7.31.2009
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.
7.30.2009
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).
7.29.2009
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.
7.28.2009
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.
7.27.2009
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.
7.26.2009
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.
7.25.2009
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.
7.24.2009
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.
7.23.2009
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."
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