The Boston Celtics win over the Miami Heat makes them 17-3 in their last 20 games, or one game behind their blistering 18-2 start. Back then, the prevalent thought was that the Celtics were a good team, but the losses would start piling up when they played somebody. You know, like Los Angeles, Detroit, San Antonio, Houston, Dallas, and New Orleans (actually, we smoked the Fakers at home in game 11, but we had to wait until game 29 to smoke them at Staples).
No one will suggest the Celtics played an easy schedule over the last 20 games. During this stretch we beat San Antonio, Houston, Dallas, and Portland on the road, and New Orleans, Phoenix, Detroit, and Cleveland at home. Over the course of the season we won seven of nine games without KG, and won a similar percentage with Ray Allen on the shelf.
The bottom line is that other than the first Detroit game, the Boston Celtics have won every single game they tried hard to win, and for the most part, they won those games by a whopping margin.
The Celtics were thought to have two weakness when the season started, point guard and bench. No one will come out and say Rajon Rondo is the best point guard in the NBA, but almost no one would deny he's played on par with the best when competing directly against them. The bench went from something most critics once felt was a laughing stock to one of the deepest benches for a playoff team in recent memory. The green has thirty years of NBA experience in Sam Cassell and PJ Brown, and both may find it difficult to see extended minutes once Round 1 begins.
It is a rare season where the best team in the league is obvious from start to finish, and then goes on to win the championship. But this year might be just that kind of season.
3.29.2008
3.25.2008
Maravich "Always Wanted to be a Celtic"
Part 5 of 5 in the Pete Maravich Series
January 5, 1988
Pete Maravich was born without a left main coronary artery, which carries life-sustaining oxygen and blood to the left side of the heart. Instead, a branch from the right coronary artery wound around to the left side of his heart, ensuring enough blood to sustain it.
Over time, the slower-than-normal flow of blood and oxygen scarred muscle on the left side of Maravich's heart -- leaving him vulnerable to the type of heart failure he suffered today playing a game of pick-up basketball.
Mr. Maravich, who was known as Pistol Pete because of his shooting prowess, averaged 44.2 points per game and amassed an NCAA record of 3,667 points in three years while playing for his father, Pete (Press) Maravich, at Louisiana State in the late 1960s.
Drafted by the Atlanta Hawks with the third selection in the first round of the 1970 NBA draft, Maravich averaged 23 points per game on his way to All-Rookie honors. After spending four seasons in Atlanta, Maravich was traded to the New Orleans Jazz for 8 players.
He made the All-NBA First Team in 1976 and 1977 and the All-NBA Second Team in 1973 and 1978. He led the NBA in scoring in the 1976-77 with 31.1 points per game. His NBA single game high, a 68-point explosion before fouling out, came against the New York Knicks on February 25, 1977.
The following year, he injured a knee while making one of his sensational behind-the-back passes. In January 1980, he was waived by the Jazz, who had moved to Utah, and the Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers were matching offers trying to sign him.
"I actually weighed a lot of factors between both clubs," Mr. Maravich told Globe basketball writer Bob Ryan, "and it came down to one very simple end result: I've been trying to get here for 10 years. I've always wanted to be a Celtic."
Maravich averaged 11.5 points in 26 regular-season contests for the Celtics, then hit for 6 per game in the 1980 playoffs. He retired during preseason camp the following year.
In 1996 Maravich was named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History.
January 5, 1988
Pete Maravich was born without a left main coronary artery, which carries life-sustaining oxygen and blood to the left side of the heart. Instead, a branch from the right coronary artery wound around to the left side of his heart, ensuring enough blood to sustain it.
Over time, the slower-than-normal flow of blood and oxygen scarred muscle on the left side of Maravich's heart -- leaving him vulnerable to the type of heart failure he suffered today playing a game of pick-up basketball.
Mr. Maravich, who was known as Pistol Pete because of his shooting prowess, averaged 44.2 points per game and amassed an NCAA record of 3,667 points in three years while playing for his father, Pete (Press) Maravich, at Louisiana State in the late 1960s.
Drafted by the Atlanta Hawks with the third selection in the first round of the 1970 NBA draft, Maravich averaged 23 points per game on his way to All-Rookie honors. After spending four seasons in Atlanta, Maravich was traded to the New Orleans Jazz for 8 players.
He made the All-NBA First Team in 1976 and 1977 and the All-NBA Second Team in 1973 and 1978. He led the NBA in scoring in the 1976-77 with 31.1 points per game. His NBA single game high, a 68-point explosion before fouling out, came against the New York Knicks on February 25, 1977.
The following year, he injured a knee while making one of his sensational behind-the-back passes. In January 1980, he was waived by the Jazz, who had moved to Utah, and the Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers were matching offers trying to sign him.
"I actually weighed a lot of factors between both clubs," Mr. Maravich told Globe basketball writer Bob Ryan, "and it came down to one very simple end result: I've been trying to get here for 10 years. I've always wanted to be a Celtic."
Maravich averaged 11.5 points in 26 regular-season contests for the Celtics, then hit for 6 per game in the 1980 playoffs. He retired during preseason camp the following year.
In 1996 Maravich was named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History.
1986 Cs Crush Bulls, Move to 57-13
The Celtics have accomplished something previously thought to be an impossibility: they have rendered meaningless the concept of the meaningless game. They are currently incapable of dullness as they provide the nightly gathering of 14,890 with enough postgame conversational fodder to last during a drive to Klamath Falls, Ore.
Last night's 126-105 dismissal of the Chicago Bulls represented the clinching of another Atlantic Division title, and was another in the lengthening list of assembly line performances that have come to be expected. As much as any Celtics club since the 68-win team of 13 seasons ago, these Children of Auerbach come out dedicated to the pursuit of basketball perfection, secure in the knowledge that if the precepts are followed, victory is the near-inevitable consequence.
The clinic last night, as it is so often, was Ball Movement. The Celtics had 32 assists in 48 baskets, sending the ball inside and out and from side to side as if directed by sonar. "Any time you make a move defensively, they exploit it," said Chicago coach Stan Albeck. "The only way to combat them is to be a team with great defensive rotation, which we're not."
The Celtics are a basketball orchestra capable of producing consiistent team play while still allowing the soloists enough artistic freedom to amuse themselves. As a result, the Bulls were alternately tormented by Larry Bird (32 points, 8 assists and a pair of three-pointers), Kevin McHale (10 for 10 to start the game before finishing with 22) and Dennis Johnson (14 of his 21 in the third quarter, not to mention 9 more sparkling assists), while ultimately being destroyed by the corporation.
There were no lead changes. Boston jumped into an attention-grabbing 6-0 lead in the first 1:28 (Robert Parish fast-break lay-up from Bird, a reverse lay-up by No. 33 and a Johnson lay-up from a Chicago turnover), forcing Albeck into a 20-second time out. George Gervin, who kept patrons in their seats for a little while by scoring 15 of the first 17 Chicago points, scored five quickies to make it 6-5, but that would be as close as the visitors would ever come.
McHale's eight-foot jump hook in the lane launched the Celtics on a 12-2 run, and, aside from a brief Gervin flurry that brought Chicago within five at 24-19, the victory worries were over. With Bird scoring six of the final eight Boston points of the quarter and assisting on the other basket, Boston emerged from the opening 12 minutes with a 37-23 lead. By that time he had 15 points (including the first three-pointer) and 5 assists and McHale, who was celebrating the signing of a contract extension, was already 6 for 6.
Second quarter highlights included the first appearance of Michael Jordan, who entered to a big ovation with 8:16 remaining in the half (and who would take 16 shots in 20 minutes of play) and a buzzer-beating three-pointer by DJ, who was fouled approximately 67 times as he brought the ball upcourt, and who was extremely irritated as he heaved one up while falling out of bounds, only to find his prayer answered.
With Johnson mixing long jumpers and those deadly postup moves, the Celtics moved ahead by 26 quickly (77-51), fell down a bit (83-64) and then downshifted one more time with a run of eight unanswered points to make it 91-64 with 4:15 left. By the period's end it was 101-78 and all the starters' stats for the evening were in the book. The scrubs played the entire fourth quarter.
Among other achievements, this was the third consecutive trashing of a contender for the Eastern Conference's final play-off spot. "I had run into (Indiana coach) George Irvine at the airport the other morning," Albeck said, "and I asked him if this was going to be our turn in the barrel because the Celtics had just ripped the Cavaliers and the Pacers. I guess I had great foresight. They just toyed with us all night."
"Under Bill (Fitch)," declared McHale, "we'd have great first (season) halves and then fade a bit. Under K.C. it's the other way around.
Last night's 126-105 dismissal of the Chicago Bulls represented the clinching of another Atlantic Division title, and was another in the lengthening list of assembly line performances that have come to be expected. As much as any Celtics club since the 68-win team of 13 seasons ago, these Children of Auerbach come out dedicated to the pursuit of basketball perfection, secure in the knowledge that if the precepts are followed, victory is the near-inevitable consequence.
The clinic last night, as it is so often, was Ball Movement. The Celtics had 32 assists in 48 baskets, sending the ball inside and out and from side to side as if directed by sonar. "Any time you make a move defensively, they exploit it," said Chicago coach Stan Albeck. "The only way to combat them is to be a team with great defensive rotation, which we're not."
The Celtics are a basketball orchestra capable of producing consiistent team play while still allowing the soloists enough artistic freedom to amuse themselves. As a result, the Bulls were alternately tormented by Larry Bird (32 points, 8 assists and a pair of three-pointers), Kevin McHale (10 for 10 to start the game before finishing with 22) and Dennis Johnson (14 of his 21 in the third quarter, not to mention 9 more sparkling assists), while ultimately being destroyed by the corporation.
There were no lead changes. Boston jumped into an attention-grabbing 6-0 lead in the first 1:28 (Robert Parish fast-break lay-up from Bird, a reverse lay-up by No. 33 and a Johnson lay-up from a Chicago turnover), forcing Albeck into a 20-second time out. George Gervin, who kept patrons in their seats for a little while by scoring 15 of the first 17 Chicago points, scored five quickies to make it 6-5, but that would be as close as the visitors would ever come.
McHale's eight-foot jump hook in the lane launched the Celtics on a 12-2 run, and, aside from a brief Gervin flurry that brought Chicago within five at 24-19, the victory worries were over. With Bird scoring six of the final eight Boston points of the quarter and assisting on the other basket, Boston emerged from the opening 12 minutes with a 37-23 lead. By that time he had 15 points (including the first three-pointer) and 5 assists and McHale, who was celebrating the signing of a contract extension, was already 6 for 6.
Second quarter highlights included the first appearance of Michael Jordan, who entered to a big ovation with 8:16 remaining in the half (and who would take 16 shots in 20 minutes of play) and a buzzer-beating three-pointer by DJ, who was fouled approximately 67 times as he brought the ball upcourt, and who was extremely irritated as he heaved one up while falling out of bounds, only to find his prayer answered.
With Johnson mixing long jumpers and those deadly postup moves, the Celtics moved ahead by 26 quickly (77-51), fell down a bit (83-64) and then downshifted one more time with a run of eight unanswered points to make it 91-64 with 4:15 left. By the period's end it was 101-78 and all the starters' stats for the evening were in the book. The scrubs played the entire fourth quarter.
Among other achievements, this was the third consecutive trashing of a contender for the Eastern Conference's final play-off spot. "I had run into (Indiana coach) George Irvine at the airport the other morning," Albeck said, "and I asked him if this was going to be our turn in the barrel because the Celtics had just ripped the Cavaliers and the Pacers. I guess I had great foresight. They just toyed with us all night."
"Under Bill (Fitch)," declared McHale, "we'd have great first (season) halves and then fade a bit. Under K.C. it's the other way around.
Lakers Season Hits New Low
The Los Angeles Lakers became only the fourth team in the NBA this year to lose consecutive games to the Charlotte Bobcats and the Memphis Grizzlies.
The Lakers, however, outdid their competition in one regard.
They were the only team among the four to lose both games at home.
The Lakers, however, outdid their competition in one regard.
They were the only team among the four to lose both games at home.
Pistol Calls it a Career
Part 4 of 5 in the Pete Maravich Series
September 1980
Pete Maravich, who signed a new contract with the Boston Celtics less than two weeks ago, has quit the club, apparently ending a 10-year pro career.
"Pete told me he had had it," the Boston coach, Bill Fitch, said. "He just didn't feel he could get himself up for another season." The 32-year-old Maravich called Fitch yesterday morning before flying home to New Orleans.
Fitch said Maravich had told him, "I think I've shot one basket too many." Maravich, the leading collegiate career scorer, signed with the Celtics last January after the Utah Jazz bought out the remainder of his contract, reportedly for nearly $2 million for two and a half seasons.
He's retired," said Press Maravich, Pete's father and his former college coach at Louisiana State, in a telephone interview from Mandeville, La. "I guess he just lost his enthusiasm. You remember when Cowens quit a few years back. He just lost his enthusiasm and couldn't put up with the hassles."
"At age 32 and after 10 seasons," Fitch said, "he felt he simply didn't have the desire it takes to get over the hump and face another season of traveling, another season of not seeing his child grow up.
"The fact that he's financially secure was probably part of his decision," Fitch added.
September 1980
Pete Maravich, who signed a new contract with the Boston Celtics less than two weeks ago, has quit the club, apparently ending a 10-year pro career.
"Pete told me he had had it," the Boston coach, Bill Fitch, said. "He just didn't feel he could get himself up for another season." The 32-year-old Maravich called Fitch yesterday morning before flying home to New Orleans.
Fitch said Maravich had told him, "I think I've shot one basket too many." Maravich, the leading collegiate career scorer, signed with the Celtics last January after the Utah Jazz bought out the remainder of his contract, reportedly for nearly $2 million for two and a half seasons.
He's retired," said Press Maravich, Pete's father and his former college coach at Louisiana State, in a telephone interview from Mandeville, La. "I guess he just lost his enthusiasm. You remember when Cowens quit a few years back. He just lost his enthusiasm and couldn't put up with the hassles."
"At age 32 and after 10 seasons," Fitch said, "he felt he simply didn't have the desire it takes to get over the hump and face another season of traveling, another season of not seeing his child grow up.
"The fact that he's financially secure was probably part of his decision," Fitch added.
Hubie Brown to Doc: You Still have Work to Do
During the other night’s Celtics-Suns game, Hubie Brown first praised the depth of the Boston Celtics, and then opined that given that depth, Celtics coach Doc Rivers will have a difficult time whittling the rotation down to eight players in time for a successful playoff run.
Ah, the old “championship teams are made up of eight-players and no more” canard.
From whence came this theory?
I think it started in the mid-1980s.
The great Lakers teams of the 80s had an eight-player rotation. Take a look at the 1987 squad: Magic Johnson, Byron Scott, James Worthy, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Kurt Rambis, Michael Cooper, AC Green, and Mychal Thompson.
The 1986 Celtics team had perhaps the greatest 8-man rotation ever: DJ, Ainge, Bird, McHale, Parish, Walton, Wedman, and Sichting.
And since these two teams had such great success rotating their top eight players, the recipe for every title contender's success must be eight players to a rotation, no more and no less.
Or so the theory goes.
I’m not buying.
Reasoning backwards from an observation may have a place in sports discourse, but this isn’t it.
The 1986 Celtics were not as rigidly adherent to playing their top eight as our faded memories might tell us. David Thirdkill played 47 minutes in 13 games during the playoff run, alternating with Rick Carlisle to defend Michael Jordan in the first round after the rotational players had gotten themselves into foul trouble. Carlisle's playoff stint included 54 minutes over 10 games, scoring 19 points, grabbing 5 rebounds, and dishing 8 dimes. Greg Kite played 78 minutes over 13 games, scoring 18 points, grabbing 19 rebounds, and adding four blocks.
Doesn’t sound like a strict eight man rotation to me.
I won’t apply a similar analysis to the Lakers 1987 championship run because, well, I don’t like the Lakers, and I'd rather spend as little time thinking about them as possible.
However, I will point out that the 1988-89 Detroit Pistons went nine deep from the start of the season to the end of it. Most of the Chicago Bulls championship squads adopted a center-by-committee approach that was very similar to Chuck Daly's Pistons. This resulted in a rotation that also went nine or ten deep.
Which brings me to the current edition of the Boston Celtics.
The top seven players in the rotation are set in stone.
Starters
Rajon Rondo
Ray Allen
Kevin Garnett
Paul Pierce
Kendrick Perkins
Bench
James Posey
Eddie House
Best of the Rest
Leon Powe
Big Baby
Sam Cassell
PJ Brown
Tony Allen
Sam Cassell hasn't earned enough playing time to be included with Posey and House in the first wave off the bench. Nonetheless, Doc's gonna need to figure out a way to keep giving Sam a good 8-15 minutes per game, if he wants to improve the chances that Cassell actually contributes when his number is called. Otherwise, we've all seen what a rusty Cassell looks like, and it's not something many of us would like to see again.
Bottom line is that like the 1986 Celtics, the 1989 Pistons, and most of the Chicago Bulls' championship teams, the Celtics are simply deeper than eight players. And like those teams, Doc will probably go with a rotation of seven or eight core players, and then pick and choose the appropriate times and match-ups to deploy the deeper bench, ie., players 9-12.
And also like those teams, tactical deployment of the deeper bench will not impede Doc from coaching this team to a championship.
Ah, the old “championship teams are made up of eight-players and no more” canard.
From whence came this theory?
I think it started in the mid-1980s.
The great Lakers teams of the 80s had an eight-player rotation. Take a look at the 1987 squad: Magic Johnson, Byron Scott, James Worthy, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Kurt Rambis, Michael Cooper, AC Green, and Mychal Thompson.
