Antoine Walker's Rookie Season
2/9/97
Last night, Antoine Walker was one of 16 players in the third annual Rookie Game, coached by Celtics czar emeritus Red Auerbach. He had 20 points, 9 rebounds, 1 airball free throw and led the team with 16 shots in 23 minutes. Red's team won, 96-91.
He isn't quite ready for the Hall of Fame yet. Or, for that matter, the real All-Star Game. He still can do incredibly wild things on the floor, and neither his field goal percentage nor free throw shooting is going to threaten the record books. He's a player. He's a '90s player, not especially sound on the fundamentals, but so incredibly gifted and athletic that he does things no one else does.
Midway through Walker's first NBA season, you have to look long and hard to find anyone who doesn't like this kid. Auerbach likes him a lot. "He's one of my favorites," Red gushed.He leads all rookies in rebounds (8.4). Among last night's contestants, he was fourth in scoring (14.7), fourth in minutes (32.2), second in steals (1.17) and sixth in assists (2.3).
Read more.
Showing posts with label Antoine Walker's Rookie Campaign. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Antoine Walker's Rookie Campaign. Show all posts
1.25.2009
1.20.2009
P-R-I-D-E
Antoine Walker's Rookie Season
2/1/97
You have heard of inspirational halftime speeches. They are a part of sports. To get their teams out of deep funks, coaches attempt to summon words that will act as verbal kicks in the backside.
That didn't happen for the Celtics and M.L. Carr last night at the FleetCenter. Here's why: Some people don't listen well after being awakened abruptly. And since the Celtics were virtually snoring through the first half against the Trail Blazers, trailing by 18 points, Carr decided he didn't need to be an orator at halftime. Instead, he needed to write.
So "pride" was scribbled on a board. The Celtics then took the court, slipped behind by 23, and came back to win, 111-105. They broke a seven-game losing streak and earned their first win in 10 Friday night games at home. Antoine Walker said he had "a bad game" but still managed 16 points, six rebounds and four blocked shots.
2/1/97
You have heard of inspirational halftime speeches. They are a part of sports. To get their teams out of deep funks, coaches attempt to summon words that will act as verbal kicks in the backside.
That didn't happen for the Celtics and M.L. Carr last night at the FleetCenter. Here's why: Some people don't listen well after being awakened abruptly. And since the Celtics were virtually snoring through the first half against the Trail Blazers, trailing by 18 points, Carr decided he didn't need to be an orator at halftime. Instead, he needed to write.
So "pride" was scribbled on a board. The Celtics then took the court, slipped behind by 23, and came back to win, 111-105. They broke a seven-game losing streak and earned their first win in 10 Friday night games at home. Antoine Walker said he had "a bad game" but still managed 16 points, six rebounds and four blocked shots.
1.16.2009
Antoine is Center of Attention
Antoine Walker's Rookie Campaign
2/1/97
M.L. Carr knew he'd be filling his center position "by committee" going into the season. The problem is that his committee --Dino Radja, Pervis Ellison, Frank Brickowski and Alton Lister -- is now a committee of one--Antoine Walker, after Lister missed another game hamstring problems. Radja (knee surgery) is out for the season, Ellison (toe) won't be back any time soon, and Brickowski (shoulder surgery) will be sidelined at least another month.
Despite going up against bigger and more experienced centers, the rookie has recently chipped in with 28- and 27-point performances, respectively, against Rony Seikaly and Patrick Ewing. Marty Conlon has seen some time in the pivot, but Conlon was doubtful for last night's game at the Fleet Center against Portland because of an ankle sprain. Brett Szabo, who has signed on for the remainder of the season, will also get some minutes.
Walker, Conlon, and Szabo were hardly in Carr's preseason plans at center. Second-round draft pick Steve Hamer was, but preseason knee surgery has kept him out. Hamer, who resumed practicing New Year's Day, could make his debut soon -- and Carr said he'll get some quick on-the-job training.
"We thought we had that center position covered and covered well," said Carr after yesterday morning's light shootaround at Brandeis. "But we've been forced to pare down to the point where we have a 6-9 center, a rookie, to run that position. It's not something we want to keep Antoine doing because he's going to get worn down. But by virtue of him playing there, he is learning another area, and it can only help him long term.
"Hey, he's played all five positions this year, so this morning I asked him if he could help me and play them all at one time," laughed Carr, who added that Walker's extra minutes -- in the pivot and everywhere else -- have put his development "ahead of schedule. We were bringing him along pretty slowly earlier this year, and I know it was frustrating for him.
