Warriors Defeat Celtics
Celtics Fall to 36-14
1981-82 Boston Celtics
The Celtics weren't so much removed from first place as they were bombarded into submission.
So World Free scored 30 points with his usual assortment of Brownsville trash. Big Deal. So Joe Barry Carroll played a solid pivot game with 24 points and 13 rebounds. The Celtics could live with that. But now let's talk about the other worldly 29 points of Purvis Short, because if any Golden Stater could claim primary responsibility for the 121-105 triumph that knocked the Celtics out of first place in the Atlantic Division, it was the 6-foot-6 swingman with the ceiling-scraping jump shot.
Short's biggest spurt came in the third quarter, when the Celtics were making a serious victory attempt after being rather badly outplayed in the first half (64-54, Golden State). With the Warriors leading, 69-64, Short tossed in four consecutive bazookas and a banked runner, all of which left the Warriors in possession of an 85-72 lead. The Celtics, who had shown a glimmer of life, now had to start their offensive all over again.
Say this for the defending champs: They had enough spunk to launch a counterattack. Propelled by the triumvurate of Cedric Maxwell (19 points, 9 rebounds), Kevin McHale (15) and Gerry Henderson (16), Boston kept scrapping until a sensational fighting, fourth-effort corner jump hook by Maxwell brought them within three at 102-99 with 5:31 remaining.
What Boston needed at this point was a nice two or three-minute defensive drill, something akin to the stretch that made a game out of the Phoenix affair a week ago. But it was not forthcoming. Robert Parish got cute, trying for a steal in the lane on a pass to sub center Rickey Brown. The gamble failed, leaving Brown with an 8-footer in the lane. It was the game's biggest shot, and he swished it.
Things got worse very quickly when Parish threw the ball away and Free sailed in on the transition for a layup. Now Boston was down seven (106-99) and on its way to an embarrassing 19-6 drubbing en route to the misleading final score.
While Short was successfully auditioning for the lead in "The Chet Walker Story," (Make that "The Chet Walker With Range Story"), Larry Bird was again failing to live up to his reputation as a scorer in front of the Bay Area fans.
Bird, who was 0 for 9 when he last set foot in the Coliseum Arena, shot 4 for 17 this time. "Most of the shots I took, I thought had a chance," Bird explained, "but I couldn't get a bounce. For the most part, my release was sweet."
Golden State jumped into a 4-0 lead on baskets by Free (a jumper that made him a 10,000 career point man) and Short, and the Warriors would never trail in the ballgame. They established superiority in every category from the outset, and the fact that they were doing it without scoring leader Bernard King (groin pull) didn't surprise Bill Fitch in the least.
"What Bernard does is fill the lanes and post up on the left side," Fitch explained. "Sometimes, posting up on us isn't that good an idea. Short hurt us more with his outside shooting."
Short's stat line (12 for 24) belies the psychological damage he inflicted on the Celtics, who were unanimous in their agreement that Free's scoring was incidental to the real issue, which was Short's awesome outside sniping.
"We figured Free would get his 30, and we set our defense for it," said Fitch. "But we would shut off a lot of things and then Short would beat the clock with one of those shots. It's tough to play good defense for 22 or 23 seconds and have that happen."
While Fitch was lavish in his praise of the Warriors, he was very disappointed in the overall play of his club. "The thing that bothers me," Fitch said, "was that we got our butts kicked on the boards and we had so many bad turnovers - what I call no-brainers' - by key people."
The Celtics were hardly aided when Tiny Archibald sprained his right wrist early in the third quarter, but since he wasn't guarding Short, they can't use that as an excuse.
1981-82 Boston Celtics
The Celtics weren't so much removed from first place as they were bombarded into submission.
So World Free scored 30 points with his usual assortment of Brownsville trash. Big Deal. So Joe Barry Carroll played a solid pivot game with 24 points and 13 rebounds. The Celtics could live with that. But now let's talk about the other worldly 29 points of Purvis Short, because if any Golden Stater could claim primary responsibility for the 121-105 triumph that knocked the Celtics out of first place in the Atlantic Division, it was the 6-foot-6 swingman with the ceiling-scraping jump shot.
Short's biggest spurt came in the third quarter, when the Celtics were making a serious victory attempt after being rather badly outplayed in the first half (64-54, Golden State). With the Warriors leading, 69-64, Short tossed in four consecutive bazookas and a banked runner, all of which left the Warriors in possession of an 85-72 lead. The Celtics, who had shown a glimmer of life, now had to start their offensive all over again.
Say this for the defending champs: They had enough spunk to launch a counterattack. Propelled by the triumvurate of Cedric Maxwell (19 points, 9 rebounds), Kevin McHale (15) and Gerry Henderson (16), Boston kept scrapping until a sensational fighting, fourth-effort corner jump hook by Maxwell brought them within three at 102-99 with 5:31 remaining.
What Boston needed at this point was a nice two or three-minute defensive drill, something akin to the stretch that made a game out of the Phoenix affair a week ago. But it was not forthcoming. Robert Parish got cute, trying for a steal in the lane on a pass to sub center Rickey Brown. The gamble failed, leaving Brown with an 8-footer in the lane. It was the game's biggest shot, and he swished it.
Things got worse very quickly when Parish threw the ball away and Free sailed in on the transition for a layup. Now Boston was down seven (106-99) and on its way to an embarrassing 19-6 drubbing en route to the misleading final score.
While Short was successfully auditioning for the lead in "The Chet Walker Story," (Make that "The Chet Walker With Range Story"), Larry Bird was again failing to live up to his reputation as a scorer in front of the Bay Area fans.
Bird, who was 0 for 9 when he last set foot in the Coliseum Arena, shot 4 for 17 this time. "Most of the shots I took, I thought had a chance," Bird explained, "but I couldn't get a bounce. For the most part, my release was sweet."
Golden State jumped into a 4-0 lead on baskets by Free (a jumper that made him a 10,000 career point man) and Short, and the Warriors would never trail in the ballgame. They established superiority in every category from the outset, and the fact that they were doing it without scoring leader Bernard King (groin pull) didn't surprise Bill Fitch in the least.
"What Bernard does is fill the lanes and post up on the left side," Fitch explained. "Sometimes, posting up on us isn't that good an idea. Short hurt us more with his outside shooting."
Short's stat line (12 for 24) belies the psychological damage he inflicted on the Celtics, who were unanimous in their agreement that Free's scoring was incidental to the real issue, which was Short's awesome outside sniping.
"We figured Free would get his 30, and we set our defense for it," said Fitch. "But we would shut off a lot of things and then Short would beat the clock with one of those shots. It's tough to play good defense for 22 or 23 seconds and have that happen."
While Fitch was lavish in his praise of the Warriors, he was very disappointed in the overall play of his club. "The thing that bothers me," Fitch said, "was that we got our butts kicked on the boards and we had so many bad turnovers - what I call no-brainers' - by key people."
The Celtics were hardly aided when Tiny Archibald sprained his right wrist early in the third quarter, but since he wasn't guarding Short, they can't use that as an excuse.
Celtics Down Lakers at the Forum
Green Improves to 36-13
1981-82 Boston Celtics
Where do you start on this one? With M. L. Carr's invaluable two-way second-half contribution? With Tiny Archibald's first-half keep-'em-floating offensive play? With Robert Parish's aggressive 22-point, 14-rebound triumph over Kareem Abdul-Jabbar? Or perhaps with Cedric Maxwell's most significant performance of the season, a 27-point, 11-rebound gem that evoked memories of his awesome Game 5 show in last year's championship series with Houston? Any of these items would provide a valid reference point, but Kevin McHale thought the key to victory was something less tangible.
"I realize this is your basic cliche explanation," McHale declared, "but the fact is that we wanted it worse. When we came back for the timeouts, people were saying, C'mon, we're not going to lose this game.' That's all there was to it."
Whatever the motivational gap, this much is clear: The Celtics outplayed Los Angeles down the stretch yesterday afternoon, earning a 108-103 decision that served the dual purpose of keeping the Celtics in first place back East and keeping the Lakers from taking over first place out here.
What the sellout Forum crowd of 17,505 - plus the CBS television audience - witnessed was a high-level NBA confrontation featuring very physical team defense, solid board work and true offensive professionalism, regrettably marred by the game-long officiating improprieties of Hugh Evans and Bill Saar, who are both usually better than they were yesterday.
In a very real sense, the game never got started until the midway point of the final period. But when it did, the Celtics' quintet of McHale, Larry Bird, Maxwell, Gerry Henderson and Carr assumed command.
LA, which had led for all but two minutes of periods two, three and the first half of four, was still ahead as late as 92-91 with 4:48 remaining. The Lakers' go-ahead basket had been provided by Jamaal Wilkes on an acrobatic rebound follow-up. But the Celtics answered with six straight points and would never again be headed.
The sequence began when Bird (nine assists) fed Henderson in the lane for a jumper. Wilkes (25 points) almost dropped in a dexterious baseline drive, but the ball refused to drop and the Celtics took advantage when Maxwell hit a whirling jump hook on the transition for a three-point (95-92) lead. Abdul- Jabbar was then assessed a loose-ball foul on a Michael Cooper in-and- outer, leading to a pair of clutch free throws by McHale.
High on the list of reasons the Celtics were able to hang on in this game was luck. After Maxwell had taken a spectacular Carr penetra-tion feed for a patented hanging three-point play to make it 102-96 with 2:06 left, Wilkes responded with a corner jumper. But the Celtics got those two right back with 1:37 remaining when Kareem lost control of a defensive rebound and accidentally diverted the ball into Boston's basket.
The next break, and a very vital one, came with 19 seconds to play. LA had launched a final comeback, with a Magic Johnson free throw with 32 seconds left pulling the Lakers to within one at 104-103. Boston ran a play for Bird (again shackled by the willowy Cooper), who started in a left-to-right direction. There was contact with Cooper, after which Bird threw the ball up well after the whistle. The ball went in, and the LA crowd erupted when Saar signaled the basket good. This may have been carrying the concept of "continuation" to the extreme. Bird made the free throw, and when Carr stole the inbounds pass, the victory was insured.
The victory was a tribute to Boston's mental toughness, as well as a growing LA passivity that has now resulted in three straight losses overall, plus three straight Forum setbacks. LA had forced some Boston turnovers to overcome an early 18-9 deficit, assuming apparent control of the game for the next 2 1/2 periods. But the biggest LA margin was eight (43-35), and the largest LA second-half advantage was seven (59-52). Boston was always able to keep Showtime from getting started.
The X factor was Carr, who wound up contributing nine points, three rebounds, the aforementioned key assist to Maxwell and his usual overall brand of hustling defensive play. This augmented the vigorous Maxwell display (six offensive rebounds), a showing so forceful that Wilkes said, "Maxwell delivered today; he was the key."
Maybe he was, and maybe he wasn't, but Maxwell's sudden revival (58 points, 18 rebounds, 22-for-31 shooting) in the past two games has picked up the team. His own enthusiasm seems to have been restored. "Max was even calling his own play in the huddle," said McHale.
Well, there it is, a revenge victory over LA, a 2-1 road start and another couple of days in first place. "Back on the bandwagon, everybody!" shouted Chris Ford as they entered the locker room. Whatever you say, men.
1981-82 Boston Celtics
Where do you start on this one? With M. L. Carr's invaluable two-way second-half contribution? With Tiny Archibald's first-half keep-'em-floating offensive play? With Robert Parish's aggressive 22-point, 14-rebound triumph over Kareem Abdul-Jabbar? Or perhaps with Cedric Maxwell's most significant performance of the season, a 27-point, 11-rebound gem that evoked memories of his awesome Game 5 show in last year's championship series with Houston? Any of these items would provide a valid reference point, but Kevin McHale thought the key to victory was something less tangible.
"I realize this is your basic cliche explanation," McHale declared, "but the fact is that we wanted it worse. When we came back for the timeouts, people were saying, C'mon, we're not going to lose this game.' That's all there was to it."
Whatever the motivational gap, this much is clear: The Celtics outplayed Los Angeles down the stretch yesterday afternoon, earning a 108-103 decision that served the dual purpose of keeping the Celtics in first place back East and keeping the Lakers from taking over first place out here.
What the sellout Forum crowd of 17,505 - plus the CBS television audience - witnessed was a high-level NBA confrontation featuring very physical team defense, solid board work and true offensive professionalism, regrettably marred by the game-long officiating improprieties of Hugh Evans and Bill Saar, who are both usually better than they were yesterday.
In a very real sense, the game never got started until the midway point of the final period. But when it did, the Celtics' quintet of McHale, Larry Bird, Maxwell, Gerry Henderson and Carr assumed command.
LA, which had led for all but two minutes of periods two, three and the first half of four, was still ahead as late as 92-91 with 4:48 remaining. The Lakers' go-ahead basket had been provided by Jamaal Wilkes on an acrobatic rebound follow-up. But the Celtics answered with six straight points and would never again be headed.
The sequence began when Bird (nine assists) fed Henderson in the lane for a jumper. Wilkes (25 points) almost dropped in a dexterious baseline drive, but the ball refused to drop and the Celtics took advantage when Maxwell hit a whirling jump hook on the transition for a three-point (95-92) lead. Abdul- Jabbar was then assessed a loose-ball foul on a Michael Cooper in-and- outer, leading to a pair of clutch free throws by McHale.
High on the list of reasons the Celtics were able to hang on in this game was luck. After Maxwell had taken a spectacular Carr penetra-tion feed for a patented hanging three-point play to make it 102-96 with 2:06 left, Wilkes responded with a corner jumper. But the Celtics got those two right back with 1:37 remaining when Kareem lost control of a defensive rebound and accidentally diverted the ball into Boston's basket.
The next break, and a very vital one, came with 19 seconds to play. LA had launched a final comeback, with a Magic Johnson free throw with 32 seconds left pulling the Lakers to within one at 104-103. Boston ran a play for Bird (again shackled by the willowy Cooper), who started in a left-to-right direction. There was contact with Cooper, after which Bird threw the ball up well after the whistle. The ball went in, and the LA crowd erupted when Saar signaled the basket good. This may have been carrying the concept of "continuation" to the extreme. Bird made the free throw, and when Carr stole the inbounds pass, the victory was insured.
The victory was a tribute to Boston's mental toughness, as well as a growing LA passivity that has now resulted in three straight losses overall, plus three straight Forum setbacks. LA had forced some Boston turnovers to overcome an early 18-9 deficit, assuming apparent control of the game for the next 2 1/2 periods. But the biggest LA margin was eight (43-35), and the largest LA second-half advantage was seven (59-52). Boston was always able to keep Showtime from getting started.
The X factor was Carr, who wound up contributing nine points, three rebounds, the aforementioned key assist to Maxwell and his usual overall brand of hustling defensive play. This augmented the vigorous Maxwell display (six offensive rebounds), a showing so forceful that Wilkes said, "Maxwell delivered today; he was the key."
Maybe he was, and maybe he wasn't, but Maxwell's sudden revival (58 points, 18 rebounds, 22-for-31 shooting) in the past two games has picked up the team. His own enthusiasm seems to have been restored. "Max was even calling his own play in the huddle," said McHale.
Well, there it is, a revenge victory over LA, a 2-1 road start and another couple of days in first place. "Back on the bandwagon, everybody!" shouted Chris Ford as they entered the locker room. Whatever you say, men.
Oh My God. It Works.
You know the economy must be showing a faint pulse when you are spending $30 on something called a "YouTube Ripper." But that's what I did. And I must report that this is the greatest invention since the microwave oven.
Sure, you can rip videos off YouTube and watch them on you computer or iPod. But that's not the thing. The thing is the audio files. You can choose to create an MP3 file only, and then stick that on your iPod.
So what?
Well, if you are a lover of music like me, let's just say this opens up an entirely new universe of stuff to listen to. Think Dylan, think Dead, think obscure, think live. Just about anything that has been recorded worth listening to is out there on YouTube, and the quality of the MP3 isn't any different than ripping the audio file off a DVD.
Once you have kids, much of life is reduced to 8-minute increments. Suffice it to say, I've found a new way to fill those eight minutes.
Sure, you can rip videos off YouTube and watch them on you computer or iPod. But that's not the thing. The thing is the audio files. You can choose to create an MP3 file only, and then stick that on your iPod.
So what?
Well, if you are a lover of music like me, let's just say this opens up an entirely new universe of stuff to listen to. Think Dylan, think Dead, think obscure, think live. Just about anything that has been recorded worth listening to is out there on YouTube, and the quality of the MP3 isn't any different than ripping the audio file off a DVD.
Once you have kids, much of life is reduced to 8-minute increments. Suffice it to say, I've found a new way to fill those eight minutes.
My Thoughts on the Odom Signing
F the Lakers.
Or about the same as any other thought I have pertaining to the purple.
Or about the same as any other thought I have pertaining to the purple.
Celtics Relying on Two-Man Show
1981-82 Boston Celtics
Remember the Bernie-Ernie Show down in Knoxville a few years back? And you're doubtless aware of the Dantley-Griffith nightly review in today's NBA. Attracting less fanfare, but becoming more of a reality with each passing game, is the Larry-Chief scoring fiesta currently taking center stage on the Boston Celtics.
This is not the way the Boston Celtics are supposed to operate. Scoring balance has been the hallmark of the team for a quarter-century. Lately, however, the scoring burden has fallen to two men, Larry Bird and Robert Parish. The two have averaged a combined 54 points a game while shooting an aggregate 59 percent (125-212) from the floor over that span. They had 60 points in the Wednesday night 112-110 loss to Phoenix, and at the point of Boston's peak third-period effort (a 79-71 lead) had accounted for more than 50 percent of the team's points.
Is this inherently bad? Bill Fitch thinks not. "I don't care where the points are coming from, as long as we get enough," Fitch says. "Anyway, 110 should have been enough to win. It's the 112 that bothers me." Danny Ainge, meanwhile, observed that "the difference between Robert and Larry scoring all those points and Dantley and Griffith, is that our guys are 7 feet and 6-9 and theirs are 6-5 and 6-4."
As the Bird and Parish totals soar, the Cedric Maxwell figures diminish, and this cannot be viewed as a healthy situation. Max, a 17-points-a-game scorer two years ago, a 15-points-a-game scorer last season and the 1981 playoff MVP, has only averaged 11 ppg in the nine games since returning to action following his knee injury.
A look at the shot distribution reveals no significant decrease in opportunities when compared to other time-blocks this season, but things aren't coming out the same. Of course, Max isn't helping himself with his erratic free-throw shooting. Once a very solid foul shooter, Max has now become a trick-or-treater, sinking but 33 of his last 48 attempts, including two of six Wednesday night in Phoenix.
Remember the Bernie-Ernie Show down in Knoxville a few years back? And you're doubtless aware of the Dantley-Griffith nightly review in today's NBA. Attracting less fanfare, but becoming more of a reality with each passing game, is the Larry-Chief scoring fiesta currently taking center stage on the Boston Celtics.
This is not the way the Boston Celtics are supposed to operate. Scoring balance has been the hallmark of the team for a quarter-century. Lately, however, the scoring burden has fallen to two men, Larry Bird and Robert Parish. The two have averaged a combined 54 points a game while shooting an aggregate 59 percent (125-212) from the floor over that span. They had 60 points in the Wednesday night 112-110 loss to Phoenix, and at the point of Boston's peak third-period effort (a 79-71 lead) had accounted for more than 50 percent of the team's points.
Is this inherently bad? Bill Fitch thinks not. "I don't care where the points are coming from, as long as we get enough," Fitch says. "Anyway, 110 should have been enough to win. It's the 112 that bothers me." Danny Ainge, meanwhile, observed that "the difference between Robert and Larry scoring all those points and Dantley and Griffith, is that our guys are 7 feet and 6-9 and theirs are 6-5 and 6-4."
As the Bird and Parish totals soar, the Cedric Maxwell figures diminish, and this cannot be viewed as a healthy situation. Max, a 17-points-a-game scorer two years ago, a 15-points-a-game scorer last season and the 1981 playoff MVP, has only averaged 11 ppg in the nine games since returning to action following his knee injury.
A look at the shot distribution reveals no significant decrease in opportunities when compared to other time-blocks this season, but things aren't coming out the same. Of course, Max isn't helping himself with his erratic free-throw shooting. Once a very solid foul shooter, Max has now become a trick-or-treater, sinking but 33 of his last 48 attempts, including two of six Wednesday night in Phoenix.
Celtics Down Waltonless Clippers
Celtics Move to 35-13
1981-82 Boston Celtics
The Celtics took a 98-94 lead over the San Diego Clippers into the fourth quarter last night.
Not to be confused with a Princeton-St. Peter's NIT game, this seeming mismatch careened into the third quarter on a Denver-San Antonio level, with the Celtics clinging to a 72-70 lead.
Boston had sprinted into a position of superiority with a 48-point first period that gave the Celtics an 11-point lead at the break, but the second- quarter unit found itself thoroughly outplayed by Silas' aggressive, what- the-hell band of kids. While the Celtics were abandoning the push-it-up style of offense that had yielded them 18 fast-break points in the opening quarter, the Clipprs were banging the boards and hustling throughout, best exemplified by Jerome Whitehead, who over-achieved his way to 14 first-half points.
The first quarter was a dizzying affair in which neither side proved very capable of stopping the other. The Clippers were totally mystified by Cedric Maxwell's inside wiggling, as Max, a silent scorer of late, dropped in 15 of his half-high 21 points on the usual type of Maxwell moves. But the Celtics couldn't do much with rookie Al Wood, either.
The Clippers got an immediate second-quarter lift from Tom Chambers, who scored six quick points while luring Kevin McHale into instant foul trouble. McHale would exit after just 3:48 with three personals and one field goal. The Boston bench was completely unproductive, for in addition to McHale, other non-contributors were Rick Robey and Gerry Henderson.
Bird certainly had his moments, sinking five in a row from the outside after missing an early fast-break drive. But he, too, was somewhat impaired by fouls, picking up his third on a dubious offensive foul whistled by Jim Capers, a mediocre referee having a very bad night.
The Clippers never led after a Robet Parish steal and all-the-way dunk gave Boston a 6-4 lead, but they never let the Celtics get out of sight, either, chopping a 50-40 deficit down to one on two occasions, the last at 61-60, and again creeping within two on a pair of Charlie Criss free throws 12 seconds before intermission.
The halftime shooting stats reflected the mutual displays of porous team defense, as the Clippers were shooting .625 (30-48) and the Celtics were shooting .619 (26-42).
1981-82 Boston Celtics
The Celtics took a 98-94 lead over the San Diego Clippers into the fourth quarter last night.
Not to be confused with a Princeton-St. Peter's NIT game, this seeming mismatch careened into the third quarter on a Denver-San Antonio level, with the Celtics clinging to a 72-70 lead.
Boston had sprinted into a position of superiority with a 48-point first period that gave the Celtics an 11-point lead at the break, but the second- quarter unit found itself thoroughly outplayed by Silas' aggressive, what- the-hell band of kids. While the Celtics were abandoning the push-it-up style of offense that had yielded them 18 fast-break points in the opening quarter, the Clipprs were banging the boards and hustling throughout, best exemplified by Jerome Whitehead, who over-achieved his way to 14 first-half points.
The first quarter was a dizzying affair in which neither side proved very capable of stopping the other. The Clippers were totally mystified by Cedric Maxwell's inside wiggling, as Max, a silent scorer of late, dropped in 15 of his half-high 21 points on the usual type of Maxwell moves. But the Celtics couldn't do much with rookie Al Wood, either.
The Clippers got an immediate second-quarter lift from Tom Chambers, who scored six quick points while luring Kevin McHale into instant foul trouble. McHale would exit after just 3:48 with three personals and one field goal. The Boston bench was completely unproductive, for in addition to McHale, other non-contributors were Rick Robey and Gerry Henderson.
Bird certainly had his moments, sinking five in a row from the outside after missing an early fast-break drive. But he, too, was somewhat impaired by fouls, picking up his third on a dubious offensive foul whistled by Jim Capers, a mediocre referee having a very bad night.
The Clippers never led after a Robet Parish steal and all-the-way dunk gave Boston a 6-4 lead, but they never let the Celtics get out of sight, either, chopping a 50-40 deficit down to one on two occasions, the last at 61-60, and again creeping within two on a pair of Charlie Criss free throws 12 seconds before intermission.
The halftime shooting stats reflected the mutual displays of porous team defense, as the Clippers were shooting .625 (30-48) and the Celtics were shooting .619 (26-42).
1986 Lite?
Today is Wednesday, July 29, 2009. Saturday will be August 1. By then, Danny will have made a decision on Gabe Pruitt. I’m hopeful that this deadline will trigger decisions on Big Baby, Marquis Daniels, Bruce Bowen, Stephon Marbury and the flotsam and jetsam that represent much of our holdover reserve unit from last year. Who knows, by then maybe the Lakers will have signed Lamar Odom, only to trade him to Miami for Udonis Haslem.
While we are waiting out this lull, it might be worth remembering that this is not 2007-08. Yes, the Celtics still have one of the most talented rosters in the NBA. But unlike 2007-08 when it was immediately clear to most Celtics’ fans, if not to anyone else, Danny Ainge had built the best team in the NBA. Sure, questions had to be answered. But there was a reason I started out my blog comparing 2007-08 to 1985-86: a championship was coming to Beantown come hell or high water.
This year, I blog with no such bravado. Ray Allen is old, Rasheed Wallace is older, and KG’s knees are THE BIG QUESTION MARK. Paul Pierce insists he did not finish last season injured, but news reports tell us differently.
On a different note, Eddie House is returning, but the Celtics may add Marquis Daniels, Bruce Bowen, and Stephon Marbury. No one really doubts the value of Eddie House. But exactly how much time will he spend on the floor if the Celtics only add two of those three blokes? Where Glen Davis would fit into the puzzle also remains a mystery, as he earned at least a 20-minute-per-game role last year, and now doesn’t figure to play that much very often.
How often Glen Davis and Eddie House or any of the bench players play will be influenced, of course, by how much Doc Rivers decides to play his bench. The longer Doc coaches championship-level basketball teams the more closely he resembles KC Jones, who ran his starters into the ground for the purpose of squeezing out every regular season win possible.
You’d like to think that won’t happen this year with a refortified bench. But, as someone else asked recently, when was the last time Boston won in Cleveland? How important are the Lakers’ games this year after we got swept last year? In other words, Doc will start 2009-10 the same way he did 2007-08, by preaching the mantra that the only purpose served by the regular season is to win home-court advantage in the playoffs. This doesn’t sound like a recipe for too many nights off, except for a few fourth quarters where we’ve built up a 20 point lead.
So even after Danny finalizes our roster, the fun will just begin. I don’t think this will be 1986 all over again. But it might be 1986 lite.
Laimbeer Sums Up Celtics-Pistons . . . and Celtics-Lakers . . . and
Basketball is a very simple sport. You bring what you got. We bring what we got. Throw the ball up, and let's play. Our team. Your team. At the end of the day, only one team walks off the court with a W. Injuries, tiredness, bad calls -- that's all [expletive].
--Bill Laimbeer
5/18/91 Boston Globe
5/18/91 Boston Globe
I don't like the one we used to call by various pejoratives that rhymed with his last name, but you do have to hand it to him on this one. I'll be quoting this again.
Artest and the Triangle
But the bigger issue is getting Artest to fit in on the court. In the last couple places he has played, he has either been scoring option number one, or thought he was. Last season he tried to take over one of the Lakers/Rockets games (ignoring Yao Ming and hotter shooters) and just shot his team out of it with poor shot selection. All season Rockets opponents hoped Artest would break out of the set offense and try to take the game over. Then in another game against the Lakers Artest made the unwise decision of trying to get under Kobe Bryant’s skin. Sure, that won’t be a problem with Kobe as a teammate, but it makes you question his decision making.
The concern is obvious, Artest has never fit well in a highly structured offense, like what the Lakers run. This is a team that just won a title and now it has to deal with a guy who is going to be running onto the bus in his underwear. It’s all potentially very combustible.
--LINK
I don't know if the Ron Artest experiment will work. But I do know that Trevor Ariza was a heads down, no-nonsense, play-my-role, I'm-at-work-so-I'm-gonna-get-to-work kind of guy.
No part of that description fits Ron Artest, which is probably why even Phil Jackson (this time fully clothed) called Artest a mixed bag at best.
The concern is obvious, Artest has never fit well in a highly structured offense, like what the Lakers run. This is a team that just won a title and now it has to deal with a guy who is going to be running onto the bus in his underwear. It’s all potentially very combustible.
--LINK
I don't know if the Ron Artest experiment will work. But I do know that Trevor Ariza was a heads down, no-nonsense, play-my-role, I'm-at-work-so-I'm-gonna-get-to-work kind of guy.
No part of that description fits Ron Artest, which is probably why even Phil Jackson (this time fully clothed) called Artest a mixed bag at best.
Celtics Fall to Suns
Green Drops to 34-13
1981-82 Boston Celtics
OK, Alvan Adams, what's wrong with the Celtics?
"I'm not sure what's going on," the Phoenix star contends, "but it's easier to score against them than it was last year."
This does not come as news to Bill Fitch, who has arrived here wondering whether he'll ever again see his team play the type of defense that won them a championship. The 112-110 Wednesday night defeat in Phoenix, during which the Suns shot 54 percent from the floor, was the latest in a series of disappointing defensive displays by a team that had played exemplary defense in the first quarter of this season.
A fitting question as the Celtics prepare for tonight's game at the Sports Arena (WRKO, PRISM, 10:35) is this: Did some alien spirit cast a spell on the Celtics back on Dec. 18? For that is the cutoff date at which the Celtics ceased being the Celtics and began being Denver East. Here are some figures that don't lie:
- In the first 24 games of the season, the Celtics held 13 foes under 100 points. In their last 23 games, carrying through Wednesday's loss in Phoenix, they had limited four teams to fewer than 100 points.
- In the first 24 games, no foe cracked 120 points. In the ensuing 23 games, seven teams have gone over 120 against Boston.
- In the first 24 games of the season, two teams shot better than 50 percent from the floor against the Celtics. In the last 23 games, 10 opponents have done so.
- In the first 24 games, seven Celtics' opponents couldn't even shoot 40 percent from the floor against them. In the past 23 games, every team has shot at least 40 percent.
- The Celtics were first in the league in fewest points allowed per game after 24 contests. They are now seventh, and in the past six weeks they've been among the very worst teams in this category.
- After compiling a 19-5 record in the first 24 games, the Celtics have gone 15-8 in their last 23.
In the Phoenix game, the Celtics didn't start playing serious defense until they found themselves trailing, 108-100, with 3:35 remaining. Suddenly they began playing classic team defense, rotating the way it's drawn on the chalkboard while running off a 10-0 spree that gave them a short-lived 110-108 lead. Had they played that type of defense for, say, a two-minute stretch of the second quarter and a two-minute stretch of the third, they would have won easily. Only they know why they didn't.
Fitch implies it would be fruitless to single out any individuals. This collapse has been a team effort. There isn't enough pressure on the ball out front. The forwards are allowing themselves to be posted up at will. The inside intimidation, save occasional bursts by Robert Parish, has been sporadic. Kevin McHale, for instance, has only blocked five shots in his last eight games.
The Celtics are likely to get well temporarily this evening when they play Paul Silas' lowly Clippers, possessors of a 14-34 record. The next true test is likely to come on Sunday in the Forum. Fitch would appreciate seeing his old team at that time, not the sieve outfit he's been staring at for six weeks.
1981-82 Boston Celtics
OK, Alvan Adams, what's wrong with the Celtics?
"I'm not sure what's going on," the Phoenix star contends, "but it's easier to score against them than it was last year."
This does not come as news to Bill Fitch, who has arrived here wondering whether he'll ever again see his team play the type of defense that won them a championship. The 112-110 Wednesday night defeat in Phoenix, during which the Suns shot 54 percent from the floor, was the latest in a series of disappointing defensive displays by a team that had played exemplary defense in the first quarter of this season.
A fitting question as the Celtics prepare for tonight's game at the Sports Arena (WRKO, PRISM, 10:35) is this: Did some alien spirit cast a spell on the Celtics back on Dec. 18? For that is the cutoff date at which the Celtics ceased being the Celtics and began being Denver East. Here are some figures that don't lie:
- In the first 24 games of the season, the Celtics held 13 foes under 100 points. In their last 23 games, carrying through Wednesday's loss in Phoenix, they had limited four teams to fewer than 100 points.
- In the first 24 games, no foe cracked 120 points. In the ensuing 23 games, seven teams have gone over 120 against Boston.
- In the first 24 games of the season, two teams shot better than 50 percent from the floor against the Celtics. In the last 23 games, 10 opponents have done so.
- In the first 24 games, seven Celtics' opponents couldn't even shoot 40 percent from the floor against them. In the past 23 games, every team has shot at least 40 percent.
- The Celtics were first in the league in fewest points allowed per game after 24 contests. They are now seventh, and in the past six weeks they've been among the very worst teams in this category.
- After compiling a 19-5 record in the first 24 games, the Celtics have gone 15-8 in their last 23.
In the Phoenix game, the Celtics didn't start playing serious defense until they found themselves trailing, 108-100, with 3:35 remaining. Suddenly they began playing classic team defense, rotating the way it's drawn on the chalkboard while running off a 10-0 spree that gave them a short-lived 110-108 lead. Had they played that type of defense for, say, a two-minute stretch of the second quarter and a two-minute stretch of the third, they would have won easily. Only they know why they didn't.
Fitch implies it would be fruitless to single out any individuals. This collapse has been a team effort. There isn't enough pressure on the ball out front. The forwards are allowing themselves to be posted up at will. The inside intimidation, save occasional bursts by Robert Parish, has been sporadic. Kevin McHale, for instance, has only blocked five shots in his last eight games.
The Celtics are likely to get well temporarily this evening when they play Paul Silas' lowly Clippers, possessors of a 14-34 record. The next true test is likely to come on Sunday in the Forum. Fitch would appreciate seeing his old team at that time, not the sieve outfit he's been staring at for six weeks.
Celts Down Sixers, Move to 20-4
1990-91 Boston Celtics
Remembering the 29-5 Start
Potential for disaster was there, staring the Celtics right in the face.
Charles Barkley was on one of his fourth-quarter rampages and a 19-point lead had been reduced to 5. The Celtics had gone from precision to confusion and, true to their kinder, gentler nature, were hoisting the Sixers back on their feet after having flattened them time and again.
But if the Celtics give and take, they also seem to have something left at the end to give one more time. And they chose this appropriate time to rip Philadelphia with a 13-2 run and went on to take a 115-105 victory last night.
It was Boston's fifth straight victory, its 11th in a row at home and its 16th in 18 games. The Celtics now lead the Sixers by four games in the Atlantic Division and joined Portland in the 20-victory club.
The Celtics exuded balance. Larry Bird was flinging 3-pointers from everywhere (3 for 10) but managed to amass 24 points along with eight assists, seven rebounds and six steals in another ho-hum effort. His 10 treys didn't set a franchise mark; Danny Ainge launched 12 in one game. Bird has shot 10 in a game before, against Dallas in 1988. He made seven in that one.
Bird had plenty of company. Reggie Lewis had his crosshairs set right, scoring 26 on 11 of 15 from the field. The Celtics are 10-0 when he scores 20 or more. Kevin McHale (23) and Kevin Gamble (20 on 8 of 9) also came up big as Chris Ford elected to go with only seven players. He did the same thing when the two teams played earlier this season in Philadelphia.
The contrast in the two games was vivid. In Philly, a game the Sixers won, 116-110, the Celtics were hurt not only by Barkley (who had 37), but also by Hersey Hawkins (24). And the Sixer point guards (Rickey Green and Andre Turner) combined for 23 points, 13 assists and 0 turnovers.
Last night, Hawkins never got untracked (3 of 9, 12 points) and Green had four turnovers, along with seven assists and 11 points. And even though Barkley got his points, it was only the second time this season Philly has lost when he has scored 30 or more.
"They are a darn good team," Rickey Green said of the Celtics. "They've got the big man, the inside-outside game, they can run. They're a legitimate shot to win it all."
And what about if they sign former Sixer Derek Smith, as they seem intent on doing?
"They'll get a guy who gives you all the intangibles," Ricky Mahorn said. "But we'll still be around."
That seemed to sum up the Sixers. They wouldn't go away. The Celtics took the lead for good at 10-8 on the second of back-to-back 3-pointers by Bird.
Boston had the lead to 16 in the first and to 19 in the second and third quarters. The Celtics led by 10 after three and by 14 with 8:41 to play on two McHale free throws.
But Barkley seemed determined to pull this one out himself. He took 29 shots (but only three free throws, one at the end of the game) and had 17 points in the fourth quarter. He scored 8 in a 10-1 Philly run that turned the impending rout into something the Celtics didn't want to even consider.
"They're the type of team that, even if you get way up on them, they still feel as if they can win," McHale said. "And we let them get back into it."
Coach Chris Ford called time, but McHale had his shot blocked by rookie Jayson Williams, a surprise contributor in the fourth quarter. The Sixers then botched a chance to make things even more anxious when Turner threw up a brick and Williams crashed the boards, fouling Bird.
Larry made one. Mike Gminski (is he basketball's Steve Blass or what?) then missed and Lewis got fouled. He made them both. The lead was now 8, and all that awaited was the coup de grace.
Fittingly, Bird obliged. After missing two shots on the Celtics' previous possession, including a 3-pointer, he again spotted up beyond the line of death. This time, it went down. He earlier had two 3-pointers called back and ruled as conventional hoops.
That hoop made it 107-96, and the Sixers were finished. Anderson came out of a timeout with a basket, but Bird (a bomb), Lewis (a driving layup) and McHale (a layup from Bird) scored 6 straight and the lead, which had been five only three-plus minutes earlier, was now 15. And the victory was in hand.
"They protected their home turf and we did the same," Ford said. "I don't know where this road is going to lead us."
But he has to like the direction and the method of transport to date.
Remembering the 29-5 Start
Potential for disaster was there, staring the Celtics right in the face.
Charles Barkley was on one of his fourth-quarter rampages and a 19-point lead had been reduced to 5. The Celtics had gone from precision to confusion and, true to their kinder, gentler nature, were hoisting the Sixers back on their feet after having flattened them time and again.
But if the Celtics give and take, they also seem to have something left at the end to give one more time. And they chose this appropriate time to rip Philadelphia with a 13-2 run and went on to take a 115-105 victory last night.
It was Boston's fifth straight victory, its 11th in a row at home and its 16th in 18 games. The Celtics now lead the Sixers by four games in the Atlantic Division and joined Portland in the 20-victory club.
The Celtics exuded balance. Larry Bird was flinging 3-pointers from everywhere (3 for 10) but managed to amass 24 points along with eight assists, seven rebounds and six steals in another ho-hum effort. His 10 treys didn't set a franchise mark; Danny Ainge launched 12 in one game. Bird has shot 10 in a game before, against Dallas in 1988. He made seven in that one.
Bird had plenty of company. Reggie Lewis had his crosshairs set right, scoring 26 on 11 of 15 from the field. The Celtics are 10-0 when he scores 20 or more. Kevin McHale (23) and Kevin Gamble (20 on 8 of 9) also came up big as Chris Ford elected to go with only seven players. He did the same thing when the two teams played earlier this season in Philadelphia.
The contrast in the two games was vivid. In Philly, a game the Sixers won, 116-110, the Celtics were hurt not only by Barkley (who had 37), but also by Hersey Hawkins (24). And the Sixer point guards (Rickey Green and Andre Turner) combined for 23 points, 13 assists and 0 turnovers.
Last night, Hawkins never got untracked (3 of 9, 12 points) and Green had four turnovers, along with seven assists and 11 points. And even though Barkley got his points, it was only the second time this season Philly has lost when he has scored 30 or more.
"They are a darn good team," Rickey Green said of the Celtics. "They've got the big man, the inside-outside game, they can run. They're a legitimate shot to win it all."
And what about if they sign former Sixer Derek Smith, as they seem intent on doing?
"They'll get a guy who gives you all the intangibles," Ricky Mahorn said. "But we'll still be around."
That seemed to sum up the Sixers. They wouldn't go away. The Celtics took the lead for good at 10-8 on the second of back-to-back 3-pointers by Bird.
Boston had the lead to 16 in the first and to 19 in the second and third quarters. The Celtics led by 10 after three and by 14 with 8:41 to play on two McHale free throws.
But Barkley seemed determined to pull this one out himself. He took 29 shots (but only three free throws, one at the end of the game) and had 17 points in the fourth quarter. He scored 8 in a 10-1 Philly run that turned the impending rout into something the Celtics didn't want to even consider.
"They're the type of team that, even if you get way up on them, they still feel as if they can win," McHale said. "And we let them get back into it."
Coach Chris Ford called time, but McHale had his shot blocked by rookie Jayson Williams, a surprise contributor in the fourth quarter. The Sixers then botched a chance to make things even more anxious when Turner threw up a brick and Williams crashed the boards, fouling Bird.
Larry made one. Mike Gminski (is he basketball's Steve Blass or what?) then missed and Lewis got fouled. He made them both. The lead was now 8, and all that awaited was the coup de grace.
Fittingly, Bird obliged. After missing two shots on the Celtics' previous possession, including a 3-pointer, he again spotted up beyond the line of death. This time, it went down. He earlier had two 3-pointers called back and ruled as conventional hoops.
That hoop made it 107-96, and the Sixers were finished. Anderson came out of a timeout with a basket, but Bird (a bomb), Lewis (a driving layup) and McHale (a layup from Bird) scored 6 straight and the lead, which had been five only three-plus minutes earlier, was now 15. And the victory was in hand.
"They protected their home turf and we did the same," Ford said. "I don't know where this road is going to lead us."
But he has to like the direction and the method of transport to date.
Secrecy Shrouds Derek Smith Audition
1990-91 Boston Celtics
Remembering the 29-5 Start
The white, late model Toyota Camry with out-of-state plates pulled into the Hellenic College parking lot around 2 p.m.
The visiting dignitary, Derek Smith, emerged with his entourage of one, agent Ron Grinker. Celtics general manager Jan Volk accompanied them, and they cleverly ducked reporters by opening a door to the gymnasium, using a forsythia bush as a pick.
Secrecy abounded as the Celtics worked out the 29-year-old swingman for about an hour yesterday. Nothing was finalized, and Grinker and Smith were scheduled to fly back to Cincinnati last night.
"I think we're evaluating," said Dave Gavitt, the team's senior executive vice president. "We accomplished what we wanted to accomplish. It's called 'sleep on it.' "
Before Smith arrived, the team made preparations for the not-so-secret workout. There was no explanation for the covert nature of it all, other than it's the Auerbachian preference.
The gym was cleared of undesirables. The quarter-inch slats in the doors were covered with white tape. Cones were placed on the floor in strategic locales, prompting one Celtic to crack, "If I were him, I'd take one look at those cones and say, 'No way. I'll see you at practice tomorrow.' "
The Celtics players knew about the impending audition. Center Joe Kleine, a teammate of Smith's in Sacramento, said, "Derek plays hard and he is very aggressive. But the situation there was so bad for everyone that it's hard to judge."
Yet the brain trust continued to play possum. Coach Chris Ford wouldn't respond to questions concerning Smith's imminent arrival. And Gavitt, when asked about Smith, simply said, "Derek who?"
Smith spent almost an hour being examined before he took the floor for some shooting drills run by assistant coach Don Casey. He took some jumpers and shot some free throws. He drove to the hoop. He wore a white, Hard Rock Cafe (Orlando) T-shirt and red, University of Louisville shorts with 'defense wins' inscribed on the right side.
In the stands, Gavitt, Volk, Ford, team physician Arnold Scheller and trainer Ed Lacerte watched in one group. Several feet away, Grinker and Red Auerbach, longtime soul mates and occasional adversaries (Cedric Maxwell), swapped yarns.
The big question about Smith is his health. His left knee has had more construction than Interstate 86, and he wore a wrap on it yesterday. His last operation was in early September, when he had scar tissue removed which, Grinker said, was the source of previous discomfort.
"How did it look?" Scheller was asked.
"Mechanically, the knee is sound," he said. "But he is a long ways away. Grinker and Smith are saying two weeks, and we don't think that's realistic. He has developed some bad habits because of prior injuries. But it's a solvable situation."
After shooting, Lacerte gave Smith a tour of the weights and exercise equipment. Casey was the first of the brain trust to leave.
"He went up and down," Casey said.
Finally, two hours after the clandestine arrival, Gavitt emerged, bearing drinks, sandwiches and a comment. He said he was reluctant to talk about anyone not under contract and never mentioned Smith by name.
"We're looking at all the options we have," Gavitt said. "There is no timetable. I think today was a good day."
While he spoke, Grinker and Smith quietly left.
Remembering the 29-5 Start
The white, late model Toyota Camry with out-of-state plates pulled into the Hellenic College parking lot around 2 p.m.
The visiting dignitary, Derek Smith, emerged with his entourage of one, agent Ron Grinker. Celtics general manager Jan Volk accompanied them, and they cleverly ducked reporters by opening a door to the gymnasium, using a forsythia bush as a pick.
