Doc assures us the Celtics have a Plan B, C, and D in a radio interview that took place before Grant Hill decided that he wanted to finish his career with the Tuscon Timber of the NBDL.
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Fitch Not Worried About Home Loss
1981-82 Boston Celtics
The terminology bothers Bill Fitch. When his Celtics lose at home, people start saying Boston has to regroup in a hurry. Fitch thinks that's baloney.
"I don't think regroup is the right word," the Celtics ' coach said after practice yesterday at Hellenic College. "We've won six of the last seven. And the game we lost Friday night was to a very good team that has won nine out of the last 10. We were in it for three quarters. It wasn't as though we had fallen apart.
"The Sonics lost to Washington a couple of nights before they played us. Did they regroup? I guess being a champion and being expected to win every night goes with the territory. But it wasn't from lack of effort that we lost to Seattle. It's just that we played sporadically, and they played very well. We played well enough to win a month ago. But this is another month and we're not going to win any of the big ones if we continue to play like that."
Perhaps it was beginning to look as if the Celtics were invincible at home (18-3 after Friday night). Larry Bird has been in a sizzling streak, and if he didn't do it, the Celtics' bench rose to the occasion. But when Seattle posted a 118-106 victory here Friday night, it gave the Celtics a painful reminder that the best overall record (30-10) in the NBA will not be maintained on reputation alone.
Another Western Conference power, Portland, is at the Garden today (noon, Ch. 4, WRKO). And, said Fitch, "Portland (21-18) is capable of doing the same thing. We've got to get better outside shooting. Bird (25 points) was the only consistent scorer Friday. We need a better fourth quarter."
Portland doesn't figure to have another 1-2 performance like the one Lonnie Shelton (37 points) and Gus Williams (36) put on for Seattle. Shelton hit 17 of 23 shots, and Williams 16 of 28. Boston was outrebounded, 46-44.
The Trail Blazers, who come to town on a three-game losing streak, shot only 35 percent in the first half in a 110-97 loss to Washington Friday night. But they do have three excellent shooters in Calvin Natt, Mychal Thompson and Kelvin Ransey.
The terminology bothers Bill Fitch. When his Celtics lose at home, people start saying Boston has to regroup in a hurry. Fitch thinks that's baloney.
"I don't think regroup is the right word," the Celtics ' coach said after practice yesterday at Hellenic College. "We've won six of the last seven. And the game we lost Friday night was to a very good team that has won nine out of the last 10. We were in it for three quarters. It wasn't as though we had fallen apart.
"The Sonics lost to Washington a couple of nights before they played us. Did they regroup? I guess being a champion and being expected to win every night goes with the territory. But it wasn't from lack of effort that we lost to Seattle. It's just that we played sporadically, and they played very well. We played well enough to win a month ago. But this is another month and we're not going to win any of the big ones if we continue to play like that."
Perhaps it was beginning to look as if the Celtics were invincible at home (18-3 after Friday night). Larry Bird has been in a sizzling streak, and if he didn't do it, the Celtics' bench rose to the occasion. But when Seattle posted a 118-106 victory here Friday night, it gave the Celtics a painful reminder that the best overall record (30-10) in the NBA will not be maintained on reputation alone.
Another Western Conference power, Portland, is at the Garden today (noon, Ch. 4, WRKO). And, said Fitch, "Portland (21-18) is capable of doing the same thing. We've got to get better outside shooting. Bird (25 points) was the only consistent scorer Friday. We need a better fourth quarter."
Portland doesn't figure to have another 1-2 performance like the one Lonnie Shelton (37 points) and Gus Williams (36) put on for Seattle. Shelton hit 17 of 23 shots, and Williams 16 of 28. Boston was outrebounded, 46-44.
The Trail Blazers, who come to town on a three-game losing streak, shot only 35 percent in the first half in a 110-97 loss to Washington Friday night. But they do have three excellent shooters in Calvin Natt, Mychal Thompson and Kelvin Ransey.
Sonics Hand C's Third Home Loss of Year
Celtics Fall to 30-10
1981-82 Boston Celtics
The difference between the Seattle SuperSonics of 1980-81 and the Seattle SuperSonics who are a legitimate contender for the 1982 championship was amply demonstrated to the 48th consecutive Garden sellout crowd last night when Lonnie Shelton and Gus Williams divided 73 points to pace the visitors to an impressive 118-106 triumph over the Celtics .
This All-Star duo destroyed the Celtics , period. Shelton, who was so corpulent on the Fourth of July that walking from his car to a gymnasium was a marathon jaunt, poured in a season-high 37 points on spectacular 17-for-23 shooting. Williams, who sat out the entire '81-82 season in a contract dispute with owner Sam Schulman (a jubilant press-table spectator), had 36 on his usual asortment of unstoppable jumpers and sneakaway layups. Shelton's playing time had been restricted last season by a wrist injury.
There was a very high level NBA confrontation for 32 minutes, or until a Shelton jumper from the left side restored the Seattle lead to 82-81 and launched the visitors on what would be a game-bursting run of 25-8 that would culminate in a technical foul on Bill Fitch with 7:27 remaining in the game. Fred Brown's free throw made it 105-89, and it was strictly garbage time from then on.
Larry Bird finished the game with 25 points and 13 rebounds, but for the first time in eight contests he was merely a very good NBA player and not a demi-god. The Celtics, who shot 41 percent from the floor in the first half, were not good enough in any department to make up for anything less than a superhuman effort by Bird.
Seattle was always in control, faltering in the second half for a brief spell of five minutes in the third quarter, during which time a nine-point lead (76-67) was turned into a one-point deficit at 81-80. But they maintained their composure, hitting the Celtics with six quick points (the aforementioned Shelton jumper, a sensational in-your-face fast break flip by Williams and another Shelton jumper), and the game would never be the same again.
The loss was only Boston's third at home this season.
There wasn't much doubt that the Sonics had properly earned their halftime margin, but there was considerable doubt in the mind of the Boston partisans that it should have been five points (66-61).
That's because referee Barry Rogan angered the Boston contingent with a controversial call at the two-second mark, taking away a tough fast-break runner by Bird and instead calling an offensive foul. So instead of heading into the locker room trailing by two points, the Boston deficit was still five.
The Celtics simply had not been able to defend either Shelton (20 points) or Williams (18) in the opening two quarters, the result being that for the final 18 minutes or so of the half they were placed in a defensive posture. Seattle had taken the first initiative, running off nine unanswered points from a 19-17 lead to take the first of two 11-point first-quarter advantages. The Celtics did catch up, even going ahead at 42-40 on two Cedric Maxwell free throws with 9:13 remaining in the half.
There was a five-minute period of lead-swapping before the Sonics again spurted in front, moving out by seven on two occcasions, at 62-55 and 64-57.
Despite scoring 61 points, the Celtics weren't really that sharp offensively, surviving by free throws and 10 points on second shots. The Sonics had by far the smoother offense of the two.
Shelton, the burly 6-foot-8 forward who will be making his first All-Star appearance on Sunday, was unstoppable with his medium-range jumpers, while Williams got his points on jumpers and some patented sneakaways.
Bird had 17 points to lead the Celtics, despite his return to the ranks of the mortal in regard to his shooting. Tiny Archibald had done some early scoring, but the Celtics were basically finding points from the outside very hard to come by.
Danny Ainge saw some second-quarter time, and he came up with two assists (the first on a crowd-pleasing benhind-the-back pass to Bird on a 2-on-1 fast break) and a nice basket on a running hook. But the Celtics were still searching for some outside shooting as the second half began.
1981-82 Boston Celtics
The difference between the Seattle SuperSonics of 1980-81 and the Seattle SuperSonics who are a legitimate contender for the 1982 championship was amply demonstrated to the 48th consecutive Garden sellout crowd last night when Lonnie Shelton and Gus Williams divided 73 points to pace the visitors to an impressive 118-106 triumph over the Celtics .
This All-Star duo destroyed the Celtics , period. Shelton, who was so corpulent on the Fourth of July that walking from his car to a gymnasium was a marathon jaunt, poured in a season-high 37 points on spectacular 17-for-23 shooting. Williams, who sat out the entire '81-82 season in a contract dispute with owner Sam Schulman (a jubilant press-table spectator), had 36 on his usual asortment of unstoppable jumpers and sneakaway layups. Shelton's playing time had been restricted last season by a wrist injury.
There was a very high level NBA confrontation for 32 minutes, or until a Shelton jumper from the left side restored the Seattle lead to 82-81 and launched the visitors on what would be a game-bursting run of 25-8 that would culminate in a technical foul on Bill Fitch with 7:27 remaining in the game. Fred Brown's free throw made it 105-89, and it was strictly garbage time from then on.
Larry Bird finished the game with 25 points and 13 rebounds, but for the first time in eight contests he was merely a very good NBA player and not a demi-god. The Celtics, who shot 41 percent from the floor in the first half, were not good enough in any department to make up for anything less than a superhuman effort by Bird.
Seattle was always in control, faltering in the second half for a brief spell of five minutes in the third quarter, during which time a nine-point lead (76-67) was turned into a one-point deficit at 81-80. But they maintained their composure, hitting the Celtics with six quick points (the aforementioned Shelton jumper, a sensational in-your-face fast break flip by Williams and another Shelton jumper), and the game would never be the same again.
The loss was only Boston's third at home this season.
There wasn't much doubt that the Sonics had properly earned their halftime margin, but there was considerable doubt in the mind of the Boston partisans that it should have been five points (66-61).