"I said eventually he'd get his time, and that time came ahead of what I planned to do. And Antoine's responded very well. The other night in New York against Patrick, he had 27 points and 16 rebounds. The one thing that Antoine's doing that all the great ones do is he's really starting to rebound. If he does that, well, that's what guys like Larry (Bird) and (Charles) Barkley did that set them apart."
2/1/97
M.L. Carr knew he'd be filling his center position "by committee" going into the season. The problem is that his committee --Dino Radja, Pervis Ellison, Frank Brickowski and Alton Lister -- is now a committee of one--Antoine Walker, after Lister missed another game hamstring problems. Radja (knee surgery) is out for the season, Ellison (toe) won't be back any time soon, and Brickowski (shoulder surgery) will be sidelined at least another month.
Despite going up against bigger and more experienced centers, the rookie has recently chipped in with 28- and 27-point performances, respectively, against Rony Seikaly and Patrick Ewing. Marty Conlon has seen some time in the pivot, but Conlon was doubtful for last night's game at the Fleet Center against Portland because of an ankle sprain. Brett Szabo, who has signed on for the remainder of the season, will also get some minutes.
Walker, Conlon, and Szabo were hardly in Carr's preseason plans at center. Second-round draft pick Steve Hamer was, but preseason knee surgery has kept him out. Hamer, who resumed practicing New Year's Day, could make his debut soon -- and Carr said he'll get some quick on-the-job training.
"We thought we had that center position covered and covered well," said Carr after yesterday morning's light shootaround at Brandeis. "But we've been forced to pare down to the point where we have a 6-9 center, a rookie, to run that position. It's not something we want to keep Antoine doing because he's going to get worn down. But by virtue of him playing there, he is learning another area, and it can only help him long term.
"Hey, he's played all five positions this year, so this morning I asked him if he could help me and play them all at one time," laughed Carr, who added that Walker's extra minutes -- in the pivot and everywhere else -- have put his development "ahead of schedule. We were bringing him along pretty slowly earlier this year, and I know it was frustrating for him.
"I said eventually he'd get his time, and that time came ahead of what I planned to do. And Antoine's responded very well. The other night in New York against Patrick, he had 27 points and 16 rebounds. The one thing that Antoine's doing that all the great ones do is he's really starting to rebound. If he does that, well, that's what guys like Larry (Bird) and (Charles) Barkley did that set them apart."
11.25.2008
Antoine Logging Minutes at the 5-Spot
Antoine Walker's Rookie Year
1/25/97
The Orlando Magic came to town and it was indeed a magical night at the FleetCenter, where the Celtics overcame an 8-point, fourth-quarter deficit, sent the game into overtime after nearly winning it, then finally, grudgingly, succumbed in the final minute of OT, 121-117.
Antoine Walker, again forced to play center, had his moments of brilliance, scoring 8 quick points in the third quarter which, combined with a Wesley 3-point play, gave the Celtics a 68-62 lead midway through the period.
Walker nearly shrieked when he saw what was happening. "Hey, hey," he said, "you don't want to look at that. It's ugly."
He was talking about the boxscore from Friday night's game against the Magic.
Ugly? What was so ugly about it?
It showed that Walker played 46 minutes. Since he has wanted more playing time, that couldn't have been the problem. Neither was the 28-point, 10-rebound, 4-assist portion. But there, in the middle of the sheet, was the eyesore: Walker was 3 of 9 from the free throw line. Once again, if you want to dissect the numbers of the Celtics' 4-point overtime loss to Orlando, you could say that an additional five successful freebies by Walker could have produced victory.
1/25/97
The Orlando Magic came to town and it was indeed a magical night at the FleetCenter, where the Celtics overcame an 8-point, fourth-quarter deficit, sent the game into overtime after nearly winning it, then finally, grudgingly, succumbed in the final minute of OT, 121-117.
Antoine Walker, again forced to play center, had his moments of brilliance, scoring 8 quick points in the third quarter which, combined with a Wesley 3-point play, gave the Celtics a 68-62 lead midway through the period.
Walker nearly shrieked when he saw what was happening. "Hey, hey," he said, "you don't want to look at that. It's ugly."
He was talking about the boxscore from Friday night's game against the Magic.
Ugly? What was so ugly about it?
It showed that Walker played 46 minutes. Since he has wanted more playing time, that couldn't have been the problem. Neither was the 28-point, 10-rebound, 4-assist portion. But there, in the middle of the sheet, was the eyesore: Walker was 3 of 9 from the free throw line. Once again, if you want to dissect the numbers of the Celtics' 4-point overtime loss to Orlando, you could say that an additional five successful freebies by Walker could have produced victory.
