br /><br />6:41<br /><br />74-71<br />Kevin Garnett offensive foul (Arron Afflalo draws the foul) [Possible losing moment]<br />6:41<br /><br />74-71<br />Kevin Garnett turnover<br />6:20<br />Jason Maxiell makes layup<br />76-71<br /><br />6:01<br /><br />76-71<br />Paul Pierce misses 26-foot three point jumper<br />6:01<br />Rasheed Wallace defensive rebound<br />76-71<br /><br />5:58<br />Chauncey Billups makes layup (Rasheed Wallace assists)<br />78-71<br /><br />5:56<br />Boston 20 Sec. timeout<br />5:56<br /><br />78-71<br />Official timeout<br />5:56<br /><br />78-71<br />Rajon Rondo enters the game for Kendrick Perkins [Who will grab the key rebound?]<br />5:43<br /><br />78-73<br />Ray Allen makes driving dunk<br />5:22<br />Tayshaun Prince misses 5-foot jumper<br />78-73<br /><br />5:22<br />Jason Maxiell offensive rebound<br />78-73<br /><br />5:20<br /><br />78-73<br />James Posey shooting foul (Jason Maxiell draws the foul) [Who is matching up with Jason Maxial?]<br />5:20<br />Jason Maxiell makes free throw 1 of 2<br />79-73<br /><br />5:20<br />Richard Hamilton enters the game for Arron Afflalo<br />79-73<br /><br />5:20<br />Jason Maxiell misses free throw 2 of 2<br />79-73<br /><br />5:20<br /><br />79-73<br />Kevin Garnett defensive rebound<br />5:13<br />Richard Hamilton personal foul (Ray Allen draws the foul)<br />79-73<br /><br />5:13<br />Antonio McDyess enters the game for Jason Maxiell<br />79-73<br /><br />5:03<br />Rasheed Wallace shooting foul (Kevin Garnett draws the foul)<br />79-73<br /><br />5:03<br /><br />79-74<br />Kevin Garnett makes free throw 1 of 2<br />5:03<br /><br />79-75<br />Kevin Garnett makes free throw 2 of 2<br />4:48<br />Chauncey Billups makes 11-foot two point shot<br />81-75<br /><br />4:28<br /><br />81-78<br />Ray Allen makes 23-foot three point jumper<br />4:07<br />Tayshaun Prince misses 24-foot three point jumper<br />81-78<br /><br />4:07<br />Detroit offensive rebound<br />81-78<br /><br />4:07<br /><br />81-78<br />James Posey personal foul (Antonio McDyess draws the foul)<br />4:07<br />Antonio McDyess makes free throw 1 of 2<br />82-78<br /><br />4:07<br />Antonio McDyess makes free throw 2 of 2<br />83-78<br /><br />3:54<br />Antonio McDyess personal foul (Kevin Garnett draws the foul)<br />83-78<br /><br />3:54<br /><br />83-78<br />Kendrick Perkins enters the game for James Posey [Good sub - Doc]<br />3:54<br /><br />83-79<br />Kevin Garnett makes free throw 1 of 2<br />3:54<br /><br />83-79<br />Kevin Garnett misses free throw 2 of 2<br />3:54<br />Rasheed Wallace defensive rebound<br />83-79<br /><br />3:33<br />Chauncey Billups makes 23-foot jumper<br />85-79<br /><br />3:13<br /><br />85-79<br />Paul Pierce traveling<br />2:53<br />Chauncey Billups misses 26-foot three point jumper<br />85-79<br /><br />2:51<br /><br />85-79<br />Ray Allen defensive rebound<br />2:44<br /><br />85-79<br />Rajon Rondo misses 9-foot jumper<br />2:44<br /><br />85-79<br />Kevin Garnett offensive rebound<br />2:43<br /><br />85-79<br />Kevin Garnett misses tip shot<br />2:42<br />Rasheed Wallace defensive rebound<br />85-79<br /><br />2:17<br />Antonio McDyess misses jumper<br />85-79<br /><br />2:16<br /><br />85-79<br />Paul Pierce defensive rebound<br />2:05<br /><br />85-79<br />Rasheed Wallace blocks Kendrick Perkins's layup [KG should have shot it - instead of passing to KP]<br />2:03 <br />Richard Hamilton defensive rebound<br />85-79<br /><br />1:49<br />Antonio McDyess misses 19-foot jumper<br />85-79<br /><br />1:47<br /><br />85-79<br />Ray Allen defensive rebound<br />1:42<br />Boston 20 Sec. timeout<br />1:42<br />Detroit full timeout<br />1:42<br /><br />85-79<br />Eddie House enters the game for Rajon Rondo<br />1:37<br /><br />85-79<br />Paul Pierce misses layup<br />1:37<br />Chauncey Billups defensive rebound<br />85-79<br /><br />1:19<br />Kendrick Perkins blocks Tayshaun Prince's 3-foot jumper<br />85-79<br /><br />1:15<br /><br />85-79<br />Kendrick Perkins defensive rebound<br />1:05<br /><br />85-79<br />Ray Allen misses 24-foot three point jumper<br />1:02<br /><br />85-79<br />Kevin Garnett offensive rebound<br />1:00<br /><br />85-82<br />Eddie House makes 24-foot three point jumper (Ray Allen assists)<br />0:38<br />Chauncey Billups misses 19-foot jumper<br />85-82<br /><br />0:37<br /><br />85-82<br />Kendrick Perkins defensive rebound<br />0:18<br /><br />85-85<br />Ray Allen makes 25-foot three point jumper<br />0:18<br />Detroit 20 Sec. timeout<br />0:18<br /><br />85-85<br />Tony Allen enters the game for Eddie House<br />0:05<br />Chauncey Billups lost ball (Tony Allen steals)<br />85-85<br /><br />0:05<br />Boston full timeout<br />0:05<br /><br />85-85<br />Eddie House enters the game for Tony Allen<br />0:05<br />Lindsey Hunter enters the game for Antonio McDyess<br />85-85<br /><br />0:05<br /><br />85-85<br />James Posey enters the game for Kendrick Perkins<br />0:02<br /><br />85-85<br />Paul Pierce misses jumper<br />0:01<br />Rasheed Wallace defensive rebound<br />85-85<br /><br />0:01<br />Detroit 20 Sec. timeout<br />0:01<br />Antonio McDyess enters the game for Lindsey Hunter<br />85-85<br /><br />0:01<br /><br />85-85<br />Tony Allen enters the game for Eddie House<br />0:01<br /><br />85-85<br />Kendrick Perkins enters the game for James Posey<br />0:00<br /><br />85-85<br />Tony Allen shooting foul (Chauncey Billups draws the foul)<br />0:00 [Absolute shame considering that Tony Allen never had a chance to contribute]<br />Chauncey Billups makes free throw 1 of 2<br />86-85<br /><br />0:00<br />Chauncey Billups makes free throw 2 of 2<br />87-85<br /><br /><br />[Basically- the Celtics did not execute the fundamentals - Poor PG play, poor defensive rebounding, and poor decision making on offense in the 2nd half killed this teams chances to win in the 2nd half. We lost an opportunity to open up a double digit advantage early in the third quarter and Detroit siezed the initiative and rode it to victory]Ronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00058245700585211559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501702047409854527.post-85135063981401412162007-12-11T18:55:00.001-08:002007-12-11T19:33:20.209-08:00The Celtics are better than anyone thought17 and 2 at this point - tops in the NBA at this point in the season. The naysayers say that they have not played anybody. What do they mean by that? The NBA changes and some teams improve and others decline. True, we have not had any Western road swings but who says the West is a stronger conference this year. Hasn't Orlando done well out West? Detriot? I'm a bit skeptical of the overall strength in the WC. Dallas and Phoenix are in decline. Minnesota is horrible but they compete most nights (reminds you of a local NBA team last year, huh?).<br /><br />The Celtics lead the league in Point Differential and in FG% and FGA%. It is not rocket science why they have the best record in the NBA. I had them pegged at 14 and 6. They will be at least 3 and probably 4 games better than that. The Celtics won games in Charlotte, Chicago, Miami, and an extra game against Toronto that I predicted were losses. The Celtics lost in OT in Cleveland after Ray Allen missed to FT to give Boston a lead with seconds left in Regulation. The Celtics lost by two in Orlando but had some looks at a potential game winning 3 in the closing minute. <br /><br />Why are the Celtics so much better? Simple answer - Better talent. They finally traded for Superstars! That does not happen often. They were able to acquire key role players through free agency like Posey. Perkins and Rondo are maturing. Pierce is relaxing, finally. Doc Rivers has some coaching ability and better assistents. Ainge is a resident genious GM (while finally he got some breaks with McHale and the Seattle GM). One of the most important factors is the patience of the ownership group and their visible support at the games. That was definitely missing with the prior ownership who traded FOR Vin Baker.