Secrecy abounded as the Celtics worked out the 29-year-old swingman for about an hour yesterday. Nothing was finalized, and Grinker and Smith were scheduled to fly back to Cincinnati last night.
"I think we're evaluating," said Dave Gavitt, the team's senior executive vice president. "We accomplished what we wanted to accomplish. It's called 'sleep on it.' "
Before Smith arrived, the team made preparations for the not-so-secret workout. There was no explanation for the covert nature of it all, other than it's the Auerbachian preference.
The gym was cleared of undesirables. The quarter-inch slats in the doors were covered with white tape. Cones were placed on the floor in strategic locales, prompting one Celtic to crack, "If I were him, I'd take one look at those cones and say, 'No way. I'll see you at practice tomorrow.' "
The Celtics players knew about the impending audition. Center Joe Kleine, a teammate of Smith's in Sacramento, said, "Derek plays hard and he is very aggressive. But the situation there was so bad for everyone that it's hard to judge."
Yet the brain trust continued to play possum. Coach Chris Ford wouldn't respond to questions concerning Smith's imminent arrival. And Gavitt, when asked about Smith, simply said, "Derek who?"
Smith spent almost an hour being examined before he took the floor for some shooting drills run by assistant coach Don Casey. He took some jumpers and shot some free throws. He drove to the hoop. He wore a white, Hard Rock Cafe (Orlando) T-shirt and red, University of Louisville shorts with 'defense wins' inscribed on the right side.
In the stands, Gavitt, Volk, Ford, team physician Arnold Scheller and trainer Ed Lacerte watched in one group. Several feet away, Grinker and Red Auerbach, longtime soul mates and occasional adversaries (Cedric Maxwell), swapped yarns.
The big question about Smith is his health. His left knee has had more construction than Interstate 86, and he wore a wrap on it yesterday. His last operation was in early September, when he had scar tissue removed which, Grinker said, was the source of previous discomfort.
"How did it look?" Scheller was asked.
"Mechanically, the knee is sound," he said. "But he is a long ways away. Grinker and Smith are saying two weeks, and we don't think that's realistic. He has developed some bad habits because of prior injuries. But it's a solvable situation."
After shooting, Lacerte gave Smith a tour of the weights and exercise equipment. Casey was the first of the brain trust to leave.
"He went up and down," Casey said.
Finally, two hours after the clandestine arrival, Gavitt emerged, bearing drinks, sandwiches and a comment. He said he was reluctant to talk about anyone not under contract and never mentioned Smith by name.
"We're looking at all the options we have," Gavitt said. "There is no timetable. I think today was a good day."
While he spoke, Grinker and Smith quietly left.
Andrew Bynum is the Next Robert Parish
Yes, that is what Laker Blog Forum Blue and Gold is hoping for.
Herald: Marquis Daniels Still Coming
Marquis Daniels has agreed to come to the Celtics, and his former team, the Indiana Pacers, have agreed to sweeten the pot for the player by cooperating in a sign-and-trade deal. The only problem is Indiana’s compensation. The problem is believed to be Indiana’s lack of interest in guard Tony Allen, whom the Celtics offered to the Pacers. The Celtics also reportedly have attempted to include guard Gabe Pruitt and forward Bill Walker in the package.
And They Wonder Why Newspapers are Dying
So who is more intense?
“I would have to say I am, because [Garnett] can control his emotions,” Wallace joked. “Of course everyone knows my history as far as technical fouls and this and that, but I don’t think you can match the intensity that either one of us brings to the floor.”
Sheed Continued:
“I would say the one difference between Kevin and myself is, I would say he is a better rebounder and I’m a better jump-shot shooter,” Wallace said. “Everything else is the same as far as the heart, the adrenaline going into the game and wanting to win. Everything is the same except those two little differences.”
Garnett Interjected:
“When you are in the league for as long as we have been, you go through a dark time, and I was feeling him, so I just reached out real softly and kind of discreet to just see how he was doing,” Garnett said. “Obviously the relationship has always been there. I voiced my opinion on how much I wanted to play with him. I don’t really chase too many people.
LINK
Hmmm.
Look familiar? Yeah, me too.
Ok. A couple of questions.
First, who do you think the market is for an article like this?
Yup, Celtics' fans. Maybe even die-hard Celtics' fans.
Second, what are the characteristics of a die-hard Celtics' fan?
Right again. Voracious appetite for Celtics' news 24/7.
So then how do we explain a newspaper's decision to trot out some old quotations from a press conference that took place a month ago, slap on today's date, and expect anyone other than a handful of people to find the article worth their time to read?
Newspapers need to figure out how to survive and thrive in the age of the Internet. Surrounding recycled quotes with a new fact or two isn't gonna get 'er done. You could say that's exactly what I do, isn't it? True, but I'm not trying to make a profit out of this website.
“I would have to say I am, because [Garnett] can control his emotions,” Wallace joked. “Of course everyone knows my history as far as technical fouls and this and that, but I don’t think you can match the intensity that either one of us brings to the floor.”
Sheed Continued:
“I would say the one difference between Kevin and myself is, I would say he is a better rebounder and I’m a better jump-shot shooter,” Wallace said. “Everything else is the same as far as the heart, the adrenaline going into the game and wanting to win. Everything is the same except those two little differences.”
Garnett Interjected:
“When you are in the league for as long as we have been, you go through a dark time, and I was feeling him, so I just reached out real softly and kind of discreet to just see how he was doing,” Garnett said. “Obviously the relationship has always been there. I voiced my opinion on how much I wanted to play with him. I don’t really chase too many people.
LINK
Hmmm.
Look familiar? Yeah, me too.
Ok. A couple of questions.
First, who do you think the market is for an article like this?
Yup, Celtics' fans. Maybe even die-hard Celtics' fans.
Second, what are the characteristics of a die-hard Celtics' fan?
Right again. Voracious appetite for Celtics' news 24/7.
So then how do we explain a newspaper's decision to trot out some old quotations from a press conference that took place a month ago, slap on today's date, and expect anyone other than a handful of people to find the article worth their time to read?
Newspapers need to figure out how to survive and thrive in the age of the Internet. Surrounding recycled quotes with a new fact or two isn't gonna get 'er done. You could say that's exactly what I do, isn't it? True, but I'm not trying to make a profit out of this website.
Artest Comfortable with Phil's & Kobe's Nudity, as Well as His Own
Earlier we discussed how a fully-clothed Ron Artest walked into the Lakers shower stall and tried to convince a butt naked Zen Mistress that Artest was a key to their title hopes.
Today we learn this tidbit about Mr. Artest:
Today we learn this tidbit about Mr. Artest:
Artest routinely walked around in his underwear in public places: the Rockets' team bus, hotels, you name it. People around the team barely flinched after a while. Before Game 7 of the Lakers series -- only the biggest game of the entire season -- they finally flinched.
Here's what happened: Artest missed the first two team buses (the ones for players, coaches and team personnel) from Houston's hotel to the Staples Center and barely made the third and final bus, which was reserved for business staff, sponsors and friends of the team. These stunned people watched Artest sprint to the bus right before it left, jump on and take one of the remaining seats ... yes, wearing only his underwear. Owner Leslie Alexander happened to be sitting on the bus and witnessed the whole thing. And you wonder why the Houston Rockets didn't make any effort whatsoever to bring back Artest.
According to Bill Simmons' version of the shower incident, Artest walked in on a naked Kobe, too:
Artest told reporters that he wandered into the Lakers' locker room to express that desire to a showering Kobe Bryant -- right after L.A.'s bitter Game 6 thrashing in Boston in the 2008 Finals, no less -- adding, "Yeah, I walked in the shower. I'm not a homosexual or nothing like that, but Kobe had no clothes on."
It's unclear if the Simmons' version is in addition to or instead of Artest walking in on a naked Zen Mistress.
This should be a fun year.
Celtics' Deal for Daniels Hits a Snag
LINK
Apparently the Celtics are looking for a third team that would be willing to take back Tony Allen and Gabe Pruitt. The same article also notes that the New Jersey Nets shot down this morning's sign-and-trade rumor involving BBD.
Apparently the Celtics are looking for a third team that would be willing to take back Tony Allen and Gabe Pruitt. The same article also notes that the New Jersey Nets shot down this morning's sign-and-trade rumor involving BBD.
Whistling Past the Graveyard in Tinseltown
If Lamar doesn't sign with the Lakers, it's not THAT big of a deal. With Andrew, Pau, Kobe, and Artest in the starting five, we can compete with anyone. Buss can use the money he would have spent on Odom on a mid-season trade using Morrison's expiring contract along with several other possibilities. Teams that start to lose will want to dump players for the big 2010 offseason, this is just the beginning, we might actually be better off if Lamar goes.
LINK
LINK
1990-91 Celtics: First on Defense, First on Offense
1990-91 Boston Celtics
Remembering the 29-5 Start
It sounded so simple and, to some, probably unrealistic. The new coach was promising things from the 1990-91 Boston Celtics, things heretofore unthinkable.
The Celtics would run, coach Chris Ford promised after taking the head job last June. The Celtics would get easy baskets, he said. They would defend as if the motherland was under siege, he also vowed.
Inheriting a team that did none of the above particularly well, his promises sounded like so much campaign rhetoric. At least he didn't say "read my lips."
Well, guess what. As the Celtics prepare to close out 1990, they are running, getting easy baskets, and defending. They are doing so at a frighteningly successful clip that, if maintained, would establish this year's team as one of the best statistically of the Larry Bird era. Already, at 19-4, they are opening eyes around the league.
The Celtics lead the league in field goal percentage (53.1). That would be third best in NBA history and a franchise record. Even more remarkable, they lead the league in defensive field goal percentage, holding clubs to a stark 44.1 percent. That would be the second lowest league mark in 18 years.
Only one team in the last 17 years has led the league in both shooting percentage departments: the 1980-81 Philadelphia 76ers. The 1985-86 Celtics, the 67-15 team that Bird said is the best he's seen in his 11-plus years in the league, was No. 1 defensively and second to the Lakers in shooting percentage. Last year's Utah Jazz were first in shooting and second in defense after Detroit.
"To me, those are the numbers that stick out," Ford said yesterday before attending the Celtics' Christmas party. "That tells me that we are getting easier baskets, particularly on transition, because we are not being double- and triple-teamed.
"It also tells me that defensively we have taken away the easy basket. We are putting a hand in a shooter's face. And those have been points we have emphasized since the beginning."
Only twice in 23 games has an opponent shot better than 50 percent against the Celtics: the Chicago Bulls shot 53 percent in a 120-100 victory in Boston Nov. 9 and the Charlotte Hornets also shot 53 percent in a 135-126 defeat in Boston Nov. 14. Since then, the Celtics have played 16 games and only one club, the 76ers, has been able to shoot 50 percent. In those 16 games, the Celtics have held opponents to 42 percent or worse on eight occasions.
"We're doing what I want on defense," Ford said.
And how can he complain about the offense? If Bird wasn't bricking them up from hither and yon on the road, they'd be on target to be the most accurate team ever. They still may do it despite the franchise anchor, er, forward.
Already, the Celtics have shot 60 percent or better on five occasions. They did it only four times all last season. They've had two bad shooting games all year; 41 percent in the debacle in Milwaukee and 43 percent at home against Sacramento. That's it. Their next worst shooting game is 47 percent.
Kevin McHale, Robert Parish and Kevin Gamble are 3-4-5 in shooting. Brian Shaw, who shot 43 percent as a rookie, is shooting 51.9 percent. Reggie Lewis (51.5) and Dee Brown (54) give Boston six regulars shooting 50 percent or better. Bird is at 46.8 percent, but he also leads the team in assists.
"We're getting the easy baskets, but we're also taking good shots," Ford said. "I like our shot selection."
There is other impressive data. They are winning games by an average of 9.1 points a game, third behind Portland and Chicago. Only one team in NBA history has had a 9-point or better differential without winning 60 games: the 1985-86 Milwaukee Bucks. (A disclaimer: the Red Auerbach-coached 1946-47 Washington Caps had a 9.9 winning margin; however they only played a 60-game schedule. They went 49-11.) Eight other teams have had 9-point winning margins and seven won championships; the 1971-72 Bucks are the exception.
The Celtics have won 11 of 12 at home and the average margin of victory is an astonishing 17.5 points. Portland (15.7) can't match that. Neither can undefeated Milwaukee (13.1).
Predictably, there are less scintillating numbers in other categories. The Celtics are seventh in rebounding, ninth on the defensive boards. With the opposition shooting so poorly, there are more opportunities for defensive rebounds. And the Celtics aren't getting as many as they perhaps could.
They are committing an unsatisfactory 17.1 turnovers a game, but the coach attributed much of that to "concentration dips" during blowouts. For example, the bench played most of the fourth quarter in Saturday's rout at Miami and committed 11 turnovers.
And, as usual, they still lag at the bottom of the "turnovers forced" category. Some things remain the same.
Remembering the 29-5 Start
It sounded so simple and, to some, probably unrealistic. The new coach was promising things from the 1990-91 Boston Celtics, things heretofore unthinkable.
The Celtics would run, coach Chris Ford promised after taking the head job last June. The Celtics would get easy baskets, he said. They would defend as if the motherland was under siege, he also vowed.
Inheriting a team that did none of the above particularly well, his promises sounded like so much campaign rhetoric. At least he didn't say "read my lips."
Well, guess what. As the Celtics prepare to close out 1990, they are running, getting easy baskets, and defending. They are doing so at a frighteningly successful clip that, if maintained, would establish this year's team as one of the best statistically of the Larry Bird era. Already, at 19-4, they are opening eyes around the league.
The Celtics lead the league in field goal percentage (53.1). That would be third best in NBA history and a franchise record. Even more remarkable, they lead the league in defensive field goal percentage, holding clubs to a stark 44.1 percent. That would be the second lowest league mark in 18 years.
Only one team in the last 17 years has led the league in both shooting percentage departments: the 1980-81 Philadelphia 76ers. The 1985-86 Celtics, the 67-15 team that Bird said is the best he's seen in his 11-plus years in the league, was No. 1 defensively and second to the Lakers in shooting percentage. Last year's Utah Jazz were first in shooting and second in defense after Detroit.
"To me, those are the numbers that stick out," Ford said yesterday before attending the Celtics' Christmas party. "That tells me that we are getting easier baskets, particularly on transition, because we are not being double- and triple-teamed.
"It also tells me that defensively we have taken away the easy basket. We are putting a hand in a shooter's face. And those have been points we have emphasized since the beginning."
Only twice in 23 games has an opponent shot better than 50 percent against the Celtics: the Chicago Bulls shot 53 percent in a 120-100 victory in Boston Nov. 9 and the Charlotte Hornets also shot 53 percent in a 135-126 defeat in Boston Nov. 14. Since then, the Celtics have played 16 games and only one club, the 76ers, has been able to shoot 50 percent. In those 16 games, the Celtics have held opponents to 42 percent or worse on eight occasions.
"We're doing what I want on defense," Ford said.
And how can he complain about the offense? If Bird wasn't bricking them up from hither and yon on the road, they'd be on target to be the most accurate team ever. They still may do it despite the franchise anchor, er, forward.
Already, the Celtics have shot 60 percent or better on five occasions. They did it only four times all last season. They've had two bad shooting games all year; 41 percent in the debacle in Milwaukee and 43 percent at home against Sacramento. That's it. Their next worst shooting game is 47 percent.
Kevin McHale, Robert Parish and Kevin Gamble are 3-4-5 in shooting. Brian Shaw, who shot 43 percent as a rookie, is shooting 51.9 percent. Reggie Lewis (51.5) and Dee Brown (54) give Boston six regulars shooting 50 percent or better. Bird is at 46.8 percent, but he also leads the team in assists.
"We're getting the easy baskets, but we're also taking good shots," Ford said. "I like our shot selection."
There is other impressive data. They are winning games by an average of 9.1 points a game, third behind Portland and Chicago. Only one team in NBA history has had a 9-point or better differential without winning 60 games: the 1985-86 Milwaukee Bucks. (A disclaimer: the Red Auerbach-coached 1946-47 Washington Caps had a 9.9 winning margin; however they only played a 60-game schedule. They went 49-11.) Eight other teams have had 9-point winning margins and seven won championships; the 1971-72 Bucks are the exception.
The Celtics have won 11 of 12 at home and the average margin of victory is an astonishing 17.5 points. Portland (15.7) can't match that. Neither can undefeated Milwaukee (13.1).
Predictably, there are less scintillating numbers in other categories. The Celtics are seventh in rebounding, ninth on the defensive boards. With the opposition shooting so poorly, there are more opportunities for defensive rebounds. And the Celtics aren't getting as many as they perhaps could.
They are committing an unsatisfactory 17.1 turnovers a game, but the coach attributed much of that to "concentration dips" during blowouts. For example, the bench played most of the fourth quarter in Saturday's rout at Miami and committed 11 turnovers.
And, as usual, they still lag at the bottom of the "turnovers forced" category. Some things remain the same.
I'm Glad Eddie's Coming Back
Hey, how 'bout that Eddie House? He must be a good brooder, because he has the knack of bouncing back when things go a bit south for him. Consider his 2008 playoffs, when he was displaced in the postseason by Sam Cassell to the extent of accumulating nine DNPs, including Games 1 and 2 of the Finals against LA. But who came up big in the Game 4 comeback against the Lakers? Eddie House
This year he was a miserable 9 for 30 in a paltry nine minutes a game in Games 1-6 against Chicago before bursting forth with that dazzling Game 7 in which he scored 16 points on 5-for-5 shooting in 22 minutes. And what can you say about his performance Wednesday, other than it was one of the great off-the-bench scoring outbursts in team history? Eddie's a pro's pro.
BOB RYAN
With all the talk of adding Sheed and the possible additions of Marbury, Bowen, and Marquis, it's easy to forget about that little guy who helped fuel the greatest comeback in NBA Finals history.
This year he was a miserable 9 for 30 in a paltry nine minutes a game in Games 1-6 against Chicago before bursting forth with that dazzling Game 7 in which he scored 16 points on 5-for-5 shooting in 22 minutes. And what can you say about his performance Wednesday, other than it was one of the great off-the-bench scoring outbursts in team history? Eddie's a pro's pro.
BOB RYAN
With all the talk of adding Sheed and the possible additions of Marbury, Bowen, and Marquis, it's easy to forget about that little guy who helped fuel the greatest comeback in NBA Finals history.
Would you Trade the 6th Pick in the 2007 NBA Draft for the 35th Pick?
1 Greg Oden C United States Portland Trail Blazers Ohio State Fr.
2 Kevin Durant F United States Seattle SuperSonics Texas Fr.
3 Al Horford F/C Dominican Republic Atlanta Hawks Florida Jr.
4 Mike Conley, Jr. G United States Memphis Grizzlies Ohio State Fr.
5 Jeff Green F United States Boston Celtics (traded to Seattle)[a] Georgetown Jr.
6 Yi Jianlian F Milwaukee Bucks Guangdong Southern Tigers (China) 1987
7 Corey Brewer F United States Minnesota Timberwolves Florida Jr.
31 Carl Landry F Seattle SuperSonics (traded to Houston)[f] Purdue Sr.
32 Gabe Pruitt G Boston Celtics USC Jr.
33 Marcus Williams F San Antonio Spurs (from Milwaukee)[t] Arizona So.
34 Nick Fazekas F Dallas Mavericks (from Atlanta)[u] Nevada Sr.
35 Glen Davis F Seattle SuperSonics (traded to Boston)[a] LSU Jr.
The more interesting question is whether the Celtics will trade the 35th pick for the 6th pick, now that the star has risen for the 35th pick, while the star has fallen for the 6th pick.
What a difference a couple of years can make in how NBA talent is evaluated.
2 Kevin Durant F United States Seattle SuperSonics Texas Fr.
3 Al Horford F/C Dominican Republic Atlanta Hawks Florida Jr.
4 Mike Conley, Jr. G United States Memphis Grizzlies Ohio State Fr.
5 Jeff Green F United States Boston Celtics (traded to Seattle)[a] Georgetown Jr.
6 Yi Jianlian F Milwaukee Bucks Guangdong Southern Tigers (China) 1987
7 Corey Brewer F United States Minnesota Timberwolves Florida Jr.
31 Carl Landry F Seattle SuperSonics (traded to Houston)[f] Purdue Sr.
32 Gabe Pruitt G Boston Celtics USC Jr.
33 Marcus Williams F San Antonio Spurs (from Milwaukee)[t] Arizona So.
34 Nick Fazekas F Dallas Mavericks (from Atlanta)[u] Nevada Sr.
35 Glen Davis F Seattle SuperSonics (traded to Boston)[a] LSU Jr.
The more interesting question is whether the Celtics will trade the 35th pick for the 6th pick, now that the star has risen for the 35th pick, while the star has fallen for the 6th pick.
What a difference a couple of years can make in how NBA talent is evaluated.
Celtics Audition Derek Smith
1990-91 Boston Celtics
Remembering the 29-5 Start
The courtship of Derek Smith gets serious today. The Celtics will get to see their prime target on the court. They may even see his name on the dotted line.
Smith is due in town today and, if all goes according to plan, he will undergo some kind of workout. Smith saw his doctor yesterday and word is he may be only two weeks away from playing.
Smith's attorney, Ron Grinker, is planning to meet with the Celtics' brain trust. Grinker refused comment yesterday.
If the sides become serious, the Celtics have two exceptions they can utilize to give Smith more than the NBA minimum. They have any or all of Dennis Johnson's $1.15 million available. If they use that, DJ would be officially out of the picture. They also have roughly $437,000, which amounts to one-half of Jim Paxson's salary-cap value. Paxson was waived Dec. 5.
The Celtics have tried to downplay their interest in Smith while admitting they are at least a player away from where they want to be. Smith originally seemed headed back to Philadelphia, where he played the last 1 1/2 seasons. However, the Sixers used his roster spot to sign Jayson Williams and the league ruled Philly couldn't re-sign Smith for a year.
Smith has stated he would relish the prospect of playing for Boston. And at 6 feet 6 inches, he fills the team's most pressing need, a defender at the small forward position.
Smith also has played with Golden State, the Clippers and the Kings. He is a career 12.9 points per game scorer, although he twice has averaged more than 20.
His health, however, is an ongoing concern. He underwent surgery in September to remove scar tissue from his knee. Grinker has said Smith is pain-free for the first time in years. If that is the case, he could be a real find for Boston.
Remembering the 29-5 Start
The courtship of Derek Smith gets serious today. The Celtics will get to see their prime target on the court. They may even see his name on the dotted line.
Smith is due in town today and, if all goes according to plan, he will undergo some kind of workout. Smith saw his doctor yesterday and word is he may be only two weeks away from playing.
Smith's attorney, Ron Grinker, is planning to meet with the Celtics' brain trust. Grinker refused comment yesterday.
If the sides become serious, the Celtics have two exceptions they can utilize to give Smith more than the NBA minimum. They have any or all of Dennis Johnson's $1.15 million available. If they use that, DJ would be officially out of the picture. They also have roughly $437,000, which amounts to one-half of Jim Paxson's salary-cap value. Paxson was waived Dec. 5.
The Celtics have tried to downplay their interest in Smith while admitting they are at least a player away from where they want to be. Smith originally seemed headed back to Philadelphia, where he played the last 1 1/2 seasons. However, the Sixers used his roster spot to sign Jayson Williams and the league ruled Philly couldn't re-sign Smith for a year.
Smith has stated he would relish the prospect of playing for Boston. And at 6 feet 6 inches, he fills the team's most pressing need, a defender at the small forward position.
Smith also has played with Golden State, the Clippers and the Kings. He is a career 12.9 points per game scorer, although he twice has averaged more than 20.
His health, however, is an ongoing concern. He underwent surgery in September to remove scar tissue from his knee. Grinker has said Smith is pain-free for the first time in years. If that is the case, he could be a real find for Boston.
Morning Mix
Pat Riley Flies to LA to Meet with Odom. Link
Baby to NJ a Done Deal? Link.
Celtics Interested in Bruce Bowen and other Random Drive-Bys. Link.
Detroit Free Press Weighs in on the East. Link.
Powe to Cleveland? Link.
More on Lamar:
The five-year $34 million deal is much less than the three-year $27 million offer he reportedly got from the Lakers, but it some ways NBA contracts are about feeling respected. Money usually talks louder than pride, but not always. Of course, there's no state income tax inFlorida
If the Lakers really only offered Lamar $27m over 3, and Pat Riley is flying from Florida to LA today, the lack of income tax in Florida really might influence Odom's decision.
Baby to NJ a Done Deal? Link.
Celtics Interested in Bruce Bowen and other Random Drive-Bys. Link.
Detroit Free Press Weighs in on the East. Link.
Powe to Cleveland? Link.
More on Lamar:
The five-year $34 million deal is much less than the three-year $27 million offer he reportedly got from the Lakers, but it some ways NBA contracts are about feeling respected. Money usually talks louder than pride, but not always. Of course, there's no state income tax in
If the Lakers really only offered Lamar $27m over 3, and Pat Riley is flying from Florida to LA today, the lack of income tax in Florida really might influence Odom's decision.
Random Drive-Bys (Bruce Bowen Edition)
Random Drive-Bys
Kobe and Flash Vie for Lamar's Affections
And if you think their showdowns on the court are classic, just consider their recruiting skills. Both Wade and Bryant are battling for Odom's long-term affection. Both have taken their pleas public in recent days. On Saturday, Wade took his to another level: Tweetville. In announcing his return to tweeting after a brief hiatus, Wade sent out this messaged to Odom early Saturday afternoon on his twitter account:
"This is for Lamar Odom ... come back to where it started for both of us.. the franchise u help build back up wants u to End it all here."
LINK
Big Ben Contemplating Return to Pistons
"Shortly after the Cleveland Cavaliers traded Ben Wallace and Sasha Pavlovic to the Phoenix Suns for Shaquille O'Neal last month, it was speculated once Wallace took a buyout, and if he didn't retire, that he would return to either the Cavaliers or the Detroit Pistons. Wallace took a $10 million buyout from the Suns. He left $4 million on table. Well, rumors have circulated that Wallace, who had his best years as a pro in Detroit, will sign a one-year deal with the Pistons.
LINK
Bruce Bowen a Celtic?
A source (preferring to remain unnamed) has indicated a serious flirtation between Bruce Bowen and the Boston Celtics.
LINK
Speaking of "John Havlicek without a Jump Shot"
Every Celtics fan remember Rick Pitino's description of Bruce Bowen as "John Havlicek without a Jump Shot."
John Havlicek begged off commenting on Rick Pitino's infamous statement that ex-Celtic Bruce Bowen was John Havlicek without a jump shot, saying he hadn't seen Bowen play much. Bowen's jump shot has improved enough so that he led the league in 3-point shooting this season for San Antonio.
5/2/03 TGMGZTWM D4
Pitino made a decision last summer not to re-sign Bowen; he had seen Adrian Griffin, and that decision looks like a no-brainer right now. Still, Bowen thought he had found a home in Boston and is still a bit disappointed over the way it all ended. "It was strange, to say the least," Bowen said. "It just goes to show you that it is a business, and sometimes they like you and sometimes they don't. It was a surprise to me, but I can't fault them for taking a different route. That's their prerogative. And I'm really happy for Adrian. He was such a pleasure to play with (in the summer league)." Bowen said he hasn't heard from Pitino since they severed ties last summer. Originally, he was one of Pitino's favorites. Pitino called him "John Havlicek without a jump shot" and said he would "kill himself" before trading Bowen. That led Bowen to believe he'd be around a while. "You hear that stuff," he said, "and it sounds good. It sounds like I have a place where I can play of lot of ball. It's unfortunate that players have to go through something like that. And nine-tenths of the time, it's the guys who work hard, who don't have the big contracts, that get jerked around, so to speak."
12/5/99 BOSTONG C6
Paul Pierce nearly blushed when he heard Rick Pitino had compared him to Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson. "I'm nowhere near that," Pierce said. "He's one of the top 50 players who ever played the game. I can't even see myself being mentioned in the same breath as him." Pitino tends to make wild comparisons. He once called Bruce Bowen "John Havlicek without a jump shot." But Pitino's point this time was that Pierce, like Robertson, takes what's there rather than force things.
10/31/99 TGMGZTWM D1
Bad drafting luck aside, doubt goes to the heart of why Rick Pitino has fallen from glory. More than once, he has retreated from grand assessments of players. For example, Bruce Bowen went from "John Havlicek without a jump shot" to the waiver wire.
10/22/99 LEXINGTONHLD C1
Kobe and Flash Vie for Lamar's Affections
And if you think their showdowns on the court are classic, just consider their recruiting skills. Both Wade and Bryant are battling for Odom's long-term affection. Both have taken their pleas public in recent days. On Saturday, Wade took his to another level: Tweetville. In announcing his return to tweeting after a brief hiatus, Wade sent out this messaged to Odom early Saturday afternoon on his twitter account:
"This is for Lamar Odom ... come back to where it started for both of us.. the franchise u help build back up wants u to End it all here."
LINK
Big Ben Contemplating Return to Pistons
"Shortly after the Cleveland Cavaliers traded Ben Wallace and Sasha Pavlovic to the Phoenix Suns for Shaquille O'Neal last month, it was speculated once Wallace took a buyout, and if he didn't retire, that he would return to either the Cavaliers or the Detroit Pistons. Wallace took a $10 million buyout from the Suns. He left $4 million on table. Well, rumors have circulated that Wallace, who had his best years as a pro in Detroit, will sign a one-year deal with the Pistons.
LINK
Bruce Bowen a Celtic?
A source (preferring to remain unnamed) has indicated a serious flirtation between Bruce Bowen and the Boston Celtics.
LINK
Speaking of "John Havlicek without a Jump Shot"
Every Celtics fan remember Rick Pitino's description of Bruce Bowen as "John Havlicek without a Jump Shot."
John Havlicek begged off commenting on Rick Pitino's infamous statement that ex-Celtic Bruce Bowen was John Havlicek without a jump shot, saying he hadn't seen Bowen play much. Bowen's jump shot has improved enough so that he led the league in 3-point shooting this season for San Antonio.
5/2/03 TGMGZTWM D4
Pitino made a decision last summer not to re-sign Bowen; he had seen Adrian Griffin, and that decision looks like a no-brainer right now. Still, Bowen thought he had found a home in Boston and is still a bit disappointed over the way it all ended. "It was strange, to say the least," Bowen said. "It just goes to show you that it is a business, and sometimes they like you and sometimes they don't. It was a surprise to me, but I can't fault them for taking a different route. That's their prerogative. And I'm really happy for Adrian. He was such a pleasure to play with (in the summer league)." Bowen said he hasn't heard from Pitino since they severed ties last summer. Originally, he was one of Pitino's favorites. Pitino called him "John Havlicek without a jump shot" and said he would "kill himself" before trading Bowen. That led Bowen to believe he'd be around a while. "You hear that stuff," he said, "and it sounds good. It sounds like I have a place where I can play of lot of ball. It's unfortunate that players have to go through something like that. And nine-tenths of the time, it's the guys who work hard, who don't have the big contracts, that get jerked around, so to speak."
12/5/99 BOSTONG C6
Paul Pierce nearly blushed when he heard Rick Pitino had compared him to Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson. "I'm nowhere near that," Pierce said. "He's one of the top 50 players who ever played the game. I can't even see myself being mentioned in the same breath as him." Pitino tends to make wild comparisons. He once called Bruce Bowen "John Havlicek without a jump shot." But Pitino's point this time was that Pierce, like Robertson, takes what's there rather than force things.
10/31/99 TGMGZTWM D1
Bad drafting luck aside, doubt goes to the heart of why Rick Pitino has fallen from glory. More than once, he has retreated from grand assessments of players. For example, Bruce Bowen went from "John Havlicek without a jump shot" to the waiver wire.
10/22/99 LEXINGTONHLD C1
Is Robert Parish an All-Time Great?
1990-91 Boston Celtics
Remembering the 29-5 Start
Ask Robert Parish about his place in hoop history and you might as well be asking for an expert opinion on the plight of the Tamil insurgents in Sri Lanka.
In other words, he doesn't know. Or want to know. Or care.
The Hall of Fame? It would be an honor, but it's not something that keeps him awake at night. His "00"uniform retired and hoisted to the Boston Garden rafters? Again, a nice tribute, but if it doesn't happen, he won't go into therapy.
When the discussion turns to great, dominating NBA centers, the names of Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar invariably surface. You can make a case for Moses Malone and Nate Thurmond. And was there anyone better than Bill Walton in 1976-77?
And then there's the Chief. Why doesn't his name automatically jump out? He has three championship rings. He has been in the All-Star Game eight times.
Maybe it's because he doesn't seek publicity, write autobiographies or court controversy. More likely is that people will look at his teammates and conclude, erroneously, that greatness can't help but rub off when you play with Larry Bird & Co. every night.
"I think he's always going to be one of those guys people tend to leave out," said Miami assistant coach Dave Wohl. "And that will be a crime. He's unspectacular. He doesn't have the flamboyancy of a Chamberlain or the personality of the others. But year after year he does the things that you as a coach want a center to do."
This remark came after Wohl watched Parish dismantle what passes for the Heat's interior game. In 27 minutes, Parish had 23 points, 13 rebounds and a blocked shot. He was 7 for 11 from the field.
It is games like these that make Parish the actuarial anomaly that he is. At 37, the NBA's oldest player, he is showing no signs of slippage. His season numbers -- 15.7 points, 10.3 rebounds and 57.8-percent shooting -- are close to or better than his career marks. And he's playing less than 30 minutes a game.
"I take it as a personal challenge when I go up against the younger guys," Parish said.
Reminded that that included every other NBA player, he laughed.
"I'm just trying to do the same things to them that they are trying to do to me," he said. "I feel I still can be competitive. I feel I still can be a factor."I just want to be consistent."
You want consistent? Try shooting. Since coming to Boston in 1980, he has shot no worse than 54.2 percent and last year shot a career best, 58 percent. Only once, in the injury-plagued 1987-88 season, did he average fewer than 15 points or 9.5 rebounds. In his 10 years as a Celtic, he has averaged 79.3 games a season. Only once, again in 1987-88, has he missed more than four games in a year.
He has been in the league since the closing days of the Ford Administration. This is his 15th season. On Saturday night against Miami, he moved past Hal Greer into fifth place in career games played with 1,123. (Interestingly, both Parish and Dennis Johnson had each played 1,100 games through 1989-90.)
"Generally, at that age, if you're even still playing, it's on a part-time basis," Wohl said. "Try to think of guys who have played at his level for so long. It's hard."
Parish jokes about being the last option on offense and there are nights, like the game in Houston, when he will get only three shots. The Celtics won that game. And Parish managed 11 rebounds and three steals.
"If you didn't call a play for him the whole year, he wouldn't complain," coach Chris Ford said. "He goes about his job quietly and few do it any better. They throw him a bone now and then by putting him on the All-Star team, but I definitely feel he has been overlooked."
Joe Kleine thought he had Parish pegged when he played for Sacramento. True, the Kings and Celtics played only twice a year, but reputations get around.
"I didn't think he was that good until I got here. Then I found out, he isn't good. He's great. And he's gotten better since I've been here," Kleine said. "He does everything well. And I mean everything. I'd be shocked if they didn't retire his number and hang it up there. If they don't, they might as well bring all the others down, because then they won't mean anything."
Celtics Beat Miami, Move to 19-4
1990-91 Boston Celtics
Remembering the 29-5 Start
The Celtics stopped by southern Florida long enough yesterday to enjoy the weather, get some needed rest and build up their frequent flier portfolios. They then went out and slaughtered the hapless Heat, 114-100.
It was never really a contest. The Celtics led by 29 in the third quarter and by 26 after three. Coach Chris Ford went to his bench, and garbage time kicked in big time, producing the closer-than-it-should-have-been final score.
It was pretty much a perspiration-free evening for everyone from Boston. Robert Parish came out and absolutely feasted on a subpar Rony Seikaly. Parish wound up with 23 points, 13 rebounds and a blocked shot in 27 minutes. He set the tone from the outset (11 points, 6 rebounds in the first quarter), and everything else fell into place.
"It's teams like this that you gotta get up for. Otherwise, you'll get embarrassed," said Parish, who was 7 for 11 from the field. "You gotta beat teams like this. Detroit, LA, you don't know. But if you let down mentally against a team like this, you can get embarrassed."
The victory was the fourth straight for the Celtics and 15th in their last 17 games. They are 9-0 lifetime against Miami and one day, maybe coach Ron Rothstein will be able to emerge from a locker room after a Boston game and not look as if he hadn't slept in three weeks.
The Celtics led by 11 after one, by the same margin at the half (they had a minor relapse in the second quarter) and by 90-64 after three. The Celtics didn't even need much from Larry Bird, who registered his third triple-single of the year (9 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists). Brian Shaw (19 points), Reggie Lewis (17) and Kevin McHale (14) were more than enough to handle the outmanned Heat.
Things got so out of hand that Ford actually sat on the bench for almost all of the fourth quarter. We are not making this up.
The game had all the makings of a mismatch even before the opening tap. Miami had lost six straight and, record-wise, was making little progress in its effort to become something other than the universally scorned expansion team. And the Celtics are on a roll, which is bad news for anyone, especially the downtrodden.
Things took a downward turn for 5-16 Miami when it learned sparkplug point guard Sherman Douglas wouldn't be available because of a "contusion on the left bicep." He had injured it the night before against Philadelphia. Said assistant coach Tony Fiorentino, "He has a big bump on his elbow. And it hurts."
In addition, Seikaly did a remarkable imitation of the Invisible Man, going 1 for 8 from the field and grabbing three rebounds in 18 minutes. It turned out he was bothered by a groin injury.
"I really wanted to play, but it was a mistake," Seikaly said. "If you're injured and can't move around, maybe someone else can."
But this isn't Penn State football, and Rothstein can't simply plug in another blue-chipper when his starter can't go. So the Celtics saw a lot of Terry Davis and Alec Kessler, which should partly explain why Parish was able to have his way.
"If we're going to have a chance against a team like this, we need Sherman Douglas and we need a healthy Rony Seikaly," Rothstein said. He added that Glen Rice was bothered by a cold and had trouble breathing.
Bird said he didn't notice that Seikaly missed most of the second half but agreed with Rothstein that Douglas' absence was a key.
"He can penetrate, dish it off, get your big guys in foul trouble," Bird said. "Without him, they probably felt out of it a little bit."
Despite their misfortune, the Heat hung in there for a half, trailing only by 11. But the Celtics got serious in the third quarter, opening with 6 unanswered points on a Parish turnaround, a Bird (4 for 11) 20-footer and a Kevin Gamble layup off a beatiful feed from Bird.
The Heat managed to get back to within 13 but no closer. Shaw and Gamble each had 4 points in a 10-0 run which pushed the lead out to 75-52 with five minutes remaining. That pretty much ended it.
Remembering the 29-5 Start
The Celtics stopped by southern Florida long enough yesterday to enjoy the weather, get some needed rest and build up their frequent flier portfolios. They then went out and slaughtered the hapless Heat, 114-100.
It was never really a contest. The Celtics led by 29 in the third quarter and by 26 after three. Coach Chris Ford went to his bench, and garbage time kicked in big time, producing the closer-than-it-should-have-been final score.
It was pretty much a perspiration-free evening for everyone from Boston. Robert Parish came out and absolutely feasted on a subpar Rony Seikaly. Parish wound up with 23 points, 13 rebounds and a blocked shot in 27 minutes. He set the tone from the outset (11 points, 6 rebounds in the first quarter), and everything else fell into place.
"It's teams like this that you gotta get up for. Otherwise, you'll get embarrassed," said Parish, who was 7 for 11 from the field. "You gotta beat teams like this. Detroit, LA, you don't know. But if you let down mentally against a team like this, you can get embarrassed."
The victory was the fourth straight for the Celtics and 15th in their last 17 games. They are 9-0 lifetime against Miami and one day, maybe coach Ron Rothstein will be able to emerge from a locker room after a Boston game and not look as if he hadn't slept in three weeks.
The Celtics led by 11 after one, by the same margin at the half (they had a minor relapse in the second quarter) and by 90-64 after three. The Celtics didn't even need much from Larry Bird, who registered his third triple-single of the year (9 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists). Brian Shaw (19 points), Reggie Lewis (17) and Kevin McHale (14) were more than enough to handle the outmanned Heat.
Things got so out of hand that Ford actually sat on the bench for almost all of the fourth quarter. We are not making this up.
The game had all the makings of a mismatch even before the opening tap. Miami had lost six straight and, record-wise, was making little progress in its effort to become something other than the universally scorned expansion team. And the Celtics are on a roll, which is bad news for anyone, especially the downtrodden.
Things took a downward turn for 5-16 Miami when it learned sparkplug point guard Sherman Douglas wouldn't be available because of a "contusion on the left bicep." He had injured it the night before against Philadelphia. Said assistant coach Tony Fiorentino, "He has a big bump on his elbow. And it hurts."
In addition, Seikaly did a remarkable imitation of the Invisible Man, going 1 for 8 from the field and grabbing three rebounds in 18 minutes. It turned out he was bothered by a groin injury.
"I really wanted to play, but it was a mistake," Seikaly said. "If you're injured and can't move around, maybe someone else can."
But this isn't Penn State football, and Rothstein can't simply plug in another blue-chipper when his starter can't go. So the Celtics saw a lot of Terry Davis and Alec Kessler, which should partly explain why Parish was able to have his way.
"If we're going to have a chance against a team like this, we need Sherman Douglas and we need a healthy Rony Seikaly," Rothstein said. He added that Glen Rice was bothered by a cold and had trouble breathing.
Bird said he didn't notice that Seikaly missed most of the second half but agreed with Rothstein that Douglas' absence was a key.
"He can penetrate, dish it off, get your big guys in foul trouble," Bird said. "Without him, they probably felt out of it a little bit."
Despite their misfortune, the Heat hung in there for a half, trailing only by 11. But the Celtics got serious in the third quarter, opening with 6 unanswered points on a Parish turnaround, a Bird (4 for 11) 20-footer and a Kevin Gamble layup off a beatiful feed from Bird.
The Heat managed to get back to within 13 but no closer. Shaw and Gamble each had 4 points in a 10-0 run which pushed the lead out to 75-52 with five minutes remaining. That pretty much ended it.
Daniels Waiting for Tinsley to Clear Waivers
It appears that the Boston Celtics and Indiana Pacers may be waiting for Jamaal Tinsley to clear waivers before completing the Marquis Daniels' deal. Tony Allen continues to be the primary name mentioned on the Celtics' side.
Several pieces are falling into place in Indiana, which could clarify how Daniels becomes a Celtic, one of them being if Jamaal Tinsley clears waivers Wednesday. The Celtics apparently are willing to part with Tony Allen, who is in the last year of his contract and could fill a backup role with the Pacers.
LINK
Several pieces are falling into place in Indiana, which could clarify how Daniels becomes a Celtic, one of them being if Jamaal Tinsley clears waivers Wednesday. The Celtics apparently are willing to part with Tony Allen, who is in the last year of his contract and could fill a backup role with the Pacers.
LINK
Shedding More Light on Lamar Odom's Tackle of Ray Allen
Lamar Odom's tackle of Ray Allen, at the tail end of the Celtics annihilation of the Los Angeles Lakers on December 30th, 2007, was one of the low points for the purple in the history of their storied rivalry with the green. Totally unprovoked. Totally a sore-loser, malcontent beating up on one of the classiest guys ever to play the game (and who just so happened to be at least six inches shorter than his assailant). My question has always been, Lamar, if you cared that much, why did you and the whole team quit competing five minutes into the fourth quarter?
Ah, but I digress. Back to Lamar and his frustration. The above video provides us with a little more insight. Just before the tackle, KG blocks his shot and yells "SHIT OUTTA HERE," as in, GET THAT SHOT AND TAKE IT BACK TO THE HOLE YOU LIVE IN. This also lends some corroboration to the story my Laker friend told me about the 2008 NBA Finals. You will recall, my Laker friend said that the word on the street in Purple Nation was that every time Lamar touched the ball during the Finals, the Celtics would yell “Shoot it. Come on, dummy, shoot it!”
God, I really loved that 2007-08 season.
LA Times: Odom Inching Closer to Miami
Odom has not reached a final decision, the sources said, but there is growing belief he will ultimately return to the Heat unless the Lakers improve their current offer. “It’s close, but it’s not done,” said one source.
The Times went on to express concern "over the detail that Dr. Buss is lowering his offer (which gibes with LAT predictions upon the resumed talks). As BK noted in the now iconic "Kitten" post, Doc B.'s pride needs to remain in check as well. Buss was apparently upset that Team LO fielded offers from other teams while failing to return calls over his own."
LINK
The Times went on to express concern "over the detail that Dr. Buss is lowering his offer (which gibes with LAT predictions upon the resumed talks). As BK noted in the now iconic "Kitten" post, Doc B.'s pride needs to remain in check as well. Buss was apparently upset that Team LO fielded offers from other teams while failing to return calls over his own."
LINK
Lamar Update from THE ARMY
Lamar Odom is leaning strongly toward accepting the Miami Heat's contract offer and leaving the Los Angeles Lakers, multiple sources with knowledge of the talks said.