That's because referee Barry Rogan angered the Boston contingent with a controversial call at the two-second mark, taking away a tough fast-break runner by Bird and instead calling an offensive foul. So instead of heading into the locker room trailing by two points, the Boston deficit was still five.
The Celtics simply had not been able to defend either Shelton (20 points) or Williams (18) in the opening two quarters, the result being that for the final 18 minutes or so of the half they were placed in a defensive posture. Seattle had taken the first initiative, running off nine unanswered points from a 19-17 lead to take the first of two 11-point first-quarter advantages. The Celtics did catch up, even going ahead at 42-40 on two Cedric Maxwell free throws with 9:13 remaining in the half.
There was a five-minute period of lead-swapping before the Sonics again spurted in front, moving out by seven on two occcasions, at 62-55 and 64-57.
Despite scoring 61 points, the Celtics weren't really that sharp offensively, surviving by free throws and 10 points on second shots. The Sonics had by far the smoother offense of the two.
Shelton, the burly 6-foot-8 forward who will be making his first All-Star appearance on Sunday, was unstoppable with his medium-range jumpers, while Williams got his points on jumpers and some patented sneakaways.
Bird had 17 points to lead the Celtics, despite his return to the ranks of the mortal in regard to his shooting. Tiny Archibald had done some early scoring, but the Celtics were basically finding points from the outside very hard to come by.
Danny Ainge saw some second-quarter time, and he came up with two assists (the first on a crowd-pleasing benhind-the-back pass to Bird on a 2-on-1 fast break) and a nice basket on a running hook. But the Celtics were still searching for some outside shooting as the second half began.
Hill Now Leaning Toward Phoenix
According to the source, Hill’s concern with coming to Boston is the decreased role, not the money. He has spent most of his 14-year career as a starter and averaged nearly 30 minutes with the Suns last season. He has never averaged less than 29 minutes per game. The Celtics do not have anywhere close to that to offer with the starting lineup playing the majority of minutes and the recent signing of Rasheed Wallace.
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Not Sleeping Again and It's Only July
“I haven’t been really sleeping that much,’’ Garnett said. “That’s how my excitement comes out. I’ve just been envisioning this whole year. I’m excited and I’m working to make sure that when I come in here for training camp that I’m ready and I’m ready full throttle.’’
--Globe
So that's two summers in a row where KG hasn't slept, though for different reasons. The reference to "envisioning the whole year" sounds like he's circling games on the calendar. I know KG once said the Celtics circle every game on the calendar. That's a load of crap. Two games are being targeted, one home and one away.
--Globe
So that's two summers in a row where KG hasn't slept, though for different reasons. The reference to "envisioning the whole year" sounds like he's circling games on the calendar. I know KG once said the Celtics circle every game on the calendar. That's a load of crap. Two games are being targeted, one home and one away.
Lamar Odom: Did the Asking Price Just Go Up?
We have little doubt that certain suited members of the Purple Gang took in the proceedings broadcast from Waltham yesterday. Perhaps some players did, too, like Lamar Odom. If I were Lamar Odom's agent, I might ask Mitch what his lineup will look like sans Odom.
Ok, Mitch. You've got Bynum out there. He usually doesn't match up well with Perk. Then you got Gasol. He's a better match for Garnett, but you have to give the edge to the Ticket. Who's left to guard Sheed? Artest? And what about the Zen Mistress? He doesn't like to play Bynum during crunch time of big games. So you've got Gasol, Artest, and who exactly--Luke Walton? Come on. Let's get serious.
The other thing I find interesting about the negotiations is how often Odom goes public with his desire to "keep the team together," something he does far more than James Posey did last summer. One interpretation might be to take him at his word: Odom really wants to stay put. Another take might be that Odom "doth protest too much." Maybe he's repeating this mantra to fall back on when he bolts to the Cavs.
You just don't know.
Ok, Mitch. You've got Bynum out there. He usually doesn't match up well with Perk. Then you got Gasol. He's a better match for Garnett, but you have to give the edge to the Ticket. Who's left to guard Sheed? Artest? And what about the Zen Mistress? He doesn't like to play Bynum during crunch time of big games. So you've got Gasol, Artest, and who exactly--Luke Walton? Come on. Let's get serious.
The other thing I find interesting about the negotiations is how often Odom goes public with his desire to "keep the team together," something he does far more than James Posey did last summer. One interpretation might be to take him at his word: Odom really wants to stay put. Another take might be that Odom "doth protest too much." Maybe he's repeating this mantra to fall back on when he bolts to the Cavs.
You just don't know.
"You Become a God"
On his sales pitch to Hill, Ray Allen said, “When we talked, [Hill] was excited about what I was telling him. I told him, ‘If you ever want to win a championship, you want to win it in Boston because you become a god, you become a part of a legacy and you won’t die with the fans. It will always be everlasting. You can be with other cities and win it, but nothing like here.’ ’’
--Globe
--Globe
Answer Tomorrow on Hill
We expect an answer tomorrow on Grant Hill. His agent told Mark Spears that all three teams-Ny Bos and Phx are in the mix. According to Spears, Ray Allen has been in the ear of Grant Hill trying to sell Hill on Boston.
--Tanguay
--Tanguay
"We are the Better Team. We Are. For Sure. Better."
Any concerns that this could fail?
"No," said Celtics vice-president of basketball Danny Ainge without the slightest bit of hesitation. "I mean, there are other teams out there [also vying for a championship]. But we’re a better team. We are, for sure, better."
Are you listening Grant?I know, I know. You're off to Fargo to play for Flapjacks.
"Basketball's Answer to the Steel Curtain"
Sitting up there, from bookend to bookend, they looked like basketball’s answer to the Steel Curtain: Garnett, Pierce, Allen, Wallace. "It’s not an OK fit, it’s not an all-right fit," said Kevin Garnett, still the biggest member of Boston’s expanding Big Three. "It’s a perfect fit.’’
So `Sheed blows a gasket every now and then. Big deal. So does Kendrick Perkins. Nobody ever won a championship by patting the refs on the bottom and holding the door open for opponents to drive the lane
--Tony Massarotti
So `Sheed blows a gasket every now and then. Big deal. So does Kendrick Perkins. Nobody ever won a championship by patting the refs on the bottom and holding the door open for opponents to drive the lane
--Tony Massarotti
"It's Hard for Me to Stay Out of the Gym"
So that answers the question about the bone spurs. No surgery. I'm gonna assume the Truth will be 100%.
I think
the Ticket was choking back the tears. Damn. "He shares the passion. He shares the intensity." So what you're trying to say, KG, is that Sheed is a Boston Celtic. Cool.
"My chance to play with another great big." Wow. These two are gonna be something to watch.
"My chance to play with another great big." Wow. These two are gonna be something to watch.
Wait, I have an Idea
We were speculating why they moved the press conference up from Saturday to Thursday, especially since Hill hadn't signed yet. The theory was Hill was headed to NY, so no need to wait until Saturday, cuz he wasn't gonna be showin' up anyway. But what if Hill really hasn't made up his mind? Maybe watching this press conference will be the decisive factor in his decision making. Kind of like a satellite communication aimed at one person on a planet filled with billions.
I mean, how can you possibly choose the Minot Miners over a Celtics team with Sheed and the Ticket?
I mean, how can you possibly choose the Minot Miners over a Celtics team with Sheed and the Ticket?
The Ticket Speaks!
I spoke too soon. The ticket speaks!!! I think my love for the Ticket now rivals my love for the big red-head that wore #5 in the 80s. If only somehow KG can stay healthy. Just what I used to say about the Mountain Man . . .
The Big Fella (no, not that one, the other one)
Ok, ok. So I've been pretty happy with myself this week over da sheed. But you know what gets me even more excited? That other guy. You know, to the right of Sheed, sitting next to Pierce. No, not Ray Allen. The other side of Pierce.
The guy with the blue square around him.
Now I want to hear what he has to say.
How about you?
Funny Guy
What does it say that the Celtics send six guys to meet with Sheed, and one to meet with Grant? Does that hurt Hill’s ego? Does the Celtics’ move with Sheed raise the bar? Will the Knicks have to send their entire team, plus Mayor Bloomberg and Derek Jeter when they pitch to LeBron next year?
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Get Matt Barnes
I'm sick of this Grant Hill stuff. If Hill wants to play for a team in the developmental league, let's move on and get someone younger and more likely to make it through an entire season without suffering an injury.
Hill Leaning Toward Knicks
With the Celtics, he would play only a reserve role behind Paul Pierce and Ray Allen, although he would be playing on the best team of his career. Hill never has played for a team that advanced past the first round of the playoffs. Although being part of a winner with the Celtics sounds nice, winning a championship in a minor role wouldn't exactly help his legacy.
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Whatever.
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Whatever.
The Third Year
So the answer to my question is that the Celtics caved and coughed up a third year to Rasheed. Good. I'd even bet the Celtics upped the ante over the July 4th weekend, and that's what marked the turning point in the negotiations. Sheed did pull the plug on interviewing with other teams in an awful hurry.
The final three years of the KG Era will now include another big with similar skills. This should increase the chances that Ray-Ray and the Truth re-up on the cheap when the time comes, if they want to keep pursuing rings and solidify their places in NBA history and Celtics lore.