<br /><br />Finally, the City of Boston is the hub of the Sports World - featuring FIVE Championships this decade already (We expect the Patriots to add to the total and quite possibly the Red Sox, also). The energy of the Boston fans is tremendous based on my personal observations in S Florida at Dolphin Stadium. There are also plenty of Boston sport shirts, coats, and hats worn at every airport hub. So I suspect this energy will carry over to NBA arenas as the Celtics fans come out of the woodwork and give the Celtics support on the road.<br /><br />Future posts will get into detailed discussions about matchups, statistics, game tape analysis, coaching decision 2nd guessing, the blogger notes, CSL....... I should focus my thoughts more on this website....<br /><br />Ron (Q)Ronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00058245700585211559noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501702047409854527.post-10639902577225524822007-11-15T05:57:00.000-08:002007-11-15T06:35:44.502-08:00At 7-0This has not happened in a long time. The Boston Celtics having the best record in the NBA and ranked Number ONE in the power polls. On a night where Poor Energy seemed a legitimate excuse for losing to the revenge minded New Jersey Nets, the Celtics took a tight, sloppy game and simply handed it to New Jersey in the 2nd half with the Allen brothers, Posey, Baby, and Scalabrine out on the dance floor. Forcing TO after TO, and blocking anything NJ brought into the lane, the Celtics knocked out the Nets decisively with KG and PP getting their due rest.<br /><br />And in listening to a glowing Bill Walton, who still exhibits that Boston Celtics Pride, the Celtics are playing magnificent basketball with that exquisite passing. I know, if you are not a Celtics fan and a certified Boston sports hater, you are probably blowing chow reading this. I say too bad because I am eating this up after 20 years of suffering that I am sure has trimmed some years off the back end of my career as a Boston sports fan beginning with the 1967 World Series and accelerated by the sports call of one Johnny Most.<br /><br />Bird, McHale, and Parish can walk through the door and remember how good winning Celtics basketball once was and can be. Although for Bird and especially for McHale, it is career limiting for them at this point. Maybe Ainge can hire them as senior consultants.<br /><br />A guy I feel bad for is Antione Walker who is hopelessly pidgeonholed in Minnesota as the elder statesman. He will continue to go out and compete because he plays for the love of the game. His skills are limited but last night he played within himself and contributed to Minnesota's 1st victory of the season. On a team that figures to be horrible with a marginal coach, any Minnesota win is a blessing because most of their key components are Boston Celtics alumni. We'll see how the Gomes, Walker, and Jefferson lineup fare in the WC.<br /><br />The Stephon Marbury - Isiah Thomas affair in New York is a disgrace. The Knicks would benefit more than any other team with an NFL style hard cap with no guarentee contracts. They claim to have the best 12th man in the league. It is too bad that positions 1 through 5 are overpaid pukes, though. New York, will have to burn off three or four of those horrible contracts and stockpile young talent. Getting rid of Steve Francis for Zachary Randolph was a good move for them but he can't be a team leader.<br /><br />Charlotte is breaking out into a decent team these days with Jason Richardson, Meka Okafor, and Ray Felton.<br /><br />I am impressed with the Atlanta Hawks who had an outstanding draft of Acie Law and Al Horford to go with Joe Johnson, Josh CHildress, and Zaza Pachulia. They will move up the EC ladder quickly. Heck they beat Dallas and Phoenix already and gave us a tough game for three quarters in Boston.