11.17.2008
C's Lose 11 of 12, as Walker Clangs 'em from the Stripe
Antoine Walker's Rookie Campaign
12/23/96
The Celtics lost to the Hornets, 102-98, last night at the FleetCenter. Forget that score. The issue is this: The Celtics are seeking advice from any person who ever has started a job and completed it. That's it.
Here's a warning: Do not be deceived by the final 19.3 seconds. David Wesley was not the reason the Celtics lost for the 11th time in 12 games. "I would never give myself that much credit," he said. "If I had made the last shot, I wouldn't say I won the game for us, either."
Rick Fox was not the reason the Celtics lost. Neither was Antoine Walker, who missed five free throws in the fourth quarter, free throws that would have given the Celtics a tie if they had been made at the 8:17 mark (87-85) and the lead if they had been made at 2:41 (92-91).
At times, the Celtics rookie makes the taxing parts of this game look routine. But the free side of the NBA has been so difficult that Walker is now leasing property in the statistical Land of Shaq.
Walker: 47 free throws made, 87 attempted, 54 percent.
O'Neal: 133 free throws made, 267 attempted, 50 percent.
"The thing that hurts me most is that I've had some big misses in the fourth quarter," Walker said. "I'm hurting the team and I'm hurting myself."
"What do we have, 58 games left? By the end of the season, I think I can be up to 78, 80 percent," Walker said.
"I work on them all the time," Walker said of his freebies. "I struggled with them a little bit in college, but never like this." He was 2 of 8 from the line last night, a stat that will make his 14 points and nine rebounds irrelevant.
12/23/96
The Celtics lost to the Hornets, 102-98, last night at the FleetCenter. Forget that score. The issue is this: The Celtics are seeking advice from any person who ever has started a job and completed it. That's it.
Here's a warning: Do not be deceived by the final 19.3 seconds. David Wesley was not the reason the Celtics lost for the 11th time in 12 games. "I would never give myself that much credit," he said. "If I had made the last shot, I wouldn't say I won the game for us, either."
Rick Fox was not the reason the Celtics lost. Neither was Antoine Walker, who missed five free throws in the fourth quarter, free throws that would have given the Celtics a tie if they had been made at the 8:17 mark (87-85) and the lead if they had been made at 2:41 (92-91).
At times, the Celtics rookie makes the taxing parts of this game look routine. But the free side of the NBA has been so difficult that Walker is now leasing property in the statistical Land of Shaq.
Walker: 47 free throws made, 87 attempted, 54 percent.
O'Neal: 133 free throws made, 267 attempted, 50 percent.
"The thing that hurts me most is that I've had some big misses in the fourth quarter," Walker said. "I'm hurting the team and I'm hurting myself."
"What do we have, 58 games left? By the end of the season, I think I can be up to 78, 80 percent," Walker said.
"I work on them all the time," Walker said of his freebies. "I struggled with them a little bit in college, but never like this." He was 2 of 8 from the line last night, a stat that will make his 14 points and nine rebounds irrelevant.
11.13.2008
ML Making Antoine Earn his Minutes
Antoine Walker's Rookie Campaign
12/16/96
There will be many days this season when Antoine Walker doesn't agree with M.L. Carr's decisions. The coach knows that. There will be times, such as Friday's loss at Indianapolis, when Walker plays only 16 minutes and heads to the bench with a look ofdisbelief when he is taken out of the game.
"I know he's displeased with me sometimes," Carr said before last night's game against the Pistons at The Palace. "But in the final analysis, I think he's going to appreciate what we're doing with him right now."
What they are doing is interpreting a phrase ("bring along slowly") literally. On some nights he could play as many as 35 minutes. There could be more 16-minute nights, too. Carr says all of this is being done in the spirit of giving Walker a diverse range of experience.
Carr is correct when he says Walker may not appreciate what's happening now. He doesn't. He wants to play. He played 27 minutes last night and had 16 points and a team-high nine rebounds (six offensive). A scout at the game wondered aloud why Carr isn't playing him more.
Walker said, "When I'm out there playing, I want to make the most of it. I just want to improve. I can't tell you why I'm not playing more; you have to ask the coach about that. He hasn't come to me personally and told me why my minutes are up and down. I don't specifically know what my role is. But I've got to stay positive. I can't think about that."
The fans hear that he is supposed to be a star. They hear that he is a 6-foot-9-inch forward who already has shown an ability to easily get past most players who guard him. They hear he is supposed to be an All-Star. So why not play him for 40 minutes each night and let him learn from his experience that way?
