but then ...
Who ever knew this was a song about a team destined to play around .500 ball?
About Me
Adjusting Expectations
Let me preface my latest remarks by reiterating that we really haven't beaten anybody worth a hoot. "Worth a hoot," of course, is a relative term. But at this time, let us define the term as any team with 6 or fewer losses, also known as Chicago, Miami, or OKC. I do acknowledge that we have defeated a couple of second tier teams, Orlando and Miami. But let's see how we do against the Lakers, the Clippers, the Spurs, the Sixers and the like, especially on the road, before we concern ourselves too much with beating the elite teams, home or away.
Meanwhile, back to the topic de jour.
Under what circumstances would I adjust my expectations upward, beyond my rather dismal pre-season prediction of 28-33 wins? The answers are pretty clear.
1. Role players would need to become impact role players. Think Leon Powe, Baby Davis, James Posey, Eddie House, and PJ Brown from the 2007-2008 season.
2. Young players would need to play with an effectiveness beyond their years.
3. The dinosaurs would need to figure out a way to refill their tanks and then stay healthy.
4. Doc would need to get global buy-in for Ubuntu among another group of Celtics.
Finally, the Celtics would need to hit on all four of these requirements for the rest of the season, not just a few of them now and again.
I think we are starting to see signs that Celtics could accomplish this. The season is still young, Doc needs to overcome his tendency to play the old fogies big minuets during important stretches of the season, and the role players need to start showing they can play big in big games. None of this is beyond the pale, and so, fingers crossed, let's see how things unfold as the interesting part of the season begins.
Meanwhile, back to the topic de jour.
Under what circumstances would I adjust my expectations upward, beyond my rather dismal pre-season prediction of 28-33 wins? The answers are pretty clear.
1. Role players would need to become impact role players. Think Leon Powe, Baby Davis, James Posey, Eddie House, and PJ Brown from the 2007-2008 season.
2. Young players would need to play with an effectiveness beyond their years.
3. The dinosaurs would need to figure out a way to refill their tanks and then stay healthy.
4. Doc would need to get global buy-in for Ubuntu among another group of Celtics.
Finally, the Celtics would need to hit on all four of these requirements for the rest of the season, not just a few of them now and again.
I think we are starting to see signs that Celtics could accomplish this. The season is still young, Doc needs to overcome his tendency to play the old fogies big minuets during important stretches of the season, and the role players need to start showing they can play big in big games. None of this is beyond the pale, and so, fingers crossed, let's see how things unfold as the interesting part of the season begins.
Are we Getting Better?
Well, let's see.
At 9-9, with 4 straight wins under our belts, it seems reasonable to conclude, the Celtics of old (i.e., 2007-08 forward) are about to take over.
Maybe.
Probably not.
A closer look at the nine wins gives us a little more insight:
Detroit
Washington
Washington
New Jersey
Toronto
Washington
Orlando
Orlando
Indiana
Detroit is playing .190 ball, while the Bullets (sorry, I'm old school) are winning at the brisk clip of .158, and we've claimed one-third of our wins against them. Next we have the Raptors earning a win about as often as Pete Rose got a hit. Yes, the Magic are playing .600 ball, but does anyone take them seriously? I do take the Pacers seriously, but even Indiana is a mere 6-4 in their last ten games.
Something to consider before you celebrate the Celtics recent "resurgence."
At 9-9, with 4 straight wins under our belts, it seems reasonable to conclude, the Celtics of old (i.e., 2007-08 forward) are about to take over.
Maybe.
Probably not.
A closer look at the nine wins gives us a little more insight:
Detroit
Washington
Washington
New Jersey
Toronto
Washington
Orlando
Orlando
Indiana
Detroit is playing .190 ball, while the Bullets (sorry, I'm old school) are winning at the brisk clip of .158, and we've claimed one-third of our wins against them. Next we have the Raptors earning a win about as often as Pete Rose got a hit. Yes, the Magic are playing .600 ball, but does anyone take them seriously? I do take the Pacers seriously, but even Indiana is a mere 6-4 in their last ten games.
Something to consider before you celebrate the Celtics recent "resurgence."
Bob Ryan Tried to Warn Us
A starting lineup that includes a 33-year-old, a 34-year-old, a 35-year-old, and a 36-year-old?
A point guard who commands scant respect as a face-the-basket scoring threat and who is a subpar free throw shooter? A bench that does not have a single player whose job description on his income tax form reads "Drop-dead jump shooter"? In the abstract, such a team would be given little chance of being so much as a .500 team, let alone a championship contender.
Danny Ainge is in the same position Dave Gavitt was 21 years ago. He has a core of aging Hall of Famers, and they aren't going anywhere. His only hope is to build around them with young talent, young legs, and young enthusiasm. Good luck. The 1989-90 Celtics season ended in a shocking manner. Up, 2-0, against the Knicks, and coming off a historic Game 2 performance at home in which they scored a playoff-record 157 points, they lost Games 3 and 4 in New York before suffering a completely unanticipated defeat at home in Game 5. That was it. They lost to the younger Knicks in 1990, the younger Pistons in 1991, the younger Cavaliers in 1992, and the younger Hornets in 1993 before missing the playoffs in seven of the next eight years.
Oh, there were some good moments left, most of them having to do with Larry Bird, who was able to ignore a mounting string of injuries and turn back the clock with a golden performance every once in a while. But things went progressively downhill in a team sense, the Celtics winning 51 games in 1991-92, after which Bird retired; 48 games in 1992-93, after which Kevin McHale said bye-bye; and 32 games in 1993-94, after which Robert Parish set off on his farewell tour elsewhere.
Gavitt knew his toughest task would be managing the end of the (original) Big Three. But what were his options, really? Trade Larry? I don't think so. Trade Robert? And find another center half as good? Trade Kevin? Well, that was a possibility, but Gavitt could never bring himself to do it. Nope. Gavitt wound up staying the course. The Big Three simply faded away. So, too, did the entity known as the Boston Celtics. Is that a grim enough scenario for you?
Well, you'd better buckle up.
You're about to have a deja vu professional basketball experience.
Here are the current Big Three, still skilled, still exemplary in their work habits, still a fountain of basketball knowledge, still completely respected around the NBA for what they have accomplished. That's all very nice, and there will be some very nice retro experiences ahead, perhaps even enough of them to justify an emotional investment in the Celtics teams that lie ahead. But the Big Three are no longer the core of a championship team.
The frustrating thing about being an aging player is that some nights it's still there, and someone can be deluded into thinking nothing has changed. But it is not there with the regularity that made someone a star. Allen and Garnett each have reached that stage. As an example, two years ago, Allen went from setting a record for 3-pointers against the Lakers one night to an 0-fer the very next game. Last May, KG went from a killer 28-point, marauder-on-defense Game 3 against the Heat to Just Another Guy status in the remaining two games.
Let's be honest.
Who among us thought there even would be a Year 4 for this core group, let alone a Year 5? They all will take to their graves the knowledge that no other Celtics team played as consistently hard from start to finish as theirs did in 2007-08, and it's reasonable to assume that, if asked on their deathbeds to recall the final score of the final game against the Lakers, a smile will come across each and every one of the faces as they whisper, "131-92."
--Grampa Celtic
A point guard who commands scant respect as a face-the-basket scoring threat and who is a subpar free throw shooter? A bench that does not have a single player whose job description on his income tax form reads "Drop-dead jump shooter"? In the abstract, such a team would be given little chance of being so much as a .500 team, let alone a championship contender.
Danny Ainge is in the same position Dave Gavitt was 21 years ago. He has a core of aging Hall of Famers, and they aren't going anywhere. His only hope is to build around them with young talent, young legs, and young enthusiasm. Good luck. The 1989-90 Celtics season ended in a shocking manner. Up, 2-0, against the Knicks, and coming off a historic Game 2 performance at home in which they scored a playoff-record 157 points, they lost Games 3 and 4 in New York before suffering a completely unanticipated defeat at home in Game 5. That was it. They lost to the younger Knicks in 1990, the younger Pistons in 1991, the younger Cavaliers in 1992, and the younger Hornets in 1993 before missing the playoffs in seven of the next eight years.
Oh, there were some good moments left, most of them having to do with Larry Bird, who was able to ignore a mounting string of injuries and turn back the clock with a golden performance every once in a while. But things went progressively downhill in a team sense, the Celtics winning 51 games in 1991-92, after which Bird retired; 48 games in 1992-93, after which Kevin McHale said bye-bye; and 32 games in 1993-94, after which Robert Parish set off on his farewell tour elsewhere.
Gavitt knew his toughest task would be managing the end of the (original) Big Three. But what were his options, really? Trade Larry? I don't think so. Trade Robert? And find another center half as good? Trade Kevin? Well, that was a possibility, but Gavitt could never bring himself to do it. Nope. Gavitt wound up staying the course. The Big Three simply faded away. So, too, did the entity known as the Boston Celtics. Is that a grim enough scenario for you?
Well, you'd better buckle up.
You're about to have a deja vu professional basketball experience.
Here are the current Big Three, still skilled, still exemplary in their work habits, still a fountain of basketball knowledge, still completely respected around the NBA for what they have accomplished. That's all very nice, and there will be some very nice retro experiences ahead, perhaps even enough of them to justify an emotional investment in the Celtics teams that lie ahead. But the Big Three are no longer the core of a championship team.
The frustrating thing about being an aging player is that some nights it's still there, and someone can be deluded into thinking nothing has changed. But it is not there with the regularity that made someone a star. Allen and Garnett each have reached that stage. As an example, two years ago, Allen went from setting a record for 3-pointers against the Lakers one night to an 0-fer the very next game. Last May, KG went from a killer 28-point, marauder-on-defense Game 3 against the Heat to Just Another Guy status in the remaining two games.
Let's be honest.
Who among us thought there even would be a Year 4 for this core group, let alone a Year 5? They all will take to their graves the knowledge that no other Celtics team played as consistently hard from start to finish as theirs did in 2007-08, and it's reasonable to assume that, if asked on their deathbeds to recall the final score of the final game against the Lakers, a smile will come across each and every one of the faces as they whisper, "131-92."
--Grampa Celtic
McHale Clotheslines the NBA
Originally Published by Lex January 2008
At 29-3, it's time to give thanks where thanks are due. Others can say Danny hoodwinked his old friend Kevin McHale. But by now members of the Celtics family know better.
At 29-3, it's time to give thanks where thanks are due. Others can say Danny hoodwinked his old friend Kevin McHale. But by now members of the Celtics family know better.
McHale gave us Kevin Garnett.
Al Jefferson is a nice player. He puts up some good numbers. But he barely plays a lick of defense. He is not a leader. There is not a prayer this team would even have 20 wins at this point, much less 29, if Jefferson were on this roster instead of Garnett. I'm not even sure we'd be over .500.
Throw in Theo Ratliff's expiring $11m contract, and the deal gets a little sweeter. The bottom line remains that we got Kevin Garnett for a bunch of junk.
McHale got along famously with KG. He took him under his wing. He was responsible for transforming his line-drive jumper to the thing of beauty it is today. McHale tried to surround Garnett with championship talent for 12 years. It didn't work out.
Plan B?
Send him to McHale's other team. The team McHale played 13 years for, and won three championships. The team that retired his number in the city that still adores him and which he still adores.
If the Timberwolves weren't going to win a championship with McHale, well, then, the Celtics were.
We already retired McHale's jersey once. But, you know, we retired Russell's jersey twice. If we win the title this year, maybe the Celtics should re-retire McHale's jersey, only this time at the bottom of the McHale banner would be found the numbers 44 and 5, for Ainge and the Ticket.
Number 5 is also the number worn by Bill Walton in the Celtics last championship season.
He deserves an invitation to the championship parade, too.
KG Deal Better than Parish/McHale, DJ, or Walton Trades
Originally Published by Lex on 1/6/2011
I would hold off on making this assessment until #17 is hoisted to the rafters.
But our old friend Peter May is suggesting that is the case even before we know what happens in June.
I would hold off on making this assessment until #17 is hoisted to the rafters.
But our old friend Peter May is suggesting that is the case even before we know what happens in June.
Flip Recalls First KG Encounter
Flip Saunders got nostalgic this week, reminiscing about his time with Boston forward Kevin Garnett, whom he coached while with the Timberwolves.
He told a funny story about how Garnett ended up with Minnesota in 1995. When the Timberwolves went to scout him as a high school senior, Saunders and other front-office executives agreed that they would come out telling everyone they wanted him.
They hoped that by hyping Garnett, a team in front of them in the draft order would pick him, allowing Rasheed Wallace, Antonio McDyess, Joe Smith or Jerry Stackhouse to fall to Minnesota at No. 5.
"So we went and we watched him work out," Saunders said, "and about five minutes in, I turned to (vice president Kevin) McHale and said, 'We better hope he's still there at No. 5.' "
Saunders also recalled the first time he started Garnett -- in Boston, coincidentally.
"And he was playing a lot," Saunders said. "When I took him out at the end and he walked by me, he said, 'Coach, thanks for playing me so much.' He was just 19 at the time. Things have kind of changed."
Now Garnett is a perennial all-star, a most valuable player candidate and a likely hall of famer.
"He's going to go down as one of the greatest power forwards of all time," Saunders said. "I said it eight years ago when he was 24, he would go down as the most versatile player to ever play the game.
"No one is as versatile as him when you look at a guy who can score, rebound, can defend all five positions, is a great passer, his unselfishness and his passion to play. He's a special player. Fortunately for me, I was lucky to coach him for nine years."
He told a funny story about how Garnett ended up with Minnesota in 1995. When the Timberwolves went to scout him as a high school senior, Saunders and other front-office executives agreed that they would come out telling everyone they wanted him.
They hoped that by hyping Garnett, a team in front of them in the draft order would pick him, allowing Rasheed Wallace, Antonio McDyess, Joe Smith or Jerry Stackhouse to fall to Minnesota at No. 5.
"So we went and we watched him work out," Saunders said, "and about five minutes in, I turned to (vice president Kevin) McHale and said, 'We better hope he's still there at No. 5.' "
Saunders also recalled the first time he started Garnett -- in Boston, coincidentally.
"And he was playing a lot," Saunders said. "When I took him out at the end and he walked by me, he said, 'Coach, thanks for playing me so much.' He was just 19 at the time. Things have kind of changed."
Now Garnett is a perennial all-star, a most valuable player candidate and a likely hall of famer.
"He's going to go down as one of the greatest power forwards of all time," Saunders said. "I said it eight years ago when he was 24, he would go down as the most versatile player to ever play the game.
"No one is as versatile as him when you look at a guy who can score, rebound, can defend all five positions, is a great passer, his unselfishness and his passion to play. He's a special player. Fortunately for me, I was lucky to coach him for nine years."
1986 C's Fight Over History
The 1985-86 Boston Celtics were something special.
There's no disagreement about that.
But as memories fade over time, the 72-10 record of the 1995-95 Chicago Bulls tends to stand out when the debate turns to all-time great NBA teams.
Make no mistake, members of the 1985-86 Boston Celtics are intimately aware of the need to continue fighting for their place at the table.
First, Danny Ainge was asked about the 1985-86 Celtics home court advantage. "You guys were 40-1," the interviewer posited. "Actually," Danny said, "we were 50-1, if you include the playoffs." "Yeah, and I guess you'd have to include the playoffs since they are the most important part of the season," the interviewer conceded.
The 1995-96 Chicago Bulls lost two games at home.
Next, Larry Bird was asked about the new Big Three. He responded by saying that the phrase "Big Three" as applied to the 1985-86 Boston Celtics was a kind of backhanded slap in the face to Dennis Johnson, Danny Ainge, Bill Walton, Scott Wedman, Jerry Sichting, and Rick Carlisle.
Dennis Johnson was selected to the all-defensive team nine times. He won the finals MVP once, and was largely responsible for holding Magic Johnson in check during the 1984 finals. He was also considered "money" in the fourth quarter of big games.
Bill Walton was a former league MVP, and won Sixth Man of the Year in 1985-86, leading the entire league in rebounds per minute. Scott Wedman had been an NBA All Star, and filled in for Kevin McHale when he missed 14 games with an injury. During that stretch, the Celtics went on a long win streak that included two wins over the Lakers. All Jerry Sichting did was shoot .570 from the field and .920 from the stripe in substituting for DJ and Ainge at both guard spots.
After the Chicago Bulls Big Three of Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Dennis Rodman, the rest of the starting lineup was comprised of Luc Longley and Ron Harper. Neither of those two would be confused with an NBA Finals MVP or 9-time All-Defense member. Toni Kukoc did win Sixth Man of the Year, and Steve Kerr was probably about as good as Sichting. But to even mention Bill Wennington in the same breath as Bill Walton, who absolutely owned Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in both games against the Lakers, is ridiculous to say the least.
Speaking of Mountain Man, Bill Walton was the latest to weigh in on the 1985-86 Celtics. In an interview with Bill Simmons, Walton was asked to comment on the two games he dominated Kareem that year. "Oh come on, Simmons," Walton protested in feigned disbelief, "you must be smoking some good stuff because I never dominated Kareem." Walton always defers to his UCLA predecessor when anyone hints that he outplayed him in head-to-head matchups.
Next Simmons asked Walton if he thought the Cs would have even won the title that year without him. Again, Walton feigned disgust with the interviewer.
But Walton's tone changed when the subject came to how the team as a whole stacks up against the all-time great teams in NBA history.
"Now in your single home loss to Portland that year," Simmons interjected, "the Trailblazers gave you some matchup problems."
I thought Walton was going to come through my headphones at work.
"Match-up problems? What matchup problems? This is the 1986 Boston Celtics we're talking about here. There were no matchup problems for us that year!"
Walton went on to explain how out of the team's 15 losses that year, 14 came to teams with losing records (by which he actually meant losing records at the end of the season). The only serious foe the Celtics faced that year, Walton continued, was themselves. The team's own inability to stay focused, he said, probably cost them a shot some improbably high won-loss record.
Keep on a fightin', guys.
The battle in the trenches may be over, but the battle over history is just beginning.
There's no disagreement about that.
But as memories fade over time, the 72-10 record of the 1995-95 Chicago Bulls tends to stand out when the debate turns to all-time great NBA teams.
Make no mistake, members of the 1985-86 Boston Celtics are intimately aware of the need to continue fighting for their place at the table.
First, Danny Ainge was asked about the 1985-86 Celtics home court advantage. "You guys were 40-1," the interviewer posited. "Actually," Danny said, "we were 50-1, if you include the playoffs." "Yeah, and I guess you'd have to include the playoffs since they are the most important part of the season," the interviewer conceded.
The 1995-96 Chicago Bulls lost two games at home.
Next, Larry Bird was asked about the new Big Three. He responded by saying that the phrase "Big Three" as applied to the 1985-86 Boston Celtics was a kind of backhanded slap in the face to Dennis Johnson, Danny Ainge, Bill Walton, Scott Wedman, Jerry Sichting, and Rick Carlisle.
Dennis Johnson was selected to the all-defensive team nine times. He won the finals MVP once, and was largely responsible for holding Magic Johnson in check during the 1984 finals. He was also considered "money" in the fourth quarter of big games.
Bill Walton was a former league MVP, and won Sixth Man of the Year in 1985-86, leading the entire league in rebounds per minute. Scott Wedman had been an NBA All Star, and filled in for Kevin McHale when he missed 14 games with an injury. During that stretch, the Celtics went on a long win streak that included two wins over the Lakers. All Jerry Sichting did was shoot .570 from the field and .920 from the stripe in substituting for DJ and Ainge at both guard spots.
After the Chicago Bulls Big Three of Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Dennis Rodman, the rest of the starting lineup was comprised of Luc Longley and Ron Harper. Neither of those two would be confused with an NBA Finals MVP or 9-time All-Defense member. Toni Kukoc did win Sixth Man of the Year, and Steve Kerr was probably about as good as Sichting. But to even mention Bill Wennington in the same breath as Bill Walton, who absolutely owned Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in both games against the Lakers, is ridiculous to say the least.
Speaking of Mountain Man, Bill Walton was the latest to weigh in on the 1985-86 Celtics. In an interview with Bill Simmons, Walton was asked to comment on the two games he dominated Kareem that year. "Oh come on, Simmons," Walton protested in feigned disbelief, "you must be smoking some good stuff because I never dominated Kareem." Walton always defers to his UCLA predecessor when anyone hints that he outplayed him in head-to-head matchups.