<br /><br />Miami has plummeted quickly and Riley has no clue what to do except hope Dewayne Wade can single handedly right this shipwreck. Shaquille O'Neal is less and less of a factor as the years go by. Alonzo Mourning, an amazing story, is finally slowing down. Mark Blount and RD are there to show up, play, get beat, and then go party in Miami Beach after the game. Riley looks horrible and this losing is obviously getting to him. The Miami sports scene is clearly a mess right now.<br /><br />Detriot won a tough game by making all the plays down the stretch against Golden State. They are still highly competitive. I am looking foward to a matchup with them to see how the Celtics stack up with the best EC franchise over the past five seasons.<br /><br />Indiana is falling quickly after a good opening 5 games. They don't have a lot of talent but they will nail any team that is flat.<br /><br />Chicago is off to another terrible start but that seems to be in their DNA. Perhaps they are waiting to ambush Boston in the Windy City on a December night and call it the start of the NBA season. Honestly, I think Scott Skiles is a great coach and you would think they would get off to a better start than that.<br /><br />Well I better go to work before I am fired. Talk to you soon.Ronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00058245700585211559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501702047409854527.post-28377205910201106542007-11-04T07:40:00.000-08:002007-11-04T08:58:11.478-08:00Circle This Date<a href="http://deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,695224569,00.html">http://deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,695224569,00.html</a><br /><br />He who talk bad about my Celtics shall pay. He says it is nothing personal. But my favorite team has not won the championship in 22 years. Well, deseretnews troll, I am taking this personal and have targeted Saturday, December 29, 2007 to take my frustrations out on the Utah Jazz. Nothing personal. I am going for that crown that Bill Walton has predicted we would get.<br /><br />Now onto todays game:<br /><br />I feel the Celtics have a tough matchup with the Toronto Raptors this afternoon. The sad thing is that Bostonians will not pay much attention to this game due to Super Bowl 41 and a half.<br /><br />The preseason contest at Rome, Italy was an indicator that both teams will be playoff teams this year as the intensity level was already at mid-season. As FLCeltfan has already pointed out, the key matchups are Rondo-TJ Ford, Garnett-Bosh, and add in Bargani-Perkins as well as the benches and coaching and this has the makings of a good early season test for the Celtics.<br /><br />Key will be defending the perimeter so the Celtics should take an outside inside approach to everyone except TJ Ford. TJ will beat with his penetration (Same could be said about Rondo, though). The Boston Celtics may not win this game.<br /><br />Sunday, November 4, 2007 11:00 CSTRonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00058245700585211559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501702047409854527.post-55263603035542127072007-11-03T05:27:00.000-07:002007-11-03T05:42:49.310-07:00Good opening winThe Celtics were tight in the opening quarter but laid the foundation for a blowout W by playing tough defense and working on Goose Egg Arenas. Then with Pierce leading the way in the 2nd quarter, the Celtics established a double digit lead and steadily extended it. The ball moved on offense while Washington was consistently stifled. About the only matchup the Celtics lost was Brendon Haywood on Kendrick Perkins.<br /><br />Rondo continues to impress me more and more as the traditional PG. He made a nice open look J in the 3rd qtr.<br /><br />Things got sloppy in the 2nd half once the Celtics got a 25 point lead. Pierce dribbling into double teams. Tony Allen driving and getting stripped. KG came in and stabilized things a lot and prevented a potential Washington comeback. <br /><br />Just listening to JB, Duke, and Jughead post game review. I thank all of them and they will get significant recognition sometime this year.