--Red's Army Courtesy of Yahoo
--Red's Army Courtesy of Yahoo
McHale & Bird: Don't Get Too Excited about Win
1990-91 Boston Celtics
Remembering the 29-5 Start
There will be a dangerous tendency in these parts to read too much into last night's victory.
"I wouldn't," warned Bird.
"It was a game in December," said McHale.
"We are a better team," said Bird. "But we've also got to beat a team like Dee-troit on the road."
The Celtics play in Detroit Jan. 21. Meanwhile, there is hope, and the Green Legions who follow this Boston team can ask for nothing more. There were dire predictions after last spring's New York mugging. It was supposed to get worse around here before it got better again. We were scheduled for a return to the dark ages of 1969-70 or maybe 1978-79. There would be a new cast of characters before there was any thought of another conference challenge.
The Celts are 18-4 and have won 10 straight at home. They beat the Pistons in crunch time last night. The fans who came to see Streisand and Redford were not disappointed.
Remembering the 29-5 Start
There will be a dangerous tendency in these parts to read too much into last night's victory.
"I wouldn't," warned Bird.
"It was a game in December," said McHale.
"We are a better team," said Bird. "But we've also got to beat a team like Dee-troit on the road."
The Celtics play in Detroit Jan. 21. Meanwhile, there is hope, and the Green Legions who follow this Boston team can ask for nothing more. There were dire predictions after last spring's New York mugging. It was supposed to get worse around here before it got better again. We were scheduled for a return to the dark ages of 1969-70 or maybe 1978-79. There would be a new cast of characters before there was any thought of another conference challenge.
The Celts are 18-4 and have won 10 straight at home. They beat the Pistons in crunch time last night. The fans who came to see Streisand and Redford were not disappointed.
Dee Brown Plays Big in Win
1990-91 Boston Celtics
Remembering the 29-5 Start
It was after an exhibition outing in Hartford, the Celtics vs. the Pistons, and Isiah Thomas was paying tribute to his Eastern Conference rivals.
"Brian Shaw is really good," said Thomas. "And I don't even want to see Dee Brown."
Brown couldn't suit up that night because of an infected toe. Last night? He was just fine, suited up, toes healthy, body itching for a taste of this rivalry he tried to memorize.
"Contain the guards," said Brown. "That's been the focus for two days."
That was hardly the strategy in the opposing locker room, where shutting down the front line was the top priority. Contain Boston's guards? Make sure they can nail the jumper off the double-team first.
Last night, anyway, at least one Celtic backcourt player made good on the challenge. Dee Brown shot 6 for 9 from the floor, scored 12 points, dished out 6 assists and turned the ball over just once. Not coincidentally, Boston won, 108-100.
"He's a player," said Thomas. "He's pretty quick. We wanted to take him in the draft, but he was gone."
Brown remembers his predraft visit to Detroit clearly. Thomas talked to him the most, told him what the NBA would be like.
"I remember he said, 'If I don't see you in Detroit, you'll see me during the season,' " said Brown. "I knew about this rivalry, but you can't get prepared for this. You can't prepare for the intensity. I don't know what it is exactly, but it's . . . serious."
The season has been unfolding in nice increments for him. He has not been asked to do too much, yet he has been asked to do a lot. Scoring has not been a priority, just a bonus. His confidence has been allowed to blossom uninterrupted.
Last night the process took another step forward. With 4:45 left in the third, Shaw left the floor with his fourth foul. The rookie was summoned to protect a 12-point lead.
The Pistons took note of the new kid and immediately put the press on. Brown responded by moving the ball quickly up the floor, dishing to Robert Parish for the slam.
"I was shocked at his talent level," Mark Aguirre would say later. "He's so seasoned. He doesn't play out of control. He knows where to get the ball. The Celtics have got something there."
"What's not to like?" added Detroit assistant Brendan Malone. "We loved him. And if he starts making those jumpers, who are we going to lay off? If he can consistently bury the outside shot, watch out."
The aforementioned jump shots were not only technically accurate, they were timely as well. Aside from the three in a row he buried late in the third to keep Boston's lead at 14 (88-74), there was one 18-footer that might just be the biggest jumper Brown has taken in his loosely fitted Celtic uniform.
At the time, the Pistons were in the midst of an 8-0 run. They cut the Celtics' lead to 8, and the momentum threatened to shift. Instead, Brown lined up on the right side of the floor and drilled what would be his final jumper of the evening.
"That shot," said Thomas, "was probably the biggest one of the night."
The kid gave way to the veteran, Shaw, with 7:40 to play, then watched as the Celtics hung on to defeat the defending world champions. He savored the win and hoped he made a point.
"I think the scouting report on Dee Brown is to lay off him," said Brown. "But I think I'm a better shooter than a slasher. I just got a reputation in college as a slasher because I was quick enough to go by people."
Reputations don't last in the NBA. Players do. Brown will be around a while.
Remembering the 29-5 Start
It was after an exhibition outing in Hartford, the Celtics vs. the Pistons, and Isiah Thomas was paying tribute to his Eastern Conference rivals.
"Brian Shaw is really good," said Thomas. "And I don't even want to see Dee Brown."
Brown couldn't suit up that night because of an infected toe. Last night? He was just fine, suited up, toes healthy, body itching for a taste of this rivalry he tried to memorize.
"Contain the guards," said Brown. "That's been the focus for two days."
That was hardly the strategy in the opposing locker room, where shutting down the front line was the top priority. Contain Boston's guards? Make sure they can nail the jumper off the double-team first.
Last night, anyway, at least one Celtic backcourt player made good on the challenge. Dee Brown shot 6 for 9 from the floor, scored 12 points, dished out 6 assists and turned the ball over just once. Not coincidentally, Boston won, 108-100.
"He's a player," said Thomas. "He's pretty quick. We wanted to take him in the draft, but he was gone."
Brown remembers his predraft visit to Detroit clearly. Thomas talked to him the most, told him what the NBA would be like.
"I remember he said, 'If I don't see you in Detroit, you'll see me during the season,' " said Brown. "I knew about this rivalry, but you can't get prepared for this. You can't prepare for the intensity. I don't know what it is exactly, but it's . . . serious."
The season has been unfolding in nice increments for him. He has not been asked to do too much, yet he has been asked to do a lot. Scoring has not been a priority, just a bonus. His confidence has been allowed to blossom uninterrupted.
Last night the process took another step forward. With 4:45 left in the third, Shaw left the floor with his fourth foul. The rookie was summoned to protect a 12-point lead.
The Pistons took note of the new kid and immediately put the press on. Brown responded by moving the ball quickly up the floor, dishing to Robert Parish for the slam.
"I was shocked at his talent level," Mark Aguirre would say later. "He's so seasoned. He doesn't play out of control. He knows where to get the ball. The Celtics have got something there."
"What's not to like?" added Detroit assistant Brendan Malone. "We loved him. And if he starts making those jumpers, who are we going to lay off? If he can consistently bury the outside shot, watch out."
The aforementioned jump shots were not only technically accurate, they were timely as well. Aside from the three in a row he buried late in the third to keep Boston's lead at 14 (88-74), there was one 18-footer that might just be the biggest jumper Brown has taken in his loosely fitted Celtic uniform.
At the time, the Pistons were in the midst of an 8-0 run. They cut the Celtics' lead to 8, and the momentum threatened to shift. Instead, Brown lined up on the right side of the floor and drilled what would be his final jumper of the evening.
"That shot," said Thomas, "was probably the biggest one of the night."
The kid gave way to the veteran, Shaw, with 7:40 to play, then watched as the Celtics hung on to defeat the defending world champions. He savored the win and hoped he made a point.
"I think the scouting report on Dee Brown is to lay off him," said Brown. "But I think I'm a better shooter than a slasher. I just got a reputation in college as a slasher because I was quick enough to go by people."
Reputations don't last in the NBA. Players do. Brown will be around a while.
Celts Outlast Pistons
Celtics Improve to 18-4
1990-91 Boston Celtics
Remembering the 29-5 Start
The noose was tightening. What once had been an air of giddiness at the Garden now was one of apprehension.
The home team was in the process of a monumental meltdown. They couldn't shoot, rebound or defend. Other than that, they were getting the job done.
A 16-point fourth-quarter lead was being reduced at a rapid clip. The slumping Detroit Pistons were salivating at the prospect of pulling this one out. Not only that, but William Bedford (William Bedford?) was in the vanguard of this movement. How much more ignominy could the Celtics take?
"I thought we had 'em," said John Salley. "I thought they were ready to panic. They started looking around, and that's when human nature kicks in."
What happened instead was that the Celtics snapped out of their funk and came away with an emotional, gratifying 108-100 victory last night. Suddenly, the shots went in, the rebounds came their way and the momentum shifted.
The Pistons made their run. The Celtics stopped it, but not before things got a little anxious.
Boston had used a superb third quarter to lead, 88-74, entering the fourth. Even though the Pistons are renowned for vise-like performances in the fourth, this didn't seem to be the likely occasion for such a performance, given the venue as well as their current swoon (six defeats in seven games).
And when Dee Brown, who excelled in 21 minutes, scored to open the fourth, it was 90-74, and a Scott Hastings-Dave Popson duel seemed unavoidable.
But how could the Celtics have anticipated the hyperactive Bedford turning into Akeem Olajuwon? All he did was score 12 points, grab 4 rebounds and block 2 shots in the quarter.
His play infected his teammates and soon the Pistons were off on an 18-3 run made possible by voracious offensive rebounding and the usual Detroit-like defensive stand. Bedford had 10 points in the run, including an unbelievably acrobatic follow and a foul-line jumper that made it 93-92 with 5:48 to play.
The Celtics, who shot 58 percent in the first three quarters, had gone almost six minutes with one basket. And when Larry Bird and Kevin McHale missed, the Pistons had a chance to take the lead.
However, Isiah Thomas (26 points, 11 assists, 5 steals) made one of his few dumb moves by pulling up for a 3-pointer. It rimmed out. Brian Shaw (14 points, 10 assists) then converted a third-chance hoop, and after a Bedford brick, McHale (24 points, 11 rebounds) scored on the break and the hemorrhaging had been stopped.
It was now 97-92. Salley (10 points, 8 rebounds, 2 blocks) made it 97-94 and Bird (16 points, 11 rebounds) clanged a 3-pointer. But Larry got a reprieve when Thomas ran down the long rebound and couldn't stay in bounds.
You probably can figure out the rest. No. 33 got it back and didn't hesitate to launch another from international waters. Of course it went in. The lead was now 100-94 and the Pistons never got closer than 5 the rest of the way.
"For a while, it was slim pickin's," said McHale, who was 10 for 17 and had 8 rebounds in the fourth quarter. "But I think it's a good sign that we came back the way we did."
It wasn't pretty. The Celtics shot 26 percent in the fourth and were outrebounded, 21-16, including 10-9 under their own basket. But the Pistons had little left after their big surge and could only wonder what might have happened had Thomas' trey gone down.
"I think that might have made a difference," Vinnie Johnson said.
The Celtics had been impressive and dominating in the middle two quarters after a give-and-take first period. They led, 51-43, at the break and then hit the Pistons with a 37-point third quarter, shooting 67 percent.
"That was where we lost the game," said Detroit coach Chuck Daly. "It's hard to make up that kind of deficit against them in this building."
The Pistons' offensive story until then was pretty much Thomas and the flu-ridden Joe Dumars (18 points). At the half, they had 9 points from Bill Laimbeer, Mark Aguirre and Vinnie.
The Celtics, meanwhile, got a big third quarter from Reggie Lewis (10 of his 16) and had the lead to as many as 17. Shaw even drove the lane for a dunk, sending Celticologists to the archives to check when that last happened.
But all the positive vibes soon became forgotten as the fourth quarter unfolded. And while the Celtics were able to reverse things in time, the invisible Laimbeer (4 points, 2 rebounds) seemed to sum up the still haughty feeling of the world champs.
"It was an opportunity for them to measure themselves against us," he said matter-of-factly. "It's probably a big deal for them."
1990-91 Boston Celtics
Remembering the 29-5 Start
The noose was tightening. What once had been an air of giddiness at the Garden now was one of apprehension.
The home team was in the process of a monumental meltdown. They couldn't shoot, rebound or defend. Other than that, they were getting the job done.
A 16-point fourth-quarter lead was being reduced at a rapid clip. The slumping Detroit Pistons were salivating at the prospect of pulling this one out. Not only that, but William Bedford (William Bedford?) was in the vanguard of this movement. How much more ignominy could the Celtics take?
"I thought we had 'em," said John Salley. "I thought they were ready to panic. They started looking around, and that's when human nature kicks in."
What happened instead was that the Celtics snapped out of their funk and came away with an emotional, gratifying 108-100 victory last night. Suddenly, the shots went in, the rebounds came their way and the momentum shifted.
The Pistons made their run. The Celtics stopped it, but not before things got a little anxious.
Boston had used a superb third quarter to lead, 88-74, entering the fourth. Even though the Pistons are renowned for vise-like performances in the fourth, this didn't seem to be the likely occasion for such a performance, given the venue as well as their current swoon (six defeats in seven games).
And when Dee Brown, who excelled in 21 minutes, scored to open the fourth, it was 90-74, and a Scott Hastings-Dave Popson duel seemed unavoidable.
But how could the Celtics have anticipated the hyperactive Bedford turning into Akeem Olajuwon? All he did was score 12 points, grab 4 rebounds and block 2 shots in the quarter.
His play infected his teammates and soon the Pistons were off on an 18-3 run made possible by voracious offensive rebounding and the usual Detroit-like defensive stand. Bedford had 10 points in the run, including an unbelievably acrobatic follow and a foul-line jumper that made it 93-92 with 5:48 to play.
The Celtics, who shot 58 percent in the first three quarters, had gone almost six minutes with one basket. And when Larry Bird and Kevin McHale missed, the Pistons had a chance to take the lead.
However, Isiah Thomas (26 points, 11 assists, 5 steals) made one of his few dumb moves by pulling up for a 3-pointer. It rimmed out. Brian Shaw (14 points, 10 assists) then converted a third-chance hoop, and after a Bedford brick, McHale (24 points, 11 rebounds) scored on the break and the hemorrhaging had been stopped.
It was now 97-92. Salley (10 points, 8 rebounds, 2 blocks) made it 97-94 and Bird (16 points, 11 rebounds) clanged a 3-pointer. But Larry got a reprieve when Thomas ran down the long rebound and couldn't stay in bounds.
You probably can figure out the rest. No. 33 got it back and didn't hesitate to launch another from international waters. Of course it went in. The lead was now 100-94 and the Pistons never got closer than 5 the rest of the way.
"For a while, it was slim pickin's," said McHale, who was 10 for 17 and had 8 rebounds in the fourth quarter. "But I think it's a good sign that we came back the way we did."
It wasn't pretty. The Celtics shot 26 percent in the fourth and were outrebounded, 21-16, including 10-9 under their own basket. But the Pistons had little left after their big surge and could only wonder what might have happened had Thomas' trey gone down.
"I think that might have made a difference," Vinnie Johnson said.
The Celtics had been impressive and dominating in the middle two quarters after a give-and-take first period. They led, 51-43, at the break and then hit the Pistons with a 37-point third quarter, shooting 67 percent.
"That was where we lost the game," said Detroit coach Chuck Daly. "It's hard to make up that kind of deficit against them in this building."
The Pistons' offensive story until then was pretty much Thomas and the flu-ridden Joe Dumars (18 points). At the half, they had 9 points from Bill Laimbeer, Mark Aguirre and Vinnie.
The Celtics, meanwhile, got a big third quarter from Reggie Lewis (10 of his 16) and had the lead to as many as 17. Shaw even drove the lane for a dunk, sending Celticologists to the archives to check when that last happened.
But all the positive vibes soon became forgotten as the fourth quarter unfolded. And while the Celtics were able to reverse things in time, the invisible Laimbeer (4 points, 2 rebounds) seemed to sum up the still haughty feeling of the world champs.
"It was an opportunity for them to measure themselves against us," he said matter-of-factly. "It's probably a big deal for them."
Celtics Blow Big Lead, Lose to . . . you know, that one team
Celtics Fall to 34-12
1981-82 Boston Celtics
I can't begin to tell you how bad I feel," said Bill Fitch, lamenting the Celtics' 119-113 loss to the Lakers. "When you see your team lose a big lead like that, it should hurt. That's three games here we've lost to the West, and Houston beat us, too.
"Maybe you'll say it isn't so bad if we lose a game at home every 60 days. But that doesn't make what happened today any easier to swallow. We got careless when they got careless in the second half. They'd make a mistake, and instead of scoring, we'd give it right back. It hurts when you're on national television, where people get their first look at you, and you don't play your best. It hurts to lose a game like this. It hurts a lot."
The manner in which Boston blew a 20-point lead not only left Fitch in a blue funk but also brought forth the realization that the worst may be yet to come. The Celtics have lost three games at home to Western Conference foes - Portland, Seattle and Los Angeles. Now they head for a six-game trip on which they'll play those same clubs in their backyard.
Sundays hardly have been pleasurable for Boston this season. The Celtics have yet to win a Sunday afternoon game.
Second-guessers could point out that Larry Bird was on the bench for a critical 3:51 span in the fourth quarter with the Celtics trailing and the game on the line.
Bird sat down for a rest at the 7:20 mark with Boston behind, 96-93. He returned at 3:29 with Los Angeles leading, 104-99. The Celtics never got closer than three points after that.
"I've never been physically tired in a game of basketball in my life," said Bird. "It was the coach's decision. I like to to be in there when it gets tough. But this is the way the coach wanted to do it. I was a little surprised."
The Lakers felt the Celtics helped them by playing a deny defense, leaving Robert Parish to guard Abdul-Jabbar one-on-one.
"Kareem was having a good game," said Parish, "and when that happens, there is not much you can do. What you try to do is deny him the ball or get into position on the floor before he does. But that is something that is easier said than done."
The Celtics and Lakers will do it all over again next Sunday on the West Coast. Neither team will forget what happened yesterday.
"We stayed in there," said Abdul-Jabbar. "We stayed with it and didn't hang our heads. We came back. I'm not surprised because we've done it before. But against the Celtics, it surprises everyone."
1981-82 Boston Celtics
I can't begin to tell you how bad I feel," said Bill Fitch, lamenting the Celtics' 119-113 loss to the Lakers. "When you see your team lose a big lead like that, it should hurt. That's three games here we've lost to the West, and Houston beat us, too.
"Maybe you'll say it isn't so bad if we lose a game at home every 60 days. But that doesn't make what happened today any easier to swallow. We got careless when they got careless in the second half. They'd make a mistake, and instead of scoring, we'd give it right back. It hurts when you're on national television, where people get their first look at you, and you don't play your best. It hurts to lose a game like this. It hurts a lot."
The manner in which Boston blew a 20-point lead not only left Fitch in a blue funk but also brought forth the realization that the worst may be yet to come. The Celtics have lost three games at home to Western Conference foes - Portland, Seattle and Los Angeles. Now they head for a six-game trip on which they'll play those same clubs in their backyard.
Sundays hardly have been pleasurable for Boston this season. The Celtics have yet to win a Sunday afternoon game.
Second-guessers could point out that Larry Bird was on the bench for a critical 3:51 span in the fourth quarter with the Celtics trailing and the game on the line.
Bird sat down for a rest at the 7:20 mark with Boston behind, 96-93. He returned at 3:29 with Los Angeles leading, 104-99. The Celtics never got closer than three points after that.
"I've never been physically tired in a game of basketball in my life," said Bird. "It was the coach's decision. I like to to be in there when it gets tough. But this is the way the coach wanted to do it. I was a little surprised."
The Lakers felt the Celtics helped them by playing a deny defense, leaving Robert Parish to guard Abdul-Jabbar one-on-one.
"Kareem was having a good game," said Parish, "and when that happens, there is not much you can do. What you try to do is deny him the ball or get into position on the floor before he does. But that is something that is easier said than done."
The Celtics and Lakers will do it all over again next Sunday on the West Coast. Neither team will forget what happened yesterday.
"We stayed in there," said Abdul-Jabbar. "We stayed with it and didn't hang our heads. We came back. I'm not surprised because we've done it before. But against the Celtics, it surprises everyone."
The Sheed Shirt Arrives
The shirt arrived last night, and its ready for my first run outside tonight. I've promised myself that I wouldn't spend as much on Celtics' merchandise during the 2010 championship run as I did during 2008. That shouldn't be hard, given the dent I made in my wallet two years ago. Then again, I've already made two purchases, and in July of 2007, I'd made zero.
Bird Rebounds from Bad Texas Trip
1990-91 Boston Celtics
Remembering the 29-5 Start
There was nothing magical or mystical about Larry Bird's offensive rejuvenation last night at Boston Garden, where he set the tone early for the Celtics ' 129-111 romp over the Bucks.
Bird had a grand total of 38 points over a very long three-game weekend in Texas while hitting just 15 of 51 shots and only 2 (albeit important) of 8 3-pointers.
So what made the difference last night as No. 33 made his first seven shots en route to an 18-point first quarter and wound up with 30 points on 11-for-15 shooting, including 4 for 4 on 3-pointers?
The answers, broken down into three parts by Bird, were (a) a little more arc on the ball, (b) a lot of familiarity with the Garden, and (c) no added pressure of sweet revenge for his 5-point night in Milwaukee earlier this season when the Celtics were blown away.
"In this league, if you have a bad night, you just have to bounce back the next night," said Bird. "You learn to take your bumps and bruises and come back the next time."
Asked if he did anything different last night than on the Texas Trek, Bird managed a slight smile and said, "Yeah, we played at home. And I put a little more arc on the ball.
"It's a lot easier playing in a place you've played in four or five hundred times than it is in a place where you've only played 20 or 30."
Bucks coach Del Harris had a hunch Bird might atone for his cold night in Milwaukee.
"I don't know if you know my history with Larry Bird," said Harris. "When I was a new head coach in Houston, he played his first-ever NBA game against us. I know his NBA history rather intimately -- and I know he follows up a bad game with a good one."
And he didn't waste any time.
"Those 3-pointers two in the first quarter gave us a little lead and it got my confidence going, too. Everything was pretty smooth tonight," said Bird.
"We kept the ball moving around the perimeter," he added. "We caught them off balance a little bit. We started to hit some shots and then the whole team shot well. We were cutting, we were rebounding and we were getting our break going and our defense was excellent.
"You'd like to play like that every night, but we know it's impossible."
According to Harris, the Celtics played a near-perfect first half, then had all the rhythm and momentum during a 40-point third quarter in which they shot 16 for 19.
"We closed the gap in the end and made it respectable, but the truth was it was a knockout," said Harris. "They really put it to us."
Bird provided the knockout punches midway through that third quarter with a pair of 3-pointers and a jumper over old friend Fred Roberts to complete a 12-4 run and give the Celtics a 29-point lead. Then his two free throws started an 8-0 burst that left Milwaukee gasping at 106-70.
"Right now the Celtics have a nice mix of veterans and youth," said Harris. "If you're going to make changes, it's better to trade in old short legs instead of old long legs," he laughed.
He was obviously thinking about people like Kevin McHale, who got a second-half breather; Robert Parish, who had 15 of his 19 points in the first half; and, of course, Bird, who also chipped in with 8 rebounds and 9 assists.
"Even with his slump," said teammate Dee Brown, "he was still producing. Great players like Larry, when they have bad games, always come back in the clutch. Larry is a shooter and a player."
Ditto from Reggie Lewis: "Larry never gives up. When the shots weren't falling, he just kept shooting and tonight he was on."
Remembering the 29-5 Start
There was nothing magical or mystical about Larry Bird's offensive rejuvenation last night at Boston Garden, where he set the tone early for the Celtics ' 129-111 romp over the Bucks.
Bird had a grand total of 38 points over a very long three-game weekend in Texas while hitting just 15 of 51 shots and only 2 (albeit important) of 8 3-pointers.
So what made the difference last night as No. 33 made his first seven shots en route to an 18-point first quarter and wound up with 30 points on 11-for-15 shooting, including 4 for 4 on 3-pointers?
The answers, broken down into three parts by Bird, were (a) a little more arc on the ball, (b) a lot of familiarity with the Garden, and (c) no added pressure of sweet revenge for his 5-point night in Milwaukee earlier this season when the Celtics were blown away.
"In this league, if you have a bad night, you just have to bounce back the next night," said Bird. "You learn to take your bumps and bruises and come back the next time."
Asked if he did anything different last night than on the Texas Trek, Bird managed a slight smile and said, "Yeah, we played at home. And I put a little more arc on the ball.
"It's a lot easier playing in a place you've played in four or five hundred times than it is in a place where you've only played 20 or 30."
Bucks coach Del Harris had a hunch Bird might atone for his cold night in Milwaukee.
"I don't know if you know my history with Larry Bird," said Harris. "When I was a new head coach in Houston, he played his first-ever NBA game against us. I know his NBA history rather intimately -- and I know he follows up a bad game with a good one."
And he didn't waste any time.
"Those 3-pointers two in the first quarter gave us a little lead and it got my confidence going, too. Everything was pretty smooth tonight," said Bird.
"We kept the ball moving around the perimeter," he added. "We caught them off balance a little bit. We started to hit some shots and then the whole team shot well. We were cutting, we were rebounding and we were getting our break going and our defense was excellent.
"You'd like to play like that every night, but we know it's impossible."
According to Harris, the Celtics played a near-perfect first half, then had all the rhythm and momentum during a 40-point third quarter in which they shot 16 for 19.
"We closed the gap in the end and made it respectable, but the truth was it was a knockout," said Harris. "They really put it to us."
Bird provided the knockout punches midway through that third quarter with a pair of 3-pointers and a jumper over old friend Fred Roberts to complete a 12-4 run and give the Celtics a 29-point lead. Then his two free throws started an 8-0 burst that left Milwaukee gasping at 106-70.
"Right now the Celtics have a nice mix of veterans and youth," said Harris. "If you're going to make changes, it's better to trade in old short legs instead of old long legs," he laughed.
He was obviously thinking about people like Kevin McHale, who got a second-half breather; Robert Parish, who had 15 of his 19 points in the first half; and, of course, Bird, who also chipped in with 8 rebounds and 9 assists.
"Even with his slump," said teammate Dee Brown, "he was still producing. Great players like Larry, when they have bad games, always come back in the clutch. Larry is a shooter and a player."
Ditto from Reggie Lewis: "Larry never gives up. When the shots weren't falling, he just kept shooting and tonight he was on."
Celtics Pound Bucks
Celtics Improve to 17-4
1990-91 Boston Celtics
Remembering the 29-5 Start
Payback or role reversal? Call it what you want. Humiliated in Milwaukee one month ago, the Celtics got even and then some last night.
With a suddenly deadeye Larry Bird (11 for 15) leading the way, the Celtics massacred Milwaukee, 129-111, before the usual SRO crowd at the Garden. You know things are going well when you can get outscored by 16 points in the fourth quarter, at home, and still win by 18.
Bird didn't even play the fourth quarter and still amassed 30 points, his third-highest output of the season -- and only 8 fewer than he had in the three Texas games. He also had 8 rebounds, 9 assists, 2 blocks and 2 steals.
He had four 3-pointers, a season high. He had 18 points in the first quarter, making his first seven shots. It was a far cry from the impostor who was 15 for 51 in the Lone Star State.
"I got a little more arc on my shot," explained Bird. "And it's a little better playing in the Garden."
Not so for Milwaukee. The Bucks have lost 11 in a row in this building by an average of 17.5 points. Before the game, coach Del Harris said he felt as good about his team's chances as he has in the 16 years he's been coming to the building in various incarnations. Afterward, he had this reassessment.
"I thought we'd play well. We didn't. We were bad," Harris said. "At least we closed the gap a little where it looked like a semi-respectable game. But the truth was that it was a knockout. They really put it to us."
The Celtics were determined from the outset to deliver a 180 from their Nov. 12 atrocity in Milwaukee. The Bucks won that one, 119-91, a game which remains the Celtics' only legitimate stinker of the season.
"They hammered us pretty good out there," said Kevin McHale, who didn't even play in the second half (though his minutes mysteriously went from 11 to 12). "It was nice to get ourselves established against a team like that. They hurt us pretty bad."
So the Celtics went out and hit 65.1 percent, their second-best shooting night of the season. They trailed only once -- at 8-6 -- and were tied only five times.
They led by 10 after one, by 18 at the half and, after going 16 for 19 in the third quarter, by 34 after three. Through three quarters, they had a 31-11 lead in fast break points.
They held Ricky Pierce, the Bucks' top scorer, without a field goal until the score was 89-65. He ended up with 6 points. They held Alvin Robertson, the league's top thief, without a steal for the first time this season. Jay Humphries, Milwaukee's point guard, had 2 assists. You gotta figure there's trouble somewhere when Frank Kornet outscores Pierce, and Frank Brickowski (17) is your leading scorer. That, too, was a first.
"Everyone was aggressive," said Dee Brown. "We weren't waiting on Larry to shoot or Brian Shaw to drive. We weren't back on our heels."
Instead, they came out and played an almost perfect first half, committing just one turnover against a team which leads the league in steals and is No. 2 in forcing turnovers. They finished with only 7 turnovers, their low this year. Last year their low was 8.
There were two meaningful flash points in the first half. At 20-20, the fifth and final tie, Bird erupted for consecutive 3-pointers, scoring 8 in a row in total, to help Boston to a 34-24 lead after one. Larry was 7 for 8 in the quarter and very few even nicked the iron.
"He only had 5 against us in Milwaukee," Harris said. "And I tried to be as complimentary as possible. You can't trust these guys from Indiana."
Harris hails from Plainfield, Ind.
Milwaukee had one more gasp. It opened the second with 6 straight points, 4 by Fred Roberts. Time out, said Chris Ford. Bird then fed McHale (9 points) for a hoop, and after a Dan Schayes miss, McHale struck again. The hoops triggered a 19-7 run which pushed the lead out to 53-37. Milwaukee never got closer than 12 the rest of the way.
Robert Parish (19) and Kevin Gamble and Reggie Lewis (18 each) also had a hand in the blowout. Every Celtic played. Every Celtic scored.
Concluded McHale, "The pieces fell into place."
1990-91 Boston Celtics
Remembering the 29-5 Start
Payback or role reversal? Call it what you want. Humiliated in Milwaukee one month ago, the Celtics got even and then some last night.
With a suddenly deadeye Larry Bird (11 for 15) leading the way, the Celtics massacred Milwaukee, 129-111, before the usual SRO crowd at the Garden. You know things are going well when you can get outscored by 16 points in the fourth quarter, at home, and still win by 18.
Bird didn't even play the fourth quarter and still amassed 30 points, his third-highest output of the season -- and only 8 fewer than he had in the three Texas games. He also had 8 rebounds, 9 assists, 2 blocks and 2 steals.
He had four 3-pointers, a season high. He had 18 points in the first quarter, making his first seven shots. It was a far cry from the impostor who was 15 for 51 in the Lone Star State.
"I got a little more arc on my shot," explained Bird. "And it's a little better playing in the Garden."
Not so for Milwaukee. The Bucks have lost 11 in a row in this building by an average of 17.5 points. Before the game, coach Del Harris said he felt as good about his team's chances as he has in the 16 years he's been coming to the building in various incarnations. Afterward, he had this reassessment.
"I thought we'd play well. We didn't. We were bad," Harris said. "At least we closed the gap a little where it looked like a semi-respectable game. But the truth was that it was a knockout. They really put it to us."
The Celtics were determined from the outset to deliver a 180 from their Nov. 12 atrocity in Milwaukee. The Bucks won that one, 119-91, a game which remains the Celtics' only legitimate stinker of the season.
"They hammered us pretty good out there," said Kevin McHale, who didn't even play in the second half (though his minutes mysteriously went from 11 to 12). "It was nice to get ourselves established against a team like that. They hurt us pretty bad."
So the Celtics went out and hit 65.1 percent, their second-best shooting night of the season. They trailed only once -- at 8-6 -- and were tied only five times.
They led by 10 after one, by 18 at the half and, after going 16 for 19 in the third quarter, by 34 after three. Through three quarters, they had a 31-11 lead in fast break points.
They held Ricky Pierce, the Bucks' top scorer, without a field goal until the score was 89-65. He ended up with 6 points. They held Alvin Robertson, the league's top thief, without a steal for the first time this season. Jay Humphries, Milwaukee's point guard, had 2 assists. You gotta figure there's trouble somewhere when Frank Kornet outscores Pierce, and Frank Brickowski (17) is your leading scorer. That, too, was a first.
"Everyone was aggressive," said Dee Brown. "We weren't waiting on Larry to shoot or Brian Shaw to drive. We weren't back on our heels."
Instead, they came out and played an almost perfect first half, committing just one turnover against a team which leads the league in steals and is No. 2 in forcing turnovers. They finished with only 7 turnovers, their low this year. Last year their low was 8.
There were two meaningful flash points in the first half. At 20-20, the fifth and final tie, Bird erupted for consecutive 3-pointers, scoring 8 in a row in total, to help Boston to a 34-24 lead after one. Larry was 7 for 8 in the quarter and very few even nicked the iron.
"He only had 5 against us in Milwaukee," Harris said. "And I tried to be as complimentary as possible. You can't trust these guys from Indiana."
Harris hails from Plainfield, Ind.
Milwaukee had one more gasp. It opened the second with 6 straight points, 4 by Fred Roberts. Time out, said Chris Ford. Bird then fed McHale (9 points) for a hoop, and after a Dan Schayes miss, McHale struck again. The hoops triggered a 19-7 run which pushed the lead out to 53-37. Milwaukee never got closer than 12 the rest of the way.
Robert Parish (19) and Kevin Gamble and Reggie Lewis (18 each) also had a hand in the blowout. Every Celtic played. Every Celtic scored.
Concluded McHale, "The pieces fell into place."
Celtics Eye Derek Smith
1990-91 Boston Celtics
Remembering the 29-5 Start
The Derek Smith watch may soon intensify into something of greater scrutiny.
Plans are in the making for Smith to fly into Boston next week to audition for the Celtics brain trust. Previous plans calling for the Celtics entourage to observe Smith in Cincinnati early next week were canceled.
A source said Smith very well could be signed and in uniform in two weeks. Other teams have expressed interest in Smith, but he has stated a preference for an Atlantic Division team, and with Philadelphia out of contention, that likely means Boston.
The Celtics remain tight-lipped about the whole thing -- coach Chris Ford put on his best Tass News Service face last night when asked for a comment. Basketball boss Dave Gavitt has admitted there is interest, which Smith reported the day before Thanksgiving. Robert Parish said, "If he's healthy, he definitely could help us."
Smith's agent, Ron Grinker, said yesterday that both sides have "a sincere interest in pursuing this" and have gone so far as to discuss the impact of Smith's arrival on Kevin Gamble's playing time. Gamble also is represented by Grinker.
"We have a sincere interest in Boston. Derek would be the perfect player for that team," Grinker said. "I have a concern that if it would impact Kevin in any way, it would not be appealing. But we are satisfied it would complement him."
Grinker said he would begin filming Smith's workouts today to assure people that the 29-year-old swingman is healthy. Grinker said Smith, who had knee surgery in early September to remove scar tissue, is pain-free.
Smith currently has therapy in the morning and works out in the afternoon. If all goes according to plan, the Celtics soon will get a sneak preview and then decide how great their interest really is.
Remembering the 29-5 Start
The Derek Smith watch may soon intensify into something of greater scrutiny.
Plans are in the making for Smith to fly into Boston next week to audition for the Celtics brain trust. Previous plans calling for the Celtics entourage to observe Smith in Cincinnati early next week were canceled.
A source said Smith very well could be signed and in uniform in two weeks. Other teams have expressed interest in Smith, but he has stated a preference for an Atlantic Division team, and with Philadelphia out of contention, that likely means Boston.
The Celtics remain tight-lipped about the whole thing -- coach Chris Ford put on his best Tass News Service face last night when asked for a comment. Basketball boss Dave Gavitt has admitted there is interest, which Smith reported the day before Thanksgiving. Robert Parish said, "If he's healthy, he definitely could help us."
Smith's agent, Ron Grinker, said yesterday that both sides have "a sincere interest in pursuing this" and have gone so far as to discuss the impact of Smith's arrival on Kevin Gamble's playing time. Gamble also is represented by Grinker.
"We have a sincere interest in Boston. Derek would be the perfect player for that team," Grinker said. "I have a concern that if it would impact Kevin in any way, it would not be appealing. But we are satisfied it would complement him."
Grinker said he would begin filming Smith's workouts today to assure people that the 29-year-old swingman is healthy. Grinker said Smith, who had knee surgery in early September to remove scar tissue, is pain-free.
Smith currently has therapy in the morning and works out in the afternoon. If all goes according to plan, the Celtics soon will get a sneak preview and then decide how great their interest really is.
Bird Heats Up in January
1981-82 Boston Celtics
Well, you know, he was kinda hard to ignore.
Larry Bird played 14 games in January, not including the All-Star Game, where he was the MVP. He averaged 26.9 points, 12.9 rebounds, 7.1 assists and 2.9 steals. He scored 40 points once and had over 30 on five other occasions.
So it did not exactly come as a complete shock when Bird was named yesterday as the NBA Player of the Month, beating out Gus Williams, Magic Johnson, Moses Malone, Alex English, Jay Vincent and John Long, most of whom should be immensely pleased just to be named in the same paragraph as Larry Bird, when it comes to discussing quality basketball players.-
Which brings us to last night's game. The Bird stat line reads 43 minutes, 26 points (8-for-19 from the floor), 13 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal and zero turnovers. It sounds nice, but what it added up to was a so-so Bird performance, a routine earn-the-paychec k night's work that nonetheless represented an achievement that could not have been matched for impact on the game by 95 percent of the game's players.-
Game officials Earl Strom and Joey Crawford appeared to be engaging in some not-so-friendly bantering throughout the game. In addition Strom did not like some kidding comments from an Indiana member of the press corps concerning the 14-0 free throw discrepancy that favored Boston in the third period. "Are you accusing me of cheating?" Earl bellowed when apprised of the stat . . . From this East Coast viewpoint, the game did not appear to be strange. The Celtics got the ball in deep and picked up a lot of free throws on right-back fast breaks, while the Pacers did little driving. It was not clear from Indiana's predictable post-game complaining whether they objected to their total of 17 foul shots or Boston's total of 45.
Well, you know, he was kinda hard to ignore.
Larry Bird played 14 games in January, not including the All-Star Game, where he was the MVP. He averaged 26.9 points, 12.9 rebounds, 7.1 assists and 2.9 steals. He scored 40 points once and had over 30 on five other occasions.
So it did not exactly come as a complete shock when Bird was named yesterday as the NBA Player of the Month, beating out Gus Williams, Magic Johnson, Moses Malone, Alex English, Jay Vincent and John Long, most of whom should be immensely pleased just to be named in the same paragraph as Larry Bird, when it comes to discussing quality basketball players.-
Which brings us to last night's game. The Bird stat line reads 43 minutes, 26 points (8-for-19 from the floor), 13 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal and zero turnovers. It sounds nice, but what it added up to was a so-so Bird performance, a routine earn-the-paychec k night's work that nonetheless represented an achievement that could not have been matched for impact on the game by 95 percent of the game's players.-
Game officials Earl Strom and Joey Crawford appeared to be engaging in some not-so-friendly bantering throughout the game. In addition Strom did not like some kidding comments from an Indiana member of the press corps concerning the 14-0 free throw discrepancy that favored Boston in the third period. "Are you accusing me of cheating?" Earl bellowed when apprised of the stat . . . From this East Coast viewpoint, the game did not appear to be strange. The Celtics got the ball in deep and picked up a lot of free throws on right-back fast breaks, while the Pacers did little driving. It was not clear from Indiana's predictable post-game complaining whether they objected to their total of 17 foul shots or Boston's total of 45.
Lewis, Shaw, Gamble, and Brown Revitalize Big 3
1990-91 Boston Celtics
Remembering the 29-5 Start
The season is 25 percent complete and the early results point to one, inescapable conclusion: The kids are all right.
The ultimate success of the 1990-91 Celtics may indeed hinge on their three hallowed veterans, who, despite their ages and court odometers, continue to excel. They may not be reborn -- that would indicate they passed away at some earlier stage -- but they admit to being energized and revitalized this year by the likes of Brian Shaw, Dee Brown and others.
"It's like being traded. A new life," Robert Parish said after the Celtics' 107-95 victory over the Houston Rockets Monday. "To see them so gung-ho is great. And they have a great work ethic, which is rare."
The Celtics are getting rave reviews everywhere they go, with the most common assessment being an enviable blend of youth and experience. And Shaw and Brown have given Boston a new dimension in the backcourt. They are fast and they are good.
Kevin Gamble has taken on the small forward position and played it well. Reggie Lewis, the lone regular holdover among the young, has blossomed.
But it's their attitude as much as anything that has recharged the veterans and given the Celtics hope for the season. Parish compared their impact to the impact Magic Johnson had on Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. And Carl Yastrzemski has always said he got a second career wind in the mid-1970s when Jim Rice and Fred Lynn came aboard.
That's what appears to be happening here.
"Their athleticism and enthusiasm has given this team a shot in the arm," coach Chris Ford said. "Robert, Larry and Kevin are getting rejuvenated. It's one thing to have youth. It's another to have talented youth."
The effect can't be measured in individual numbers; the team's 16-4 record is the best barometer. None of the three veterans wanted to go through a season like last year. Or, for that matter, the year before that.
"If we didn't do something about our backcourt, we were in for another long year," Parish said. "And nobody wanted that."
Bird's shooting of late has been woeful and he is averaging less than 20 points a game, which, if maintained, would be a career low. But with Shaw, Lewis and Gamble, the need for him to score isn't as great. He has been shifted to power forward, he still gets the ball and he still wants to take the big shot, as he showed by making two mega-threes against the Rockets.
What about these kids, Larry? Do you like what they're doing?
"I do like it. I get a chance to play a new position," Bird said. "I like change. It keeps things interesting. And I have a new role, new matchups."
Asked about the influence of the kids, Bird said, "They haven't done anything to help my shot." Hey, they aren't miracle workers.
Parish took only three shots against the Rockets, but was a monster on the boards when the Celtics pulled away with a 15-0 run. And McHale is back to his old tricks as the Sixth Man while also backing up Parish when Ford elects to go with a smaller lineup.
Does McHale, who turns 33 in a week, feel, well, at least 29 again?
"You bet. And when was the last time you saw a point guard of ours drive the lane for a 3-point play?" McHale asked.
Shaw was superb against Houston, with 26 points, 12 rebounds and 7 assists. Brown played 21 minutes and was on the floor in the fourth quarter when Ford went with a smaller lineup.
The two occasionally will give Ford a migraine with their decisions -- "I have to bite my tongue at times," the coach said -- but that is to be expected. Shaw is still getting readjusted to the NBA. Brown is a rookie.
Shaw credits the coach, who has brought some fun back into the game while at the same time wielding a stern, consistent hand when things go awry.
"I think we have made it more fun for them," Shaw said. "Everyone is playing loose and that's because of Chris. You want to show him you can get it done. You know, it may be fun for them, but it's fun for us, too. Everyone was saying that Kevin, Robert and Larry were over the hill. Well, they keep showing people that they're not. There's a good blend of old and new and that's keeping everyone fresh."
Remembering the 29-5 Start
The season is 25 percent complete and the early results point to one, inescapable conclusion: The kids are all right.
The ultimate success of the 1990-91 Celtics may indeed hinge on their three hallowed veterans, who, despite their ages and court odometers, continue to excel. They may not be reborn -- that would indicate they passed away at some earlier stage -- but they admit to being energized and revitalized this year by the likes of Brian Shaw, Dee Brown and others.
"It's like being traded. A new life," Robert Parish said after the Celtics' 107-95 victory over the Houston Rockets Monday. "To see them so gung-ho is great. And they have a great work ethic, which is rare."
The Celtics are getting rave reviews everywhere they go, with the most common assessment being an enviable blend of youth and experience. And Shaw and Brown have given Boston a new dimension in the backcourt. They are fast and they are good.
Kevin Gamble has taken on the small forward position and played it well. Reggie Lewis, the lone regular holdover among the young, has blossomed.
But it's their attitude as much as anything that has recharged the veterans and given the Celtics hope for the season. Parish compared their impact to the impact Magic Johnson had on Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. And Carl Yastrzemski has always said he got a second career wind in the mid-1970s when Jim Rice and Fred Lynn came aboard.
That's what appears to be happening here.
"Their athleticism and enthusiasm has given this team a shot in the arm," coach Chris Ford said. "Robert, Larry and Kevin are getting rejuvenated. It's one thing to have youth. It's another to have talented youth."
The effect can't be measured in individual numbers; the team's 16-4 record is the best barometer. None of the three veterans wanted to go through a season like last year. Or, for that matter, the year before that.
"If we didn't do something about our backcourt, we were in for another long year," Parish said. "And nobody wanted that."
Bird's shooting of late has been woeful and he is averaging less than 20 points a game, which, if maintained, would be a career low. But with Shaw, Lewis and Gamble, the need for him to score isn't as great. He has been shifted to power forward, he still gets the ball and he still wants to take the big shot, as he showed by making two mega-threes against the Rockets.