The third year also takes management one step closer to disabusing themselves of the notion that they can transition smoothly to the Post-KG Era. I love Rajon and I love Perk. But the championship-caliber play will end once KG calls it a career. Sure, there is a chance that the Celtics could convince a couple of big name free agents to sign-on and carry the torch after the current roster is no more. But (a) that is too far off to worry about, and (b) Bill Walker, JR Giddens, and Gabe Pruitt are not the players that management will choose to fill the shoes of the current Celtics stars.
The final three years of the KG Era will now include another big with similar skills. This should increase the chances that Ray-Ray and the Truth re-up on the cheap when the time comes, if they want to keep pursuing rings and solidify their places in NBA history and Celtics lore.
The third year also takes management one step closer to disabusing themselves of the notion that they can transition smoothly to the Post-KG Era. I love Rajon and I love Perk. But the championship-caliber play will end once KG calls it a career. Sure, there is a chance that the Celtics could convince a couple of big name free agents to sign-on and carry the torch after the current roster is no more. But (a) that is too far off to worry about, and (b) Bill Walker, JR Giddens, and Gabe Pruitt are not the players that management will choose to fill the shoes of the current Celtics stars.
Job Description: High Energy Player Who Can Make Immediate Impact Off the Bench
We now have three bona fide bigs. One of them is a high-energy former league MVP and defensive player of the year. He wears the same number as the last Celtic to win the Sixth Man award (also a high-energy big who could make an immediate impact off the bench. Just ask Kareem). He's coming off an injury-plagued season and his first major surgery. He'll need his playing time reduced and monitored in 2009-10.
I'd seriously think about bringing him off the bench and let Sheed start along side Perk. Perk just ain't a bench player. No way, no how.
I'd seriously think about bringing him off the bench and let Sheed start along side Perk. Perk just ain't a bench player. No way, no how.
McHale Starts, Stars in Win
Green Improves to 30-9
1981-82 Boston Celtics
The more things change with the Celtics, it seems, the more they stay the same. It is hard to imagine a team that could keep both Cedric Maxwell and Kevin McHale on the bench . . . unless the other forward happens to be a guy like Larry Bird.
With another franchise, brilliant play by a second-year player in a relief role would conjure up notions of a possible lineup change. McHale got 25 points and 10 rebounds in the Celtics ' 112-103 victory over Indiana last night before 15,320 at the Garden. It was his fourth straight start, and McHale has played well in each of them.
But the Celtics always have a way of keeping things in perspective. Ask Maxwell. He'll tell you.
"I think every player likes to start," said Maxwell, who put in 17 minutes in his first action in almost a week. "But with the Celtics, it's been more than an honor than anything else.
"Starting isn't as important as the minutes you play. Both Kevin and I know that Larry is going to be on the floor for most of the game. So we share the minutes between us, and it has worked out very well. I have been starting but I'm also still hurting. The way Kevin is playing right now, he deserves to start. I'm happy about it, because it will enable me to come back slowly and allow the coach to pick the spots where I should be used. While I want to play in every game now, it's more important that I be ready to play in the playoffs."
McHale hit 11 of 15 shots and had 10 rebounds. Six of those rebounds came off the offensive board, where he excels. Is starting important to him?
"Not really," he said. "I know I'm out there because Max is hurt . . . I'm sure he's going to be back starting as soon as he's 100 percent healthy. I'm not out there myself. We're a team. That's why there are 12 guys on it. When a guy like Max goes down, it's up to one of us to pick up for him. That's how it should be for everybody. If somebody falls, no matter where he plays, somebody else picks him up.
"Max and I are similar in that we both play strong inside games. I see that as a plus, because a team can defense for it, but can't play both of us alike. Our job is still the same in that we're both inside players, and we help out for Larry, Robert Parish, Chris Ford and Tiny Archibald. But he is so quick inside, he's very difficult to stop.
"I still like to shoot the jump shot as I did in college. But I also enjoy posting up guys and working inside. No doubt about it, I'm having fun right now. With the increased minutes, I'm gaining my confidence in the things I can do. I've got a little better shooting touch, but then the other guys make it easier for me by getting the ball to me in a good spot on the floor . . . "
If there is a difference in the Celtics in just one season, it has to be that they are deeper and more versatile. They are still the Celtics of Larry Bird, who continued his amazing streak with 32 points, 13 rebounds, 5 assists, a steal and a blocked shot. They are the Celtics of Tiny Archibald, whose 16 assists once again showed the value of an All-Star field general over the course of a long season.
But when you look to why the Celtics are winning night after night, it boils down to the fact they have the talent at the key positions to pick up the slack and win close games. What Maxwell does with deft moves, McHale does with power and strength. McHale's work on the offensive boards alone might have made the difference last night.
"I see the whole situation as a plus," said coach Bill Fitch. "It is a long season and you want to get as many people ready as possible. You'd like to play a lot of combinations if possible so that everybody is involved in different situations.
"Who plays on any night depends entirely on which team we're playing. If we want to come out in a track meet, maybe we'll play it one way. If we need power and rebounding, maybe we'll do it another. Kevin is getting more minutesnow because Max is hurt. I'd like to see that continue and maybe less minutes for Bird as the season goes on. It all depends, and I'm not just talking about the forwards. We've got a lot of ways we can go in all the positions."
Fitch said his club didn't play a pretty game. But it pulled together in the final three minutes and won. Bird came off the bench and scored 10 of the last 12 points.
"I thought we played well," said Indiana coach Jack McKinney. "But the thing we lacked was blocking out. We let Boston get second, third and fourth rebounds. That's what hurt us tonight. It really doesn't matter if McHale or Maxwell starts. McHale played well. Maxwell looked as if he hadn't been out at all.
"The big difference in the game, however, was the way that Bird played down the stretch. He plays so well that he hurts you every trip up the floor. If it's not his shooting, it's his passing or rebounding. You never know what Bird will do to contribute."
The Celtics had only a 99-95 lead when Bird and Archibald returned to the game with 4:38 left. Bird took over immediately, hitting two free throws and then popping in a 20-footer for a 103-96 lead. When Bird hit a turnaround in the key at 2:49 for a 107-100 lead, the crowd began to pack up and go home. Former Celtic Billy Knight tried to rally the Indiana troops and did wind up with 20 points for the Pacers. But his show was nothing compared to the one put on by Bird.
"I've had periods where I've shot well before," said Bird. "But I haven't been quite as good as I've been in this streak."
The Celtics are 30-9 and 18-2 at home. They haven't been playing better than that lately, either.
1981-82 Boston Celtics
The more things change with the Celtics, it seems, the more they stay the same. It is hard to imagine a team that could keep both Cedric Maxwell and Kevin McHale on the bench . . . unless the other forward happens to be a guy like Larry Bird.
With another franchise, brilliant play by a second-year player in a relief role would conjure up notions of a possible lineup change. McHale got 25 points and 10 rebounds in the Celtics ' 112-103 victory over Indiana last night before 15,320 at the Garden. It was his fourth straight start, and McHale has played well in each of them.
But the Celtics always have a way of keeping things in perspective. Ask Maxwell. He'll tell you.
"I think every player likes to start," said Maxwell, who put in 17 minutes in his first action in almost a week. "But with the Celtics, it's been more than an honor than anything else.
"Starting isn't as important as the minutes you play. Both Kevin and I know that Larry is going to be on the floor for most of the game. So we share the minutes between us, and it has worked out very well. I have been starting but I'm also still hurting. The way Kevin is playing right now, he deserves to start. I'm happy about it, because it will enable me to come back slowly and allow the coach to pick the spots where I should be used. While I want to play in every game now, it's more important that I be ready to play in the playoffs."
McHale hit 11 of 15 shots and had 10 rebounds. Six of those rebounds came off the offensive board, where he excels. Is starting important to him?
"Not really," he said. "I know I'm out there because Max is hurt . . . I'm sure he's going to be back starting as soon as he's 100 percent healthy. I'm not out there myself. We're a team. That's why there are 12 guys on it. When a guy like Max goes down, it's up to one of us to pick up for him. That's how it should be for everybody. If somebody falls, no matter where he plays, somebody else picks him up.
"Max and I are similar in that we both play strong inside games. I see that as a plus, because a team can defense for it, but can't play both of us alike. Our job is still the same in that we're both inside players, and we help out for Larry, Robert Parish, Chris Ford and Tiny Archibald. But he is so quick inside, he's very difficult to stop.
"I still like to shoot the jump shot as I did in college. But I also enjoy posting up guys and working inside. No doubt about it, I'm having fun right now. With the increased minutes, I'm gaining my confidence in the things I can do. I've got a little better shooting touch, but then the other guys make it easier for me by getting the ball to me in a good spot on the floor . . . "
If there is a difference in the Celtics in just one season, it has to be that they are deeper and more versatile. They are still the Celtics of Larry Bird, who continued his amazing streak with 32 points, 13 rebounds, 5 assists, a steal and a blocked shot. They are the Celtics of Tiny Archibald, whose 16 assists once again showed the value of an All-Star field general over the course of a long season.
But when you look to why the Celtics are winning night after night, it boils down to the fact they have the talent at the key positions to pick up the slack and win close games. What Maxwell does with deft moves, McHale does with power and strength. McHale's work on the offensive boards alone might have made the difference last night.
"I see the whole situation as a plus," said coach Bill Fitch. "It is a long season and you want to get as many people ready as possible. You'd like to play a lot of combinations if possible so that everybody is involved in different situations.
"Who plays on any night depends entirely on which team we're playing. If we want to come out in a track meet, maybe we'll play it one way. If we need power and rebounding, maybe we'll do it another. Kevin is getting more minutesnow because Max is hurt. I'd like to see that continue and maybe less minutes for Bird as the season goes on. It all depends, and I'm not just talking about the forwards. We've got a lot of ways we can go in all the positions."