The 1986 Celtics team had perhaps the greatest 8-man rotation ever: DJ, Ainge, Bird, McHale, Parish, Walton, Wedman, and Sichting.
And since these two teams had such great success rotating their top eight players, the recipe for every title contender's success must be eight players to a rotation, no more and no less.
Or so the theory goes.
I’m not buying.
Reasoning backwards from an observation may have a place in sports discourse, but this isn’t it.
The 1986 Celtics were not as rigidly adherent to playing their top eight as our faded memories might tell us. David Thirdkill played 47 minutes in 13 games during the playoff run, alternating with Rick Carlisle to defend Michael Jordan in the first round after the rotational players had gotten themselves into foul trouble. Carlisle's playoff stint included 54 minutes over 10 games, scoring 19 points, grabbing 5 rebounds, and dishing 8 dimes. Greg Kite played 78 minutes over 13 games, scoring 18 points, grabbing 19 rebounds, and adding four blocks.
Doesn’t sound like a strict eight man rotation to me.
I won’t apply a similar analysis to the Lakers 1987 championship run because, well, I don’t like the Lakers, and I'd rather spend as little time thinking about them as possible.
However, I will point out that the 1988-89 Detroit Pistons went nine deep from the start of the season to the end of it. Most of the Chicago Bulls championship squads adopted a center-by-committee approach that was very similar to Chuck Daly's Pistons. This resulted in a rotation that also went nine or ten deep.
Which brings me to the current edition of the Boston Celtics.
The top seven players in the rotation are set in stone.
Starters
Rajon Rondo
Ray Allen
Kevin Garnett
Paul Pierce
Kendrick Perkins
Bench
James Posey
Eddie House
Best of the Rest
Leon Powe
Big Baby
Sam Cassell
PJ Brown
Tony Allen
Sam Cassell hasn't earned enough playing time to be included with Posey and House in the first wave off the bench. Nonetheless, Doc's gonna need to figure out a way to keep giving Sam a good 8-15 minutes per game, if he wants to improve the chances that Cassell actually contributes when his number is called. Otherwise, we've all seen what a rusty Cassell looks like, and it's not something many of us would like to see again.
Bottom line is that like the 1986 Celtics, the 1989 Pistons, and most of the Chicago Bulls' championship teams, the Celtics are simply deeper than eight players. And like those teams, Doc will probably go with a rotation of seven or eight core players, and then pick and choose the appropriate times and match-ups to deploy the deeper bench, ie., players 9-12.
And also like those teams, tactical deployment of the deeper bench will not impede Doc from coaching this team to a championship.
Pistol Shows Some of his Old Magic
Part 3 of 5 in the Pete Maravich Series
February 1980
Wait till they see this box score in Philadelphia.
No Cedric Maxwell (sprained ankle). Only three field goals for Larry Bird ("He was dealt," said Bill Fitch, "a pair of deuces and he still made the most of them"). Only three field goals for Dave Cowens. A four-point deficit after three quarters. All this, and still the fifth Celtic victory in large measure because of another fascinating entry in the box: Pete Maravich , 12-7-31.
These are the games coaches remember far more than players. They make decisions on personnel and they train people. Coaches know very well that good teams must survive adversity, and Bill Fitch, therefore, had to feel good about the Celtics' 114-102 triumph over the Indiana Pacers last night.
It was a grinder against a team that gives the Celtics an inordinate amount of trouble. "They match up very well against us," said M.L. Carr, a major contributor with 23 points and 9 rebounds in 44 minutes of floor time.
But the Pacers went home losers for the fourth time in six tries against the Celtics this season, and they did so for a variety of reasons, ranging from a bad start to an inability to deal with Mr. Bird (14 points, 13 rebounds and 7 assists) down the stretch. But there might have been no game at all were it not for the sensational shooting of Maravich, who shot 12 for 18 and who scored 31 of the first 88 Celtic points.
Pete had dropped a hint that he was ready to break loose offensively on Monday night by hitting five straight shots in the third quarter of the Nets' rout. Last night he found himself starting as Maxwell was forced to six out with a sprained left ankle and Carr was shifted back to his more familiar forward spot ("It was like going back home," quoth Michael Leon). And The Pistol was ready, scoring 10 points in the first quarter (29-19, Boston) and 11 in the second as the Celtics moved into a 60-49 halftime lead.
Included in his second-period performance was a one-minute burst that would have been very recognizable to the folks in Raleigh, Baton Rouge and New Orleans. With the Celtics leading by a 42-31 score, and with the fascinating quintet of Rick Robey, Carr, Jeff Judkins (as a forward), Gerald Henderson and Maravich on the floor, The Pistol went to work. A stutter step followed by a long turnaround for two. A high banked runner for a three-point play. A 4-on-2 pull-up fast-break jumper.
He had scored seven straight Boston points in 1:05 to give the team a 49-33 lead, and the capacity crowd of 15,622 was grooving on it.
The only problem was that he had little offensive help, especially since the gruesome officiating of the inept Bob Rakel and the confused Ralph Lembo had Bird and Cowens out of the game early with personals. Though each had only a pair, Fitch had them yanked pronto. "I just felt," he explained, "that it was one of those nights when I didn't want them with three at the half. I wanted them ready for the entire second half."
This offensive impotence was underlined when the Pacers erased a 69-55 third-period Boston lead with a 15-1 blast. That gave them a 71-70 lead with 3:57 left in the period. Mike Bantom scored 12 points and the Pacers were sitting on an 83-79 three-period advantage.
The turning point in the fourth quarter was - can't you guess? - the re- entry of Bird into the fray with 10:16 to play and the Pacers leading by an 87-83 score.
Bird broke an 88-88 deadlock with a spectacular lefthanded running hook, the first of several clutch baskets the team would score. A layup by Robey gave the team a nonrefundable lead at 96-94, but the key sequence came shortly afterward when, with Boston leading by a 99-96 score, Bird somehow found Carr sneaking in along the baseline for a layup; Robey rebounded a Billy Knight miss and Maravich fed Carr for another layup that gave the Celtics a seven- point (103-96) lead that not even the Rakel-Lembo combine or their own penchant for last-minute turnovers could overcome.
Fittingly, Carr, Mr. Showman himself, capped a nice evening for the fans with a 30-foot three-pointer at the buzzer. He, as well as Maravich and Bird, had earned the applause.
February 1980
Wait till they see this box score in Philadelphia.
No Cedric Maxwell (sprained ankle). Only three field goals for Larry Bird ("He was dealt," said Bill Fitch, "a pair of deuces and he still made the most of them"). Only three field goals for Dave Cowens. A four-point deficit after three quarters. All this, and still the fifth Celtic victory in large measure because of another fascinating entry in the box: Pete Maravich , 12-7-31.
These are the games coaches remember far more than players. They make decisions on personnel and they train people. Coaches know very well that good teams must survive adversity, and Bill Fitch, therefore, had to feel good about the Celtics' 114-102 triumph over the Indiana Pacers last night.
It was a grinder against a team that gives the Celtics an inordinate amount of trouble. "They match up very well against us," said M.L. Carr, a major contributor with 23 points and 9 rebounds in 44 minutes of floor time.
But the Pacers went home losers for the fourth time in six tries against the Celtics this season, and they did so for a variety of reasons, ranging from a bad start to an inability to deal with Mr. Bird (14 points, 13 rebounds and 7 assists) down the stretch. But there might have been no game at all were it not for the sensational shooting of Maravich, who shot 12 for 18 and who scored 31 of the first 88 Celtic points.
Pete had dropped a hint that he was ready to break loose offensively on Monday night by hitting five straight shots in the third quarter of the Nets' rout. Last night he found himself starting as Maxwell was forced to six out with a sprained left ankle and Carr was shifted back to his more familiar forward spot ("It was like going back home," quoth Michael Leon). And The Pistol was ready, scoring 10 points in the first quarter (29-19, Boston) and 11 in the second as the Celtics moved into a 60-49 halftime lead.
Included in his second-period performance was a one-minute burst that would have been very recognizable to the folks in Raleigh, Baton Rouge and New Orleans. With the Celtics leading by a 42-31 score, and with the fascinating quintet of Rick Robey, Carr, Jeff Judkins (as a forward), Gerald Henderson and Maravich on the floor, The Pistol went to work. A stutter step followed by a long turnaround for two. A high banked runner for a three-point play. A 4-on-2 pull-up fast-break jumper.
He had scored seven straight Boston points in 1:05 to give the team a 49-33 lead, and the capacity crowd of 15,622 was grooving on it.
The only problem was that he had little offensive help, especially since the gruesome officiating of the inept Bob Rakel and the confused Ralph Lembo had Bird and Cowens out of the game early with personals. Though each had only a pair, Fitch had them yanked pronto. "I just felt," he explained, "that it was one of those nights when I didn't want them with three at the half. I wanted them ready for the entire second half."
This offensive impotence was underlined when the Pacers erased a 69-55 third-period Boston lead with a 15-1 blast. That gave them a 71-70 lead with 3:57 left in the period. Mike Bantom scored 12 points and the Pacers were sitting on an 83-79 three-period advantage.
The turning point in the fourth quarter was - can't you guess? - the re- entry of Bird into the fray with 10:16 to play and the Pacers leading by an 87-83 score.
Bird broke an 88-88 deadlock with a spectacular lefthanded running hook, the first of several clutch baskets the team would score. A layup by Robey gave the team a nonrefundable lead at 96-94, but the key sequence came shortly afterward when, with Boston leading by a 99-96 score, Bird somehow found Carr sneaking in along the baseline for a layup; Robey rebounded a Billy Knight miss and Maravich fed Carr for another layup that gave the Celtics a seven- point (103-96) lead that not even the Rakel-Lembo combine or their own penchant for last-minute turnovers could overcome.
Fittingly, Carr, Mr. Showman himself, capped a nice evening for the fans with a 30-foot three-pointer at the buzzer. He, as well as Maravich and Bird, had earned the applause.
Celtics Get Maxwell for Walton
August 31, 1985
WALTON DEAL STILL ON TARGET CLIPPERS WILL GET MAXWELL
Bill Walton passed a physical in Boston yesterday, but the Celtics were unable to announce that Walton had been acquired for Cedric Maxwell because of a disagreement between Walton and the Clippers regarding deferred compensation. However, Clipper officials said last night that an agreement has been reached on the deferred compensation issue.
It was expected that the trade would be officially announced late today.
"Everything is on target, there are no hitches," said Clipper general manager Carl Scheer.
The Celtics and Clippers reached a tentative trade agreement Thursday and supervised physicals for both players yesterday. Walton was examined by Celtic team physician Thomas Silva at University Hospital. At the request of Clipper physician Tony Daly, Maxwell was examined by Dr. Tim Taft at the University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill).
The Celtics were expected to call a press conference late yesterday to announce the transaction, but Boston general manager Jan Volk reported problems after phone conversations with the Clippers and a lengthy meeting with Walton, Silva and Celtic president Red Auerbach.
Two problems had been holding up the deal. One involved conformity with the NBA's complex salary cap restrictions and was not believed to be a major snag, because, according to Volk, "everybody wants to get it done; it's just difficult to do."
The other issue involved deferred compensation that the Clippers owe Walton. Before completing the deal, the Clippers wanted Walton to defer owed money for a longer period of time.
Clipper legal counsel Arn Tellem said, "That part is resolved. It's not a problem anymore. We're in agreement now. I think it was just a misunderstanding."
All other details of the agreement appear to be set. Boston will pay more than half of Maxwell's $805,000 per year contract and send Maxwell plus next year's No. 1 draft pick (not to be confused with Seattle's pick, which the Celtics also own) to the Clippers for Walton.
In Los Angeles, Maxwell will have a four-year deal with an option (the team's) for a fifth year. Walton's pact with the Celtics calls for Boston to pay the redhead $450,000 per year for each of the next three years.
Volk and Silva said that the Celtics have no problems with Walton's physical condition. Walton appeared tired when he left the Celtics' offices yesterday. His only comment: "We're working on it." Reached later in his Boston hotel room, Walton elected not to comment on the deferred compensation issue.
Scheer did not expect a report on Maxwell's physical until today. Maxwell's agent, Ron Grinker, predicted that Maxwell would have no problems with the physical. "I guarantee he won't fail it," said Grinker.
Grinker said that the Clippers have asked Maxwell to withhold comment until a week from Monday, when Maxwell has scheduled a press conference in Los Angeles.
Grinker never thought the deferred money issue would endanger the deal. "He (Walton) will sell his soul to get out of there," said Grinker. "They want to get rid of Walton, and the Celtics want to get rid of Max. This just prolongs it."
WALTON DEAL STILL ON TARGET CLIPPERS WILL GET MAXWELL
Bill Walton passed a physical in Boston yesterday, but the Celtics were unable to announce that Walton had been acquired for Cedric Maxwell because of a disagreement between Walton and the Clippers regarding deferred compensation. However, Clipper officials said last night that an agreement has been reached on the deferred compensation issue.
It was expected that the trade would be officially announced late today.
"Everything is on target, there are no hitches," said Clipper general manager Carl Scheer.
The Celtics and Clippers reached a tentative trade agreement Thursday and supervised physicals for both players yesterday. Walton was examined by Celtic team physician Thomas Silva at University Hospital. At the request of Clipper physician Tony Daly, Maxwell was examined by Dr. Tim Taft at the University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill).
The Celtics were expected to call a press conference late yesterday to announce the transaction, but Boston general manager Jan Volk reported problems after phone conversations with the Clippers and a lengthy meeting with Walton, Silva and Celtic president Red Auerbach.
Two problems had been holding up the deal. One involved conformity with the NBA's complex salary cap restrictions and was not believed to be a major snag, because, according to Volk, "everybody wants to get it done; it's just difficult to do."
The other issue involved deferred compensation that the Clippers owe Walton. Before completing the deal, the Clippers wanted Walton to defer owed money for a longer period of time.
Clipper legal counsel Arn Tellem said, "That part is resolved. It's not a problem anymore. We're in agreement now. I think it was just a misunderstanding."
All other details of the agreement appear to be set. Boston will pay more than half of Maxwell's $805,000 per year contract and send Maxwell plus next year's No. 1 draft pick (not to be confused with Seattle's pick, which the Celtics also own) to the Clippers for Walton.
In Los Angeles, Maxwell will have a four-year deal with an option (the team's) for a fifth year. Walton's pact with the Celtics calls for Boston to pay the redhead $450,000 per year for each of the next three years.
Volk and Silva said that the Celtics have no problems with Walton's physical condition. Walton appeared tired when he left the Celtics' offices yesterday. His only comment: "We're working on it." Reached later in his Boston hotel room, Walton elected not to comment on the deferred compensation issue.
Scheer did not expect a report on Maxwell's physical until today. Maxwell's agent, Ron Grinker, predicted that Maxwell would have no problems with the physical. "I guarantee he won't fail it," said Grinker.
Grinker said that the Clippers have asked Maxwell to withhold comment until a week from Monday, when Maxwell has scheduled a press conference in Los Angeles.
Grinker never thought the deferred money issue would endanger the deal. "He (Walton) will sell his soul to get out of there," said Grinker. "They want to get rid of Walton, and the Celtics want to get rid of Max. This just prolongs it."
1986 Cs Pummel Pacers, Move to 56-13
C's Win Sixth Straight
The Celtics elevated the phrase "cruise control" to new heights when they utilized exemplary team play to flatten the Indiana Pacers by a 127-108 score that accurately reflects what took place at Boston Garden last night.
Collectively, the Celtics did not appear to be working hard enough to merit the expenditure of a solitary drop of water from a showerhead. That's because this was a triumph of ensemble role playing, not a vehicle to promote a star. We're talking "Big Chill" here, not "Norma Rae." Even You-Know-Who was nominated for Best Supporting in this one.
"They are the eptiome of a basketball team," said Indiana coach George Irvine. "They move the ball, and they're so unselfish.. They are great players. You see great players on other teams, but they don't play as unselfishly as these guys do."
The stat sheet may require a polygraph test now and then, but the running sheet is a piece of paper brimming with integrity. And the running sheet reveals that at the conclusion of the third period the five Boston starters had the following point distribution: Robert Parish 20, Kevin McHale 20, Larry Bird 18, Danny Ainge 18 and Dennis Johnson 14. As a result, the Celtics were sitting comfortably on a 96-80 lead.
There was no suspense whatsoever. The Cavaliers crept ahead twice the night before (admittedly, those two one-point leads totaling 27 seconds on the clock did not create panic in the Celtic camp). The Pacers got no closer than one in the final 46 minutes of the game. That occurred when Herb Williams (24) powered in on the baseline to make it 17-16, Boston, with 5:02 remaining in the opening period.
Boston's response was to spring Parish for an acrobatic finish on a fast break. It was one of those artful inventions that a George Mikan or Larry Foust could never have conceived of, and it wound up as a three-point play.
At this point K.C. Jones took out Bird, McHale and Ainge in favor of Bill Walton, Scott Wedman and Jerry Sichting. Regardless of the Celtic team identity, the Pacers never came closer than four (the last at 37-33) again.
The Celtic frontline as a group proved to be indefensible, but the primary problem was the marauding Parish. He introduced himself to Steve Stipanovich on Indiana's maiden possession by switching over from Williams to ram a Stipo jumper down his esophagus. The ball was extracted quickly enough, and when DJ (eight assists having the feel of 28) looped one into Bird on the baseline, Larry laid it in left-handed and the Celtics were officially in control.
Parish hit the Pacers with 12 of his season-high 28 points and seven of his game-high 17 rebounds in the first quarter. Whether posting up, banging the boards or running lanes, he was an insoluble problem to the Pacers.