Next Simmons asked Walton if he thought the Cs would have even won the title that year without him. Again, Walton feigned disgust with the interviewer.
But Walton's tone changed when the subject came to how the team as a whole stacks up against the all-time great teams in NBA history.
"Now in your single home loss to Portland that year," Simmons interjected, "the Trailblazers gave you some matchup problems."
I thought Walton was going to come through my headphones at work.
"Match-up problems? What matchup problems? This is the 1986 Boston Celtics we're talking about here. There were no matchup problems for us that year!"
Walton went on to explain how out of the team's 15 losses that year, 14 came to teams with losing records (by which he actually meant losing records at the end of the season). The only serious foe the Celtics faced that year, Walton continued, was themselves. The team's own inability to stay focused, he said, probably cost them a shot some improbably high won-loss record.
Keep on a fightin', guys.
The battle in the trenches may be over, but the battle over history is just beginning.
Clutch Effort by DJ Leads C's to Win
Clutch Effort by DJ Leads C's to Win
1985-86
MILWAUKEE Naturally, it was Dennis Johnson. With a tough game on the line, he is the one the Celtics like to see with the ball in his hands.
It was a familiar story last night in a 112-109 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks here. Kevin McHale led the Celtics in scoring with 29 points. But that seemed secondary when compared to clutch three-point effort by DJ with 1:37 left, accomplished with a crowd of 11,052 and Milwaukee's Paul Pressey screaming at him.
His 19-foot fadeway jumper from the right side wiped out a 107-104 Milwaukee lead. Johnson was fouled on the play and sank a free throw to create a tie. From there, the Celtics found it almost easy to overcome a 108-107 lead provided by a Ricky Pierce free throw 11 seconds later.
McHale put Boston ahead to stay with a jump hook, 109-108. Then Boston's defense forced a 24-second violation and Johnson finished the Bucks off with a driving layup with 26 seconds left to hand Milwaukee its first home-court loss of the season.
In fact, it was the first loss for the Central Division leaders in 24 straight games here. Johnson, who added a free throw with four seconds left, hit seven of 10 shots and finished with 16 points as the Celtics won their eighth straight.
"Seems to me he's done that to Milwaukee before," said the Celtics' Scott Wedman. "I can remember a couple of clutch shots against them with a hand right in his face. He likes that situation."
Johnson, who was playing most of the fourth quarter with five fouls, said he took the shot because it was there, and it was no time to be timid.
"The shot came off a busted play that we were running," said Johnson. "We went down to Larry (Bird) and he got tangled. The ball jolted loose. He pushed it out to me and I got free on it. The jumper was there.
"I will take it if it's there. I've missed a lot in my career but I know I will make some. Besides, I wasn't really shooting that badly."
Johnson said the 24-second violation on the next sequence was just as important.
"That was probably the best defense we played all night," he said. "What I think happened was they were behind and the crowd was making so much noise that nobody paid attention to the clock. People were out there saying 'shoot the ball, shoot the ball.' But by the time they did, time had expired."
This was one of those NBA games that isn't decided until the final two minutes. But if you waited that long to show up, you missed a classic duel of division leaders. Boston hadn't won here in two years, and the Bucks (15-7) seemingly have their best team since the Bob Lanier era. If it wasn't Pressey (28 points) giving the Celtics fits, it was Terry Cummings (25) or Sidney Moncrief (22).
The Celtics had their problems. Robert Parish (1 for 7) disappeared on offense and had but three rebounds. But it hardly seemed that way early as Boston once led by 15 points, 50-35.
But that was before the Bucks went on a 23-10 run to close the second period and cut the Boston lead to 60-58. Cummings had 18 of his 25 points in the first half. Celtics coach K.C. Jones, his roster reduced to 10 players again, went to his bench late in the third period, and what had been a 79-73 lead was turned into an 85-84 deficit.
With the lead gone, Boston went back to basics. Bird and McHale returned, and the inside game began to work. A clutch basket by Rick Carlisle and two free throws by Bird got Boston an 88-84 lead. McHale hit two straight and Boston led, 92-89. Milwaukee came right back to tie the game at 94 on a three- point play by Pierce with 6:54 to play.
Milwaukee took the lead at 96-94 on a fast-break hoop by Sidney Moncrief. But McHale hit a jump hook and Bird finished off the Celtic gold rush with a 14-footer and Boston led with 5:03 left, 98-96.
Milwaukee fell behind, 102-99, and then rallied for a 105-102 lead with 2:27 left, with Pressey and Moncrief leading the way. But they couldn't hold Boston down.
"One thing about Dennis," said Jones. "He's always been a player that plays bigger than 6-4. He always comes up with the big play. We've come to expect it.
"You need luck to win a game like this and we got some. Course, there was the 24-second violation. Sometimes, you have to make your own luck.
1985-86
MILWAUKEE Naturally, it was Dennis Johnson. With a tough game on the line, he is the one the Celtics like to see with the ball in his hands.
It was a familiar story last night in a 112-109 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks here. Kevin McHale led the Celtics in scoring with 29 points. But that seemed secondary when compared to clutch three-point effort by DJ with 1:37 left, accomplished with a crowd of 11,052 and Milwaukee's Paul Pressey screaming at him.
His 19-foot fadeway jumper from the right side wiped out a 107-104 Milwaukee lead. Johnson was fouled on the play and sank a free throw to create a tie. From there, the Celtics found it almost easy to overcome a 108-107 lead provided by a Ricky Pierce free throw 11 seconds later.
McHale put Boston ahead to stay with a jump hook, 109-108. Then Boston's defense forced a 24-second violation and Johnson finished the Bucks off with a driving layup with 26 seconds left to hand Milwaukee its first home-court loss of the season.
In fact, it was the first loss for the Central Division leaders in 24 straight games here. Johnson, who added a free throw with four seconds left, hit seven of 10 shots and finished with 16 points as the Celtics won their eighth straight.
"Seems to me he's done that to Milwaukee before," said the Celtics' Scott Wedman. "I can remember a couple of clutch shots against them with a hand right in his face. He likes that situation."
Johnson, who was playing most of the fourth quarter with five fouls, said he took the shot because it was there, and it was no time to be timid.
"The shot came off a busted play that we were running," said Johnson. "We went down to Larry (Bird) and he got tangled. The ball jolted loose. He pushed it out to me and I got free on it. The jumper was there.
"I will take it if it's there. I've missed a lot in my career but I know I will make some. Besides, I wasn't really shooting that badly."
Johnson said the 24-second violation on the next sequence was just as important.
"That was probably the best defense we played all night," he said. "What I think happened was they were behind and the crowd was making so much noise that nobody paid attention to the clock. People were out there saying 'shoot the ball, shoot the ball.' But by the time they did, time had expired."
This was one of those NBA games that isn't decided until the final two minutes. But if you waited that long to show up, you missed a classic duel of division leaders. Boston hadn't won here in two years, and the Bucks (15-7) seemingly have their best team since the Bob Lanier era. If it wasn't Pressey (28 points) giving the Celtics fits, it was Terry Cummings (25) or Sidney Moncrief (22).
The Celtics had their problems. Robert Parish (1 for 7) disappeared on offense and had but three rebounds. But it hardly seemed that way early as Boston once led by 15 points, 50-35.
But that was before the Bucks went on a 23-10 run to close the second period and cut the Boston lead to 60-58. Cummings had 18 of his 25 points in the first half. Celtics coach K.C. Jones, his roster reduced to 10 players again, went to his bench late in the third period, and what had been a 79-73 lead was turned into an 85-84 deficit.
With the lead gone, Boston went back to basics. Bird and McHale returned, and the inside game began to work. A clutch basket by Rick Carlisle and two free throws by Bird got Boston an 88-84 lead. McHale hit two straight and Boston led, 92-89. Milwaukee came right back to tie the game at 94 on a three- point play by Pierce with 6:54 to play.
Milwaukee took the lead at 96-94 on a fast-break hoop by Sidney Moncrief. But McHale hit a jump hook and Bird finished off the Celtic gold rush with a 14-footer and Boston led with 5:03 left, 98-96.
Milwaukee fell behind, 102-99, and then rallied for a 105-102 lead with 2:27 left, with Pressey and Moncrief leading the way. But they couldn't hold Boston down.
"One thing about Dennis," said Jones. "He's always been a player that plays bigger than 6-4. He always comes up with the big play. We've come to expect it.
"You need luck to win a game like this and we got some. Course, there was the 24-second violation. Sometimes, you have to make your own luck.
Exactly what kind of Mormon is Danny?
Exactly what kind of Mormon is Danny?
The 1985-1986 Celtics were renown for trash talk.
One time late in the game on a West Coast trip with the score tied, KC Jones called a time-out to diagram the next play. As the time-out expired, Bird strolled past the Phoenix Suns bench to "his" spot in the corner beyond the arc, and told anyone who would listen, "DJ's gonna pass me the ball right here. In one motion, I'm gonna catch it and shoot it, and the next sound you'll hear will be the ball snapping through the net. The good news for your team is you have front row seats." After the time out, the play went down as Bird said and the Celtics walked home winners. As KC later said, "now that's arrogance."
But the trash talk wasn't always directed at opponents. Bill Walton was often the focal point. Bird liked to ride Walton about his radical political views, long-haired days from Portland, and, of course, his injuries. One of the 50 greatest players of all time, Walton could have been even greater had his body not failed him. Over the course of his career, Walton missed the equivalent of nine full seasons of basketball, and Bird never let him forget it. One night after Rick Carlisle played a crucial role in about 10 minutes off the bench against the Lakers, Bird told Carlisle in front of everyone else, "now, Rick, if you can do that in 10 more games, you will have contributed more in one season than Walton has during his entire career."
Ainge was thankful that the Celtics signed Walton during the summer of 1985. Prior to his arrival, Ainge bore the brunt of Bird and McHale's wit. Despite proclaiming to be a devout Mormon, all Ainge ever talked about was money and his golf scores. He bragged about both. Ainge tithed all his money to the Church, and every time he reported his golf score, it seemed to improve over the last time. McHale tired of this, and always had an antidote ready: He'd pull out a copy of the Mormon Holy Book, ask Ainge to place his hand on top, and repeat his score to the entire locker room. Ainge never played along.
The 1985-1986 Celtics were renown for trash talk.
One time late in the game on a West Coast trip with the score tied, KC Jones called a time-out to diagram the next play. As the time-out expired, Bird strolled past the Phoenix Suns bench to "his" spot in the corner beyond the arc, and told anyone who would listen, "DJ's gonna pass me the ball right here. In one motion, I'm gonna catch it and shoot it, and the next sound you'll hear will be the ball snapping through the net. The good news for your team is you have front row seats." After the time out, the play went down as Bird said and the Celtics walked home winners. As KC later said, "now that's arrogance."
But the trash talk wasn't always directed at opponents. Bill Walton was often the focal point. Bird liked to ride Walton about his radical political views, long-haired days from Portland, and, of course, his injuries. One of the 50 greatest players of all time, Walton could have been even greater had his body not failed him. Over the course of his career, Walton missed the equivalent of nine full seasons of basketball, and Bird never let him forget it. One night after Rick Carlisle played a crucial role in about 10 minutes off the bench against the Lakers, Bird told Carlisle in front of everyone else, "now, Rick, if you can do that in 10 more games, you will have contributed more in one season than Walton has during his entire career."
Ainge was thankful that the Celtics signed Walton during the summer of 1985. Prior to his arrival, Ainge bore the brunt of Bird and McHale's wit. Despite proclaiming to be a devout Mormon, all Ainge ever talked about was money and his golf scores. He bragged about both. Ainge tithed all his money to the Church, and every time he reported his golf score, it seemed to improve over the last time. McHale tired of this, and always had an antidote ready: He'd pull out a copy of the Mormon Holy Book, ask Ainge to place his hand on top, and repeat his score to the entire locker room. Ainge never played along.
1986 REUNION IN 2007
7/15/07
1986 REUNION IN 2007
Nice to see former Celtic Scott Wedman at the summer league. The new coach of the CBA's Great Falls Explorers was on the lookout for players who may fall his way. ``Know Your Body'' Scotty said that, of his former teammates, he keeps in touch with Bill Walton the most.
``Then a couple of days ago a bunch of us were sitting down. It was Rick Carlisle, Kevin (McHale) and Danny (Ainge) and myself - and we were watching Jerry (Sichting) coach,'' Wedman said. ``We had five players there. We could have suited up . . . and walked up and down the court. Maybe.''
Wedman has been doing clinics for more than 15 years, working with young players in AAU programs and the like. This is his second season coaching in the minors, and he seems to enjoy the situation.
1986 REUNION IN 2007
Nice to see former Celtic Scott Wedman at the summer league. The new coach of the CBA's Great Falls Explorers was on the lookout for players who may fall his way. ``Know Your Body'' Scotty said that, of his former teammates, he keeps in touch with Bill Walton the most.
``Then a couple of days ago a bunch of us were sitting down. It was Rick Carlisle, Kevin (McHale) and Danny (Ainge) and myself - and we were watching Jerry (Sichting) coach,'' Wedman said. ``We had five players there. We could have suited up . . . and walked up and down the court. Maybe.''
Wedman has been doing clinics for more than 15 years, working with young players in AAU programs and the like. This is his second season coaching in the minors, and he seems to enjoy the situation.
The NBA Finals Ain't What they Used to Be
6/23/94
The NBA Finals Ain't What they Used to Be
Exhibit A: the 1985 Celtics-Lakers series.
Remember Game 1, the Memorial Day Massacre? Boston 148, LA 114? Recall that Scott Wedman shot 11 for 11?
Scott Wedman was not Boston's sixth man. That was Bill Walton. Scott Wedman was not Boston's seventh man. That was Jerry Sichting. Scott Wedman was Boston's eighth man.
When Scott Wedman stroked the first of those 11 baskets in that game, the score was Boston 52, LA 29. Here was a man capable of making 11 consecutive outside shots in an NBA Finals game, and he couldn't get into the game for the first 15 minutes.
Let me ask you something: You see any Scott Wedmans on either of these teams? Me neither.
The NBA Finals Ain't What they Used to Be
Exhibit A: the 1985 Celtics-Lakers series.
Remember Game 1, the Memorial Day Massacre? Boston 148, LA 114? Recall that Scott Wedman shot 11 for 11?
Scott Wedman was not Boston's sixth man. That was Bill Walton. Scott Wedman was not Boston's seventh man. That was Jerry Sichting. Scott Wedman was Boston's eighth man.
When Scott Wedman stroked the first of those 11 baskets in that game, the score was Boston 52, LA 29. Here was a man capable of making 11 consecutive outside shots in an NBA Finals game, and he couldn't get into the game for the first 15 minutes.
Let me ask you something: You see any Scott Wedmans on either of these teams? Me neither.
CELTICS' TRADE WEDMAN
October 18, 1987
CELTICS' TRADE WEDMAN
Now you see 'em, now you don't. Sam Vincent and Scott Wedman took the floor in Houston for the first Celtics exhibition game of the season Friday night, but by halftime, they were removing their uniforms and returning via cab to the hotel.
They had just been informed that their new mailing address was Seattle, USA.
In exchange for these two players, the Celtics obtained either a 1988 or 1989 second-round draft pick (one belonging to New York), plus an undisclosed amount of cash. That doesn't sound like a lot for two men, unless you consider that the old Branch Rickey dictum of "addition by subtraction" was in play here. Specifically, the Celtics unloaded two salaries attached to a pair of players who didn't fit into their plans. What they got in return was almost incidental.
Vincent, the 1985 No. 1 draft pick, never really got off the launching pad in Boston, and he was victimized by a numbers game and his size. "Sam really didn't get a chance to develop here," admitted K.C. Jones. "We have Dennis (Johnson) and Danny (Ainge), and then there was Jerry (Sichting) and Sam. Dennis and Danny can play together, but Jerry and Sam couldn't because they're just too short and give up too much at the defensive end. Now we've got Reggie (Lewis)."
If there were any lingering doubts about anointing the Northeastern kid, they were eliminated in the first half of Friday's game when Lewis bounded off the bench in his first professional action and played smoothly, scoring 9 points in 10 minutes.
"I was surprised," said Vincent. "I hadn't even thought about not being here, or the fact that we had two small guards. I've been having a good camp, and I don't think this trade represents dissatisfaction with my play as much as me being in a numbers game.
"I don't feel I really ever got an opportunity here," he continued, "but I'm not bitter. I'm just a little disappointed, because I really enjoyed playing with these guys. I'm going to miss Larry (Bird) and his antics, Kevin (McHale), DJ and the rest of the team. I loved the feeling of being a part of all that. But now maybe I'm going to a team that needs a point guard, and I hope I can get myself established."
As for Wedman, the 13-year veteran never really got over the devastating effects of the heel injury that restricted him to six games last season. He had lost his backup small forward spot to Darren Daye and represented excess baggage on the current ballclub. He departs Boston with two championship rings, so he would hardly call Boston an unpleasant experience.
"I don't know much about the situation I'm heading into," he said. "I was surprised. But it's kind of funny. I remember going to an exhibition game three years ago and Gerry Henderson didn't play, and I wondered what was going on. Then I learned he was traded to Seattle. Now it's happened to me (indeed, this was the third anniversary of that Henderson maneuver)."
Wedman, 35, hadn't played badly in camp this past week, either, but his time in Boston had passed. "The one thing I want to say," Wedman concluded, "was that I enjoyed playing for K.C. and with these guys. I mean, I really enjoyed it."
The Celtics have now suddenly freed up significant salary money under the cap, dumping $375,000 in Vincent and at least $200,000 in Wedman.
CELTICS' TRADE WEDMAN
Now you see 'em, now you don't. Sam Vincent and Scott Wedman took the floor in Houston for the first Celtics exhibition game of the season Friday night, but by halftime, they were removing their uniforms and returning via cab to the hotel.
They had just been informed that their new mailing address was Seattle, USA.
In exchange for these two players, the Celtics obtained either a 1988 or 1989 second-round draft pick (one belonging to New York), plus an undisclosed amount of cash. That doesn't sound like a lot for two men, unless you consider that the old Branch Rickey dictum of "addition by subtraction" was in play here. Specifically, the Celtics unloaded two salaries attached to a pair of players who didn't fit into their plans. What they got in return was almost incidental.
Vincent, the 1985 No. 1 draft pick, never really got off the launching pad in Boston, and he was victimized by a numbers game and his size. "Sam really didn't get a chance to develop here," admitted K.C. Jones. "We have Dennis (Johnson) and Danny (Ainge), and then there was Jerry (Sichting) and Sam. Dennis and Danny can play together, but Jerry and Sam couldn't because they're just too short and give up too much at the defensive end. Now we've got Reggie (Lewis)."
If there were any lingering doubts about anointing the Northeastern kid, they were eliminated in the first half of Friday's game when Lewis bounded off the bench in his first professional action and played smoothly, scoring 9 points in 10 minutes.
"I was surprised," said Vincent. "I hadn't even thought about not being here, or the fact that we had two small guards. I've been having a good camp, and I don't think this trade represents dissatisfaction with my play as much as me being in a numbers game.
"I don't feel I really ever got an opportunity here," he continued, "but I'm not bitter. I'm just a little disappointed, because I really enjoyed playing with these guys. I'm going to miss Larry (Bird) and his antics, Kevin (McHale), DJ and the rest of the team. I loved the feeling of being a part of all that. But now maybe I'm going to a team that needs a point guard, and I hope I can get myself established."
As for Wedman, the 13-year veteran never really got over the devastating effects of the heel injury that restricted him to six games last season. He had lost his backup small forward spot to Darren Daye and represented excess baggage on the current ballclub. He departs Boston with two championship rings, so he would hardly call Boston an unpleasant experience.
"I don't know much about the situation I'm heading into," he said. "I was surprised. But it's kind of funny. I remember going to an exhibition game three years ago and Gerry Henderson didn't play, and I wondered what was going on. Then I learned he was traded to Seattle. Now it's happened to me (indeed, this was the third anniversary of that Henderson maneuver)."
Wedman, 35, hadn't played badly in camp this past week, either, but his time in Boston had passed. "The one thing I want to say," Wedman concluded, "was that I enjoyed playing for K.C. and with these guys. I mean, I really enjoyed it."
The Celtics have now suddenly freed up significant salary money under the cap, dumping $375,000 in Vincent and at least $200,000 in Wedman.