Fitch said his club didn't play a pretty game. But it pulled together in the final three minutes and won. Bird came off the bench and scored 10 of the last 12 points.
"I thought we played well," said Indiana coach Jack McKinney. "But the thing we lacked was blocking out. We let Boston get second, third and fourth rebounds. That's what hurt us tonight. It really doesn't matter if McHale or Maxwell starts. McHale played well. Maxwell looked as if he hadn't been out at all.
"The big difference in the game, however, was the way that Bird played down the stretch. He plays so well that he hurts you every trip up the floor. If it's not his shooting, it's his passing or rebounding. You never know what Bird will do to contribute."
The Celtics had only a 99-95 lead when Bird and Archibald returned to the game with 4:38 left. Bird took over immediately, hitting two free throws and then popping in a 20-footer for a 103-96 lead. When Bird hit a turnaround in the key at 2:49 for a 107-100 lead, the crowd began to pack up and go home. Former Celtic Billy Knight tried to rally the Indiana troops and did wind up with 20 points for the Pacers. But his show was nothing compared to the one put on by Bird.
"I've had periods where I've shot well before," said Bird. "But I haven't been quite as good as I've been in this streak."
The Celtics are 30-9 and 18-2 at home. They haven't been playing better than that lately, either.
Bird Ends Pacers Comeback
1981-82 Boston Celtics
It's an NBA axiom that fans of superior teams must consume the spinach games of the regular season in order to enjoy the ice cream of the playoffs. Last night's 112-103 Celtics ' triumph over the Indiana Pacers was one such meal.
Never without control of the game in the final 3 1/2 quarters, but never of a mind to blow out the somewhat downtrodden (they've now dropped 11 of the last 14 games) visitors, the Celtics got out to a 14-point lead with 2 1/2 minutes remaining in the half and then nursed the advantage to the wire.
The Pacers threatened on the scoreboard in the final quarter, creeping to within four on three occasions and within five (103-98) with the ball at the 4:05 mark. But when things got hairy the Celtics went to Plan A, which is to direct the ball to Larry Bird.
It would be less monotonous to report that Bird was again a hero, but to state otherwise would be to indulge in a falsehood. Bird returned to this game with 4:48 left (99-95) and calmly scored the next eight Boston points, four on free throws and four on a pair of downtown swishers, the second of which left the Celtics comfortably ahead at 105-98 with 3:26 remaining.
Bird finished with 32 points, 13 rebounds and 5 assists. Other big stat men for Boston were Kevin McHale, with 25 points and 10 rebounds, and Tiny Archibald, who had 15 assists, 9 coming in the opening quarter, when Boston first established who was boss in this game.
It was McHale who had held off the Pacers earlier in the quarter, when they first came within four at 95-91. First the Gangly One stuck in a third- chance follow-up. Next he took a nice penetration feed from M.L. Carr and dropped in a jumper.
Boston won this game on the glass, picking up 21 second half points on second shots, and 29 in all. McHale and Bird were prime destroyers, picking up 14 second-chance points between them.
Serenity might very well be defined as being able to rest Bird for the final 6:32 of the half and have nothing happen to your lead.
That's what happened in the second quarter as the Celtics protected an eight-point lead (45-37) at the time of Bird's departure well enough to head into the locker room in possession of a nine-point advantage at 59-50.
Actually, the quintet of Rick Robey, McHale, Cedric Maxwell, Gerry Henderson and Carr was able to boost the lead up as high as 14 (55-41, with 2:39 remaining) before falling back. The truth is that at no time in the final 18 minutes of the half did the Celtics appear to be in trouble. It can be argued that there was a safer feeling surrounding this particular nine-point lead than there was surrounding the 18-point lead they had in New York the night before.
Indiana was far from the inspired club they usually are when these clubs meet in the Market Square Arena. Jack McKinney's team did stay with the Celtics through an eighth tie at 16-all as both clubs did some torrid early shooting. But with Bird, a reluctant early shooter (he didn't put one up until everybody else had scored), beginning to heat up, Boston broke out to a pair of 11-point first-quarter leads, the second one at 32-21 with 20 seconds left.
The key man in the first period was Archibald, who piled up an amazing total of nine assists in the quarter. The little guy was throwing seeds through traffic, and he was finding post-up men in the proper position en route to his lofty assist total.
Bird, who missed his first two shots, sank his last five to lead all first-quarter scorers with 10.
The Celtics pulled something of an accordion routine in the second quarter, letting the air in and out of the lead. The had been running well in the first quarter (10 of their first 14 via fast breaks), but in period two they were doing more with their set-up offense. Bird was busy rifling passes to the likes of McHale, retiring in favor of Maxwell with 12 points, five rebounds and four assists, all the latter in the second period.
Maxwell had come in for the first time in five games back in the first quarter, and he appeared to be the same old squirmer underneath, scoring six quick points.
The Pacers were experiencing difficulty holding onto the basketball, and the Celtics were making them pay, scoring on each of the first nine Indy turnovers.
After accumulating the big lead, the Celtics got a little sloppy, yielding a couple of easy baskets via turnovers. They still had a chance to go out leading by 13, but McHale threw the ball away looking for a Charles Bradley lob underneath with 16 seconds to go, and Johnny Davis sank a jumper with one second left to create the halftime spread of nine.
It's an NBA axiom that fans of superior teams must consume the spinach games of the regular season in order to enjoy the ice cream of the playoffs. Last night's 112-103 Celtics ' triumph over the Indiana Pacers was one such meal.
Never without control of the game in the final 3 1/2 quarters, but never of a mind to blow out the somewhat downtrodden (they've now dropped 11 of the last 14 games) visitors, the Celtics got out to a 14-point lead with 2 1/2 minutes remaining in the half and then nursed the advantage to the wire.
The Pacers threatened on the scoreboard in the final quarter, creeping to within four on three occasions and within five (103-98) with the ball at the 4:05 mark. But when things got hairy the Celtics went to Plan A, which is to direct the ball to Larry Bird.
It would be less monotonous to report that Bird was again a hero, but to state otherwise would be to indulge in a falsehood. Bird returned to this game with 4:48 left (99-95) and calmly scored the next eight Boston points, four on free throws and four on a pair of downtown swishers, the second of which left the Celtics comfortably ahead at 105-98 with 3:26 remaining.
Bird finished with 32 points, 13 rebounds and 5 assists. Other big stat men for Boston were Kevin McHale, with 25 points and 10 rebounds, and Tiny Archibald, who had 15 assists, 9 coming in the opening quarter, when Boston first established who was boss in this game.
It was McHale who had held off the Pacers earlier in the quarter, when they first came within four at 95-91. First the Gangly One stuck in a third- chance follow-up. Next he took a nice penetration feed from M.L. Carr and dropped in a jumper.
Boston won this game on the glass, picking up 21 second half points on second shots, and 29 in all. McHale and Bird were prime destroyers, picking up 14 second-chance points between them.
Serenity might very well be defined as being able to rest Bird for the final 6:32 of the half and have nothing happen to your lead.
That's what happened in the second quarter as the Celtics protected an eight-point lead (45-37) at the time of Bird's departure well enough to head into the locker room in possession of a nine-point advantage at 59-50.
Actually, the quintet of Rick Robey, McHale, Cedric Maxwell, Gerry Henderson and Carr was able to boost the lead up as high as 14 (55-41, with 2:39 remaining) before falling back. The truth is that at no time in the final 18 minutes of the half did the Celtics appear to be in trouble. It can be argued that there was a safer feeling surrounding this particular nine-point lead than there was surrounding the 18-point lead they had in New York the night before.
Indiana was far from the inspired club they usually are when these clubs meet in the Market Square Arena. Jack McKinney's team did stay with the Celtics through an eighth tie at 16-all as both clubs did some torrid early shooting. But with Bird, a reluctant early shooter (he didn't put one up until everybody else had scored), beginning to heat up, Boston broke out to a pair of 11-point first-quarter leads, the second one at 32-21 with 20 seconds left.
The key man in the first period was Archibald, who piled up an amazing total of nine assists in the quarter. The little guy was throwing seeds through traffic, and he was finding post-up men in the proper position en route to his lofty assist total.
Bird, who missed his first two shots, sank his last five to lead all first-quarter scorers with 10.
The Celtics pulled something of an accordion routine in the second quarter, letting the air in and out of the lead. The had been running well in the first quarter (10 of their first 14 via fast breaks), but in period two they were doing more with their set-up offense. Bird was busy rifling passes to the likes of McHale, retiring in favor of Maxwell with 12 points, five rebounds and four assists, all the latter in the second period.
Maxwell had come in for the first time in five games back in the first quarter, and he appeared to be the same old squirmer underneath, scoring six quick points.
The Pacers were experiencing difficulty holding onto the basketball, and the Celtics were making them pay, scoring on each of the first nine Indy turnovers.
After accumulating the big lead, the Celtics got a little sloppy, yielding a couple of easy baskets via turnovers. They still had a chance to go out leading by 13, but McHale threw the ball away looking for a Charles Bradley lob underneath with 16 seconds to go, and Johnny Davis sank a jumper with one second left to create the halftime spread of nine.
Hill: NBDL or the Celtics?