It was 33-26 at the quarter, 66-55 at the half and 96-80 after a third period in which the Celtics scored 30 points and went up by as many as 20 on two occasions (92-72 on a Parish lefty follow-up) and 94-74 (an Ainge jumper) without a discernible spurt. The attack was methodical and relentless.
The main sub-plot was the curious refusal of Bird to shoot the ball. Perhaps he was insulted when Irvine put 6-foot-3-inch Clint Richardson on him to start the game ("I jumped off the bench real quick when I saw that one" -- Jones) or perhaps he worried that he was getting too much publicity lately (just think back to his Indiana State behavior). Whatever the case, he kept passing up routine 18- and 20-footers.
"I have no idea what he was thinking," said Jones, "because he was open. He seemed to feel better down low -- then he had work to do. When he was open, he was hesitating and not taking the shot. That's as much as I know."
Bird repeatedly teased the crowd by feigning three-pointers, finally taking (and missing) one from the left corner with 8:58 remaining in the game. He contented himself with creative passes from the wing, the highlight being a bullet to a cutting Ainge for a reverse lay-up that made it 115-100. If ever a case can be made that Larry sometimes plays for his own private amusement, last night's game was a prime courtroom exhibit.
The victory was the team's sixth straight, as well as the 21st straight at home. If you're figure conscious, that ties a franchise record. "All I think about," said K.C. "is the next ball game. Someone mentioned 21 straight and that surprised me. That's how much streaks mean to me."
The Celtics elevated the phrase "cruise control" to new heights when they utilized exemplary team play to flatten the Indiana Pacers by a 127-108 score that accurately reflects what took place at Boston Garden last night.
Collectively, the Celtics did not appear to be working hard enough to merit the expenditure of a solitary drop of water from a showerhead. That's because this was a triumph of ensemble role playing, not a vehicle to promote a star. We're talking "Big Chill" here, not "Norma Rae." Even You-Know-Who was nominated for Best Supporting in this one.
"They are the eptiome of a basketball team," said Indiana coach George Irvine. "They move the ball, and they're so unselfish.. They are great players. You see great players on other teams, but they don't play as unselfishly as these guys do."
The stat sheet may require a polygraph test now and then, but the running sheet is a piece of paper brimming with integrity. And the running sheet reveals that at the conclusion of the third period the five Boston starters had the following point distribution: Robert Parish 20, Kevin McHale 20, Larry Bird 18, Danny Ainge 18 and Dennis Johnson 14. As a result, the Celtics were sitting comfortably on a 96-80 lead.
There was no suspense whatsoever. The Cavaliers crept ahead twice the night before (admittedly, those two one-point leads totaling 27 seconds on the clock did not create panic in the Celtic camp). The Pacers got no closer than one in the final 46 minutes of the game. That occurred when Herb Williams (24) powered in on the baseline to make it 17-16, Boston, with 5:02 remaining in the opening period.
Boston's response was to spring Parish for an acrobatic finish on a fast break. It was one of those artful inventions that a George Mikan or Larry Foust could never have conceived of, and it wound up as a three-point play.
At this point K.C. Jones took out Bird, McHale and Ainge in favor of Bill Walton, Scott Wedman and Jerry Sichting. Regardless of the Celtic team identity, the Pacers never came closer than four (the last at 37-33) again.
The Celtic frontline as a group proved to be indefensible, but the primary problem was the marauding Parish. He introduced himself to Steve Stipanovich on Indiana's maiden possession by switching over from Williams to ram a Stipo jumper down his esophagus. The ball was extracted quickly enough, and when DJ (eight assists having the feel of 28) looped one into Bird on the baseline, Larry laid it in left-handed and the Celtics were officially in control.
Parish hit the Pacers with 12 of his season-high 28 points and seven of his game-high 17 rebounds in the first quarter. Whether posting up, banging the boards or running lanes, he was an insoluble problem to the Pacers.
It was 33-26 at the quarter, 66-55 at the half and 96-80 after a third period in which the Celtics scored 30 points and went up by as many as 20 on two occasions (92-72 on a Parish lefty follow-up) and 94-74 (an Ainge jumper) without a discernible spurt. The attack was methodical and relentless.
The main sub-plot was the curious refusal of Bird to shoot the ball. Perhaps he was insulted when Irvine put 6-foot-3-inch Clint Richardson on him to start the game ("I jumped off the bench real quick when I saw that one" -- Jones) or perhaps he worried that he was getting too much publicity lately (just think back to his Indiana State behavior). Whatever the case, he kept passing up routine 18- and 20-footers.
"I have no idea what he was thinking," said Jones, "because he was open. He seemed to feel better down low -- then he had work to do. When he was open, he was hesitating and not taking the shot. That's as much as I know."
Bird repeatedly teased the crowd by feigning three-pointers, finally taking (and missing) one from the left corner with 8:58 remaining in the game. He contented himself with creative passes from the wing, the highlight being a bullet to a cutting Ainge for a reverse lay-up that made it 115-100. If ever a case can be made that Larry sometimes plays for his own private amusement, last night's game was a prime courtroom exhibit.
The victory was the team's sixth straight, as well as the 21st straight at home. If you're figure conscious, that ties a franchise record. "All I think about," said K.C. "is the next ball game. Someone mentioned 21 straight and that surprised me. That's how much streaks mean to me."
1986 Cs Beat Cavs by 30, Move to 55-13
C's win Fifth Straight
Larry Bird scored 43 scintillating points, and that's what sent the crowd home buzzing. But the Celtics as a whole had played another excellent offensive game, and that's what sent the players themselves home glowing.
The 126-96 triumph over the Cleveland Cavaliers last night was the Celtics' fifth straight and 13th in their last 15 games. They may have occasional defensive dips, but no team in the history of the league has ever come out hard defensively for 48 minutes. Meanwhile, few teams have ever settled into an offensive groove to match the one the Celtics are in right now.
They shot 58 percent from the floor, which means that in each of those 13 victories they have broken 50 percent as a team. They had 36 assists in 52 field goals. They outrebounded the Cavaliers by a 57-36 margin. They just flat-out kicked some serious butt.
"We may have some flaws," said Dennis Johnson, who submitted 11 assists while playing outstanding defense on World B. Free, "but when we have to, we can pick up our defensive intensity. Offensively, we're probably in the best groove we've been in during my three years here, even the year we won it."
Bird shattered his previous high of four three-pointers in a game, a figure he had attained twice in the previous six days. What's interesting is that he is on record as being against the three-pointer. "But it's part of the game," he said, "and it's something you've got to take advantage of." . . . Bird has averaged 37 points a game while shooting 65 percent (84 for 129) from the floor in his last six games. His season's shooting percentage is up to .491. Considering that after 14 games, he was shooting .426, that's not too bad.
Bill Walton had eight rebounds in the second quarter and nine in the half before sitting out the second half.
Larry Bird scored 43 scintillating points, and that's what sent the crowd home buzzing. But the Celtics as a whole had played another excellent offensive game, and that's what sent the players themselves home glowing.
The 126-96 triumph over the Cleveland Cavaliers last night was the Celtics' fifth straight and 13th in their last 15 games. They may have occasional defensive dips, but no team in the history of the league has ever come out hard defensively for 48 minutes. Meanwhile, few teams have ever settled into an offensive groove to match the one the Celtics are in right now.
They shot 58 percent from the floor, which means that in each of those 13 victories they have broken 50 percent as a team. They had 36 assists in 52 field goals. They outrebounded the Cavaliers by a 57-36 margin. They just flat-out kicked some serious butt.
"We may have some flaws," said Dennis Johnson, who submitted 11 assists while playing outstanding defense on World B. Free, "but when we have to, we can pick up our defensive intensity. Offensively, we're probably in the best groove we've been in during my three years here, even the year we won it."
Bird shattered his previous high of four three-pointers in a game, a figure he had attained twice in the previous six days. What's interesting is that he is on record as being against the three-pointer. "But it's part of the game," he said, "and it's something you've got to take advantage of." . . . Bird has averaged 37 points a game while shooting 65 percent (84 for 129) from the floor in his last six games. His season's shooting percentage is up to .491. Considering that after 14 games, he was shooting .426, that's not too bad.
Bill Walton had eight rebounds in the second quarter and nine in the half before sitting out the second half.
Ray-Ray Ramping Up
For the season, Allen is shooting .413, in contrast to his .445 average over his career....By March I am expecting this slump to be a distant memory.
--Lex, December '07
Having dissed Jesus earlier in the season, I thought it time to give our dog his due.
Ray Allen is now shooting 45% from the field on the year, and 40% from three. Contrast the first three months of the year, where Ray was averaging just 42% from field, to the last two months, where he is averaging .506. From international waters, Ray averaged just 37% over the first three months, while averaging almost 44% over the last two months (and this despite going 8-28 from three since returning from his ankle jam).
Most interesting is what appears to be the inverse correlation to his minutes per game:
November 39.7
Decmeber 36.2
January 38.9
February 36.8
March 32.1
For those of us who believe that there is more correlation here than coincidence, I expect Doc to keep Jesus fresh by using creatives combinations of Cassell, House, Posey, and Allen as we head into the playoffs.
If Doc believes there is more correlation here than coincidence, don't be surprised if Ray's MPGs are kept below 40, even in close games come playoff time.
--Lex, December '07
Having dissed Jesus earlier in the season, I thought it time to give our dog his due.
Ray Allen is now shooting 45% from the field on the year, and 40% from three. Contrast the first three months of the year, where Ray was averaging just 42% from field, to the last two months, where he is averaging .506. From international waters, Ray averaged just 37% over the first three months, while averaging almost 44% over the last two months (and this despite going 8-28 from three since returning from his ankle jam).
Most interesting is what appears to be the inverse correlation to his minutes per game:
November 39.7
Decmeber 36.2
January 38.9
February 36.8
March 32.1
For those of us who believe that there is more correlation here than coincidence, I expect Doc to keep Jesus fresh by using creatives combinations of Cassell, House, Posey, and Allen as we head into the playoffs.
If Doc believes there is more correlation here than coincidence, don't be surprised if Ray's MPGs are kept below 40, even in close games come playoff time.
Pistol Makes Celtics Debut
Part 2 of 5 in the Pete Maravich Series
The chanting began in the third period. "We Want Pete!" But it was having a reverse effect on Bill Fitch, who gave serious thought to leaving his newest Celtic on the bench for the entire game last night.
"I didn't really want to put him in a game at garbage time," said Fitch, who finally unveiled Pistol Pete Maravich - to the delight of 15,320 screaming fans at the Garden. "He's not ready to play. I'd much rather the game have been close so that I could have taken advantage of it psychologically. But the crowd was yelling and I sent him in.
"But I'd rather have been able to use Gerald Henderson instead of putting in Pete in that situation. Henderson's got a hairline jaw fracture and I frankly didn't like the idea of playing this game without him."
The Pistol made his Celtic debut at 7:04 of the final period in Boston's 130-108 rout of the Indiana Pacers. A pass to Eric Fernsten brought the crowd to its feet. The Pistol then fired three times and hit one bullseye. That also prompted a standing ovation, since Fitch then removed Maravich after a six- minute stint.
"I thought I'd be real tight when I first went in there," said Maravich. "But the moment I got in there I was loose. I heard the crowd calling for me and I appreciated it very much. It came as quite a surprise and made me feel great.
The chanting began in the third period. "We Want Pete!" But it was having a reverse effect on Bill Fitch, who gave serious thought to leaving his newest Celtic on the bench for the entire game last night.
"I didn't really want to put him in a game at garbage time," said Fitch, who finally unveiled Pistol Pete Maravich - to the delight of 15,320 screaming fans at the Garden. "He's not ready to play. I'd much rather the game have been close so that I could have taken advantage of it psychologically. But the crowd was yelling and I sent him in.
"But I'd rather have been able to use Gerald Henderson instead of putting in Pete in that situation. Henderson's got a hairline jaw fracture and I frankly didn't like the idea of playing this game without him."
The Pistol made his Celtic debut at 7:04 of the final period in Boston's 130-108 rout of the Indiana Pacers. A pass to Eric Fernsten brought the crowd to its feet. The Pistol then fired three times and hit one bullseye. That also prompted a standing ovation, since Fitch then removed Maravich after a six- minute stint.
"I thought I'd be real tight when I first went in there," said Maravich. "But the moment I got in there I was loose. I heard the crowd calling for me and I appreciated it very much. It came as quite a surprise and made me feel great.
Grampa Celtic's 10 Best Green Teams
10. 1968-69
Record: 48-34
Playoff record: 12-6
Result: championship
The Last Hurrah for both Russell and the great Sam Jones. After pacing themselves in the regular season, the ancient Celtics (the starting five averaged 32 years of age) knocked off favored Philadelphia, New York, and, finally, star-laden Los Angeles, winning the famous Game 7 in the Fabulous Forum and in so doing keeping celebratory balloons fastened to the ceiling.
9. 1986-87
Record: 59-23
Playoff record: 13-10
Result: Lost in Finals
The Iron Man five of Bird, Kevin McHale, Robert Parish, Dennis Johnson, and Ainge did not have sufficient bench support to get by the mighty Lakers, losing the pivotal Game 4 to the storied Magic Johnson "junior, junior sky hook." No Celtic team ever had more sheer heart.
8. 1956-57
Record: 44-28
Playoff record: 7-3
Result: championship
Red Auerbach's personal favorite title, simply because it was the first. Rookies Russell (25 points, 32 rebounds) and Tom Heinsohn (37 points, 23 rebounds) carried the team to an epic double-overtime seventh game victory over the St. Louis Hawks. Many old-timey Celtics fans went to their graves swearing this was the greatest game they'd ever seen.
7. 1984-85
Record: 63-19
Playoff record: 13-8
Result: Lost in Finals
It was the second of Bird's three consecutive MVP award seasons, and the only reason the Celtics did not win the championship was the fact that the Lakers were supremely motivated, a tad deeper, and fueled by a 38-year old legend named Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. The Lakers were 1; the Celtics were 1A.
6. 1962-63
Record: 58-22
Playoff record: 8-5
Result: championship
The incomparable Russell headed a roster than included a record eight Hall of Fame players. It was the last of Cousy's six championships and the first of Havlicek's eight.
5. 1964-65
Record: 62-18
Playoff record: 8-4
Result: championship
At age 30, Russell was at his peak convergence of physical ability, knowledge, and desire. After surviving a scare from the 76ers when it wasn't over until "Havlicek Stole the Ball," they annihilated LA in the Finals.
4. 1983-84
Record: 62-20
Playoff record: 15-8
Result: championship
No better physically than the '84-85 team, this squad simply out-toughed the Lakers to win the championship. The Lakers never allowed this to happen again.
3. 1972-73
Record: 68-14
Playoff record: 7-6
Result: Lost in conference finals
Ah, what might have been. Havlicek injured his shoulder in Game 3 of the conference finals against the Knicks. The Knicks easily dispatched LA in 5; a healthy Celtics team would have swept them.
2. 2007-08
Record: 66-16
Playoff record: 16-10
Result: championship
Won opening game by 20 and never looked back, ending with 39-point humiliation of the Lakers to win the title. It would be very interesting to see if these players could impose their defensive will on their '85-86 counterparts as easily as they did on their '07-08 foes.
1. 1985-86
Record: 67-15
Playoff record: 15-3
Result: Championship
Bird was at his peak. The greatest team ever if you consider no other club has ever brought anything resembling a healthy Bill Walton off the bench. This squad was 50-1 at home, regular season and playoffs combined. This Lost Generation of Celtics fans need no longer slap on their headphones and begin rolling their eyes when the smug followers of champions 1 through 16 begin rhapsodizing about the virtues of their favorite Celtics squads of yore. Their team, No. 17, can compete with any that has ever worn the Green and White.
Record: 48-34
Playoff record: 12-6
Result: championship
The Last Hurrah for both Russell and the great Sam Jones. After pacing themselves in the regular season, the ancient Celtics (the starting five averaged 32 years of age) knocked off favored Philadelphia, New York, and, finally, star-laden Los Angeles, winning the famous Game 7 in the Fabulous Forum and in so doing keeping celebratory balloons fastened to the ceiling.
9. 1986-87
Record: 59-23
Playoff record: 13-10
Result: Lost in Finals
The Iron Man five of Bird, Kevin McHale, Robert Parish, Dennis Johnson, and Ainge did not have sufficient bench support to get by the mighty Lakers, losing the pivotal Game 4 to the storied Magic Johnson "junior, junior sky hook." No Celtic team ever had more sheer heart.
8. 1956-57
Record: 44-28
Playoff record: 7-3
Result: championship
Red Auerbach's personal favorite title, simply because it was the first. Rookies Russell (25 points, 32 rebounds) and Tom Heinsohn (37 points, 23 rebounds) carried the team to an epic double-overtime seventh game victory over the St. Louis Hawks. Many old-timey Celtics fans went to their graves swearing this was the greatest game they'd ever seen.
7. 1984-85
Record: 63-19
Playoff record: 13-8
Result: Lost in Finals
It was the second of Bird's three consecutive MVP award seasons, and the only reason the Celtics did not win the championship was the fact that the Lakers were supremely motivated, a tad deeper, and fueled by a 38-year old legend named Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. The Lakers were 1; the Celtics were 1A.
6. 1962-63
Record: 58-22
Playoff record: 8-5
Result: championship
The incomparable Russell headed a roster than included a record eight Hall of Fame players. It was the last of Cousy's six championships and the first of Havlicek's eight.
5. 1964-65
Record: 62-18
Playoff record: 8-4
Result: championship
At age 30, Russell was at his peak convergence of physical ability, knowledge, and desire. After surviving a scare from the 76ers when it wasn't over until "Havlicek Stole the Ball," they annihilated LA in the Finals.
4. 1983-84
Record: 62-20
Playoff record: 15-8
Result: championship
No better physically than the '84-85 team, this squad simply out-toughed the Lakers to win the championship. The Lakers never allowed this to happen again.