WEDMAN STANDS IN THE SHADOWS HEEL INJURY COULD HALT HIS CAREER
May 22, 1987
WEDMAN STANDS IN THE SHADOWS HEEL INJURY COULD HALT HIS CAREER
The upshot of all this is how the situation is wreaking havoc on Scott Wedman's wardrobe.
How would you like to have to come up with 76 different suit and tie combinations to blend in with kelly green?
"That's been the biggest problem," said the 12th-year pro. "It takes me longer to dress and figure out what colors match than it did when I had to drive to the Garden, put on my uniform and go through my warmups."
There are no warmups for these playoffs, only fashion shows with Rick Carlisle. And what kind of chance does Wedman have when he must limit his foot apparel, whether he's wearing a tank top or tuxedo, to Reebok sneakers?
And while we're at it, one of those sneakers, specifically the left one, has the back carved out with a kitchen knife, leaving Wedman's heel with its own natural vent -- an air-conditioned Achilles'.
That trendy little oddity, however, is really a form of therapy to help get the mysterious left heel back in working order, back in basketball order, so the career of Scott Wedman can continue.
If the career is not already over.
"It could be (over), there's no doubt about it," Wedman said. "Hopefully, that won't be the case.
"I'm not real active on the heel. I'm not running on it or anything and, until I'm running, that's the only indication of how it will do.
"I'm going to try and rest it for another month or so, then see. I wanted to get back for the playoffs, I was hoping that could happen, but it just didn't work out."
The heel was a bother from the first day of workouts this season. Wedman didn't even get past Halloween before he was on the disabled list, there to stay until Nov. 25. He had struggled with a similar injury in college and come back strong. It didn't work out the same way this time.
He played sparingly in six games, grappled with the pain, then had a CAT scan performed that revealed a bone cyst. He was back on the DL with plenty of time to spare for Christmas. There he has stayed, and his hopes for the postseason rang hollow after a couple jogs around a high school track.
"I was taking it easy, running on the straightaways, walking on the curves," he said. "That's what seemed to work for me. But after 20 minutes, it (the heel) let me know. If I couldn't handle that, there was no way I could handle running on a court."
But how could he handle standing by and watching off the court? Scott Wedman didn't miss a practice, traveled to every game, knowing full well he could not offer his team anything.
"You definitely don't feel like you're contributing that much," he admitted. "If you're not playing, you're missing a big part of the team thing.
"You go a little nuts in a way. But hanging around and coming to practice kept me into what was happening with the team."
He cherished the few activities that didn't seem to irritate his condition: riding the stationary bike, lifting weights. Weeks and then months went by, and still that was all he could do.
The short-term recovery period was threatening to become a lifetime.
"You tell people this thing will take six weeks or so, and then it's two months," Wedman said. "Then it's longer than that. Whenever an injury is prolonged like that, people start wondering, 'Is this guy loafing? Is he not doing enough? He's not going through the pain as much as he should.'
"Then you start having the same questions. You wonder. But I knew when I got on that track I wasn't ready to come back."
His role as a shooter has been missed in these playoffs, while his role as a cheerleader and support system has barely been noticed. That alone tells you how well he's hidden his disappointment.
"It's really strange," Wedman said, "how a 3-inch square part of your body that is not functioning shuts everything else down."
Everything, of course, except his vocal cords. If the veteran forward isn't allowed to abuse any other part of his body this time of year, he might as well scream himself silly.
"This is an exciting time of year," Wedman said. "My favorite time of year. I've played a lot of years at this time. I know what I'm missing."
WEDMAN STANDS IN THE SHADOWS HEEL INJURY COULD HALT HIS CAREER
The upshot of all this is how the situation is wreaking havoc on Scott Wedman's wardrobe.
How would you like to have to come up with 76 different suit and tie combinations to blend in with kelly green?
"That's been the biggest problem," said the 12th-year pro. "It takes me longer to dress and figure out what colors match than it did when I had to drive to the Garden, put on my uniform and go through my warmups."
There are no warmups for these playoffs, only fashion shows with Rick Carlisle. And what kind of chance does Wedman have when he must limit his foot apparel, whether he's wearing a tank top or tuxedo, to Reebok sneakers?
And while we're at it, one of those sneakers, specifically the left one, has the back carved out with a kitchen knife, leaving Wedman's heel with its own natural vent -- an air-conditioned Achilles'.
That trendy little oddity, however, is really a form of therapy to help get the mysterious left heel back in working order, back in basketball order, so the career of Scott Wedman can continue.
If the career is not already over.
"It could be (over), there's no doubt about it," Wedman said. "Hopefully, that won't be the case.
"I'm not real active on the heel. I'm not running on it or anything and, until I'm running, that's the only indication of how it will do.
"I'm going to try and rest it for another month or so, then see. I wanted to get back for the playoffs, I was hoping that could happen, but it just didn't work out."
The heel was a bother from the first day of workouts this season. Wedman didn't even get past Halloween before he was on the disabled list, there to stay until Nov. 25. He had struggled with a similar injury in college and come back strong. It didn't work out the same way this time.
He played sparingly in six games, grappled with the pain, then had a CAT scan performed that revealed a bone cyst. He was back on the DL with plenty of time to spare for Christmas. There he has stayed, and his hopes for the postseason rang hollow after a couple jogs around a high school track.
"I was taking it easy, running on the straightaways, walking on the curves," he said. "That's what seemed to work for me. But after 20 minutes, it (the heel) let me know. If I couldn't handle that, there was no way I could handle running on a court."
But how could he handle standing by and watching off the court? Scott Wedman didn't miss a practice, traveled to every game, knowing full well he could not offer his team anything.
"You definitely don't feel like you're contributing that much," he admitted. "If you're not playing, you're missing a big part of the team thing.
"You go a little nuts in a way. But hanging around and coming to practice kept me into what was happening with the team."
He cherished the few activities that didn't seem to irritate his condition: riding the stationary bike, lifting weights. Weeks and then months went by, and still that was all he could do.
The short-term recovery period was threatening to become a lifetime.
"You tell people this thing will take six weeks or so, and then it's two months," Wedman said. "Then it's longer than that. Whenever an injury is prolonged like that, people start wondering, 'Is this guy loafing? Is he not doing enough? He's not going through the pain as much as he should.'
"Then you start having the same questions. You wonder. But I knew when I got on that track I wasn't ready to come back."
His role as a shooter has been missed in these playoffs, while his role as a cheerleader and support system has barely been noticed. That alone tells you how well he's hidden his disappointment.
"It's really strange," Wedman said, "how a 3-inch square part of your body that is not functioning shuts everything else down."
Everything, of course, except his vocal cords. If the veteran forward isn't allowed to abuse any other part of his body this time of year, he might as well scream himself silly.
"This is an exciting time of year," Wedman said. "My favorite time of year. I've played a lot of years at this time. I know what I'm missing."
WEDMAN, WALTON MAY BE FINISHED INJURIES ARE 'CAREER-THREATENING'; BIRD STILL OUT
January 9, 1987
WEDMAN, WALTON MAY BE FINISHED INJURIES ARE 'CAREER-THREATENING'; BIRD STILL OUT
They are the wounded. Collectively, they represent all that has been ailing the Celtics. They are Larry Bird (strained back), Bill Walton (ankle) and Scott Wedman (heel).
While Walton and Wedman were present at the Celtics' practice yesterday at Hellenic College, Bird again was a no-show. The star continued his carefully monitored recovery from a strained back he suffered against the Chicago Bulls last Friday night.
Still, Bird is expected back soon. But Walton and Wedman are entirely different stories. Both veterans have missed the majority of the season because of injuries not related to game situations and, as a result, face possible career-threatening situations, according to team physician Thomas Silva.
"I would say that this has developed into a career-threatening situation," Silva said. "I think that this club has to consider whether or not their veteran players are out of it for this season."
Silva said Walton could be back as soon as March but added, "I really don't see him doing much until then.
"You have to remember that he hasn't practiced one minute since we began back in October. There has been no swelling of the ankle and he has been walking with the aid of crutches. It is not full weight-bearing, but that is the next step."
Walton expressed guarded optimism about returning.
"It's still too early to tell," Walton said when asked whether the ankle was beginning to feel better. "I'm still experiencing a little stiffness after having the cast removed, and there is still some pain from the incision, but I just started weight-bearing on it Tuesday night . . . I feel great. I feel confident and I'm looking forward to returning to action."
The prognosis concerning Wedman's return does not appear as promising as Walton's.
"The outlook of Scott returning as an active player does not look very good right now," Silva said. "He had surgery on his (left heel) back in the middle of June, and that has not improved. The tendon (near the Achilles') has been persistently sore."
Would this present more of a career-threatening situation than Walton's?
"I would say that is a very real possibility," Silva said. "This ballclub and the doctors he has seen have been behind him all the way, but now that one-third of the season is over, he's got to face that reality."
And it's a reality that Wedman is well aware of.
"Well, I can't disagree with that," Wedman said when apprised of Silva's comments. "I have to be realistic; it doesn't look good. And it seems that I don't have a lot of options left as far as healing goes, because I've tried just about everything."
Silva described Bird's injury as one in which Bird "experienced pain spread across his lower back.
"The pain does not extend down to his buttocks or his legs, and that's very important, because it indicates no herniation or lower disc problems."
Silva said Bird's back injury may have stemmed from a combination of two things: (1) he twisted his back during the game; (2) he continued to play with the injury.
"I think those were the two things that may have caused this problem," Silva said. "He's a fellow who had just come off a long (four-game) road trip from the West Coast and had a tired body. My recommendation to him is to rest and not think about playing the next few games, but he is improving at this time."
Bird will miss tonight's home game against Sacramento (7:30, SportsChannel). In addition, Bird will not be with the Celtics for their road game against Detroit tomorrow night. Bird is expected to be ready for Tuesday night's game at New Jersey.
"The plan this weekend is for him to start his running so that he'll be ready to practice on Monday and may be ready to play on Tuesday," Silva said.
Today will mark the ninth day of Conner Henry's 10-day contract. After his ballyhooed fourth-quarter effort (11 points, including a trio of three- pointers) against the Bucks Wednesday night, Henry may have bought himself at least another 10 days with the club. "If I said anything negative about him now, I would be tarred and feathered and run out of town on a rail, especially after what he did (Wednesday) night," said Celtics general manager Jan Volk. "But I would say another 10-day contract is a definite possibility." . . . K.C. Jones on tonight's game with the 9-22 Kings: "We can't have any letdowns. We just have to go out there with the same intensity as we had (Wednesday) night and try to get something going early."
WEDMAN, WALTON MAY BE FINISHED INJURIES ARE 'CAREER-THREATENING'; BIRD STILL OUT
They are the wounded. Collectively, they represent all that has been ailing the Celtics. They are Larry Bird (strained back), Bill Walton (ankle) and Scott Wedman (heel).
While Walton and Wedman were present at the Celtics' practice yesterday at Hellenic College, Bird again was a no-show. The star continued his carefully monitored recovery from a strained back he suffered against the Chicago Bulls last Friday night.
Still, Bird is expected back soon. But Walton and Wedman are entirely different stories. Both veterans have missed the majority of the season because of injuries not related to game situations and, as a result, face possible career-threatening situations, according to team physician Thomas Silva.
"I would say that this has developed into a career-threatening situation," Silva said. "I think that this club has to consider whether or not their veteran players are out of it for this season."
Silva said Walton could be back as soon as March but added, "I really don't see him doing much until then.
"You have to remember that he hasn't practiced one minute since we began back in October. There has been no swelling of the ankle and he has been walking with the aid of crutches. It is not full weight-bearing, but that is the next step."
Walton expressed guarded optimism about returning.
"It's still too early to tell," Walton said when asked whether the ankle was beginning to feel better. "I'm still experiencing a little stiffness after having the cast removed, and there is still some pain from the incision, but I just started weight-bearing on it Tuesday night . . . I feel great. I feel confident and I'm looking forward to returning to action."
The prognosis concerning Wedman's return does not appear as promising as Walton's.
"The outlook of Scott returning as an active player does not look very good right now," Silva said. "He had surgery on his (left heel) back in the middle of June, and that has not improved. The tendon (near the Achilles') has been persistently sore."
Would this present more of a career-threatening situation than Walton's?
"I would say that is a very real possibility," Silva said. "This ballclub and the doctors he has seen have been behind him all the way, but now that one-third of the season is over, he's got to face that reality."
And it's a reality that Wedman is well aware of.
"Well, I can't disagree with that," Wedman said when apprised of Silva's comments. "I have to be realistic; it doesn't look good. And it seems that I don't have a lot of options left as far as healing goes, because I've tried just about everything."
Silva described Bird's injury as one in which Bird "experienced pain spread across his lower back.
"The pain does not extend down to his buttocks or his legs, and that's very important, because it indicates no herniation or lower disc problems."
Silva said Bird's back injury may have stemmed from a combination of two things: (1) he twisted his back during the game; (2) he continued to play with the injury.
"I think those were the two things that may have caused this problem," Silva said. "He's a fellow who had just come off a long (four-game) road trip from the West Coast and had a tired body. My recommendation to him is to rest and not think about playing the next few games, but he is improving at this time."
Bird will miss tonight's home game against Sacramento (7:30, SportsChannel). In addition, Bird will not be with the Celtics for their road game against Detroit tomorrow night. Bird is expected to be ready for Tuesday night's game at New Jersey.
"The plan this weekend is for him to start his running so that he'll be ready to practice on Monday and may be ready to play on Tuesday," Silva said.
Today will mark the ninth day of Conner Henry's 10-day contract. After his ballyhooed fourth-quarter effort (11 points, including a trio of three- pointers) against the Bucks Wednesday night, Henry may have bought himself at least another 10 days with the club. "If I said anything negative about him now, I would be tarred and feathered and run out of town on a rail, especially after what he did (Wednesday) night," said Celtics general manager Jan Volk. "But I would say another 10-day contract is a definite possibility." . . . K.C. Jones on tonight's game with the 9-22 Kings: "We can't have any letdowns. We just have to go out there with the same intensity as we had (Wednesday) night and try to get something going early."
CELTICS SIGN DAYE; WEDMAN OUT
December 12, 1986
CELTICS SIGN DAYE; WEDMAN OUT
The Celtics have taken a step toward rectifying their abysmal bench production by placing injury-plagued Scott Wedman on the injured list and signing three-year veteran Darren Daye to replace him on the roster.
Wedman's ailing left heel did not hold up well after he started Dec. 3 and played 25 minutes against Denver. He was unable to practice the next day, and he was pulled from the game after seven ineffective minutes (all zeroes across the board, save for a personal foul) last Friday against the 76ers. Since then -- zilch.
The 6-foot-7-inch, 26-year-old Daye was waived by the Chicago Bulls when Eugene Banks came off the injured list. The Celtics had interest in him when the Bullets released him during training camp, but Chicago claimed him on waivers. Having done that, the Bulls embarrassed the former UCLA star by playing him in one game. His entire Bulls career consisted of a seven-minute appearance against the Pistons Nov. 7.
"They didn't want to play me," shrugged Daye after a morning workout at Hellenic College yesterday. "Sometimes teams say certain things to a guy, telling you that you'll play, and then they don't play you."
"He can play the big guard, he can push it and he can play the small forward," said K.C. Jones. "He's been sitting around for a couple of weeks, and he's rusty."
Daye was a 1983 third-round pick of the Bullets. His career average is 7.8 points per game, which is very close to half of what the Celtics are getting per game from their bench this season.
CELTICS SIGN DAYE; WEDMAN OUT
The Celtics have taken a step toward rectifying their abysmal bench production by placing injury-plagued Scott Wedman on the injured list and signing three-year veteran Darren Daye to replace him on the roster.
Wedman's ailing left heel did not hold up well after he started Dec. 3 and played 25 minutes against Denver. He was unable to practice the next day, and he was pulled from the game after seven ineffective minutes (all zeroes across the board, save for a personal foul) last Friday against the 76ers. Since then -- zilch.
The 6-foot-7-inch, 26-year-old Daye was waived by the Chicago Bulls when Eugene Banks came off the injured list. The Celtics had interest in him when the Bullets released him during training camp, but Chicago claimed him on waivers. Having done that, the Bulls embarrassed the former UCLA star by playing him in one game. His entire Bulls career consisted of a seven-minute appearance against the Pistons Nov. 7.
"They didn't want to play me," shrugged Daye after a morning workout at Hellenic College yesterday. "Sometimes teams say certain things to a guy, telling you that you'll play, and then they don't play you."
"He can play the big guard, he can push it and he can play the small forward," said K.C. Jones. "He's been sitting around for a couple of weeks, and he's rusty."
Daye was a 1983 third-round pick of the Bullets. His career average is 7.8 points per game, which is very close to half of what the Celtics are getting per game from their bench this season.
WEDMAN GETS A NEW DEAL
May 24, 1986
WEDMAN GETS A NEW DEAL
Scott Wedman is able to smile a bit better through the pain of two broken ribs. He has signed a multiyear contract with the Celtics.
The 33-year-old Wedman, who joined the team on Jan. 15, 1983, played in 79 games this season, averaging 8.0 points. His biggest contribution came from Jan. 24 through Feb. 28, when he started in place of the injured Kevin McHale and averaged 15 points over an 18-game stretch, during which the Celtics were 15-3.
He has had a difficult and ongoing adjustment to becoming an auxiliary player in Boston after being a far more prominent player in both Kansas City, where he broke in back in 1974, and Cleveland. "It's been a great learning experience," said Wedman.
"When you come to a team with so many great players, you've definitely got to figure out where you fit in. I wouldn't say it's been easy. It's been an adjustment, but being here is something I've really enjoyed."
The question arises: Would he rather be a star on a mediocre team or an auxiliary player in Boston?
Replied Wedman, who would have been a free agent at the conclusion of the season, "I think I've answered that by signing this contract."
WEDMAN GETS A NEW DEAL
Scott Wedman is able to smile a bit better through the pain of two broken ribs. He has signed a multiyear contract with the Celtics.
The 33-year-old Wedman, who joined the team on Jan. 15, 1983, played in 79 games this season, averaging 8.0 points. His biggest contribution came from Jan. 24 through Feb. 28, when he started in place of the injured Kevin McHale and averaged 15 points over an 18-game stretch, during which the Celtics were 15-3.
He has had a difficult and ongoing adjustment to becoming an auxiliary player in Boston after being a far more prominent player in both Kansas City, where he broke in back in 1974, and Cleveland. "It's been a great learning experience," said Wedman.
"When you come to a team with so many great players, you've definitely got to figure out where you fit in. I wouldn't say it's been easy. It's been an adjustment, but being here is something I've really enjoyed."
The question arises: Would he rather be a star on a mediocre team or an auxiliary player in Boston?
Replied Wedman, who would have been a free agent at the conclusion of the season, "I think I've answered that by signing this contract."
Celtics have Won 8 Straight (16 of 18 and 37 of 42)
March 25, 1986
Celtics have Won 8 Straight (16 of 18 and 37 of 42)
It happened in front of the Houston bench, so Bill Fitch & Co. had a ringside seat.
"The last time I saw anything fall that hard," said Fitch, "was when they tore down that hotel." He was speaking, of course, about the Madison, which was detonated one block from Fitch's old Boston residence.
But this was not an object. Rather, it was 88 inches of flesh, bones and blood named Ralph Sampson, who went up for a rebound and never had a chance to walk off the floor.
"It was the old undercut," said Fitch, "but it could very well have been one of our players who did it. It's one of those things that happens every now and then in basketball. Ralph had no way to protect himself."
"It's what every player fears," said Robert Parish, who stands a mere 84 inches. "Not centers, but guards and forwards, also."
Sampson was taken to Massachusetts General Hospital. He was first subjected to a neurological examination and then given X-rays for a possible back fracture. X-rays of the head and neck were negative, and Sampson was released late last night, according to an MGH spokeswoman.
But, at least for a while, the situation was very scary. "On the floor," said Celtics team doctor Thomas Silva, "he was unable to move his extremities. By the time he left the Garden and went to the hospital, he had regained some degree of motion and some sensation had returned to his lower right leg. Those are good signs, but we have to appreciate the significance to the fullest extent that (initially) he could not move his legs."