The Arizona Republic reports that the Knicks have given Hill two choices: a one-year deal worth $5 million or a three-year deal worth $10 million. Either way, they're willing to pencil Hill in as their starting small forward. The Celtics can only give Hill the bi-annual exception, worth about $1.9 million, because they're using their mid-level on Rasheed Wallace. Nor can the Celtics give Hill a starting job, as guys named Ray Allen and Paul Pierce occupy the wings in Boston.
So which offer will Hill choose to take? In his career, Hill has played 22 postseason games and never been out of the first round. Meanwhile, the Celtics played 26 postseason games in 2008 and made it to the East semis without Garnett. Now they added a player who some have called Garnett's "mirror image."
The real question is how badly does Hill want to win?Link to full article at NBA.com.
Easily Excitable
See that picture up there, to the right? Yes, the one with KG and Pierce rejecting Kobe. As much as I love that picture, you know what I love even more this year? Pictures of Sheed and KG or Sheed and Perk doing the same thing to just about anyone.
Good lord, what am I gonna do until October?
Good lord, what am I gonna do until October?
Danny's "Vision"
By now almost every Celtics fan knows that the Garnett deal was two-years in the works by the time Ainge pulled it off on July 31, 2007. Two years! The question of the day is how long after (or, dare I say, BEFORE) making the deal did Ainge have the name Rasheed Wallace circled as a free agent for the summer of 2009?
Peter May's column yesterday reminded of all the articles I read in the pre-Garnett Era where the author would discuss Danny's game plan for the Celtics, calling it his "Vision," capitalizing the 'V' and putting the entire word in quotes, a form of derision if you ask me. Of course, Ainge may have brought some of this on himself by calling his game plan a "vision."
Still, its funny how we don't see too many articles talking about his "Vision" any more.
Peter May's column yesterday reminded of all the articles I read in the pre-Garnett Era where the author would discuss Danny's game plan for the Celtics, calling it his "Vision," capitalizing the 'V' and putting the entire word in quotes, a form of derision if you ask me. Of course, Ainge may have brought some of this on himself by calling his game plan a "vision."
Still, its funny how we don't see too many articles talking about his "Vision" any more.
Random Drive-Bys
A quick look at reaction to the Sheed acquisition from around the league:
Boston’s over-the-top swagger meter is in danger of exploding from Day One. Garnett, ‘Sheed, Kendrick Perkins, Pierce, Rondo smacking people in the face, Eddie House’s general demeanor; this could be the most insufferable team EVER put together.
But with all due respect to the guys left, the last difference-maker has been claimed: Rasheed Wallace. This makes the Celtics the best team heading into next season. Yeah, Jason Kidd is still out there, but it looks like he's returning to Dallas. That's not going to change the landscape, at least not at the top. Lamar Odom? Tough to see him leaving L.A. Andre Miller ... Shawn Marion ... David Lee ... Drew Gooden ... Antonio McDyess ... Grant Hill. All players who will help a team, but not put it over. Which is what Wallace just did for Boston.
The Celtics may have only been a Kevin Garnett away from repeating in the first place in 2009. Now, the Celtics could be heading into next year's postseason with two Kevin Garnetts.
And then there's the Lakers, the current residing best team in the NBA. But are they? Not anymore. Who says they're better off with Ron Artest and without Trevor Ariza? Nobody knows how Artest will fit in. Wallace, on the other hand, is almost a guaranteed plus on the chemistry-meter for Boston, a true glue guy and as unselfish as they come.
But just think of what Rasheed means. We now have a legitimate backup, should Kendrick Perkins suffer another shoulder injury or any other joints act up on Kevin Garnett. We now have a legitimate “rock” for the bench - a veritable go-to-guy who could very well draw double teams in the post (when he elects to play down there) in order to free up shots for guys like Eddie House. And then of course, he can personally wreak havoc on other backup big men not quite up to his speed, whether that warrants shooting over them from 30 feet out or from five feet away from the hoop. Who else has a big man as talented as Rasheed coming off the bench? Who?
Remember Game 4 against the Lakers two years ago? When we completed that comeback with Perk on the bench and Posey in to stretch the floor? Plenty of scenarios similar to that will spring up this season, so Wallace should see an ample amount of minutes in late game situations.
As one general manager who was interested in Wallace can attest, the Celtics just raised the bar to an Olympic level in what has become a torrid Eastern Conference arms race.
“Now you can play (Wallace), Garnett and Pierce together,” said Nets president Rod Thorn. “He’s different, because he can play all three frontcourt positions. They haven’t had a player like Rasheed. PJ (Brown) was a nice player, but adding a player like Rasheed is a big step.
Stan Van Gundy, who coaches the latter team, can already envision matchup problems.“Now with Garnett, (Wallace) and (Kendrick) Perkins, that’s a great frontline rotation,” Van Gundy said. “Rasheed is another guy now with frontline experience. He can stretch the floor and score in close. None of their bigs were really 3-point shooters, so now they’ve got something new.”
Boston’s over-the-top swagger meter is in danger of exploding from Day One. Garnett, ‘Sheed, Kendrick Perkins, Pierce, Rondo smacking people in the face, Eddie House’s general demeanor; this could be the most insufferable team EVER put together.
But with all due respect to the guys left, the last difference-maker has been claimed: Rasheed Wallace. This makes the Celtics the best team heading into next season. Yeah, Jason Kidd is still out there, but it looks like he's returning to Dallas. That's not going to change the landscape, at least not at the top. Lamar Odom? Tough to see him leaving L.A. Andre Miller ... Shawn Marion ... David Lee ... Drew Gooden ... Antonio McDyess ... Grant Hill. All players who will help a team, but not put it over. Which is what Wallace just did for Boston.
The Celtics may have only been a Kevin Garnett away from repeating in the first place in 2009. Now, the Celtics could be heading into next year's postseason with two Kevin Garnetts.
And then there's the Lakers, the current residing best team in the NBA. But are they? Not anymore. Who says they're better off with Ron Artest and without Trevor Ariza? Nobody knows how Artest will fit in. Wallace, on the other hand, is almost a guaranteed plus on the chemistry-meter for Boston, a true glue guy and as unselfish as they come.
But just think of what Rasheed means. We now have a legitimate backup, should Kendrick Perkins suffer another shoulder injury or any other joints act up on Kevin Garnett. We now have a legitimate “rock” for the bench - a veritable go-to-guy who could very well draw double teams in the post (when he elects to play down there) in order to free up shots for guys like Eddie House. And then of course, he can personally wreak havoc on other backup big men not quite up to his speed, whether that warrants shooting over them from 30 feet out or from five feet away from the hoop. Who else has a big man as talented as Rasheed coming off the bench? Who?
Remember Game 4 against the Lakers two years ago? When we completed that comeback with Perk on the bench and Posey in to stretch the floor? Plenty of scenarios similar to that will spring up this season, so Wallace should see an ample amount of minutes in late game situations.
As one general manager who was interested in Wallace can attest, the Celtics just raised the bar to an Olympic level in what has become a torrid Eastern Conference arms race.
“Now you can play (Wallace), Garnett and Pierce together,” said Nets president Rod Thorn. “He’s different, because he can play all three frontcourt positions. They haven’t had a player like Rasheed. PJ (Brown) was a nice player, but adding a player like Rasheed is a big step.
Stan Van Gundy, who coaches the latter team, can already envision matchup problems.“Now with Garnett, (Wallace) and (Kendrick) Perkins, that’s a great frontline rotation,” Van Gundy said. “Rasheed is another guy now with frontline experience. He can stretch the floor and score in close. None of their bigs were really 3-point shooters, so now they’ve got something new.”
Grampa Celtic: Sheed Not on the Decline
Contrary to popular opinion, Bob Ryan tells us Sheed has been a model of consistency the last four years.
Pieces Parts
So we are a little old, a little injured, and a little thin (though not as thin as believed by some: yesterday on Rome is Burning, a guest asked to evaluate the Sheed move said the Celtics had not improved themselves by making the deal because they still had E.House coming off the bench and not much more. Huh? What about Sheed???). I’m not gonna say we are a work in progress, cuz that makes it sound like Danny’s gonna sit on his rear until the trade deadline, and I don’t see that happening.
In any event, I’ve never mastered labyrinth of rules governing NBA transactions. Example, last year I proposed resigning PJ Brown and then trading his contract for a big. Turns out you couldn’t do it. The rules don't allow for it. This year, Red’s Army has what appears to be a good idea. If we can’t re-sign BBD, then sign and trade him so we get something back (you know, like to New Orleans, for a certain former member of the green).
So let’s take stock of where that brings us:
We want Grant Hill, but apparently he wants to finish out his career in the NBDL.
There are some other wings we might pursue that are free agents, but they may want too much $$$.
Then there are some wings we could trade for, using Scal, TA, Giddens, Walker, and Pruitt as bait.
Finally, we have the Reds Army idea.
Bottom line: We're gonna land someone we need before camp starts in October.
In any event, I’ve never mastered labyrinth of rules governing NBA transactions. Example, last year I proposed resigning PJ Brown and then trading his contract for a big. Turns out you couldn’t do it. The rules don't allow for it. This year, Red’s Army has what appears to be a good idea. If we can’t re-sign BBD, then sign and trade him so we get something back (you know, like to New Orleans, for a certain former member of the green).
So let’s take stock of where that brings us:
We want Grant Hill, but apparently he wants to finish out his career in the NBDL.
There are some other wings we might pursue that are free agents, but they may want too much $$$.
Then there are some wings we could trade for, using Scal, TA, Giddens, Walker, and Pruitt as bait.
Finally, we have the Reds Army idea.