"There's a teaching process going on here," Carr said. "He's only 20 years old. Does he have talent? Yes. Should he be an All-Star player? Yes. But he's still in the embryonic stage of his career. He still has to earn it. Success wasn't given to Reggie (Lewis). It wasn't given to Larry (Bird). I don't think he wants it given to him."
12/16/96
There will be many days this season when Antoine Walker doesn't agree with M.L. Carr's decisions. The coach knows that. There will be times, such as Friday's loss at Indianapolis, when Walker plays only 16 minutes and heads to the bench with a look ofdisbelief when he is taken out of the game.
"I know he's displeased with me sometimes," Carr said before last night's game against the Pistons at The Palace. "But in the final analysis, I think he's going to appreciate what we're doing with him right now."
What they are doing is interpreting a phrase ("bring along slowly") literally. On some nights he could play as many as 35 minutes. There could be more 16-minute nights, too. Carr says all of this is being done in the spirit of giving Walker a diverse range of experience.
Carr is correct when he says Walker may not appreciate what's happening now. He doesn't. He wants to play. He played 27 minutes last night and had 16 points and a team-high nine rebounds (six offensive). A scout at the game wondered aloud why Carr isn't playing him more.
Walker said, "When I'm out there playing, I want to make the most of it. I just want to improve. I can't tell you why I'm not playing more; you have to ask the coach about that. He hasn't come to me personally and told me why my minutes are up and down. I don't specifically know what my role is. But I've got to stay positive. I can't think about that."
The fans hear that he is supposed to be a star. They hear that he is a 6-foot-9-inch forward who already has shown an ability to easily get past most players who guard him. They hear he is supposed to be an All-Star. So why not play him for 40 minutes each night and let him learn from his experience that way?
"There's a teaching process going on here," Carr said. "He's only 20 years old. Does he have talent? Yes. Should he be an All-Star player? Yes. But he's still in the embryonic stage of his career. He still has to earn it. Success wasn't given to Reggie (Lewis). It wasn't given to Larry (Bird). I don't think he wants it given to him."
11.07.2008
Hondo just another face in the Crowd to Antoine
Antoine Walker's Rookie Campaign
12/13/96
By this time next week, the debates will be renewed. You thought the NBA's Top 50 players list caused some controversy? How about a list that recognizes the top 10 all-time teams and coaches?
Those lists should be announced next week. And before the conjecture starts, John Havlicek would like you to know which Celtics championship team from the 1960s should be singled out as the best: '62-63.
"That team had the most depth and had great, great players," said Havlicek, a visitor at yesterday's practice. "Just look at all the guys on the team who were part of NCAA champions. There was myself, Bill Russell, K.C. (Jones), (Bob) Cousy, Clyde (Lovellette). That's five guys who won championships in college. That in itself is an accomplishment."
He stole what?
Before leaving practice, Havlicek spotted rookie Antoine Walker. Walker was friendly, but he walked by Havlicek and M.L. Carr as if he didn't recognize the Hall of Famer.
"I bet he doesn't know who you are," Carr said. "Hey, Antoine . . . "
Walker returned.
"Do you know who this is?" Carr asked.
The rookie shook his head.
"This is John Havlicek."
Walker smiled and the two shook hands. A few minutes later, Eric Williams walked by, smiled and said, "Havlicek stole the ball!"
12/13/96
By this time next week, the debates will be renewed. You thought the NBA's Top 50 players list caused some controversy? How about a list that recognizes the top 10 all-time teams and coaches?
Those lists should be announced next week. And before the conjecture starts, John Havlicek would like you to know which Celtics championship team from the 1960s should be singled out as the best: '62-63.
"That team had the most depth and had great, great players," said Havlicek, a visitor at yesterday's practice. "Just look at all the guys on the team who were part of NCAA champions. There was myself, Bill Russell, K.C. (Jones), (Bob) Cousy, Clyde (Lovellette). That's five guys who won championships in college. That in itself is an accomplishment."
He stole what?
Before leaving practice, Havlicek spotted rookie Antoine Walker. Walker was friendly, but he walked by Havlicek and M.L. Carr as if he didn't recognize the Hall of Famer.
"I bet he doesn't know who you are," Carr said. "Hey, Antoine . . . "
Walker returned.
"Do you know who this is?" Carr asked.
The rookie shook his head.
"This is John Havlicek."
Walker smiled and the two shook hands. A few minutes later, Eric Williams walked by, smiled and said, "Havlicek stole the ball!"