What about these kids, Larry? Do you like what they're doing?
"I do like it. I get a chance to play a new position," Bird said. "I like change. It keeps things interesting. And I have a new role, new matchups."
Asked about the influence of the kids, Bird said, "They haven't done anything to help my shot." Hey, they aren't miracle workers.
Parish took only three shots against the Rockets, but was a monster on the boards when the Celtics pulled away with a 15-0 run. And McHale is back to his old tricks as the Sixth Man while also backing up Parish when Ford elects to go with a smaller lineup.
Does McHale, who turns 33 in a week, feel, well, at least 29 again?
"You bet. And when was the last time you saw a point guard of ours drive the lane for a 3-point play?" McHale asked.
Shaw was superb against Houston, with 26 points, 12 rebounds and 7 assists. Brown played 21 minutes and was on the floor in the fourth quarter when Ford went with a smaller lineup.
The two occasionally will give Ford a migraine with their decisions -- "I have to bite my tongue at times," the coach said -- but that is to be expected. Shaw is still getting readjusted to the NBA. Brown is a rookie.
Shaw credits the coach, who has brought some fun back into the game while at the same time wielding a stern, consistent hand when things go awry.
"I think we have made it more fun for them," Shaw said. "Everyone is playing loose and that's because of Chris. You want to show him you can get it done. You know, it may be fun for them, but it's fun for us, too. Everyone was saying that Kevin, Robert and Larry were over the hill. Well, they keep showing people that they're not. There's a good blend of old and new and that's keeping everyone fresh."
Celts Dump Rockets
Celtics Improve to 16-4
1990-91 Boston Celtics
Remembering the 29-5 Start
It may not have been a five-star tour of the Lone Star State, but it came close.
As in two out of three ain't bad.
The Celtics came together at the right time last night and put a 15-0 haymaker on the Houston Rockets in the final 5 minutes. The result was a 107-95 victory that gave the Celtics a 2-1 record in Texas.
This one clearly was in doubt until Boston's dramatic pullaway. The key man in the run was the heretofore rim-rattling Larry Bird, who didn't snap out of his shooting slump (8 for 23) but still drove a stake through Houston's collective heart with two nerveless, gigantic 3-pointers. He also had two free throws in the run.
Also coming up big was Brian Shaw, who submitted a 26-point, 12-rebound, 7-assist gem. Ten of those points came in the fourth quarter.
Shaw had 5 points in the run and was the instigator of the game-breaking streak when he played Ray Bourque, breaking up a potential Houston fast break and then hitting a pullup to give the Celtics the lead for good, 92-91.
What followed was a complete inability by the Rockets to run their offense and the Celtics' domination of the defensive boards. A well-rested Robert Parish (28 minutes, 11 rebounds) came in and grabbed everything in sight. The Rockets went 0 for 8 from the field and tossed in a couple of turnovers for good measure in that hideous stretch.
"You can't make mistakes against a team like that," said Akeem Olajuwon, who spent most of the night looking at two or three green uniforms and wound up with 18 points (7 of 21) along with 13 rebounds.
The Celtics, of course, had a different spin on that final, fateful five minutes.
"We really showed some character out there in playing together and coming back," said Shaw, who was 10 of 16 from the field. "We took the ball to the hole and we weren't tentative."
After Shaw's hoop, Kevin McHale (23 points) made a free throw to make it 93-91. Three possessions later, Bird squared up in downtown Galveston and arched a parabola that hit nothing but net.
It was a gutsy shot from someone who had, to that point, missed 13 of his last 14 shots. But that's Larry. At 98-91, he added another, which gave Boston an insurmountable 101-91 lead with 84 seconds remaining. He also had 10 rebounds, 7 assists and 5 steals.
"He was getting good, open shots all night -- they weren't dropping," coach Chris Ford said. "If you don't want Larry Bird to take those shots, then you're in trouble. The threes probably were tougher than the others."
Asked if his back was bothering him (which it is), Bird said, "I'm not going to make any excuses. Not this year. I've been doing that for 11 years."
He's also been breaking hearts on the road for 11 years, and last night's win raised the Celtics' road record to an impressive 7-3. They have won five straight over the Rockets.
Until the 15-0 burst, however, this one was very much in doubt. The Celtics had blown an early 10-point lead, thanks to an onslaught of turnovers in the second quarter. By halftime, they had 14 turnovers and Houston had 20 points off those miscues. And the Rockets had come back to take a 52-49 lead.
Olajuwon wasn't the killer, however. Faced with double- and triple-teams, he was forced to give up the ball, which he did. Vernon Maxwell (24 points) was draining 3-pointers (he had four of them) and Buck Johnson (17 points) also was productive from the outside.
Boston abandoned that strategy in the final 5 minutes, and the Rockets couldn't capitalize.
"We were too impatient," moaned coach Don Chaney.
Maxwell and Johnson helped Houston build leads of 68-60 and 75-68 in the third, and it looked as though Boston might slip into the abyss. At 75-68, however, one of those weird plays transpired that can turn momentum.
Dee Brown (5 points in 21 big minutes) missed a corner jumper and fell into the stands. The long rebound went right back to him, however, and he kept the ball in play while still prone. Shaw then took it the hole, made the hoop and got fouled, but missed the shot.
The basket started the Celtics on a quick 6-0 burst, which ensured that they wouldn't be facing much of a climb in the final quarter. It was 79-78 Houston after three and the lead changed hands six times before Shaw's big basket started the Celtics on their way.
1990-91 Boston Celtics
Remembering the 29-5 Start
It may not have been a five-star tour of the Lone Star State, but it came close.
As in two out of three ain't bad.
The Celtics came together at the right time last night and put a 15-0 haymaker on the Houston Rockets in the final 5 minutes. The result was a 107-95 victory that gave the Celtics a 2-1 record in Texas.
This one clearly was in doubt until Boston's dramatic pullaway. The key man in the run was the heretofore rim-rattling Larry Bird, who didn't snap out of his shooting slump (8 for 23) but still drove a stake through Houston's collective heart with two nerveless, gigantic 3-pointers. He also had two free throws in the run.
Also coming up big was Brian Shaw, who submitted a 26-point, 12-rebound, 7-assist gem. Ten of those points came in the fourth quarter.
Shaw had 5 points in the run and was the instigator of the game-breaking streak when he played Ray Bourque, breaking up a potential Houston fast break and then hitting a pullup to give the Celtics the lead for good, 92-91.
What followed was a complete inability by the Rockets to run their offense and the Celtics' domination of the defensive boards. A well-rested Robert Parish (28 minutes, 11 rebounds) came in and grabbed everything in sight. The Rockets went 0 for 8 from the field and tossed in a couple of turnovers for good measure in that hideous stretch.
"You can't make mistakes against a team like that," said Akeem Olajuwon, who spent most of the night looking at two or three green uniforms and wound up with 18 points (7 of 21) along with 13 rebounds.
The Celtics, of course, had a different spin on that final, fateful five minutes.
"We really showed some character out there in playing together and coming back," said Shaw, who was 10 of 16 from the field. "We took the ball to the hole and we weren't tentative."
After Shaw's hoop, Kevin McHale (23 points) made a free throw to make it 93-91. Three possessions later, Bird squared up in downtown Galveston and arched a parabola that hit nothing but net.
It was a gutsy shot from someone who had, to that point, missed 13 of his last 14 shots. But that's Larry. At 98-91, he added another, which gave Boston an insurmountable 101-91 lead with 84 seconds remaining. He also had 10 rebounds, 7 assists and 5 steals.
"He was getting good, open shots all night -- they weren't dropping," coach Chris Ford said. "If you don't want Larry Bird to take those shots, then you're in trouble. The threes probably were tougher than the others."
Asked if his back was bothering him (which it is), Bird said, "I'm not going to make any excuses. Not this year. I've been doing that for 11 years."
He's also been breaking hearts on the road for 11 years, and last night's win raised the Celtics' road record to an impressive 7-3. They have won five straight over the Rockets.
Until the 15-0 burst, however, this one was very much in doubt. The Celtics had blown an early 10-point lead, thanks to an onslaught of turnovers in the second quarter. By halftime, they had 14 turnovers and Houston had 20 points off those miscues. And the Rockets had come back to take a 52-49 lead.
Olajuwon wasn't the killer, however. Faced with double- and triple-teams, he was forced to give up the ball, which he did. Vernon Maxwell (24 points) was draining 3-pointers (he had four of them) and Buck Johnson (17 points) also was productive from the outside.
Boston abandoned that strategy in the final 5 minutes, and the Rockets couldn't capitalize.
"We were too impatient," moaned coach Don Chaney.
Maxwell and Johnson helped Houston build leads of 68-60 and 75-68 in the third, and it looked as though Boston might slip into the abyss. At 75-68, however, one of those weird plays transpired that can turn momentum.
Dee Brown (5 points in 21 big minutes) missed a corner jumper and fell into the stands. The long rebound went right back to him, however, and he kept the ball in play while still prone. Shaw then took it the hole, made the hoop and got fouled, but missed the shot.
The basket started the Celtics on a quick 6-0 burst, which ensured that they wouldn't be facing much of a climb in the final quarter. It was 79-78 Houston after three and the lead changed hands six times before Shaw's big basket started the Celtics on their way.
The McHale I Remember
June 1987
In the 63 games before his foot injury, McHale averaged 26.8 points on 62 percent shooting and scored 30 or more points 22 times. In the 34 games since, he has averaged 21.8 points on 57 percent shooting and scored 30 or more points twice.
McHale is known as one of the greatest interviews in the league. In fact, he recently was named a member of the league's first all-interview team. But on the subject of the injury, McHale has been reluctant to talk. "I wish people would stop asking me about my foot," he says. "In the playoffs, you're supposed to play hurt."
Others are not so hesitant to address the issue. Early in the series, Bird said he wished McHale would go home and not risk further damage to the foot, first injured when Phoenix Sun Larry Nance stepped on it. (McHale also suffered stretched ligaments in his ankle.) McHale, after all, was risking his $1 million-a-year livelihood.
A nationally known orthopedic surgeon examined McHale and wondered how he was able to play at all. "It's amazing to me," said Dr. Tony Daly, who has dealt with Bill Walton's myriad foot problems. "I don't know how he has played since March."
But he has, missing only five games since the injury, and though it is clear that McHale is not as dominant as he was when he was healthy, it's also safe to say that without McHale's presence, the Celtics never would have come as far as they have. In the last three games, including two Boston victories, McHale has 67 points and 37 rebounds.
In the 63 games before his foot injury, McHale averaged 26.8 points on 62 percent shooting and scored 30 or more points 22 times. In the 34 games since, he has averaged 21.8 points on 57 percent shooting and scored 30 or more points twice.
McHale is known as one of the greatest interviews in the league. In fact, he recently was named a member of the league's first all-interview team. But on the subject of the injury, McHale has been reluctant to talk. "I wish people would stop asking me about my foot," he says. "In the playoffs, you're supposed to play hurt."
Others are not so hesitant to address the issue. Early in the series, Bird said he wished McHale would go home and not risk further damage to the foot, first injured when Phoenix Sun Larry Nance stepped on it. (McHale also suffered stretched ligaments in his ankle.) McHale, after all, was risking his $1 million-a-year livelihood.
A nationally known orthopedic surgeon examined McHale and wondered how he was able to play at all. "It's amazing to me," said Dr. Tony Daly, who has dealt with Bill Walton's myriad foot problems. "I don't know how he has played since March."
But he has, missing only five games since the injury, and though it is clear that McHale is not as dominant as he was when he was healthy, it's also safe to say that without McHale's presence, the Celtics never would have come as far as they have. In the last three games, including two Boston victories, McHale has 67 points and 37 rebounds.
Should the Celtics Stiff Daniels and Hold on to their Expiring Contracts?
NESN seems to think so.
The argument appears to be that it is better for the Celtics to wait for the mid-season trade deadline and look for someone like James Posey, who might be dealt to save money. It is an interesting idea. My concern would be that Marquis Daniels may remind us too much of A) Tony Allen (injury-prone and inconsistent); and B) Mikki Moore (over-hyped and under-performing).
Still, I'm inclined to take the gamble, given the flattering reviews Daniels received both before and after the deal from non-Celtics fans around the league. The Celtics can always deal him for someone else mid-season if it doesn't work out.
The argument appears to be that it is better for the Celtics to wait for the mid-season trade deadline and look for someone like James Posey, who might be dealt to save money. It is an interesting idea. My concern would be that Marquis Daniels may remind us too much of A) Tony Allen (injury-prone and inconsistent); and B) Mikki Moore (over-hyped and under-performing).
Still, I'm inclined to take the gamble, given the flattering reviews Daniels received both before and after the deal from non-Celtics fans around the league. The Celtics can always deal him for someone else mid-season if it doesn't work out.
Mountain Man, McHale, the Dead, and Dylan
Oh my God. This interview gets ranked as an instant classic. It starts out humbly enough with Bill Walton talking about his good buddy, Kevin McHale, getting punished for the Joe Smith shenanigans, but quickly moves on to other topics including the Greatful Dead and Bob Dylan. At one point, Walton says that McHale is part Frankenstein, and that during McHale's foot-surgery in 1987, a doctor removed a bolt from McHale's Frankenstein-neck and used it to hold his foot together.
McHale and Walton.
Does it get any better?
Danny was pretty close to those two, as well. But not Larry so much.
Davis and Maxiell: A Quick Statistical Comparison
GLEN DAVIS
JASON MAXIELL
| Season | Team | G | GS | MPG | FG% | 3p% | FT% | OFF | DEF | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | TO | PF | PPG |
| 08-09 | BOS | 76 | 16 | 21.5 | 0.442 | 0.400 | 0.730 | 1.6 | 2.4 | 4.0 | 0.9 | 0.7 | 0.2 | 0.93 | 3.00 | 7.0 |
JASON MAXIELL
| Season | Team | G | GS | MPG | FG% | 3p% | FT% | OFF | DEF | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | TO | PF | PPG |
| 08-09 | DET | 78 | 4 | 18.1 | 0.575 | 0.000 | 0.532 | 2.2 | 2.0 | 4.2 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.8 | 0.58 | 2.00 | 5.8 |
Celtics Win 145-144
Celtics Improve to 34-11
1981-82 Boston Celtics
It was a game for the fans, oh, definitely yes, but also one for the boy in all of us. Call it one night of Eastern League basketball, Continental League basketball, Rucker League basketball or even Outlaw League basketball, but it was also basketball in a league by itself. Just beautiful.
Got your pocket calculators handy? Boston won this free-for-all, 145-144, in a shootout that saw Tiny Archibald give out an awesome 23 assists; the Celtics score 50 points in the first quarter; Denver score 44 in the second; and Robert Parish score 18 in the third, and then the final two of the game with three seconds left on an 18-foot turnaround from the top of the key after hesitating for two or three seconds, looking to pass.
Still have that calculator? Well, Parish (33 points) not only stuck 15 of 20 shots from the field; not only buried nine of 11 in the third period alone; not only pulled down 12 rebounds, but also blocked five shots, including the final runner by the Nuggets' Ken Higgs with a second left when he switched off his man to make the block.
"I'll tell you what this one was like," said the Celtics' M. L. Carr. "It was like being with the boys in the park: one guy goes down and scores and you feel you've got to bring it right back and get two on him."
Or, as Denver coach Doug Moe put it, "It was a fun game to watch."
Indeed. The Nuggets went through the entire first quarter without the 24- second clock ever reaching single digits. Only twice did they need more than 10 seconds to get off a shot - and the spirit was catching. It didn't take long for the Celtics to press the pedal to the metal.
For the record, the Celtics had a 23-point lead at the end of the first quarter, but lost that by midway through the fourth and fell behind, 134-129, with 5:15 left with a fast-break layup by Kiki Vandeweghe (40 points on your basic 15-of-22 from the field).
But the Celtics made only two mistakes in the final five minutes ("If we make any more than that," said Boston coach Bill Fitch, "they win.") and took a 5-point lead of their own (143-138) with 1:28 left on the second of two consecutive jumpers from the key by Larry Bird (34 points).
But Higgs buried two free throws, Denver's Alex English (32 points for the game but nigh-unstoppable in the final minutes) banged in a 10-foot runner with 49 seconds left, closing the lead to 143-142. Bird then missed an open 18-footer from the right corner but stood firm at the other end and took the key charging foul on Dan Issel with 31 ticks on the clock.
But Parish was called for an illegal block with 21 seconds to play, the Nuggets had the ball and cleared out the right for Vandeweghe to do his deed - one-on-one with Bird.
("I guarded them both in the last quarter, English and Vandeweghe," said Cedric Maxwell. "It didn't make much difference; they were unstoppable.")
Vandeweghe bounced once, bounced twice and let loose a 12-footer with 11 seconds left that dropped in for a 144-143 lead.
After the obligatory timeout, the inbounds pass came to Parish "but Parish wasn't one of the first options," said Fitch. "He got the ball after a couple of picks and once they made the switch, he had the presence of mind not to try and force it inside."
Instead, Parish looked right, looked left, looked confused but finaly looked toward the basket with three seconds left and unleashed yet another of his fallaway, arching rainbows from the top of the key. Suuhhwisshh, and "there was no doubt about it," said Fitch. "Robert was a one-man band out there tonight."
There was more. Denver bypassed both English and Vandeweghe on its final inbounds pass "because we thought the Celtics wouldn't bother with Higgs and he can shoot it," said Moe. "We got him the ball open, but Parish switched out on him (along the left baseline) and made a great play."
The first quarter was played in the fast lane. Oh, sure, Denver turned the ball over four times in the first minute, the two teams remarkably scored four baskets within 21 seconds (no steals, no foul shots, endline to endline), averaged five shots a minute and Boston tallied 50 points, the second-highest for the Celtics in a quarter in history.
But Boston's 50-27 lead dissipated under a 44-point onslaught by the Nuggets in the second period. "We let them back in," said Fitch, "and once we did, there was no stopping them."
There seemed to be no answer to Vandeweghe, who had 27 points in the first half.
Still in all, the halftime score was an awesome 85-71 for the Celtics, 117-110 after three when the real fun began.
Moe made a case for the Nuggets: "People don't realize the pace we keep. These guys put forth an unbelievable effort every night and it goes unappreciated by most fans. If we're not the most exciting team in the league, then I don't know who is."
And if last night wasn't the most fun game of the season, you weren't at the Garden
1981-82 Boston Celtics
It was a game for the fans, oh, definitely yes, but also one for the boy in all of us. Call it one night of Eastern League basketball, Continental League basketball, Rucker League basketball or even Outlaw League basketball, but it was also basketball in a league by itself. Just beautiful.
Got your pocket calculators handy? Boston won this free-for-all, 145-144, in a shootout that saw Tiny Archibald give out an awesome 23 assists; the Celtics score 50 points in the first quarter; Denver score 44 in the second; and Robert Parish score 18 in the third, and then the final two of the game with three seconds left on an 18-foot turnaround from the top of the key after hesitating for two or three seconds, looking to pass.
Still have that calculator? Well, Parish (33 points) not only stuck 15 of 20 shots from the field; not only buried nine of 11 in the third period alone; not only pulled down 12 rebounds, but also blocked five shots, including the final runner by the Nuggets' Ken Higgs with a second left when he switched off his man to make the block.
"I'll tell you what this one was like," said the Celtics' M. L. Carr. "It was like being with the boys in the park: one guy goes down and scores and you feel you've got to bring it right back and get two on him."
Or, as Denver coach Doug Moe put it, "It was a fun game to watch."
Indeed. The Nuggets went through the entire first quarter without the 24- second clock ever reaching single digits. Only twice did they need more than 10 seconds to get off a shot - and the spirit was catching. It didn't take long for the Celtics to press the pedal to the metal.
For the record, the Celtics had a 23-point lead at the end of the first quarter, but lost that by midway through the fourth and fell behind, 134-129, with 5:15 left with a fast-break layup by Kiki Vandeweghe (40 points on your basic 15-of-22 from the field).
But the Celtics made only two mistakes in the final five minutes ("If we make any more than that," said Boston coach Bill Fitch, "they win.") and took a 5-point lead of their own (143-138) with 1:28 left on the second of two consecutive jumpers from the key by Larry Bird (34 points).
But Higgs buried two free throws, Denver's Alex English (32 points for the game but nigh-unstoppable in the final minutes) banged in a 10-foot runner with 49 seconds left, closing the lead to 143-142. Bird then missed an open 18-footer from the right corner but stood firm at the other end and took the key charging foul on Dan Issel with 31 ticks on the clock.
But Parish was called for an illegal block with 21 seconds to play, the Nuggets had the ball and cleared out the right for Vandeweghe to do his deed - one-on-one with Bird.
("I guarded them both in the last quarter, English and Vandeweghe," said Cedric Maxwell. "It didn't make much difference; they were unstoppable.")
Vandeweghe bounced once, bounced twice and let loose a 12-footer with 11 seconds left that dropped in for a 144-143 lead.
After the obligatory timeout, the inbounds pass came to Parish "but Parish wasn't one of the first options," said Fitch. "He got the ball after a couple of picks and once they made the switch, he had the presence of mind not to try and force it inside."
Instead, Parish looked right, looked left, looked confused but finaly looked toward the basket with three seconds left and unleashed yet another of his fallaway, arching rainbows from the top of the key. Suuhhwisshh, and "there was no doubt about it," said Fitch. "Robert was a one-man band out there tonight."
There was more. Denver bypassed both English and Vandeweghe on its final inbounds pass "because we thought the Celtics wouldn't bother with Higgs and he can shoot it," said Moe. "We got him the ball open, but Parish switched out on him (along the left baseline) and made a great play."
The first quarter was played in the fast lane. Oh, sure, Denver turned the ball over four times in the first minute, the two teams remarkably scored four baskets within 21 seconds (no steals, no foul shots, endline to endline), averaged five shots a minute and Boston tallied 50 points, the second-highest for the Celtics in a quarter in history.
But Boston's 50-27 lead dissipated under a 44-point onslaught by the Nuggets in the second period. "We let them back in," said Fitch, "and once we did, there was no stopping them."
There seemed to be no answer to Vandeweghe, who had 27 points in the first half.
Still in all, the halftime score was an awesome 85-71 for the Celtics, 117-110 after three when the real fun began.
Moe made a case for the Nuggets: "People don't realize the pace we keep. These guys put forth an unbelievable effort every night and it goes unappreciated by most fans. If we're not the most exciting team in the league, then I don't know who is."
And if last night wasn't the most fun game of the season, you weren't at the Garden
Bird's Back Problems May be Back
Injury Foreshadow's Second Half of Season
1990-91 Boston Celtics
Remembering the 29-5 Start
The numbers are hard to ignore or dismiss. Box score readers across America see uncharacteristic numbers next to Larry Bird's name and want to know what's going on.
The Celtics ' franchise forward can't seem to buy a basket on the road, something that has been dramatized in the last two games. In Dallas and San Antonio, two places where he generally enjoys big games, he scored a total of 17 points and shot 7 for 28 from the field.
In Philadelphia nine days ago, the last road stop before this Texas swing, he was 6 for 17 from the field.
What gives?
"It seems like I'm always off-balance or always getting the ball with the shot clock winding down," Bird said yesterday. "I haven't been in the flow. That's something as a unit we have to improve. Reggie Lewis didn't take that many shots in the second half. We have to get the ball in the hands of the people who can do something with it."
Bird is shooting 41.5 percent on the road this season, 36.5 percent in the last seven road games. There is one physical aspect to all this: his back is bothering him.
Team physician Arnold Scheller confirmed that Bird has been playing all season with a stiff lower back, the same condition that kept him out of two exhibition games.
1990-91 Boston Celtics
Remembering the 29-5 Start
The numbers are hard to ignore or dismiss. Box score readers across America see uncharacteristic numbers next to Larry Bird's name and want to know what's going on.
The Celtics ' franchise forward can't seem to buy a basket on the road, something that has been dramatized in the last two games. In Dallas and San Antonio, two places where he generally enjoys big games, he scored a total of 17 points and shot 7 for 28 from the field.
In Philadelphia nine days ago, the last road stop before this Texas swing, he was 6 for 17 from the field.
What gives?
"It seems like I'm always off-balance or always getting the ball with the shot clock winding down," Bird said yesterday. "I haven't been in the flow. That's something as a unit we have to improve. Reggie Lewis didn't take that many shots in the second half. We have to get the ball in the hands of the people who can do something with it."
Bird is shooting 41.5 percent on the road this season, 36.5 percent in the last seven road games. There is one physical aspect to all this: his back is bothering him.
Team physician Arnold Scheller confirmed that Bird has been playing all season with a stiff lower back, the same condition that kept him out of two exhibition games.
More Laughs at the Lakers Expense
And Lamar Odom's presence on the court is valuable in its own right, the uncertain contributions from Andrew Bynum only place more need on the Lakers to bring back Odom. Mikki Moore's name has popped up as a potential replacement for Odom on the Lakers' roster.
LINK
Wow. Ok. I'm back to hoping Lamar bolts. I just can't wait to hear from Laker Nation after they sign Mikki Moore to replace LO. The other thing to note here is that one year ago, all we heard about Andrew Bynum was that he was Kareem, Wilt, and Shaq all rolled into one. Now the common perception seems to be that his contract is an albatross around the neck of Mitch and Jerry.
LINK
Wow. Ok. I'm back to hoping Lamar bolts. I just can't wait to hear from Laker Nation after they sign Mikki Moore to replace LO. The other thing to note here is that one year ago, all we heard about Andrew Bynum was that he was Kareem, Wilt, and Shaq all rolled into one. Now the common perception seems to be that his contract is an albatross around the neck of Mitch and Jerry.
L.O. Leaning Toward the Purple
First, we had the Lukester weighing in. Now this report. Part of me wishes Lamar would bolt. The other part remembers how well (read poorly) the Lakers front court does when overmatched by bigger, more talented players. I miss those days, and look forward to the Green exacting a little revenge for last season's, er, sewep.
It makes me so sick, I can't even spell the word correctly. Nor do I want to.
(By the way, I can't "hate on" Bill Walton's son).
It makes me so sick, I can't even spell the word correctly. Nor do I want to.
(By the way, I can't "hate on" Bill Walton's son).
Bird Says C's Need Help Despite Fast Start
1990-91 Boston Celtics
Remembering the 29-5 Start
When you're 15-4, and the bouquets are coming from all directions, it sometimes is easy to overlook the obvious. And that is that the Celtics still need help.
After the 102-96 loss to San Antonio Saturday night, Larry Bird was asked about the current squad. The Celtics have the second-best record in the NBA, have won 11 of 13, and already have merited a story in Sports Illustrated.
Bird flatly said, "We're not good enough to win a championship right now.
"We know what we need, but we don't know who it is," he said. "If we don't get someone, we'll have to get better. But hopefully, we'll do something to make ourselves better."
Celtics CEO Dave Gavitt has been working the phones, but he doesn't have much to offer because he doesn't want to tinker with the regular rotation.
The trade of Xavier McDaniel to Phoenix seemed to bring to the surface -- again -- the Celtics' desire for a small forward who can play defense. Boston had talked with Seattle over the summer about the X-Man, but couldn't put a deal together.
The Celtics have inquired about Derek Smith, who is rehabilitating from September surgery to remove scar tissue from his knee. Smith could help them, but his health is an ongoing conern. He is an unrestricted free agent and has expressed a desire to play in Boston.
Remembering the 29-5 Start
When you're 15-4, and the bouquets are coming from all directions, it sometimes is easy to overlook the obvious. And that is that the Celtics still need help.
After the 102-96 loss to San Antonio Saturday night, Larry Bird was asked about the current squad. The Celtics have the second-best record in the NBA, have won 11 of 13, and already have merited a story in Sports Illustrated.
Bird flatly said, "We're not good enough to win a championship right now.
"We know what we need, but we don't know who it is," he said. "If we don't get someone, we'll have to get better. But hopefully, we'll do something to make ourselves better."
Celtics CEO Dave Gavitt has been working the phones, but he doesn't have much to offer because he doesn't want to tinker with the regular rotation.
The trade of Xavier McDaniel to Phoenix seemed to bring to the surface -- again -- the Celtics' desire for a small forward who can play defense. Boston had talked with Seattle over the summer about the X-Man, but couldn't put a deal together.
The Celtics have inquired about Derek Smith, who is rehabilitating from September surgery to remove scar tissue from his knee. Smith could help them, but his health is an ongoing conern. He is an unrestricted free agent and has expressed a desire to play in Boston.
Top Five Man Units 2008-09: Scalabrine Makes the Cut
The Celtics don't make the list until number 7, and then don't appear again for some time. But dig this, the first Celtic five-man unit that does make the list is Rondo-R.Allen-Pierce-Garnett-Scalabrine.
That old Larry Bird. Crazy like a fox. Talk of Bird wanting Scalabrine because he is white is just that, talk.
That old Larry Bird. Crazy like a fox. Talk of Bird wanting Scalabrine because he is white is just that, talk.
Parish Goes for 18, 16, 2 in Loss to Spurs
Boston Falls to 15-4
1990-91 Boston Celtics
Remembering the 29-5 Start
He didn't dominate, but Robert Parish wasn't exactly a still life, either.
Mano-a-mano, you'd have to rate Summit Meeting I as a draw. But Parish's team lost -- and that's all he cared to think about.
Parish had 18 points, 16 rebounds and 2 blocked shots last night in his first meeting with David Robinson. The Spurs center had 27 points, 13 rebounds and 4 blocks. San Antonio won, 102-96.
"People ask me if David Robinson will become a great player," Parish said. "Understand this, he already is."
Still, Parish continued his recent roll, though he came up a basket shy of scoring 20 for the fifth straight game. Still, in that span, he is averaging 22.6 points and 13.4 rebounds while shooting 60 percent.
He also is averaging slightly more than 16 shots a game in this span after taking that many shots only once all season. Of his 67 rebounds, 24 have been off the offensive glass, which leads to second shots.
Summit Meeting II is tomorrow night in Houston. And coach Chris Ford decided to give his team a "mental day," which meant no practice. Among those most grateful was the 37-year-old Parish.
NO ROAD WARRIOR
Larry Bird had another subpar shooting night (5 for 17) and now is shooting 41.5 percent on the road. In the last seven road games, he is at 36.5 percent (38 for 104) . . . The streak is over. The Celtics had won 11 straight in San Antonio before last night. They are now 11-3 in the Alamo City in the Bird era . . . This wasn't a night to brag about the Boston depth. The bench produced a total of 12 points, all by Kevin McHale. Dee Brown went 0 for 2 in 9 minutes and Joe Kleine was 0 for 2 in 8. San Antonio wasn't much better, getting 13 points from its reserves . . . This marked only the second time all season the Celtics have failed to score 100 points. The other time was the 119-91 blowout in Milwaukee . . . Boston is now 3-3 in games against teams that were above .500 at the time
1990-91 Boston Celtics
Remembering the 29-5 Start
He didn't dominate, but Robert Parish wasn't exactly a still life, either.
Mano-a-mano, you'd have to rate Summit Meeting I as a draw. But Parish's team lost -- and that's all he cared to think about.
Parish had 18 points, 16 rebounds and 2 blocked shots last night in his first meeting with David Robinson. The Spurs center had 27 points, 13 rebounds and 4 blocks. San Antonio won, 102-96.
"People ask me if David Robinson will become a great player," Parish said. "Understand this, he already is."
Still, Parish continued his recent roll, though he came up a basket shy of scoring 20 for the fifth straight game. Still, in that span, he is averaging 22.6 points and 13.4 rebounds while shooting 60 percent.
He also is averaging slightly more than 16 shots a game in this span after taking that many shots only once all season. Of his 67 rebounds, 24 have been off the offensive glass, which leads to second shots.
Summit Meeting II is tomorrow night in Houston. And coach Chris Ford decided to give his team a "mental day," which meant no practice. Among those most grateful was the 37-year-old Parish.
NO ROAD WARRIOR
Larry Bird had another subpar shooting night (5 for 17) and now is shooting 41.5 percent on the road. In the last seven road games, he is at 36.5 percent (38 for 104) . . . The streak is over. The Celtics had won 11 straight in San Antonio before last night. They are now 11-3 in the Alamo City in the Bird era . . . This wasn't a night to brag about the Boston depth. The bench produced a total of 12 points, all by Kevin McHale. Dee Brown went 0 for 2 in 9 minutes and Joe Kleine was 0 for 2 in 8. San Antonio wasn't much better, getting 13 points from its reserves . . . This marked only the second time all season the Celtics have failed to score 100 points. The other time was the 119-91 blowout in Milwaukee . . . Boston is now 3-3 in games against teams that were above .500 at the time
Parish Goes for 29 & 16 in Win
1981-82 Boston Celtics
There was nothing fancy, clever or particularly exciting about this basketball game. It served merely to reaffirm a well-established concept, which is that winning basketball teams start from the inside and work out. Give this game ball to The Chief. A struggling Larry Bird carved out a 26- point, 13-rebound stat line in a
day-at-the-office performance, but this 109-105 road triumph over nemesis Indiana was a monument to Robert Parish, whose game highs of 29 points and 16 rebounds made the difference.
Parish has had big numbers against Indiana before this season, most notably on Dec. when he had a season-high 23 rebounds. But there are stat rebounds and there are macho rebounds. What Robert Parish got last night were the Paul Silas, ain't-nobody-el se-gettin'-this-one rebounds.
Eight of these retrieves came in the third period, when the Celtics were turning a 57-52 halftime deficit into an 81-75 three-quarter advantage, a lead that would twice reach 11, the second such spread being 90-79 with 10:10 left.
"He rebounded," said Bill Fitch, "with authority. He had 16 rebounds, and they were all serious." Bird agreed. "Robert pulled down some awesome defensive rebounds in traffic, and he got one offensive board in traffic and laid it back up over three guys. He's doing a lot of that lately."
Despite Parish's heroics, the Celtics had to sweat profusely in order to nail this one down. For following a time out called by Indiana coach Jack McKinney at the 90-79 juncture, the Pacers came out to put on an offensive clinic for the next nine minutes. The Pacers began by scoring on their next eight consecutive offensive possessions, narrowing the lead to 97-95 in the process. The offensive thrust would last through 13 of 16 possessions, peaking with a three-pointer by Don Buse that created a 107-105 situation with 52 seconds remaining.
Bird, who had found his shooting eye earlier in the quarter after getting off to a 3-for-10 start from the floor, missed a right side jumper with 35 seconds left. But Parish hauled in the rebound of a Louis Orr miss 15 seconds later. The Celtics spread the floor, and it wasn't until there were only five seconds left that someone
got fouled, and that someone turned out to be Bird. Two Bird swishes and a Johnny Davis three-point air ball later, the victory was in the books.
The Pacers had one ready explanation for the result, that being a 45-17 Celtics advantage in free throws attempted, including an amazing 26-2 spread in the second half. "Just check the stats to see how well we played," sighed a despondent McKinney. "They went to the line 26 times, and we went twice."
Fitch, naturally, thought the whole thing made sense. "We are primarily an inside team," he explained, "and they are an outside perimeter team." The Pacers controlled the first half, during which time the Celtics led just once, 8-7, and then for just 19 seconds before the home squad regained the lead on a Davis layup. A mild second quarter run rescued the Celtics from a 42-32 deficit and produced a tie at 46-all. That deadlock lasted 14 seconds, or long enough for Clemon Johnson to connect on a three-point play and send Parish, who had scored 18 points in 13 foul-plagued minutes, back to the pines for the remainder of the half.
The Celtics came out in a grim manner in period three, however, and Parish was the key man, ripping down six defensive rebounds and two offensive retrieves. Tiny Archibald, meanwhile, dropped in four helpful outside shots. Two foul shots by Bird gave Boston the lead, 73-71, and they were never headed again.
A fourth vital contributor was Kevin McHale, who saved his best for the right moments, as he usually does. McHale stuck in jumpers that made it 105-100 (2:28) and 107-102 (1:40), in addition to blocking a Herb Williams shot from behind at 103-98 and rebounding a Buse miss at 102-97.
Most of all, there was Parish. "You know," Fitch revealed, "my weekend highlight at the All-Star Game was the way Robert snapped down that final rebound of the game. That may have been the start of something great, because he snapped down about 10 of those tonight."
There was nothing fancy, clever or particularly exciting about this basketball game. It served merely to reaffirm a well-established concept, which is that winning basketball teams start from the inside and work out. Give this game ball to The Chief. A struggling Larry Bird carved out a 26- point, 13-rebound stat line in a
day-at-the-office performance, but this 109-105 road triumph over nemesis Indiana was a monument to Robert Parish, whose game highs of 29 points and 16 rebounds made the difference.
Parish has had big numbers against Indiana before this season, most notably on Dec. when he had a season-high 23 rebounds. But there are stat rebounds and there are macho rebounds. What Robert Parish got last night were the Paul Silas, ain't-nobody-el se-gettin'-this-one rebounds.
Eight of these retrieves came in the third period, when the Celtics were turning a 57-52 halftime deficit into an 81-75 three-quarter advantage, a lead that would twice reach 11, the second such spread being 90-79 with 10:10 left.
"He rebounded," said Bill Fitch, "with authority. He had 16 rebounds, and they were all serious." Bird agreed. "Robert pulled down some awesome defensive rebounds in traffic, and he got one offensive board in traffic and laid it back up over three guys. He's doing a lot of that lately."
Despite Parish's heroics, the Celtics had to sweat profusely in order to nail this one down. For following a time out called by Indiana coach Jack McKinney at the 90-79 juncture, the Pacers came out to put on an offensive clinic for the next nine minutes. The Pacers began by scoring on their next eight consecutive offensive possessions, narrowing the lead to 97-95 in the process. The offensive thrust would last through 13 of 16 possessions, peaking with a three-pointer by Don Buse that created a 107-105 situation with 52 seconds remaining.
Bird, who had found his shooting eye earlier in the quarter after getting off to a 3-for-10 start from the floor, missed a right side jumper with 35 seconds left. But Parish hauled in the rebound of a Louis Orr miss 15 seconds later. The Celtics spread the floor, and it wasn't until there were only five seconds left that someone
got fouled, and that someone turned out to be Bird. Two Bird swishes and a Johnny Davis three-point air ball later, the victory was in the books.
The Pacers had one ready explanation for the result, that being a 45-17 Celtics advantage in free throws attempted, including an amazing 26-2 spread in the second half. "Just check the stats to see how well we played," sighed a despondent McKinney. "They went to the line 26 times, and we went twice."
Fitch, naturally, thought the whole thing made sense. "We are primarily an inside team," he explained, "and they are an outside perimeter team." The Pacers controlled the first half, during which time the Celtics led just once, 8-7, and then for just 19 seconds before the home squad regained the lead on a Davis layup. A mild second quarter run rescued the Celtics from a 42-32 deficit and produced a tie at 46-all. That deadlock lasted 14 seconds, or long enough for Clemon Johnson to connect on a three-point play and send Parish, who had scored 18 points in 13 foul-plagued minutes, back to the pines for the remainder of the half.
The Celtics came out in a grim manner in period three, however, and Parish was the key man, ripping down six defensive rebounds and two offensive retrieves. Tiny Archibald, meanwhile, dropped in four helpful outside shots. Two foul shots by Bird gave Boston the lead, 73-71, and they were never headed again.
A fourth vital contributor was Kevin McHale, who saved his best for the right moments, as he usually does. McHale stuck in jumpers that made it 105-100 (2:28) and 107-102 (1:40), in addition to blocking a Herb Williams shot from behind at 103-98 and rebounding a Buse miss at 102-97.
Most of all, there was Parish. "You know," Fitch revealed, "my weekend highlight at the All-Star Game was the way Robert snapped down that final rebound of the game. That may have been the start of something great, because he snapped down about 10 of those tonight."
The New Big Three
“Wow, that's the first thing that I said. Wow,” Ryan Gomes said. “Now they've got two guys, speaking of Garnett and Sheed, who on the court are so vocal defensively and offensively and they know the game so much that that's going to bring the level of intensity up. They have a lot of different lineups they can go with. Now Perk is in foul trouble, Sheed can play the five because he played the five in Detroit. And Sheed can hit threes so now, Garnett is on the block, Sheed is out there, it can cause a lot of match-up problems for a lot of people.”
LINK
I still think the biggest impression will be made when KG and Sheed are joined on the floor by Perk. At first I was thinking this unit would be used primarily against the other contenders, Orlando, Cleveland, and the Fakers. Now I'm thinking we'll see those three out there together at least once per game.
The New Big Three.
LINK
I still think the biggest impression will be made when KG and Sheed are joined on the floor by Perk. At first I was thinking this unit would be used primarily against the other contenders, Orlando, Cleveland, and the Fakers. Now I'm thinking we'll see those three out there together at least once per game.
The New Big Three.
Celtics Dump Indiana
Celtics Improve to 33-11
1981-82 Boston Celtics
The Celtics continued to be the biggest bullies in the NBA despite a first-half feud with referees Earl Strom and Joe Crawford.
Both men were quiet as church mice in the second half last night as the defending world champions bounced back from a five-point halftime deficit to beat Pacers, 109-105. In the end, it was Indiana complaining that the officials were incompetent.
"Let the stats speak for themselves," complained Pacer coach Jack McKinney. "After Bill Fitch got his technical foul in the second period, the Celtics went to the line 37 times to our 2. It was 26-2 in the second half. No way that should happen. Don't the Celtics foul?"
"Some things (about the officials) that went on out there, bothered me, particularly in the first half," said Fitch.
"I'm not talking about interpretation of calls. I'm talking about other things, and they (Strom and Crawford) haven't heard the end it."
"Things were better in the second half. We played much better. We stopped giving up second shots. I'm just happy with a win out of here. We haven't done that very often. Larry Bird had a good game and we needed it. But the man who made the difference was Robert Parish. He took over the inside game."
Referee baiting, which Fitch does very well, was one reason the Celtics fell behind by 10 points three times in the second half. Indiana came out shooting. Bird hit only 3 of his first 10 shots. If it wasn't for Parish's 7- for-7 shooting (18 points) in the first half, it would have been another dismal visit to Indiana.
Strom went into his act and Crawford joined. Words were exchanged and both Fitch and Kevin McHale wound up with technical fouls in the first half. The crowd loved it.
But the second half was a different story. Parish still had his hot hand (He finished with 29 points and 16 rebounds.), Bird opened up (26 points and 13 rebounds) and the Celtics ran off a 29-18 spurt in the third quarter, and never trailed again.
Indiana made a final run, and when Don Buse hit a three-point shot with 52 seconds to play, the Pacers trailed by just two points, 107-105. But they would come no closer.
When Louie Orr missed a wide open 15-footer with 20 seconds remaining, the Celtics got the rebound. After killing off 15 seconds, Bird was fouled. He sank two free throws with 5 seconds left, putting the game away.
"I'm happy about winning," said Fitch, "because it was a good way to start the second half of the season. We weren't as smooth as we were before the All- Star break. But we played very well in the final quarter. Larry's two free throws were big, and I guess we get spoiled in seeing him shoot the ball and hitting. He missed a shot with 37 seconds left and I don't know why I was surprised, but I was.
"I'm also happy about the play of Kevin McHale. He made two clutch shots down the stretch. And the block he made on Herb Williams with about three minutes left was about as good as you will see. I still don't know how he did it," said Fitch.
Fitch used his so-called Celtic All-Star connection of Bird, Parish and Tiny Archibald as much as possible. Parish played 34 minutes, and only three early fouls kept him on the bench. Bird played 43 minutes and Archibald logged 40.
"I was a little tired," said Parish, "but I felt good. The Pacers don't have a 7-foot center, and that makes a big difference when you're shooting your jump shot, or helping out on defense."
Pacer center Clemon Johnson agreed that Parish and Bird presented a major problem at both ends of the court.
"I used to watch Parish play at Golden State," said Johnson, a former Trail Blazer. "And I always considered him a great center. They used to say he was lazy and didn't like to run. He runs now, and it's hard to keep up with him. It's hard to work the middle when you know that he is there as an intimidator. He and McHale are excellent shot blockers."
Former Celtic Billy Knight said the Celtics simply executed down the stretch when they had to. McHale's two baskets were rally killers, he said.
"They both came within the last two minutes," he said. "That's when games are won and lost, particularly when you play the Celtics. It's no secret. They make the plays they have to make."
1981-82 Boston Celtics
The Celtics continued to be the biggest bullies in the NBA despite a first-half feud with referees Earl Strom and Joe Crawford.
Both men were quiet as church mice in the second half last night as the defending world champions bounced back from a five-point halftime deficit to beat Pacers, 109-105. In the end, it was Indiana complaining that the officials were incompetent.
"Let the stats speak for themselves," complained Pacer coach Jack McKinney. "After Bill Fitch got his technical foul in the second period, the Celtics went to the line 37 times to our 2. It was 26-2 in the second half. No way that should happen. Don't the Celtics foul?"
"Some things (about the officials) that went on out there, bothered me, particularly in the first half," said Fitch.
"I'm not talking about interpretation of calls. I'm talking about other things, and they (Strom and Crawford) haven't heard the end it."
