The Celtics are now 1-1 since adding Stephon Marbury to the roster. It really wouldn't matter if we were 2-0 or 0-2. It's gonna take time to get everyone on the same page. Plus you have the added complication of moving targets, with the return dates for Kevin Garnett, Tony Allen, and Brian Scalabrine still uncertain.
What is news, however, is the transformation of the Celtics' bench. Before the acquisitions of Starbury and Mikki Moore, the bench was pretty weak. Very weak, in fact. But Friday night we got big games from Leon Powe and Stephon Marbury. Sunday we got notable contributions from Eddie House in the second half and Powe in the first half. While Big Baby started both games, it's just a matter of time before he returns to the bench. Once that happens, you'll have more scoring options off the bench than any playoff contender could ask for, and every one of them should be even more potent after Steph scrapes off the rust.
But added firepower does not a champion make. Champions are born out of defense and execution down the stretch. Last year, we didn't learn how to execute down the stretch on the road in the playoffs until the ECFs. Although we didn't seem to have a problem getting stops or executing in the fourth quarter during the regular season last year, we are having problems doing both this year.
So while I'm excited about our beefed up roster. I remain concerned about the team getting to where it needs to be. Depending on whom we play in the first round, we may have to get our act together sooner than later.
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