3. 1972-73
Record: 68-14
Playoff record: 7-6
Result: Lost in conference finals
Ah, what might have been. Havlicek injured his shoulder in Game 3 of the conference finals against the Knicks. The Knicks easily dispatched LA in 5; a healthy Celtics team would have swept them.
2. 2007-08
Record: 66-16
Playoff record: 16-10
Result: championship
Won opening game by 20 and never looked back, ending with 39-point humiliation of the Lakers to win the title. It would be very interesting to see if these players could impose their defensive will on their '85-86 counterparts as easily as they did on their '07-08 foes.
1. 1985-86
Record: 67-15
Playoff record: 15-3
Result: Championship
Bird was at his peak. The greatest team ever if you consider no other club has ever brought anything resembling a healthy Bill Walton off the bench. This squad was 50-1 at home, regular season and playoffs combined. This Lost Generation of Celtics fans need no longer slap on their headphones and begin rolling their eyes when the smug followers of champions 1 through 16 begin rhapsodizing about the virtues of their favorite Celtics squads of yore. Their team, No. 17, can compete with any that has ever worn the Green and White.
Celtics Ponder Signing Maravich
Part 1 of 5 in the Pete Maravich Series
January 1980
Celtic general manager Red Auerbach met with Pete Maravich and his agent for about 85minutes before last night's Celtics' game, leading to speculation that the free-agent guard might be joining the Celtics. Auerbach and Maravich were to meet again after the game.
Maravich , 31, was placed on waivers by the Jazz last week and met Monday with the Philadelphia 76ers, who are looking for a guard to replace the injured Doug Collins. 76er general manager Pat Williams said Maravich wanted to talk with the Celtics before deciding which team to join.
Would Pete Maravich be good for the Boston Celtics?
As with any major issue, there are no easy answers. Signing a Pete Maravich would have ramifications, not only for this year but for several seasons to come.
Here are some positives:
- Maravich can score, and the Celtics at present are lacking in firepower off the bench, which is, presumably, where Maravich would be coming from.
- Maravich is experienced, and when Tiny Archibald is out of the game, the Celtics have nobody to run the team.
- Maravich should be motivated by playing on a winning team in front of enthusiastic fans and for a coach (Bill Fitch) he has known and liked for a long time.
- Maravich will come cheap. Maravich's contract settlement with Utah has removed the financial burden, and the Celtics would be making no serious financial commitment by signing him.
- By signing Maravich, the Celtics would keep him away from Philadelphia. Don't think this isn't a factor.
And here are some negatives:
- Maravich has sustained a major injury to his right knee, and there is no assurance he will hold up.
- By signing Maravich, the Celtics will raise fan expectations to new heights. The team needs more than just a Pete Maravich in order to be a champion. It still would need a frontcourt physical player along the lines of a Kermit Washington, Steve Mix or Paul Silas coming off the bench. But it will be difficult to convince fans that the signing of Maravich isn't a title guarantee.
- If Maravich comes, somebody must go, and this has been a closely knit team. That somebody would be either Eric Fernsten or Jeff Judkins, and it would most likely be the former. Much has been made of the chemistry on this team, and there is no question that the remaining players would feel bad about the plight of their fallen comrade.
- Maravich hasn't played in two months, and it would be anybody's guess when he would be able to help the team.
There is no question that Fitch would be delighted to have Maravich. Fitch has been seeking backcourt help all season, and he often has spoken fondly of Maravich. Nobody bothered to discuss the possibility of Maravich coming to Boston, however, as long as his contract with Utah remained unresolved. As coach, Fitch is prepared to accept the responsibility of having Maravich, which means blending him in with the rest of the team as well as standing up to the fan expectation, which is almost guaranteed to be unrealistically high.
The 76ers had Maravich's knee checked out at the Temple University Hospital by their team physician, and he declared that the knee had come along as any such knee possibly could. But because Maravich would be adding to the team and not taking away in any manner (i.e., nobody would be traded for him), his knee is considered an acceptable risk by the Celtics.
His very presence in Boston last evening indicates a strong desire to be a part of the latest Boston winning tradition. At least, that's the way the Celtics see it. The whole thing is fascinating.
Celtic general manager Red Auerbach met with Pete Maravich and his agent for about 85minutes before last night's Celtics' game, leading to speculation that the free-agent guard might be joining the Celtics. Auerbach and Maravich were to meet again after the game.
Maravich , 31, was placed on waivers by the Jazz last week and met Monday with the Philadelphia 76ers, who are looking for a guard to replace the injured Doug Collins. 76er general manager Pat Williams said Maravich wanted to talk with the Celtics before deciding which team to join.
Would Pete Maravich be good for the Boston Celtics?
As with any major issue, there are no easy answers. Signing a Pete Maravich would have ramifications, not only for this year but for several seasons to come.
Here are some positives:
- Maravich can score, and the Celtics at present are lacking in firepower off the bench, which is, presumably, where Maravich would be coming from.
- Maravich is experienced, and when Tiny Archibald is out of the game, the Celtics have nobody to run the team.
- Maravich should be motivated by playing on a winning team in front of enthusiastic fans and for a coach (Bill Fitch) he has known and liked for a long time.
- Maravich will come cheap. Maravich's contract settlement with Utah has removed the financial burden, and the Celtics would be making no serious financial commitment by signing him.
- By signing Maravich, the Celtics would keep him away from Philadelphia. Don't think this isn't a factor.
And here are some negatives:
- Maravich has sustained a major injury to his right knee, and there is no assurance he will hold up.
- By signing Maravich, the Celtics will raise fan expectations to new heights. The team needs more than just a Pete Maravich in order to be a champion. It still would need a frontcourt physical player along the lines of a Kermit Washington, Steve Mix or Paul Silas coming off the bench. But it will be difficult to convince fans that the signing of Maravich isn't a title guarantee.
- If Maravich comes, somebody must go, and this has been a closely knit team. That somebody would be either Eric Fernsten or Jeff Judkins, and it would most likely be the former. Much has been made of the chemistry on this team, and there is no question that the remaining players would feel bad about the plight of their fallen comrade.
- Maravich hasn't played in two months, and it would be anybody's guess when he would be able to help the team.
There is no question that Fitch would be delighted to have Maravich. Fitch has been seeking backcourt help all season, and he often has spoken fondly of Maravich. Nobody bothered to discuss the possibility of Maravich coming to Boston, however, as long as his contract with Utah remained unresolved. As coach, Fitch is prepared to accept the responsibility of having Maravich, which means blending him in with the rest of the team as well as standing up to the fan expectation, which is almost guaranteed to be unrealistically high.
The 76ers had Maravich's knee checked out at the Temple University Hospital by their team physician, and he declared that the knee had come along as any such knee possibly could. But because Maravich would be adding to the team and not taking away in any manner (i.e., nobody would be traded for him), his knee is considered an acceptable risk by the Celtics.
His very presence in Boston last evening indicates a strong desire to be a part of the latest Boston winning tradition. At least, that's the way the Celtics see it. The whole thing is fascinating.
Slumbering through the Schedule
Two straight defeats overall.
Two straight home losses, one by 18 points and the other to a horrible team.
Two straight fourth quarter debacles.
Still hungover from the Texas Triangle?
Just a hiccup along the way to Banner 17?
Not sure.
What does appear to be the case, however, is that as the regular season winds down, Doc will play his top players playoff-type of minutes against the better teams, and far fewer minutes against the lesser teams.
I'm not sure about the wisdom of this approach, but it does seem like a different approach than the one he uttered after the game against New Orleans. While he did say he would "regulate" the starters minutes, he also paid heed to the fact that he needed to play them enough so they wouldn't get out of synch, out of their rhythm.
It's a delicate balance, but that's what they pay Doc to do.
Two straight home losses, one by 18 points and the other to a horrible team.
Two straight fourth quarter debacles.
Still hungover from the Texas Triangle?
Just a hiccup along the way to Banner 17?
Not sure.
What does appear to be the case, however, is that as the regular season winds down, Doc will play his top players playoff-type of minutes against the better teams, and far fewer minutes against the lesser teams.
I'm not sure about the wisdom of this approach, but it does seem like a different approach than the one he uttered after the game against New Orleans. While he did say he would "regulate" the starters minutes, he also paid heed to the fact that he needed to play them enough so they wouldn't get out of synch, out of their rhythm.
It's a delicate balance, but that's what they pay Doc to do.
1986 C's Beat Sixers, Move to 54-13
The Celtics acted like a guy who had bullied his way to the head of the supermarket checkout line, only to discover that the kisser in which he had just planted his elbow belonged to his grandmother.
What they had done was dismantle the 76ers be fore the usual 14,890 witnesses at the Garden yester day afternoon. A late-season game with Philly is sup posed to be a combination of a guerrilla war and a Massachusetts Democratic primary fight. But the fi nal 17 minutes of this matinee contained no viable competition.
The Celtics won by a breezy 118-101 score, and if some of the crowd- pleasing things they pulled off constitute normal behavior at home (where, count ing the games in Hartford, they are now a spiffy 29-1) against Golden State, New York or San Antonio, it was a shock to see it being done to Philadelphia. It was so easy, in fact, that it scared the Celtics, who couldn't find enough good things to say about the humiliated 76ers, a team they are conditioned to re spect.
"I do think we're better," said Danny Ainge, "but today was no indication of how much better. They didn't have Bobby Jones (home with assorted knee and leg problems), and we're playing very well right now. Philadelphia has a lot of talent, and they'll be a force at play-off time."
Robert Parish backed him up. "The last thing I'm going to do," declared The Chief, "is take Philadel phia for granted. They give us a lot of problems, espe cially in Philadelphia. I still think they're the second- best team in the conference."
So these two guys go into the Fletcher School of Diplomacy without passing "Go" or collecting the $200. What the 250th consecutive Garden capacity crowd saw, however, was a definitive demonstration of Boston power, be it land, sea, air or bench. "I think we could beat them," said a brave 76ers coach Matt Guokas, "but we'd have to be at the very top of our game."
Philly's best shot was its first one, and the Celtics laughed at that. With Boston scoring on just one of its first seven possessions, the Sixers moved into such early leads as 6-0, 18-10 and, finally, 21-12. At this point, Jerry Sichting (K.C. Jones wanted to shake things up early) drilled an inside-out jumper to launch what would prove to be a run of 33-14. Though Boston would never lead in the first quarter (27-25, Sixers), the Sixers had to know that the Celt ics were back in control by the period's end.
There was need for only one lead change in this game, and it came in a fitting manner when Larry Bird sauntered up on the left wing and sank the first of his three three-pointers to give the Celtics a lead of 30-29 with 10:15 left in the half. Bird would finish with a respectable 36 points, 14 rebounds and 6 as sists, and before he was through he would conduct a third- period post-up and two-man clinic at the ex pense of the overmatched Charles Barkley that L would delight a gathering aching to ridicule the tem pestuous young Philadelphia star who was sent over by Central Casting to be the villain in this town.
Sichting (5 for 8, 11 points) was instrumental as the Celtics moved to a 45-35 lead. But Philly fought back to within three at the half (53-50), not that any one in the crowd was concerned since Bird had taken his 18 points and 12 rebounds to the bench for the final 4:17 of the half. If there is one thing we know for sure about this rivalry, it's that Philadelphia can not handle Larry Bird.
Philly hung tough a little longer, until a corner fallaway by Moses Malone (a harmless 18 points and 10 rebounds) and a technical foul shot converted by Maurice Cheeks -- Bird had objected to an Ed Rush call and bounced the ball in the general direction of Uranus -- pulled them within 59-57 with 8:23 left in the quarter.
That's as close as the Sixers would get. Kevin McHale (22 points, 6 rebounds, 3 blocks) deftly reject ed a Barkley shot, and when Barkley picked up the ball in the right corner and tried to pitch it into the lane, Bird intercepted it to start a fast break. McHale took an Ainge feed for a basket, and that turned into a three-point play when Barkley was hit with a tech nical. The shockingly ordinary Julius Erving (13 whispering points) answered for Philly, but succesH sive baskets by Dennis Johnson and Ainge (a reverse fast-break layup on a play begun with another McHale rejection) started the Celtics on a 17-5 run.
Bird's abuse of Barkley started with Boston lead ing, 71-63. First he isolated the Sixer forward on the far left, taking him inside for a short flip (73-63). Next time down, he first refused a three-pointer and then isolated him again in the same spot before feed ing McHale for an overhead layup (75-63). But BarkH ley's worst moment lay ahead.
This time Bird and McHale set up shop on a right- side high post. Bird fed into McHale, as Barkley, look ing worried, jumped back to help on McHale. McHale threw it back out and when Bird got it he faked to freeze Barkley and then hit a rolling McHale for an easy layup (77-64).
It was just another day at the office for the game's greatest player. "Larry just played a nice relaxed -- maybe 'poised' is a better word -- game," said Erving. "He took the shots that were there, maybe worked some boards and set up some teammates. He's the leader of a very good team, the best in the league."
The Sixers found out how good in the fourth peri od when, without really moving out of cruise gear, the Celtics expanded a 10-point lead (86-76) to 22 (106-84) before K.C. turned the game over to his so- called Green Team.
If you're counting, that's 20 straight at home (two of those in Hartford), and the show is getting better all the time. "If you're a Celtics fan," observed Guokas, "it's nice to watch."
What they had done was dismantle the 76ers be fore the usual 14,890 witnesses at the Garden yester day afternoon. A late-season game with Philly is sup posed to be a combination of a guerrilla war and a Massachusetts Democratic primary fight. But the fi nal 17 minutes of this matinee contained no viable competition.
The Celtics won by a breezy 118-101 score, and if some of the crowd- pleasing things they pulled off constitute normal behavior at home (where, count ing the games in Hartford, they are now a spiffy 29-1) against Golden State, New York or San Antonio, it was a shock to see it being done to Philadelphia. It was so easy, in fact, that it scared the Celtics, who couldn't find enough good things to say about the humiliated 76ers, a team they are conditioned to re spect.
"I do think we're better," said Danny Ainge, "but today was no indication of how much better. They didn't have Bobby Jones (home with assorted knee and leg problems), and we're playing very well right now. Philadelphia has a lot of talent, and they'll be a force at play-off time."
Robert Parish backed him up. "The last thing I'm going to do," declared The Chief, "is take Philadel phia for granted. They give us a lot of problems, espe cially in Philadelphia. I still think they're the second- best team in the conference."
So these two guys go into the Fletcher School of Diplomacy without passing "Go" or collecting the $200. What the 250th consecutive Garden capacity crowd saw, however, was a definitive demonstration of Boston power, be it land, sea, air or bench. "I think we could beat them," said a brave 76ers coach Matt Guokas, "but we'd have to be at the very top of our game."
Philly's best shot was its first one, and the Celtics laughed at that. With Boston scoring on just one of its first seven possessions, the Sixers moved into such early leads as 6-0, 18-10 and, finally, 21-12. At this point, Jerry Sichting (K.C. Jones wanted to shake things up early) drilled an inside-out jumper to launch what would prove to be a run of 33-14. Though Boston would never lead in the first quarter (27-25, Sixers), the Sixers had to know that the Celt ics were back in control by the period's end.
There was need for only one lead change in this game, and it came in a fitting manner when Larry Bird sauntered up on the left wing and sank the first of his three three-pointers to give the Celtics a lead of 30-29 with 10:15 left in the half. Bird would finish with a respectable 36 points, 14 rebounds and 6 as sists, and before he was through he would conduct a third- period post-up and two-man clinic at the ex pense of the overmatched Charles Barkley that L would delight a gathering aching to ridicule the tem pestuous young Philadelphia star who was sent over by Central Casting to be the villain in this town.
Sichting (5 for 8, 11 points) was instrumental as the Celtics moved to a 45-35 lead. But Philly fought back to within three at the half (53-50), not that any one in the crowd was concerned since Bird had taken his 18 points and 12 rebounds to the bench for the final 4:17 of the half. If there is one thing we know for sure about this rivalry, it's that Philadelphia can not handle Larry Bird.
Philly hung tough a little longer, until a corner fallaway by Moses Malone (a harmless 18 points and 10 rebounds) and a technical foul shot converted by Maurice Cheeks -- Bird had objected to an Ed Rush call and bounced the ball in the general direction of Uranus -- pulled them within 59-57 with 8:23 left in the quarter.
That's as close as the Sixers would get. Kevin McHale (22 points, 6 rebounds, 3 blocks) deftly reject ed a Barkley shot, and when Barkley picked up the ball in the right corner and tried to pitch it into the lane, Bird intercepted it to start a fast break. McHale took an Ainge feed for a basket, and that turned into a three-point play when Barkley was hit with a tech nical. The shockingly ordinary Julius Erving (13 whispering points) answered for Philly, but succesH sive baskets by Dennis Johnson and Ainge (a reverse fast-break layup on a play begun with another McHale rejection) started the Celtics on a 17-5 run.
Bird's abuse of Barkley started with Boston lead ing, 71-63. First he isolated the Sixer forward on the far left, taking him inside for a short flip (73-63). Next time down, he first refused a three-pointer and then isolated him again in the same spot before feed ing McHale for an overhead layup (75-63). But BarkH ley's worst moment lay ahead.
This time Bird and McHale set up shop on a right- side high post. Bird fed into McHale, as Barkley, look ing worried, jumped back to help on McHale. McHale threw it back out and when Bird got it he faked to freeze Barkley and then hit a rolling McHale for an easy layup (77-64).
It was just another day at the office for the game's greatest player. "Larry just played a nice relaxed -- maybe 'poised' is a better word -- game," said Erving. "He took the shots that were there, maybe worked some boards and set up some teammates. He's the leader of a very good team, the best in the league."