The Celtics have now won eight straight, 16 of 18, 37 of 42 and 23 straight at home . . . The magic number to clinch the best record in the Eastern Conference is 2, meaning that a victory over Milwaukee tomorrow night at the Garden will take care of that business. The magic number for the best record overall is 6 (Celtic wins or Laker losses in any combination) . . . Larry Bird dropped in two more three-pointers in three attempts, giving him 23 for his last 32 from home run territory. He had over 30 points (36) for the seventh time in his last nine games . . . Dennis Johnson shot 2 for 17, but made his statement with 12 assists . . . In the first 2:40 of the second half, each team had one illegal defense and one delay-of-game warning apiece . . . Bill Walton (7 rebounds in 18 minutes) sent the crowd into rapture and drew a prolonged standing ovation in the second quarter when he answered a nice Akeem Olajuwon rejection of Jerry Sichting by smashing a defensive rebound in finest Karch Karaly style 30 feet upcourt to start a fast break finished off by a Scott Wedman jumper . . . Wedman's 19 points represented his biggest offensive output since the return of Kevin McHale.
Celtics have Won 8 Straight (16 of 18 and 37 of 42)
It happened in front of the Houston bench, so Bill Fitch & Co. had a ringside seat.
"The last time I saw anything fall that hard," said Fitch, "was when they tore down that hotel." He was speaking, of course, about the Madison, which was detonated one block from Fitch's old Boston residence.
But this was not an object. Rather, it was 88 inches of flesh, bones and blood named Ralph Sampson, who went up for a rebound and never had a chance to walk off the floor.
"It was the old undercut," said Fitch, "but it could very well have been one of our players who did it. It's one of those things that happens every now and then in basketball. Ralph had no way to protect himself."
"It's what every player fears," said Robert Parish, who stands a mere 84 inches. "Not centers, but guards and forwards, also."
Sampson was taken to Massachusetts General Hospital. He was first subjected to a neurological examination and then given X-rays for a possible back fracture. X-rays of the head and neck were negative, and Sampson was released late last night, according to an MGH spokeswoman.
But, at least for a while, the situation was very scary. "On the floor," said Celtics team doctor Thomas Silva, "he was unable to move his extremities. By the time he left the Garden and went to the hospital, he had regained some degree of motion and some sensation had returned to his lower right leg. Those are good signs, but we have to appreciate the significance to the fullest extent that (initially) he could not move his legs."
The Celtics have now won eight straight, 16 of 18, 37 of 42 and 23 straight at home . . . The magic number to clinch the best record in the Eastern Conference is 2, meaning that a victory over Milwaukee tomorrow night at the Garden will take care of that business. The magic number for the best record overall is 6 (Celtic wins or Laker losses in any combination) . . . Larry Bird dropped in two more three-pointers in three attempts, giving him 23 for his last 32 from home run territory. He had over 30 points (36) for the seventh time in his last nine games . . . Dennis Johnson shot 2 for 17, but made his statement with 12 assists . . . In the first 2:40 of the second half, each team had one illegal defense and one delay-of-game warning apiece . . . Bill Walton (7 rebounds in 18 minutes) sent the crowd into rapture and drew a prolonged standing ovation in the second quarter when he answered a nice Akeem Olajuwon rejection of Jerry Sichting by smashing a defensive rebound in finest Karch Karaly style 30 feet upcourt to start a fast break finished off by a Scott Wedman jumper . . . Wedman's 19 points represented his biggest offensive output since the return of Kevin McHale.
MCHALE RECLAIMS STARTER'S ROLE FROM WEDMAN
March 4, 1986
MCHALE RECLAIMS STARTER'S ROLE FROM WEDMAN
The guy wasn't too bad, you know. With Scott Wedman as a starter for 18 of the past 19 games, the Celtics have gone 15-3. It's not like he spread bad karma, or anything.
But Kevin McHale is now ready to resume more responsibility, and so barring any unforeseen developments between this morning and game time tonight (8:30, Channel 56), he will become the starter. Wedman will once again be a reserve.
Don't think McHale's being pushy, either. At no time in his Celtics career has he ever made a fuss about his geographic location at the start of a game. "I don't care much about starting or not starting," he insists. "It's never been a priority. Playing or not playing -- that's different. To me, it's strictly a coach's decision. Whatever he thinks will be the best for the team."
It's clear that returning McHale to the lineup is exactly what K.C. Jones thinks will be best for the team, because when asked whether he seriously considered, for even one second, maintaining the status quo now that McHale appears healthy, Jones barked "No!"
Wedman's feelings aren't at issue here. If they were, he would still be starting. "I like it (starting)," he said. "I like it a lot. I think starting has helped my confidence somewhat, and I just hope I'll keep doing as well off the bench."
Not that Wedman, a solid team player, disputes the command decision. "Kevin has earned it," Wedman says. "Since he's come back, he's been great."
No argument there. Since his seven-minute, scoreless, five-turnover ice- breaking opener on Tuesday in New York ("I just wanted to see if I could run up and down the floor, but I didn't expect to be that bad"), McHale has resumed his pre-injury level of play. He has shot 6 for 9, 10 for 11 and 10 for 10 in the past three games. He scored 26 points in 30 minutes against the LA Clippers on Friday night and 25 points in 23 minutes on Sunday against Detroit.
Coach Jones says that Wedman can still expect to see a lot of minutes, since he doesn't want to overwork either of his starting forwards. "Kevin got 23 minutes against Detroit and Larry was up around 40 (actually 41). I'd like to keep Larry's minutes down, so there are plenty of minutes available for Scotty."
Wedman averaged 12 points a game as a starter, with a high of 24 on Jan. 31 against Washington. His outside shooting made life comfortable for Robert Parish inside, and he did his share on the boards. He did what could only be described as a professional job. The question now is whether he can pro-rate his performance according to his new level of minutes played. Prior to becoming a starter he had only reached double figures nine times. Then again, prior to becoming a starter, the most minutes he had played was 28 on Opening Night, when Bird was having a long night.
Trainer Ray Melchiorre was searching for a gym in which to hold a midday shootaround prior to the game with the Bulls tonight. When the Celtics last visited Chicago, K.C. dispensed with the shootaround and the team arrived at the Chicago Stadium in a lethargic state . . . Bird has regained first place in the foul shooting derby. His 27-for-28 streak has him up to .899. Chris Mullin is second at .896 . . . The Celtics are 21-10 on the road . . . Chicago will suit up tonight without Michael Jordan (only three games played all season), Jawaan Oldham (broken right cheekbone), Dave Corzine (broken left hand), Quintin Dailey (suspended list) for sure, and will probably play without Orlando Woolridge, who has missed the last four games with a strained muscle in the right knee. Woolridge is listed as "doubtful."
MCHALE RECLAIMS STARTER'S ROLE FROM WEDMAN
The guy wasn't too bad, you know. With Scott Wedman as a starter for 18 of the past 19 games, the Celtics have gone 15-3. It's not like he spread bad karma, or anything.
But Kevin McHale is now ready to resume more responsibility, and so barring any unforeseen developments between this morning and game time tonight (8:30, Channel 56), he will become the starter. Wedman will once again be a reserve.
Don't think McHale's being pushy, either. At no time in his Celtics career has he ever made a fuss about his geographic location at the start of a game. "I don't care much about starting or not starting," he insists. "It's never been a priority. Playing or not playing -- that's different. To me, it's strictly a coach's decision. Whatever he thinks will be the best for the team."
It's clear that returning McHale to the lineup is exactly what K.C. Jones thinks will be best for the team, because when asked whether he seriously considered, for even one second, maintaining the status quo now that McHale appears healthy, Jones barked "No!"
Wedman's feelings aren't at issue here. If they were, he would still be starting. "I like it (starting)," he said. "I like it a lot. I think starting has helped my confidence somewhat, and I just hope I'll keep doing as well off the bench."
Not that Wedman, a solid team player, disputes the command decision. "Kevin has earned it," Wedman says. "Since he's come back, he's been great."
No argument there. Since his seven-minute, scoreless, five-turnover ice- breaking opener on Tuesday in New York ("I just wanted to see if I could run up and down the floor, but I didn't expect to be that bad"), McHale has resumed his pre-injury level of play. He has shot 6 for 9, 10 for 11 and 10 for 10 in the past three games. He scored 26 points in 30 minutes against the LA Clippers on Friday night and 25 points in 23 minutes on Sunday against Detroit.
Coach Jones says that Wedman can still expect to see a lot of minutes, since he doesn't want to overwork either of his starting forwards. "Kevin got 23 minutes against Detroit and Larry was up around 40 (actually 41). I'd like to keep Larry's minutes down, so there are plenty of minutes available for Scotty."
Wedman averaged 12 points a game as a starter, with a high of 24 on Jan. 31 against Washington. His outside shooting made life comfortable for Robert Parish inside, and he did his share on the boards. He did what could only be described as a professional job. The question now is whether he can pro-rate his performance according to his new level of minutes played. Prior to becoming a starter he had only reached double figures nine times. Then again, prior to becoming a starter, the most minutes he had played was 28 on Opening Night, when Bird was having a long night.
Trainer Ray Melchiorre was searching for a gym in which to hold a midday shootaround prior to the game with the Bulls tonight. When the Celtics last visited Chicago, K.C. dispensed with the shootaround and the team arrived at the Chicago Stadium in a lethargic state . . . Bird has regained first place in the foul shooting derby. His 27-for-28 streak has him up to .899. Chris Mullin is second at .896 . . . The Celtics are 21-10 on the road . . . Chicago will suit up tonight without Michael Jordan (only three games played all season), Jawaan Oldham (broken right cheekbone), Dave Corzine (broken left hand), Quintin Dailey (suspended list) for sure, and will probably play without Orlando Woolridge, who has missed the last four games with a strained muscle in the right knee. Woolridge is listed as "doubtful."
Wedman Feeling Better as Bird Averages 31, 13, and 7.7 on Road Trip
February 21, 1986
Wedman Feeling Better as Bird Averages 31, 13, and 7.7 on Road Trip
Flanked by his wife, Kim, and physical therapist/chiropractor Steve Krischel, Scott Wedman strolled into the lobby of the Denver Marriott early yesterday afternoon.
"I feel much better," said Wedman. "I'm going to warm up and try to play if I can."
Wedman left the Celtics in Phoenix Tuesday and flew to Kansas City while the team flew to Oakland, Calif. The Celtics organization said Wedman was excused to handle a personal problem, but refused to elaborate. When it became apparent that Wedman wasn't going to make it to Oakland for Wednesday's game, the Celts finally admitted that Wedman was suffering from a strained back.
Greg Kite started in Wedman's place Wednesday and grabbed nine rebounds as the Celts beat the Warriors, 115-100. Larry Bird registered his third triple- double of the trip: 36 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists.
Wedman got a loud round of applause when he boarded the team bus last night. Aware of the speculation and confusion surrounding Wedman's departure, the players kidded Wedman about the rumors sparked by his absence.
"I'm not really that worried about it," Wedman said before last night's game. "People that know what's going on know what the problem is. The main thing now is to take care of my back.
"The longer I let it go, the worse it gets," said Wedman. "Kansas City was the closest place without flying back to Boston . . . I'm sure the people (doctors) in Boston could have helped too, but it would have been a lot more flying time Tuesday."
Wedman said Krischel might accompany him to Boston when the Celtics return home today.
Celtics coach K.C. Jones started Wedman at the small forward spot last night.
He's a Real Nowhere Man: Kevin McHale didn't plan to play last night. Due to a sore left Achilles' tendon, McHale hasn't started a game since Jan. 22 and did not play a minute in the first six games of the Coast trip. Jones finally admitted that he would have left McHale home if he'd known McHale wouldn't play on the trip. "It's something we didn't know at the time," said Jones. "My approach was positive."
Danny Ainge shot 5 for 15 in Oakland and was 12 for 46 on the trip prior to last night's game. "I hadn't shot enough shots to be in a slump until tonight," Ainge said after the Warrior game. "But now I'm in one and I have to shoot my way out of it." . . . In the first six games of the trip, Bird averaged 31.5 points, 13 rebounds and 7.7 assists. Informed of yet another flight delay at the Oakland airport early yesterday, Bird said, "Anybody got a blank stat sheet? I want to mail my stats in for tonight's game and go home. Put me down for 20 points, 18 rebounds and no assists." . . . Jerry Sichting shot 62 percent (18 for 29) in five games after an 0-for-4 start in Sacramento. He's shooting 54 percent from the floor this season . . . Bill Walton is averaging 16.2 rebounds per 48 minutes . . . Rick Carlisle grew a beard while on the road, but says he plans to shave it off . . . Robert Parish had his name misspelled in the official box (Parrish) for the fifth time in seven stops when the Celts visited Oakland. Parish is a six-time All-Star and played four seasons for Golden State . . . Celtics equipment masters Wayne LeBeaux and Joe Qatato have been helping out since the team was in Los Angeles.
Wedman Feeling Better as Bird Averages 31, 13, and 7.7 on Road Trip
Flanked by his wife, Kim, and physical therapist/chiropractor Steve Krischel, Scott Wedman strolled into the lobby of the Denver Marriott early yesterday afternoon.
"I feel much better," said Wedman. "I'm going to warm up and try to play if I can."
Wedman left the Celtics in Phoenix Tuesday and flew to Kansas City while the team flew to Oakland, Calif. The Celtics organization said Wedman was excused to handle a personal problem, but refused to elaborate. When it became apparent that Wedman wasn't going to make it to Oakland for Wednesday's game, the Celts finally admitted that Wedman was suffering from a strained back.
Greg Kite started in Wedman's place Wednesday and grabbed nine rebounds as the Celts beat the Warriors, 115-100. Larry Bird registered his third triple- double of the trip: 36 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists.
Wedman got a loud round of applause when he boarded the team bus last night. Aware of the speculation and confusion surrounding Wedman's departure, the players kidded Wedman about the rumors sparked by his absence.
"I'm not really that worried about it," Wedman said before last night's game. "People that know what's going on know what the problem is. The main thing now is to take care of my back.
"The longer I let it go, the worse it gets," said Wedman. "Kansas City was the closest place without flying back to Boston . . . I'm sure the people (doctors) in Boston could have helped too, but it would have been a lot more flying time Tuesday."
Wedman said Krischel might accompany him to Boston when the Celtics return home today.
Celtics coach K.C. Jones started Wedman at the small forward spot last night.
He's a Real Nowhere Man: Kevin McHale didn't plan to play last night. Due to a sore left Achilles' tendon, McHale hasn't started a game since Jan. 22 and did not play a minute in the first six games of the Coast trip. Jones finally admitted that he would have left McHale home if he'd known McHale wouldn't play on the trip. "It's something we didn't know at the time," said Jones. "My approach was positive."
Danny Ainge shot 5 for 15 in Oakland and was 12 for 46 on the trip prior to last night's game. "I hadn't shot enough shots to be in a slump until tonight," Ainge said after the Warrior game. "But now I'm in one and I have to shoot my way out of it." . . . In the first six games of the trip, Bird averaged 31.5 points, 13 rebounds and 7.7 assists. Informed of yet another flight delay at the Oakland airport early yesterday, Bird said, "Anybody got a blank stat sheet? I want to mail my stats in for tonight's game and go home. Put me down for 20 points, 18 rebounds and no assists." . . . Jerry Sichting shot 62 percent (18 for 29) in five games after an 0-for-4 start in Sacramento. He's shooting 54 percent from the floor this season . . . Bill Walton is averaging 16.2 rebounds per 48 minutes . . . Rick Carlisle grew a beard while on the road, but says he plans to shave it off . . . Robert Parish had his name misspelled in the official box (Parrish) for the fifth time in seven stops when the Celts visited Oakland. Parish is a six-time All-Star and played four seasons for Golden State . . . Celtics equipment masters Wayne LeBeaux and Joe Qatato have been helping out since the team was in Los Angeles.
WEDMAN SITUATION BOTCHED
March 1986
WEDMAN SITUATION BOTCHED
The Celtics management's handling of Scott Wedman's back problem was a disservice to Wedman and Celtics fans everywhere. When Wedman left the team and went home to Kansas City Tuesday, it was announced that he had a "personal problem." General manager Jan Volk, trainer Ray Melchiorre, assistant coach Jimmy Rodgers and publicist Jeff Twiss would not elaborate. For 24 hours, fans were allowed to draw their own conclusions about Wedman's absence.
One day later, when it was obvious that Wedman wouldn't make it to last night's game against Golden State, it was announced that Wedman had a back injury. Why did the Celtics try to cover up a back injury? "K.C. (Jones) didn't want to make a big deal out of it," said Volk.
"I figured personal business was all there was to say," Jones said last night. "It was nothing to really get excited about."
In fact, the Celtics made a much bigger deal out of the situation by issuing a short and mysterious statement about Wedman's "personal problem." Since when has a back injury been termed a personal problem? Was no one astute enough to recognize the ominous overtones of this tiny bit of information?
Micheal Ray Richardson, Quintin Dailey, John Lucas and Walter Davis left their teams because of "personal problems." Scott Wedman left because he needed some work on his bad back.
Why did the Celtics attempt to prevent Wedman's injury from being publicized? There are two plausible explanations.
(1) The Tass News Agency Theory: The Celtics only tell you what they want you to know. They are required to do nothing more than that, and are certainly free to handle the media and the public with their trademark institutional arrogance. After all, if they can keep other teams from knowing about Wedman's injury, it could be beneficial to The Cause.
(2) The Internal Medical Squabble Theory: Celtics team physician Thomas Silva bristles when Boston players seek help elsewhere. Wedman went to Kansas City to be treated by chiropractor and physical therapist Steve Krischel. Hiding the nature of Wedman's problem served to minimize the hard feelings and jealousy that permeate the Celtics' medical department.
WEDMAN SITUATION BOTCHED
The Celtics management's handling of Scott Wedman's back problem was a disservice to Wedman and Celtics fans everywhere. When Wedman left the team and went home to Kansas City Tuesday, it was announced that he had a "personal problem." General manager Jan Volk, trainer Ray Melchiorre, assistant coach Jimmy Rodgers and publicist Jeff Twiss would not elaborate. For 24 hours, fans were allowed to draw their own conclusions about Wedman's absence.
One day later, when it was obvious that Wedman wouldn't make it to last night's game against Golden State, it was announced that Wedman had a back injury. Why did the Celtics try to cover up a back injury? "K.C. (Jones) didn't want to make a big deal out of it," said Volk.
"I figured personal business was all there was to say," Jones said last night. "It was nothing to really get excited about."
In fact, the Celtics made a much bigger deal out of the situation by issuing a short and mysterious statement about Wedman's "personal problem." Since when has a back injury been termed a personal problem? Was no one astute enough to recognize the ominous overtones of this tiny bit of information?
Micheal Ray Richardson, Quintin Dailey, John Lucas and Walter Davis left their teams because of "personal problems." Scott Wedman left because he needed some work on his bad back.
Why did the Celtics attempt to prevent Wedman's injury from being publicized? There are two plausible explanations.
(1) The Tass News Agency Theory: The Celtics only tell you what they want you to know. They are required to do nothing more than that, and are certainly free to handle the media and the public with their trademark institutional arrogance. After all, if they can keep other teams from knowing about Wedman's injury, it could be beneficial to The Cause.
(2) The Internal Medical Squabble Theory: Celtics team physician Thomas Silva bristles when Boston players seek help elsewhere. Wedman went to Kansas City to be treated by chiropractor and physical therapist Steve Krischel. Hiding the nature of Wedman's problem served to minimize the hard feelings and jealousy that permeate the Celtics' medical department.
'86 C's 6-0 with Wedman Subbing for Injured McHale
2/6/86
'86 C's 6-0 with Wedman Subbing for Injured McHale
Kevin McHale, originally scheduled for bench duty, was scratched moments before game time last night.
Celtics coach K.C. Jones had hoped McHale would see some action, but his damaged Achilles' tendon stiffened up, so once again starting duties went to Scott Wedman,
"Scott (The Lip) Wedman will start," said Jones. The mentor was, of course, alluding to the mouth injury sustained by Wedman in the first half of Sunday's comback conquest of Seattle. Wedman's teeth actually went through his upper lip, and the wonder is that the wound was closed with a scant four stitches.
McHale played 12 first-half minutes Tuesday in Milwaukee, abusing Alton Lister & Co. for 12 points on 6-for-6 shooting, and then retired for the rest of the game when his ailing tendon stiffened.