<br /><br />Also, Bill Walton pontificated on ESPN about how this night was magical in Boston and how the 22 year drought was finally over.<br /><br />The 2008 journey has just begun.Ronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00058245700585211559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501702047409854527.post-2343041241351362932007-11-01T09:58:00.000-07:002007-11-01T10:18:16.824-07:00First 20 gamesI, like Jeff over at Celticsblog tend to view the 1st 20 games of a season critical to which direction the teams will go. Injuries do play a key role. Last year I expected the Celtics to start well because they had a lot of bottom feeders at home. It all went wrong the 1st night against Oklahoma and they struggled to find wins even before the injuries hit. Last years team was a complete bust.<br /><br />This offseason came the remarkable remake in Boston. All those young assets and draft picks were turned into Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett. House and Posey quickly walked through that door. The rest of the east got stronger top to bottom while quite frankly, the west got weaker overall. So it will be a balanced battle in the East but Boston should quickly establish themselves as a contender.<br /><br />Nov 2 vs Washington 8:00 pm ESPN, CSN (Must win opening night) <br /> Nov 4 at Toronto 2:30 pm (tough battle but the C's prevail)<br /> Nov 7 vs Denver 7:30 pm (Control the pace - limit TO's - W) <br /> Nov 9 vs Atlanta 7:30 pm (Young team - Must Win) <br /> Nov 10 at New Jersey 7:30 pm NBA, YES (Send message - W) <br /> Nov 13 at Indiana 7:00 pm FSIN (This could bite us - Should be a W but)<br /> Nov 14 vs New Jersey 7:30 pm YES (I'm sick of Joisee - Beat em again)<br /> Nov 16 vs Miami 7:30 pm SUN (Perkins breaks Blounts nose - W) <br /> Nov 18 at Orlando 6:00 pm NBA (This maybe a designated game)<br /> Nov 21 vs Golden State 7:30 pm FSBA (Whoa Nellie gives us a tough time but keep the pace slow and get a W) <br /> Nov 23 vs LA Lakers 7:30 pm KCAL (Must W - Lakers will stink this year) <br /> Nov 24 at Charlotte 7:00 pm (Historically not a friendly place to us - L)<br /> Nov 27 at Cleveland 7:00 pm NBA, FSOH (Another toughie - L) <br /> Nov 29 vs New York 8:00 pm TNT, MSG (Must blow these bastards out) <br /> Nov 30 at Miami 8:00 pm (Depends on D Wade)<br /> Dec 2 vs Cleveland 12:30 pm FSOH (Home Win)<br /> Dec 5 at Philadelphia 7:00 pm CSNP (Road Win)<br /> Dec 7 vs Toronto 7:30 pm (Home Win)<br /> Dec 8 at Chicago 8:30 pm WGN (Show down goes to the Bulls<br /> Dec 12 vs Sacramento 7:30 pm KXTV (Must Win)<br /><br />I peg us to get to 14 wins and 6 losses - good for a 2 or 3 game lead in the Atlantic Division. There will be Fire Doc chants on the message board. If it is 12-8 and we are a close second, I will still be fine. 10-10 or worse is troubling because I see this as an easier part of the schedule.Ronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00058245700585211559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501702047409854527.post-7521884106526585612007-10-28T16:28:00.000-07:002007-10-28T16:41:32.276-07:00My first looksee of the 2007-2008 seasonOn Friday, ESPN showed the Cavaliers at Celtics in the preseason tune-up finale for both teams.<br /><br />THe Celtics dominated a good Cavalier team and gives me the confidence that the Celtics will be successful this season and challenge for the Eastern Conference Crown. Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, and Kevin Garnett will lead this team back to relevancy, respect, and finally CONTENTION!<br /><br />Rondo looks like he may emerge as a the best PG since the COOZ himself. He was the most impressive player of the 2nd half with those passes to Perkins and others. Perkins will be the unsung hero with the rebounding and defense. Posey, House, and Tony Allen will be the primary bench contributors.<br /><br />Doc Rivers will show he can coach with talented players doing the work.<br /><br />I am an active poster when things don't go so good. I guess I have had a lot to post over the past few years. I am delighted to say that the negativity has moved on to other places like Lakerland and Heatville.