Bottom line: We're gonna land someone we need before camp starts in October.
We Interrupt the Euphoria to Bring You this Special Reminder
Celtics coach Doc Rivers said on WEEI's ``Dennis and Callahan Show'' yesterday that Ray Allen was slowed by a hamstring problem during the Orlando series. Rivers also revealed that Paul Pierce has bone spurs that may need to be removed and Kendrick Perkins likely faces shoulder surgery.
--Boston Herald, May 20, 2009
When the 2008-09 season ended, KG was scheduled for surgery, while Paul Pierce was complaining of bone spurs, the same problem that necessitated surgery for Garnett. The Ticket has since had surgery, successful by all accounts. Pierce? No word. Perkins? No Word. Still, when you're two best players and your best post-defender end the season with injuries, concerns abound about the long-term durability of this squad next year. This is why Celtics Nation, despite the coup that was the Rasheed Wallace free agent signing, will be pins and needles for most of next season, even if we land a desirable swingman.
We Have an Antoine Sighting
The new "it" rooftop in town belongs to The Wit Hotel in the Loop. It has been open for only a few weeks and there already have been several celebrity sightings there. On one recent night, Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, Jakob Dylan, Sister Hazel, Antoine Walker and Reggie Bush all partied on the roof.
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No word on whether he broke out the wiggle.
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No word on whether he broke out the wiggle.
(crickets chirping)
June 15th was not a fun day. My brother, the die-hard Lakers fan, emailed me. My co-worker, the die-hard Lakers fan, stopped by my desk to pay me a special visit. He'd never done that before. My friend from college, the Timberwolves' fan, McHale hater, and anti-Celtic ranter, gave me a call. I'm sure you know what they had on their minds. Just think of RedsArmy.com seconds after the purple won the title, and you get the picture.
Funny thing, I haven't heard from any of them this week. More curious, Laker fan blogs have been pretty quiet, too. I run a search for "Rasheed" or "Wallace" here and here, and I don't get any hits. I don't get any hits for "Grant Hill" either, but I'm sure that will change once he signs with the world-beating New York Knicks or the title-hungry Phoenix Suns.
Funny thing, I haven't heard from any of them this week. More curious, Laker fan blogs have been pretty quiet, too. I run a search for "Rasheed" or "Wallace" here and here, and I don't get any hits. I don't get any hits for "Grant Hill" either, but I'm sure that will change once he signs with the world-beating New York Knicks or the title-hungry Phoenix Suns.
Larry Likes the Sheed Signing
“He’s one of the top players in the league,” Bird said. “Rasheed Wallace is going to add another dimension to that team. Good move. He’ll stretch the floor, too. He can step out and shoot 3’s.”
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We Still Need a Corner
Earlier this summer I was watching Tony Allen give an interview on ESPN. In response to one question, Allen said, "well, I've been with the club for six years..." The rest of the sentence faded off into nothingness as I had to grab hold of the sofa to get my bearings. Six years? Tony Allen? Whoa. It's a time like this when you need Winston Churchill's gift with words: Never in the course of human history has one team invested so much time with just one player and gotten so little in return. (sorry Winston, I gave it my best).
As it turns out, next season will be Tony Allen's sixth with the Celtics. Even five seasons seems extraordinary, given what we all know about those five years. At his best, Tony Allen has been a stifling defender. He reminded me of Deion Sanders on a basketball court, standing in front of his cover, relaxed, waiting, just waiting for his guy to do something--make a move, any move--and as soon as the guy moved, Tony was on him like milk on cereal. Of course, we didn't see this Tony Allen very often.
Once the Grant Hill saga ends with Hill snubbing the Hub, Danny will be back where he was last summer, looking for a Deion-Sanders like corner to replace James Posey. They aren't easy to find, especially when you consider that James had length (6'8"), defensive prowess, perimeter range, nerves of steel, and bankable consistency. Tony Allen has demonstrated none of these characteristics with any consistency, which is what would have made signing Grant Hill so sweet.
As it turns out, next season will be Tony Allen's sixth with the Celtics. Even five seasons seems extraordinary, given what we all know about those five years. At his best, Tony Allen has been a stifling defender. He reminded me of Deion Sanders on a basketball court, standing in front of his cover, relaxed, waiting, just waiting for his guy to do something--make a move, any move--and as soon as the guy moved, Tony was on him like milk on cereal. Of course, we didn't see this Tony Allen very often.
Once the Grant Hill saga ends with Hill snubbing the Hub, Danny will be back where he was last summer, looking for a Deion-Sanders like corner to replace James Posey. They aren't easy to find, especially when you consider that James had length (6'8"), defensive prowess, perimeter range, nerves of steel, and bankable consistency. Tony Allen has demonstrated none of these characteristics with any consistency, which is what would have made signing Grant Hill so sweet.
Giddens Needs to Slow Down
"You know, J.R. tells me that he was a shooter in high school and early in college,” joked Flash head coach Brad Jones. "He's a guy that can really fill out a stat sheet. Obviously, his energy is terrific and he has a great motor. Part of that is why he needs to just settle himself down just a little bit.” "I would say that the big thing with him is that once he slows down, I think he's way better,” Celtics assistant coach Mike Longabardi said. "He's just been so excited because he wants to play so much, so badly.”
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D-E-S-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-R-E
The Herald is reporting that Hill may simply be attempting to leverage a better deal in Phoenix. "Grant is a very complex individual,” a source told the Herald. "Complex" might not be the word I'd choose. Confused, perhaps, not complex.
So we have Grant Hill going back to Phoenix or moving to New York and Stephon Marbury going to play for the Wiz. Looking back, I guess Payton, Malone, Ewing, and Barkley deserve more credit than I thought. At least they had the desire to win a championship.
Boston Losing Sway with Hill?
According to NBA sources, Hill was presented with two offers: a one-year contract worth $5 million or a three-year deal worth $10 million. It is believed that the Suns were hoping to re-sign Hill for two years at approximately $2 million per season. Hill is deciding between Phoenix, Boston and New York but sources close to the player feel that Hill's final decision will come down to the Suns and Knicks because those clubs can offer him a starting job.
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Celtics Put on Clinic, Then Struggle to Hold On
Win Moves Green to 29-9
1981-82 Boston Celtics
Coach Bill Fitch hasn't changed one bit. Two and one half years and an NBA championship later, he is still such a perfectionist that he demands nothing less from his Celtics . He still bemoans that their education in the art of winning basketball is far from over.
"We have to come up with a new play," said Fitch last night after Boston had barely escaped with a 111-107 victory over the New York Knicks. "We'll call it the shovel play. It will be the one we use to bury teams when we're 16 points ahead.
"It's called the killer instinct and many times we haven't had it. Our games wind up close and we've beaten teams by 10 points that we probably should have beaten by 20, said Fitch. And last night's game was a prime example.
"But we're learning. I think we learned something tonight. And we did what we had to do when it counted and got the win. That's what counts," added Fitch.
To the 17,810 fans who assembled at Madison Square Garden, what happened must have been a revelation. The Celtics are not invincible. But they do win a lot. They saw the Celtics Jekyl-and-Hyde personality, just like their beloved Knicks. But the Celtics do not self-destruct. They win.
Yes, Boston did put on a clinic in the first half and turned Larry Bird loose in another one of his amazing displays of all-around floor generalship. Bird scored 20 points in the first half and finished with 39, hitting 18 of 24 from the field. He also had 10 rebounds, 7 assists and 2 steals. He wasn't the only Celtic with a hot hand. Kevin McHale, Robert Parish and Tiny Archibald were on target.
In the second half, however, Bird and Co. treated the Knick followers to an ordinary effort coupled with poor execution. It happens when this team jumps to an early big lead. The victory can only be attributed to the fact that the Celtics, ordinary or otherwise, don't panic in the clutch.
"Our team has always played with confidence," said Fitch. "How many times have you seen games decided in the last two minutes. That's where the confidence comes in. It comes from being in this situation many times before. It also comes from working on it in practice. What the Knicks did shouldn't surprise anybody. The NBA is built around teams who can come back from 22- point deficits. But it's the way you play at then end that counts. We had only one objective at the end - win the game."
No one seriously doubted that Boston would hold on and beat the Knicks last night. History is on Boston's side. There have been many last quarter muggings in Madison Square Garden. Defense and execution on offense in the final two minutes is what won it for Boston. It is a tried and tested formula.
With 3:40 remaining, the crowd broke into the magic words, "Boston (You- Know-What),", the Celtic six-point lead seemed slim. But the Celtics held off the Knicks and won with poise and style.
Give credit to the Knicks. They survived 71 percent shooting in the first half and came back to push Boston to the brink. Michael Ray Richardson (28 points) and Bill Cartwright (22) led the Knicks back, and with 1:56 left, they trailed by only two points, 105-103.
"Defense definitely brought us back into the game," said Knick forward Maurice Lucas. "We stopped letting them have so many easy shots. We stopped everybody but Bird. He had a great game and when a guy is hot like that, he's unstoppable."
Give credit to the Celtics for regrouping. While the Knicks played well in the second half, it is a bad omen to face Boston and not be perfect in the two-minute drill. For that is the time Boston in general and Larry Bird in particular love to show their championship-winning ways.
After Robert Parish pulled down a rebound with 1:13 left, Bird came down the floor and calmly sank a 17-footer, taking the starch right out of the Knicks.
With the score 107-104, Cartwright missed a free throw and Parish (19 points, 11 rebounds) picked it off the boards and just about sealed the victory.