The Celtics entered last night's game with a 21-1 home record . . . Washington has hung tough through the usual assortment of injuries which are endemic to the franchise by the Potomac. The Bullets arrived here without their best player. Jeff Ruland, who had not been back for long after missing 22 games with an avulsion fracture of the right ankle, reinjured the ankle Saturday night against Detroit . . . With rookie Manute Bol at center for those 22 games, however, the Bullets went a respectable 12-10, which assistant coach Fred Carter thinks is remarkable. "What Manute has done," said Carter, "is like a guy coming out of high school and working for, let's say, General Dynamics. That's basically what it is." Carter says that on a scale of 1 to 10, Bol is up to about a 6, with his offense still in the learning stages . . . The 7-foot-7-inch Sudanese rookie is leading the league in blocked shots, having averaged almost seven a game since becoming the starting center in Ruland's absence.
The Celtics were 3-0 against Washington this season before last night . . . Boston was 6-0 with Wedman in the starting lineup, and during those six games, Wedman had averaged 18.2 points on 53 percent shooting . . . This was the final game before the All-Star break for the Celtics, as well as their final Boston Garden appearance until Feb. 26.
'86 C's 6-0 with Wedman Subbing for Injured McHale
Kevin McHale, originally scheduled for bench duty, was scratched moments before game time last night.
Celtics coach K.C. Jones had hoped McHale would see some action, but his damaged Achilles' tendon stiffened up, so once again starting duties went to Scott Wedman,
"Scott (The Lip) Wedman will start," said Jones. The mentor was, of course, alluding to the mouth injury sustained by Wedman in the first half of Sunday's comback conquest of Seattle. Wedman's teeth actually went through his upper lip, and the wonder is that the wound was closed with a scant four stitches.
McHale played 12 first-half minutes Tuesday in Milwaukee, abusing Alton Lister & Co. for 12 points on 6-for-6 shooting, and then retired for the rest of the game when his ailing tendon stiffened.
The Celtics entered last night's game with a 21-1 home record . . . Washington has hung tough through the usual assortment of injuries which are endemic to the franchise by the Potomac. The Bullets arrived here without their best player. Jeff Ruland, who had not been back for long after missing 22 games with an avulsion fracture of the right ankle, reinjured the ankle Saturday night against Detroit . . . With rookie Manute Bol at center for those 22 games, however, the Bullets went a respectable 12-10, which assistant coach Fred Carter thinks is remarkable. "What Manute has done," said Carter, "is like a guy coming out of high school and working for, let's say, General Dynamics. That's basically what it is." Carter says that on a scale of 1 to 10, Bol is up to about a 6, with his offense still in the learning stages . . . The 7-foot-7-inch Sudanese rookie is leading the league in blocked shots, having averaged almost seven a game since becoming the starting center in Ruland's absence.
The Celtics were 3-0 against Washington this season before last night . . . Boston was 6-0 with Wedman in the starting lineup, and during those six games, Wedman had averaged 18.2 points on 53 percent shooting . . . This was the final game before the All-Star break for the Celtics, as well as their final Boston Garden appearance until Feb. 26.
Wedman More than Pulling his Weight in McHale's Absence
2/2/86
Wedman More than Pulling his Weight in McHale's Absence
Scott Wedman has done a nice job in McHale's place. Wedman is averaging 19.2 points and 7 rebounds while playing 34 minutes per game in the last four contests. He's shot 52 percent (34 for 66) as a starter and has committed only one turnover in four games. Wedman scored a season-high 24 in Friday's victory at Washington.
Wedman More than Pulling his Weight in McHale's Absence
Scott Wedman has done a nice job in McHale's place. Wedman is averaging 19.2 points and 7 rebounds while playing 34 minutes per game in the last four contests. He's shot 52 percent (34 for 66) as a starter and has committed only one turnover in four games. Wedman scored a season-high 24 in Friday's victory at Washington.
PERFECT 10 FOR CELTICS; WEDMAN HELPS TOP BULLETS, 97-88
February 1, 1986
PERFECT 10 FOR CELTICS; WEDMAN HELPS TOP BULLETS, 97-88
You've read this story before: There's a sold-out dance hall and a team on the rise trying to make its name and impress hometown skeptics with a victory over the Boston Celtics. Then Larry Bird and Co. strut into town, break more hearts than Cybill Shepherd and fly home with another notch in the sweatband.
The story line has been played out in Atlanta, Ga., and East Rutherford, N.J., already this year. Last night the site was Landover, Md., as the Celts turned back the heretofore high-flying Washington Bullets, 97-88, before 19,123 at the Capital Centre.
It was Boston's 10th straight victory, and perhaps it is time we started paying attention to The Streak. Boston's win skein is the longest in the NBA this season and ties the fourth-longest of the Bird era (the Celts won 18 straight in 1981).
Friday in Washington was much like Thursday in Chicago and every other day in every other city since Christmas. For a full 48 minutes of court time, there was a sense of inevitability. One always gets the feeling that the Celts are never in danger and will ultimately prevail.
Unimpressed by 7-foot-7-inch Manute Bol, a healthy Jeff Ruland, All-Star Jeff Malone and conehead Leon Wood, the Celts blunted the Bullets. Scott Wedman (starting his fourth straight in place of Kevin McHale) hit 11 of 17 floor shots and scored a season-high 24 points with 9 rebounds. Wedman had 17 points at halftime.
"We wished McHale was back playing the way Wedman was shooting in the first half," said Ruland.
Meanwhile, Robert Parish again devoured the backboards (14 rebounds), and the ubiquitous Bird (14 points, 11 rebounds, 7 assists, 4 blocks) did everything else.
"It all starts with Larry Bird," said Wedman. "Larry Bird brings a winning attitude to this team like nothing I've ever seen."
The Celts trailed only once -- 33-32 in the second period. Boston led, 26-18, after one, 51-46 at halftime, and stretched it to 75-64 at the end of three. The lead swelled to 21 midway through the final period.
Wedman drained his first four jumpers as the Celts bolted to a 12-4 lead. Bullets coach Gene Shue responded by inserting Darren (Make My) Daye and Ruland. Daye took over on Wedman.
"We talked about Wedman's outside shooting and how we had to go out and play him," groaned Shue. "Then we didn't do it."
Wearing a Slick Watts headband on his bald dome, Wood came in and missed his first two shots. Boston held a 12-3 rebounding advantage at that juncture, and Bol was pulled. A jumper by Bird made it 22-10. Cliff Robinson helped the Bullets claw back to within eight at the end of one.
Ruland led a flurry at the start of the second as the Bullets closed the gap to three. Then Manute returned and swatted consecutive shots by Sam Vincent and David Thirdkill. Wood followed with a three-pointer, and it was 30-30. Wood's next three-pointer gave Washington its only lead. Let's not hear any more stories about how great Wood (21 points on 20 shots) is. He heaved his three-pointer while a grumbling Ruland was under the basket being guarded by 6-1 Jerry Sichting.
Jones reinstated his starters, and Wedman put the Celts back on top with a three-pointer. Boston led by five at intermission.
The Bullets trimmed it to three a couple of times early in the third, but Bird, Parish and Danny Ainge (nine assists) soon had the lead back in double figures. Parish snatched six rebounds in the third period. Brutal Bullet shooting (8 for 22) helped the Celts cruise to an 11-point lead at the end of three.
K.C. went with the shock troops at the start of the fourth, and a pair of Rick Carlisle jumpers made it 79-64. A three-point play by Bill Walton with 8:17 remaining made it 86-67. Then Sichting kicked off garbage time with a bomb which pushed Boston's lead to 21 and started the exodus back to our nation's capital.
The Bullets shot 41 percent and totaled a pitiful 16 assists. Bol finished with seven blocks, seven points and six rebounds in 31 minutes, but was never a factor.
Ruland's summation: "It was disgusting."
Shue credited Boston: "The Celtics run basic plays and they make them work. The addition of Bill Walton is a major improvement. When they make substitutions, there's no weakness."
PERFECT 10 FOR CELTICS; WEDMAN HELPS TOP BULLETS, 97-88
You've read this story before: There's a sold-out dance hall and a team on the rise trying to make its name and impress hometown skeptics with a victory over the Boston Celtics. Then Larry Bird and Co. strut into town, break more hearts than Cybill Shepherd and fly home with another notch in the sweatband.
The story line has been played out in Atlanta, Ga., and East Rutherford, N.J., already this year. Last night the site was Landover, Md., as the Celts turned back the heretofore high-flying Washington Bullets, 97-88, before 19,123 at the Capital Centre.
It was Boston's 10th straight victory, and perhaps it is time we started paying attention to The Streak. Boston's win skein is the longest in the NBA this season and ties the fourth-longest of the Bird era (the Celts won 18 straight in 1981).
Friday in Washington was much like Thursday in Chicago and every other day in every other city since Christmas. For a full 48 minutes of court time, there was a sense of inevitability. One always gets the feeling that the Celts are never in danger and will ultimately prevail.
Unimpressed by 7-foot-7-inch Manute Bol, a healthy Jeff Ruland, All-Star Jeff Malone and conehead Leon Wood, the Celts blunted the Bullets. Scott Wedman (starting his fourth straight in place of Kevin McHale) hit 11 of 17 floor shots and scored a season-high 24 points with 9 rebounds. Wedman had 17 points at halftime.
"We wished McHale was back playing the way Wedman was shooting in the first half," said Ruland.
Meanwhile, Robert Parish again devoured the backboards (14 rebounds), and the ubiquitous Bird (14 points, 11 rebounds, 7 assists, 4 blocks) did everything else.
"It all starts with Larry Bird," said Wedman. "Larry Bird brings a winning attitude to this team like nothing I've ever seen."
The Celts trailed only once -- 33-32 in the second period. Boston led, 26-18, after one, 51-46 at halftime, and stretched it to 75-64 at the end of three. The lead swelled to 21 midway through the final period.
Wedman drained his first four jumpers as the Celts bolted to a 12-4 lead. Bullets coach Gene Shue responded by inserting Darren (Make My) Daye and Ruland. Daye took over on Wedman.
"We talked about Wedman's outside shooting and how we had to go out and play him," groaned Shue. "Then we didn't do it."
Wearing a Slick Watts headband on his bald dome, Wood came in and missed his first two shots. Boston held a 12-3 rebounding advantage at that juncture, and Bol was pulled. A jumper by Bird made it 22-10. Cliff Robinson helped the Bullets claw back to within eight at the end of one.
Ruland led a flurry at the start of the second as the Bullets closed the gap to three. Then Manute returned and swatted consecutive shots by Sam Vincent and David Thirdkill. Wood followed with a three-pointer, and it was 30-30. Wood's next three-pointer gave Washington its only lead. Let's not hear any more stories about how great Wood (21 points on 20 shots) is. He heaved his three-pointer while a grumbling Ruland was under the basket being guarded by 6-1 Jerry Sichting.
Jones reinstated his starters, and Wedman put the Celts back on top with a three-pointer. Boston led by five at intermission.
The Bullets trimmed it to three a couple of times early in the third, but Bird, Parish and Danny Ainge (nine assists) soon had the lead back in double figures. Parish snatched six rebounds in the third period. Brutal Bullet shooting (8 for 22) helped the Celts cruise to an 11-point lead at the end of three.
K.C. went with the shock troops at the start of the fourth, and a pair of Rick Carlisle jumpers made it 79-64. A three-point play by Bill Walton with 8:17 remaining made it 86-67. Then Sichting kicked off garbage time with a bomb which pushed Boston's lead to 21 and started the exodus back to our nation's capital.
The Bullets shot 41 percent and totaled a pitiful 16 assists. Bol finished with seven blocks, seven points and six rebounds in 31 minutes, but was never a factor.
Ruland's summation: "It was disgusting."
Shue credited Boston: "The Celtics run basic plays and they make them work. The addition of Bill Walton is a major improvement. When they make substitutions, there's no weakness."
WEDMAN SPURS CELTICS TO MEMORABLE WIN
January 27, 1986
WEDMAN SPURS CELTICS TO MEMORABLE WIN
Closer to home, the Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers staged a midseason, midwinter classic. Dare we call it Super?
This had to be the highlight of Super Bowl brunches from Waterville Valley to Big Sur.
As stuffed bears dangled from the Garden balconies, the legends of basketball danced a 48-minute symphony on the parquet floor of the archaic train station. Thanks to the magic of CBS, folks who thought Bill Walton disappeared with Patty Hearst discovered that the Big Redhead is thriving in Celtic green.
With Kevin McHale (sore Achilles' tendon) absent, Walton scored 19 points with 13 rebounds in 25 minutes as the Celtics defeated the 76ers, 105-103. Larry Bird added 14 rebounds and a troika of stake-driving three-pointers in his 28-point day, and folks named Scott Wedman (16) and David Thirdkill also contributed heavily.
Before we get to the Wild Man of Borneo -- Charles Barkley -- let the record show that Boston has beaten Philly three times in four tries and leads the Sixers by 5 1/2 games with 41 left. Overall, the Celts have won eight straight and 12 of 13, including impressive victories over the Lakers and 76ers in a five-day span.
Philly came to town with four straight wins and a 17-2 record in the last two months. The Sixers hoped to exploit McHale's absence and reenter the laughable Atlantic Division first-place chase.
Despite a heartbreaking defeat, the inimitable Barkley remained unconvinced.
After barreling his way to 26 points and a career-high 21 rebounds, Barkley said, "I'll stick to my original statement. I don't think they can beat us, and if you are intelligent, you saw the same thing today. They cannot beat us. They cannot beat us. The only problem we have is mental. We gave the game away. I honestly think they know they can't beat us."
Barkley's comments raised some eyebrows in the Celtics' locker room.
"I don't know how many times we got to beat them to prove it," said Danny Ainge. "We beat 'em today without Kevin, the player on our team who probably gives them the most problems. Just tell him to keep yapping, that's all."
Robert Parish (five blocks) added, "I'm tired of hearing about Charles Barkley. He's taking over (Cedric) Maxwell's role in the Eastern Conference -- all mouth. I think it's probably good for their team because they have to go out and back that up, which they did not do today. We'll see what he has to say when we go to Philadelphia."
Wedman (16 points), suddenly playing like the All-Star he was a decade ago, started in place of McHale and scored 10 in the first quarter as the Celts squeaked to a 29-27 lead. Boston led by seven earlier in the period, but Barkley brought the Sixers back.
The second quarter was a groaner. The Celts scored only five field goals and shot 38 percent, while Philadelphia shot 37 percent. The Celts led, 51-50, at intermission.
Memories were created after halftime. Maurice Cheeks (22 points, 8 assists) led a five-minute, 20-4 Sixer run, and the visitors ran to a 74-61 lead.
Bird reentered the game and went on one of his Death Wish vigilante rampages. He started with two free throws, then chuckled with the rest of America as Barkley missed a dunk. The ball bounced off the back of the rim and sailed toward the Bruins' 1972 Stanley Cup flag.
Then Walton tapped in two Celtic misses and stole a Cheeks pass. Bird followed with a crowd-detonating three-pointer. It was 76-70, and Sixer coach Matt Guokas wanted a timeout. We should mention that Thirdkill (18 minutes) was doing a nice job on Julius Erving (13 points, 3 rebounds) at this juncture.
After the pause, Bird rebounded a Moses Malone miss (he shot 3 for 16) and set up Ainge for a jumper. Another Bird three-pointer cut it to 76-75 and forced another Philly timeout.
Before the quarter was over, Walton hit a turnaround banker and a hook over Malone. Then came the clincher. Bird scrambled for a loose ball after Malone missed a second straight free throw and nailed a 35-foot buzzer-beater to send the Celts into the fourth with an 82-78 lead. Bedlam. Don't underestimate the psychological impact of Bird's bomb. It is significant that each of his three- pointers was followed by a timeout or a break between quarters.
The final period was no less spectacular. The Celts trailed, 99-96, with 3:55 left but held Philadelphia without a basket the rest of the way.
Walton played up front with Parish for the final 6:49 and scored over Barkley to cut it to 99-98 with three minutes left. Then Barkley missed another dunk. This one catapulted toward midcourt.
Both teams missed several opportunities before Parish blocked a Malone shot and Ainge found Bird with a cross-court fast-break feed for a layup. Bird was fouled and made the free throw to give the Celts a 101-99 lead with a minute left.
Malone (5 for 10 from the line) made a free throw with 0:40 showing but missed the second. Walton rebounded, was fouled and made two to give the Celts a 103-100 lead with 33 seconds left. Cheeks was fouled driving to the basket and made both to cut it to one with 29 seconds left.
As the shot clock wound down, Bird was forced to fire a bomb. He missed, but Walton flew in from the left wing and snatched the most important rebound of the game. He fed to Dennis Johnson, who was fouled with three seconds left. DJ made both to seal the victory.
WEDMAN SPURS CELTICS TO MEMORABLE WIN
Closer to home, the Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers staged a midseason, midwinter classic. Dare we call it Super?
This had to be the highlight of Super Bowl brunches from Waterville Valley to Big Sur.
As stuffed bears dangled from the Garden balconies, the legends of basketball danced a 48-minute symphony on the parquet floor of the archaic train station. Thanks to the magic of CBS, folks who thought Bill Walton disappeared with Patty Hearst discovered that the Big Redhead is thriving in Celtic green.
With Kevin McHale (sore Achilles' tendon) absent, Walton scored 19 points with 13 rebounds in 25 minutes as the Celtics defeated the 76ers, 105-103. Larry Bird added 14 rebounds and a troika of stake-driving three-pointers in his 28-point day, and folks named Scott Wedman (16) and David Thirdkill also contributed heavily.
Before we get to the Wild Man of Borneo -- Charles Barkley -- let the record show that Boston has beaten Philly three times in four tries and leads the Sixers by 5 1/2 games with 41 left. Overall, the Celts have won eight straight and 12 of 13, including impressive victories over the Lakers and 76ers in a five-day span.
Philly came to town with four straight wins and a 17-2 record in the last two months. The Sixers hoped to exploit McHale's absence and reenter the laughable Atlantic Division first-place chase.
Despite a heartbreaking defeat, the inimitable Barkley remained unconvinced.
After barreling his way to 26 points and a career-high 21 rebounds, Barkley said, "I'll stick to my original statement. I don't think they can beat us, and if you are intelligent, you saw the same thing today. They cannot beat us. They cannot beat us. The only problem we have is mental. We gave the game away. I honestly think they know they can't beat us."
Barkley's comments raised some eyebrows in the Celtics' locker room.
"I don't know how many times we got to beat them to prove it," said Danny Ainge. "We beat 'em today without Kevin, the player on our team who probably gives them the most problems. Just tell him to keep yapping, that's all."
Robert Parish (five blocks) added, "I'm tired of hearing about Charles Barkley. He's taking over (Cedric) Maxwell's role in the Eastern Conference -- all mouth. I think it's probably good for their team because they have to go out and back that up, which they did not do today. We'll see what he has to say when we go to Philadelphia."
Wedman (16 points), suddenly playing like the All-Star he was a decade ago, started in place of McHale and scored 10 in the first quarter as the Celts squeaked to a 29-27 lead. Boston led by seven earlier in the period, but Barkley brought the Sixers back.
The second quarter was a groaner. The Celts scored only five field goals and shot 38 percent, while Philadelphia shot 37 percent. The Celts led, 51-50, at intermission.
Memories were created after halftime. Maurice Cheeks (22 points, 8 assists) led a five-minute, 20-4 Sixer run, and the visitors ran to a 74-61 lead.
Bird reentered the game and went on one of his Death Wish vigilante rampages. He started with two free throws, then chuckled with the rest of America as Barkley missed a dunk. The ball bounced off the back of the rim and sailed toward the Bruins' 1972 Stanley Cup flag.
Then Walton tapped in two Celtic misses and stole a Cheeks pass. Bird followed with a crowd-detonating three-pointer. It was 76-70, and Sixer coach Matt Guokas wanted a timeout. We should mention that Thirdkill (18 minutes) was doing a nice job on Julius Erving (13 points, 3 rebounds) at this juncture.
After the pause, Bird rebounded a Moses Malone miss (he shot 3 for 16) and set up Ainge for a jumper. Another Bird three-pointer cut it to 76-75 and forced another Philly timeout.
Before the quarter was over, Walton hit a turnaround banker and a hook over Malone. Then came the clincher. Bird scrambled for a loose ball after Malone missed a second straight free throw and nailed a 35-foot buzzer-beater to send the Celts into the fourth with an 82-78 lead. Bedlam. Don't underestimate the psychological impact of Bird's bomb. It is significant that each of his three- pointers was followed by a timeout or a break between quarters.