"Things were better in the second half. We played much better. We stopped giving up second shots. I'm just happy with a win out of here. We haven't done that very often. Larry Bird had a good game and we needed it. But the man who made the difference was Robert Parish. He took over the inside game."
Referee baiting, which Fitch does very well, was one reason the Celtics fell behind by 10 points three times in the second half. Indiana came out shooting. Bird hit only 3 of his first 10 shots. If it wasn't for Parish's 7- for-7 shooting (18 points) in the first half, it would have been another dismal visit to Indiana.
Strom went into his act and Crawford joined. Words were exchanged and both Fitch and Kevin McHale wound up with technical fouls in the first half. The crowd loved it.
But the second half was a different story. Parish still had his hot hand (He finished with 29 points and 16 rebounds.), Bird opened up (26 points and 13 rebounds) and the Celtics ran off a 29-18 spurt in the third quarter, and never trailed again.
Indiana made a final run, and when Don Buse hit a three-point shot with 52 seconds to play, the Pacers trailed by just two points, 107-105. But they would come no closer.
When Louie Orr missed a wide open 15-footer with 20 seconds remaining, the Celtics got the rebound. After killing off 15 seconds, Bird was fouled. He sank two free throws with 5 seconds left, putting the game away.
"I'm happy about winning," said Fitch, "because it was a good way to start the second half of the season. We weren't as smooth as we were before the All- Star break. But we played very well in the final quarter. Larry's two free throws were big, and I guess we get spoiled in seeing him shoot the ball and hitting. He missed a shot with 37 seconds left and I don't know why I was surprised, but I was.
"I'm also happy about the play of Kevin McHale. He made two clutch shots down the stretch. And the block he made on Herb Williams with about three minutes left was about as good as you will see. I still don't know how he did it," said Fitch.
Fitch used his so-called Celtic All-Star connection of Bird, Parish and Tiny Archibald as much as possible. Parish played 34 minutes, and only three early fouls kept him on the bench. Bird played 43 minutes and Archibald logged 40.
"I was a little tired," said Parish, "but I felt good. The Pacers don't have a 7-foot center, and that makes a big difference when you're shooting your jump shot, or helping out on defense."
Pacer center Clemon Johnson agreed that Parish and Bird presented a major problem at both ends of the court.
"I used to watch Parish play at Golden State," said Johnson, a former Trail Blazer. "And I always considered him a great center. They used to say he was lazy and didn't like to run. He runs now, and it's hard to keep up with him. It's hard to work the middle when you know that he is there as an intimidator. He and McHale are excellent shot blockers."
Former Celtic Billy Knight said the Celtics simply executed down the stretch when they had to. McHale's two baskets were rally killers, he said.
"They both came within the last two minutes," he said. "That's when games are won and lost, particularly when you play the Celtics. It's no secret. They make the plays they have to make."
Marquis Update
Marquis Daniels has supposedly inked a contract with the Boston Celtics, though Fanhouse says that the details of a sign-and-trade are still being worked out between Danny Ainge and Larry Bird. This to me sounds like an update without an update, no?
More Love for Marquis
And Daniels? I can understand why a team like the Pacers would decide not to pick up his $7.5 million option. Not in this economy, not with the team sometimes struggling to pull in five-figure crowds. But to pull Marquis Daniels for either a $1.8 million contract, or a sign-and-trade with Tony Allen and Brian Scalabrine?
This is huge.
Honestly, 25 teams could use a Marquis Daniels, and a team that is 13 months removed from a championship just picked him up. You have to appreciate that. And while Daniels hasn't built upon what was a very promising rookie campaign in 2003-04, the guy can play. He has all sorts of little tricks defensively, he can work from two positions, he can shoot, he can shoot on the break, and he can really get into the lane. He's essentially a mini-version of another rookie on the 2003-04 Dallas Mavericks - Josh Howard(notes). At, what, one-sixth the price?
--YAHOO
Speaking of love, Red's Army has a good piece about how the league is flabbergasted over the Rasheed Wallace signing. I must admit, if KG's knee is healthy, there is no way to fully gauge the impact Sheed will have. Did Bill Russell have another Bill Russell coming off the bench behind him? How about Wilt? Kareem? You could say the best example would be Parish and Walton, but even that comparison is a bit off-center, as Walton's health usually limited his number of minutes to less than 20, and old Mountain Man couldn't hoist a shot from more than 15-feet, and even those shots (and it kills me to criticize my dog) were butt ugly.
This is huge.
Honestly, 25 teams could use a Marquis Daniels, and a team that is 13 months removed from a championship just picked him up. You have to appreciate that. And while Daniels hasn't built upon what was a very promising rookie campaign in 2003-04, the guy can play. He has all sorts of little tricks defensively, he can work from two positions, he can shoot, he can shoot on the break, and he can really get into the lane. He's essentially a mini-version of another rookie on the 2003-04 Dallas Mavericks - Josh Howard(notes). At, what, one-sixth the price?
--YAHOO
Speaking of love, Red's Army has a good piece about how the league is flabbergasted over the Rasheed Wallace signing. I must admit, if KG's knee is healthy, there is no way to fully gauge the impact Sheed will have. Did Bill Russell have another Bill Russell coming off the bench behind him? How about Wilt? Kareem? You could say the best example would be Parish and Walton, but even that comparison is a bit off-center, as Walton's health usually limited his number of minutes to less than 20, and old Mountain Man couldn't hoist a shot from more than 15-feet, and even those shots (and it kills me to criticize my dog) were butt ugly.
All-Star Win was a Celtic Team Effort
1981-82 Boston Celtics
It's common sense, really. Tom Heinsohn used to do it when he coached the East All-Stars in the '70s. When he really needed to get things done, he would insert Dave Cowens, John Havlicek and Jo Jo White in the game, along with, say, Dave DeBusschere and Walt Frazier. You can't beat common unit experience.
Bill Fitch did the same thing yesterday in the 1982 All-Star game. Of 30 points scored in the final quarter by the victorious East squad, 25 were produced by the Celtics' trio of Larry Bird, Robert Parish and Tiny Archibald, including 12 by game MVP Bird. With Archibald at the throttle, the East scored key baskets by running a Celtic pick-down play for Bird. Explained Tiny, "With three of us in there, it was very obvious I was going to my guys. That's the side of the floor I'm going to, and the other two guys can stand on the other side holding hands."-
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar attributed his horrendous two-point (1-for-10), three- rebound effort to jet lag, saying that for him, the game had begun at 10 a.m., body time. However, the time zone change didn't appear to affect either of his Los Angeles teammates, Norm Nixon or Magic Johnson, who combined for 30 points and nine assists . . . Key undersung heroes for the East were Michael Ray Richardson (10 points, 4 assists) and rookie Buck Williams (10 rebounds in 22 minutes) . . . Oh, another Kareem note. The Big Fella left his goggles back at the hotel . . . Fitch proved to be a man of his word. He wasn't crazy about being given an Archibald-Isiah Thomas starting backcourt when he had to find someone to guard 6-foot-8 George Gervin, and on Saturday, he promised he would substitute Sidney Moncrief for Archibald early. Sure enough, Gervin posted Archibald on the first West possession for two points, and 54 seconds into the game, Fitch did replace Archibald with Moncrief, as advertised.-
Bird's MVP Award was the second in a row for a Celtic, since Archibald won it last year. Parish has been in two All-Star games and has been a serious MVP candidate each time. The MVP voting: Bird 86, Parish 39, Gus Williams 18, Julius Erving 8, Richardson 5 and Kelly Tripucka 1
It's common sense, really. Tom Heinsohn used to do it when he coached the East All-Stars in the '70s. When he really needed to get things done, he would insert Dave Cowens, John Havlicek and Jo Jo White in the game, along with, say, Dave DeBusschere and Walt Frazier. You can't beat common unit experience.
Bill Fitch did the same thing yesterday in the 1982 All-Star game. Of 30 points scored in the final quarter by the victorious East squad, 25 were produced by the Celtics' trio of Larry Bird, Robert Parish and Tiny Archibald, including 12 by game MVP Bird. With Archibald at the throttle, the East scored key baskets by running a Celtic pick-down play for Bird. Explained Tiny, "With three of us in there, it was very obvious I was going to my guys. That's the side of the floor I'm going to, and the other two guys can stand on the other side holding hands."-
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar attributed his horrendous two-point (1-for-10), three- rebound effort to jet lag, saying that for him, the game had begun at 10 a.m., body time. However, the time zone change didn't appear to affect either of his Los Angeles teammates, Norm Nixon or Magic Johnson, who combined for 30 points and nine assists . . . Key undersung heroes for the East were Michael Ray Richardson (10 points, 4 assists) and rookie Buck Williams (10 rebounds in 22 minutes) . . . Oh, another Kareem note. The Big Fella left his goggles back at the hotel . . . Fitch proved to be a man of his word. He wasn't crazy about being given an Archibald-Isiah Thomas starting backcourt when he had to find someone to guard 6-foot-8 George Gervin, and on Saturday, he promised he would substitute Sidney Moncrief for Archibald early. Sure enough, Gervin posted Archibald on the first West possession for two points, and 54 seconds into the game, Fitch did replace Archibald with Moncrief, as advertised.-
Bird's MVP Award was the second in a row for a Celtic, since Archibald won it last year. Parish has been in two All-Star games and has been a serious MVP candidate each time. The MVP voting: Bird 86, Parish 39, Gus Williams 18, Julius Erving 8, Richardson 5 and Kelly Tripucka 1
D-E-F-E-N-S-E
“Anybody in the NBA can make a layup,’’ said Wallace. “But not everybody can get that stop when your team needs that stop. When they throw the ball at your man, you’re either going to, excuse the French, [expletive] or get off the stool. Defense is something I’ve hung my hat on all the time. If we’re all moving in synchronization on defense, it’s a beautiful thing. My high school coach always told me that offense sells tickets and defense wins championships.’’
I went to my five-year-old son's soccer game the other night, and sat there quietly while the other parents yelled and screamed, hooted and howled, trying to encourage their sons to score a goal. Then a boy on the other team got loose on a break away, and my son ran half the length of the field to knock the ball away. Then I made some noise, some real noise.
A true Celtics' fan loves to watch athletes play defense.
I went to my five-year-old son's soccer game the other night, and sat there quietly while the other parents yelled and screamed, hooted and howled, trying to encourage their sons to score a goal. Then a boy on the other team got loose on a break away, and my son ran half the length of the field to knock the ball away. Then I made some noise, some real noise.
A true Celtics' fan loves to watch athletes play defense.
C'mon now, Rasheed, C'mon
Meanwhile, Garnett was so excited about the possibility that he could barely speak. The Wallaces remember Garnett repeatedly punching his fist into the palm of his hand and saying, “Rasheed, c’mon now. C’mon now.’’ --GLOBE
I think one reason Celtics fans love KG so much is that he wears his heart on his sleeve, just like us. DJ played at his own speed. Same for Paul Pierce. But KG wanted banner 18 like yesterday. And none of us, there isn't one Celtics' fan who can't picture the above scene in their heads with vivid detail. Why? Cuz none of us could wait for Sheed to make up his mind, just like none of us can wait for the season to start.
Well, once Danny is done remaking the roster, that is.
I think one reason Celtics fans love KG so much is that he wears his heart on his sleeve, just like us. DJ played at his own speed. Same for Paul Pierce. But KG wanted banner 18 like yesterday. And none of us, there isn't one Celtics' fan who can't picture the above scene in their heads with vivid detail. Why? Cuz none of us could wait for Sheed to make up his mind, just like none of us can wait for the season to start.
Well, once Danny is done remaking the roster, that is.
Bird Downs Magic at All-Star Game
1981-82 Boston Celtics
In the '60s, it was the preeminent rivalry in pro basketball. Bill Russell vs. Wilt Chamberlain. No one will forget the wars those two goliaths waged, and it didn't seem to matter whether it was a regular-season game, a playoff or an All-Star game.
Now in the '80s, one has to suspect that the rivalry between the Celtics' Larry Bird and the Lakers' Magic Johnson is just beginning to warm up - perhaps to Russell-Chamberlain proportions. True, Bird is a forward and Johnson primarily plays guard, but their all-round skills are remarkably similar.
"We're the same type players," said Johnson, who came within inches of being a hero and instead wound up a loser as the East topped the West, 120-118, yesterday in the 32d annual NBA All-Star game. "We're big-game players. We both like the pressure. We both seem to play better under the pressure.
"We definitely have respect for one another. The things Larry can do are just unbelievable. He just beats everybody upstairs because he plays a smart game. We're much alike and we respect each other on and off the court."
Bird walked away with the Most Valuable Player Award. His contributions for the East - 19 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists and a steal - speak for themselves. But Bird's success didn't for one minute diminish the respect he has for Johnson.
"I think he's a great player," said Bird. "We're very similar in the things we can do. We both like to move the ball up the court, shoot, rebound and get assists. I personally think he's a better passer than I am and is quicker. I'm a better shooter and I play more inside. I enjoyed watching him play in the game today. I try to study him and see what I can learn. He's a great player."
In fact, had Johnson (16 points, 7 assists for the West) sunk a layup with three seconds left instead of missing, the game might have gone into overtime, and he might have wound up as the MVP.
But he accepted the outcome philosophically.
"I don't feel bad about what happened today," he said. "It's no trouble for me. If we tie, we tie. If not, look forward to next year. It's the season that counts, not an All-Star game.
"Was I looking for a three-point play? You can't do that. You think about getting into position and shooting, and then you have to shoot. If you can get fouled, get fouled. My first thing was just to try to get to the basket. (The East's Michael Ray) Richardson made me pull up sooner than I wanted to. I wanted to take it to the basket a little bit further, but he came to help and I had to shoot out a little further than I wanted to. It almost went but hit the rim. That's just the way it goes."
There was a time when Johnson and Bird were less than kind in the things they said about each other on and off the court. Johnson's Michigan State team beat Bird and Indiana State for the NCAA championship in 1979, and Johnson took the Lakers to the NBA title in his rookie season. Bird brought the Celtics to the summit last year. Now they realize that their rivalry is becoming something very special. And with that realization has come mutual respect.
"I think it's toned down a lot," said Johnson of the cool feelings. "I think it's gotten where we can talk and be friends. Early on, it was really intense. But now it's changed. Somebody is going to win or lose, that's just the facts, and there is no need for us carrying that off the floor. We've become more friendly.
"It doesn't matter to me if Bird got the MVP. I knew he was going to get it, either him or Julius (Erving). They both played a great game."
In the '60s, it was the preeminent rivalry in pro basketball. Bill Russell vs. Wilt Chamberlain. No one will forget the wars those two goliaths waged, and it didn't seem to matter whether it was a regular-season game, a playoff or an All-Star game.
Now in the '80s, one has to suspect that the rivalry between the Celtics' Larry Bird and the Lakers' Magic Johnson is just beginning to warm up - perhaps to Russell-Chamberlain proportions. True, Bird is a forward and Johnson primarily plays guard, but their all-round skills are remarkably similar.
"We're the same type players," said Johnson, who came within inches of being a hero and instead wound up a loser as the East topped the West, 120-118, yesterday in the 32d annual NBA All-Star game. "We're big-game players. We both like the pressure. We both seem to play better under the pressure.
"We definitely have respect for one another. The things Larry can do are just unbelievable. He just beats everybody upstairs because he plays a smart game. We're much alike and we respect each other on and off the court."
Bird walked away with the Most Valuable Player Award. His contributions for the East - 19 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists and a steal - speak for themselves. But Bird's success didn't for one minute diminish the respect he has for Johnson.
"I think he's a great player," said Bird. "We're very similar in the things we can do. We both like to move the ball up the court, shoot, rebound and get assists. I personally think he's a better passer than I am and is quicker. I'm a better shooter and I play more inside. I enjoyed watching him play in the game today. I try to study him and see what I can learn. He's a great player."
In fact, had Johnson (16 points, 7 assists for the West) sunk a layup with three seconds left instead of missing, the game might have gone into overtime, and he might have wound up as the MVP.
But he accepted the outcome philosophically.
"I don't feel bad about what happened today," he said. "It's no trouble for me. If we tie, we tie. If not, look forward to next year. It's the season that counts, not an All-Star game.
"Was I looking for a three-point play? You can't do that. You think about getting into position and shooting, and then you have to shoot. If you can get fouled, get fouled. My first thing was just to try to get to the basket. (The East's Michael Ray) Richardson made me pull up sooner than I wanted to. I wanted to take it to the basket a little bit further, but he came to help and I had to shoot out a little further than I wanted to. It almost went but hit the rim. That's just the way it goes."
There was a time when Johnson and Bird were less than kind in the things they said about each other on and off the court. Johnson's Michigan State team beat Bird and Indiana State for the NCAA championship in 1979, and Johnson took the Lakers to the NBA title in his rookie season. Bird brought the Celtics to the summit last year. Now they realize that their rivalry is becoming something very special. And with that realization has come mutual respect.
"I think it's toned down a lot," said Johnson of the cool feelings. "I think it's gotten where we can talk and be friends. Early on, it was really intense. But now it's changed. Somebody is going to win or lose, that's just the facts, and there is no need for us carrying that off the floor. We've become more friendly.
"It doesn't matter to me if Bird got the MVP. I knew he was going to get it, either him or Julius (Erving). They both played a great game."
Reggie Lewis Shines in Win Despite Back Injury
Remembering the 29-5 Start
1990-91 Boston Celtics
He went from doubtful to questionable to probable to efficient, all in the space of 48 hours.
After he injured his back Wednesday against the Nuggets, the furthest thing from the minds of the Celtics medical people was that Reggie Lewis would be able to play against Dallas.
"It was bad," said team physician Arnold Scheller. "I didn't even think he'd make the trip."
"We had major league doubts," trainer Eddie Lacerte said.
But athletic, 25-year-old bodies seem to heal quicker than most. Lewis improved enough Thursday to travel. He was at the shootaround yesterday morning and felt better.
Then he went out and scored 23 points in 36 minutes last night in the Celtics' 112-104 victory over the Mavericks.
"He's still stiff and I'm anxious to see how he'll feel today," Scheller said. "But he improved in a short period of time."
Scheller and Lacerte weren't the only ones who doubted Lewis' availability. So did the player himself.
"When it first happened, I didn't think I'd make the trip, either," he said. "But it started to come along and felt a little better each day."
Lewis played all but three minutes of the second half, scoring 17 of his 23. And the Celtics' good luck with injuries continued. Only one player of their top eight, Joe Kleine, has missed a game because of injury. And he missed one.
ON TARGET
The Celtics shot 57 percent, the highest mark against a Dallas team since last April 3. In their current streak (11 wins in 12 games), the Celtics have shot 50 percent or better in nine of them. And no opponent has shot better than 50 percent in the last 11 games . . . If some of the Celtics' bosses looked depressed last night, it was because they lost their shot at Xavier McDaniel. The X-Man was dealt yesterday to Phoenix for Eddie Johnson and two first-round picks . . . Kevin Gamble's three blocked shots were, not surprisingly, a career high. Kevin McHale was calling Gamble "Tree Rollins" after the game. Neither McHale nor Robert Parish managed a rejection . . . Boston's 10 turnovers were a season low. Both the Celtics and Mavericks are among the worst teams in the league at forcing turnovers . . . Rodney McCray jammed his pinky during the shootaround. X-rays were negative and McCray played 46 minutes, scoring 17 points and grabbing 13 rebounds . . . The Celtics' bench outscored Dallas', 31-8
1990-91 Boston Celtics
He went from doubtful to questionable to probable to efficient, all in the space of 48 hours.
After he injured his back Wednesday against the Nuggets, the furthest thing from the minds of the Celtics medical people was that Reggie Lewis would be able to play against Dallas.
"It was bad," said team physician Arnold Scheller. "I didn't even think he'd make the trip."
"We had major league doubts," trainer Eddie Lacerte said.
But athletic, 25-year-old bodies seem to heal quicker than most. Lewis improved enough Thursday to travel. He was at the shootaround yesterday morning and felt better.
Then he went out and scored 23 points in 36 minutes last night in the Celtics' 112-104 victory over the Mavericks.
"He's still stiff and I'm anxious to see how he'll feel today," Scheller said. "But he improved in a short period of time."
Scheller and Lacerte weren't the only ones who doubted Lewis' availability. So did the player himself.
"When it first happened, I didn't think I'd make the trip, either," he said. "But it started to come along and felt a little better each day."
Lewis played all but three minutes of the second half, scoring 17 of his 23. And the Celtics' good luck with injuries continued. Only one player of their top eight, Joe Kleine, has missed a game because of injury. And he missed one.
ON TARGET
The Celtics shot 57 percent, the highest mark against a Dallas team since last April 3. In their current streak (11 wins in 12 games), the Celtics have shot 50 percent or better in nine of them. And no opponent has shot better than 50 percent in the last 11 games . . . If some of the Celtics' bosses looked depressed last night, it was because they lost their shot at Xavier McDaniel. The X-Man was dealt yesterday to Phoenix for Eddie Johnson and two first-round picks . . . Kevin Gamble's three blocked shots were, not surprisingly, a career high. Kevin McHale was calling Gamble "Tree Rollins" after the game. Neither McHale nor Robert Parish managed a rejection . . . Boston's 10 turnovers were a season low. Both the Celtics and Mavericks are among the worst teams in the league at forcing turnovers . . . Rodney McCray jammed his pinky during the shootaround. X-rays were negative and McCray played 46 minutes, scoring 17 points and grabbing 13 rebounds . . . The Celtics' bench outscored Dallas', 31-8
C's Trip Mavs on First Leg of Texas Triangle
Celtics Improve to 15-3
1990-91 Boston Celtics
Remembering the 29-5 Start
Larry Bird had a touch of the birthday blues, but his teammates allowed No. 33 to age gracefully last night and instead celebrated the opening of their Texas trip with a thumping of the outmanned Mavericks.
Bird had only 6 points in Boston's 112-104 victory, a total which reflected a nightmarish game from the floor (2 for 11) and an atypical game from the line (two misses). But he also had 11 assists and 8 rebounds, so his measly scoring on his 34th birthday was merely a minor hindrance to the Chris Ford Juggernaut.
Several Celtics willingly stepped up to offset Bird's subpar night. Chief among them was Robert Parish, who prepared for his Weekend of Potential Suffering (San Antonio, Houston) with a season-high 26 points. Reggie Lewis shook off a bad back and had 23, and Kevin McHale contributed 21.
"That's the way this team is," said Ford. "We have other people who can score. Robert was tremendous. As far as I'm concerned, he still is among the elite and someone has to take his spot."
It was the 11th win in the last 12 games for Boston -- and its sixth in eight games on the road. Never mind that Dallas (6-10 and loser of four straight) is off to its worst start in nine years and has lost 9 of 11 since Roy Tarpley and Fat Lever went down. Or that Bird had averaged 31.5 points in Reunion Arena and once had 50 here.
Even though Dallas was struggling and had led for all of 25 seconds, it still seemed to be very much a game early in the fourth quarter. Dallas was getting most of its offense from the usual suspects, Rolando Blackman (35) and Derek Harper (22) with occasional flurries from Rodney McCray (17) and James Donaldson (14).
But it never seemed to be enough. The Celtics never allowed the Mavericks to have any measurable streak or run and proceeded to stifle Dallas in the fourth quarter until a
wild final minute made things somewhat interesting.
"As usual, we got careless at the end," said Parish, who was 12 for 17 from the field and also had a team-high 14 rebounds and 3 steals. "But overall, I thought we played a pretty good game."
Leading, 85-80, the Celtics began a run which gave them a seemingly unapproachable 104-89 lead with 2:36 to play. It started with a McHale layup, the trigger on an 8-2 burst which built the lead to 93-82 with 7:09 remaining.
Also contributing in that stretch were Parish (a put-back), McHale (a jump hook) and Dee Brown (a foul-line jumper). The Mavericks called time, but they slid further into the abyss by shooting 29 percent from the field over the first 11 minutes of the quarter.
"Yes, this is getting old, but we have to work hard and making excuses will not change anything," said Harper, who also had 12 assists. "We've had some bad luck. But we can't look back and get this thing to change."
Two McHale free throws made it 104-89 and Reunion Arena emptied in fire-drill speed. But Dallas crept back as the Celtics went frigid from the line and a Blackman trey got it to 107-102 with 35.7 seconds left.
After Kevin Gamble (14 points, 3 blocked shots) bricked two free throws, Herb Williams missed a short turnaround which really could have made things interesting. Bird was fouled with 22.8 seconds left, made one, and that seemed to finally put a lid on the evening's activities.
Until Boston's late run, the main question among the sellout throng was Bird's offense. They were accustomed to big games from the franchise forward and this bricklaying was a whole new experience for them.
Bird had a scoreless first half, so even the latest of the late-arriving stragglers could go home and say he didn't miss anything. But Parish and McHale were there as Boston clung to a precarious 50-48 lead.
Lewis had 17 in the second half, 11 in the third quarter. He also had his hands full with Blackman.
As late as yesterday, the club medical people weren't even sure he'd play because of the sore back. But the lithe Lewis (8 for 13) got limbered up and went 36 minutes.
"It didn't hamper me at all," he said. "Once I got loose, I felt fine. I just tried to stay loose when I was on the bench."
So stop No. 1 on the Texas swing was a success. Tonight it's Mr. Robinson's Neighborhood and the Celtics can expect a much more hostile host.
1990-91 Boston Celtics
Remembering the 29-5 Start
Larry Bird had a touch of the birthday blues, but his teammates allowed No. 33 to age gracefully last night and instead celebrated the opening of their Texas trip with a thumping of the outmanned Mavericks.
Bird had only 6 points in Boston's 112-104 victory, a total which reflected a nightmarish game from the floor (2 for 11) and an atypical game from the line (two misses). But he also had 11 assists and 8 rebounds, so his measly scoring on his 34th birthday was merely a minor hindrance to the Chris Ford Juggernaut.
Several Celtics willingly stepped up to offset Bird's subpar night. Chief among them was Robert Parish, who prepared for his Weekend of Potential Suffering (San Antonio, Houston) with a season-high 26 points. Reggie Lewis shook off a bad back and had 23, and Kevin McHale contributed 21.
"That's the way this team is," said Ford. "We have other people who can score. Robert was tremendous. As far as I'm concerned, he still is among the elite and someone has to take his spot."
It was the 11th win in the last 12 games for Boston -- and its sixth in eight games on the road. Never mind that Dallas (6-10 and loser of four straight) is off to its worst start in nine years and has lost 9 of 11 since Roy Tarpley and Fat Lever went down. Or that Bird had averaged 31.5 points in Reunion Arena and once had 50 here.
Even though Dallas was struggling and had led for all of 25 seconds, it still seemed to be very much a game early in the fourth quarter. Dallas was getting most of its offense from the usual suspects, Rolando Blackman (35) and Derek Harper (22) with occasional flurries from Rodney McCray (17) and James Donaldson (14).
But it never seemed to be enough. The Celtics never allowed the Mavericks to have any measurable streak or run and proceeded to stifle Dallas in the fourth quarter until a
wild final minute made things somewhat interesting.
"As usual, we got careless at the end," said Parish, who was 12 for 17 from the field and also had a team-high 14 rebounds and 3 steals. "But overall, I thought we played a pretty good game."
Leading, 85-80, the Celtics began a run which gave them a seemingly unapproachable 104-89 lead with 2:36 to play. It started with a McHale layup, the trigger on an 8-2 burst which built the lead to 93-82 with 7:09 remaining.
Also contributing in that stretch were Parish (a put-back), McHale (a jump hook) and Dee Brown (a foul-line jumper). The Mavericks called time, but they slid further into the abyss by shooting 29 percent from the field over the first 11 minutes of the quarter.
"Yes, this is getting old, but we have to work hard and making excuses will not change anything," said Harper, who also had 12 assists. "We've had some bad luck. But we can't look back and get this thing to change."
Two McHale free throws made it 104-89 and Reunion Arena emptied in fire-drill speed. But Dallas crept back as the Celtics went frigid from the line and a Blackman trey got it to 107-102 with 35.7 seconds left.
After Kevin Gamble (14 points, 3 blocked shots) bricked two free throws, Herb Williams missed a short turnaround which really could have made things interesting. Bird was fouled with 22.8 seconds left, made one, and that seemed to finally put a lid on the evening's activities.
Until Boston's late run, the main question among the sellout throng was Bird's offense. They were accustomed to big games from the franchise forward and this bricklaying was a whole new experience for them.
Bird had a scoreless first half, so even the latest of the late-arriving stragglers could go home and say he didn't miss anything. But Parish and McHale were there as Boston clung to a precarious 50-48 lead.
Lewis had 17 in the second half, 11 in the third quarter. He also had his hands full with Blackman.
As late as yesterday, the club medical people weren't even sure he'd play because of the sore back. But the lithe Lewis (8 for 13) got limbered up and went 36 minutes.
"It didn't hamper me at all," he said. "Once I got loose, I felt fine. I just tried to stay loose when I was on the bench."
So stop No. 1 on the Texas swing was a success. Tonight it's Mr. Robinson's Neighborhood and the Celtics can expect a much more hostile host.
The Makeover Continues
Like I was saying the other day over at MVN, perhaps the most fascinating thing to happen this summer was something that didn't happen at all, namely the proposed draft day trade of Brian Scalabrine, Tony Allen and a choice of J.R. Giddens or Bill Walker for the Memphis Grizzlies' 36th pick and cash considerations. A lot of folks thought Danny had his eye on someone at pick #36. Not me. I figured Danny was trying to unload three players for one, and since the one player he'd get in return was a non-guaranteed second round pick, it was really three players for zero. Next you throw in the fact that Gabe Pruitt has a team option this year, the aforementioned proposed trade told us that Danny's goal was to totally remake the roster from spots 6-15.Well, last night we heard the other shoe hit the floor.
Like any good (read "bad") Celtics' fan, I'm now obsessing over who were gonna lose in the Marquis Grissom, er, I mean Daniels deal. Losing Brian Scalabrine would have concerned me more before his third concussion of the season last year sent him to the same type of doctor that told Troy-Aikman to hang it up, meaning whatever reason there is to love or appreciate Vanilla Thunder is now a fleeting reason because of the brain issues (kind of ironic, don't you think, since Danny's brain doctor told Danny to sign Brian because he had a good brain type. I wonder what the brain doctor would say about Scal's brain today?).
Which brings us to the burning question of the next three days: what else will Larry exact from Danny in this deal?
Here's my break down:
I think Tony Allen would be a tough MoFo if his body didn't let him down and make him such a wuss. Gabe Pruitt is a preacher's kid, and thus where nature has left Tony Allen lacking bodily resilience, nurture has left Gabe Pruitt lacking a killer intensity. Between JR Giddens and Bill Walker, I say Giddens is the more talented, while Walker is tougher, physically and mentally, which thus makes him more of a Doc-Rivers guy.
So if we're gonna lose someone other than Scal, I guess the pecking order is to lose Gabe first, Tony Allen second, Giddens third, and Walker fourth. What say you?
Marquis Snippets
MINNEAPOLIS — Marquis Daniels filled in for injured All-Star Danny Granger just fine, scoring 24 points in Granger’s place in the starting lineup and leading the Indiana Pacers past the Minnesota Timberwolves 112-105 on Friday night. The Wolves trailed by 20 points, but closed to 100-92 and 102-97 on two more 3-pointers by Foye. But after a loose ball foul on Indiana’s Jarrett Jack, Sebastian Telfair made only one of two free throws and Daniels slammed the door shut when he knocked down a jumper from the corner to get the lead back to six with 35.9 seconds remaining.
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If Marquis Daniels wasnt slashing for his 28 points, T.J. Ford was beating the Blazers guards off the dribble for 24 points as the Pacers scored 50 points in the paint mostly by attacking from the perimeter. And even after a 13-0 run thrust Portland into the lead at 92-88 with 6:15 remaining, the Pacers speed and scrappy play posed problems in the final seconds. First, Nicolas Batum fouled Daniels on a 3-point attempt with 19.7 seconds left Indianas fourth 3- point attempt of the possession with Portland leading 105-101. Daniels hit two of three free throws, then stole the ball from Blake under full-court pressure and ran in for a layup to tie the game at 105 with 11 seconds to go.
+++++++++++++++++++
With Mike Dunleavy (knee) likely out for the rest of the season and Danny Granger sidelined with a torn tendon in his right foot, Daniels has seen a big boost in his playing time. After averaging better than 16 points and five rebounds over the season's first two months, Marquis has shown he can shine when given the opportunity. He is averaging 18.6 points and 4.4 rebounds over the Pacers' last five games.
+++++++++++++++++++
Indiana Pacers: Marquis Daniels started fast, averaging 17 points and seven rebounds a game over the season's first six weeks, but has since stumbled. A lingering groin injury combined with the return of Mike Dunleavy places Daniels between a rock and a hard place.
+++++++++++++++++++
Indiana (7-13) was resourceful, Daniels beating the buzzer with a 3-pointer before halftime for a 57-55 lead and Jack countering Brian Scalabrine's 3-pointer with a buzzer-beating drive and an 81-78 edge after three quarters. But Jack launched an airball as the Pacers took the final regulation-time shot after gaining possession with 0.8 seconds on the clock following a Celtic inbounding turnover
The Celtics started strong, Indiana's sixth turnover in less than six minutes leading to a Perkins free throw and a 17-9 lead, a minute before Allen's 3-pointer extended the advantage to 22-13 with 4:58 to go in the first quarter. The Celtics closed the quarter with an 8-1 run, Pierce's free throw with 57 seconds remaining providing a 32-22 advantage after one
But the Pacers went on a 13-3 spurt over 3:47 to start the second quarter, tying the score at 35 on Daniels's 3-point play off an inbounds feed. Garnett then keyed a Celtic rally, Perkins giving them a 52-45 edge with 2:10 to play. But the Celtics would score only once more in the half, House and Daniels trading 3-pointers in the final three seconds, the Pacers scoring 9 successive points and taking that 57-55 halftime lead.
The Celtic defense seemed to be putting the squeeze on early in the second half, Indiana converting only twice from the field in the first 4:56. But the Pacers' defense was also vise-like, forcing the Celtics to be resourceful, Pierce's drive with :02 on the shot clock giving them a 66-62 edge 3:08 into the half. But Daniels's drive tied the score with 7:04 remaining, Nesterovic then capping an 11-3 run for a 73-69 Indiana edge with 4:32 left in the quarter. The Celtics had a 4:18 span without a field goal before Allen's 3-pointer tied it, 75-75, with 2:22 to go
+++++++++++++++++++
If Marquis Daniels wasnt slashing for his 28 points, T.J. Ford was beating the Blazers guards off the dribble for 24 points as the Pacers scored 50 points in the paint mostly by attacking from the perimeter. And even after a 13-0 run thrust Portland into the lead at 92-88 with 6:15 remaining, the Pacers speed and scrappy play posed problems in the final seconds. First, Nicolas Batum fouled Daniels on a 3-point attempt with 19.7 seconds left Indianas fourth 3- point attempt of the possession with Portland leading 105-101. Daniels hit two of three free throws, then stole the ball from Blake under full-court pressure and ran in for a layup to tie the game at 105 with 11 seconds to go.
+++++++++++++++++++
With Mike Dunleavy (knee) likely out for the rest of the season and Danny Granger sidelined with a torn tendon in his right foot, Daniels has seen a big boost in his playing time. After averaging better than 16 points and five rebounds over the season's first two months, Marquis has shown he can shine when given the opportunity. He is averaging 18.6 points and 4.4 rebounds over the Pacers' last five games.
+++++++++++++++++++
Indiana Pacers: Marquis Daniels started fast, averaging 17 points and seven rebounds a game over the season's first six weeks, but has since stumbled. A lingering groin injury combined with the return of Mike Dunleavy places Daniels between a rock and a hard place.
+++++++++++++++++++
Indiana (7-13) was resourceful, Daniels beating the buzzer with a 3-pointer before halftime for a 57-55 lead and Jack countering Brian Scalabrine's 3-pointer with a buzzer-beating drive and an 81-78 edge after three quarters. But Jack launched an airball as the Pacers took the final regulation-time shot after gaining possession with 0.8 seconds on the clock following a Celtic inbounding turnover
The Celtics started strong, Indiana's sixth turnover in less than six minutes leading to a Perkins free throw and a 17-9 lead, a minute before Allen's 3-pointer extended the advantage to 22-13 with 4:58 to go in the first quarter. The Celtics closed the quarter with an 8-1 run, Pierce's free throw with 57 seconds remaining providing a 32-22 advantage after one
But the Pacers went on a 13-3 spurt over 3:47 to start the second quarter, tying the score at 35 on Daniels's 3-point play off an inbounds feed. Garnett then keyed a Celtic rally, Perkins giving them a 52-45 edge with 2:10 to play. But the Celtics would score only once more in the half, House and Daniels trading 3-pointers in the final three seconds, the Pacers scoring 9 successive points and taking that 57-55 halftime lead.
The Celtic defense seemed to be putting the squeeze on early in the second half, Indiana converting only twice from the field in the first 4:56. But the Pacers' defense was also vise-like, forcing the Celtics to be resourceful, Pierce's drive with :02 on the shot clock giving them a 66-62 edge 3:08 into the half. But Daniels's drive tied the score with 7:04 remaining, Nesterovic then capping an 11-3 run for a 73-69 Indiana edge with 4:32 left in the quarter. The Celtics had a 4:18 span without a field goal before Allen's 3-pointer tied it, 75-75, with 2:22 to go
Random Drive-Bys (Marquis Daniels Edition)
Lakers Fans React to Signing
Yup, he can create for himself so he's not another scrub who just waits for the star players are going to do. Junayd @ Jul 17 2009, 06:22 PM
I live in Indy so I've watched him a lot... He's a good pick up for them. He's a solid player. He just suffers to injury a lot. Mikey on TLN, Jul 17 2009, 07:15 PM
Damn, thats a good pickup. ClutchYesterday, 05:52 PM
Too bad he sucks. marga86.
What are you talking about he can play SG,SF and can play the point is a good defender and for $2 Million that is a bargain. Boston is getting deep. lakers11521 PostPosted: Fri Jul 17, 2009 4:05 pm
Wow. That's a really good signing. Daniels can actually provide similar things that Posey did for them in the 2008 Championship. Laker_Dynasty PostPosted: Fri Jul 17, 2009 4:25 pm
Boston just became the Favorites for the NBA Championship, IMO. JUST-MING PostPosted: Fri Jul 17, 2009 5:13 pm
He's a hell of a lot better than Tony Allen, that's for sure. TheJellosJigglin' Sat Jul 18, 2009 12:08 am
Wow,Daniels for the LLE is probably the best find out there. Didn't think he'd be available for this money(1.9m), but guys are getting desperate. Phenomenal job by Danny.Nice young player for now and the future. Rambistone. Fri Jul 17, 2009 8:23 pm
Man the economy must be bad if a guy like Daniels can only get $1.9m. divatch. Fri Jul 17, 2009 10:22 pm
Laker Fans Discuss Acquiring Marquis Before Celtics Get Him
I'd take Daniels over everyone mentioned in this thread (rush, alston, barnes), not kidd of barbosa but the others yes. Daniels may be the most comparable sub to Ariza if we lose him, god forbid. When Dunleavy and Granger went down this season Daniels was a beast, he was also very good on Dallas before Josh Howard took over (if I have my facts right there). The short of it is, this guy is very underrated, is a 20 PPG guy with starter minutes, can play defense and is a vet but not too old. I used to not like him that much because of the tats and that he never smiled or anything but he's a good player, more mature now also. I don't konow the asking price but if it's $4 million or less I say pull the trigger. He's SOOO much better than Sasha and to be honest, better than Brown also, who I love. I would trade Luke for him also, who many joke that we'd love to dump but Luke's got a lot of intangibles that make him valuable. Even gauging all of that I'd rather have Daniels. SoCAL24 Tue Jun 30, 2009 12:15 am
I agree. He's so versatile. If Ariza stays he can log minutes in the backcourt. If Ariza goes he can log heavy minutes at SF. Again, I think we could get him for less than 3 million per ... ironically Cleveland will be our biggest competition. ALL HAIL Wed Jul 01, 2009 4:23 am
Phil likes big guards. my take is he will go to Lakers and play the ron harper/brian shaw role. He is pg like and would work well with brooks, but i think he will have better options. Maybe a sign and trade though. I think that would be a nice match for Marquis and the Laker, but I don't think the Lakers will be able to afford him after spending to keep Lamar Odom. My guess is that Indiana WANTS to keep him and will re-sign him to a multi-year deal at about $3-4M per year. Originally Posted by leebigez
Yup, he can create for himself so he's not another scrub who just waits for the star players are going to do. Junayd @ Jul 17 2009, 06:22 PM
I live in Indy so I've watched him a lot... He's a good pick up for them. He's a solid player. He just suffers to injury a lot. Mikey on TLN, Jul 17 2009, 07:15 PM
Damn, thats a good pickup. ClutchYesterday, 05:52 PM
Too bad he sucks. marga86.
What are you talking about he can play SG,SF and can play the point is a good defender and for $2 Million that is a bargain. Boston is getting deep. lakers11521 PostPosted: Fri Jul 17, 2009 4:05 pm
Wow. That's a really good signing. Daniels can actually provide similar things that Posey did for them in the 2008 Championship. Laker_Dynasty PostPosted: Fri Jul 17, 2009 4:25 pm
Boston just became the Favorites for the NBA Championship, IMO. JUST-MING PostPosted: Fri Jul 17, 2009 5:13 pm
He's a hell of a lot better than Tony Allen, that's for sure. TheJellosJigglin' Sat Jul 18, 2009 12:08 am
Wow,Daniels for the LLE is probably the best find out there. Didn't think he'd be available for this money(1.9m), but guys are getting desperate. Phenomenal job by Danny.Nice young player for now and the future. Rambistone. Fri Jul 17, 2009 8:23 pm
Man the economy must be bad if a guy like Daniels can only get $1.9m. divatch. Fri Jul 17, 2009 10:22 pm
Laker Fans Discuss Acquiring Marquis Before Celtics Get Him
I'd take Daniels over everyone mentioned in this thread (rush, alston, barnes), not kidd of barbosa but the others yes. Daniels may be the most comparable sub to Ariza if we lose him, god forbid. When Dunleavy and Granger went down this season Daniels was a beast, he was also very good on Dallas before Josh Howard took over (if I have my facts right there). The short of it is, this guy is very underrated, is a 20 PPG guy with starter minutes, can play defense and is a vet but not too old. I used to not like him that much because of the tats and that he never smiled or anything but he's a good player, more mature now also. I don't konow the asking price but if it's $4 million or less I say pull the trigger. He's SOOO much better than Sasha and to be honest, better than Brown also, who I love. I would trade Luke for him also, who many joke that we'd love to dump but Luke's got a lot of intangibles that make him valuable. Even gauging all of that I'd rather have Daniels. SoCAL24 Tue Jun 30, 2009 12:15 am
I agree. He's so versatile. If Ariza stays he can log minutes in the backcourt. If Ariza goes he can log heavy minutes at SF. Again, I think we could get him for less than 3 million per ... ironically Cleveland will be our biggest competition. ALL HAIL Wed Jul 01, 2009 4:23 am
Phil likes big guards. my take is he will go to Lakers and play the ron harper/brian shaw role. He is pg like and would work well with brooks, but i think he will have better options. Maybe a sign and trade though. I think that would be a nice match for Marquis and the Laker, but I don't think the Lakers will be able to afford him after spending to keep Lamar Odom. My guess is that Indiana WANTS to keep him and will re-sign him to a multi-year deal at about $3-4M per year. Originally Posted by leebigez
"Though Often Injured and Inconsistent"
Though often injured, with a 74-game run with the Pacers two years ago his career high, Daniels has sparkled in stretches as a valuable role player, one who averaged a career-high 13.8 points for Indiana last season. The problem is that Daniels played in only 54 games last season due to a wrist injury that ended his season in mid-March.
Doesn't this sound a little bit like the guy he was meant to replace? I'll be curious to see if TA goes to Indiana in exchange. If not, perhaps the theory will be that two injured and inconsistent back-up wingmen will provide 82 games of healthy and reliable play between them.
He has also come in for some criticism. Two years ago, when Pacers president Larry Bird criticized his team for its inconsistency, he singled out Daniels. “I look at Marquis Daniels and Marquis is not playing at a level I thought he would play at,” Bird told the Indianapolis media. “He’s been up and down.”
--HERALDDoesn't this sound a little bit like the guy he was meant to replace? I'll be curious to see if TA goes to Indiana in exchange. If not, perhaps the theory will be that two injured and inconsistent back-up wingmen will provide 82 games of healthy and reliable play between them.