11.06.2008
Hakeem Locks Down Antoine as Rockets Blow Out Celtics
11/30/96
Antoine Walker's Rookie Campaign
Hakeem Olajuwon and the Houston Rockets used a 15-2 first quarter run to build a huge lead they never relinquished, on their way to a 120-94 rout of the Boston Celtics. Olajuwon opened the game guarding small forward Antoine Walker and the rookie proceeded to squeeze off eight shots in the game's first 5:21 against one of the greatest defenders ever. He hit two, and failed to do much the rest of the way against the stifling defense of Houston's seven-footer.
Antoine Walker's Rookie Campaign
Hakeem Olajuwon and the Houston Rockets used a 15-2 first quarter run to build a huge lead they never relinquished, on their way to a 120-94 rout of the Boston Celtics. Olajuwon opened the game guarding small forward Antoine Walker and the rookie proceeded to squeeze off eight shots in the game's first 5:21 against one of the greatest defenders ever. He hit two, and failed to do much the rest of the way against the stifling defense of Houston's seven-footer.
10.31.2008
C's Lack Consistency with ML and Antoine
Antoine Walker's Rookie Campaign
11/29/96
Ah, thank you for joining the program. Your timing is impeccable. In just a few seconds, we'll go courtside and ask the Celtics the most difficult question of their 12-game-old season.
Perhaps you didn't recognize the fellas on Wednesday night. They had the look of a solid, sixth- or seventh-seeded playoff team. The look was nothing that made you want to slide your Big Three videotapes back into their covers, but it was impressive enough to stop the Lakers, 110-94. More on that later. But now it's time for The Question. It is necessary to ask it before the Celtics play the Rockets at the FleetCenter tonight. So here goes:
``Can you guys duplicate what you did against the Lakers -- before 1997?''
Those expecting a stiffer query haven't been watching. These Celtics have shown the NBA that they are capable of doing some commendable things. What they haven't shown is an ability to maintain those things. In fact, a check of the log reveals that Wednesday night was the first Celtics game of the season in which terms like ``lapse'' and ``no energy'' (which they could copyright if they were in a John Calipari frame of mind) didn't apply.
``The guys who came in off the bench did a great job,'' Dana Barros said. ``Sometimes we'll sub in three or four people and it's like we never played together before. It wasn't like that (against the Lakers).''
Yet, The Question remains unanswered: Can it be done again? The seamless benchwork. The balanced scoring from the starters. The steady performance in the fourth quarter.
``That's what we're trying to do now,'' Antoine Walker said. ``The first thing we need to do is get back to .500. You know, we could turn this around real fast. We've got 70 games left.''
If the Celtics are going to win more than they lose, the pattern of those 70 games can in no way reflect the first 12. So far they haven't completed the simplest of tasks, which is to play solidly for two consecutive games. They may have beaten the Mavericks Sunday, but they faded in the fourth quarter, allowing a 25-point lead to be whacked at until it was only 6.
Against the Lakers, they let an 11-point fourth-quarter lead fizzle until it was only 3. Then Barros hit a 3-pointer and Walker hit another, ``the first big shot I've made since I've been here.'' And, for a change, the Celtics walked away talking about their fourth-quarter grip as opposed to their fourth-quarter slide.
Fans of the Celtics may have noticed that the team plays well when it isn't expected to. That has happened when there is an interesting sidelight to the game. They already have had Michael Jordan and Shaquille O'Neal, and tonight Charles Barkley and Hakeem Olajuwon are in town. But this is where The Question becomes even more significant.
How will the Celtics play when they have to make a quick trip to New Jersey in December? Or Atlanta in January? There will be nights when they won't be able to feed off the energy of television cameras, an opposing star or rowdy fans. It will be just them and their coaches providing the push.
10.25.2008
'Toine Leads C's Over Purple
11/28/96
Antoine Walker's Rookie Campaign
The old rivalry ain't what it used to be.
But the Celtics put on a great show against the Los Angeles Lakers last night at the FleetCenter, surprising their longtime rivals and a national television audience with a 110-94 victory.
Celtics rookie Antoine Walker played his best game of the season, collecting 19 points, 12 rebounds and four assists, while Dino Radja had 19 points and nine rebounds, and Eric Williams added 18 points. Radja was also a defensive stalwart, limiting Shaquille O'Neal to 22 points with a little help from his friends.
"Nobody stops Shaq one-on-one," said Radja, forced by injuries to Pervis Ellison and Alton Lister to move from power forward to center. "What we did against him tonight took a great, great team effort.
"We played the game the way it should be played."
They picked the right game to do it. Making their only scheduled national TV appearance, the Celtics took control late in the third quarter, then held off a late charge by the visitors to register back-to-back victories.