The final period was no less spectacular. The Celts trailed, 99-96, with 3:55 left but held Philadelphia without a basket the rest of the way.
Walton played up front with Parish for the final 6:49 and scored over Barkley to cut it to 99-98 with three minutes left. Then Barkley missed another dunk. This one catapulted toward midcourt.
Both teams missed several opportunities before Parish blocked a Malone shot and Ainge found Bird with a cross-court fast-break feed for a layup. Bird was fouled and made the free throw to give the Celts a 101-99 lead with a minute left.
Malone (5 for 10 from the line) made a free throw with 0:40 showing but missed the second. Walton rebounded, was fouled and made two to give the Celts a 103-100 lead with 33 seconds left. Cheeks was fouled driving to the basket and made both to cut it to one with 29 seconds left.
As the shot clock wound down, Bird was forced to fire a bomb. He missed, but Walton flew in from the left wing and snatched the most important rebound of the game. He fed to Dennis Johnson, who was fouled with three seconds left. DJ made both to seal the victory.
WEDMAN TYPIFIES CELTICS' BENCH STRENGTH
January 20, 1986
WEDMAN TYPIFIES CELTICS' BENCH STRENGTH
Let's start with the obvious and state that Saturday's 125-122 Celtics overtime victory in Atlanta was one of the best regular season NBA games of this or any year.
The Celtics have won nine of 10 since their nationally televised Christmas Day disgrace against the Knicks. Boston plays host to the world champion Los Angeles Lakers Wednesday night, and Saturday's pulsating victory over the Hawks in the Omni indicates that the Celtics are ready for the Lakers.
Larry Bird's 41 points led the Celtics back from a 23-point first-half deficit in a game that was the mirror image of Boston's humiliating loss in New York.
While chestnuts roasted on open fires, the Celtics blew a 25-point lead in New York and lost in overtime. It was Boston's fifth loss in nine games and coach K. C. Jones was criticized for not using his bench during the slump.
The Celtics haven't been the same since. Jones has gone back to his bench and the Celtics have ripped nine of the last 10 opponents. If not for a controversial offensive foul called on Kevin McHale in Detroit, the Celtics might be carrying a 10-game winning streak into the Laker game.
Scott Wedman's turnabout typifies the sudden impact of Boston's bench. Wedman was shooting 41 percent after the Knick disaster and had made only four of 16 shots while scoring only seven points in a five-game stretch. Since Christmas, Wedman is shooting 58 percent (42-73), and averaging 8.8 points. He hit 10 of 16 shots and scored a season-high 21 against the Hawks Saturday.
"The other teams aren't paying much attention to me because they're keying on our big guys," noted Wedman. "That gives me an opportunity to make a difference."
Wedman wasn't too surprised to see the Celtics roar back from a 70-47 deficit in the Omni.
"Nobody on this team doubted we could come back," he said. "We just knew we had a chance and once you get within 10, you're there."
Bird's 17-point third quarter helped the Celtics cut a 22-point half-time deficit to 14 at the end of three. A 14-0 fourth- quarter explosion (six by Wedman) put the Celtics ahead.
WEDMAN TYPIFIES CELTICS' BENCH STRENGTH
Let's start with the obvious and state that Saturday's 125-122 Celtics overtime victory in Atlanta was one of the best regular season NBA games of this or any year.
The Celtics have won nine of 10 since their nationally televised Christmas Day disgrace against the Knicks. Boston plays host to the world champion Los Angeles Lakers Wednesday night, and Saturday's pulsating victory over the Hawks in the Omni indicates that the Celtics are ready for the Lakers.
Larry Bird's 41 points led the Celtics back from a 23-point first-half deficit in a game that was the mirror image of Boston's humiliating loss in New York.
While chestnuts roasted on open fires, the Celtics blew a 25-point lead in New York and lost in overtime. It was Boston's fifth loss in nine games and coach K. C. Jones was criticized for not using his bench during the slump.
The Celtics haven't been the same since. Jones has gone back to his bench and the Celtics have ripped nine of the last 10 opponents. If not for a controversial offensive foul called on Kevin McHale in Detroit, the Celtics might be carrying a 10-game winning streak into the Laker game.
Scott Wedman's turnabout typifies the sudden impact of Boston's bench. Wedman was shooting 41 percent after the Knick disaster and had made only four of 16 shots while scoring only seven points in a five-game stretch. Since Christmas, Wedman is shooting 58 percent (42-73), and averaging 8.8 points. He hit 10 of 16 shots and scored a season-high 21 against the Hawks Saturday.
"The other teams aren't paying much attention to me because they're keying on our big guys," noted Wedman. "That gives me an opportunity to make a difference."
Wedman wasn't too surprised to see the Celtics roar back from a 70-47 deficit in the Omni.
"Nobody on this team doubted we could come back," he said. "We just knew we had a chance and once you get within 10, you're there."
Bird's 17-point third quarter helped the Celtics cut a 22-point half-time deficit to 14 at the end of three. A 14-0 fourth- quarter explosion (six by Wedman) put the Celtics ahead.
WEDMAN'S 11-11 PERFORMANCE HELPS C'S BURY L'S
June 11, 1985
WEDMAN'S 11-11 PERFORMANCE IN GAME 1 HELPS C'S BURY L'S
Greg Kite scored seven points. Hit three of five shots. Played 10minutes. An afterthought backup center who had spent so much time on the bench during his two-year career with the Celtics that he qualified as a human splinter. Greg Kite.
"Just say it wasn't our day," moaned Magic Johnson, Los Angeles' normally effervescent superhero. "When Greg Kite comes out and can hit three left- handed hooks, you know . . . Incredible. Just incredible."
Translation: Celtics 148, Lakers 114.
Incredible wasn't the word for it. Unprecedented was. Because nobody could have known that the ninth overall renewal - and second straight - of the NBA's longest-running championship serial would open with such record-shattering force.
In obliterating the most potent offensive team in NBA annals, the host Celtics virtually rewrote play-off history. They scored the most points ever in a championship game. They scored the most points ever (79) in a championship first half. Their halftime spread (30) was the largest ever, as was their overall number of field goals (61). Their shooting (60.8 percent) was the most accurate of all time. Their total assists (43) and margin of victory came within one of tying title standards.
Individually, sixth man Scott Wedman surpassed all play-off marksmen with an 11-for-11 shooting performance. And Wedman didn't even begin firing until the score was 52-29 in the second quarter, which in itself constituted yet another, unofficial championship milestone: earliest garbage time ever.
Wedman and Kevin McHale shared scoring honors with 26 points. Robert Parish (18 points, 8 rebounds) made 38-year-old Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (12 and 3) look like a senior citizen as The Chief outraced The Goggled One up and down the court, establishing Boston's frenetic tempo.
Taxing credulity further, the Celtics whipped the whippets who were supposed to run them into the ground - or at least the parquet. The defending champions were considered no match for the lightning Lakers, though LA had dropped eight finals to Boston, including the seven-game 1984 classic. "We thought we were a running team last year," said coach K.C. Jones, "until LA got here in that first game (a 115-109 Laker win) and we all got pneumonia because they were going by us so fast."
The latest edition of the Lakers had done nothing to dispel that blurry image. They set a regular-season shooting record (54.5 percent) and simply turned the tempo up a notch (55.7 percent) in the play-offs, during which they flashdanced past Phoenix, Portland and Denver. In those series, LA won 11 of 13 games, running its overall streak to 31 of 35, and averaged 131.2 points. So when the Lakers visited the Garden sweatshop on an 84-degree afternoon for the championship opener, they were rated series favorites. Even LA coach Pat Riley, a man of perspective, couldn't contain his enthusiasm: "This could be the greatest team in Laker history."
Ah, but not so fast, you LA speed demons. "We never got our fast break going," said Laker reserve and former Celtic Bob McAdoo after the Boston bombardment, "because we spent the day pulling the ball out of the nets. Our game is the quick transition. But they turned the tables on us. That was our game they played."
To the hilt. The Celtics pounded LA from the start: "We came out of the corner like Marvin Hagler," said Jones. Boston blazed from a 9-8 deficit to a 26-12 advantage, forcing Riley to call a timeout. By then, three of the Lakers' most reliable shooters - Byron Scott, James Worthy and Jabbar - were a collective 1 for 14 from the floor.
Meanwhile, guard Danny Ainge was scorching Scott with a 7-for-9, 15-point first period on his way to a 19-point afternoon that served as a yardstick for his teammates. "Once one guy starts to hit," said Larry Bird (19 points), "it catches on."
All Scott could do was catch cold against Ainge. The LA guard entered the series on a 57-percent shooting spree, including a 65-percent decimation of Denver. But in the Boston opener, he got throttled (5 for 14).
In general, the Lakers, who shot a dismal 40 percent, stood by as the Celtics kept connecting in the steamy Garden. "It wasn't too hot," Riley said. "The only heat came from that cannon they kept shooting."
That was torridly evident at the start of the second quarter, when the Celtics buried the Lakers with an 11-for-12 roll, good for a 63-34 cushion. After that, it was all gravy.
"They had their day,," said Riley. "Now our reaction has to be: 'OK, enough's enough.'"
WEDMAN'S 11-11 PERFORMANCE IN GAME 1 HELPS C'S BURY L'S
Greg Kite scored seven points. Hit three of five shots. Played 10minutes. An afterthought backup center who had spent so much time on the bench during his two-year career with the Celtics that he qualified as a human splinter. Greg Kite.
"Just say it wasn't our day," moaned Magic Johnson, Los Angeles' normally effervescent superhero. "When Greg Kite comes out and can hit three left- handed hooks, you know . . . Incredible. Just incredible."
Translation: Celtics 148, Lakers 114.
Incredible wasn't the word for it. Unprecedented was. Because nobody could have known that the ninth overall renewal - and second straight - of the NBA's longest-running championship serial would open with such record-shattering force.
In obliterating the most potent offensive team in NBA annals, the host Celtics virtually rewrote play-off history. They scored the most points ever in a championship game. They scored the most points ever (79) in a championship first half. Their halftime spread (30) was the largest ever, as was their overall number of field goals (61). Their shooting (60.8 percent) was the most accurate of all time. Their total assists (43) and margin of victory came within one of tying title standards.
Individually, sixth man Scott Wedman surpassed all play-off marksmen with an 11-for-11 shooting performance. And Wedman didn't even begin firing until the score was 52-29 in the second quarter, which in itself constituted yet another, unofficial championship milestone: earliest garbage time ever.
Wedman and Kevin McHale shared scoring honors with 26 points. Robert Parish (18 points, 8 rebounds) made 38-year-old Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (12 and 3) look like a senior citizen as The Chief outraced The Goggled One up and down the court, establishing Boston's frenetic tempo.
Taxing credulity further, the Celtics whipped the whippets who were supposed to run them into the ground - or at least the parquet. The defending champions were considered no match for the lightning Lakers, though LA had dropped eight finals to Boston, including the seven-game 1984 classic. "We thought we were a running team last year," said coach K.C. Jones, "until LA got here in that first game (a 115-109 Laker win) and we all got pneumonia because they were going by us so fast."
The latest edition of the Lakers had done nothing to dispel that blurry image. They set a regular-season shooting record (54.5 percent) and simply turned the tempo up a notch (55.7 percent) in the play-offs, during which they flashdanced past Phoenix, Portland and Denver. In those series, LA won 11 of 13 games, running its overall streak to 31 of 35, and averaged 131.2 points. So when the Lakers visited the Garden sweatshop on an 84-degree afternoon for the championship opener, they were rated series favorites. Even LA coach Pat Riley, a man of perspective, couldn't contain his enthusiasm: "This could be the greatest team in Laker history."
Ah, but not so fast, you LA speed demons. "We never got our fast break going," said Laker reserve and former Celtic Bob McAdoo after the Boston bombardment, "because we spent the day pulling the ball out of the nets. Our game is the quick transition. But they turned the tables on us. That was our game they played."
To the hilt. The Celtics pounded LA from the start: "We came out of the corner like Marvin Hagler," said Jones. Boston blazed from a 9-8 deficit to a 26-12 advantage, forcing Riley to call a timeout. By then, three of the Lakers' most reliable shooters - Byron Scott, James Worthy and Jabbar - were a collective 1 for 14 from the floor.
Meanwhile, guard Danny Ainge was scorching Scott with a 7-for-9, 15-point first period on his way to a 19-point afternoon that served as a yardstick for his teammates. "Once one guy starts to hit," said Larry Bird (19 points), "it catches on."
All Scott could do was catch cold against Ainge. The LA guard entered the series on a 57-percent shooting spree, including a 65-percent decimation of Denver. But in the Boston opener, he got throttled (5 for 14).
In general, the Lakers, who shot a dismal 40 percent, stood by as the Celtics kept connecting in the steamy Garden. "It wasn't too hot," Riley said. "The only heat came from that cannon they kept shooting."
That was torridly evident at the start of the second quarter, when the Celtics buried the Lakers with an 11-for-12 roll, good for a 63-34 cushion. After that, it was all gravy.
"They had their day,," said Riley. "Now our reaction has to be: 'OK, enough's enough.'"
WEDMAN'S WAY WAS PAVED
May 29, 1985
WEDMAN'S WAY WAS PAVED
He is a basketball player in silhouette. The sun is setting at an angle behind the backboard, making you wonder how long he has been working and how much longer he is going to stay. There are ovations and excitement in his head, perhaps, but he is alone with the sound and the feel of the ball.
He is a driveway guy. A picture.
"You spent a lot of time like that?" Scott Wedman is asked.
"Oh, yes," he replies.
His basketball is the solitary game. The rural game. There is no blaster box parked on the side of an inner-city playground, no mingling of kids choosing up sides, then fighting to maintain their places on the court. There is a more gentle song here. The ball going through the net again and again. Heavy breathing after driving past imagined defenders. Repetition. The sound of a storm door opening. Someone yelling that supper is on the table.
Roots are roots. They cannot be denied.
"Where'd you grow up?" Scott Wedman is asked.
"A lot of places," he says. "Mostly Colorado, when I was going to high school."
"Colorado?"
"But we always spent our summers at my grandparents' place. They had a big farm."
"Where was that?"
"Kansas."
Kansas. Yes, Kansas. That is the look of the driveway guy's game. Stretches of farmland. Good food. Kansas. He is in the NBA and working in the televised frenzy of these final playoffs against the Los Angeles Lakers, but traces of Kansas still can be seen. Even in the middle of all that. Kansas. Colorado. Clean air. Room. Jump shots.
The action spins and spins and suddenly Scott Wedman is alone. He goes through the patterned rhythms of all those afternoons, all those mornings, all those days. Jump shots. How far is far? Distance doesn't seem to matter. Nothing seems to matter. The rhythm is there. The stroke is the same. Jump shots.
"In Colorado," he says, "the basket was mounted over the garage door. Every now and then, I'd break a window. My father would come home, find the broken window and ask what happened. I'd tell him I was shooting and I shot one short. He never complained. If I'd been fooling around, maybe thrown a rock through the window, he'd be mad. Playing basketball? There'd be a new window in the morning. Nothing said.
"In the winter, our neighbor would see me when he came home from work," Scott Wedman says. "It would have been snowing and I'd have shoveled off the court. He'd look at me, out there in the driveway, and just shake his head.
"There's something relaxing about shooting a basketball," Scott Wedman says. "It's just you. You don't have to see how you've done. The reward is there if you've done it right. The ball goes through the basket."
He may have had trouble finding a place in the lineup in his three years with the Celtics, his Kansas mostly kept behind Larry Bird's taller and more diversified Indiana, but there never has been a question about the one thing he does best. He is a shooter's shooter. He will shoot jump shots against the world.
The shot has been his athletic passport. The shot. He has an older brother, Mike, "the athlete in the family," who was a pole vaulter and decathlete at the University of Colorado. Mike Wedman went to college on an assembled number of heights and times. Scott Wedman went to the same college on the shot. College and beyond.
"I remember when my brother got an athletic scholarship," the driveway guy says. "My father said, 'Well, that's great. Now we'll only have to pay for Scott's education.' I always have remembered that. I never let my father forget it."
The family was back in Kansas on Monday. Scott Wedman's father now owns a Ford dealership in Harper, Kan., and both sets of grandparents still live in the town. Memorial Day is a traditional family weekend. The Wedmans ran a family reunion at City Park on Sunday. The Clements, on Scott Wedman's mother's side, ran a reunion on Monday. A lot of the same people were at both reunions. The Monday reunion ended early.
"My grandmother invited a lot of people back to the house to watch the game," Scott Wedman says. "She has the satellite dish. There were a lot of people there, and I guess there was a lot of yelling. That's what my father said, anyway, when he called."
The reason for the yelling was obvious. On Monday, the driveway guy's shot worked better than it ever has worked. In the first game of these NBA finals, he took 11 shots and made all 11 in the Celtics' 148-114 win. He was perfect. No one in NBA history ever has done what he did. Eleven shots. Eleven baskets. Four of them from behind the 22-foot, three-point circle. Perfect. A perfect day. Even if you were shooting in your driveway.
"Funny, I was stopped at a light on the way home Monday," Scott Wedman says. "There was a playground and I saw a lot of kids out there, playing basketball. I remembered that. How you'd watch a big game on television, then go out and just play for three hours straight. I remembered that."
"Did you think about going out there to join the kids?" he is asked. "They would have gone crazy."
"You know, I did think about it," he says. "I really did. Maybe next time."
WEDMAN'S WAY WAS PAVED
He is a basketball player in silhouette. The sun is setting at an angle behind the backboard, making you wonder how long he has been working and how much longer he is going to stay. There are ovations and excitement in his head, perhaps, but he is alone with the sound and the feel of the ball.
He is a driveway guy. A picture.
"You spent a lot of time like that?" Scott Wedman is asked.
"Oh, yes," he replies.
His basketball is the solitary game. The rural game. There is no blaster box parked on the side of an inner-city playground, no mingling of kids choosing up sides, then fighting to maintain their places on the court. There is a more gentle song here. The ball going through the net again and again. Heavy breathing after driving past imagined defenders. Repetition. The sound of a storm door opening. Someone yelling that supper is on the table.
Roots are roots. They cannot be denied.
"Where'd you grow up?" Scott Wedman is asked.
"A lot of places," he says. "Mostly Colorado, when I was going to high school."
"Colorado?"
"But we always spent our summers at my grandparents' place. They had a big farm."
"Where was that?"
"Kansas."
Kansas. Yes, Kansas. That is the look of the driveway guy's game. Stretches of farmland. Good food. Kansas. He is in the NBA and working in the televised frenzy of these final playoffs against the Los Angeles Lakers, but traces of Kansas still can be seen. Even in the middle of all that. Kansas. Colorado. Clean air. Room. Jump shots.
The action spins and spins and suddenly Scott Wedman is alone. He goes through the patterned rhythms of all those afternoons, all those mornings, all those days. Jump shots. How far is far? Distance doesn't seem to matter. Nothing seems to matter. The rhythm is there. The stroke is the same. Jump shots.
"In Colorado," he says, "the basket was mounted over the garage door. Every now and then, I'd break a window. My father would come home, find the broken window and ask what happened. I'd tell him I was shooting and I shot one short. He never complained. If I'd been fooling around, maybe thrown a rock through the window, he'd be mad. Playing basketball? There'd be a new window in the morning. Nothing said.
"In the winter, our neighbor would see me when he came home from work," Scott Wedman says. "It would have been snowing and I'd have shoveled off the court. He'd look at me, out there in the driveway, and just shake his head.
"There's something relaxing about shooting a basketball," Scott Wedman says. "It's just you. You don't have to see how you've done. The reward is there if you've done it right. The ball goes through the basket."
He may have had trouble finding a place in the lineup in his three years with the Celtics, his Kansas mostly kept behind Larry Bird's taller and more diversified Indiana, but there never has been a question about the one thing he does best. He is a shooter's shooter. He will shoot jump shots against the world.
The shot has been his athletic passport. The shot. He has an older brother, Mike, "the athlete in the family," who was a pole vaulter and decathlete at the University of Colorado. Mike Wedman went to college on an assembled number of heights and times. Scott Wedman went to the same college on the shot. College and beyond.
"I remember when my brother got an athletic scholarship," the driveway guy says. "My father said, 'Well, that's great. Now we'll only have to pay for Scott's education.' I always have remembered that. I never let my father forget it."