Marquis Daniels
| Season | Age | Tm | Lg | G | GS | MP | FG | FGA | FG% | 3P | 3PA | 3P% | FT | FTA | FT% | ORB | DRB | TRB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | PF | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003-04 | 23 | DAL | NBA | 56 | 15 | 18.6 | 3.6 | 7.3 | .494 | 0.2 | 0.6 | .306 | 1.1 | 1.4 | .769 | 1.2 | 1.4 | 2.6 | 2.1 | 0.9 | 0.2 | 0.8 | 0.9 | 8.5 |
| 2004-05 | 24 | DAL | NBA | 60 | 17 | 23.5 | 3.7 | 8.4 | .437 | 0.1 | 0.6 | .200 | 1.6 | 2.2 | .737 | 1.5 | 2.2 | 3.6 | 2.1 | 1.4 | 0.2 | 1.4 | 2.1 | 9.1 |
| 2005-06 | 25 | DAL | NBA | 62 | 29 | 28.5 | 4.0 | 8.3 | .480 | 0.1 | 0.3 | .211 | 2.2 | 3.0 | .754 | 1.3 | 2.3 | 3.6 | 2.8 | 1.1 | 0.2 | 1.6 | 2.3 | 10.2 |
| 2006-07 | 26 | IND | NBA | 45 | 4 | 17.8 | 2.9 | 6.2 | .459 | 0.1 | 0.6 | .231 | 1.2 | 1.8 | .700 | 0.6 | 1.2 | 1.8 | 1.3 | 0.6 | 0.2 | 1.2 | 1.2 | 7.1 |
| 2007-08 | 27 | IND | NBA | 74 | 1 | 20.9 | 3.3 | 7.6 | .430 | 0.4 | 1.4 | .265 | 1.3 | 1.9 | .698 | 0.9 | 2.0 | 2.9 | 1.9 | 1.1 | 0.2 | 1.5 | 1.6 | 8.2 |
| 2008-09 | 28 | IND | NBA | 54 | 43 | 31.5 | 5.8 | 12.8 | .451 | 0.3 | 1.7 | .200 | 1.7 | 2.4 | .721 | 1.5 | 3.1 | 4.6 | 2.1 | 1.1 | 0.5 | 1.7 | 2.2 | 13.6 |
| Career | NBA | 351 | 109 | 23.5 | 3.8 | 8.4 | .456 | 0.2 | 0.9 | .237 | 1.5 | 2.1 | .730 | 1.2 | 2.1 | 3.2 | 2.1 | 1.1 | 0.3 | 1.4 | 1.8 | 9.4 |
Boston Herald: Marquis Daniels Commits
Link
LAR-EE LAR-EE LAR-EE LAR-EE LAR-EE LAR-EE LAR-EE LAR-EE
(sadly, I expect #33 to catch some heat about trading a black guy for a white guy)
LAR-EE LAR-EE LAR-EE LAR-EE LAR-EE LAR-EE LAR-EE LAR-EE
(sadly, I expect #33 to catch some heat about trading a black guy for a white guy)
What is a Celtics Type of Baller?
KERMIT WASHINGTON RETIRES
1981-82 Boston Celtics
I began thinking about the term "Celtics' type of ballplayer" yesterday when I heard the news that Kermit Washington had retired in Portland with a set of 30-year-old bad knees. I thought about it because Kermit Washington was a perfect " Celtics ' type of ballplayer."
"Too bad," I said to myself. "He should have played his whole career here. If he didn't get caught up in all those machinations of those bizarre owners in a certain Celtic time, he would have done it. His number probably would have been hung from the ceiling. For sure he was . . ."
He skinned his knees. He perspired a lot. Numbers never fascinated him. He shot when he only should have shot. He didn't mope when he was on the bench. He played hard. Worked. He was caught in the mystique of what he was doing here, even when the team was bad. He was touched by the environment.
I never really have seen a printed explanation of what a Celtics' type of ballplayer should be, but somehow I know the type when I see one. I think most of us do in this city. Show us a kid in a high school gym, a freelancer on a playground, a driver on the Southeast Expressway and we can tell whether or not he is a perfect Celtics' type of ballplayer. It is an easy judgment call.
Kermit Washington was a Celtics' type of ballplayer.
Wilt Chamberlain assuredly never was.
Dr. J has potential. No, check that, he'd be a great Celtics' type of ballplayer.
World B. Free, never.
Charlie Scott, even when he played on a world champion at the Garden, never made it.
Paul Silas was a certified yes.
Paul Westphal always was in doubt.
Dave Cowens, yes, a thousand times, yes.
I suppose the traditional description would have something to do with a selflessness on the job, but that would be a bit too confining. A shrewdness? That, too, but more than that. There is a certain carriage that is expected, a certain enthusiasm. Excellence is part of the package, too. It is hard to explain.
Peter Edward Rose is a Celtics' type of ballplayer, is he not?
Bryan Trottier, but never Mike Bossy.
Bobby Orr. For sure.
Dick Butkus.
Earl Campbell, but never Tony Dorsett.
Jimmy Connors, perhaps, but not John McEnroe.
Graig Nettles, but not Reggie.
Marvin Hagler, much more than Sugar Ray Leonard.
The Celtics' type of ballplayer knows the angles, the corners to cut, the smartest ways to go. Is that the way to say it? The shortest distances between two lines. Is that it? Again, flamboyance seems to suffer. Sounds too dull. Bob Cousy couldn't fit into that and yet he was a Celtics' type of ballplayer even though he was the most flamboyant thing ever to come down the Mass Pike. Even before it was built.
Walt Frazier would have been a Celtics' type of ballplayer. Willis Reed. That whole Knicks' team.
None of those Lakers' championship teams.
Never, alas, any of the recent Red Sox teams.
Even though Rick Burleson and Captain Carl always filled the bill.
Don Cherry's Bruin teams were dominated by Celtics' types of players.
Lombardi's Packers.
The US Olympic hockey team.
Not the modern Knicks.
Never the Dallas Cowboys.
I wouldn't go so far as saying that winning determines whether or not a performer is a Celtics' type of ballplayer, but it would seem the Celtics' type of ballplayer somehow will win in the end. He will squeeze out the result as if it were the last stretch of toothpaste in the tube. He will find a way. I wouldn't say that talent, either, is a primary ingredient, even though it has to be part of a package. I don't know what the prime ingredient is. There have to be bits and pieces, adding up to a whole that is self-evident.
What's a Celtics' type of ballplayer?
Kermit Washington.
Robert DeNiro, but never Burt Reynolds.
Bruce Springsteen.
Dick Gregory, but never Bill Cosby.
Hubert Humphrey.
The salesman who leads the sales board, but not at the expense of his friends.
Ralph Nader.
The doctor who still makes house calls in his Mercedes.
Oh, yes, and No. 33 on this year's team. There are a lot of examples on this team of what we're discussing, but he's probably the best one. No. 33.
He's another Celtics' type of ballplayer.
1981-82 Boston Celtics
I began thinking about the term "Celtics' type of ballplayer" yesterday when I heard the news that Kermit Washington had retired in Portland with a set of 30-year-old bad knees. I thought about it because Kermit Washington was a perfect " Celtics ' type of ballplayer."
"Too bad," I said to myself. "He should have played his whole career here. If he didn't get caught up in all those machinations of those bizarre owners in a certain Celtic time, he would have done it. His number probably would have been hung from the ceiling. For sure he was . . ."
He skinned his knees. He perspired a lot. Numbers never fascinated him. He shot when he only should have shot. He didn't mope when he was on the bench. He played hard. Worked. He was caught in the mystique of what he was doing here, even when the team was bad. He was touched by the environment.
I never really have seen a printed explanation of what a Celtics' type of ballplayer should be, but somehow I know the type when I see one. I think most of us do in this city. Show us a kid in a high school gym, a freelancer on a playground, a driver on the Southeast Expressway and we can tell whether or not he is a perfect Celtics' type of ballplayer. It is an easy judgment call.
Kermit Washington was a Celtics' type of ballplayer.
Wilt Chamberlain assuredly never was.
Dr. J has potential. No, check that, he'd be a great Celtics' type of ballplayer.
World B. Free, never.
Charlie Scott, even when he played on a world champion at the Garden, never made it.
Paul Silas was a certified yes.
Paul Westphal always was in doubt.
Dave Cowens, yes, a thousand times, yes.
I suppose the traditional description would have something to do with a selflessness on the job, but that would be a bit too confining. A shrewdness? That, too, but more than that. There is a certain carriage that is expected, a certain enthusiasm. Excellence is part of the package, too. It is hard to explain.
Peter Edward Rose is a Celtics' type of ballplayer, is he not?
Bryan Trottier, but never Mike Bossy.
Bobby Orr. For sure.
Dick Butkus.
Earl Campbell, but never Tony Dorsett.
Jimmy Connors, perhaps, but not John McEnroe.
Graig Nettles, but not Reggie.
Marvin Hagler, much more than Sugar Ray Leonard.
The Celtics' type of ballplayer knows the angles, the corners to cut, the smartest ways to go. Is that the way to say it? The shortest distances between two lines. Is that it? Again, flamboyance seems to suffer. Sounds too dull. Bob Cousy couldn't fit into that and yet he was a Celtics' type of ballplayer even though he was the most flamboyant thing ever to come down the Mass Pike. Even before it was built.
Walt Frazier would have been a Celtics' type of ballplayer. Willis Reed. That whole Knicks' team.
None of those Lakers' championship teams.
Never, alas, any of the recent Red Sox teams.
Even though Rick Burleson and Captain Carl always filled the bill.
Don Cherry's Bruin teams were dominated by Celtics' types of players.
Lombardi's Packers.
The US Olympic hockey team.
Not the modern Knicks.
Never the Dallas Cowboys.
I wouldn't go so far as saying that winning determines whether or not a performer is a Celtics' type of ballplayer, but it would seem the Celtics' type of ballplayer somehow will win in the end. He will squeeze out the result as if it were the last stretch of toothpaste in the tube. He will find a way. I wouldn't say that talent, either, is a primary ingredient, even though it has to be part of a package. I don't know what the prime ingredient is. There have to be bits and pieces, adding up to a whole that is self-evident.
What's a Celtics' type of ballplayer?
Kermit Washington.
Robert DeNiro, but never Burt Reynolds.
Bruce Springsteen.
Dick Gregory, but never Bill Cosby.
Hubert Humphrey.
The salesman who leads the sales board, but not at the expense of his friends.
Ralph Nader.
The doctor who still makes house calls in his Mercedes.
Oh, yes, and No. 33 on this year's team. There are a lot of examples on this team of what we're discussing, but he's probably the best one. No. 33.
He's another Celtics' type of ballplayer.
Celtics Prepare for Texas Triangle
1990-91 Boston Celtics
The Celtics hit the runway yesterday for a three-games-in- four-nights swing through Texas, whose professional basketball teams have been about as hospitable as Santa Ana was to Davy Crockett.
No one has swept the Texas trio of Dallas, San Antonio and Houston since the Celtics did it in February 1987, and opponents have been able to come up with winning records on just eight of 33 trips to Texas since then.
The good news is that six of those winning Texas Treks have been accomplished by the Celtics, who are 13-5 on six previous visits, including two sweeps. By comparison, the rest of the NBA is 104-187.
The Celtics, who play tonight at Dallas, tomorrow at San Antonio and Monday at Houston, will have to get their game plan in order, however, if they have any thoughts of sweeping or at least posting a winning trip.
True, the Celtics sport a 14-3 record and have won 10 of their last 11 games, but their 148-140 Garden decision over Denver Wednesday night wasn't salted away until the final five minutes.
"I wasn't pleased with anyone's performance, including my own," said coach Chris Ford, who gave his team a morning off from practice yesterday. "I'd like to see us progress every game, but Wednesday was a major step back. We got away from everything we've done, offensively and defensively. We've got to get back to playing our style of game on this road trip."
The Celtics hit the runway yesterday for a three-games-in- four-nights swing through Texas, whose professional basketball teams have been about as hospitable as Santa Ana was to Davy Crockett.
No one has swept the Texas trio of Dallas, San Antonio and Houston since the Celtics did it in February 1987, and opponents have been able to come up with winning records on just eight of 33 trips to Texas since then.
The good news is that six of those winning Texas Treks have been accomplished by the Celtics, who are 13-5 on six previous visits, including two sweeps. By comparison, the rest of the NBA is 104-187.
The Celtics, who play tonight at Dallas, tomorrow at San Antonio and Monday at Houston, will have to get their game plan in order, however, if they have any thoughts of sweeping or at least posting a winning trip.
True, the Celtics sport a 14-3 record and have won 10 of their last 11 games, but their 148-140 Garden decision over Denver Wednesday night wasn't salted away until the final five minutes.
"I wasn't pleased with anyone's performance, including my own," said coach Chris Ford, who gave his team a morning off from practice yesterday. "I'd like to see us progress every game, but Wednesday was a major step back. We got away from everything we've done, offensively and defensively. We've got to get back to playing our style of game on this road trip."
Celtics Down Cavs on the Road
C's Improve to 32-11
1981-82 Boston Celtics
No surprises, for either side. The Boston Celtics and Larry Bird simply asserted themselves, and that was that - a routine 116-104 Celtics ' dispatch of the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Boston was in control from the middle of the second quarter on, but it was necessary to stage one great stretch of basketball to put the game away. That came in the third quarter when the Cavaliers closed to within three points at 64-61 with 10:02 remaining.
Bird began the big push with a tough fadeaway from the left, one of five straight (and seven of eight) outside shots he would can in the next 11 minutes en route to a 33-point, 14-for-22 evening. The team would be off to a 29-14 run in the next nine minutes, boosting the lead to 93-75 with 1:02 left on a driving three-point play by Eric Fernsten, one of four centers employed by Bill Fitch. It was 95-77 after three periods, and the entire fourth quarter would be played for the stat man, with Cleveland guard Geoff Huston carting home the Golden Trashcan for garbage-time excellence.
The Celtics led by 20 points three times, the final occasion at 101-81 with 9:58 left on a Gerry Henderson drive.
Bird's 33-point effort closed out a brilliant month of January in which he went over 30 points six times, including five times in his final seven games. What he has looked like from the outside has been a 1974 Bob McAdoo. Think about that.
Playing with the type of self-assurance that supposedly typifies a championship team, the Celtics exerted only the requisite energy, and no more, as they cruised to a 63-53 halftime lead.
Cleveland, whose ballhandling problems grew to embarrassing proportions at times, had battled the Celtics through the 5 1/2 -minute mark of the second quarter, coming from nine down (35-26) in the first quarter to assume a short- lived 44-43 lead with 6:24 remaining in the half on a layup by Reggie Johnson. The lead lasted 24 seconds, however, or as long as it took Bill Laimbeer to knock a Kevin McHale turnaround off the rim for an offensive goaltend.
Boston then took command of the game, stretching the lead to 10 points on a pair of Bird free throws with 28 seconds left in the quarter.
The Cavs were their own public enemy No. 1 in the opening quarter, when the Celtics converted no fewer than five Cleveland turnovers into fast-break baskets. Cleveland's passing, and pass reception, for that matter, was extremely sloppy, and the Celtics continually made the Cavaliers pay for their transgressions, the result being a 35-28 one-period Boston advantage.
Boston exhibited exemplary scoring balance in the half. Bird had 11, while Robert Parish had 10, McHale had 10 and Tiny Archibald and Cedric Maxwell had 8 apiece. The Celtics shot 66 percent (16 for 24) in the first period, mainly due to easy fast-break shots.
The Cavs had gotten off to a nice start, seizing a quick 6-0 lead on a second-chance jumper by Johnson and a pair of Kenny Carr hoops. But once Boston began to exert some defensive pressure, the game complexion chaged drastically, and soon the Celtics were playing at their preferred tempo. A Parish-induced turnover led to a Maxwell sneakaway dunk and the first Boston lead at 16-15. The teams went through a few lead swaps before a fast-break layup by Bird (off a turnover, naturally) made it 20-19, Boston, and the Celtics pushed it to go up by nine late in the quarter.
With Keith Herron scoring six early points, the Cavs crept back, until the Johnson basket, following an M.L. Carr fumble, gave the Cavs their only second-quarter lead. That seemed only to make the visitors angry, and the final six minutes belonged to the Green and White.
Maxwell, displaying more of the aggressiveness that had kayoed the Knicks on Wednesday, propelled the club with successive hooks (one righty and one lefty from a nice spinning move) that boosted a 55-51 lead to a more comfortable 59-51 margin.
1981-82 Boston Celtics
No surprises, for either side. The Boston Celtics and Larry Bird simply asserted themselves, and that was that - a routine 116-104 Celtics ' dispatch of the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Boston was in control from the middle of the second quarter on, but it was necessary to stage one great stretch of basketball to put the game away. That came in the third quarter when the Cavaliers closed to within three points at 64-61 with 10:02 remaining.
Bird began the big push with a tough fadeaway from the left, one of five straight (and seven of eight) outside shots he would can in the next 11 minutes en route to a 33-point, 14-for-22 evening. The team would be off to a 29-14 run in the next nine minutes, boosting the lead to 93-75 with 1:02 left on a driving three-point play by Eric Fernsten, one of four centers employed by Bill Fitch. It was 95-77 after three periods, and the entire fourth quarter would be played for the stat man, with Cleveland guard Geoff Huston carting home the Golden Trashcan for garbage-time excellence.
The Celtics led by 20 points three times, the final occasion at 101-81 with 9:58 left on a Gerry Henderson drive.
Bird's 33-point effort closed out a brilliant month of January in which he went over 30 points six times, including five times in his final seven games. What he has looked like from the outside has been a 1974 Bob McAdoo. Think about that.
Playing with the type of self-assurance that supposedly typifies a championship team, the Celtics exerted only the requisite energy, and no more, as they cruised to a 63-53 halftime lead.
Cleveland, whose ballhandling problems grew to embarrassing proportions at times, had battled the Celtics through the 5 1/2 -minute mark of the second quarter, coming from nine down (35-26) in the first quarter to assume a short- lived 44-43 lead with 6:24 remaining in the half on a layup by Reggie Johnson. The lead lasted 24 seconds, however, or as long as it took Bill Laimbeer to knock a Kevin McHale turnaround off the rim for an offensive goaltend.
Boston then took command of the game, stretching the lead to 10 points on a pair of Bird free throws with 28 seconds left in the quarter.
The Cavs were their own public enemy No. 1 in the opening quarter, when the Celtics converted no fewer than five Cleveland turnovers into fast-break baskets. Cleveland's passing, and pass reception, for that matter, was extremely sloppy, and the Celtics continually made the Cavaliers pay for their transgressions, the result being a 35-28 one-period Boston advantage.
Boston exhibited exemplary scoring balance in the half. Bird had 11, while Robert Parish had 10, McHale had 10 and Tiny Archibald and Cedric Maxwell had 8 apiece. The Celtics shot 66 percent (16 for 24) in the first period, mainly due to easy fast-break shots.
The Cavs had gotten off to a nice start, seizing a quick 6-0 lead on a second-chance jumper by Johnson and a pair of Kenny Carr hoops. But once Boston began to exert some defensive pressure, the game complexion chaged drastically, and soon the Celtics were playing at their preferred tempo. A Parish-induced turnover led to a Maxwell sneakaway dunk and the first Boston lead at 16-15. The teams went through a few lead swaps before a fast-break layup by Bird (off a turnover, naturally) made it 20-19, Boston, and the Celtics pushed it to go up by nine late in the quarter.
With Keith Herron scoring six early points, the Cavs crept back, until the Johnson basket, following an M.L. Carr fumble, gave the Cavs their only second-quarter lead. That seemed only to make the visitors angry, and the final six minutes belonged to the Green and White.
Maxwell, displaying more of the aggressiveness that had kayoed the Knicks on Wednesday, propelled the club with successive hooks (one righty and one lefty from a nice spinning move) that boosted a 55-51 lead to a more comfortable 59-51 margin.
The Bynum Beatdown
Assessed a technical for an intense glare? Give me a break. They ought to have assessed Bynum a technical for his poor defense and overall lackluster play. Come to think of it, they ought to assess Andrew Bynum a technical every time someone asks if he's gonna be the next Shaq or compares him to any other big man in Lakers history besides Swen Nater. The Lakers reign as champions is only a month old and its already more than I can take.
Nuggets Provide Celtics with First Nail-Biter at the Gahden
1990-91 Boston Celtics
Remembering the 29-5 Start
This was something new for the home folks. And something unexpected.
The schedule said: Denver. The logic said: Blowout.
Instead, the Celtics got their first real nail-biter at home this season and didn't recoil from the unfamiliarity of it all. They turned to Larry Bird for 43 points and outlasted (survived?) the relentless Denver Nuggets to post a 148-140 victory.
It wasn't easy, pretty or satisfying. Coach Chris Ford summed it up by saying, "I'm not pleased with anyone's performance, including my own. It was a major setback." The game even prompted the first Clipboard Slamming Incident of the season when Kevin McHale didn't box out.
To make matters worse, Reggie Lewis strained his lower back. He will make the trip to Texas, but his status is day-to-day.
That same status also seemed to describe Nuggets coach Paul Westhead, who during the exhibition season insisted that his Loyola Marymount pressure/shooting game could work in the NBA. It didn't and the Celtics shredded Denver in two painless exhibition triumphs. Everyone else reveled in the defenseless style and something had to give.
Denver still is bad (3-14) and winless on the road (0-8), but at least it is playing something resembling pro basketball. Since the exhibition season, Westhead has pretty much abandoned the insane, harebrained scheme of contesting each inbounds pass after a basket.
And, more critical to the Nuggets' style, Michael Adams has returned to the lineup. Boy, does he make a difference.
But in their minds, the Celtics saw the October Nuggets and figured this would be another layup-dunk drill with a fourth quarter of cheering on Stojko Vrankovic and Dave Popson.
"Part of the trouble was that we had played them twice and beaten them so easily," McHale said. "Maybe we didn't feel they'd be a big threat."
But behind Adams (31 points, 17 assists) and Orlando Woolridge (29 points), Denver gave the Celtics a major league scare. It was tied, 130-130, with 5:35 left as the Nuggets had the Celtics playing at their happy pace.
"They had us doing things we don't like to do," admitted Bird, who had 13 assists, 8 rebounds, 2 blocks and 2 steals.
Lewis (25 points) gave Boston the lead for good with two free throws. The freebies launched a 14-4 run in which the Celtics, for the first time all game, got serious on defense and defended their backboard as if their manhood was at stake.
After a Woolridge miss, Brian Shaw (18 points, 7 assists) drove for a hoop that made it 134-130. A Woolridge pull-up made it 134-132, but the Celtics ripped off 10 of the next 12 points on hoops by Shaw (a banker), Parish (a dunk from Bird), Bird (a jumper) and McHale (a lay-in). There also were two Bird free throws in there.
"Our pace was good," Westhead said. "We just have to be able to finish the race. We're getting closer. We're probably 80 percent there. We need to find the remaining 20 percent."
It certainly looked for the longest of times as if the Celtics might be the Nuggets' first road victim. Boston came out visibly unfocused and mentally out of whack and found it difficult to snap out of its funk.
Denver showed what was in store for the evening when, after a dunk by Parish (25 points, 14 rebounds) opened the scoring, Adams came flying down the floor to convert a 3-point play. The ex-Boston College whiz was 12 for 24 from the field and 1 for 9 from 3-point range. He also had four steals.
"With him, they are a much different team," Bird said. "The other guards just can't do it as well as he can."
It was close all the way. Denver led by 3 at the half and opened the third quarter with an 8-2 run led by Blair Rasmussen (14 points, 10 rebounds). A furious Ford called time and reminded his boys there was a game in progress.
Twelve minutes later, the message took hold. The Celtics were down, 122-115, early in the fourth, then ripped off a 10-2 run to take the lead. It was during that run that Woolridge went over McHale for a tip-in -- Denver's only hoop -- which prompted Ford to call time and slam his clipboard.
"My defense wasn't too stellar," McHale said sheepishly.
Soon it was 130-130 and the Celtics finally pulled away. It wasn't what they were looking for with a trip to Texas coming up. Their hope is that it may turn out to be exactly what they needed.
Remembering the 29-5 Start
This was something new for the home folks. And something unexpected.
The schedule said: Denver. The logic said: Blowout.
Instead, the Celtics got their first real nail-biter at home this season and didn't recoil from the unfamiliarity of it all. They turned to Larry Bird for 43 points and outlasted (survived?) the relentless Denver Nuggets to post a 148-140 victory.
It wasn't easy, pretty or satisfying. Coach Chris Ford summed it up by saying, "I'm not pleased with anyone's performance, including my own. It was a major setback." The game even prompted the first Clipboard Slamming Incident of the season when Kevin McHale didn't box out.
To make matters worse, Reggie Lewis strained his lower back. He will make the trip to Texas, but his status is day-to-day.
That same status also seemed to describe Nuggets coach Paul Westhead, who during the exhibition season insisted that his Loyola Marymount pressure/shooting game could work in the NBA. It didn't and the Celtics shredded Denver in two painless exhibition triumphs. Everyone else reveled in the defenseless style and something had to give.
Denver still is bad (3-14) and winless on the road (0-8), but at least it is playing something resembling pro basketball. Since the exhibition season, Westhead has pretty much abandoned the insane, harebrained scheme of contesting each inbounds pass after a basket.
And, more critical to the Nuggets' style, Michael Adams has returned to the lineup. Boy, does he make a difference.
But in their minds, the Celtics saw the October Nuggets and figured this would be another layup-dunk drill with a fourth quarter of cheering on Stojko Vrankovic and Dave Popson.
"Part of the trouble was that we had played them twice and beaten them so easily," McHale said. "Maybe we didn't feel they'd be a big threat."
But behind Adams (31 points, 17 assists) and Orlando Woolridge (29 points), Denver gave the Celtics a major league scare. It was tied, 130-130, with 5:35 left as the Nuggets had the Celtics playing at their happy pace.
"They had us doing things we don't like to do," admitted Bird, who had 13 assists, 8 rebounds, 2 blocks and 2 steals.
Lewis (25 points) gave Boston the lead for good with two free throws. The freebies launched a 14-4 run in which the Celtics, for the first time all game, got serious on defense and defended their backboard as if their manhood was at stake.
After a Woolridge miss, Brian Shaw (18 points, 7 assists) drove for a hoop that made it 134-130. A Woolridge pull-up made it 134-132, but the Celtics ripped off 10 of the next 12 points on hoops by Shaw (a banker), Parish (a dunk from Bird), Bird (a jumper) and McHale (a lay-in). There also were two Bird free throws in there.
"Our pace was good," Westhead said. "We just have to be able to finish the race. We're getting closer. We're probably 80 percent there. We need to find the remaining 20 percent."
It certainly looked for the longest of times as if the Celtics might be the Nuggets' first road victim. Boston came out visibly unfocused and mentally out of whack and found it difficult to snap out of its funk.
Denver showed what was in store for the evening when, after a dunk by Parish (25 points, 14 rebounds) opened the scoring, Adams came flying down the floor to convert a 3-point play. The ex-Boston College whiz was 12 for 24 from the field and 1 for 9 from 3-point range. He also had four steals.
"With him, they are a much different team," Bird said. "The other guards just can't do it as well as he can."
It was close all the way. Denver led by 3 at the half and opened the third quarter with an 8-2 run led by Blair Rasmussen (14 points, 10 rebounds). A furious Ford called time and reminded his boys there was a game in progress.
Twelve minutes later, the message took hold. The Celtics were down, 122-115, early in the fourth, then ripped off a 10-2 run to take the lead. It was during that run that Woolridge went over McHale for a tip-in -- Denver's only hoop -- which prompted Ford to call time and slam his clipboard.
"My defense wasn't too stellar," McHale said sheepishly.
Soon it was 130-130 and the Celtics finally pulled away. It wasn't what they were looking for with a trip to Texas coming up. Their hope is that it may turn out to be exactly what they needed.
Bird Runs Out Of Gas in 148-140 Win
Celtics Improve to 14-3
1990-91 Boston Celtics
Remembering the 29-5 Start
One could forgive Larry Bird, two days shy of his 34th birthday, for calling a timeout in the second half of the Celtics-Nuggets dual track meet last night at Boston Garden.
"I got a little winded there. I like a good run like tonight's, but once a week would be fine," smiled Bird, whose 43 points and 13 assists were sorely needed on a night when Celtics coach Chris Ford was happy only with the 148-140 victory.
"Larry hit some tough shots -- but everyone contributed to playing to Denver's tempo rather than our tempo," said Ford, whose frustration peaked when he slammed down his clipboard following an Orlando Woolridge offensive rebound conversion over Kevin McHale that gave Denver a 5-point lead early in the fourth.
"That was just to get their attention," said Ford. "You're fearful of these games because they made us play at their tempo until the last five minutes. We pushed the ball up the floor, we didn't get into our break pattern. We rushed everything. We settled for quick shots.
"We fell right into the tempo that Paul Westhead wanted to establish. Larry made some great shots. He got us going offensively. But I'm not pleased with anyone's performance, including my own."
All that being said, there was one major element that upset Westhead's game plan -- Bird, who played 44 minutes, including the entire second half.
"Larry was vintage tonight," said the Denver coach. "He kept going deeper and deeper with his shots. We couldn't make some key shots at the end, and Bird 14 for 26, including three 3-pointers was unstoppable tonight."
Bird, who was 2 points shy of his season high, against Charlotte, was happy to get back in the flow.
He scored just 11 points in 30 minutes Monday night against Seattle, taking only seven shots.
"I needed a game like this to get going a little bit," said Bird. "We haven't done much the last couple of days and I felt pretty good out there at times.
"This was really a lot of fun," added Bird, who was in Woolridge's jersey down the stretch. "After playing Denver, you feel the next night's an easy night. But if we had lost, I guess I wouldn't think it was so much fun."
Bird had 21 points at halftime to keep pace with Denver sparkplug Michael Adams -- who wound up with 31 points and 17 assists, but faded in the fourth quarter.
"Adams made things happen for them. He made the big difference compared to the way they played us in the exhibition games," said Bird. "He gets right in the middle of your defense."
But Adams, who scored his last points with 10:35 to play, couldn't put on the stretch drive that Bird provided for his team.
Bird had 10 points in the fourth quarter without a breather and dished out four assists. His 18-foot jumper with 1:58 left (142-134, Celtics) signaled the beginning of the end for Denver and his two free throws a minute later made it a 10-point game.
"You get caught up in a game like this going up and down the floor and even the coaches forget to call timeouts," said Bird. "You can't use them for the next game."
Indeed, Ford had five full timeouts and a 20-second timeout at his disposal in the second half, and by game's end, he had one remaining.
"I knew I had a lot of timeouts down the stretch, and Larry, after he was fouled, called one so he could get an extra blow, too," said Ford.
"We finally kicked in," he added. "But it was not a good game. You've got to give the Denver Nuggets credit. They made us play their style and they almost pulled it out."
The difference was Bird.
"If they left me open, I was going to shoot," said No. 33. "And at least I know I can run like this once in a while."
1990-91 Boston Celtics
Remembering the 29-5 Start
One could forgive Larry Bird, two days shy of his 34th birthday, for calling a timeout in the second half of the Celtics-Nuggets dual track meet last night at Boston Garden.
"I got a little winded there. I like a good run like tonight's, but once a week would be fine," smiled Bird, whose 43 points and 13 assists were sorely needed on a night when Celtics coach Chris Ford was happy only with the 148-140 victory.
"Larry hit some tough shots -- but everyone contributed to playing to Denver's tempo rather than our tempo," said Ford, whose frustration peaked when he slammed down his clipboard following an Orlando Woolridge offensive rebound conversion over Kevin McHale that gave Denver a 5-point lead early in the fourth.
"That was just to get their attention," said Ford. "You're fearful of these games because they made us play at their tempo until the last five minutes. We pushed the ball up the floor, we didn't get into our break pattern. We rushed everything. We settled for quick shots.
"We fell right into the tempo that Paul Westhead wanted to establish. Larry made some great shots. He got us going offensively. But I'm not pleased with anyone's performance, including my own."
All that being said, there was one major element that upset Westhead's game plan -- Bird, who played 44 minutes, including the entire second half.
"Larry was vintage tonight," said the Denver coach. "He kept going deeper and deeper with his shots. We couldn't make some key shots at the end, and Bird 14 for 26, including three 3-pointers was unstoppable tonight."
Bird, who was 2 points shy of his season high, against Charlotte, was happy to get back in the flow.
He scored just 11 points in 30 minutes Monday night against Seattle, taking only seven shots.
"I needed a game like this to get going a little bit," said Bird. "We haven't done much the last couple of days and I felt pretty good out there at times.
"This was really a lot of fun," added Bird, who was in Woolridge's jersey down the stretch. "After playing Denver, you feel the next night's an easy night. But if we had lost, I guess I wouldn't think it was so much fun."
Bird had 21 points at halftime to keep pace with Denver sparkplug Michael Adams -- who wound up with 31 points and 17 assists, but faded in the fourth quarter.
"Adams made things happen for them. He made the big difference compared to the way they played us in the exhibition games," said Bird. "He gets right in the middle of your defense."
But Adams, who scored his last points with 10:35 to play, couldn't put on the stretch drive that Bird provided for his team.
Bird had 10 points in the fourth quarter without a breather and dished out four assists. His 18-foot jumper with 1:58 left (142-134, Celtics) signaled the beginning of the end for Denver and his two free throws a minute later made it a 10-point game.
"You get caught up in a game like this going up and down the floor and even the coaches forget to call timeouts," said Bird. "You can't use them for the next game."
Indeed, Ford had five full timeouts and a 20-second timeout at his disposal in the second half, and by game's end, he had one remaining.
"I knew I had a lot of timeouts down the stretch, and Larry, after he was fouled, called one so he could get an extra blow, too," said Ford.
"We finally kicked in," he added. "But it was not a good game. You've got to give the Denver Nuggets credit. They made us play their style and they almost pulled it out."
The difference was Bird.
"If they left me open, I was going to shoot," said No. 33. "And at least I know I can run like this once in a while."
Walton and Sheed
Early in the fourth quarter of his first game, Walton holds the ball, his back to the basket. He spots Bird making a baseline cut. Pass. Two points. A minute later he outlets to Bird at midcourt. Two more. A few minutes later he blocks a shot, alters the follow, grabs the miss and starts a fast break. He plays 19 solid minutes, scores nine points, grabs 11 rebounds, leaves to another standing O, then claps his hands and smiles from the bench as Bird goes wild down the stretch in a 111-109 Celtic victory.
The expectations were high for Bill Walton. No, they were through the roof. The same can be said of KG teaming with Sheed. Will the result be the same?
The expectations were high for Bill Walton. No, they were through the roof. The same can be said of KG teaming with Sheed. Will the result be the same?
Cousy on Walton
"If he stays healthy and happy, he'll hang another flag up," says Bob Cousy, one of those in the Celtic pantheon. "His presence is that significant." --October 1985
Danny's not done completing the 2009-2010 roster yet. He's still got a Sichting or a Thirdkill to add. But many Celtics' fans today are busy thinking thoughts about KG and Sheed that echo what Cousy said about Walton.
Danny's not done completing the 2009-2010 roster yet. He's still got a Sichting or a Thirdkill to add. But many Celtics' fans today are busy thinking thoughts about KG and Sheed that echo what Cousy said about Walton.
Walton Gets Introduced at Da Gahden for First Time
But even Bill Walton, who himself made the initial phone call to Red Auerbach that culminated in his leaving the lowly Los Angeles Clippers to join the mighty Boston Celtics, may not have fully appreciated his new environment until the pre-game announcements that kicked off the Celts' exhibition season against Philadelphia last Friday night at Boston Garden. "At center, number five, from U...C...L...A..." boomed P.A. announcer Andy Jick, who didn't get to finish. The crowd went wild as Walton trotted out, head bobbing as usual. The standing ovation continued for almost a minute. Thus began a love affair that seems as strange as it does wonderful.
"The tremendous community support, the love of basketball—the relationship that exists between the fans and the team was sort of startling to me, frankly," Walton had said earlier in the week, while sprawled on the grass at the Celts' training site in Brookline, Mass. "I definitely missed it with the Clippers. We had very, very intense fans at UCLA, and it was the same way at Portland [where Walton helped the Trail Blazers win their only NBA title, in 1977]," he said. "And it looks like it will be even greater here. I almost can't believe it."
--SI
It was indeed an instant and mutual love affair.
"The tremendous community support, the love of basketball—the relationship that exists between the fans and the team was sort of startling to me, frankly," Walton had said earlier in the week, while sprawled on the grass at the Celts' training site in Brookline, Mass. "I definitely missed it with the Clippers. We had very, very intense fans at UCLA, and it was the same way at Portland [where Walton helped the Trail Blazers win their only NBA title, in 1977]," he said. "And it looks like it will be even greater here. I almost can't believe it."
--SI
It was indeed an instant and mutual love affair.
C's Get Back on Track with W
1981-82 Boston Celtics
By any standards known to man, the Celtics can truly be said to have snapped out of their slumber last night, utilizing a frightful third-quarter blitz to obliterate the Knicks, 131-99, before 15,320 loonies at the Garden last night.
New York's fans - what's left of them after that beauty was beamed back to The Apple and its environs - will long remember the almost pathetic Knick display in the third quarter, when the visitors managed to have two more turnovers (13) than shots attempted and three more turnovers than points scored. That's right, folks. New York scored a paltry 10 points in the third quarter while the rampaging Celtics were helping themselves to 35, helped in no small measure by the 17 points they scored from New York's 13 giveaways.
There had actually been a game for two quarters, and quite a good one, at that. Boston had worked very hard to secure a shaky 70-65 halftime advantage, and although the Celtics had outplayed New York by a small margin in the final six minutes of the half, there certainly was no sign of a blowout anywhere as the third quarter began.
Then it happened. The Celtics played the type of selfless defense of which they are capable, and soon it was lights out for the Knicks. Boston started off with a 12-point run, then 20-4 and, finally, 35-10. New York failed to score a field goal in the final 7:08 of the period, and after three quarters the Celtics led by a 105-75 score.
Though most everyone could claim a share of the credit, the two most conspicuous Celtics were Larry Bird (31 points, 8 rebounds, 11 assists and four steals in 31 minutes) and Cedric Maxwell (15 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists and strong defense), and this duo rightfully shared the nightly MVP award.
The loss dropped the Knicks into sole occupancy of the Atlantic Division cellar with a 19-24 record, and, worse yet, sent them off on a seven-game road jaunt on a somewhat negative note. What the victory did for Boston's sagging spirits will be better surmised this evening, when it plays in Richfield, Ohio, against the Cavaliers.
Bird's clock-beating laner from 13 feet out on the right supplied the perfect punctuation mark to a half of sensational offensive basketball while providing the Celtics with a 70-65 halftime advantage.
The team defenses weren't as bad as the high score indicates - really. Both clubs were wearing their offensive shoes from the start, with Boston jetting off to an amazing beginning by scoring on each of its first 10 possessions and 12 of its first 13. But the Celtics were unable to contain the visitors for long, and after scoring on those 12 possessions the Celtics were only leading by a 24-16 score.
Boston burned the Knicks early on with some sneakaway hoops, while New York answered with some medium-range jumpers by the likes of Mike Newlin, who has regained his starting berth in the aftermath of a 31-point performance against Chicago last Saturday night, and Michael Ray Richardson, who was again a defensive puzzle to the Celtics. The clubs were attacking the boards, as well, and tempers were starting to flare up, as evidenced by a small jam featuring Bill Cartwright and Kevin McHale.
The Celtics led by 10 points twice in the first quarter, at 20-10 and 26-16, but New York, which certainly needed the game (it stared a seven-game road string), came roaring back, outscoring the Celtics by margins of 12-3 (in 2:14) and 21-11 (in 5:59) to earn their first tie at 37 apiece on a Campy Russell jumper with 24 seconds remaining in the first quarter. And that's where matters stood after one - the teams deadlocked in Denver-San Antonio fashion at 37-all.
New York led, 41-37, thus capping a run of eight straight that had begun late in the opening period, before Maxwell, a key contributor with 11 second- quarter points, brought the Celts back with a jump hook, a driving three- point play and a free throw. Boston regained the lead at 49-47 on a gorgeous M.L. Carr-Gerry Henderson fast-break collabroation (Carr threw a perfect over-the-shoulder pass from the right), and the home squad was able to boost its margin as high as seven points (64-57) on a Bird runner with 2:07 to play in the fast-paced half.
The clubs really weren't playing poor defense. Had Boston, for example, played as well defensively in either the Seattle or Portland games, the Celtics would not have lost either one. They doubled up well, covered for each other on penetrations, and didn't allow baseline drives. But New York, a great offensive team, managed to score, anyway.
The only negative in the half was the presence of referee Bob Rakel, who has been fouling up games of this magnitude too long. His poor calls drove both Bird and Bill Fitch to frustration, and the official responded in his usual cheap manner by slapping each with technicals.
By any standards known to man, the Celtics can truly be said to have snapped out of their slumber last night, utilizing a frightful third-quarter blitz to obliterate the Knicks, 131-99, before 15,320 loonies at the Garden last night.
New York's fans - what's left of them after that beauty was beamed back to The Apple and its environs - will long remember the almost pathetic Knick display in the third quarter, when the visitors managed to have two more turnovers (13) than shots attempted and three more turnovers than points scored. That's right, folks. New York scored a paltry 10 points in the third quarter while the rampaging Celtics were helping themselves to 35, helped in no small measure by the 17 points they scored from New York's 13 giveaways.
There had actually been a game for two quarters, and quite a good one, at that. Boston had worked very hard to secure a shaky 70-65 halftime advantage, and although the Celtics had outplayed New York by a small margin in the final six minutes of the half, there certainly was no sign of a blowout anywhere as the third quarter began.
Then it happened. The Celtics played the type of selfless defense of which they are capable, and soon it was lights out for the Knicks. Boston started off with a 12-point run, then 20-4 and, finally, 35-10. New York failed to score a field goal in the final 7:08 of the period, and after three quarters the Celtics led by a 105-75 score.
Though most everyone could claim a share of the credit, the two most conspicuous Celtics were Larry Bird (31 points, 8 rebounds, 11 assists and four steals in 31 minutes) and Cedric Maxwell (15 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists and strong defense), and this duo rightfully shared the nightly MVP award.
The loss dropped the Knicks into sole occupancy of the Atlantic Division cellar with a 19-24 record, and, worse yet, sent them off on a seven-game road jaunt on a somewhat negative note. What the victory did for Boston's sagging spirits will be better surmised this evening, when it plays in Richfield, Ohio, against the Cavaliers.
Bird's clock-beating laner from 13 feet out on the right supplied the perfect punctuation mark to a half of sensational offensive basketball while providing the Celtics with a 70-65 halftime advantage.
The team defenses weren't as bad as the high score indicates - really. Both clubs were wearing their offensive shoes from the start, with Boston jetting off to an amazing beginning by scoring on each of its first 10 possessions and 12 of its first 13. But the Celtics were unable to contain the visitors for long, and after scoring on those 12 possessions the Celtics were only leading by a 24-16 score.
Boston burned the Knicks early on with some sneakaway hoops, while New York answered with some medium-range jumpers by the likes of Mike Newlin, who has regained his starting berth in the aftermath of a 31-point performance against Chicago last Saturday night, and Michael Ray Richardson, who was again a defensive puzzle to the Celtics. The clubs were attacking the boards, as well, and tempers were starting to flare up, as evidenced by a small jam featuring Bill Cartwright and Kevin McHale.
The Celtics led by 10 points twice in the first quarter, at 20-10 and 26-16, but New York, which certainly needed the game (it stared a seven-game road string), came roaring back, outscoring the Celtics by margins of 12-3 (in 2:14) and 21-11 (in 5:59) to earn their first tie at 37 apiece on a Campy Russell jumper with 24 seconds remaining in the first quarter. And that's where matters stood after one - the teams deadlocked in Denver-San Antonio fashion at 37-all.
New York led, 41-37, thus capping a run of eight straight that had begun late in the opening period, before Maxwell, a key contributor with 11 second- quarter points, brought the Celts back with a jump hook, a driving three- point play and a free throw. Boston regained the lead at 49-47 on a gorgeous M.L. Carr-Gerry Henderson fast-break collabroation (Carr threw a perfect over-the-shoulder pass from the right), and the home squad was able to boost its margin as high as seven points (64-57) on a Bird runner with 2:07 to play in the fast-paced half.
The clubs really weren't playing poor defense. Had Boston, for example, played as well defensively in either the Seattle or Portland games, the Celtics would not have lost either one. They doubled up well, covered for each other on penetrations, and didn't allow baseline drives. But New York, a great offensive team, managed to score, anyway.
The only negative in the half was the presence of referee Bob Rakel, who has been fouling up games of this magnitude too long. His poor calls drove both Bird and Bill Fitch to frustration, and the official responded in his usual cheap manner by slapping each with technicals.
C's Turn Five Point Half-Time Lead into Rout
Celtics Improve to 31-11
1981-82 Boston Celtics
It still lives. The Killer Instinct that many thought had vanished from the Celtics ' philosophy returned last night after a two-game vacation.
Ask the New York Knicks. They walked away from a 70-65 game at halftime assured they were within striking distance and that they'd repelled the early challenge of a Celtic team determined to reassert itself before the 50th consecutive sellout crowd at the Garden. Twenty-four minutes later, they left the floor again, victims of a 131-99 blowout, led by a 31-point night by Larry Bird.
"They kicked our butts," said veteran guard Mike Newlin. "And they tried to pour it on, too. I admire that in a team."