<br /><br />THis is the Q and I plan on critiquing the Celtics as I have done in the past few years.Ronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00058245700585211559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501702047409854527.post-33079574131285487152007-10-02T09:50:00.000-07:002007-10-02T10:15:35.315-07:00My Atlantic Division PreviewFinal Standings Predicition<br /><br />1. Boston Celtics<br />2. New Jersey Nets<br />3. Toronto Raptors<br />4. Philadelphia 76ers<br />5. New York Sexual Harrasors<br /><br />Boston obviously is the most improved team in the NBA with their acquisitions of Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett. Add to that a motivated and rested Paul Pierce, and you have the makings of an exciting team that will compete for the EC championship if not a World Championship in 2008. Also, don't sleep on James Posey who will be useful for locking down on the Lebron James, Dirk Nowitzkis, and Kobe Bryants of this world. Rondo and Perkins will both be improved support players of this team. Tony Allen and Leon Powe along with Old Dogs Scalabrine and Pollard will be significant contributors from time to time. The media is giving a lot of respect to the Celtics these days. That hasn't happened in years. The City is a Triple Crown threat. That ought to make Noo Yuk Red in the face. (Boston 57-25)<br /><br />New Jersey Nets - They resigned Vince Carter and continued to add depth through the draft. I put them in 2nd place but they will finish well behind Boston. Kidd is an oldtimer, RJ was injured much of last year as well as Kristic. The Nets are solid in the EC but certainly not a contender.<br />(New Jersey 48-34)<br /><br />Toronto - They did little in the off-season to build off last years success. Their disappointing result against New Jersey in the playoffs leads me to believe they have peaked. I know Chris Bosh is classy but I think Toronto is battling for a playoff spot this year.<br />(Toronto 43-39)<br /><br />Philadelphia - They came together after the Iverson trade last year but it is tough to improve in this league without a major impact player. They are basically flat-lining which makes me sad because I miss those Celtics - 76er classics of 25 years ago. Andre Igadoula(spelling is wrong) is a nice player but they will win less than they lose<br />(Philadelphia 35-47)<br /><br />New York - This sexual harassment affair going on New York is a real stain on them and the NBA. It couldn't happen to a nicer team. Credit them for dumping Stevie Franchisewrecker for Zachary Randolph (Good bargain PF fantasy pick BTW). It is too bad James Dolan can't wake up and fire Isiah and ship out the most overated PG in NBA history in Starbury.<br />(New York 18-64 and 5th pick in next years lottery).Ronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00058245700585211559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7501702047409854527.post-69691710852475256402007-09-14T11:47:00.000-07:002007-09-14T11:55:13.115-07:00Red Sox vs the Y-----sOnce again, it is 4 hours and 18 minutes to 1st pitch.<br /><br />The Y-----s have been the best team in all of baseball since July 4, 2007. They are even doing it the right way by hanging on to their young talent. The Red Sox went out and spent 100 million on Dice K and the last three outings has been more like Dice-Sucky. Makes me want to trade Dice-Sucky to Minnehaha for Johan Santana this off-season. Meanwhile, lets ship out Manny Ballgame and sign A-rod this off-season.<br /><br />Oh BTW, I think Clay Bucholtz and Joba Chamberlain meeting up in a future start of a Red Sox - Y-----s game would make for an all-time classic. I hope we get to see it happen soon.<br /><br />BTW, The Red Sox need win this series and lock down 1st place in their division. Let us hope Dice K shows up and not Dice Sucky.Ronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00058245700585211559noreply@blogger.com1