The family was back in Kansas on Monday. Scott Wedman's father now owns a Ford dealership in Harper, Kan., and both sets of grandparents still live in the town. Memorial Day is a traditional family weekend. The Wedmans ran a family reunion at City Park on Sunday. The Clements, on Scott Wedman's mother's side, ran a reunion on Monday. A lot of the same people were at both reunions. The Monday reunion ended early.
"My grandmother invited a lot of people back to the house to watch the game," Scott Wedman says. "She has the satellite dish. There were a lot of people there, and I guess there was a lot of yelling. That's what my father said, anyway, when he called."
The reason for the yelling was obvious. On Monday, the driveway guy's shot worked better than it ever has worked. In the first game of these NBA finals, he took 11 shots and made all 11 in the Celtics' 148-114 win. He was perfect. No one in NBA history ever has done what he did. Eleven shots. Eleven baskets. Four of them from behind the 22-foot, three-point circle. Perfect. A perfect day. Even if you were shooting in your driveway.
"Funny, I was stopped at a light on the way home Monday," Scott Wedman says. "There was a playground and I saw a lot of kids out there, playing basketball. I remembered that. How you'd watch a big game on television, then go out and just play for three hours straight. I remembered that."
"Did you think about going out there to join the kids?" he is asked. "They would have gone crazy."
"You know, I did think about it," he says. "I really did. Maybe next time."
WEDMAN'S HOT HAND SINKS SUNS
March 14, 1985
WEDMAN'S HOT HAND SINKS SUNS
Special stat teams and hoopology PhDs were flown in for historical perspective, and literary legends were summoned for fresh metaphors and hyperbole.
But none of the above was necessary. One night after the burning of Atlanta, Larry Bird & Co. returned to earth with a methodical, albeit powerful 123-106 victory over the Phoenix Suns at Boston Garden. And folks went home talking not about those wild scoring fools, Bird and Kevin McHale, but about Scott Wedman (19 points, 13 in the fourth quarter).
The Celts led from wire to wire as Bird (31 points, 12 rebounds, 7 assists) spread the wealth, and his frontcourt sequoia mates were happy to collect. McHale made his first nine shots, and finished with 25 points. Robert Parish also inflicted some wounds, scoring 22 points with 14 rebounds.
And then there was Wedman. A former All-Star and 10,000-point scorer, Wedman is often a forgotten man on this championship squad. His contributions since coming to Boston two years ago have been sparse, but he's adjusted to his limited role and is starting to look like the man who lit up scoreboards in NBA America from 1975-82.
Wedman's 15-of-24 shooting in the last two games was lost under the tonnage of Bird's and McHale's points, but the reserve forward came off the bench last night and hit nothing but net on four crucial jumpers at the start of the fourth.
"Larry's been going so well and our inside game's been going so well that they kind of laid off me," said Wedman, who has hit 61 percent (23-38) while averaging 16.3 points in his last three games. "That opened it up a bit . . . I went out and hit a couple of shots and got it going and kept looking for it."
Phoenix had trimmed Boston's 13-point first-half lead to 89-87 at the end of three quarters. Then Wedman struck.
His first three jumpers helped push the margin back to six, then Bird stole the ball, and Wedman fed Ray Williams for a hanging lane jumper in traffic. The Celts led, 102-94, with 9:48 left and Phoenix called time to regroup.
Wedman wasn't through, but the Suns were. Another Wedman bomb with 5:51 left made it 109-96. The Celts were safe and when cult hero M.L. Carr made an appearance with three minutes left, it was 115-101.
"We were very concerned about Wedman," Phoenix coach John MacLeod said. "We were aware of his ability when he played for Kansas City and we're still aware of his ability to shoot the ball . . . He's certainly going to help them down the stretch."
Wedman's shooting highlighted the final period, but the start was memorable for Bird's Lindberghesque return to the homeland. On the heels of his 60-point torching in New Orleans Tuesday, Bird was inundated with pregame interview requests from everyone this side of Phyllis George, then received one of the longest introductory standing ovations on record. Toss in a few candles and matches and it would have felt like the prelude to a rock concert.
Sir Larry rewarded the devoted masses, hitting a jumper on his first possession on the 14th second of play. He had six rebounds and four baskets in the first six minutes. Alvin Scott was overmatched.
Playing without Larry Nance (groin pull), the Suns were vulnerable underneath, and Boston's frontcourt torched Phoenix throughout the evening. Bird, McHale and Parish scored 33 in the first quarter and the Celts led, 36-24, after one. Bird had 11 with seven rebounds, while McHale scored 14 and Parish contributed eight.
"We were a little sluggish coming out, so we had to get everything down low," said Bird.
Bird fired the Celts to a 47-34 lead in the second. Phoenix got some inspired play from James Edwards (18) and reserves Charles Pittman (6 of 6) and Charles Jones (19), but couldn't get closer than seven for the rest of the half. Meanwhile, Boston's frontcourt domination continued, and the Celts led, 62-51, at intermission.
The Suns ran off six in a row at the start of the third. Dennis Johnson awoke with four consecutive jumpers, but Phoenix cut Boston's lead to two with 7:28 left in the third. Then Parish picked up his fourth foul. The Suns trimmed it to one before Wedman took over.
WEDMAN'S HOT HAND SINKS SUNS
Special stat teams and hoopology PhDs were flown in for historical perspective, and literary legends were summoned for fresh metaphors and hyperbole.
But none of the above was necessary. One night after the burning of Atlanta, Larry Bird & Co. returned to earth with a methodical, albeit powerful 123-106 victory over the Phoenix Suns at Boston Garden. And folks went home talking not about those wild scoring fools, Bird and Kevin McHale, but about Scott Wedman (19 points, 13 in the fourth quarter).
The Celts led from wire to wire as Bird (31 points, 12 rebounds, 7 assists) spread the wealth, and his frontcourt sequoia mates were happy to collect. McHale made his first nine shots, and finished with 25 points. Robert Parish also inflicted some wounds, scoring 22 points with 14 rebounds.
And then there was Wedman. A former All-Star and 10,000-point scorer, Wedman is often a forgotten man on this championship squad. His contributions since coming to Boston two years ago have been sparse, but he's adjusted to his limited role and is starting to look like the man who lit up scoreboards in NBA America from 1975-82.
Wedman's 15-of-24 shooting in the last two games was lost under the tonnage of Bird's and McHale's points, but the reserve forward came off the bench last night and hit nothing but net on four crucial jumpers at the start of the fourth.
"Larry's been going so well and our inside game's been going so well that they kind of laid off me," said Wedman, who has hit 61 percent (23-38) while averaging 16.3 points in his last three games. "That opened it up a bit . . . I went out and hit a couple of shots and got it going and kept looking for it."
Phoenix had trimmed Boston's 13-point first-half lead to 89-87 at the end of three quarters. Then Wedman struck.
His first three jumpers helped push the margin back to six, then Bird stole the ball, and Wedman fed Ray Williams for a hanging lane jumper in traffic. The Celts led, 102-94, with 9:48 left and Phoenix called time to regroup.
Wedman wasn't through, but the Suns were. Another Wedman bomb with 5:51 left made it 109-96. The Celts were safe and when cult hero M.L. Carr made an appearance with three minutes left, it was 115-101.
"We were very concerned about Wedman," Phoenix coach John MacLeod said. "We were aware of his ability when he played for Kansas City and we're still aware of his ability to shoot the ball . . . He's certainly going to help them down the stretch."
Wedman's shooting highlighted the final period, but the start was memorable for Bird's Lindberghesque return to the homeland. On the heels of his 60-point torching in New Orleans Tuesday, Bird was inundated with pregame interview requests from everyone this side of Phyllis George, then received one of the longest introductory standing ovations on record. Toss in a few candles and matches and it would have felt like the prelude to a rock concert.
Sir Larry rewarded the devoted masses, hitting a jumper on his first possession on the 14th second of play. He had six rebounds and four baskets in the first six minutes. Alvin Scott was overmatched.
Playing without Larry Nance (groin pull), the Suns were vulnerable underneath, and Boston's frontcourt torched Phoenix throughout the evening. Bird, McHale and Parish scored 33 in the first quarter and the Celts led, 36-24, after one. Bird had 11 with seven rebounds, while McHale scored 14 and Parish contributed eight.
"We were a little sluggish coming out, so we had to get everything down low," said Bird.
Bird fired the Celts to a 47-34 lead in the second. Phoenix got some inspired play from James Edwards (18) and reserves Charles Pittman (6 of 6) and Charles Jones (19), but couldn't get closer than seven for the rest of the half. Meanwhile, Boston's frontcourt domination continued, and the Celts led, 62-51, at intermission.
The Suns ran off six in a row at the start of the third. Dennis Johnson awoke with four consecutive jumpers, but Phoenix cut Boston's lead to two with 7:28 left in the third. Then Parish picked up his fourth foul. The Suns trimmed it to one before Wedman took over.
BENCH MAKES ITS MARK WITH WEDMAN, RAY WILLIAMS
March 18, 1985
BENCH MAKES ITS MARK WITH WEDMAN, RAY WILLIAMS
After scoring 48 points, the fifth highest total in Celtics regular-season history, Larry Bird said, "Ray Williams had a great game - probably the best of anybody."
Williams had 11 points (on 5-of-9 shooting) with 6 assists, 5 rebounds and 2 steals in 26 minutes of yesterday's 134-120 victory over the Rockets. Meanwhile, Scott Wedman chipped in with 13 points on 6 of 10 from the floor, and Quinn Buckner had 7 assists in 16 minutes.
Bird: "Everybody in the press said we didn't have a bench, but now I think we're a pretty good team up and down the line."
It's ironic that the Celtics would start to show their depth while Cedric Maxwell is sidelined with a knee injury, but Wedman has played five straight strong games, averaging 15.6 points on 59 percent (37-of-63) shooting, and Buckner has settled into a comfortable role as a fourth guard/defensive specialist. Williams keeps getting better and is a Garden crowd favorite.
"My wind felt really good today," Williams said after his longest stint in 10 games with the Celtics. "Everything is just gradually getting better. My teammates know I'm going to push it up and try to pressure the guards. And they know that if they run and get open, I'll get them the ball."
BENCH MAKES ITS MARK WITH WEDMAN, RAY WILLIAMS
After scoring 48 points, the fifth highest total in Celtics regular-season history, Larry Bird said, "Ray Williams had a great game - probably the best of anybody."
Williams had 11 points (on 5-of-9 shooting) with 6 assists, 5 rebounds and 2 steals in 26 minutes of yesterday's 134-120 victory over the Rockets. Meanwhile, Scott Wedman chipped in with 13 points on 6 of 10 from the floor, and Quinn Buckner had 7 assists in 16 minutes.
Bird: "Everybody in the press said we didn't have a bench, but now I think we're a pretty good team up and down the line."
It's ironic that the Celtics would start to show their depth while Cedric Maxwell is sidelined with a knee injury, but Wedman has played five straight strong games, averaging 15.6 points on 59 percent (37-of-63) shooting, and Buckner has settled into a comfortable role as a fourth guard/defensive specialist. Williams keeps getting better and is a Garden crowd favorite.
"My wind felt really good today," Williams said after his longest stint in 10 games with the Celtics. "Everything is just gradually getting better. My teammates know I'm going to push it up and try to pressure the guards. And they know that if they run and get open, I'll get them the ball."
Wedman Scorches Former Team Still Paying his Salary
March 16, 1985
Wedman Scorches Former Team Still Paying his Salary
It was just like the glory days of the 1970s. A sellout crowd roared as the revived Cavaliers came out for warmups. The only thing missing was Bingo Smith's cotton candy hair and Bill Fitch's paisley leisure suit.
It's the Miracle of Richfield II. Cav chic is back and they're bracing for Cleveland's first postseason appearance since 1977-78.
Last night, the Celtics came to town to show 'em what the big boys eat. The world champions beat the Cavaliers, 119-96, in front of 20,900 victory-starved crazies at the Richfield Coliseum. It was a shocking reminder that the improved, playoff-bound Cavs are still 14 games under .500 and not ready for prime time.
Larry Bird and Kevin McHale continued their Babe Ruth/Lou Gehrig, Phil Esposito/Bobby Orr routine. Bird scored a flawless 35 while McHale contributed 19, all of his in the first 28 minutes. Scott Wedman, the new threat in Boston's Dense Pack frontcourt, had his fourth straight big game, scoring 16 of which 10 were in the second half. Wedman's input is especially galling to Cav management which is still paying half his salary.
Adrenaline carried the Cavs to an early four-point lead. McHale kept the Celts afloat by posting up and over Mark West.
A steal and transition jumper by Bird (10 of 12 for 24 in the first half) put the Celts ahead, 14-13, with 6:44 left in the first. Boston never trailed again.
Scoring 12 points in a four-minute span, Bird made a pair of spectacular teardrop shots off flying drives (one with each hand), then laid one in off the break after Robert Parish blocked Phil Hubbard's shot (Hubbard collapsed in a heap) to give the Celts a 25-17 lead.
McHale and Parish closed the quarter with four free throws and Boston led, 33-25. The Celts outrebounded the Cavs, 19-7, in the period and also took 14 foul shots to Cleveland's two.
Ray Williams and Wedman replaced Danny Ainge and Parish at the start of the second. Wedman continued his torrid shooting, hitting his first three shots and Boston led, 45-33, with 6:26 left in the half.
After a three-point play by Parish gave the Celts a 13-point lead, John Bagley and Roy Hinson (15 in the half) sparked a 7-0 run by the Cavs and Boston called time. The Cavs had cut the lead to six but would never get any closer.
Bird and Dennis Johnson scored all the points in a 10-4 run after the break and the Celts led, 58-46. McHale (12 rebounds in the first half) tapped in an Ainge miss at the buzzer to make it 64-54 at intermission. One sensed the inevitability of a Celtic victory.
The third quarter did nothing to bring hope to the Cleveland crowd. The Cavs played fairly well, but couldn't get closer than nine. McHale was abusing everyone George Karl tried, and Bird tortured Hubbard. A stake-driving three- pointer by Bird made it 81-65 with 6:21 left in the third.
The Cavs kept plugging, and the crowd kept roaring, but Cleveland couldn't gather any steam. Every World B. Free drive was followed by a Wedman jumper or a Parish follow. The Celts led, 90-76, after three.
Wedman hit three more shots early in the fourth and Bird kept the heat on. A transition jumper by Bird with 5:27 left pushed the led to 20 (104-84) and started the exodus of fans who chose not to stick around for the postgame closed circuit telecast of the Larry Holmes-David Bey fight.
Ray-Ray made some nice passes, scored on a tip-in, and converted a three- point play to make it 109-88.
K.C. Jones went to his bench in the final 4 1/2 minutes. M.L. Carr (sore left ankle) who could barely walk earlier in the day, came in and buried his first shot. Carlos Clark, Rick Carlisle and Greg Kite joined Carr and Williams for the final curtain.
Wedman Scorches Former Team Still Paying his Salary
It was just like the glory days of the 1970s. A sellout crowd roared as the revived Cavaliers came out for warmups. The only thing missing was Bingo Smith's cotton candy hair and Bill Fitch's paisley leisure suit.
It's the Miracle of Richfield II. Cav chic is back and they're bracing for Cleveland's first postseason appearance since 1977-78.
Last night, the Celtics came to town to show 'em what the big boys eat. The world champions beat the Cavaliers, 119-96, in front of 20,900 victory-starved crazies at the Richfield Coliseum. It was a shocking reminder that the improved, playoff-bound Cavs are still 14 games under .500 and not ready for prime time.
Larry Bird and Kevin McHale continued their Babe Ruth/Lou Gehrig, Phil Esposito/Bobby Orr routine. Bird scored a flawless 35 while McHale contributed 19, all of his in the first 28 minutes. Scott Wedman, the new threat in Boston's Dense Pack frontcourt, had his fourth straight big game, scoring 16 of which 10 were in the second half. Wedman's input is especially galling to Cav management which is still paying half his salary.
Adrenaline carried the Cavs to an early four-point lead. McHale kept the Celts afloat by posting up and over Mark West.
A steal and transition jumper by Bird (10 of 12 for 24 in the first half) put the Celts ahead, 14-13, with 6:44 left in the first. Boston never trailed again.
Scoring 12 points in a four-minute span, Bird made a pair of spectacular teardrop shots off flying drives (one with each hand), then laid one in off the break after Robert Parish blocked Phil Hubbard's shot (Hubbard collapsed in a heap) to give the Celts a 25-17 lead.
McHale and Parish closed the quarter with four free throws and Boston led, 33-25. The Celts outrebounded the Cavs, 19-7, in the period and also took 14 foul shots to Cleveland's two.
Ray Williams and Wedman replaced Danny Ainge and Parish at the start of the second. Wedman continued his torrid shooting, hitting his first three shots and Boston led, 45-33, with 6:26 left in the half.
After a three-point play by Parish gave the Celts a 13-point lead, John Bagley and Roy Hinson (15 in the half) sparked a 7-0 run by the Cavs and Boston called time. The Cavs had cut the lead to six but would never get any closer.
Bird and Dennis Johnson scored all the points in a 10-4 run after the break and the Celts led, 58-46. McHale (12 rebounds in the first half) tapped in an Ainge miss at the buzzer to make it 64-54 at intermission. One sensed the inevitability of a Celtic victory.
The third quarter did nothing to bring hope to the Cleveland crowd. The Cavs played fairly well, but couldn't get closer than nine. McHale was abusing everyone George Karl tried, and Bird tortured Hubbard. A stake-driving three- pointer by Bird made it 81-65 with 6:21 left in the third.
The Cavs kept plugging, and the crowd kept roaring, but Cleveland couldn't gather any steam. Every World B. Free drive was followed by a Wedman jumper or a Parish follow. The Celts led, 90-76, after three.
Wedman hit three more shots early in the fourth and Bird kept the heat on. A transition jumper by Bird with 5:27 left pushed the led to 20 (104-84) and started the exodus of fans who chose not to stick around for the postgame closed circuit telecast of the Larry Holmes-David Bey fight.
Ray-Ray made some nice passes, scored on a tip-in, and converted a three- point play to make it 109-88.
K.C. Jones went to his bench in the final 4 1/2 minutes. M.L. Carr (sore left ankle) who could barely walk earlier in the day, came in and buried his first shot. Carlos Clark, Rick Carlisle and Greg Kite joined Carr and Williams for the final curtain.
WEDMAN SIDELINED FOR REST OF SERIES
June 9, 1984
WEDMAN SIDELINED FOR REST OF SERIES
Celtics forward/guard Scott Wedman has a hairline fracture in his lower left leg and is expected to be lost for the remainder of the championship series.
Wedman was accidentally kneed in the leg early in the second quarter of Wednesday's overtime thriller in Los Angeles. Wedman told assistant coach Chris Ford he thought he was bumped by Michael Cooper. He asked out of the game and was unable to run when K.C. Jones tried him again late in the half. Wedman couldn't put any weight on the leg Thursday and needed a wheelchair to board the flight home from the coast.
Wedman's leg was X-rayed at University Hospital early yesterday. "The X- rays revealed an undisplaced hairline fracture in the proximal end of the fibula," said Dr. Thomas Silva, the team physician. "He's out of the question for tonight and Sunday. We can't make any prediction beyond that."
In the first four games of the finals, Wedman played 73 minutes, shot 46 percent (17 for 37) and grabbed 21 rebounds. He hit the winning basket in Boston's Game 2 overtime victory.
"Scotty has been shooting the ball well, said Ford. "Now we have to rely on Danny (Ainge) and hope Gerald (Henderson) and D.J. are hitting. But our guys will do the job. In the playoffs, you have to overcome injuries to personnel."
Since DJ started guarding Magic Johnson in the second half of Game 4, Magic is 6 of 14 from the floor with nine turnovers and 18 points in six quarters . . . Larry Bird, who complained of dizziness due to the heat, said, "There's always a lot of emotion on our bench, but tonight the guys were helping out by fanning us and cooling us down during timeouts. They knew that was our bread and butter." . . . The Celtics scored 20 points on second shots. LA had 11 on followups. Boston got 22 points off the break to LA's 15. The Lakers did not score a fast-break point in the final quarter . . . Kevin McHale who had hit only 11 of 34 shots in the first three games, responded with five of eight last night . . . LA missed 12 of 35 free throws . . . Robert Parish would not speak to the media after the game. He took off with ex-Warrior Clifford Ray . . . Celebrities in the crowd included Isiah Thomas of the Pistons, Boston Mayor Ray Flynn and Patriots coach Ron Meyer . . . A group of fans behind one basket brought a clothesline, a reminder of Kevin McHale's flying tackle of Kurt Rambis in Game 4 . . . Banner of the night was directed at Laker fan Jack Nicholson, who did not attend: "Jack - Choke On Your Own Coke" . . . The Celtics fly to LA this morning, and will return from Game 6 on a red-eye that arrives Monday morning at 7 . . . Nine of the last 11 NBA championships have been won by road teams.