"We've won two in a row for the first time this season, and we did it by beating a team not many people thought we had a chance against," said Walker. "It's going to take more than just a few good games to get the fans behind us again, but this is definitely the way to do it."
Many in the sellout crowd of 18,624 had come to see Shaq in a Los Angeles uniform for the first time. But by game's end, the Celtics had effectively converted them back into hometown fans. In the final minute, the "Beat LA" chant made popular at the Garden during the rivalry's peak years in the early and mid-'80s echoed loud and clear.
"It was nice to hear the fans getting into it like that," said Celtics coach M.L. Carr, a Celtics reserve at the height of the rivalry. "We haven't given them much to cheer about this season, but this game was a different story. The support was fabulous."
The support was earned with an uncharacteristic display of patience on offense and a defensive gameplan that made certain Shaq had little room to operate. Los Angeles created some anxious moments down the stretch, using an eight-point run to cut an 11-point Celtics' lead to three (96-93) with 2:49 left.
But Dana Barros (15 points) and Walker canned consecutive 3-pointers to give the hosts breathing room. After Eddie Jones missed a drive, Rick Fox hit a pair of free throws to push the lead back to 11 (104-93) with 1:10 left. Rookie Derek Fisher accounted for the Lakers' only scoring in the final 2:48 of the game, hitting 1-of-2 free throws to cut the lead to 10 with 1:10 left. A breakaway slam dunk by Williams with 39 seconds left put an exclamation point on the victory.
"It was definitely a different atmosphere in this game," said Radja, who played a team-high 40 minutes. "It was fun out there. We had the fans behind us and we responded. Let's hope we can build on it."
Said Walker: "I know a lot of people probably came here to see the Lakers and Shaq, but maybe we gave them something else to go home thinking about. I've only been here for 10 games, but I think this is what they mean by Celtics Pride. It felt great to be a part of it."
Antoine Walker's Rookie Campaign
The old rivalry ain't what it used to be.
But the Celtics put on a great show against the Los Angeles Lakers last night at the FleetCenter, surprising their longtime rivals and a national television audience with a 110-94 victory.
Celtics rookie Antoine Walker played his best game of the season, collecting 19 points, 12 rebounds and four assists, while Dino Radja had 19 points and nine rebounds, and Eric Williams added 18 points. Radja was also a defensive stalwart, limiting Shaquille O'Neal to 22 points with a little help from his friends.
"Nobody stops Shaq one-on-one," said Radja, forced by injuries to Pervis Ellison and Alton Lister to move from power forward to center. "What we did against him tonight took a great, great team effort.
"We played the game the way it should be played."
They picked the right game to do it. Making their only scheduled national TV appearance, the Celtics took control late in the third quarter, then held off a late charge by the visitors to register back-to-back victories.
"We've won two in a row for the first time this season, and we did it by beating a team not many people thought we had a chance against," said Walker. "It's going to take more than just a few good games to get the fans behind us again, but this is definitely the way to do it."
Many in the sellout crowd of 18,624 had come to see Shaq in a Los Angeles uniform for the first time. But by game's end, the Celtics had effectively converted them back into hometown fans. In the final minute, the "Beat LA" chant made popular at the Garden during the rivalry's peak years in the early and mid-'80s echoed loud and clear.
"It was nice to hear the fans getting into it like that," said Celtics coach M.L. Carr, a Celtics reserve at the height of the rivalry. "We haven't given them much to cheer about this season, but this game was a different story. The support was fabulous."
The support was earned with an uncharacteristic display of patience on offense and a defensive gameplan that made certain Shaq had little room to operate. Los Angeles created some anxious moments down the stretch, using an eight-point run to cut an 11-point Celtics' lead to three (96-93) with 2:49 left.
But Dana Barros (15 points) and Walker canned consecutive 3-pointers to give the hosts breathing room. After Eddie Jones missed a drive, Rick Fox hit a pair of free throws to push the lead back to 11 (104-93) with 1:10 left. Rookie Derek Fisher accounted for the Lakers' only scoring in the final 2:48 of the game, hitting 1-of-2 free throws to cut the lead to 10 with 1:10 left. A breakaway slam dunk by Williams with 39 seconds left put an exclamation point on the victory.
"It was definitely a different atmosphere in this game," said Radja, who played a team-high 40 minutes. "It was fun out there. We had the fans behind us and we responded. Let's hope we can build on it."
Said Walker: "I know a lot of people probably came here to see the Lakers and Shaq, but maybe we gave them something else to go home thinking about. I've only been here for 10 games, but I think this is what they mean by Celtics Pride. It felt great to be a part of it."