After that, all the Knicks could do to stay alive was foul. A pair of free throws by Tiny Archibald and Bird closed the door right for good.
"We didn't want to let them back into the game," said Bird. "But it just worked out that way. I was out for a blowout.' But when I came back, I didn't feel right at first. I didn't have a good feel for the ball. That's when I missed three shots in a row. But I hit the one that I had to hit.
"What happened in the final period is that we weren't hitting. It's that simple. The shots were there. We took what the Knicks were giving us, but the ball didn't go down. But we hung together and did what had to do. It was a fortunate thing that I hit that shot at the end."
It was a fortunate thing. For Fitch's tone was a lot softer than it would have been had the Celtics lost last night.
"Tonight was a good lesson for us," he said. "We played great for three quarters. Then we got away from the things we had done that had gotten us the lead. We went to the outside shot too much. We did some other things that were uncharacteristic of this ball club. We talked about it after the game, and we'll take about it tomorrow. When we called a timeout and went to a play, we executed the way we were supposed to do. But until the final two minutes of the fourth quarter, we weren't doing that."
Alas, all is well that ends well in Celticland.
"I parked the car in the garage and forgot to lock the garage door," said Fitch. "New York came in, took the hubcaps, the hood and the fenders. But all they came out with was a jalopy."
1981-82 Boston Celtics
Coach Bill Fitch hasn't changed one bit. Two and one half years and an NBA championship later, he is still such a perfectionist that he demands nothing less from his Celtics . He still bemoans that their education in the art of winning basketball is far from over.
"We have to come up with a new play," said Fitch last night after Boston had barely escaped with a 111-107 victory over the New York Knicks. "We'll call it the shovel play. It will be the one we use to bury teams when we're 16 points ahead.
"It's called the killer instinct and many times we haven't had it. Our games wind up close and we've beaten teams by 10 points that we probably should have beaten by 20, said Fitch. And last night's game was a prime example.
"But we're learning. I think we learned something tonight. And we did what we had to do when it counted and got the win. That's what counts," added Fitch.
To the 17,810 fans who assembled at Madison Square Garden, what happened must have been a revelation. The Celtics are not invincible. But they do win a lot. They saw the Celtics Jekyl-and-Hyde personality, just like their beloved Knicks. But the Celtics do not self-destruct. They win.
Yes, Boston did put on a clinic in the first half and turned Larry Bird loose in another one of his amazing displays of all-around floor generalship. Bird scored 20 points in the first half and finished with 39, hitting 18 of 24 from the field. He also had 10 rebounds, 7 assists and 2 steals. He wasn't the only Celtic with a hot hand. Kevin McHale, Robert Parish and Tiny Archibald were on target.
In the second half, however, Bird and Co. treated the Knick followers to an ordinary effort coupled with poor execution. It happens when this team jumps to an early big lead. The victory can only be attributed to the fact that the Celtics, ordinary or otherwise, don't panic in the clutch.
"Our team has always played with confidence," said Fitch. "How many times have you seen games decided in the last two minutes. That's where the confidence comes in. It comes from being in this situation many times before. It also comes from working on it in practice. What the Knicks did shouldn't surprise anybody. The NBA is built around teams who can come back from 22- point deficits. But it's the way you play at then end that counts. We had only one objective at the end - win the game."
No one seriously doubted that Boston would hold on and beat the Knicks last night. History is on Boston's side. There have been many last quarter muggings in Madison Square Garden. Defense and execution on offense in the final two minutes is what won it for Boston. It is a tried and tested formula.
With 3:40 remaining, the crowd broke into the magic words, "Boston (You- Know-What),", the Celtic six-point lead seemed slim. But the Celtics held off the Knicks and won with poise and style.
Give credit to the Knicks. They survived 71 percent shooting in the first half and came back to push Boston to the brink. Michael Ray Richardson (28 points) and Bill Cartwright (22) led the Knicks back, and with 1:56 left, they trailed by only two points, 105-103.
"Defense definitely brought us back into the game," said Knick forward Maurice Lucas. "We stopped letting them have so many easy shots. We stopped everybody but Bird. He had a great game and when a guy is hot like that, he's unstoppable."
Give credit to the Celtics for regrouping. While the Knicks played well in the second half, it is a bad omen to face Boston and not be perfect in the two-minute drill. For that is the time Boston in general and Larry Bird in particular love to show their championship-winning ways.
After Robert Parish pulled down a rebound with 1:13 left, Bird came down the floor and calmly sank a 17-footer, taking the starch right out of the Knicks.
With the score 107-104, Cartwright missed a free throw and Parish (19 points, 11 rebounds) picked it off the boards and just about sealed the victory.
After that, all the Knicks could do to stay alive was foul. A pair of free throws by Tiny Archibald and Bird closed the door right for good.
"We didn't want to let them back into the game," said Bird. "But it just worked out that way. I was out for a blowout.' But when I came back, I didn't feel right at first. I didn't have a good feel for the ball. That's when I missed three shots in a row. But I hit the one that I had to hit.
"What happened in the final period is that we weren't hitting. It's that simple. The shots were there. We took what the Knicks were giving us, but the ball didn't go down. But we hung together and did what had to do. It was a fortunate thing that I hit that shot at the end."
It was a fortunate thing. For Fitch's tone was a lot softer than it would have been had the Celtics lost last night.
"Tonight was a good lesson for us," he said. "We played great for three quarters. Then we got away from the things we had done that had gotten us the lead. We went to the outside shot too much. We did some other things that were uncharacteristic of this ball club. We talked about it after the game, and we'll take about it tomorrow. When we called a timeout and went to a play, we executed the way we were supposed to do. But until the final two minutes of the fourth quarter, we weren't doing that."
Alas, all is well that ends well in Celticland.
"I parked the car in the garage and forgot to lock the garage door," said Fitch. "New York came in, took the hubcaps, the hood and the fenders. But all they came out with was a jalopy."
I Don't Usually Dwell on Lineups, But . . .
While I was reading Florida Celts Fan's links today, I came across this article. The dude knows his sheed. Definitely a recommended read. In the middle of the piece, he examines potential line-ups Doc might throw out there. This one caught my eye: Rondo, Pierce, KG, Sheed, and Perk.
As you all know by now, most of my life can be reduced to a match-up of Green v. Purple. At first blush, this line-up looks like a fairly even one to match-up against Fisher, Bryant, Odom, Bynum, and Gasol. Yet when push comes to shove and the Zen Mistress absolutely, positively needs a W, he takes Bynum out of the game, meaning the name "Andrew Bynum" is much scarier than the reality of Andrew Bynum. If Zen still can't rely on the Second Coming of Wilt when the chips are down next season, who exactly will the Purple play in the front court during crunch time?
Then, of course, you have the issue of the ever-improving elite guard Rajon Rondo facing off against the aging and undersized 2-guard playing point for the purple, D.Fish. And what if Odom doesn't return? Zen has already said he's not sure he can depend on Ron Artest. You see where I'm headed. Not only does a line-up of Rondo, Pierce, KG, Sheed, and Perk possess an off-the-chart skill set, this is a line-up that will physically abuse you until it gets its way.
That's what I'm talkin' about.
As you all know by now, most of my life can be reduced to a match-up of Green v. Purple. At first blush, this line-up looks like a fairly even one to match-up against Fisher, Bryant, Odom, Bynum, and Gasol. Yet when push comes to shove and the Zen Mistress absolutely, positively needs a W, he takes Bynum out of the game, meaning the name "Andrew Bynum" is much scarier than the reality of Andrew Bynum. If Zen still can't rely on the Second Coming of Wilt when the chips are down next season, who exactly will the Purple play in the front court during crunch time?
Then, of course, you have the issue of the ever-improving elite guard Rajon Rondo facing off against the aging and undersized 2-guard playing point for the purple, D.Fish. And what if Odom doesn't return? Zen has already said he's not sure he can depend on Ron Artest. You see where I'm headed. Not only does a line-up of Rondo, Pierce, KG, Sheed, and Perk possess an off-the-chart skill set, this is a line-up that will physically abuse you until it gets its way.
That's what I'm talkin' about.
C's Down Pistons
Celtics Improve to 28-9
1981-82 Boston Celtics
The Celtics survived a first-half blitz - including a 40-point second quarter - by the Pistons and posted a 128-120 victory over Detroit last night at the Silverdome. The Celtics had not lost two games in a row all year, but found themselves struggling for momentum in the giant Silverdome. The Pistons trailed after one period, 36-35, but roared to a 75-63 lead at halftime behind the shooting of one John Long.
Boston's early game plan was to work the ball into low to Robert Parish, and that plan worked: he responded with 14 points. Both teams went on spurts in the period in which the score was tied seven times. Boston went ahead, 23-19, at one point, but the Pistons kept close behind the shooting of Kelly Tripucka, who had 11 points in the period. On Friday night, it was a 16-point effort by Milwaukee's Bob Lanier that put Boston in the hole. Last night, the culprit was the lighting quick Long, whose 17 points included an 8-for-8 spell from the field. Detroit sank 18 of 23 shots in the period, a sizzling, 78 percent.
The Celtics were ahead, 40-39, when the Pistons suddenly got up a head of steam. Two baskets by Phil Hubbard put Detroit ahead, 43-40. And with the Pistons leading, 45-44, Long hit three straight baskets and Detroit's lead was five points, at 49-44.In the next three minutes, the Celtics could do very little and found themselves down, 63-52. Two more baskets by Long made it 15 of 16 for the Pistons in the period and a 67-54 lead.