"When this team is at its best," said Tiny Archibald, "it plays a complete game. Everybody is involved and everybody gets a chance to contribute. What you saw tonight, and not just the third quarter, was about as close to a complete game as we've played in a long, long while.
"Even in the other games we were winning games at home, it wasn't like this. We won because we put on a spurt and held on. Tonight we got a team down, and we kept it down. We didn't let up the pressure one bit. The thing to do is get a lead, and build it, build it, build it"
The way the Celtics ran roughshod over the Knicks would have made Jack the Ripper proud. Their domination was devastating, particulary in the third quarter when they outscored the Knicks, 35-10. Boston scored the first 12 points of the period and never looked back. The New Yorkers hit only 2 of 11 shots and were victimized time and time again by the style of aggressive play that has been sorely lacking from the Celtics of late.
"It was fun tonight," said M. L. Carr, who had a full day starting at 5:15 a.m. when he called Bill Fitch to announce the birth of his daughter. "We played Celtics' brand of basketball, especially in that third quarter. The fans were up. The players were slapping fives. If we play like that any night, we're just tough to beat. We've worked very hard the last couple days in practice. This is a nice reward for it."
There is fun, and then there is fun. For the Celtics have come to the realization, even though it is late January, that they cannot take winning for granted.
"I don't call many games fun," said Archibald. "This is serious business. We simply could not afford to lose a third game in a row at home. We seriously went after them in the second half. Now that it's all over, and we've won, it's fun."
It was the manner in which the Celtics broke this one open that made it much more than a 32-point rout. They struck with cobra quickness, and New York was stunned.
Certainly, no one would have thought that would happen after a first half which had been high scoring and also was as grueling and physical a 24 minutes as you'll see anywhere but the playoffs. Only a spectacular shot by Bird at the buzzer assured Boston as much as a five-point lead.
But in the third quarter, the Celtics stormed the Knicks with speed and savvy and then simply pounded them into submission with a relentless defense. That hasn't happened in a long while, either. And it didn't stop there. There would be no Knick comeback, as had been the case when the two clubs met a week ago in New York. Fitch kept sending in fresh troops and what better ending could such a night have but to see the game end on a dunk shot by Eric Fernsten.
"Tonight," said Fitch, "we went out and did what we had to do. I didn't have to say much at halftime. I'd just like to credit guys for just coming out of the locker room and having better memories than anything else.
"You have a much better chance of fast breaking and getting the easy baskets if you play good defense and come up with the ball. We had good intensity on defense in that period, which is good because we gave up a lot of points in the first half. You don't beat many teams allowing 130 points, so I'm glad we got better."
"When I say we, I mean not just me but everybody. Sometimes, I feel like an Indian snake charmer with a deaf cobra. I don't think they hear me. But they must have heard something tonight."
It is easy to point out the Knicks' biggest mistakes. They made 26 turnovers that led to 32 points. They lost the war of the boards, 53-36. In the second half, they fared very poorly on the fast break as Boston's transition game was brilliant at times.
But the biggest mistake of the night might have been in getting Bird so mad that he picked up a rare technical foul. Not only did Bird finish with 31 points, but he added 8 rebounds and 11 assists, which means he was a catalyst for Boston - and that is when he is most dangerous. The first six Celtics in the game finished in double figures. Everybody scored and everybody played at least seven minutes.
Bird was the best of the lot.
"I wanted to play tonight," he said. "I was ready to play when I came in here. So did everybody, I think.
"We had to play well, really. If you do lose three in a row, it's very tough to get those games back. If you are going to lose three in a row, better lose them on the road. You've got to be tough at home. You've got to bump people, play good defense and hit the percentage shot. You've got to make things happen. We did."
1981-82 Boston Celtics
It still lives. The Killer Instinct that many thought had vanished from the Celtics ' philosophy returned last night after a two-game vacation.
Ask the New York Knicks. They walked away from a 70-65 game at halftime assured they were within striking distance and that they'd repelled the early challenge of a Celtic team determined to reassert itself before the 50th consecutive sellout crowd at the Garden. Twenty-four minutes later, they left the floor again, victims of a 131-99 blowout, led by a 31-point night by Larry Bird.
"They kicked our butts," said veteran guard Mike Newlin. "And they tried to pour it on, too. I admire that in a team."
"When this team is at its best," said Tiny Archibald, "it plays a complete game. Everybody is involved and everybody gets a chance to contribute. What you saw tonight, and not just the third quarter, was about as close to a complete game as we've played in a long, long while.
"Even in the other games we were winning games at home, it wasn't like this. We won because we put on a spurt and held on. Tonight we got a team down, and we kept it down. We didn't let up the pressure one bit. The thing to do is get a lead, and build it, build it, build it"
The way the Celtics ran roughshod over the Knicks would have made Jack the Ripper proud. Their domination was devastating, particulary in the third quarter when they outscored the Knicks, 35-10. Boston scored the first 12 points of the period and never looked back. The New Yorkers hit only 2 of 11 shots and were victimized time and time again by the style of aggressive play that has been sorely lacking from the Celtics of late.
"It was fun tonight," said M. L. Carr, who had a full day starting at 5:15 a.m. when he called Bill Fitch to announce the birth of his daughter. "We played Celtics' brand of basketball, especially in that third quarter. The fans were up. The players were slapping fives. If we play like that any night, we're just tough to beat. We've worked very hard the last couple days in practice. This is a nice reward for it."
There is fun, and then there is fun. For the Celtics have come to the realization, even though it is late January, that they cannot take winning for granted.
"I don't call many games fun," said Archibald. "This is serious business. We simply could not afford to lose a third game in a row at home. We seriously went after them in the second half. Now that it's all over, and we've won, it's fun."
It was the manner in which the Celtics broke this one open that made it much more than a 32-point rout. They struck with cobra quickness, and New York was stunned.
Certainly, no one would have thought that would happen after a first half which had been high scoring and also was as grueling and physical a 24 minutes as you'll see anywhere but the playoffs. Only a spectacular shot by Bird at the buzzer assured Boston as much as a five-point lead.
But in the third quarter, the Celtics stormed the Knicks with speed and savvy and then simply pounded them into submission with a relentless defense. That hasn't happened in a long while, either. And it didn't stop there. There would be no Knick comeback, as had been the case when the two clubs met a week ago in New York. Fitch kept sending in fresh troops and what better ending could such a night have but to see the game end on a dunk shot by Eric Fernsten.
"Tonight," said Fitch, "we went out and did what we had to do. I didn't have to say much at halftime. I'd just like to credit guys for just coming out of the locker room and having better memories than anything else.
"You have a much better chance of fast breaking and getting the easy baskets if you play good defense and come up with the ball. We had good intensity on defense in that period, which is good because we gave up a lot of points in the first half. You don't beat many teams allowing 130 points, so I'm glad we got better."
"When I say we, I mean not just me but everybody. Sometimes, I feel like an Indian snake charmer with a deaf cobra. I don't think they hear me. But they must have heard something tonight."
It is easy to point out the Knicks' biggest mistakes. They made 26 turnovers that led to 32 points. They lost the war of the boards, 53-36. In the second half, they fared very poorly on the fast break as Boston's transition game was brilliant at times.
But the biggest mistake of the night might have been in getting Bird so mad that he picked up a rare technical foul. Not only did Bird finish with 31 points, but he added 8 rebounds and 11 assists, which means he was a catalyst for Boston - and that is when he is most dangerous. The first six Celtics in the game finished in double figures. Everybody scored and everybody played at least seven minutes.
Bird was the best of the lot.
"I wanted to play tonight," he said. "I was ready to play when I came in here. So did everybody, I think.
"We had to play well, really. If you do lose three in a row, it's very tough to get those games back. If you are going to lose three in a row, better lose them on the road. You've got to be tough at home. You've got to bump people, play good defense and hit the percentage shot. You've got to make things happen. We did."
More Fun with Sheed
"Both teams played hard."
In his days with the Portland Trailblazers, Sheed made plenty of headlines for the right reasons, leading the Blazers to back-to-back conference finals and being named to two All-Star teams. He made headlines for the wrong reasons too. He threatened a referee outside the arena on a loading dock (Tim Donaghy, go figure) and set an NBA record for technical fouls. And while this quote may fall into the latter category, it can't help but make you laugh. It's classic Sheed. After a frustrating game, Sheed sat down at the press table to answer questions, like he is required to do by the league. But no one said how he had to answer them, did they? His answer to every question, no matter the question? "Both teams played hard." Leave it to Sheed to take a cliché and make it a memorable quote.
"I'm guaranteeing Game 2. That's the bottom line and that's all I'm saying. They will not win Game 2 and you heard that from me. Put it front page, back page, middle of the page. They will not win Game 2."
The Pistons didn't play well in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals against the Indiana Pacers in 2004. Rasheed didn't either, scoring just four points on 1-for-7 shooting, including an airball from the corner that could have tied the game with ten seconds left. But that performance didn't affect his confidence, apparently. With a crowd of reporters around his locker after the game, Sheed gave them all the sound byte they were looking for. Channeling his inner Joe Namath, he guaranteed a Piston victory in Game 2. It took one of the most famous blocks in basketball history by Tayshaun Prince to seal the deal, but the Pistons helped Wallace come through on his promise and tied the series at one game apiece. And the "Guaran-Sheed" was born.
"All those (expletive) calls they had out there with Mike and Kenny, y'all seen that (expletive). Lot of them phantom calls, cats flopping and falling all over the floor and they're calling that (expletive). Y'all, (expletive), that ain't basketball out there. It's all (expletive) entertainment. Y'all (expletive) should know that (expletive). All (expletive) entertainment."
Sheed was fined $25,000 by the league for this little ditty. I'm assuming $12,500 for the profanity and $12,500 for criticizing the officials. Referees Mike Callahan and Kenny Mauer were the objects of his wrath following a 106-102 loss to the Boston Celtics in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals in 2008. It may be all (expletive) entertainment out there, but Sheed, you are all the (expletive) entertainment I need in my life.
"They're going to boo me; I love it. I wish little Napoleon didn't make that rule because I'd be carrying that belt back in there."
"Little Napoleon" would be commissioner David Stern. "That belt" would be the replica WWE championship belt he designed and purchased for all his Piston teammates following their championship run in 2004. The Pistons were presented with their belts (much cooler than rings if you ask me) before the 2005 season opener against the Houston Rockets. Sheed used his belt to inspire his team's title defense throughout the season, but commissioner Stern requested that Wallace and the Pistons not bring their belts into road arenas. In this particular instance, Sheed is speaking of a return to Portland.
Link to the rest.Detroit & Baby
As has been widely reported, the Pistons are also interested in Glen Davis, but can only offer somewhere between $3.2m and $4.8m (depending on whom you believe). More problematic to Joe Dumars is the fact that (1) Boston has the right to match and has insisted it will match any offer less than $5.6m; (2) Dumars doesn't want to tie-up cash for 7-days while Boston decides whether to match, and (3) Dumars apparently isn't hip on a sign-and-trade at the moment (you know, like one where we'd get Tayshaun Prince in return and they'd get a bunch of flotsam from our bench).
So let's see if I have this straight: There are at least three Baby suitors: Utah, New Orleans, and Detroit, and each one of them has a tall and lanky wing the Celtics might get in return. In addition, if no one ponies up the dough for Baby, Danny is working on some side deals for players like Jamario Moon.
Like I was saying yesterday, Danny has positioned himself in a place where he seemingly can't lose. Let's just hope we're still not talking about replacing James Posey in October. One year and one month is more than enough.
So let's see if I have this straight: There are at least three Baby suitors: Utah, New Orleans, and Detroit, and each one of them has a tall and lanky wing the Celtics might get in return. In addition, if no one ponies up the dough for Baby, Danny is working on some side deals for players like Jamario Moon.
Like I was saying yesterday, Danny has positioned himself in a place where he seemingly can't lose. Let's just hope we're still not talking about replacing James Posey in October. One year and one month is more than enough.
N'awlins & Baby
New Orleans has to shed some salary before it can do anything significant or construct a sign-and-trade deal for Baby the Celtics would accept. --LINK
New Orleans is still considered a potential destination for Glen Davis, but the Hornets are struggling financially and might have to move Tyson Chandler before getting into any sign and trade discussions with the Celtics. --LINK
The assumption here, of course, is that the Celtics would be receiving a certain member of the 2008 championship team in return. A guy who plays both guard and forward, plays tough D, hits threes, and gives man hugs like no other. I like James Posey, and his contract length seems to coincide perfectly with the championship window for the Celtics--three years. As noted earlier, however, Nails will turn 33 this season, while BBD is 23. That means in year three of the championship window, Nails will be 36 while BBD will be 26 (I know. Can you believe it? I can do subtraction, too). Thus, BBD will likely still be improving, while Nails will likely be winding down.
But I guess if we were all just fired up about a 37-year-old Grant Hill who's never been known as a tenacious defender, we can also get fired up about a James Posey who doesn't turn 36 until 2013.
New Orleans is still considered a potential destination for Glen Davis, but the Hornets are struggling financially and might have to move Tyson Chandler before getting into any sign and trade discussions with the Celtics. --LINK
The assumption here, of course, is that the Celtics would be receiving a certain member of the 2008 championship team in return. A guy who plays both guard and forward, plays tough D, hits threes, and gives man hugs like no other. I like James Posey, and his contract length seems to coincide perfectly with the championship window for the Celtics--three years. As noted earlier, however, Nails will turn 33 this season, while BBD is 23. That means in year three of the championship window, Nails will be 36 while BBD will be 26 (I know. Can you believe it? I can do subtraction, too). Thus, BBD will likely still be improving, while Nails will likely be winding down.
But I guess if we were all just fired up about a 37-year-old Grant Hill who's never been known as a tenacious defender, we can also get fired up about a James Posey who doesn't turn 36 until 2013.
Utah & Baby
If the Jazz don't match the offer sheet backup power forward Paul Millsap signed with Portland, which now seems unlikely, or if they don't get a power forward back in any forthcoming trade for starting power forward Carlos Boozer, signing Boston Celtics restricted free agent forward Glen "Big Baby" Davis to an offer sheet is an option to which Utah would seriously consider turning. --LINK
Davis, a Louisiana State product, probably could be had for midlevel-exception money — a multiyear deal starting at $5.854 million, which is about $6 million less than Millsap would cost Utah next season. “By all means we would be interested,” Davis’ agent, John Hamilton, said Saturday. --LINK
This rumor must be the one where the name CJ Miles pops up.
Davis, a Louisiana State product, probably could be had for midlevel-exception money — a multiyear deal starting at $5.854 million, which is about $6 million less than Millsap would cost Utah next season. “By all means we would be interested,” Davis’ agent, John Hamilton, said Saturday. --LINK
This rumor must be the one where the name CJ Miles pops up.
The Shaq Precedent
Those same sources said Buss is a man of principle who sticks by his decision. Those sources were mindful that when Shaquille O'Neal said during an exhibition game in Hawaii in 2003, "Now, you're gonna pay me," while looking for a contract extension, Buss was angry and never forgot that. After the 2004 season, Buss traded O'Neal to the Heat, in a deal that brought Odom to the Lakers. --LINK
Lamar, Lamar, Lamar
This post might also be entitled "Mitch, Mitch, Mitch."
Somehow I missed this disclosure by the LA Times: "Lakers team officials said the Lakers offered Odom a deal for $9 million a season for four years at $36 million, or $10 million a season over three years for a total of $30 million." Odom and his agent, Jeff Schwartz, were looking for $10 million a year over five seasons.
Ron Artest just signed for $18m over three years and Lamar Odom wants $50m over 5? This is the same guy who disappeared in the 2008 NBA Finals, right? Granted, the L's probably don't get out of the West last year without him, but $10m a year for Lamar Odom? I'm not sure which is more amazing, the fact that the Lakers offered Odom $10 mil a year or the fact that he turned it down!
Somehow I missed this disclosure by the LA Times: "Lakers team officials said the Lakers offered Odom a deal for $9 million a season for four years at $36 million, or $10 million a season over three years for a total of $30 million." Odom and his agent, Jeff Schwartz, were looking for $10 million a year over five seasons.
Ron Artest just signed for $18m over three years and Lamar Odom wants $50m over 5? This is the same guy who disappeared in the 2008 NBA Finals, right? Granted, the L's probably don't get out of the West last year without him, but $10m a year for Lamar Odom? I'm not sure which is more amazing, the fact that the Lakers offered Odom $10 mil a year or the fact that he turned it down!
Random Drive-Bys (Lakers Edition)
Faker fans weigh in on the state of the team.
Sign Odom already, in order to repeat we need him back, the bench is nothing without him. Oh and remember we have Bynum who is injury prone.
Looks like we may not get to keep Lamar, but at least we have that Playboy Mansion superstar Andrew Bynum. It will be interesting to see when the bum gets hurt this year now that he is on a big contract. Wish LA could trade him for a bag of chips to get rid of that toxic contract.
I could care less if Odom walks. Worst case scenario your core is Bryant, Gasol, Artest. He's not as productive or consistent as Atest so why should the Lakers pay more, a premium on his knowledge of the Triangle? Please, Phil still takes shot at his hoops IQ with respect to the Triangle and he's been in it for 4 years. Goodbye, Lamar.
Sad to say Odom is an asset which never blossomed. He will always be a "what could have been guy" with any team as he is not focused and certainly doesn't play with heart just like wasted talents such as Vince Carter and Chris Webber.
Lakers could even be greater than Bulls (Mike, Scottie and Rodman) with their current line-up (Kobe, Pau, Lamar). But with Lamar just being contented to do barreling offensive fouls instead of developing more moves and use his height, athleticism and a bit of smart outside shots.
Come on Laker fans. Stop hating on Lamar just because he wants what he's worth. Odom isn't worth 10 million yet bynum is worth 12 million plus? Give him his due. Once he signs you will all be loving him again. Calm down.
Bynum is just lost out there. Odom is a key to the teams success. We need him!!! You guys aren't true Laker fans!!
Sign Odom already, in order to repeat we need him back, the bench is nothing without him. Oh and remember we have Bynum who is injury prone.
Looks like we may not get to keep Lamar, but at least we have that Playboy Mansion superstar Andrew Bynum. It will be interesting to see when the bum gets hurt this year now that he is on a big contract. Wish LA could trade him for a bag of chips to get rid of that toxic contract.
I could care less if Odom walks. Worst case scenario your core is Bryant, Gasol, Artest. He's not as productive or consistent as Atest so why should the Lakers pay more, a premium on his knowledge of the Triangle? Please, Phil still takes shot at his hoops IQ with respect to the Triangle and he's been in it for 4 years. Goodbye, Lamar.
Sad to say Odom is an asset which never blossomed. He will always be a "what could have been guy" with any team as he is not focused and certainly doesn't play with heart just like wasted talents such as Vince Carter and Chris Webber.
Lakers could even be greater than Bulls (Mike, Scottie and Rodman) with their current line-up (Kobe, Pau, Lamar). But with Lamar just being contented to do barreling offensive fouls instead of developing more moves and use his height, athleticism and a bit of smart outside shots.
Come on Laker fans. Stop hating on Lamar just because he wants what he's worth. Odom isn't worth 10 million yet bynum is worth 12 million plus? Give him his due. Once he signs you will all be loving him again. Calm down.
Bynum is just lost out there. Odom is a key to the teams success. We need him!!! You guys aren't true Laker fans!!
Lakers Pull Offer
As more news emerges on the Lamar Odom negotiations I'm starting to worry like Trevor Ariza before him, that depending on your POV, LO is either overplaying his hand or pushing his luck. Both Elliott Teaford of the Daily News and Broderick Turner of the LAT report the Lakers offered Odom a choice of three years at $30 million, or four at $36 million. Apparently, the offers have been available for a week, but Odom and his agent, Jeff Schwartz, have been unresponsive. This, and I can comfortably assume I'm soft-pedaling here, seems to have... um... annoyed Lakers owner Jerry Buss. Now both offers are off the table. --LINK
"Rondo's the Most Talented Point Guard in the Eastern Conference"
Actually, Marc Spears said that "An argument could be made that Rondo is the most talented point guard in the Eastern Conference. " Either way, we've come a long way since the days when pundits were proclaiming that Rondo was the worst point guard in the Eastern Conference. I wonder how long it will until I hear the sweet sound of someone uttering the thoughts many of us believe:
Rajon Rondo is the second best point guard in the entire league.
Rajon Rondo is the second best point guard in the entire league.
Lamar Odom to Dallas in Sign & Trade?
Mark Cuban announced to NBA TV during the Mavericks' summer league game Monday against Phoenix that he plans to explore his sign-and-trade options for Lamar Odom now that Dallas won't be getting restricted free agent Marcin Gortat from Orlando and with undeniable frustration seeping out of both Odom's camp and the Lakers that the sides aren't close to a deal.
Link
Link
Tiny Frustrated by Team's Loss of Killer Instinct
1981-82 Boston Celtics
Mission Impossible. The words have always appealed to veteran guard Tiny Archibald. They describe the challenge he has faced for almost 12 NBA seasons. They hint at goals that he has set for himself and the Celtics.
"This has been a very unusual year for us," says Archibald, who at 33 seems to be getting better instead of older in his role as Celtics ' playmaker. "We're on a mission impossible. No team has repeated as champion since the Celtics did it a long time ago and everybody is shooting at us.
"We've played well at times but we just haven't put it together and combined the right ingredients like we did last year. Last year we had the killer instinct. We're missing a little of it at this particular point."
Mission Impossible. People have always used words like that to describe Archibald after he gets up from yet another headlong, full-court rush through a garrison of defenders to a spectacular layup. But whoever said Tiny Archibald was just another 6-foot-1 guard?
Last season, en route to helping the Celtics to a world championship, Archibald picked up some hardware as the most valuable player at the NBA All- Star game. He was voted as a starter for the Eastern Conference stars in this year's game Sunday at the Meadowlands in New Jersey.
"Everybody strives for a goal," says Archibald, "and the goal this year for me is to try to get another championship with this team. I've had all the rest of the individual honors. I've been a part of a championship team. Now I'd like to be a part of a team that repeats. Nobody has done that since the '60s.
"People tell me I'm playing with a lot more confidence. I think I am but I'm not trying to score that many more points or do anything out of the ordinary. My job is to take care of the basketball, run the offense and get the ball to the right people."
Tiny Archibald was one of several Celtics upset over the weekend when things began to go wrong and the Celtics found themselves losers at home to Seattle and Portland. As playmaker, he has a firm grip on the direction which the defending NBA champions go each night. He spares no one from criticism, including Tiny Archibald.
"Last year we were a lot hungrier. This year we're taking a lot of things for granted. We come into our building thinking that clubs are going to lay down for us. And they haven't. I don't think the team is hurting in any phases. But we don't have the enthusiasm we should. We need to pick each other up.
"We're not struggling. But we did cough up two games that maybe we should not have lost. We just haven't put it together and combined the right ingredients like we did last year. When you are a player that comes from another team, you can see a lot of things that this club has and can use. That's how I look at it, and what we have to do is reach back and grasp for them. We can't just talk about them. We have to just go out there and do it."
When Larry Bird was on his hot streak a week ago, Archibald was averaging 36.8 minutes and 14.6 points a night. His 8.6 assists this year for 38 games are up from last year's average of 7.7 and rank him third in the league.
Archibald's improvement comes as no surprise to coach Bill Fitch.
"Tiny should be better," says Fitch. "He's part of the system that we've had here, and this is the third year that he's been doing what he's doing. His age has never been a factor because he keeps himself in good shape all year round. As long as his health is good, he could remain in this league and as part of our system for many years.
"Tiny is a very smart player who knows this club has a lot of talent. He'll get the ball to the other guys in a variety of ways. He knows how to go to the hot hand, and that is why Larry benefits. But there is more to our offense than Larry Bird, and Tiny still gets his one-fifth piece of the action. With the kind of people we have up front, clubs have been dropping off to give us the outside shot. But Tiny has always had confidence in his abilities. If the shot is there, he will take it."
The Celtic system, says Fitch, has produced some interesting options at guard. With Tiny as the anchor, Fitch has the choice of spotting Chris Ford more and perhaps replacing him as a starter one day with Gerry Henderson, who is gaining experience and confidence. A lot of NBA teams would love to have the Celtics' backups at guard - Danny Ainge and M.L. Carr, who is able to swing between guard and forward.
Tiny likes it, too.
"I like the idea of a coach having different combinations," says Archibald. "We've got Gerry and Danny who can help us and M.L. can go anywhere. In the long run, the more games we win with different combinations will help us at the end of the season."
Fitch said, however, he hasn't put his club through its paces in the last two days with the idea of improving just his guard play. The entire club is in a slump, and he wants that to end tonight at Boston Garden when the Celtics play the Knicks (7:30, Ch. 4, WRKO), who have been struggling lately, losing seven of their last eight.
According to Fitch, losing back-to-back games at home is nothing to be alarmed about. It's what the Celtics do about it that concerns him.
"If we didn't have newspapers and television and there wasn't a need to have something printed every day, you wouldn't make too much out of it," said Fitch.
"I don't think it is a problem that has been creeping up on us. It's just that this basketball team is under a microscope. If they don't win by 20, something is wrong. Pretty soon when something does go wrong, we say, gee, we saw that. You go at it two ways. Got to have hard work and hard practice. Also need some time off, too." Fitch, however, gave warning that he would not have the patience in the future that he apparently has now.
"It's hard to practice at this time of year," he said, "and get something out of it. But some guys really need it, too. But one thing we can do is to start playing people the way they practice. Maybe we'll start doing a little of that, too. We got some guys who are doing a pretty good job in practice, and I keep preaching that you play like you practice. So maybe some of those guys will get more time."
Mission Impossible. The words have always appealed to veteran guard Tiny Archibald. They describe the challenge he has faced for almost 12 NBA seasons. They hint at goals that he has set for himself and the Celtics.
"This has been a very unusual year for us," says Archibald, who at 33 seems to be getting better instead of older in his role as Celtics ' playmaker. "We're on a mission impossible. No team has repeated as champion since the Celtics did it a long time ago and everybody is shooting at us.
"We've played well at times but we just haven't put it together and combined the right ingredients like we did last year. Last year we had the killer instinct. We're missing a little of it at this particular point."
Mission Impossible. People have always used words like that to describe Archibald after he gets up from yet another headlong, full-court rush through a garrison of defenders to a spectacular layup. But whoever said Tiny Archibald was just another 6-foot-1 guard?
Last season, en route to helping the Celtics to a world championship, Archibald picked up some hardware as the most valuable player at the NBA All- Star game. He was voted as a starter for the Eastern Conference stars in this year's game Sunday at the Meadowlands in New Jersey.
"Everybody strives for a goal," says Archibald, "and the goal this year for me is to try to get another championship with this team. I've had all the rest of the individual honors. I've been a part of a championship team. Now I'd like to be a part of a team that repeats. Nobody has done that since the '60s.
"People tell me I'm playing with a lot more confidence. I think I am but I'm not trying to score that many more points or do anything out of the ordinary. My job is to take care of the basketball, run the offense and get the ball to the right people."
Tiny Archibald was one of several Celtics upset over the weekend when things began to go wrong and the Celtics found themselves losers at home to Seattle and Portland. As playmaker, he has a firm grip on the direction which the defending NBA champions go each night. He spares no one from criticism, including Tiny Archibald.
"Last year we were a lot hungrier. This year we're taking a lot of things for granted. We come into our building thinking that clubs are going to lay down for us. And they haven't. I don't think the team is hurting in any phases. But we don't have the enthusiasm we should. We need to pick each other up.
"We're not struggling. But we did cough up two games that maybe we should not have lost. We just haven't put it together and combined the right ingredients like we did last year. When you are a player that comes from another team, you can see a lot of things that this club has and can use. That's how I look at it, and what we have to do is reach back and grasp for them. We can't just talk about them. We have to just go out there and do it."
When Larry Bird was on his hot streak a week ago, Archibald was averaging 36.8 minutes and 14.6 points a night. His 8.6 assists this year for 38 games are up from last year's average of 7.7 and rank him third in the league.
Archibald's improvement comes as no surprise to coach Bill Fitch.
"Tiny should be better," says Fitch. "He's part of the system that we've had here, and this is the third year that he's been doing what he's doing. His age has never been a factor because he keeps himself in good shape all year round. As long as his health is good, he could remain in this league and as part of our system for many years.
"Tiny is a very smart player who knows this club has a lot of talent. He'll get the ball to the other guys in a variety of ways. He knows how to go to the hot hand, and that is why Larry benefits. But there is more to our offense than Larry Bird, and Tiny still gets his one-fifth piece of the action. With the kind of people we have up front, clubs have been dropping off to give us the outside shot. But Tiny has always had confidence in his abilities. If the shot is there, he will take it."
The Celtic system, says Fitch, has produced some interesting options at guard. With Tiny as the anchor, Fitch has the choice of spotting Chris Ford more and perhaps replacing him as a starter one day with Gerry Henderson, who is gaining experience and confidence. A lot of NBA teams would love to have the Celtics' backups at guard - Danny Ainge and M.L. Carr, who is able to swing between guard and forward.
Tiny likes it, too.
"I like the idea of a coach having different combinations," says Archibald. "We've got Gerry and Danny who can help us and M.L. can go anywhere. In the long run, the more games we win with different combinations will help us at the end of the season."
Fitch said, however, he hasn't put his club through its paces in the last two days with the idea of improving just his guard play. The entire club is in a slump, and he wants that to end tonight at Boston Garden when the Celtics play the Knicks (7:30, Ch. 4, WRKO), who have been struggling lately, losing seven of their last eight.
According to Fitch, losing back-to-back games at home is nothing to be alarmed about. It's what the Celtics do about it that concerns him.
"If we didn't have newspapers and television and there wasn't a need to have something printed every day, you wouldn't make too much out of it," said Fitch.
"I don't think it is a problem that has been creeping up on us. It's just that this basketball team is under a microscope. If they don't win by 20, something is wrong. Pretty soon when something does go wrong, we say, gee, we saw that. You go at it two ways. Got to have hard work and hard practice. Also need some time off, too." Fitch, however, gave warning that he would not have the patience in the future that he apparently has now.
"It's hard to practice at this time of year," he said, "and get something out of it. But some guys really need it, too. But one thing we can do is to start playing people the way they practice. Maybe we'll start doing a little of that, too. We got some guys who are doing a pretty good job in practice, and I keep preaching that you play like you practice. So maybe some of those guys will get more time."
No Love for Da Baby @ MLIVE.com
Generally, I prefer bigs who can rebound. Davis averaged 6.6 rebounds per 36 minutes last season, just barely more than his team's point guard, Rajon Rondo, who averaged 5.7. Notable NBA rebounding machines Joe Alexander (5.8) and Mike Dunleavy Jr. (5.9 career) are also in the Big Baby ballpark. That average was worse in the playoffs, as Baby managed just 5.6 per game while playing big minutes because of injuries on Boston's front line.
Writer pleads with Joe Dumars not to sign Glen.
Link
Writer pleads with Joe Dumars not to sign Glen.
Link
"Never Stop Believin', Baby"
Listen to Phil talk about the need to get stops towards the end of the vid. He sounds like he's had a few cocktails.
Big Baby or Big Ben?
Ben Wallace, $10 million dollars richer after being bought out by Phoenix, is looking for a new home. While there's no deal imminent, the Pistons are going to explore the possibility of bringing one of the franchise's greatest defenders, back to Detroit. Boston's Glen Davis remains an option, but the Pistons are reluctant to make him an offer because he's a restricted free agent. And the Celtics have said repeatedly that any reasonable offer Davis receives - and Detroit's offer would fall under that category - they would match.
--Link
UPDATE:Detroit not interested in Big Ben for the moment.
Danny is Indeed a Visionary
Really, no one could have dreamed this up any better.
You have five of the six best players locked up for the next two years (see below). The sixth player, Ray Allen, is unlikely to go anywhere next summer if he performs up to par this year and the Celtics play deep into June 2010. You could argue that Paul Pierce is at risk of exercising his player option next summer, but he's scheduled to make $21m in 2011. Who's gonna have enough dough to pay him more than that and the desire to do so? There is now talk that Pierce will restructure his contract to give the Celtics more flexibility for the free agent market next summer.
Four of the next six players below are definitely in the last year of their contracts, and the other two, Bill Walker and JR Giddens, are in the last year of their contracts unless the team exercises an option to the contrary.
In short, the Celtics may just have the best roster in basketball in roster spots 1-6. After that, everyone else is EXTREMELY TRADEABLE, with only Brian Scalabrine making more than $3m a year, which, at this point in time, is a good thing, in case the Celtics need a larger contract to make a deal work out. Speaking of needing larger contracts, the Celtics also have the right to match any offer made to Glen Davis, which means that if another team offers Baby a ridiculous contract, the Celtics can finagle a sign-and-trade for a player that fills a need better than Baby.
On top of all that, the free agent pool is plush with tall and lanky swingman and the bad economy is forcing many teams to shed good players. Other teams are shedding good players for no other reason than to have a shot at a big name free agent next summer. The Celtics have both a $1.9m and $1.2m slot to offer free agents, and, if the green trades more than a couple of their one-year contracts for a single player, they will have more roster spots to fill with title hungry free agents.
The world is indeed Danny's oyster. I'm not a big fan of the phrase "work in progress" when applied to the Boston Celtics, especially after what happened last season, but Danny is certainly in the driver's seat as the free agent market shakes down.
I'm sure he'll talk to old buddy Kevin McHale along the way, and McHale may have something to say about Rodney Carney, among others.
Rajon Rondo (qualifying offer 2010-11)
Ray Allen (last year)
Paul Pierce (player option 2010-11)
Kevin Garnett (3 more years)
Kendrick Perkins (2 more years)
Rasheed Wallace (2 more years, PO 2011-12)
Eddie House (last year)
Tony Allen (last year)
Brian Scalabrine (last year)
Bill Walker (team option next year)
J.R. Giddens (team option next year)
Gabe Pruitt (team option this year)
Glen Davis (restricted free agent)
Leon Powe (unrestricted free agent)
Lester Hudson (unsigned rookie)
You have five of the six best players locked up for the next two years (see below). The sixth player, Ray Allen, is unlikely to go anywhere next summer if he performs up to par this year and the Celtics play deep into June 2010. You could argue that Paul Pierce is at risk of exercising his player option next summer, but he's scheduled to make $21m in 2011. Who's gonna have enough dough to pay him more than that and the desire to do so? There is now talk that Pierce will restructure his contract to give the Celtics more flexibility for the free agent market next summer.
Four of the next six players below are definitely in the last year of their contracts, and the other two, Bill Walker and JR Giddens, are in the last year of their contracts unless the team exercises an option to the contrary.
In short, the Celtics may just have the best roster in basketball in roster spots 1-6. After that, everyone else is EXTREMELY TRADEABLE, with only Brian Scalabrine making more than $3m a year, which, at this point in time, is a good thing, in case the Celtics need a larger contract to make a deal work out. Speaking of needing larger contracts, the Celtics also have the right to match any offer made to Glen Davis, which means that if another team offers Baby a ridiculous contract, the Celtics can finagle a sign-and-trade for a player that fills a need better than Baby.
On top of all that, the free agent pool is plush with tall and lanky swingman and the bad economy is forcing many teams to shed good players. Other teams are shedding good players for no other reason than to have a shot at a big name free agent next summer. The Celtics have both a $1.9m and $1.2m slot to offer free agents, and, if the green trades more than a couple of their one-year contracts for a single player, they will have more roster spots to fill with title hungry free agents.
The world is indeed Danny's oyster. I'm not a big fan of the phrase "work in progress" when applied to the Boston Celtics, especially after what happened last season, but Danny is certainly in the driver's seat as the free agent market shakes down.
I'm sure he'll talk to old buddy Kevin McHale along the way, and McHale may have something to say about Rodney Carney, among others.
Rajon Rondo (qualifying offer 2010-11)
Ray Allen (last year)
Paul Pierce (player option 2010-11)
Kevin Garnett (3 more years)
Kendrick Perkins (2 more years)
Rasheed Wallace (2 more years, PO 2011-12)
Eddie House (last year)
Tony Allen (last year)
Brian Scalabrine (last year)
Bill Walker (team option next year)
J.R. Giddens (team option next year)
Gabe Pruitt (team option this year)
Glen Davis (restricted free agent)
Leon Powe (unrestricted free agent)
Lester Hudson (unsigned rookie)
Da Gah-den to Change Name Again
What began as the FleetCenter in 1995 will undergo yet another name change on Thursday, when the TD Banknorth Garden becomes simply the TD Garden, due to the financial institution’s name change. --Link
Pierce to Replace Ainge Upon Retirement
Pierce was a big part in getting Garnett to agree to come to Boston as well. “I’m 2-for-2,” the Truth said. “Maybe I have a future. Move over, Danny.”
Link
Link
"Ball Don't Lie"
Possibly Rasheed's most popular and well-known bite is "Ball don't lie," something he says after being called for a foul he believes he didn't commit. It's not original, as it's been used on playgrounds for decades, but Sheed has made it a name brand, taunting opposing players at the free throw line whether he was standing in the lane or even sitting on the bench. His reasoning? If you didn't make the free throw, you weren't really fouled, and the ball -- in all its goodness -- would make things right with the world.
Link
Celtics Losing Grip on Fundamentals
1981-82 Boston Celtics
Bill Fitch sees it. The Celtics had better get back to basics, and in any sport, the chief basic is defense.
"Our problem is defense, period," said Fitch after yesterday's second consecutive home loss, something that had never before happened during his tenure as the Celtics ' coach. "Three weeks ago, we were 1-2-3 in defense. Now you couldn't even find us. If we're going to run, we've got to play defense.
"What we did last year doesn't matter," Fitch continued after the Celtics fell to the Portland Trail Blazers, 123-119. "What we did in the last two games concerns me more than what we did in the first 39. What we do in the next three days is probably the most important thing we've done in the last year and a half. Everybody wants to win in this league. But not everybody wants to pay the price to win. Right now, a few people here are not paying the same price as others. As bad as we played in the last two games, there are probably guys sitting in the room that I'll talk to tomorrow and will be thinking I'm talking about the guy next to him, instead of himself. We played too much I Got Mine' defense out there."
The Celtics had been the league's No. 1 defensive team in terms of points allowed per game until mid-December. In their last 17 games, they have surrendered 120 points or more six times, not to mention 119, 118 and 116. This is Denver stuff, not Boston stuff, and if it persists, thoughts of defending the championship will be laughable.
"Tomorrow," said Fitch, alluding to today's practice, "we'll go back to work. People asked me, What are you going to talk about tomorrow?' It'll be A-B-C-D, and I'll find out who's not listening. It's time to start thinking about basketball, not the horse business or commercials."
The last time the Celtics dropped two straight at home was in April of 1979, when they lost to San Antonio on April 1 and Denver on April 6. They had not lost two straight all season prior to this dip . . . "If I could get 35 minutes a game, my stats would be better," said Billy Ray Bates. The bubbly Blazer guard, who tore apart the Celtics with 26 points, was showing off his new portable radio and tape player. In an era when everyone else is going Walkman crazy, Bates purchased a box that is so huge that one Portland writer said it had more conveniences than his mobile home.
Portland had two illegal defense violations, thus earning a technical. But it was symptomatic of his day on offense that Larry Bird missed the free throw. Question: When's the last time Larry Bird was called for two up-and- down violations in the same quarter (third)? Answer: When's the last time Ted Williams (or Dr. Jack Ramsay, for that matter) wore a necktie? . . . Fitch sent his troops out chopping in the final minute and a half, in deference to the new free throw rule, which does away with three-for-twos. The Blazers therefore went to the line nine times in the final 1:34, making 12 of the potential 18 points . . . Kermit Washington didn't accompany the Blazers, having been sent home from Philadelphia Thursday because of back spasms.
Bill Fitch sees it. The Celtics had better get back to basics, and in any sport, the chief basic is defense.
"Our problem is defense, period," said Fitch after yesterday's second consecutive home loss, something that had never before happened during his tenure as the Celtics ' coach. "Three weeks ago, we were 1-2-3 in defense. Now you couldn't even find us. If we're going to run, we've got to play defense.
"What we did last year doesn't matter," Fitch continued after the Celtics fell to the Portland Trail Blazers, 123-119. "What we did in the last two games concerns me more than what we did in the first 39. What we do in the next three days is probably the most important thing we've done in the last year and a half. Everybody wants to win in this league. But not everybody wants to pay the price to win. Right now, a few people here are not paying the same price as others. As bad as we played in the last two games, there are probably guys sitting in the room that I'll talk to tomorrow and will be thinking I'm talking about the guy next to him, instead of himself. We played too much I Got Mine' defense out there."
The Celtics had been the league's No. 1 defensive team in terms of points allowed per game until mid-December. In their last 17 games, they have surrendered 120 points or more six times, not to mention 119, 118 and 116. This is Denver stuff, not Boston stuff, and if it persists, thoughts of defending the championship will be laughable.
"Tomorrow," said Fitch, alluding to today's practice, "we'll go back to work. People asked me, What are you going to talk about tomorrow?' It'll be A-B-C-D, and I'll find out who's not listening. It's time to start thinking about basketball, not the horse business or commercials."
The last time the Celtics dropped two straight at home was in April of 1979, when they lost to San Antonio on April 1 and Denver on April 6. They had not lost two straight all season prior to this dip . . . "If I could get 35 minutes a game, my stats would be better," said Billy Ray Bates. The bubbly Blazer guard, who tore apart the Celtics with 26 points, was showing off his new portable radio and tape player. In an era when everyone else is going Walkman crazy, Bates purchased a box that is so huge that one Portland writer said it had more conveniences than his mobile home.
Portland had two illegal defense violations, thus earning a technical. But it was symptomatic of his day on offense that Larry Bird missed the free throw. Question: When's the last time Larry Bird was called for two up-and- down violations in the same quarter (third)? Answer: When's the last time Ted Williams (or Dr. Jack Ramsay, for that matter) wore a necktie? . . . Fitch sent his troops out chopping in the final minute and a half, in deference to the new free throw rule, which does away with three-for-twos. The Blazers therefore went to the line nine times in the final 1:34, making 12 of the potential 18 points . . . Kermit Washington didn't accompany the Blazers, having been sent home from Philadelphia Thursday because of back spasms.
Pistons May Actually have $4.2m to $4.8m Available for Baby
There is also talk of a larger deal in the works, though that speculation so far only includes the Pistons.
Link
Link
Pistions Create Salary Slot for Baby
What kind of frontcourt player can $3.5 million buy in a picked-over free agent market? The Pistons are about to find out. They created that much spending room Monday by trading Arron Afflalo and Walter Sharpe to the Denver Nuggets in exchange for a future second-round draft pick. That move shaved $1.8 million off the payroll and they had $1.7 million left after signing free agents Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva. Brandon Bass and Glen Davis had been their primary targets. Bass signed with Orlando and Davis is a restricted free agent. The Boston Celtics made it clear they planned to match any offer under $5.6 million.
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All of these Tayshaun Prince rumors kind of makes a guy wonder about a Prince for Baby deal, no?
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All of these Tayshaun Prince rumors kind of makes a guy wonder about a Prince for Baby deal, no?
Gabe v. Tyronn
Tyronn Lue and Lindsey Hunter saw the floor a combined 9% of last season. To put that number in perspective, it equals the amount of time Gabe Pruitt played last season. So just to reiterate, Pruitt was on the court as much as both Lue and Hunter combined.
--Celtics Hub
While we're on the subject of Tyronn Lue, let's take a look at his numbers from the last year (below). I don't find them impressive. Do You? Needless to say, Lue is a wee bit shorter than Gabe, too. Gabe is 6-4 or 6-5, while Tyronn is sub-six.
Continuing on, we found out that this summer that Gabe has been tagged with the "he's a nice guy" label. Too nice apparently. Turns out, he's a preacher's kid. Watch video below. I always wondered why he couldn't just decide to be a little more beastly out there, you know, like Rodney Stuckey. Perhaps Gabe just doesn't have it in him.
I'm sure you've all seen this speculation, but there are those who expect Lester Hudson to beat out Gabe for a roster spot. Most of that speculation came, however, before Hudson broke his finger.
--Celtics Hub
While we're on the subject of Tyronn Lue, let's take a look at his numbers from the last year (below). I don't find them impressive. Do You? Needless to say, Lue is a wee bit shorter than Gabe, too. Gabe is 6-4 or 6-5, while Tyronn is sub-six.
| Season | Team | G | GS | MPG | FG% | 3p% | FT% | OFF | DEF | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | TO | PF | PPG |
| 08-09 | MIL | 30 | 0 | 13.1 | 0.454 | 0.467 | 0.750 | 0.2 | 1.0 | 1.2 | 1.5 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 0.70 | 1.40 | 4.7 |
| 08-09 | ORL | 14 | 0 | 9.2 | 0.395 | 0.353 | 0.667 | 0.0 | 0.8 | 0.8 | 1.0 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.14 | 0.90 | 3.0 |
| 08-09 | -- | 44 | 0 | 11.8 | 0.438 | 0.435 | 0.737 | 0.1 | 0.9 | 1.0 | 1.4 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 0.52 | 1.20 | 4.2 |
Continuing on, we found out that this summer that Gabe has been tagged with the "he's a nice guy" label. Too nice apparently. Turns out, he's a preacher's kid. Watch video below. I always wondered why he couldn't just decide to be a little more beastly out there, you know, like Rodney Stuckey. Perhaps Gabe just doesn't have it in him.