WEDMAN SIDELINED FOR REST OF SERIES
Celtics forward/guard Scott Wedman has a hairline fracture in his lower left leg and is expected to be lost for the remainder of the championship series.
Wedman was accidentally kneed in the leg early in the second quarter of Wednesday's overtime thriller in Los Angeles. Wedman told assistant coach Chris Ford he thought he was bumped by Michael Cooper. He asked out of the game and was unable to run when K.C. Jones tried him again late in the half. Wedman couldn't put any weight on the leg Thursday and needed a wheelchair to board the flight home from the coast.
Wedman's leg was X-rayed at University Hospital early yesterday. "The X- rays revealed an undisplaced hairline fracture in the proximal end of the fibula," said Dr. Thomas Silva, the team physician. "He's out of the question for tonight and Sunday. We can't make any prediction beyond that."
In the first four games of the finals, Wedman played 73 minutes, shot 46 percent (17 for 37) and grabbed 21 rebounds. He hit the winning basket in Boston's Game 2 overtime victory.
"Scotty has been shooting the ball well, said Ford. "Now we have to rely on Danny (Ainge) and hope Gerald (Henderson) and D.J. are hitting. But our guys will do the job. In the playoffs, you have to overcome injuries to personnel."
Since DJ started guarding Magic Johnson in the second half of Game 4, Magic is 6 of 14 from the floor with nine turnovers and 18 points in six quarters . . . Larry Bird, who complained of dizziness due to the heat, said, "There's always a lot of emotion on our bench, but tonight the guys were helping out by fanning us and cooling us down during timeouts. They knew that was our bread and butter." . . . The Celtics scored 20 points on second shots. LA had 11 on followups. Boston got 22 points off the break to LA's 15. The Lakers did not score a fast-break point in the final quarter . . . Kevin McHale who had hit only 11 of 34 shots in the first three games, responded with five of eight last night . . . LA missed 12 of 35 free throws . . . Robert Parish would not speak to the media after the game. He took off with ex-Warrior Clifford Ray . . . Celebrities in the crowd included Isiah Thomas of the Pistons, Boston Mayor Ray Flynn and Patriots coach Ron Meyer . . . A group of fans behind one basket brought a clothesline, a reminder of Kevin McHale's flying tackle of Kurt Rambis in Game 4 . . . Banner of the night was directed at Laker fan Jack Nicholson, who did not attend: "Jack - Choke On Your Own Coke" . . . The Celtics fly to LA this morning, and will return from Game 6 on a red-eye that arrives Monday morning at 7 . . . Nine of the last 11 NBA championships have been won by road teams.
Wedman's Contribution Overshadowed by Henderson Steal
June 1, 1984
Wedman's Contribution Overshadowed by Henderson Steal
Let it rain. The Celtics are going to postpone summer a little longer. After four days of listening to theories about Laker supremacy and whispers of a sweep, Boston has served notice that some extra frequent-flyer miles will be compiled before this NBA championship series is over.
Last night was gut-check time, and when the midnight confessions had all been heard, the Celtics had beaten the Lakers, 124-121, in overtime. The win tied the best-of-seven series, 1-1, and sent a frenetic Garden crowd into the street for an early-morning celebration.
The Celtics had more heroes than a Philadelphia deli. There was Gerald Henderson, who forced the extra innings with Boston's most dramatic theft since John "Havlicek stole the ball" in 1965. There was Scott Wedman, who hit the key jumper in overtime. And there was Robert Parish, who stripped the ball from Bob McAdoo when LA blew its final chance.
A big assist went to Magic Johnson, who specializes in assists, although not of this kind. In a variation of the bonehead play executed by Dallas' Derek Harper last month, Magic dribbled out the clock when the Lakers had a chance to win it in regulation.
Let's start with the finish. Cuckoo Man Jack Nicholson was mercilessly taunting Celtics fans when his Lakers held a one-point lead and the basketball with 45 seconds left in overtime.
After a timeout, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (20 points, but only 9 of 22 from the floor) missed a hook and firestarter James Worthy (29 points on 11-of-12 shooting from the field) was tagged with a non-shooting foul while going for the rebound.
Down by one point with 25 seconds left, the Celtics called time.
Larry Bird (27 points, 13 rebounds and what else is new?) inbounded from midcourt, then wound up with the ball at the right of the key. He passed out top to Henderson, who fed Wedman in the left corner. It was a shot Scott Wedman has probably taken 10,000 times in his hoop life. It never meant more. Wedman's 13-foot fling hit nothing but net.
"You know what they put you in there for," said Wedman, who scored 10 off the pine. "If the opportunity comes, you've got to want to take the shot."
The Celtics led, 122-121, with 14 seconds left. Timeout. Again.
A wild sequence took place when LA inbounded. First, Parish knocked the ball away from Abdul-Jabbar. In the scramble, the ball bounced out of bounds off Bird's foot. LA inbounded again, and this time Parish stripped it from McAdoo. Bird ended up with the ball and was fouled. He made both with two seconds left and it was 124-121.
"I thought I was fouled," said McAdoo. "I saw Robert and I was going to try to take it to the basket. I got raked across the arm, but no call was made. That was the ballgame, but we should have never let it get to that point. We gave it to em."
With :02 showing, McAdoo threw a floor-length pass that touched no one before it flew out of bounds. Then Bird inbounded to Cedric Maxwell and the buzzer sounded.
When folks tell their grandchildren about this game, the end of regulation may be the most memorable aspect.
A collective groan could be heard from Portland to Providence when Kevin McHale missed two free throws with 20 seconds left and the Celtics trailing by two. But just as Havlicek saved Bill Russell (who had lost the ball off a wire support), Henderson knocked the goat-horns off McHale's crown.
Magic (27 points, 10 rebounds, 9 assists) had called time after catching McHale's second miss. After the pause, he inbounded to Worthy. Maxwell (16 points and 12 rebounds) blanketed Magic. Worthy saw teammate Byron Scott on the other side of the floor, but his lob was picked off by Henderson. Henderson took it right to the hoop for two and it was 113-113 with 13 seconds left.
"We were trying to get time off the clock," said Worthy. "I wanted to get the ball to Magic, but he was covered. I saw Byron wide open. But Henderson was quick enough to double back. It wasn't a real zip pass. Henderson made a good play."
"Maxwell did a good job denying Magic the ball," said Henderson. "Worthy sort of lofted the ball to Scott, and I came in for the steal. No question I was thinking steal in that situation. Somebody had to get it. If we'd lost this one, things would have looked kind of dim."
The Derek Harper Special was next. Ironically, Magic is the man who was guarding Harper when the Dallas rookie dribbled out the clock, thinking his team was ahead instead of tied.
Magic knew the score, but he couldn't get the ball to Kareem. After dribling near the three-point line for several seconds, he passed to McAdoo as time expired. Overtime.
"I would rather hold it and take our chances in overtime than throw it in and have them steal it," reasoned Magic.
"We wanted to get the last shot," echoed LA coach Pat Riley. "We didn't want them to have any opportunity. The idea was to get the clock down to six or five seconds and let him go. It didn't work, but their press had more to do with it than our inability to get a shot."
The first 47 minutes had faded into oblivion by the time midnight struck.
With considerable help off the bench from Danny Ainge (12 points), Boston bolted to a 13-point first-half lead. Late in the period, however, the Lakers ripped off one of those 13-2 blowtorchings that can dishearten any team. Boston's lead was down to 61-59 at intermission.
The Celtics pushed their lead to 76-69 in the third before LA fought back again. Worthy started breaking and when Michael Cooper capped an 11-2 run (and it was a run) with a give-and-go layup and another fast break, LA led, 85-82. Worthy and Cooper had scored all 11 points.
Bird, who missed seven of his first eight shots in the second half, put the Celtics back in the lead and Ainge hit a pair of transition jumpers to give the Celtics a 90-87 lead after three. Everything from there led to McHale's misses - and Henderson's steal.
Wedman's Contribution Overshadowed by Henderson Steal
Let it rain. The Celtics are going to postpone summer a little longer. After four days of listening to theories about Laker supremacy and whispers of a sweep, Boston has served notice that some extra frequent-flyer miles will be compiled before this NBA championship series is over.
Last night was gut-check time, and when the midnight confessions had all been heard, the Celtics had beaten the Lakers, 124-121, in overtime. The win tied the best-of-seven series, 1-1, and sent a frenetic Garden crowd into the street for an early-morning celebration.
The Celtics had more heroes than a Philadelphia deli. There was Gerald Henderson, who forced the extra innings with Boston's most dramatic theft since John "Havlicek stole the ball" in 1965. There was Scott Wedman, who hit the key jumper in overtime. And there was Robert Parish, who stripped the ball from Bob McAdoo when LA blew its final chance.
A big assist went to Magic Johnson, who specializes in assists, although not of this kind. In a variation of the bonehead play executed by Dallas' Derek Harper last month, Magic dribbled out the clock when the Lakers had a chance to win it in regulation.
Let's start with the finish. Cuckoo Man Jack Nicholson was mercilessly taunting Celtics fans when his Lakers held a one-point lead and the basketball with 45 seconds left in overtime.
After a timeout, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (20 points, but only 9 of 22 from the floor) missed a hook and firestarter James Worthy (29 points on 11-of-12 shooting from the field) was tagged with a non-shooting foul while going for the rebound.
Down by one point with 25 seconds left, the Celtics called time.
Larry Bird (27 points, 13 rebounds and what else is new?) inbounded from midcourt, then wound up with the ball at the right of the key. He passed out top to Henderson, who fed Wedman in the left corner. It was a shot Scott Wedman has probably taken 10,000 times in his hoop life. It never meant more. Wedman's 13-foot fling hit nothing but net.
"You know what they put you in there for," said Wedman, who scored 10 off the pine. "If the opportunity comes, you've got to want to take the shot."
The Celtics led, 122-121, with 14 seconds left. Timeout. Again.
A wild sequence took place when LA inbounded. First, Parish knocked the ball away from Abdul-Jabbar. In the scramble, the ball bounced out of bounds off Bird's foot. LA inbounded again, and this time Parish stripped it from McAdoo. Bird ended up with the ball and was fouled. He made both with two seconds left and it was 124-121.
"I thought I was fouled," said McAdoo. "I saw Robert and I was going to try to take it to the basket. I got raked across the arm, but no call was made. That was the ballgame, but we should have never let it get to that point. We gave it to em."
With :02 showing, McAdoo threw a floor-length pass that touched no one before it flew out of bounds. Then Bird inbounded to Cedric Maxwell and the buzzer sounded.
When folks tell their grandchildren about this game, the end of regulation may be the most memorable aspect.
A collective groan could be heard from Portland to Providence when Kevin McHale missed two free throws with 20 seconds left and the Celtics trailing by two. But just as Havlicek saved Bill Russell (who had lost the ball off a wire support), Henderson knocked the goat-horns off McHale's crown.
Magic (27 points, 10 rebounds, 9 assists) had called time after catching McHale's second miss. After the pause, he inbounded to Worthy. Maxwell (16 points and 12 rebounds) blanketed Magic. Worthy saw teammate Byron Scott on the other side of the floor, but his lob was picked off by Henderson. Henderson took it right to the hoop for two and it was 113-113 with 13 seconds left.
"We were trying to get time off the clock," said Worthy. "I wanted to get the ball to Magic, but he was covered. I saw Byron wide open. But Henderson was quick enough to double back. It wasn't a real zip pass. Henderson made a good play."
"Maxwell did a good job denying Magic the ball," said Henderson. "Worthy sort of lofted the ball to Scott, and I came in for the steal. No question I was thinking steal in that situation. Somebody had to get it. If we'd lost this one, things would have looked kind of dim."
The Derek Harper Special was next. Ironically, Magic is the man who was guarding Harper when the Dallas rookie dribbled out the clock, thinking his team was ahead instead of tied.
Magic knew the score, but he couldn't get the ball to Kareem. After dribling near the three-point line for several seconds, he passed to McAdoo as time expired. Overtime.
"I would rather hold it and take our chances in overtime than throw it in and have them steal it," reasoned Magic.
"We wanted to get the last shot," echoed LA coach Pat Riley. "We didn't want them to have any opportunity. The idea was to get the clock down to six or five seconds and let him go. It didn't work, but their press had more to do with it than our inability to get a shot."
The first 47 minutes had faded into oblivion by the time midnight struck.
With considerable help off the bench from Danny Ainge (12 points), Boston bolted to a 13-point first-half lead. Late in the period, however, the Lakers ripped off one of those 13-2 blowtorchings that can dishearten any team. Boston's lead was down to 61-59 at intermission.
The Celtics pushed their lead to 76-69 in the third before LA fought back again. Worthy started breaking and when Michael Cooper capped an 11-2 run (and it was a run) with a give-and-go layup and another fast break, LA led, 85-82. Worthy and Cooper had scored all 11 points.
Bird, who missed seven of his first eight shots in the second half, put the Celtics back in the lead and Ainge hit a pair of transition jumpers to give the Celtics a 90-87 lead after three. Everything from there led to McHale's misses - and Henderson's steal.
AINGE, WEDMAN: IN-YOUR-FACE VALUE
June 1, 1984
AINGE, WEDMAN: IN-YOUR-FACE VALUE
A Wall Street type thinker might not consider either Danny Ainge or Scott Wedman prudent long-term investments, but for at least one playoff game the Celtics were able to forget about how much more they have always expected from either of these two oft-frustrated athletes.
The fact is that without their contributions last night the Celtics could not have defeated the Los Angeles Lakers, by any score. There has been perpetual yelping during the last several years over the Celtics' desperate need for some outside shooting to balance their famed inside game. In this vital 124-121 overtime triumph over LA, Messrs. Ainge and Wedman provided that marksmanship.
Ainge bunched his six field goals in two key Celtic runs, the first four coming in the first half and the other two at the end of the third period, after the Lakers had taken their first lead of the night. Most were in transitions, beautiful stop-and-poppers that passed softly through the net. It was the Danny Ainge of the UCLA massacre, as well as the Danny Ainge for whom the Celtics went to trial with the Toronto Blue Jays, the Danny Ainge in whom they have invested a lot of money.
Wedman, whose year-and-a-half Celtic tenure has been extremely unsatisfying for all parties, added five field goals, including the biggest of the game, a 13-footer from the left baseline with 14 seconds remaining in OT that merely gave Boston the victory.
Wedman was one half of an offense-defense shuttle with Cedric Maxwell at the time, and when he received the ball he didn't hesitate. "We had played great defense," said LA coach Pat Riley. "We had doubled on (Larry) Bird to make him give up the ball. We made the next guy (Gerald Henderson) give it up. Finally it went to Wedman, and he buried it.
"I've always respected Scott," Riley continued. "He's a smart veteran player. He sat most of the year, but he had the presence of mind and the attitude to give his team help when caled upon. A lot of guys can't do that."
It was the precise sort of contribution envisioned when the Celtics acquired Wedman from the Cavaliers a year ago January. It's not as if Wedman, a one-time All-Star, was some sort of NBA secret weapon.
"We wondered what the Celtics were doing at the time," said Jamaal Wilkes. "Bird hadn't yet signed his new deal, so possibly they wanted Scott as some kind of insurance. That's pretty heavy insurance."
This is true. Wedman was making over $800,000 when he came here, and that's serious money (even if a lot of it is being paid by the other team) for a man who can't scare up too many minutes of playing time on a team with Bird, Maxwell and Kevin McHale at the forward slot.
As for Ainge, this has not exactly been the Year of the (Ex)-Cougar, either. It was assumed in some circles that Ainge would benefit greatly by the Celtics' coaching change, but instead he lost his starting job - however ceremonial it was - and played no larger role under K.C. Jones than he had under Bill Fitch. His playoff function has been that of a subordinate who gives regulars a quick blow.
But when he entered the game last night he was ready. He connected on his first three shots as the Celtics were expanding their lead to as many as 13 (33-20, 35-22), as he stayed on the floor long enough to stick in another second-period jumper. It was a scene reminiscent of the famous Milwaukee Game 2 of a year ago when he went insane during the first half.
It's obvious Ainge feels his big problem is simply playing time. "I always feel I can shoot," he said with a shrug. "Tonight I hit my first couple so I was able to stay in there a little longer. He (K.C.) didn't feel he had to go to anybody else."
Of course, every player who has ever lived feels his only need is some more "PT." And there are always people moaning about Wedman's lack of playing time.
"Yes," said Riley, "they found something to do with him at a very appropriate time, didn't they?"
AINGE, WEDMAN: IN-YOUR-FACE VALUE
A Wall Street type thinker might not consider either Danny Ainge or Scott Wedman prudent long-term investments, but for at least one playoff game the Celtics were able to forget about how much more they have always expected from either of these two oft-frustrated athletes.
The fact is that without their contributions last night the Celtics could not have defeated the Los Angeles Lakers, by any score. There has been perpetual yelping during the last several years over the Celtics' desperate need for some outside shooting to balance their famed inside game. In this vital 124-121 overtime triumph over LA, Messrs. Ainge and Wedman provided that marksmanship.
Ainge bunched his six field goals in two key Celtic runs, the first four coming in the first half and the other two at the end of the third period, after the Lakers had taken their first lead of the night. Most were in transitions, beautiful stop-and-poppers that passed softly through the net. It was the Danny Ainge of the UCLA massacre, as well as the Danny Ainge for whom the Celtics went to trial with the Toronto Blue Jays, the Danny Ainge in whom they have invested a lot of money.
Wedman, whose year-and-a-half Celtic tenure has been extremely unsatisfying for all parties, added five field goals, including the biggest of the game, a 13-footer from the left baseline with 14 seconds remaining in OT that merely gave Boston the victory.
Wedman was one half of an offense-defense shuttle with Cedric Maxwell at the time, and when he received the ball he didn't hesitate. "We had played great defense," said LA coach Pat Riley. "We had doubled on (Larry) Bird to make him give up the ball. We made the next guy (Gerald Henderson) give it up. Finally it went to Wedman, and he buried it.
"I've always respected Scott," Riley continued. "He's a smart veteran player. He sat most of the year, but he had the presence of mind and the attitude to give his team help when caled upon. A lot of guys can't do that."
It was the precise sort of contribution envisioned when the Celtics acquired Wedman from the Cavaliers a year ago January. It's not as if Wedman, a one-time All-Star, was some sort of NBA secret weapon.
"We wondered what the Celtics were doing at the time," said Jamaal Wilkes. "Bird hadn't yet signed his new deal, so possibly they wanted Scott as some kind of insurance. That's pretty heavy insurance."
This is true. Wedman was making over $800,000 when he came here, and that's serious money (even if a lot of it is being paid by the other team) for a man who can't scare up too many minutes of playing time on a team with Bird, Maxwell and Kevin McHale at the forward slot.
As for Ainge, this has not exactly been the Year of the (Ex)-Cougar, either. It was assumed in some circles that Ainge would benefit greatly by the Celtics' coaching change, but instead he lost his starting job - however ceremonial it was - and played no larger role under K.C. Jones than he had under Bill Fitch. His playoff function has been that of a subordinate who gives regulars a quick blow.
But when he entered the game last night he was ready. He connected on his first three shots as the Celtics were expanding their lead to as many as 13 (33-20, 35-22), as he stayed on the floor long enough to stick in another second-period jumper. It was a scene reminiscent of the famous Milwaukee Game 2 of a year ago when he went insane during the first half.
It's obvious Ainge feels his big problem is simply playing time. "I always feel I can shoot," he said with a shrug. "Tonight I hit my first couple so I was able to stay in there a little longer. He (K.C.) didn't feel he had to go to anybody else."
Of course, every player who has ever lived feels his only need is some more "PT." And there are always people moaning about Wedman's lack of playing time.
"Yes," said Riley, "they found something to do with him at a very appropriate time, didn't they?"
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