The Sixers found out how good in the fourth peri od when, without really moving out of cruise gear, the Celtics expanded a 10-point lead (86-76) to 22 (106-84) before K.C. turned the game over to his so- called Green Team.
If you're counting, that's 20 straight at home (two of those in Hartford), and the show is getting better all the time. "If you're a Celtics fan," observed Guokas, "it's nice to watch."
3.24.2008
Some Russell-Chamberlin Banter
"Felton (Bill Russell) was a great player, but, damn, he was greedy. I'd tell him that, too. He has 11 rings and only 10 fingers. I asked him as recently as four or five years ago, 'Bill why don't you let me have one of those rings that you can't wear?' He gave me that big cackle of his. When you hear him laugh like that, you wonder whether he's laughing with you or laughing at you.
"I knew right then and there he was laughing at me. So I said, maybe I could show you the finger that I'd use for the ring," at which point you might guess which finger Wilt prominently displayed.
Again, hearty laughter from both legendary big men.
Said Russell: "Norman and I spoke a bit at the hotel earlier today. Actually, I drank coffee while he talked."
The laughter resumed.
"I knew right then and there he was laughing at me. So I said, maybe I could show you the finger that I'd use for the ring," at which point you might guess which finger Wilt prominently displayed.
Again, hearty laughter from both legendary big men.
Said Russell: "Norman and I spoke a bit at the hotel earlier today. Actually, I drank coffee while he talked."
The laughter resumed.
3.23.2008
House of Pain
The 1985-86 Boston Celtics were 50-1 at home, including the playoffs. They followed up with a 39-2 encore performance the next year. The Celtics typically built early leads, and then put the games away in the late third or early fourth quarters. Even when the games went down to the wire, the Celtics confidence was sky high that they would emerge the victor, while the opposite was true for their opponent.
If there is a mission over the final 13 games of the season, this is it.
Inflict pain on opponents at home.
At 29-5, Boston owns the second best home record in the NBA (behind Utah). Their final six regular season home games are against Philadelphia, Phoenix, New Orleans, Miami, Indiana, Milwaukee, and New Jersey. The Phoenix and New Orleans games are obviously the biggies. Two home games against two very good teams, and the only two teams that the Celtics have yet to beat this year.
Sounds like a couple more hurdles to clear before we call the regular season a done deal.
Coming off a 4-1 road trip, it would be tempting to say that winning at home isn't that important. But after grinding out 82 regular season games (plus seven pre-season games) and busting their tails to overcome injuries and obstacles in compiling a 60-win season, the Celtics need to keep fighting to defend every advantage they've earned. And the biggest advantage they've earned is the home court.
I'm not encouraged by the Green's last game at home, an 18-point loss to Utah.
Let's see what they do in their next six contests at the Gah-den, or whatever it is we call that building these days.
Update:
Well, I guess losing two straight overall and two straight at home does inflict a certain kind of pain.
Not the pain I had in mind.
But painful nonetheless.
If there is a mission over the final 13 games of the season, this is it.
Inflict pain on opponents at home.
At 29-5, Boston owns the second best home record in the NBA (behind Utah). Their final six regular season home games are against Philadelphia, Phoenix, New Orleans, Miami, Indiana, Milwaukee, and New Jersey. The Phoenix and New Orleans games are obviously the biggies. Two home games against two very good teams, and the only two teams that the Celtics have yet to beat this year.
Sounds like a couple more hurdles to clear before we call the regular season a done deal.
Coming off a 4-1 road trip, it would be tempting to say that winning at home isn't that important. But after grinding out 82 regular season games (plus seven pre-season games) and busting their tails to overcome injuries and obstacles in compiling a 60-win season, the Celtics need to keep fighting to defend every advantage they've earned. And the biggest advantage they've earned is the home court.
I'm not encouraged by the Green's last game at home, an 18-point loss to Utah.
Let's see what they do in their next six contests at the Gah-den, or whatever it is we call that building these days.
Update:
Well, I guess losing two straight overall and two straight at home does inflict a certain kind of pain.
Not the pain I had in mind.
But painful nonetheless.
Rivers to Keep Pedal to the Metal
We are just going to keep playing our guys. Clearly, you want to cut down minutes. Like the Patriots, you don't change what you're doing. You may rest them in games as far as how many minutes they play. But no, you just keep playing because of rhythm. You need rhythm. It's a rhythm game.
--Doc RiversThis will surprise some Celtics fans, and agitate others who want the starters as well rested as possible come tip-off for the first playoff series.
Not me.
The 2007 Dallas Mavericks started the season 61-11. They finished the regular season 67-11, meaning they went 6-4 over their final ten games. Against Golden State, then went 2-4, on their way to losing the first round. It was the most humiliating playoff defeat in NBA history.
One theory was that the Mavs didn't match up well against Golden State, a theory supported by Golden State's regular season dominance over Dallas.
Another theory is that starting with game 72, the Mavs began resting their starters for the playoffs. The team lost it's rhythm, and everything else collapsed of it's own weight.
Regardless of which theory you adopt, the time to win is now. Doc has no intention of "waiting until next year." Despite the fourth-quarter follies against New Orleans, the 4-1 road trip kept the Celtics on their season-long roll.
Why mess with success?
Doc will keep the pedal pressed firmly to the metal until the last playoff game is won.
And well he should.
The playoffs are what it's all about, and we want to keep building momentum until a crescendo is reached in June.
3.22.2008
1986 Cs Outrebounded for First Time in 29 Games
Proof that the Hawks have constructed a first-class frontcourt was furnished by a stat sheet which revealed that Atlanta had become the first team in 29 games to outrebound the Celtics . It wasn't by much (39-38), but since the Celtics have outrebounded recent foes by more than 13 a game, the achievement was significant. And it was particularly telling on the offensive boards, where Atlanta came up with 16 rebounds to Boston's 8.
K.C. Jones switched Kevin McHale onto Dominique Wilkins in the second half, and the move had a positive effect both on the Boston defense and Larry Bird's offense . . . Bill Walton was magnificent with 17 points (5 for 6 from the floor), 9 rebounds, 2 blocks and some stellar defense, but he paid the price with a front tooth. He lost one when hit with an elbow in the third quarter.
K.C. Jones switched Kevin McHale onto Dominique Wilkins in the second half, and the move had a positive effect both on the Boston defense and Larry Bird's offense . . . Bill Walton was magnificent with 17 points (5 for 6 from the floor), 9 rebounds, 2 blocks and some stellar defense, but he paid the price with a front tooth. He lost one when hit with an elbow in the third quarter.
Powe & Jesus Come Out Smokin' against Philly
Jesus with 10 points (4-6), 4 assists in the first nine minutes.
Powe with 12 points (4-4) and five rebounds in first 10 minutes.
Powe with 12 points (4-4) and five rebounds in first 10 minutes.
Another Wolves Writer Weighs in on Taylor
First, let's give Taylor's comments their tiny due. When Garnett was shut down with five games to go last season I don't think I was alone in believing it was at the instigation of team management rather than Garnett himself, despite comments from the front office and KG's agent, Andy Miller, that he was indeed hurt. The statements by Miller and Garnett in response to Taylor's latest charge clearly imply that it was KG who instigated his removal from the lineup, albeit because of legitimate injury rather than a desire to secure a better draft pick by diminishing the ballclub's chances of winning.
But for that miniscule drop of truthful satisfaction, what has Taylor wrought for himself and his franchise? When it comes to tanking, his comments reek of baldfaced hypocrisy. There hasn't been a more blatant example of trying to lose a game that impacted the number of lottery balls a team would receive than the finale of the 2005-06 season, a year before the KG absence that is the subject of Taylor's allegation.
During that game, versus Memphis, the Wolves *benched all their promising young players* down the stretch for the likes of scrubs such as Bracey Wright and Ronnie Dupree, allowed a Memphis opponent an uncontested layup in the waning seconds of regulation, and then had Mark Madsen chuck up seven three-pointers in a double-overtime loss. Mind you, this was all after the ballclub shelved both KG and Ricky Davis due to "injury." My column that night was entitled, "The One-Pointer: Wolves Disgrace Themselves."
Anyone who watched knew exactly what was happening. And now Glen Taylor has the gall to say "I don't like that so much" with respect to tanking, and then drop the anvil on Garnett?
Link to full article.
But for that miniscule drop of truthful satisfaction, what has Taylor wrought for himself and his franchise? When it comes to tanking, his comments reek of baldfaced hypocrisy. There hasn't been a more blatant example of trying to lose a game that impacted the number of lottery balls a team would receive than the finale of the 2005-06 season, a year before the KG absence that is the subject of Taylor's allegation.
During that game, versus Memphis, the Wolves *benched all their promising young players* down the stretch for the likes of scrubs such as Bracey Wright and Ronnie Dupree, allowed a Memphis opponent an uncontested layup in the waning seconds of regulation, and then had Mark Madsen chuck up seven three-pointers in a double-overtime loss. Mind you, this was all after the ballclub shelved both KG and Ricky Davis due to "injury." My column that night was entitled, "The One-Pointer: Wolves Disgrace Themselves."
Anyone who watched knew exactly what was happening. And now Glen Taylor has the gall to say "I don't like that so much" with respect to tanking, and then drop the anvil on Garnett?
Link to full article.
1986 Cs Beat Hawks, Move to 53-13
Jack Madden and Ed Middleton are one-up on Elia Kazan. He only directed "On The Waterfront." Last night these two got to referee it.
And in the decisive fourth period, Madden and Middleton decided that the Celtics were essentially the muggees and the Hawks the muggers. Call after crucial call after crucial non-call went Boston's way as the Celtics came back from a 95-89 three-period deficit on the road against a snarling young foe to put the kids away by a 121-114 score and thus (a) snap Atlanta's seven-game winning streak (b) guarantee a winning road trip and (c) instill a little respect into the Hawks should these clubs meet in the play-offs.
We are talking about a game whose virtues ranged from demonstrations of individual grace (no one, anywhere, can concoct acrobatic shots the way Dominique Wilkins can), to exhibitions of joint intelligence (Larry Bird and Bill Walton on the same team leads to frequent basketball ecstasy), to the enforcement of sheer physical might (the rebound battles shook foundations in Tallahassee).
The Celtics won this game by surviving a majestic 42-point statement by Wilkins, whose 29-point first half was mainly responsible for the Hawks' 66-61 intermission lead, and by making their tired bodies play some serious defense and do some aggressive rebounding in the fourth quarter. These are the games only teams with legitimate class win. Here, after all, was a rested team with young legs (there is no more youthful team in the league), playing at home before a sellout crowd and eager to prove something to themselves by knocking off the only team in the league they had not defeated this season.
At 66-61, they looked good. At 81-74 and 83-76 and 85-78 and 87-80, they looked good. They had answered a Boston blast coming out of the locker room at the start of the third quarter, and they controlled the final nine minutes of the third period. They still looked good at 103-99 (8:19). But they were already in team foul trouble (Boston entered the bonus at 6:41), and when Jerry Sichting (a crucial 4 for 5) stuck a deep corner swisher, Boston was on the way to a 15-4 run over the next 4:23 that put the visitors ahead, 114-107.
The go-ahead sequence was started by Bird (26 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists), who drew a foul on Cliff Levingston after making a spectacular offensive rebound. To Bird's two foul shots was affixed a technical on Levingston. Sichting made that, and the Celtics were ahead to stay at 104-103.
In the next five minutes, the Celtics would go to the line two more times on rebound fouls. The Hawks would have two follow-up baskets negated, one for goaltending (Kevin Willis) and the other via a loose-ball foul. Worse yet for the Hawks, Kevin McHale would not be penalized for blocking a Tree Rollins dunk attempt (114-109), McHale would follow a Bird miss with a gorgeous lefty tap-in (116-109), and, finally, Bird would stick a rusty dagger in their heart with a three-pointer at the 1:02 mark (119-111).
And in the decisive fourth period, Madden and Middleton decided that the Celtics were essentially the muggees and the Hawks the muggers. Call after crucial call after crucial non-call went Boston's way as the Celtics came back from a 95-89 three-period deficit on the road against a snarling young foe to put the kids away by a 121-114 score and thus (a) snap Atlanta's seven-game winning streak (b) guarantee a winning road trip and (c) instill a little respect into the Hawks should these clubs meet in the play-offs.
We are talking about a game whose virtues ranged from demonstrations of individual grace (no one, anywhere, can concoct acrobatic shots the way Dominique Wilkins can), to exhibitions of joint intelligence (Larry Bird and Bill Walton on the same team leads to frequent basketball ecstasy), to the enforcement of sheer physical might (the rebound battles shook foundations in Tallahassee).
The Celtics won this game by surviving a majestic 42-point statement by Wilkins, whose 29-point first half was mainly responsible for the Hawks' 66-61 intermission lead, and by making their tired bodies play some serious defense and do some aggressive rebounding in the fourth quarter. These are the games only teams with legitimate class win. Here, after all, was a rested team with young legs (there is no more youthful team in the league), playing at home before a sellout crowd and eager to prove something to themselves by knocking off the only team in the league they had not defeated this season.
At 66-61, they looked good. At 81-74 and 83-76 and 85-78 and 87-80, they looked good. They had answered a Boston blast coming out of the locker room at the start of the third quarter, and they controlled the final nine minutes of the third period. They still looked good at 103-99 (8:19). But they were already in team foul trouble (Boston entered the bonus at 6:41), and when Jerry Sichting (a crucial 4 for 5) stuck a deep corner swisher, Boston was on the way to a 15-4 run over the next 4:23 that put the visitors ahead, 114-107.
The go-ahead sequence was started by Bird (26 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists), who drew a foul on Cliff Levingston after making a spectacular offensive rebound. To Bird's two foul shots was affixed a technical on Levingston. Sichting made that, and the Celtics were ahead to stay at 104-103.
In the next five minutes, the Celtics would go to the line two more times on rebound fouls. The Hawks would have two follow-up baskets negated, one for goaltending (Kevin Willis) and the other via a loose-ball foul. Worse yet for the Hawks, Kevin McHale would not be penalized for blocking a Tree Rollins dunk attempt (114-109), McHale would follow a Bird miss with a gorgeous lefty tap-in (116-109), and, finally, Bird would stick a rusty dagger in their heart with a three-pointer at the 1:02 mark (119-111).
3.21.2008
Is KG a Flawed Superstar?
Kevin Garnett is an eleven-time NBA All-Star, an eight-time All-NBA selection, and a former MVP. He is the all-time leader in NBA seasons played with averages of at least 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists per game.
He is the best player on a team with by far the best record in the NBA. That team, the Boston Celtics, went from one of the worst defensive teams in the league last year, to the best defensive team in the league this year. The Celtics lead the league in fewest points allowed per game, opponents' field goal percentage, opponents' three-point percentage, and fewest points in the paint allowed per game. KG, along with coach Tom Thibodeau, is given the lion's share of the credit for the Celtics stifling brand of defense.
Las Vegas has the Celtics odds-on-favorites to win their first NBA title in 22 years.
Yet the critics remain.
A Minneapolis sports radio station recently called Garnett a "flawed superstar," because unlike Magic, Bird, Jordan, and Kobe, Garnett doesn't demand the ball in crunch time, and even when he gets the ball during the final minutes, he seems content to pass the ball or shoot jumpers instead of driving to the hoop. This accusation is nothing new, but something critics have been saying for some time.
As the highest paid player on the team, Garnett should not be immune from criticism.
But before we go any further, let's get one thing straight:
There is no such thing as a flawless superstar. Every player, just like every human, has their Achilles heel.
Wilt--Lacked a killer instinct
Walton--Genetics
Bird--Got into bar fights and drank too much beer
Jordan--Quit the Bulls in his prime to play baseball, and liked to gamble
Magic--Forced to cut his career short by risky, off-court behavior
Shaq--Free throws and conditioning
Kobe--Where to start?
And then there is Bill Russell. He of eleven rings fame. Like KG, he wasn't known as an offensive behemoth. As a player-coach, he often read the newspaper on the sidelines while the rest of the team practiced the seven plays from the playbook.
Which brings us to KG. He was an easy target for critics in Minnesota because McHale failed to surround him with any talent, and the one time McHale modestly succeeded in this regard, KG won regular season MVP on his way to taking the Wolves to the WCFs, before an injury to Cassell knocked them out of the playoffs.
This year KG is shattering expectations with the Celtics. Critics inclined to downplay KG's role in the turnaround need look no further than Red Auerbach to assess the greatness of any single player.
Red said he could make a case for any one of four or five players being the best of all time, but the question couldn't really be answered without considering the supporting cast. So not even Red would play favorites by choosing one of his own. Instead, he said it all comes down to the supporting cast.
Is KG still often inclined to pass the ball down the stretch?
Without doubt.
Against San Antonio he had the ball in the final minute with one smaller player guarding him. Did he take the shot? Nope. He passed it to an even more wide open Sam Cassell, who just so happened to be standing behind the arc. Result? Swish. Game over.
Did KG win the game with a drive to the hoop, and an over-under scoop shot that wowed the crowd and will be captured on highlight reels for the rest of eternity? No. But he did make the correct decision, the best decision, and a decision that was celebrated by his teammates and Celtics fans. He'll never get the type of acclaim and fanfare for these plays that Kobe, Michael and LeBron get for flashier shows of offensive prowess. But KG's contributions are just as effective.
Let's not forget the first 43 minutes of the game either. The Celtics have won a league-leading number of games by 20 or more points this year. The same goes for wins by at least 10 points. No one would question that KG elevates his game above the competition during the first three-and-a-half quarters. And if the net result is one blowout win after another, isn't this just as impressive, maybe even more impressive, than one or two game winning shots down the stretch (for one of KG's most impressive early round KOs, look here)?