Celtic coach Bill Fitch shuffled his troops frantically, including the insertion of Danny Ainge, and Boston cut the lead to seven points, 70-63, with 57 seconds left. But the next five points belonged to Detroit, and Boston trailed at halftime, 75-63.Long finished with 21 points in the first half. Parish led Boston with 17. Boston was outrebounded in the first half, 30-19. The Pistons shot 60 percent for the half (32-53).
Losing to the Milwaukee Bucks and having a four-game winning streak snapped didn't make Fitch happy Friday night. But at least it didn't cost him a chance to be the head coach of the Eastern Conference team for next Sunday's NBA All-Star game at the Meadowlands in New Jersey.The 76ers also lost Friday night, and that meant Fitch's club had clinched the best record in the Eastern Conference despite the 122-118 loss in Milwaukee. Going into last night's game, Boston and Philadelphia were a game- and-a-half apart in the standings with one game to play before today's deadline date.
While Fitch will tell you that being coach of the Eastern Conference All- Stars is an honor that carries a mixed blessing, it was one that eluded him 11 previous seasons of pro coaching, nine with Cleveland. The last two years, the Celtics lost a game in the week before the deadline, and fell behind the 76ers in the Atlantic Division race just long enough to give the job to Philadelphia's Billy Cunningham instead of Fitch."While I'm happy that I made it," said Fitch. "I'm more happy for my players and the team than myself. I don't want to make a big deal out of it. It's a lot of work and I work hard enough as it is. But it is a fun game for the players and the fans, and it's nice to be selected."
Kelly Tripucka may have lost out to teammate Isiah Thomas this year in the balloting for the All-Star team, but he thinks he's convinced all the skeptics that he can play in the NBA. "A lot of people were saying I couldn't play at all," said Tripucka, the former Notre Dame star who was the 12th player selected in last year's draft. "But I always had confidence in myself and my ability."Tripucka is averaging 20.6 points and 37 minutes a game. He was NBA rookie player of the month in December.
"I didn't understand it, really. While it's true that I played in a program where they controled the ball a lot, and didn't shoot that much, it didn't mean I couldn't. Don't all the shooters in the league come from New Jersey. I don't see anybody surprised at players from North Carolina making it. They play control basketball, too."
1981-82 Boston Celtics
The Celtics survived a first-half blitz - including a 40-point second quarter - by the Pistons and posted a 128-120 victory over Detroit last night at the Silverdome. The Celtics had not lost two games in a row all year, but found themselves struggling for momentum in the giant Silverdome. The Pistons trailed after one period, 36-35, but roared to a 75-63 lead at halftime behind the shooting of one John Long.
Boston's early game plan was to work the ball into low to Robert Parish, and that plan worked: he responded with 14 points. Both teams went on spurts in the period in which the score was tied seven times. Boston went ahead, 23-19, at one point, but the Pistons kept close behind the shooting of Kelly Tripucka, who had 11 points in the period. On Friday night, it was a 16-point effort by Milwaukee's Bob Lanier that put Boston in the hole. Last night, the culprit was the lighting quick Long, whose 17 points included an 8-for-8 spell from the field. Detroit sank 18 of 23 shots in the period, a sizzling, 78 percent.
The Celtics were ahead, 40-39, when the Pistons suddenly got up a head of steam. Two baskets by Phil Hubbard put Detroit ahead, 43-40. And with the Pistons leading, 45-44, Long hit three straight baskets and Detroit's lead was five points, at 49-44.In the next three minutes, the Celtics could do very little and found themselves down, 63-52. Two more baskets by Long made it 15 of 16 for the Pistons in the period and a 67-54 lead.
Celtic coach Bill Fitch shuffled his troops frantically, including the insertion of Danny Ainge, and Boston cut the lead to seven points, 70-63, with 57 seconds left. But the next five points belonged to Detroit, and Boston trailed at halftime, 75-63.Long finished with 21 points in the first half. Parish led Boston with 17. Boston was outrebounded in the first half, 30-19. The Pistons shot 60 percent for the half (32-53).
Losing to the Milwaukee Bucks and having a four-game winning streak snapped didn't make Fitch happy Friday night. But at least it didn't cost him a chance to be the head coach of the Eastern Conference team for next Sunday's NBA All-Star game at the Meadowlands in New Jersey.The 76ers also lost Friday night, and that meant Fitch's club had clinched the best record in the Eastern Conference despite the 122-118 loss in Milwaukee. Going into last night's game, Boston and Philadelphia were a game- and-a-half apart in the standings with one game to play before today's deadline date.
While Fitch will tell you that being coach of the Eastern Conference All- Stars is an honor that carries a mixed blessing, it was one that eluded him 11 previous seasons of pro coaching, nine with Cleveland. The last two years, the Celtics lost a game in the week before the deadline, and fell behind the 76ers in the Atlantic Division race just long enough to give the job to Philadelphia's Billy Cunningham instead of Fitch."While I'm happy that I made it," said Fitch. "I'm more happy for my players and the team than myself. I don't want to make a big deal out of it. It's a lot of work and I work hard enough as it is. But it is a fun game for the players and the fans, and it's nice to be selected."
Kelly Tripucka may have lost out to teammate Isiah Thomas this year in the balloting for the All-Star team, but he thinks he's convinced all the skeptics that he can play in the NBA. "A lot of people were saying I couldn't play at all," said Tripucka, the former Notre Dame star who was the 12th player selected in last year's draft. "But I always had confidence in myself and my ability."Tripucka is averaging 20.6 points and 37 minutes a game. He was NBA rookie player of the month in December.
"I didn't understand it, really. While it's true that I played in a program where they controled the ball a lot, and didn't shoot that much, it didn't mean I couldn't. Don't all the shooters in the league come from New Jersey. I don't see anybody surprised at players from North Carolina making it. They play control basketball, too."
Celtics Have Fourth Best Road Record
January 16, 1982
1981-82 Boston Celtics
The Celtics' 11-7 road record is only the fourth best in the NBA, trailing Philadelphia (15-6), Los Angeles (15-6) and Milwaukee (11-5). But Boston's home record (which includes the three in Hartford) is 17-2, and that is the league's best, a shade better than San Antonio's 15-3 . . . Utah and Dallas are the worst road teams, each with a 2-15 record entering last night's action . . . The six-game figures for the inimitable Larry Bird: 32.2 points a game, 14.0 rebounds a contest, 9 assists a game and 63 percent (85-136) shooting . . . Parish has quietly been playing excellent basketball. His last five point-rebound figures have been 24-11, 24-11, 21-9, 25-18 and 19-12. Incidentally, he had a season-high 23 rebounds in Market Square Arena during the Dec. 1 Pacers' 90-87 triumph over the Celtics . . . Cedric Maxwell sat out his fifth straight game last night, due to a sore right knee . . . The Celtics are 11-3 against teams with .500 or better records, and 18-6 against sub-.500 clubs . . . McKinney, on the 3-10 Indy record the past 13 games: "We're not playing with any sharpness, crispness or consistency. In those 13 games we've only played well twice.
1981-82 Boston Celtics
The Celtics' 11-7 road record is only the fourth best in the NBA, trailing Philadelphia (15-6), Los Angeles (15-6) and Milwaukee (11-5). But Boston's home record (which includes the three in Hartford) is 17-2, and that is the league's best, a shade better than San Antonio's 15-3 . . . Utah and Dallas are the worst road teams, each with a 2-15 record entering last night's action . . . The six-game figures for the inimitable Larry Bird: 32.2 points a game, 14.0 rebounds a contest, 9 assists a game and 63 percent (85-136) shooting . . . Parish has quietly been playing excellent basketball. His last five point-rebound figures have been 24-11, 24-11, 21-9, 25-18 and 19-12. Incidentally, he had a season-high 23 rebounds in Market Square Arena during the Dec. 1 Pacers' 90-87 triumph over the Celtics . . . Cedric Maxwell sat out his fifth straight game last night, due to a sore right knee . . . The Celtics are 11-3 against teams with .500 or better records, and 18-6 against sub-.500 clubs . . . McKinney, on the 3-10 Indy record the past 13 games: "We're not playing with any sharpness, crispness or consistency. In those 13 games we've only played well twice.
ML Forgets to Pack Suitcase for Road Trip
January 16, 1982
1981-82 Boston Celtics
M. L. Carr didn't realize how long he's been away from the NBA due to injury until he got to the airport Thursday night, and discovered he'd left his suitcase at home. A quick clothing dash in East Boston and later in Milwaukee kept him from freezing . . . Yes, Ainge is a rookie in the NBA. Although he has been to Detroit many times with the Toronto Blue Jays, he went to the wrong bus at Detroit's Metro Airport. And Fitch revealed that the reason he was smiling so much when his team was trailing in the final seconds on Friday night was the fact that Ainge was calling timeouts after every Milwaukee basket, just as he did in college.
1981-82 Boston Celtics
M. L. Carr didn't realize how long he's been away from the NBA due to injury until he got to the airport Thursday night, and discovered he'd left his suitcase at home. A quick clothing dash in East Boston and later in Milwaukee kept him from freezing . . . Yes, Ainge is a rookie in the NBA. Although he has been to Detroit many times with the Toronto Blue Jays, he went to the wrong bus at Detroit's Metro Airport. And Fitch revealed that the reason he was smiling so much when his team was trailing in the final seconds on Friday night was the fact that Ainge was calling timeouts after every Milwaukee basket, just as he did in college.
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