The Difference between this Year and Two Years Ago

stop (stp)

v. stopped, stop·ping, stops

1. To close by covering, filling in, or plugging up.

2. To constrict.

3. To obstruct or block passage on.

4. To prevent the flow or passage of: stop supplies from getting through.

5.

a. To halt the motion or progress of: stopped me and asked directions.

b. To block or deflect; parry or ward off.

c. To be or get in the way of (a bullet or other missile); be killed or wounded by.

6.

a. To cause to desist or to change a course of action: stopped us from continuing the argument.

b. To prevent or restrain: stopped him from going.

Other than Ubuntu, what was the word we most associated with the Boston Celtics during the 2007-08 NBA season? Answer: defense. We got stops when we needed them. The most memorable scene occurred during game 4 of the NBA Finals. During a time out, down 20, Doc told the troops that they weren't playing all that bad, but they had to start making plays. They needed to get stops.

That's what they proceeded to do. They put down the hammer. This squad doesn't do that. It isn't capable of doing it, at least not now. The key to the defense is former Defensive Player of the Year, Kevin Garnett. It's nice when he shoots 6-7 from the field. But that isn't what we need from him. What we need is the dominating presence on the glass and in the lane. We need the quarterback directing traffic, helping from the week side, and volunteering himself for the toughest assignments. He doesn't do much of this anymore, and, in fact, he's not up to the toughest assignments. He's a shadow of his former self on defense. Sheed, supposedly a mirror image of KG's good self, instead is just a mirror of KG's old and injured self.

It's too bad the Celtics still don't have James Posey on this roster. Not because he'd help. But because he'd fit in. He's old and beat up now, too.