We know the alternative.
Paul Pierce showed us for several years.
Sticking your head down and plowing through double- and triple-teams is counterproductive, both to your own reputation and to the welfare of the team.
Is KG a flawed superstar?
You bet.
But most of us, including I suspect his present teammates, would prefer the flaw of selflessness to other sins such as gambling, risky sexual behavior, lack of conditioning, beer-drinking, bar-room brawling, and the failure to develop a killer instinct.
He is the best player on a team with by far the best record in the NBA. That team, the Boston Celtics, went from one of the worst defensive teams in the league last year, to the best defensive team in the league this year. The Celtics lead the league in fewest points allowed per game, opponents' field goal percentage, opponents' three-point percentage, and fewest points in the paint allowed per game. KG, along with coach Tom Thibodeau, is given the lion's share of the credit for the Celtics stifling brand of defense.
Las Vegas has the Celtics odds-on-favorites to win their first NBA title in 22 years.
Yet the critics remain.
A Minneapolis sports radio station recently called Garnett a "flawed superstar," because unlike Magic, Bird, Jordan, and Kobe, Garnett doesn't demand the ball in crunch time, and even when he gets the ball during the final minutes, he seems content to pass the ball or shoot jumpers instead of driving to the hoop. This accusation is nothing new, but something critics have been saying for some time.
As the highest paid player on the team, Garnett should not be immune from criticism.
But before we go any further, let's get one thing straight:
There is no such thing as a flawless superstar. Every player, just like every human, has their Achilles heel.
Wilt--Lacked a killer instinct
Walton--Genetics
Bird--Got into bar fights and drank too much beer
Jordan--Quit the Bulls in his prime to play baseball, and liked to gamble
Magic--Forced to cut his career short by risky, off-court behavior
Shaq--Free throws and conditioning
Kobe--Where to start?
And then there is Bill Russell. He of eleven rings fame. Like KG, he wasn't known as an offensive behemoth. As a player-coach, he often read the newspaper on the sidelines while the rest of the team practiced the seven plays from the playbook.
Which brings us to KG. He was an easy target for critics in Minnesota because McHale failed to surround him with any talent, and the one time McHale modestly succeeded in this regard, KG won regular season MVP on his way to taking the Wolves to the WCFs, before an injury to Cassell knocked them out of the playoffs.
This year KG is shattering expectations with the Celtics. Critics inclined to downplay KG's role in the turnaround need look no further than Red Auerbach to assess the greatness of any single player.
Red said he could make a case for any one of four or five players being the best of all time, but the question couldn't really be answered without considering the supporting cast. So not even Red would play favorites by choosing one of his own. Instead, he said it all comes down to the supporting cast.
Is KG still often inclined to pass the ball down the stretch?
Without doubt.
Against San Antonio he had the ball in the final minute with one smaller player guarding him. Did he take the shot? Nope. He passed it to an even more wide open Sam Cassell, who just so happened to be standing behind the arc. Result? Swish. Game over.
Did KG win the game with a drive to the hoop, and an over-under scoop shot that wowed the crowd and will be captured on highlight reels for the rest of eternity? No. But he did make the correct decision, the best decision, and a decision that was celebrated by his teammates and Celtics fans. He'll never get the type of acclaim and fanfare for these plays that Kobe, Michael and LeBron get for flashier shows of offensive prowess. But KG's contributions are just as effective.
Let's not forget the first 43 minutes of the game either. The Celtics have won a league-leading number of games by 20 or more points this year. The same goes for wins by at least 10 points. No one would question that KG elevates his game above the competition during the first three-and-a-half quarters. And if the net result is one blowout win after another, isn't this just as impressive, maybe even more impressive, than one or two game winning shots down the stretch (for one of KG's most impressive early round KOs, look here)?
We know the alternative.
Paul Pierce showed us for several years.
Sticking your head down and plowing through double- and triple-teams is counterproductive, both to your own reputation and to the welfare of the team.
Is KG a flawed superstar?
You bet.
But most of us, including I suspect his present teammates, would prefer the flaw of selflessness to other sins such as gambling, risky sexual behavior, lack of conditioning, beer-drinking, bar-room brawling, and the failure to develop a killer instinct.
Wolves Beat Writers Reflect on KG's Flaws
St. Paul Pioneer Press
May 12, 2007
Section: Sports
BODY SHOTS: KEVIN GARNETT
Eyes: In "Rocky III," Apollo Creed told Rocky Balboa to regain "that eye of the tiger." K.G. needs to find the same thing in the fourth quarter. Generally, Garnett appears content to let somebody else take the big shot at the end. Could you imagine Michael Jordan doing that? K.G. has been labeled a superstar, but true superstars want the game's outcome in their hands.
Ears: Garnett certainly can't complain that his ears hurt from all the noise made by raucous crowds at Target Center this season. The decibel level was down all season because Garnett and the Wolves struggled to finish 32-50. What Garnett should hear is more reality from Wittman and less coddling from management. He needs to hear from the front office that he needs to take the team's failures personally and stop waiting for help.
Heart: Nobody has accused Garnett of lacking heart ... but should we? Something inside him is lacking, because too often he shoots jumpers instead of driving to the basket. Garnett could have increased his 22.4-point scoring average this season had he drawn more than 6.6 free throws a game. He was 17th in the NBA in scoring, but only two players shot fewer free throws a game -- 6-foot-5 Ray Allen (5.6) and 6-7 Joe Johnson (5.5).
Star Tribune
June 28, 2007
Section: SPORTS
Patrick Reusse
Garnett let little Troy Hudson deliver the fourth-quarter daggers Monday, content with one more selfless game on his way to the Hall of Fame. Garnett had 24 points, 16 rebounds and six assists, but he never forced a thing Monday at the Garden. He never does.
I'd trade all those emotional displays we see from KG in the fourth quarter of a close game for a single non-stop foray to the basket in the final seconds. What we get is the 16-foot jumper that bangs off the iron, followed by Kevin's familiar, head-hanging walk off the court.Yes, he shows up and gives it an effort every night, and he has an enviable all-around game. But it doesn't change this: If Garnett was as good in the clutch as a Duncan, James, Wade or Bosh, the Wolves wouldn't have returned to the 30s in victories.
May 12, 2007
Section: Sports
BODY SHOTS: KEVIN GARNETT
Eyes: In "Rocky III," Apollo Creed told Rocky Balboa to regain "that eye of the tiger." K.G. needs to find the same thing in the fourth quarter. Generally, Garnett appears content to let somebody else take the big shot at the end. Could you imagine Michael Jordan doing that? K.G. has been labeled a superstar, but true superstars want the game's outcome in their hands.
Ears: Garnett certainly can't complain that his ears hurt from all the noise made by raucous crowds at Target Center this season. The decibel level was down all season because Garnett and the Wolves struggled to finish 32-50. What Garnett should hear is more reality from Wittman and less coddling from management. He needs to hear from the front office that he needs to take the team's failures personally and stop waiting for help.
Heart: Nobody has accused Garnett of lacking heart ... but should we? Something inside him is lacking, because too often he shoots jumpers instead of driving to the basket. Garnett could have increased his 22.4-point scoring average this season had he drawn more than 6.6 free throws a game. He was 17th in the NBA in scoring, but only two players shot fewer free throws a game -- 6-foot-5 Ray Allen (5.6) and 6-7 Joe Johnson (5.5).
Star Tribune
June 28, 2007
Section: SPORTS
Patrick Reusse
Garnett let little Troy Hudson deliver the fourth-quarter daggers Monday, content with one more selfless game on his way to the Hall of Fame. Garnett had 24 points, 16 rebounds and six assists, but he never forced a thing Monday at the Garden. He never does.
I'd trade all those emotional displays we see from KG in the fourth quarter of a close game for a single non-stop foray to the basket in the final seconds. What we get is the 16-foot jumper that bangs off the iron, followed by Kevin's familiar, head-hanging walk off the court.Yes, he shows up and gives it an effort every night, and he has an enviable all-around game. But it doesn't change this: If Garnett was as good in the clutch as a Duncan, James, Wade or Bosh, the Wolves wouldn't have returned to the 30s in victories.
MVP
I wrote last week that the MVP race could be very well determined by the four games against San Antonio, Houston, Dallas, and New Orleans.
At this point, I'm not sure what could be gained by waiting for the outcome of the last game tomorrow night.
Kevin Garnett has led the charge on this road trip like he has all season. He set the tempo for the team's focus and intensity level. He quarterbacked the defense in three consecutive clamp-down, stifling performances. He held Duncan to 10 points for the game, and combined with James Posey to shut down Dirk in the fourth quarter last night.
He's proven to be a virtually unstoppable force on offense, except of course when he misses. He shoots unblockable shots, and intimidates opponents at both ends of the court. He keeps defenses wrong footed with passing deftness, and makes them pay for double-teams. He is the team's top cheerleader on the court and on the bench. He is the spiritual center of one of the most tightly-bonded units in recent NBA history.
He is at once the heart and soul of the Boston Celtics.
In short, KG's the best player on the best team.
Kevin Garnett is the MVP.
KG Goes Shaq on Taylor
I never liked Shaq much, but the guy was McHalesque in his ability to generate memorable quotes.
KG appears to have borrowed from the Diesel on the below shot at his former boss.
"I have no comments about that" Garnett said regarding the league reprimanding Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor for his comments that the NBA's most intense player and former MVP tanked some games last year.
But then the Ticket dropped this depth charge:
"There is a saying in Japan, sayonara."
KG appears to have borrowed from the Diesel on the below shot at his former boss.
"I have no comments about that" Garnett said regarding the league reprimanding Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor for his comments that the NBA's most intense player and former MVP tanked some games last year.
But then the Ticket dropped this depth charge:
"There is a saying in Japan, sayonara."
Taylor Throws Another Dig at Garnett
What I wrote below was largely based on discussions between Minneapolis sports writers on KFAN radio.
Now some of those discussions are seeping into print.
Most of it confirms what I said.
For example:
Garnett said he didn't want to play a limited role and that he doesn't prepare to play with anything less than 100 percent effort for a full 82-game season. In what turned out to be his final two games with the Wolves, Garnett played just 32 and 34 minutes, among his lowest totals of the season. "There's no indication to me that that's why he's shutting it down," Wittman said at the time. "He's a guy that wants to play, there's no question about that."
When pushed to clarify his earlier tanking comments, Taylor added this oblique shot at Garnett:
It's so much more fun to see a bunch of guys working up close to their ability. I'm telling you they can be better. Randy tells you that, too. We can play better defense. That's more fun than to see a bunch of guys that have way more ability and wouldn't pass the ball and wouldn't get down to the end of a game and put the pressure on opponents.
And like I wrote yesterday, Taylor said in a radio interview that KG was an overrated defender, which, I guess, isn't a surprise now that we know Taylor believed KG didn't play much defense in the fourth quarter.
Hey, Glen, does ya understands that when yous makes these statements about KG, the entire NBA is listening?
You know, the entire NBA, including prospective free agents over the next couple of summers?
Talk about biting off your nose to spite your face.
Idiot.
Now some of those discussions are seeping into print.
Most of it confirms what I said.
For example:
Garnett said he didn't want to play a limited role and that he doesn't prepare to play with anything less than 100 percent effort for a full 82-game season. In what turned out to be his final two games with the Wolves, Garnett played just 32 and 34 minutes, among his lowest totals of the season. "There's no indication to me that that's why he's shutting it down," Wittman said at the time. "He's a guy that wants to play, there's no question about that."
When pushed to clarify his earlier tanking comments, Taylor added this oblique shot at Garnett:
It's so much more fun to see a bunch of guys working up close to their ability. I'm telling you they can be better. Randy tells you that, too. We can play better defense. That's more fun than to see a bunch of guys that have way more ability and wouldn't pass the ball and wouldn't get down to the end of a game and put the pressure on opponents.
And like I wrote yesterday, Taylor said in a radio interview that KG was an overrated defender, which, I guess, isn't a surprise now that we know Taylor believed KG didn't play much defense in the fourth quarter.
Hey, Glen, does ya understands that when yous makes these statements about KG, the entire NBA is listening?
You know, the entire NBA, including prospective free agents over the next couple of summers?
Talk about biting off your nose to spite your face.
Idiot.
KG, Taylor, & Tanking: A Post-Mortem
The word on the local Minneapolis radio stations is that Timberwolves Owner Glen Taylor did in fact have a discussion with Kevin Garnett about playing time before the last five games of the 2006-2007 NBA Season. If you believe the reports, the discussion went something like this:
Taylor: Kevin, I wanted to talk with you about the next five games. We'd like to see our younger guys play more and that will mean you playing less.
KG: I'm listening.
Taylor: This could mean you playing as little as five to ten minutes per game and no more than 18-20 minutes per game.
KG: I'm not interested in doing that.
Taylor: Well, you do what you need to do.
KG: Got it.
And with that, KG left the Twin Cities for the remainder of the season.
Reading between the lines, it is clear what was going on in the Land of the Timberpuppies.
For the second time in as many seasons, Minnesota's NBA life had been reduced to playing for ping-pong balls. As Celtics fans well know, playing for ping-pong balls means losing games to increase your chances at getting the top pick in the draft. As Celtics fans also know, the Timberwolves weren't the only team vying (losing) for ping-pong balls, which meant even a single win could represent a major setback against the other teams also vying (losing) for the top pick.
This background, of course, puts Taylor's "tanking" accusations in their proper light.
The Wolves were going to do everything in their power to drop the last five games, and Garnett was either with them or against them.
KG wanted no part of the farce. Garnett doesn’t pretend to compete.
So instead of manning-up to what really transpired, ie., team executives and management conspiring to lose games in hopes of getting the top pick, Taylor now blames Garnett for faking an injury to miss five games he allegedly didn't want to play.
"Gutless Weasel" is a phrase that doesn’t even begin to do Taylor justice.
Taylor: Kevin, I wanted to talk with you about the next five games. We'd like to see our younger guys play more and that will mean you playing less.
KG: I'm listening.
Taylor: This could mean you playing as little as five to ten minutes per game and no more than 18-20 minutes per game.
KG: I'm not interested in doing that.
Taylor: Well, you do what you need to do.
KG: Got it.
And with that, KG left the Twin Cities for the remainder of the season.
Reading between the lines, it is clear what was going on in the Land of the Timberpuppies.
For the second time in as many seasons, Minnesota's NBA life had been reduced to playing for ping-pong balls. As Celtics fans well know, playing for ping-pong balls means losing games to increase your chances at getting the top pick in the draft. As Celtics fans also know, the Timberwolves weren't the only team vying (losing) for ping-pong balls, which meant even a single win could represent a major setback against the other teams also vying (losing) for the top pick.
This background, of course, puts Taylor's "tanking" accusations in their proper light.
The Wolves were going to do everything in their power to drop the last five games, and Garnett was either with them or against them.
KG wanted no part of the farce. Garnett doesn’t pretend to compete.
So instead of manning-up to what really transpired, ie., team executives and management conspiring to lose games in hopes of getting the top pick, Taylor now blames Garnett for faking an injury to miss five games he allegedly didn't want to play.
"Gutless Weasel" is a phrase that doesn’t even begin to do Taylor justice.
The Maestro Strikes Again
Ray Allen, playing his first game since bruising his ankle last Friday against Milwaukee, scored 21 points on 7-of-17 shooting. Rivers said Allen looked rusty and sat him most of the fourth quarter, putting him in with Dallas up, 87-86, with 1:54 remaining. With 33.1 seconds left, Allen nailed a running 3-pointer to put Boston up, 90-88. "The play Doc drew up brought me to the ball and the shot fell," Allen said.
--Boston Globe
Now I wonder whether Ray would have hit that shot if he had played the entire 4th quarter?
No one knows the answer, of course.
But we do know that a rested Ray Allen is deadly.
Doc makes the right call...again
--Boston Globe
Now I wonder whether Ray would have hit that shot if he had played the entire 4th quarter?
No one knows the answer, of course.
But we do know that a rested Ray Allen is deadly.
Doc makes the right call...again
Cassell: Hopefully Our Defense Will Take us Where We Need to Go
None of them were easy. We had to play our asses off to get where we are. But it ain't over yet. We know New Orleans is going to be ready for us. Hopefully, our defense will take us to where we have to go.
--Sam Cassell
++
Very interesting coming from he who supposedly doesn't play a lick of D.
Even before he made this statement, you could see he was on board with the need to play defense. His hands have been very active, both in passing lanes and for opposing players taking shots within Cassell's reach.
Doc must be noticing, too:
“I made a decision in the middle of the third quarter that this was not going to be an offensive game, and whatever unit was playing the best defense I was going to stay with,” Rivers said. “You think about it, we had Sam (Cassell) on the floor over Rajon (Rondo) for defense. It wasn’t that Sam was great defensively. It’s just that for whatever reason that five clicked defensively, so we just stayed pat.”
--Sam Cassell
++
Very interesting coming from he who supposedly doesn't play a lick of D.
Even before he made this statement, you could see he was on board with the need to play defense. His hands have been very active, both in passing lanes and for opposing players taking shots within Cassell's reach.
Doc must be noticing, too:
“I made a decision in the middle of the third quarter that this was not going to be an offensive game, and whatever unit was playing the best defense I was going to stay with,” Rivers said. “You think about it, we had Sam (Cassell) on the floor over Rajon (Rondo) for defense. It wasn’t that Sam was great defensively. It’s just that for whatever reason that five clicked defensively, so we just stayed pat.”
3.20.2008
55-13
Losing this game would have been the easy thing to do.
They had every ready-made excuse at their fingertips.
Couldn't hit the side of a barn all night (34% from the field)
Missed dunk by Garnett down the stretch
Missed free throws by Pierce
Tired legs
Already won the Big Games on the Trip
But they just wouldn't lose.