Lakers Still the Fakers against ML and Toine
11/28/96
Antoine Walker's Rookie Campaign
For one night, at least, M.L. Carr proved his point. He insists his team, when healthy, will compete. The Celtics don't have an engaging superstar such as the Lakers' Shaquille O'Neal, but their coach believes the concept of team always will outweigh the single gate attraction. Even if that attraction weighs 300-plus pounds and has a Superman tattoo on his large biceps.
So these forces met at the FleetCenter last night. The Celtics won, 110-94, before 18,624. And they were able to get their second straight win and fourth of the season for this reason: They had more people doing more things than the Lakers.
Los Angeles has O'Neal, whose $10 million salary this season is only $2 million and change less than the Celtics' starting five. He had 22 points and 10 rebounds. But he couldn't make his free throws (2 of 7). And he couldn't do anything about the six Celtics starters in double figures.
Rookie Antoine Walker and veteran Dino Radja led Celtics scorers with 19 points. Walker had 12 rebounds and four assists and played one of his best games of the season with his agent, the powerful David Falk, in attendance. In fact, every Celtic starter scored in double figures. Plus, Greg Minor added 14 points off the bench.
The win was so complete that the FleetCenter was chanting the mantra of the 1980s, ``Beat LA,'' at the end. Even sweeter was that mopup man Brett Szabo, the pride of Postville, Iowa, made the final 2 points. The Celtics made 51 percent of their shots and held the Lakers to 44 percent.
After three quarters, it appeared as if the Celtics were in control. They outscored the Lakers by 10 and were playing better and smarter than the visitors. They led, 82-73, after three. The signature play of the quarter for the Lakers was Corie Blount fouling Rick Fox with 00.2 remaining on the clock and Fox 28 feet from the hoop. Fox was awarded three free throws, made two and the Celtics were looking good.
Of course, fans had reason to believe this was a mirage. The Celtics have no problem getting an advantage; they have great difficulty holding one. This was obvious in two fourth-quarter minutes.
With 4:40 remaining, the Celtics led, 96-85. Two minutes later their lead was down to 3, 96-93, after Elden Campbell made 1 of 2 free throws. The preceding Lakers basket was a beautiful alley-oop to Eddie Jones. But then Dana Barros stopped the run with a 3-pointer, the Lakers turned the ball over and Walker hit a 3 from the left corner to make it 102-93 with 1:33 left.
These teams play twice a year and, of course, we are always reminded of what Celtics-Lakers used to be. Before last night's game, Carr said Boston and Los Angeles used to shut down when their teams were scheduled to play.
``It was all that mattered,'' the coach said. ``It was East vs. West . . . M.L. Carr vs. Jack Nicholson.''
The matchup doesn't mean much today because one team isn't winning regularly. But the first half almost made you forget that. The Lakers, who are off to their best start in five years, looked like a solid playoff team in the first 24 minutes. And, surprisingly, so did the Celtics.
Neither team had more than a 5-point lead in the first half. Los Angeles led, 52-51, at halftime. The Lakers looked as if they would get a decent cushion late in the second quarter. Nick Van Exel hit a 3-pointer to put the Lakers ahead, 48-43. Los Angeles thought it had stopped the Celtics on their ensuing possession, but 18-year-old rookie Kobe Bryant was called for a foul. That stopped the Lakers' minirun.
During the half, the most-watched battle was between 300-plus pound O'Neal and 255-pound Radja. O'Neal provides problems for most natural centers; he is nearly impossible for power fowards. Radja is a power forward. Boston's leading scorer did a decent job, pulling O'Neal away from the basket and using his quickness to score 12 first-half points. O'Neal, though, cannot be stopped when he makes an effort to post up. He took 10 shots in the first half, made seven of them and finished his 18-minute half with 14 points and five rebounds.
The Celtics were concerned about getting good help on O'Neal. They should have been. When he is covered by a single defender, he almost always scores. His success rate drops significantly when an additional defender slides over and attempts to disrupt him. The only problem with this strategy, for the Celtics, was that they didn't always recover quickly from their double teams. As a result, the Lakers had several hoops in which there was no defender within 5 feet.
This poor defense may not have been reflected in the score, but the Celtics had to be concerned about that combined with poor shooting. After hitting 54 percent of their attempts in the first quarter, they evaporated offensively. They made 8 of 25 shots in the second quarter (32 percent).