I'm sure you've all seen this speculation, but there are those who expect Lester Hudson to beat out Gabe for a roster spot. Most of that speculation came, however, before Hudson broke his finger.
Kwame Outduels Gasol and Bynum?
LOS ANGELES _ With the eyes of the NBA turned to the Staples Center on Friday night it was time for world to get glance at the new-look Pistons. And while the newest Piston Allen Iverson played a sparkling floor game it was another new Piston and an old hand who were the keys to the Pistons sending the Lakers to their first loss of the young season. Kwame Brown, a free-agent acquisition over the summer, and Rasheed Wallace teamed up to control the vaunted Lakers' frontline of Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum in a resounding 106-95 victory. And the Pistons (7-2) let everyone know loudly that they plan on being there in June playing for a world championship with a versatile lineup of penetrators, shooters and size.It was the size that was the difference as Brown and Wallace combined for 35 points and 23 rebounds to offset the 23 points and 19 rebounds of Gasol and Bynum.
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Now imagine how Rasheed will do when teamed up with Perk and KG, not to mention Ray Ray, Paul, and Rajon.
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Now imagine how Rasheed will do when teamed up with Perk and KG, not to mention Ray Ray, Paul, and Rajon.
"Cats Were Flopping"
During the 2008 playoffs, the league fined Rasheed Wallace $25,000 for his expletive-laced criticism of officials Mike Callahan and Kenny Mauer after the Celtics won Game 5 of the Eastern Conferences in Boston: "All those (expletive) calls out there. You saw that (expletive). Cats were flopping all over the floor and they're calling that (expletive). That (expletive) ain't basketball out there. It's all (expletive) entertainment. You all should know that."
Some day I'm gonna find the video that goes with this quote, cuz I'm sure there will be highlights from the game. As Celtics fans, we can pretty much guess the names of the floppers. You'll have your Poseys, your Powes, and your BBDs. Come to think of it, I'm pretty sure you had your Sam Cassells and your PJ Browns, too.
Some day I'm gonna find the video that goes with this quote, cuz I'm sure there will be highlights from the game. As Celtics fans, we can pretty much guess the names of the floppers. You'll have your Poseys, your Powes, and your BBDs. Come to think of it, I'm pretty sure you had your Sam Cassells and your PJ Browns, too.
No More Playing Centerfield Against Rondo
“Offensively, I like it for Rondo more than anybody. I just think when teams try to play off of Rondo, usually what they would do was try to play off of Rondo and use Perk’s guy as a center fielder. Well, it’s tough to do that when that guy (Wallace) is standing behind the 3-point line. Now, when Allen, Pierce or Garnett receive extra attention from defenders, Rondo can look for Wallace spotted up at the 3-point line.
--Enterprise News
--Enterprise News
Celtics Have to Do More than Score
1981-82 Boston Celtics
Bill Fitch tried to deliver his message very early. The game wasn't even two minutes old when he called a timeout to discuss defense, a subject the Boston Celtics have come to treat with total disdain.
First Calvin Natt was allowed a back-door layup with no Boston weak-side help for Larry Bird. Then Kelvin Ransey blew by Tiny Archibald for a layup down the lane, unbothered by man or beast. It was here, with Portland leading the Celtics by a 6-2 score, that Fitch attempted to set his team straight.
They didn't respond, but why should yesterday have been different from any other game in the past 17? Ever since the 99-98 triumph in Landover on Dec. 18, the Celtics have become a flat-out rotten defensive basketball team. Bird was able to see them through for a while with his noted seven-game spurt, but in the past two games, they have received exactly what they deserved. First there was a 118-106 loss to Seattle on Friday night. And now, for the first time this season, a second straight loss, this one a 123-119 defeat administered by the Trail Blazers yesterday.
Sure, Portland played a fine game. The Blazers received outstanding efforts from backcourt men Ransey (33 points, 10 assists) and Billy Ray Bates (15 of his 26 points in the fourth quarter), as well as a 20-point, nine- rebound contribution from the rugged Natt, a display that far transcended the stats. In addition, Portland did all the right team things down the stretch. The Blazers were far more ready to play than Boston, and like their Northwest adversaries on Friday night, they deserved the victory.
But that does not excuse the Celtics, who are in a complete mental slump. In both the Seattle and Portland losses, they were beaten by a mentally tougher team in their own building. World champions? Right now they'd be lucky to be considered city champs.
Don't be misled by the final score, a tally created by a long off-balance desperation three-pointer by Bird. The visitors had taken command of this game midway through the final period, expanding a 93-91 lead with 7:16 left to 103-95 on a breathtaking fast-break soar by Bates, who was every bit the awesome folk hero of the '80 playoffs on this occasion. That basket, which followed a missed Bird 20-footer, came with 4:11 left, and the Celtics would never again come closer than six points until the final Bird heave with three seconds to play.
Boston had managed to lead at both the halftime (55-54) and three-quarter (83-82) junctures despite receiving nothing offensively from Bird, who has officially reentered the ranks of the mortal with 15-for-41 shooting his last two games. The only reason for their status was the sensational offensive play of Robert Parish, who had scored 28 of his season-high 36 points by the end of the third period. Without Parish's arching turnarounds, the Celtics' flame would have been extinguished early in this one.
Indeed, it was a Parish turnaround from the right at 11:07 that provided the home squad with its final lead, 85-84. But Bates ("I think I played a pretty fair game") came through with a very strong left-to-right drive for a three-point play. Parish answered with two free throws, but Bates matched those two at 8:32 for a nonrefundable 89-87 lead.
In addition to their continuing defensive problems (all but two of Portland's 11 third-period field goals were on close-in shots of various types), the Celtics were again self-destructive at the foul line. Consider that from 97-91, Portland (6:25), to 107-100, Portland (2:18), Cedric Maxwell (three times), Parish and Kevin McHale each missed one of two free-throw attempts.
Portland was clearly the aggressor from the start, and it didn't take long for the Blazers to realize that it would be wise to take the ball to the hoop. Ransey was particularly destructive in the first half, scoring 18 points. "We played a lot of I Got Mine' defense for 40 minutes," said Fitch, "and now I'm out of my mind."
Right now, the Celtics are completely flat. Call it the January blahs. Call it championship complacency. Call it too much faith in a Let-Larry-Do-It offense. One more loss at home and we can call it a crisis.
Bill Fitch tried to deliver his message very early. The game wasn't even two minutes old when he called a timeout to discuss defense, a subject the Boston Celtics have come to treat with total disdain.
First Calvin Natt was allowed a back-door layup with no Boston weak-side help for Larry Bird. Then Kelvin Ransey blew by Tiny Archibald for a layup down the lane, unbothered by man or beast. It was here, with Portland leading the Celtics by a 6-2 score, that Fitch attempted to set his team straight.
They didn't respond, but why should yesterday have been different from any other game in the past 17? Ever since the 99-98 triumph in Landover on Dec. 18, the Celtics have become a flat-out rotten defensive basketball team. Bird was able to see them through for a while with his noted seven-game spurt, but in the past two games, they have received exactly what they deserved. First there was a 118-106 loss to Seattle on Friday night. And now, for the first time this season, a second straight loss, this one a 123-119 defeat administered by the Trail Blazers yesterday.
Sure, Portland played a fine game. The Blazers received outstanding efforts from backcourt men Ransey (33 points, 10 assists) and Billy Ray Bates (15 of his 26 points in the fourth quarter), as well as a 20-point, nine- rebound contribution from the rugged Natt, a display that far transcended the stats. In addition, Portland did all the right team things down the stretch. The Blazers were far more ready to play than Boston, and like their Northwest adversaries on Friday night, they deserved the victory.
But that does not excuse the Celtics, who are in a complete mental slump. In both the Seattle and Portland losses, they were beaten by a mentally tougher team in their own building. World champions? Right now they'd be lucky to be considered city champs.
Don't be misled by the final score, a tally created by a long off-balance desperation three-pointer by Bird. The visitors had taken command of this game midway through the final period, expanding a 93-91 lead with 7:16 left to 103-95 on a breathtaking fast-break soar by Bates, who was every bit the awesome folk hero of the '80 playoffs on this occasion. That basket, which followed a missed Bird 20-footer, came with 4:11 left, and the Celtics would never again come closer than six points until the final Bird heave with three seconds to play.
Boston had managed to lead at both the halftime (55-54) and three-quarter (83-82) junctures despite receiving nothing offensively from Bird, who has officially reentered the ranks of the mortal with 15-for-41 shooting his last two games. The only reason for their status was the sensational offensive play of Robert Parish, who had scored 28 of his season-high 36 points by the end of the third period. Without Parish's arching turnarounds, the Celtics' flame would have been extinguished early in this one.
Indeed, it was a Parish turnaround from the right at 11:07 that provided the home squad with its final lead, 85-84. But Bates ("I think I played a pretty fair game") came through with a very strong left-to-right drive for a three-point play. Parish answered with two free throws, but Bates matched those two at 8:32 for a nonrefundable 89-87 lead.
In addition to their continuing defensive problems (all but two of Portland's 11 third-period field goals were on close-in shots of various types), the Celtics were again self-destructive at the foul line. Consider that from 97-91, Portland (6:25), to 107-100, Portland (2:18), Cedric Maxwell (three times), Parish and Kevin McHale each missed one of two free-throw attempts.
Portland was clearly the aggressor from the start, and it didn't take long for the Blazers to realize that it would be wise to take the ball to the hoop. Ransey was particularly destructive in the first half, scoring 18 points. "We played a lot of I Got Mine' defense for 40 minutes," said Fitch, "and now I'm out of my mind."
Right now, the Celtics are completely flat. Call it the January blahs. Call it championship complacency. Call it too much faith in a Let-Larry-Do-It offense. One more loss at home and we can call it a crisis.
New Jersey Dot Com Weighs in on CJ Miles
C.J. Miles? The same C.J. Miles who has $11M coming to him over the next three years? The one who in the last two postseasons is shooting 32 percent and has one assist in 84 minutes? The one who plays the same position as the three young guys the want to build the team around? Pass. The kid has talent, but we wouldn't waste a trade exception on him. Of course, if you were to ask us if they should spend a few bucks on the market for Udoka, Barnes or Carney, that's another issue. But for now, a four remains the priority.
--LINK
Interesting. Very interesting. And here I was starting to wonder about timing. You know, as in CJ Miles being linked to the Celtics last week and the Jazz being linked to BBD this week.
--LINK
Interesting. Very interesting. And here I was starting to wonder about timing. You know, as in CJ Miles being linked to the Celtics last week and the Jazz being linked to BBD this week.
Pistons only Have $3.6m to Offer Bambino Grande
Defense Blamed for Second Straight Home Loss
Celtics Fall to 30-11
1981-82 Boston Celtics
If it were only the losing that mattered, then Bill Fitch might not be so upset. After all, for Boston to lose two straight games in the Garden is not the end of the world, although it hasn't happened since the end of the 1978-79 season.
If just one or two players were in a defensive rut, there would be no real flag waving over the Celtics practice floor today at Hellenic College.
But the breakdown in what was once one of the NBA's most physical and aggressive team defenses is now so obvious nobody has to ask why the Celtics' coach is now asking his players to look in the mirror and see who they really are.
"I don't know why," said Calvin Natt, whose 20 points was just one of many surprises by the Portland Trail Blazers who pulled off a stunning 123-119 victory over the Celtics yesterday.
"But I thought Boston would be much more physical. We were quicker and we penetrated. We beat them on the boards. They played a little lax today."
The Celtics, if the truth be known, have been anything but awesome of late. They are floundering in the midseason doldrums.
Last week the Celtics allowed the Knicks and Pacers to come much too close. The warning signs were there. In Friday's loss, Seattle had a field day against a sporadic defense. Yesterday, the Celtics hit a valley, or perhaps, the pits. Their only defense for much of the game was no defense at all.
"I could have posted up against our defense," suggested Fitch.
How bad was it? Well, Kelvin Ransey, a penetrating guard, weaved through the Celtics for 33 points as if he had a roadmap. Billy Ray Bates (26 points) did a victory jig everytime he touched the ball. And yes, the Celtics knew the Blazers were a guard-oriented team.
Worse yet, the Blazers controlled the boards, outrebounding the Celtics, 44 to 36. Thus, taking away the Green's finest weapon, the fastbreak. Boston shot 47 per cent (46-98). The Celtics were getting second and third shots and missing them, too, until the closing minutes. If Robert Parish hadn't had a hot hand - 36 points against the smaller Portland front line - the game might have been a rout for the Trail Blazers.
"There were some things going on out there that shouldn't have been happening," said Parish. "We're not playing 48 minutes of good basketball, particularly on defense. It's more than the penetration. We gave up second and third shots. We let men set up down low, and there is nothing you can do about it once they get the ball. We weren't helping out the way we have been in the past. We've got to regroup and pull ourselves together."
The 100-point mark has been a barometer of the Celtics. When they have scored 100 or more, their record is 23-8. When they are under, it is 7-3.Boston held teams under 100 points, it won 15 of 16 games. Ten of the Celtics' losses have been in games in which they've allowed teams more than 100 points.
So you can understand why Bill Fitch gives so much importance to defense. When the Celtics don't play it very well, they generally lose.
"When was the last time that we really played good defense?" Fitch asked. "It was about a month ago. Remember when everybody was talking about the way we held teams under 100 points, and how we were always 1-2-3 in defense. Well, we aren't doing that anymore.
"People have called us the best in pro basketball. Well, we're not playing like the best right now. I think the worst sin you can commit on defense in this league is to take things for granted. The name of the game is T-E-A-M. We're not playing it. Everybody wants to win. But not everybody is paying the price."
"People wonder how the 76ers are coming back without Darryl Dawkins. They're doing it with good team defense. Look at the Super Bowl. It's the one area pro football and basketball have in common. The most successful teams are those who play good defense."Larry Bird (6-for-18) had a rare off day and the outside shooting of Tiny Archibald, Kevin McHale, Chris Ford and Gerry Henderson could not stop the Trail Blazers from winning what was, for them, a very important game.
"But it doesn't work like that," said Parish. "We're a team, and we don't depend on just one guy to do all the scoring. We've been going to Larry lately because he's been hot. We win games because we don't concentrate on one guy. And if Larry is having an off night, it shouldn't affected us."
By their own admission, the Trail Blazers were up for the game, and usually the Celtics find a way to combat that enthusiasm.Holding on to a one- point lead (83-82) after three quarters, the Celtics ran into a buzzsaw. Trail Blazers cut loose.
"We opened up our game today," said Ransey. "We got some good high picks, and I just took it to them. I wasn't afraid to drive. Penetration seems to open up our entire offense. Our big men can shoot well, and they're quicker than the Celtics."
Bates must have thought for a time he was back in the Continental League playing for te Maine Lumberjacks. It was that easy, and none of the Celtics could slow him down.
"The coach has told us," said Bates, "that we've been shooting too many outside shots. So all of us just made up our mind to take it to the basket. Boston is bigger than we are. But we're much quicker. Whoever was playing me had to protect the lane for the drive because if they didn't, I'd take it right past them for the stuff. When they dropped out at the end, that's when I started to pop away."
The problem, said Fitch, is more basic than that. His club expects somebody to have a hot hand. It's how the Celtics were handling the situation that made him mad.
"How many times have I told these guys that if somebody is hot, you don't let him get the ball," said Fitch. "It wasn't that we weren't just playing well. We weren't playing smart. When somebody went after Ransey on the penetration, we didn't rotate on defense. Yet, if you look at the films, you'll see Portland rotating all game long.
"We had guys walking their lanes on fast breaks and walking when they should have been running. We have guys who think their jobs are secure, but they aren't."
1981-82 Boston Celtics
If it were only the losing that mattered, then Bill Fitch might not be so upset. After all, for Boston to lose two straight games in the Garden is not the end of the world, although it hasn't happened since the end of the 1978-79 season.
If just one or two players were in a defensive rut, there would be no real flag waving over the Celtics practice floor today at Hellenic College.
But the breakdown in what was once one of the NBA's most physical and aggressive team defenses is now so obvious nobody has to ask why the Celtics' coach is now asking his players to look in the mirror and see who they really are.
"I don't know why," said Calvin Natt, whose 20 points was just one of many surprises by the Portland Trail Blazers who pulled off a stunning 123-119 victory over the Celtics yesterday.
"But I thought Boston would be much more physical. We were quicker and we penetrated. We beat them on the boards. They played a little lax today."
The Celtics, if the truth be known, have been anything but awesome of late. They are floundering in the midseason doldrums.
Last week the Celtics allowed the Knicks and Pacers to come much too close. The warning signs were there. In Friday's loss, Seattle had a field day against a sporadic defense. Yesterday, the Celtics hit a valley, or perhaps, the pits. Their only defense for much of the game was no defense at all.
"I could have posted up against our defense," suggested Fitch.
How bad was it? Well, Kelvin Ransey, a penetrating guard, weaved through the Celtics for 33 points as if he had a roadmap. Billy Ray Bates (26 points) did a victory jig everytime he touched the ball. And yes, the Celtics knew the Blazers were a guard-oriented team.
Worse yet, the Blazers controlled the boards, outrebounding the Celtics, 44 to 36. Thus, taking away the Green's finest weapon, the fastbreak. Boston shot 47 per cent (46-98). The Celtics were getting second and third shots and missing them, too, until the closing minutes. If Robert Parish hadn't had a hot hand - 36 points against the smaller Portland front line - the game might have been a rout for the Trail Blazers.
"There were some things going on out there that shouldn't have been happening," said Parish. "We're not playing 48 minutes of good basketball, particularly on defense. It's more than the penetration. We gave up second and third shots. We let men set up down low, and there is nothing you can do about it once they get the ball. We weren't helping out the way we have been in the past. We've got to regroup and pull ourselves together."
The 100-point mark has been a barometer of the Celtics. When they have scored 100 or more, their record is 23-8. When they are under, it is 7-3.Boston held teams under 100 points, it won 15 of 16 games. Ten of the Celtics' losses have been in games in which they've allowed teams more than 100 points.
So you can understand why Bill Fitch gives so much importance to defense. When the Celtics don't play it very well, they generally lose.
"When was the last time that we really played good defense?" Fitch asked. "It was about a month ago. Remember when everybody was talking about the way we held teams under 100 points, and how we were always 1-2-3 in defense. Well, we aren't doing that anymore.
"People have called us the best in pro basketball. Well, we're not playing like the best right now. I think the worst sin you can commit on defense in this league is to take things for granted. The name of the game is T-E-A-M. We're not playing it. Everybody wants to win. But not everybody is paying the price."
"People wonder how the 76ers are coming back without Darryl Dawkins. They're doing it with good team defense. Look at the Super Bowl. It's the one area pro football and basketball have in common. The most successful teams are those who play good defense."Larry Bird (6-for-18) had a rare off day and the outside shooting of Tiny Archibald, Kevin McHale, Chris Ford and Gerry Henderson could not stop the Trail Blazers from winning what was, for them, a very important game.
"But it doesn't work like that," said Parish. "We're a team, and we don't depend on just one guy to do all the scoring. We've been going to Larry lately because he's been hot. We win games because we don't concentrate on one guy. And if Larry is having an off night, it shouldn't affected us."
By their own admission, the Trail Blazers were up for the game, and usually the Celtics find a way to combat that enthusiasm.Holding on to a one- point lead (83-82) after three quarters, the Celtics ran into a buzzsaw. Trail Blazers cut loose.
"We opened up our game today," said Ransey. "We got some good high picks, and I just took it to them. I wasn't afraid to drive. Penetration seems to open up our entire offense. Our big men can shoot well, and they're quicker than the Celtics."
Bates must have thought for a time he was back in the Continental League playing for te Maine Lumberjacks. It was that easy, and none of the Celtics could slow him down.
"The coach has told us," said Bates, "that we've been shooting too many outside shots. So all of us just made up our mind to take it to the basket. Boston is bigger than we are. But we're much quicker. Whoever was playing me had to protect the lane for the drive because if they didn't, I'd take it right past them for the stuff. When they dropped out at the end, that's when I started to pop away."
The problem, said Fitch, is more basic than that. His club expects somebody to have a hot hand. It's how the Celtics were handling the situation that made him mad.
"How many times have I told these guys that if somebody is hot, you don't let him get the ball," said Fitch. "It wasn't that we weren't just playing well. We weren't playing smart. When somebody went after Ransey on the penetration, we didn't rotate on defense. Yet, if you look at the films, you'll see Portland rotating all game long.
"We had guys walking their lanes on fast breaks and walking when they should have been running. We have guys who think their jobs are secure, but they aren't."
"JR Can Be Special at Defense"
"We think he has a chance to fight for minutes right away because of his defense. He's got incredible wingspan, great feet, and we feel that defensively he can be an NBA player right away."
--Doc Rivers
"He has some great physical skills that allow him to be special at defense."
--El Jeffe
While we're in the mood to give our kids another look, let's remind ourselves of the high praise Doc and Danny gave JR Giddens on draft day.
--Doc Rivers
"He has some great physical skills that allow him to be special at defense."
--El Jeffe
While we're in the mood to give our kids another look, let's remind ourselves of the high praise Doc and Danny gave JR Giddens on draft day.
L.O. Close to Re-Signing
The O.C. Register's Janis Carr recently yapped with Lakers Assistant General Manager Ronnie Lester about the team's ongoing talks with Lamar Odom. Carr says Lester informed her that LO's offer has been bumped "a little north of $8 million.” More or less what people have bandied about as the "magic number," so to speak. Lester also expressed confidence a deal could go down next week.
-- LA Times
-- LA Times
KG as Sixth Man
Unless Kevin Garnett is struggling following right knee surgery, there is no way that Rivers brings him off the bench. --Globe
No one liked my idea of using Baby as the back-up 3. Fine. But I don't see why bringing KG off the bench is considered so ridiculous. If it were up to me, KG would be playing 28-32 minutes per game. The best way to accomplish that is by bringing him off the bench. The first part of games don't matter any way, just look at the 2008 NBA Finals for proof. And the drop off between Sheed and KG won't be huge. Plus, you give Sheed a reward for signing with us, if that's what he wants. Most importantly, you now have a player who unquestionably brings energy off the bench and can make an immediate impact. No less important, he becomes the quarterback of a second unit that is starting to look intimidating.
No one liked my idea of using Baby as the back-up 3. Fine. But I don't see why bringing KG off the bench is considered so ridiculous. If it were up to me, KG would be playing 28-32 minutes per game. The best way to accomplish that is by bringing him off the bench. The first part of games don't matter any way, just look at the 2008 NBA Finals for proof. And the drop off between Sheed and KG won't be huge. Plus, you give Sheed a reward for signing with us, if that's what he wants. Most importantly, you now have a player who unquestionably brings energy off the bench and can make an immediate impact. No less important, he becomes the quarterback of a second unit that is starting to look intimidating.
The Standing Pat Option
The Celtics could save their biannual for a point guard or a big man by giving Bill Walker and JR Giddens a chance to back up Pierce. Ainge said he was impressed by the way both played during last week’s Orlando Pro Summer League. Considering backing up Pierce would only mean 10-15 minutes per game, it may not be a bad idea to go with one of the young guys.
--Globe
I'm Confused
So we need someone to back-up Paul Pierce, preferably someone who can also back up Ray Allen. Supposedly Tyronn Lue is high on our "want" list, too. Lue plays point guard. So say we get Jamario Moon and Lue. Exactly when is Eddie House supposed to play and at what position? Last night I was watching the last couple of minutes of Game 7 against Cleveland.
Guess who was on the floor?
Yup. E.House.
Then you have game 4 of the NBA Finals.
I hope someone upstairs remembers E.House is on the roster, too.
Guess who was on the floor?
Yup. E.House.
Then you have game 4 of the NBA Finals.
I hope someone upstairs remembers E.House is on the roster, too.
Cavs Targeting Potential Celtics
The Cavs starting line-up currently includes Delonte West and LeBron James. They just added swingman Anthony Parker, someone the Celtics reportedly had their eye on. Cleveland should be good to go, right? Nope. Now they are trying to land Matt Barnes, another player the Celtics have expressed interest in. Failing that, the Cavs will go after Linas Kleiza and Hakim Warrick, two more swingmen. I haven't seen the name Jamario Moon linked to the Cavs, but now that Moon is showing up on the Celtics' radar, I expect D.Ferry to go after him as well. Better throw the name Marquis Daniels on the list, too. Both lists, I mean.
1981-82 C's Still Not Playing Championship Caliber Ball
1981-82 Boston Celtics
What is remarkable about the 1981-82 Boston Celtics is the unremarkable way in which they have accumulated the best record in the league.
There have been few distinguished home displays, at least not by the lofty standards generally applied to this particular club. Boston's superiority over most teams has been easily established in almost every home game. Consider that in both the loss to Houston and the loss to Chicago, the Celtics led by at least 15 points in the third quarter before surrendering control of the game. It would have been very, very easy for the Celtics to be undefeated at home going into today's game with Portland.
And yet there have been few total demonstrations of power, only an occasional affirmation of specific strengths. The Celtics have been winning games in the manner expected of defending champions, which is to say that they play with a confidence, bordering on arrogance, that allows them to play as well as they have to, when they have to.
There can simply be no question but that the Celtics have yet to put together a stretch of total team basketball of, shall we say, championship basketball. They've won on offense. They've won on defense, especially in the early part of the season. They have won thanks to the bench, and despite it. They have enjoyed superb individual stretches of basketball by the likes of Larry Bird, Tiny Archibald, Robert Parish and Kevin McHale. However, there has yet to be a period when the soloists have united to form a tight band. The total synchronization of front-line production at both ends, backed up by consistently useful bench performances, has yet to materialize.
Bill Fitch has said from the beginning of training camp that his big task this season would be to find a new "recipe," a new form of attack, if the team is to repeat as champions. Making his task difficult has been the decline of Chris Ford, who often is not involved in the offense and who has looked slower than ever on defense. Whereas last season it could be argued that Ford's drop in scoring production was largely attributable to a shift in emphasis from outside to inside - the better to exploit the skills of Messrs. Parish and McHale - now there is no doubt that his drooping totals are due to advancing age.
Fitch's major task in the remainder of the regular season will be to firm up the big-guard spot, juggling Ford (who is by no means finished), Gerry Henderson and M.L. Carr. The potential for second-guessing is enormous, and Fitch is not to be envied.
However, for every frustrating moment Fitch will spend agonizing over the big-guard position, he'll have 10 delightful ones thinking about a frontcourt that is the envy of basketball. No other team can rotate five players the caliber of Bird, Parish, McHale, Cedric Maxwell and Rick Robey. Indeed, no front court in the history of basketball has ever been so big, so mobile and so deep in quality.
Fitch rhapsodizes about obtaining a true "small" forward, a greyhound along the lines of Walter Davis, Jamaal Wilkes, Alex English or Mike Mitchell, but it's less of an issue than it used to be now that Maxwell has advanced far enough defensively to handle these types. The truth is that Boston is far more difficult to match up with than any other team. Do you put your big guy or your small guy on Bird? And if you put your big guy on him, you'd better be aware that the small forward who can prevent Maxwell from having his own way inside doesn't exist. And what do you do when McHale comes in, especially, because he is such a remarkable outside shooter for a man 6-foot-10?
Moreover, there can be no exaggerating the impact of Bird, who attracts more converts nightly to the premise that he is, at the very least, the best forward who has ever lived. Midway through his third professional season, this 25-year-old basketball PhD is in total command of his game. There is no better passer, at any size, no better clinical rebounder (the only ways to get an offensive rebound on him are to knock him out of the way and get away with it or jump over him), no better clutch shooter or no faster thinker. He is the only forward in history to make everyone on his team a better player.
Reason dictates that the Celtics have their best basketball ahead of them, if only because they have emulated their 1980-81 team play so infrequently. Granted, observers in any other city would be heaping praise on a 31-9 club. But this is not an ordinary team. Intense scrutiny comes with the territory; the Celtics know that.
What is remarkable about the 1981-82 Boston Celtics is the unremarkable way in which they have accumulated the best record in the league.
There have been few distinguished home displays, at least not by the lofty standards generally applied to this particular club. Boston's superiority over most teams has been easily established in almost every home game. Consider that in both the loss to Houston and the loss to Chicago, the Celtics led by at least 15 points in the third quarter before surrendering control of the game. It would have been very, very easy for the Celtics to be undefeated at home going into today's game with Portland.
And yet there have been few total demonstrations of power, only an occasional affirmation of specific strengths. The Celtics have been winning games in the manner expected of defending champions, which is to say that they play with a confidence, bordering on arrogance, that allows them to play as well as they have to, when they have to.
There can simply be no question but that the Celtics have yet to put together a stretch of total team basketball of, shall we say, championship basketball. They've won on offense. They've won on defense, especially in the early part of the season. They have won thanks to the bench, and despite it. They have enjoyed superb individual stretches of basketball by the likes of Larry Bird, Tiny Archibald, Robert Parish and Kevin McHale. However, there has yet to be a period when the soloists have united to form a tight band. The total synchronization of front-line production at both ends, backed up by consistently useful bench performances, has yet to materialize.
Bill Fitch has said from the beginning of training camp that his big task this season would be to find a new "recipe," a new form of attack, if the team is to repeat as champions. Making his task difficult has been the decline of Chris Ford, who often is not involved in the offense and who has looked slower than ever on defense. Whereas last season it could be argued that Ford's drop in scoring production was largely attributable to a shift in emphasis from outside to inside - the better to exploit the skills of Messrs. Parish and McHale - now there is no doubt that his drooping totals are due to advancing age.
Fitch's major task in the remainder of the regular season will be to firm up the big-guard spot, juggling Ford (who is by no means finished), Gerry Henderson and M.L. Carr. The potential for second-guessing is enormous, and Fitch is not to be envied.
However, for every frustrating moment Fitch will spend agonizing over the big-guard position, he'll have 10 delightful ones thinking about a frontcourt that is the envy of basketball. No other team can rotate five players the caliber of Bird, Parish, McHale, Cedric Maxwell and Rick Robey. Indeed, no front court in the history of basketball has ever been so big, so mobile and so deep in quality.
Fitch rhapsodizes about obtaining a true "small" forward, a greyhound along the lines of Walter Davis, Jamaal Wilkes, Alex English or Mike Mitchell, but it's less of an issue than it used to be now that Maxwell has advanced far enough defensively to handle these types. The truth is that Boston is far more difficult to match up with than any other team. Do you put your big guy or your small guy on Bird? And if you put your big guy on him, you'd better be aware that the small forward who can prevent Maxwell from having his own way inside doesn't exist. And what do you do when McHale comes in, especially, because he is such a remarkable outside shooter for a man 6-foot-10?
Moreover, there can be no exaggerating the impact of Bird, who attracts more converts nightly to the premise that he is, at the very least, the best forward who has ever lived. Midway through his third professional season, this 25-year-old basketball PhD is in total command of his game. There is no better passer, at any size, no better clinical rebounder (the only ways to get an offensive rebound on him are to knock him out of the way and get away with it or jump over him), no better clutch shooter or no faster thinker. He is the only forward in history to make everyone on his team a better player.
Reason dictates that the Celtics have their best basketball ahead of them, if only because they have emulated their 1980-81 team play so infrequently. Granted, observers in any other city would be heaping praise on a 31-9 club. But this is not an ordinary team. Intense scrutiny comes with the territory; the Celtics know that.
Sheed Washed Up?
At 34, Sheed was 9th in NBA Defensive Rebounding percentage at 24% last season. He makes a very good rebounding team even better, besides everything else. He was 20th in Defensive Rating, and 4th best in turnover pct. And that is in a year that people said he stopped playing hard after a point in the season. He plays inside and out and does both very well. Smart, emotional, and still a game changer when he wants to be.
--Link
If you go back and look at the free agent rankings before July 1st, Sheed was ranked anywhere from 10-20. Now he's #1. I guess that means he looks really good next to Kevin Garnett. The other thing that is changing is the perception that Sheed quit playing last year, or, alternatively, that he only played once in a while. I'm not sure how you rank high in the above categories only playing once in a while.
Sign and Trades
Lots of talk out there about sign and trade deals involving the Celtics. On the one side of the ledger, any such deal could involve Glen Davis signing and then being traded. Perhaps that's why the Celtics are taking an extra look at Mike Sweetney. On the other side of the ledger, another team signs its free agent to a contract, and then trades him to us for the flotsam and jetsam occupying our bench last year.
Seems Mr. Ainge ain't too hip on my idea of using BBD as a back-up three. He's gonna get his James-Posey prototype come hell or high water. Jamario Moon may just be that guy.
Seems Mr. Ainge ain't too hip on my idea of using BBD as a back-up three. He's gonna get his James-Posey prototype come hell or high water. Jamario Moon may just be that guy.
Celtics Want a Moon shot?
There still are free agents who interest them - notably restricted free agent Jamario Moon, a younger player in the Hill mold. But the Celtics can’t afford Moon unless his price significantly drops. A league source said yesterday the Celtics have investigated sign-and-trade possibilities with other teams - a scenario that could theoretically work in a move for Moon, who finished last season with Miami. The Celts also have expiring contracts of varying sizes to offer.
--Globe
--Globe
Pruitt Shows Flashes of Being Dynamic Point
And Gabe Pruitt had his strongest showing of the week on Friday, dishing out nine assists. Pruitt was well aware that Boston coach and Orlando resident Doc Rivers was in the stands on Friday and he was anxious to show him that he could be a competent point guard behind Rajon Rondo. He solved his turnovers from early in the week and showed flashes of being a dynamic playmaker.
Link
Link
Posey or BBD?
Now that Grant Hill has decided to follow the career path of Bernard King, who as a free agent in 1987 chose the Washington Bullets over the Boston Celtics, its time to explore some other options, one in particular. Let's start with the facts.
Paul Pierce, if healthy, is gonna play lots-0-minutes, a minimum of 32 minutes per game, and that's a conservative estimate. This leaves a maximum of 16 minutes per game we have to fill at the three. Sheed is gonna take a few of those minutes. Let's say four minutes. Now we have 12 left. What's the best way to fill these minutes?
Celtics management is fond of drafting bulky, undersized bigs who Celtics fans then compare to Charles Barkley. Brandon Hunter comes to mind, as does Glen Davis. I believe someone else fits the bill, but right now I'm drawing a blank.
Back to BBD.
He's no Charles Barkley, who played a fair amount of minutes at the 3 early in his career. Chaz was a better rebounder, a better leaper, and a better shot blocker. Chaz had better range, and was better in the open floor. He was just better. One of the best of all time. Big Baby? Not so much. But let's not sell him short either. Davis has some range, can dunk and blocks a few shots. Davis may just be a better defender than Chaz, too. He's also taller than Barkley, and no less afraid to throw his weight around than was the Round Mound of Rebound.
So what am I getting at?
The other day various Celtics blogs and message boards were talking about a sign-and-trade with New Orleans, whereby we'd sign the Bambino Grande and then trade him to the Hornets. Needless to say, we'd get the man I call "Nails" in return, good old James Posey. Virtual pandemonium spread across Celtics Nation at the mere thought of James Posey returning to Boston. I'm here to question the wisdom of that idea.
What if we re-signed Glen Davis, and instead of trading him, we kept him and played him at the three (in addition to playing him at the 4 and 5 spots)? No he's not tall and lanky like Posey, but he is a wide load and fairly quick on his feet. Posey had an off year last year, while BBD had something close to a break-out season, especially if you take into account his performance in the playoffs. So one player is getting old (33 next year) and showing decline in playing ability, while the other player is young (23) and just starting to come into his own.
Will BBD be a lock down defender against 3s during his 12 minutes? Highly unlikely. But would James Posey be as effective on defense as he was two years ago? Meanwhile, matching up Baby against an opposing 3 would be a bruising experience for the other guy, and I mean really bruising. Sure, there will be a few 3s taller than Baby, like Lamar Odom. But BBD has already shown that he can defend players much taller than him, though usually these taller players are not mobile 3s, and if the game's on the line and we need a tall 3, that's why we have Sheed and Garnett. Earlier in the game, though, let's have Baby beat up and beat down that same player for a good 8-12 minutes.
Psychologically, it's entirely possible that a BBD beat-down at the 3 might do more damage than could frenetic defense from a tall and skinny 3, and as the Celtics and other defensive-minded teams have proven, psychologically damaging defense takes its toll over 48 minutes.
Maybe I'm nuts. Maybe what we really need is a tall and skinny swingman. But bringing back BBD and playing him at the 3 gives him his best chance to be a poor man's Charles Barkley, not that this should be a goal necessarily, but it would be fun to watch how it worked.
Paul Pierce, if healthy, is gonna play lots-0-minutes, a minimum of 32 minutes per game, and that's a conservative estimate. This leaves a maximum of 16 minutes per game we have to fill at the three. Sheed is gonna take a few of those minutes. Let's say four minutes. Now we have 12 left. What's the best way to fill these minutes?
Celtics management is fond of drafting bulky, undersized bigs who Celtics fans then compare to Charles Barkley. Brandon Hunter comes to mind, as does Glen Davis. I believe someone else fits the bill, but right now I'm drawing a blank.
Back to BBD.
He's no Charles Barkley, who played a fair amount of minutes at the 3 early in his career. Chaz was a better rebounder, a better leaper, and a better shot blocker. Chaz had better range, and was better in the open floor. He was just better. One of the best of all time. Big Baby? Not so much. But let's not sell him short either. Davis has some range, can dunk and blocks a few shots. Davis may just be a better defender than Chaz, too. He's also taller than Barkley, and no less afraid to throw his weight around than was the Round Mound of Rebound.
So what am I getting at?
The other day various Celtics blogs and message boards were talking about a sign-and-trade with New Orleans, whereby we'd sign the Bambino Grande and then trade him to the Hornets. Needless to say, we'd get the man I call "Nails" in return, good old James Posey. Virtual pandemonium spread across Celtics Nation at the mere thought of James Posey returning to Boston. I'm here to question the wisdom of that idea.
What if we re-signed Glen Davis, and instead of trading him, we kept him and played him at the three (in addition to playing him at the 4 and 5 spots)? No he's not tall and lanky like Posey, but he is a wide load and fairly quick on his feet. Posey had an off year last year, while BBD had something close to a break-out season, especially if you take into account his performance in the playoffs. So one player is getting old (33 next year) and showing decline in playing ability, while the other player is young (23) and just starting to come into his own.
Will BBD be a lock down defender against 3s during his 12 minutes? Highly unlikely. But would James Posey be as effective on defense as he was two years ago? Meanwhile, matching up Baby against an opposing 3 would be a bruising experience for the other guy, and I mean really bruising. Sure, there will be a few 3s taller than Baby, like Lamar Odom. But BBD has already shown that he can defend players much taller than him, though usually these taller players are not mobile 3s, and if the game's on the line and we need a tall 3, that's why we have Sheed and Garnett. Earlier in the game, though, let's have Baby beat up and beat down that same player for a good 8-12 minutes.
Psychologically, it's entirely possible that a BBD beat-down at the 3 might do more damage than could frenetic defense from a tall and skinny 3, and as the Celtics and other defensive-minded teams have proven, psychologically damaging defense takes its toll over 48 minutes.
Maybe I'm nuts. Maybe what we really need is a tall and skinny swingman. But bringing back BBD and playing him at the 3 gives him his best chance to be a poor man's Charles Barkley, not that this should be a goal necessarily, but it would be fun to watch how it worked.
"We're Working on Other Guys, Too"
Doc assures us the Celtics have a Plan B, C, and D in a radio interview that took place before Grant Hill decided that he wanted to finish his career with the Tuscon Timber of the NBDL.
Link
Link
Fitch Not Worried About Home Loss
1981-82 Boston Celtics
The terminology bothers Bill Fitch. When his Celtics lose at home, people start saying Boston has to regroup in a hurry. Fitch thinks that's baloney.
"I don't think regroup is the right word," the Celtics ' coach said after practice yesterday at Hellenic College. "We've won six of the last seven. And the game we lost Friday night was to a very good team that has won nine out of the last 10. We were in it for three quarters. It wasn't as though we had fallen apart.
"The Sonics lost to Washington a couple of nights before they played us. Did they regroup? I guess being a champion and being expected to win every night goes with the territory. But it wasn't from lack of effort that we lost to Seattle. It's just that we played sporadically, and they played very well. We played well enough to win a month ago. But this is another month and we're not going to win any of the big ones if we continue to play like that."
Perhaps it was beginning to look as if the Celtics were invincible at home (18-3 after Friday night). Larry Bird has been in a sizzling streak, and if he didn't do it, the Celtics' bench rose to the occasion. But when Seattle posted a 118-106 victory here Friday night, it gave the Celtics a painful reminder that the best overall record (30-10) in the NBA will not be maintained on reputation alone.
Another Western Conference power, Portland, is at the Garden today (noon, Ch. 4, WRKO). And, said Fitch, "Portland (21-18) is capable of doing the same thing. We've got to get better outside shooting. Bird (25 points) was the only consistent scorer Friday. We need a better fourth quarter."
Portland doesn't figure to have another 1-2 performance like the one Lonnie Shelton (37 points) and Gus Williams (36) put on for Seattle. Shelton hit 17 of 23 shots, and Williams 16 of 28. Boston was outrebounded, 46-44.
The Trail Blazers, who come to town on a three-game losing streak, shot only 35 percent in the first half in a 110-97 loss to Washington Friday night. But they do have three excellent shooters in Calvin Natt, Mychal Thompson and Kelvin Ransey.
The terminology bothers Bill Fitch. When his Celtics lose at home, people start saying Boston has to regroup in a hurry. Fitch thinks that's baloney.
"I don't think regroup is the right word," the Celtics ' coach said after practice yesterday at Hellenic College. "We've won six of the last seven. And the game we lost Friday night was to a very good team that has won nine out of the last 10. We were in it for three quarters. It wasn't as though we had fallen apart.
"The Sonics lost to Washington a couple of nights before they played us. Did they regroup? I guess being a champion and being expected to win every night goes with the territory. But it wasn't from lack of effort that we lost to Seattle. It's just that we played sporadically, and they played very well. We played well enough to win a month ago. But this is another month and we're not going to win any of the big ones if we continue to play like that."
Perhaps it was beginning to look as if the Celtics were invincible at home (18-3 after Friday night). Larry Bird has been in a sizzling streak, and if he didn't do it, the Celtics' bench rose to the occasion. But when Seattle posted a 118-106 victory here Friday night, it gave the Celtics a painful reminder that the best overall record (30-10) in the NBA will not be maintained on reputation alone.
Another Western Conference power, Portland, is at the Garden today (noon, Ch. 4, WRKO). And, said Fitch, "Portland (21-18) is capable of doing the same thing. We've got to get better outside shooting. Bird (25 points) was the only consistent scorer Friday. We need a better fourth quarter."
Portland doesn't figure to have another 1-2 performance like the one Lonnie Shelton (37 points) and Gus Williams (36) put on for Seattle. Shelton hit 17 of 23 shots, and Williams 16 of 28. Boston was outrebounded, 46-44.
The Trail Blazers, who come to town on a three-game losing streak, shot only 35 percent in the first half in a 110-97 loss to Washington Friday night. But they do have three excellent shooters in Calvin Natt, Mychal Thompson and Kelvin Ransey.
Sonics Hand C's Third Home Loss of Year
Celtics Fall to 30-10
1981-82 Boston Celtics
The difference between the Seattle SuperSonics of 1980-81 and the Seattle SuperSonics who are a legitimate contender for the 1982 championship was amply demonstrated to the 48th consecutive Garden sellout crowd last night when Lonnie Shelton and Gus Williams divided 73 points to pace the visitors to an impressive 118-106 triumph over the Celtics .
This All-Star duo destroyed the Celtics , period. Shelton, who was so corpulent on the Fourth of July that walking from his car to a gymnasium was a marathon jaunt, poured in a season-high 37 points on spectacular 17-for-23 shooting. Williams, who sat out the entire '81-82 season in a contract dispute with owner Sam Schulman (a jubilant press-table spectator), had 36 on his usual asortment of unstoppable jumpers and sneakaway layups. Shelton's playing time had been restricted last sea
1981-82 Boston Celtics
The difference between the Seattle SuperSonics of 1980-81 and the Seattle SuperSonics who are a legitimate contender for the 1982 championship was amply demonstrated to the 48th consecutive Garden sellout crowd last night when Lonnie Shelton and Gus Williams divided 73 points to pace the visitors to an impressive 118-106 triumph over the Celtics .
This All-Star duo destroyed the Celtics , period. Shelton, who was so corpulent on the Fourth of July that walking from his car to a gymnasium was a marathon jaunt, poured in a season-high 37 points on spectacular 17-for-23 shooting. Williams, who sat out the entire '81-82 season in a contract dispute with owner Sam Schulman (a jubilant press-table spectator), had 36 on his usual asortment of unstoppable jumpers and sneakaway layups. Shelton's playing time had been restricted last sea