They literally willed themselves over the top on this one.
Ray Baby with the dagger-in-your-heart three, and Posey and Garnett with the nerveless free-throws to put the game on ice.
Link
Be proud, Celtics Nation.
You team has heart. Your team has will. Your team has it.
They had every ready-made excuse at their fingertips.
Couldn't hit the side of a barn all night (34% from the field)
Missed dunk by Garnett down the stretch
Missed free throws by Pierce
Tired legs
Already won the Big Games on the Trip
But they just wouldn't lose.
They literally willed themselves over the top on this one.
Ray Baby with the dagger-in-your-heart three, and Posey and Garnett with the nerveless free-throws to put the game on ice.
Link
Be proud, Celtics Nation.
You team has heart. Your team has will. Your team has it.
3.19.2008
What Minnesota Papers said in May 2007 about the KG Shut Down
GARNETT PLAYING LESS:
WITTMAN WANTS YOUNGSTERS TO GET EXPERIENCE
RICK ALONZO
Pioneer Press
April 10, 2007
Wittman and Garnett discussed the forward's playing time and the coach's desire to play Smith, McCants and Foye more down the stretch, which requires a delicate balance because Garnett is competitive and averse to having his playing time reduced.
Before the Toronto game, Wittman said it doesn't make sense to play Garnett his average of almost 40 minutes a game with just a handful of regular-season games left. Garnett was frustrated after he played 32 minutes, his third fewest of the season, in a two-point loss to the Hornets on Saturday night.
"I don't prepare every season to play 76, 70 games," Garnett said after Monday morning's shootaround. "If they want me to do that (play reduced minutes), then they'll have to come and ask me that themselves. But whenever I prepare, it's for 48-plus minutes. Nothing more. Nothing less than that. If they want to play the young guys and sit us (veterans) down, then so be it, but tell me that ahead of time and be up front about it."
Garnett said he believes Smith, Foye and McCants can learn more from playing with him on the court, not from having KG watch them play from the bench. "If anything, young guys are going to get better when they play with you versus without you, but hey, they say they know what they're doing here."
St. Paul Pioneer Press (MN)
Copyright 2007 Saint Paul Pioneer Press
May 12, 2007
Section: Sports
BODY SHOTS: KEVIN GARNETT
With five games left this season, Garnett is headed home to Malibu with a quadriceps injury. This decision was made shortly after he complained to Taylor and McHale about his minutes being reduced because the team wanted to give the younger guys more playing time (to secure a high draft pick).
St. Paul Pioneer Press (MN)
Copyright 2007 Saint Paul Pioneer Press
April 13, 2007
Section: Sports
WITTMAN SAYS HE BELIEVES GARNETT: COACH SEES NO REASON TO QUESTION STAR'S INJURY
RICK ALONZO, Pioneer Press
Timberwolves coach Randy Wittman said Thursday he takes Kevin Garnett at his word that the star forward stopped playing because of an injury and that there wasn't a bigger message being delivered.
The team's front office already had said Wednesday, when the right quadriceps injury was suddenly announced, that this wasn't a ploy to secure a lottery pick in the NBA draft. If the Wolves don't get for a top 10 pick, pending the results of the draft lottery next month, it would go to the Los Angeles Clippers, as part of a 2005 trade.
The timing of all this raised questions, considering Garnett recently had voiced frustration about the team trimming his minutes.
After a game last week, Garnett said he didn't want to play a limited role. Wittman met with Garnett and explained he wants the team's young players to play more and gain experience. Later, Garnett believed the younger players could learn more playing alongside him.
Garnett has said he doesn't prepare to play with anything less than 100 percent effort for a full 82-game season. Garnett played just 32 and 34 minutes in his past two games, among his lowest totals of the season.
"He's got more heart than anybody else that I've seen of wanting to play and play every game like it's his last," Whitman said. "I respect guys if they do have that mentality. It's not an exhibition game where you play one quarter and sit a quarter. This is the regular season."
The announcement regarding Garnett's status came less than 48 hours after the Wolves were eliminated from playoff contention.
Last season, the Wolves shut down Garnett for the final six games of the regular season because of right knee tendinitis. Ricky Davis was sidelined, too, because of a strained left groin. In reality, the team held out Garnett and Davis to give playing time to younger players.
The Wolves were out of contention for a playoff berth last season, too, and in the final game of the season, they assured themselves of a top 10 draft pick when they lost to the Memphis Grizzlies. The Wolves needed to lose the game to guarantee that the Clippers would not receive the conditional first-round pick from the 2005 trade.
This time, the Wolves lost Wednesday's game against Dallas without Garnett, and they might be without him for their remaining four games. The Clippers aren't saying publicly that they're upset about the Wolves' situation.
"I would definitely say you've got to take care of your own business, but it's disappointing if an organization doesn't want to win," said Clippers forward Elton Brand, not commenting specifically on the Wolves, of teams trying to improve their draft status by going less than all-out to win games, as quoted by the Los Angeles Times.
"We've got teams coming up that don't have a chance to be in the playoffs," Brand said, "but I don't expect them to roll over for a draft pick or whatever. An organization, coaches and players should always want to win regardless of what went on earlier in a season."
Garnett's absence against Golden State next week could hurt the Clippers on another front, because they are locked in a race with Golden State and the New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets to make the playoffs. Golden State might have an easier time beating the Wolves than they would if Garnett played.
The Clippers began Thursday trailing Golden State by a half-game in the race for the Western Conference's eighth and final playoff spot. The Clippers' lead on the Hornets was a half-game.
The Hornets beat Minnesota 96-94 last week, a game in which Garnett played 32 minutes, his fewest minutes since the all-star break. After Minnesota went into the fourth quarter trailing by five points, Garnett didn't play until 5:42 remained and the Wolves trailed 86-80.
After that game, Wittman said he wanted his young players to learn to play in tough situations.
St. Paul Pioneer Press (MN)
Copyright 2007 Saint Paul Pioneer Press
April 12, 2007
Section: Sports
GARNETT MIGHT BE SHUT DOWN: STAR ALSO SIDELINED LATE LAST SEASON
RICK ALONZO
In a statement released by the team, Garnett said: "After talking with (McHale) and our medical staff, I realized that it's in my best interest to put my body first. I need to take this matter more seriously than I have been. I want to make sure that I correct this for the future, so that it is not an ongoing problem."
The Wolves shut down Garnett for the final six games of last season, saying he had right knee tendinitis. But with the team out of the playoff race, public perception was that the move was made to protect a conditional draft pick and to provide more playing time for young players.
The Clippers are due to receive Minnesota's first-round pick if the Wolves fall out of the top 10 following the results of the May 22 NBA draft lottery. The more Wolves losses, the better their odds of keeping the first-round pick.
WITTMAN WANTS YOUNGSTERS TO GET EXPERIENCE
RICK ALONZO
Pioneer Press
April 10, 2007
Wittman and Garnett discussed the forward's playing time and the coach's desire to play Smith, McCants and Foye more down the stretch, which requires a delicate balance because Garnett is competitive and averse to having his playing time reduced.
Before the Toronto game, Wittman said it doesn't make sense to play Garnett his average of almost 40 minutes a game with just a handful of regular-season games left. Garnett was frustrated after he played 32 minutes, his third fewest of the season, in a two-point loss to the Hornets on Saturday night.
"I don't prepare every season to play 76, 70 games," Garnett said after Monday morning's shootaround. "If they want me to do that (play reduced minutes), then they'll have to come and ask me that themselves. But whenever I prepare, it's for 48-plus minutes. Nothing more. Nothing less than that. If they want to play the young guys and sit us (veterans) down, then so be it, but tell me that ahead of time and be up front about it."
Garnett said he believes Smith, Foye and McCants can learn more from playing with him on the court, not from having KG watch them play from the bench. "If anything, young guys are going to get better when they play with you versus without you, but hey, they say they know what they're doing here."
St. Paul Pioneer Press (MN)
Copyright 2007 Saint Paul Pioneer Press
May 12, 2007
Section: Sports
BODY SHOTS: KEVIN GARNETT
With five games left this season, Garnett is headed home to Malibu with a quadriceps injury. This decision was made shortly after he complained to Taylor and McHale about his minutes being reduced because the team wanted to give the younger guys more playing time (to secure a high draft pick).
St. Paul Pioneer Press (MN)
Copyright 2007 Saint Paul Pioneer Press
April 13, 2007
Section: Sports
WITTMAN SAYS HE BELIEVES GARNETT: COACH SEES NO REASON TO QUESTION STAR'S INJURY
RICK ALONZO, Pioneer Press
Timberwolves coach Randy Wittman said Thursday he takes Kevin Garnett at his word that the star forward stopped playing because of an injury and that there wasn't a bigger message being delivered.
The team's front office already had said Wednesday, when the right quadriceps injury was suddenly announced, that this wasn't a ploy to secure a lottery pick in the NBA draft. If the Wolves don't get for a top 10 pick, pending the results of the draft lottery next month, it would go to the Los Angeles Clippers, as part of a 2005 trade.
The timing of all this raised questions, considering Garnett recently had voiced frustration about the team trimming his minutes.
After a game last week, Garnett said he didn't want to play a limited role. Wittman met with Garnett and explained he wants the team's young players to play more and gain experience. Later, Garnett believed the younger players could learn more playing alongside him.
Garnett has said he doesn't prepare to play with anything less than 100 percent effort for a full 82-game season. Garnett played just 32 and 34 minutes in his past two games, among his lowest totals of the season.
"He's got more heart than anybody else that I've seen of wanting to play and play every game like it's his last," Whitman said. "I respect guys if they do have that mentality. It's not an exhibition game where you play one quarter and sit a quarter. This is the regular season."
The announcement regarding Garnett's status came less than 48 hours after the Wolves were eliminated from playoff contention.
Last season, the Wolves shut down Garnett for the final six games of the regular season because of right knee tendinitis. Ricky Davis was sidelined, too, because of a strained left groin. In reality, the team held out Garnett and Davis to give playing time to younger players.
The Wolves were out of contention for a playoff berth last season, too, and in the final game of the season, they assured themselves of a top 10 draft pick when they lost to the Memphis Grizzlies. The Wolves needed to lose the game to guarantee that the Clippers would not receive the conditional first-round pick from the 2005 trade.
This time, the Wolves lost Wednesday's game against Dallas without Garnett, and they might be without him for their remaining four games. The Clippers aren't saying publicly that they're upset about the Wolves' situation.
"I would definitely say you've got to take care of your own business, but it's disappointing if an organization doesn't want to win," said Clippers forward Elton Brand, not commenting specifically on the Wolves, of teams trying to improve their draft status by going less than all-out to win games, as quoted by the Los Angeles Times.
"We've got teams coming up that don't have a chance to be in the playoffs," Brand said, "but I don't expect them to roll over for a draft pick or whatever. An organization, coaches and players should always want to win regardless of what went on earlier in a season."
Garnett's absence against Golden State next week could hurt the Clippers on another front, because they are locked in a race with Golden State and the New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets to make the playoffs. Golden State might have an easier time beating the Wolves than they would if Garnett played.
The Clippers began Thursday trailing Golden State by a half-game in the race for the Western Conference's eighth and final playoff spot. The Clippers' lead on the Hornets was a half-game.
The Hornets beat Minnesota 96-94 last week, a game in which Garnett played 32 minutes, his fewest minutes since the all-star break. After Minnesota went into the fourth quarter trailing by five points, Garnett didn't play until 5:42 remained and the Wolves trailed 86-80.
After that game, Wittman said he wanted his young players to learn to play in tough situations.
St. Paul Pioneer Press (MN)
Copyright 2007 Saint Paul Pioneer Press
April 12, 2007
Section: Sports
GARNETT MIGHT BE SHUT DOWN: STAR ALSO SIDELINED LATE LAST SEASON
RICK ALONZO
In a statement released by the team, Garnett said: "After talking with (McHale) and our medical staff, I realized that it's in my best interest to put my body first. I need to take this matter more seriously than I have been. I want to make sure that I correct this for the future, so that it is not an ongoing problem."
The Wolves shut down Garnett for the final six games of last season, saying he had right knee tendinitis. But with the team out of the playoff race, public perception was that the move was made to protect a conditional draft pick and to provide more playing time for young players.
The Clippers are due to receive Minnesota's first-round pick if the Wolves fall out of the top 10 following the results of the May 22 NBA draft lottery. The more Wolves losses, the better their odds of keeping the first-round pick.
Assists Per Basket Down in Texas
As we head into games three and four of this brutal road trip, it is worth noting that the Celtics have won the last two games despite the fact that they are only averaging slightly more than 15 assists on 36 baskets. Over the season, the C's are averaging more than 22 assists per 36 field goals.
We've seen this before where the Celtics share the ball less effectively on the road than they do at home.
I'd like our chances of winning the next two games more if we could get our assist totals above 24 or so.
Interestingly, the Celtics tallied only 13 assists on 33 baskets in the earlier game against Dallas. Dallas posted 20 assists in that game, and also outrebounded (40-37) and outshot (44% to 43%) the Celtics.
We've seen this before where the Celtics share the ball less effectively on the road than they do at home.
I'd like our chances of winning the next two games more if we could get our assist totals above 24 or so.
Interestingly, the Celtics tallied only 13 assists on 33 baskets in the earlier game against Dallas. Dallas posted 20 assists in that game, and also outrebounded (40-37) and outshot (44% to 43%) the Celtics.
Kobe for MVP
Bryant has been terrific and deserving, surpassing career averages in field goal and three-point shooting, steals, assists and rebounds. He's taking fewer shots than at any time in his previous six seasons but is second in the league in scoring (to James), averaging 28.2 points per game. His rebounding (6.0) is his best in five years (6.9 in 2002-03), his field-goal shooting (46 percent) is his highest in six years (47 in 2001-02), steals (2.0) second most in his career (2.2 in '02-03).
At 29, a year older than when Jordan won his first championship with the Bulls, Bryant is right there, the best player in the NBA and the player who overwhelmingly should be voted MVP.
++
Needless to say, I didn't pen this.
The MVP BS continues...
At 29, a year older than when Jordan won his first championship with the Bulls, Bryant is right there, the best player in the NBA and the player who overwhelmingly should be voted MVP.
++
Needless to say, I didn't pen this.
The MVP BS continues...
1986 Cs Beat Spurs, Move to 52-13
Was it something vaguely like this in the old pre-radio and pre-TV days, when vaudevillians and acting companies and concert performers endlessly crisscrossed the country, bringing otherwise unobtainable entertainment to the locals?
After all, what are the Celtics these days but an entertainment troupe? And what is Larry Bird but a Ted Lewis, a Galli-Curci or a Barrymore? They are an attraction, and he is an Attraction! Last night the attraction shot a surrealistic 80 percent (32 for 40) in the first half while pounding the short-handed Spurs by a 135-119 score, even as the Attraction! was electrifying his followers by shooting a perfect 11 for 11, by making four three-point shots and scoring 31 points -- all in the first half.
Bird/The Attraction! made certain that the 14,218 Hemisfair fans would go home talking about his annual visit; that's for sure. "In the first half," said San Antonio's Jeff Lamp, "Bird was a joke, an absolute joke. The thing that makes him so great, apart from his feel for the game, is his versatility. He hit four three-pointers in the half, but the majority of his points were scored by posting up."
His first offensive burst certainly got everyone's attention. With the Celtics trailing, 8-6, following some early sparring, he gave them a nonrefundable lead by scoring eight points in four consecutive possessions totaling 68 seconds. He started with two free throws. He then came down on a transition and swished a three-pointer on the right wing. When the Spurs missed, he came down on the transition and threw up another three-pointer from the same spot, only this time off the dribble. Another swish. That's eight quickies. David Greenwood answered with a jumper, but Bird promptly took a feed from Dennis Johnson on a right-to-left cut and laid the ball in left- handed.
The Celtics went on to shoot 76 percent in the period (Kevin McHale and DJ were also stroking it nicely), but were still ahead by a mere three points as late as 35-32 (1:25 remaining) for two reasons.
The first was a penchant for turnovers that would reach absurd proportions by halftime, when the stat sheet revealed that Boston had handed San Antonio 20 points via 16 turnovers. The second was that, as of this moment, there is no indication that McHale realized he was supposed to be guarding first Mike Mitchell (30) and then Lamp (25), most of whose combined 34 first-half points came on simple, open H-O-R-S-E jumpers.
Here are two views on the turnovers. First, losing coach Cotton Fitzsimmons: "We played hard, and it's a good thing. The way they were shooting, without the turnovers, we could have been down by 40 at the half." Secondly, Bird: "It was just a matter of guys not moving to the ball."
The fact remains that despite this dazzling Boston shooting, the biggest first-half margin was 13 (at 49-36 and 52-39, both the results of Bird second- quarter three-pointers), and it took a second-chance buzzer-beater by McHale to send the Celtics into the locker room up by 11 (a startling 80-69) at the half. The Celtics had shot so well that San Antonio's Jeff Wilkins had the only three defensive rebounds available to his team.
So there was still a game to be won, despite Bird's ridiculous halftime numbers (including six multiple-point shots). But it did not take too long for the Celtics to eliminate the suspense. Quick baskets by Robert Parish (17 points), Danny Ainge (10), Parish and DJ (15) boosted the lead to 19, and you didn't need your PhD in Hoopology to know that a San Antonio team playing without Artis Gilmore (pulled hamstring) and Steve Johnson (bone spurs in his left ankle) wasn't coming back against this Celtics squad.
The only question left was, "What else can, or will, Bird do?" The answer was, "Not much." He didn't shoot until the 4:33 mark of the quarter, when he sank a running lefty hook. Some 39 seconds later, he missed his only shot of the night, a three-pointer from the right. He later admitted he did not realize he was working on a perfect night. He did not play in the fourth quarter.
But he had earned his money, and he had gained even more respect from an opposing team. "He's a bad dude," sighed Fitzsimmons. "That's what the guys in my locker room are saying. Larry Bird is a bad dude."
After all, what are the Celtics these days but an entertainment troupe? And what is Larry Bird but a Ted Lewis, a Galli-Curci or a Barrymore? They are an attraction, and he is an Attraction! Last night the attraction shot a surrealistic 80 percent (32 for 40) in the first half while pounding the short-handed Spurs by a 135-119 score, even as the Attraction! was electrifying his followers by shooting a perfect 11 for 11, by making four three-point shots and scoring 31 points -- all in the first half.
Bird/The Attraction! made certain that the 14,218 Hemisfair fans would go home talking about his annual visit; that's for sure. "In the first half," said San Antonio's Jeff Lamp, "Bird was a joke, an absolute joke. The thing that makes him so great, apart from his feel for the game, is his versatility. He hit four three-pointers in the half, but the majority of his points were scored by posting up."
His first offensive burst certainly got everyone's attention. With the Celtics trailing, 8-6, following some early sparring, he gave them a nonrefundable lead by scoring eight points in four consecutive possessions totaling 68 seconds. He started with two free throws. He then came down on a transition and swished a three-pointer on the right wing. When the Spurs missed, he came down on the transition and threw up another three-pointer from the same spot, only this time off the dribble. Another swish. That's eight quickies. David Greenwood answered with a jumper, but Bird promptly took a feed from Dennis Johnson on a right-to-left cut and laid the ball in left- handed.
The Celtics went on to shoot 76 percent in the period (Kevin McHale and DJ were also stroking it nicely), but were still ahead by a mere three points as late as 35-32 (1:25 remaining) for two reasons.
The first was a penchant for turnovers that would reach absurd proportions by halftime, when the stat sheet revealed that Boston had handed San Antonio 20 points via 16 turnovers. The second was that, as of this moment, there is no indication that McHale realized he was supposed to be guarding first Mike Mitchell (30) and then Lamp (25), most of whose combined 34 first-half points came on simple, open H-O-R-S-E jumpers.
Here are two views on the turnovers. First, losing coach Cotton Fitzsimmons: "We played hard, and it's a good thing. The way they were shooting, without the turnovers, we could have been down by 40 at the half." Secondly, Bird: "It was just a matter of guys not moving to the ball."
The fact remains that despite this dazzling Boston shooting, the biggest first-half margin was 13 (at 49-36 and 52-39, both the results of Bird second- quarter three-pointers), and it took a second-chance buzzer-beater by McHale to send the Celtics into the locker room up by 11 (a startling 80-69) at the half. The Celtics had shot so well that San Antonio's Jeff Wilkins had the only three defensive rebounds available to his team.
So there was still a game to be won, despite Bird's ridiculous halftime numbers (including six multiple-point shots). But it did not take too long for the Celtics to eliminate the suspense. Quick baskets by Robert Parish (17 points), Danny Ainge (10), Parish and DJ (15) boosted the lead to 19, and you didn't need your PhD in Hoopology to know that a San Antonio team playing without Artis Gilmore (pulled hamstring) and Steve Johnson (bone spurs in his left ankle) wasn't coming back against this Celtics squad.
The only question left was, "What else can, or will, Bird do?" The answer was, "Not much." He didn't shoot until the 4:33 mark of the quarter, when he sank a running lefty hook. Some 39 seconds later, he missed his only shot of the night, a three-pointer from the right. He later admitted he did not realize he was working on a perfect night. He did not play in the fourth quarter.
But he had earned his money, and he had gained even more respect from an opposing team. "He's a bad dude," sighed Fitzsimmons. "That's what the guys in my locker room are saying. Larry Bird is a bad dude."
1986 Cs Beat Rockets, Move to 51-13
Just your basic Message Game, the message being, "We didn't win 50 games by bribing the schedulemaker."
This was the Celtics ' team you brag about when you call your cousin in Kalamazoo, the Celtics ' team that has a definite Big Game mindset, the Celtics ' team that possesses the most diversified offensive portfolio in basketball. They needed to let people know that handing two straight games away on the road did not signify anything other than an attack of the March Blahs, and they did so last night, putting the Rockets away, 116-104, at the Summit.
Unlike the giveaway proceedings in Landover and Dallas, this was a demonstration of basketball power and intelligence. The Celtics led by eight at the half (69-61) and by eight after three quarters (95-87), and when they were still leading by eight with 6:13 remaining (105-97), they did the things they should have done the night before, when they piddled away a 13-point lead with 5:35 to play.
Specifically, they gave the ball to the people who should have it -- Larry Bird and Dennis Johnson. "It's what we should have done in Dallas," said Bird (routinely brilliant with 31 points, 8 rebounds and 10 assists). "Just put the ball in me and DJ's hands, hold the ball till there are about 10 seconds and then make a move."
Of course, that's easy for him to say, because when he "makes a move," it's not always the move someone else would make. There was, for example, the three-pointer he swished from the deepest right corner with 4:56 left, a murderous missile that took the last bit of fight out of the Rockets.
"It's very discouraging to have him make the three-pointers when he does," sighed Bill Fitch. "You set your defense to stop the 18- and 20- footer, and he throws it in from 23."
But Bird was hardly the only assassin on hand. The list of Boston heroes also included Kevin McHale, who had vowed to atone for a poor showing in Dallas (9 points, 4 for 11), and who did exactly that with 25 post-up points; Robert Parish (14 points, 10 rebounds and some timely third-quarter baskets); DJ (25 points, 8 assists and a disproportionate number of vital plays); and, finally, the invaluable Bill Walton, whose 25-minute, 16-rebound, 7-point contribution was simply the latest in a string of bench performances that should earn him serious consideration for the Sixth Man Award.
After a torrid start which featured a combined 11 fast-break baskets in the first quarter (when 16 of the first 34 points came via transition), Boston assumed control in the second quarter because when Fitch called for substitutes, they were named Leavell, Wiggins and Reid; and when K.C. called for substitutes, two of his nominations were named Walton and Wedman. With Parish missing the entire second quarter with three personal fouls (a situation directly attributable to some excellent play by Ralph Sampson), the Celtics nevertheless expanded a three-point (36-33) one-quarter lead to as many as 14 (67-53) thanks to the play of Walton (8 rebounds, 6 points), Johnson, Bird and McHale.
Houston kept making little runs at the Celtics, most notably a third- quarter spurt of 12-2 that brought another 14-point deficit down to four at 81-77 with 5:25 left. But here the Rockets lost all sense of offensive direction, the CRK (Certified Rally Killer) being Robert Reid, whose ill- advised 20-foot bricks were the equivalent of seventh-inning 6-4-3s.
"We decided they had to beat us from 20 feet at this point," explained DJ. Added Houston's John Lucas, "We had struggled so hard to get back in the game, and you just can't always get the shots you want."
Whatever, the facts remain that the Rockets went six consecutive offensive possessions without a good shot, that Boston was allowing no second shots (a 50-37 rebound edge) and that by the end of the quarter, the Celtics were back up by an eight-point margin that had the feel of security. At no point in the final period were the Celtics really in trouble. And so, boys and girls, that's how you play winning basketball. Make sure you ask your mommy and daddy to let you see the videotape of this one. It shows you what the Celtics are all about.
This was the Celtics ' team you brag about when you call your cousin in Kalamazoo, the Celtics ' team that has a definite Big Game mindset, the Celtics ' team that possesses the most diversified offensive portfolio in basketball. They needed to let people know that handing two straight games away on the road did not signify anything other than an attack of the March Blahs, and they did so last night, putting the Rockets away, 116-104, at the Summit.
Unlike the giveaway proceedings in Landover and Dallas, this was a demonstration of basketball power and intelligence. The Celtics led by eight at the half (69-61) and by eight after three quarters (95-87), and when they were still leading by eight with 6:13 remaining (105-97), they did the things they should have done the night before, when they piddled away a 13-point lead with 5:35 to play.
Specifically, they gave the ball to the people who should have it -- Larry Bird and Dennis Johnson. "It's what we should have done in Dallas," said Bird (routinely brilliant with 31 points, 8 rebounds and 10 assists). "Just put the ball in me and DJ's hands, hold the ball till there are about 10 seconds and then make a move."
Of course, that's easy for him to say, because when he "makes a move," it's not always the move someone else would make. There was, for example, the three-pointer he swished from the deepest right corner with 4:56 left, a murderous missile that took the last bit of fight out of the Rockets.
"It's very discouraging to have him make the three-pointers when he does," sighed Bill Fitch. "You set your defense to stop the 18- and 20- footer, and he throws it in from 23."
But Bird was hardly the only assassin on hand. The list of Boston heroes also included Kevin McHale, who had vowed to atone for a poor showing in Dallas (9 points, 4 for 11), and who did exactly that with 25 post-up points; Robert Parish (14 points, 10 rebounds and some timely third-quarter baskets); DJ (25 points, 8 assists and a disproportionate number of vital plays); and, finally, the invaluable Bill Walton, whose 25-minute, 16-rebound, 7-point contribution was simply the latest in a string of bench performances that should earn him serious consideration for the Sixth Man Award.
After a torrid start which featured a combined 11 fast-break baskets in the first quarter (when 16 of the first 34 points came via transition), Boston assumed control in the second quarter because when Fitch called for substitutes, they were named Leavell, Wiggins and Reid; and when K.C. called for substitutes, two of his nominations were named Walton and Wedman. With Parish missing the entire second quarter with three personal fouls (a situation directly attributable to some excellent play by Ralph Sampson), the Celtics nevertheless expanded a three-point (36-33) one-quarter lead to as many as 14 (67-53) thanks to the play of Walton (8 rebounds, 6 points), Johnson, Bird and McHale.
Houston kept making little runs at the Celtics, most notably a third- quarter spurt of 12-2 that brought another 14-point deficit down to four at 81-77 with 5:25 left. But here the Rockets lost all sense of offensive direction, the CRK (Certified Rally Killer) being Robert Reid, whose ill- advised 20-foot bricks were the equivalent of seventh-inning 6-4-3s.
"We decided they had to beat us from 20 feet at this point," explained DJ. Added Houston's John Lucas, "We had struggled so hard to get back in the game, and you just can't always get the shots you want."
Whatever, the facts remain that the Rockets went six consecutive offensive possessions without a good shot, that Boston was allowing no second shots (a 50-37 rebound edge) and that by the end of the quarter, the Celtics were back up by an eight-point margin that had the feel of security. At no point in the final period were the Celtics really in trouble. And so, boys and girls, that's how you play winning basketball. Make sure you ask your mommy and daddy to let you see the videotape of this one. It shows you what the Celtics are all about.
C's Just Ain't Hip
Late yesterday afternoon, the pundits weighed in on the Celtics-Rockets game.
Tony Kornheiser--Rockets ("Stone Cold Mortal Lock on win #23")
Mike Wilbon--Rockets
Around the Horn--Rockets(only one of four talking heads chose the Celtics)
Tim Legeler--Rockets
Doug Collins--Fatigue will hit the Celtics in the second half
That makes six (and one-half for Collins) of seven talking heads taking the Rockets over the Celtics.
The season started with pundits predicting the Celtics would win 44-48 games (Tim Cowlishaw, among others), continued with KG being dismissed as an MVP candidate at the mid-way point, and now looks like it will end with few people outside of Boston picking the Celtics to be popping champagne corks in June.
At this point, I have to think it's just not hip for media types to be caught jumping on the Celtics bandwagon. It's cooler to pucker up for LeBron and Kobe than it is for them to give KG some love.
That's ok.
Our time will come.
Tony Kornheiser--Rockets ("Stone Cold Mortal Lock on win #23")
Mike Wilbon--Rockets
Around the Horn--Rockets(only one of four talking heads chose the Celtics)
Tim Legeler--Rockets
Doug Collins--Fatigue will hit the Celtics in the second half
That makes six (and one-half for Collins) of seven talking heads taking the Rockets over the Celtics.
The season started with pundits predicting the Celtics would win 44-48 games (Tim Cowlishaw, among others), continued with KG being dismissed as an MVP candidate at the mid-way point, and now looks like it will end with few people outside of Boston picking the Celtics to be popping champagne corks in June.
At this point, I have to think it's just not hip for media types to be caught jumping on the Celtics bandwagon. It's cooler to pucker up for LeBron and Kobe than it is for them to give KG some love.
That's ok.
Our time will come.
Doc Rivers: The Maestro
One aspect of this season that Celtics fans have come to enjoy is the manner in which a different player steps up every game, maybe even every quarter.
First you had Big Baby against the Pistons.
Leon Powe against the Wolves and several other teams.
Big Baby against the Spurs in Celtics-Spurs I.
In Celtics-Spurs II, you could point to Sam Cassell, but I'm going to call out Eddie House who drained a huge three down the stretch, and then added two free throws to put the game on ice.
Last night it was Powe again. A DNPCD the night before against San Antonio, Powe scored 21 points on 8-12 shooting against Houston, to go along with 4 rebounds and 1 steal in 20 minutes.
Somewhere in the middle you could throw in James Posey and Tony Allen. Allen played admirably at the point against the Lakers, while Posey had a stretch where he was averaging 5 assists and 5 rebounds per game. Last night, Posey had 10 boards in 29 minutes, while only taking one shot.
The guy who gets lost in the shuffle of the rotating brilliance that comes off the bench is Doc Rivers. Doc is the one picking match-ups that play to the strengths of each member of the reserve unit, and then exploiting those match-ups.
It's not a coincidence that many of these second-unit performers come up huge in one game (or, again, one quarter), only to slink back to a more diminutive role in the next.
Look at Eddie House, he hadn't made a shot all game against the Spurs, but Doc had him in the game during the final minutes, and House answered the bell.
Next look at Sam Cassell. Doc didn't rush Cassell into the line-up. He worked him in gradually, which enabled the Celtics to maintain team chemistry on an extended win streak. When Ray Allen went down with an injury, Doc called Cassell's number, who then seemlessly picked up the slack for the ailing Allen.
Doc knows what he is doing, and these are only a few examples.
Let's give Coach some love.
First you had Big Baby against the Pistons.
Leon Powe against the Wolves and several other teams.
Big Baby against the Spurs in Celtics-Spurs I.
In Celtics-Spurs II, you could point to Sam Cassell, but I'm going to call out Eddie House who drained a huge three down the stretch, and then added two free throws to put the game on ice.
Last night it was Powe again. A DNPCD the night before against San Antonio, Powe scored 21 points on 8-12 shooting against Houston, to go along with 4 rebounds and 1 steal in 20 minutes.
Somewhere in the middle you could throw in James Posey and Tony Allen. Allen played admirably at the point against the Lakers, while Posey had a stretch where he was averaging 5 assists and 5 rebounds per game. Last night, Posey had 10 boards in 29 minutes, while only taking one shot.
The guy who gets lost in the shuffle of the rotating brilliance that comes off the bench is Doc Rivers. Doc is the one picking match-ups that play to the strengths of each member of the reserve unit, and then exploiting those match-ups.
It's not a coincidence that many of these second-unit performers come up huge in one game (or, again, one quarter), only to slink back to a more diminutive role in the next.
Look at Eddie House, he hadn't made a shot all game against the Spurs, but Doc had him in the game during the final minutes, and House answered the bell.
Next look at Sam Cassell. Doc didn't rush Cassell into the line-up. He worked him in gradually, which enabled the Celtics to maintain team chemistry on an extended win streak. When Ray Allen went down with an injury, Doc called Cassell's number, who then seemlessly picked up the slack for the ailing Allen.
Doc knows what he is doing, and these are only a few examples.
Let's give Coach some love.
"Best Defense I've Ever Seen"
Tracy McGrady on the quality of defense played by the Boston Celtics last night, particularly in the second half when the Celtics outscored Houston 54-34.
For the game, the Rockets were held to 33% shooting overall, and 22% from the arc.
More impressive, after scoring 6 points in the first three minutes, T-Mac scored a measly two points the rest of the way.
For the game, the Rockets were held to 33% shooting overall, and 22% from the arc.
More impressive, after scoring 6 points in the first three minutes, T-Mac scored a measly two points the rest of the way.
T-Mac
Tracy McGrady was asked on Monday what he took away from the Celtics win over the Houston Rockets earlier in the season.
"What did I take away?" T-Mac asked.
"I took away that I didn't play."
The implication, of course, was that things would be different next time around.
With only 8 points to show for himself last night, I wonder if his take away from this game will be roughly the same?
"What did I take away?" T-Mac asked.
"I took away that I didn't play."
The implication, of course, was that things would be different next time around.
With only 8 points to show for himself last night, I wonder if his take away from this game will be roughly the same?
3.18.2008
MN Radio Discusses Tanking Comments
link
Minneapolis radio host gives us his opinion about Glen Taylor's attempt to throw KG under the bus.
Minneapolis radio host gives us his opinion about Glen Taylor's attempt to throw KG under the bus.
KG is Overrated Tanker
Kevin Garnett never had a bigger fan when he played for Minnesota than Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor. But it appears those days are over. Taylor leveled some rare criticism at his former star on Tuesday, suggesting Garnett "tanked it" when he missed the last five games last year.
Link to full article.
In a follow-up to the ESPN interview, Taylor told a local radio station that he thought Garnett was an "overrated" defensive player.
I wonder what he'll say when Garnett wins NBA Defensive Player of the Year Honors?
Link to full article.
In a follow-up to the ESPN interview, Taylor told a local radio station that he thought Garnett was an "overrated" defensive player.
I wonder what he'll say when Garnett wins NBA Defensive Player of the Year Honors?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)