Antoine Walker's Rookie Campaign
For one night, at least, M.L. Carr proved his point. He insists his team, when healthy, will compete. The Celtics don't have an engaging superstar such as the Lakers' Shaquille O'Neal, but their coach believes the concept of team always will outweigh the single gate attraction. Even if that attraction weighs 300-plus pounds and has a Superman tattoo on his large biceps.
So these forces met at the FleetCenter last night. The Celtics won, 110-94, before 18,624. And they were able to get their second straight win and fourth of the season for this reason: They had more people doing more things than the Lakers.
Los Angeles has O'Neal, whose $10 million salary this season is only $2 million and change less than the Celtics' starting five. He had 22 points and 10 rebounds. But he couldn't make his free throws (2 of 7). And he couldn't do anything about the six Celtics starters in double figures.
Rookie Antoine Walker and veteran Dino Radja led Celtics scorers with 19 points. Walker had 12 rebounds and four assists and played one of his best games of the season with his agent, the powerful David Falk, in attendance. In fact, every Celtic starter scored in double figures. Plus, Greg Minor added 14 points off the bench.
The win was so complete that the FleetCenter was chanting the mantra of the 1980s, ``Beat LA,'' at the end. Even sweeter was that mopup man Brett Szabo, the pride of Postville, Iowa, made the final 2 points. The Celtics made 51 percent of their shots and held the Lakers to 44 percent.
After three quarters, it appeared as if the Celtics were in control. They outscored the Lakers by 10 and were playing better and smarter than the visitors. They led, 82-73, after three. The signature play of the quarter for the Lakers was Corie Blount fouling Rick Fox with 00.2 remaining on the clock and Fox 28 feet from the hoop. Fox was awarded three free throws, made two and the Celtics were looking good.
Of course, fans had reason to believe this was a mirage. The Celtics have no problem getting an advantage; they have great difficulty holding one. This was obvious in two fourth-quarter minutes.
With 4:40 remaining, the Celtics led, 96-85. Two minutes later their lead was down to 3, 96-93, after Elden Campbell made 1 of 2 free throws. The preceding Lakers basket was a beautiful alley-oop to Eddie Jones. But then Dana Barros stopped the run with a 3-pointer, the Lakers turned the ball over and Walker hit a 3 from the left corner to make it 102-93 with 1:33 left.
These teams play twice a year and, of course, we are always reminded of what Celtics-Lakers used to be. Before last night's game, Carr said Boston and Los Angeles used to shut down when their teams were scheduled to play.
``It was all that mattered,'' the coach said. ``It was East vs. West . . . M.L. Carr vs. Jack Nicholson.''
The matchup doesn't mean much today because one team isn't winning regularly. But the first half almost made you forget that. The Lakers, who are off to their best start in five years, looked like a solid playoff team in the first 24 minutes. And, surprisingly, so did the Celtics.
Neither team had more than a 5-point lead in the first half. Los Angeles led, 52-51, at halftime. The Lakers looked as if they would get a decent cushion late in the second quarter. Nick Van Exel hit a 3-pointer to put the Lakers ahead, 48-43. Los Angeles thought it had stopped the Celtics on their ensuing possession, but 18-year-old rookie Kobe Bryant was called for a foul. That stopped the Lakers' minirun.
During the half, the most-watched battle was between 300-plus pound O'Neal and 255-pound Radja. O'Neal provides problems for most natural centers; he is nearly impossible for power fowards. Radja is a power forward. Boston's leading scorer did a decent job, pulling O'Neal away from the basket and using his quickness to score 12 first-half points. O'Neal, though, cannot be stopped when he makes an effort to post up. He took 10 shots in the first half, made seven of them and finished his 18-minute half with 14 points and five rebounds.
The Celtics were concerned about getting good help on O'Neal. They should have been. When he is covered by a single defender, he almost always scores. His success rate drops significantly when an additional defender slides over and attempts to disrupt him. The only problem with this strategy, for the Celtics, was that they didn't always recover quickly from their double teams. As a result, the Lakers had several hoops in which there was no defender within 5 feet.
This poor defense may not have been reflected in the score, but the Celtics had to be concerned about that combined with poor shooting. After hitting 54 percent of their attempts in the first quarter, they evaporated offensively. They made 8 of 25 shots in the second quarter (32 percent).
10.21.2008
Walker Getting More Comfortable
Antoine Walker's Rookie Campaign
11/26/96
Walker said he is feeling more comfortable each game. It shows in the stats; he certainly is not afraid to shoot. He has a team-high 138 field goal attempts (18 more than Dana Barros) and is averaging 13 points per game.
11/26/96
Walker said he is feeling more comfortable each game. It shows in the stats; he certainly is not afraid to shoot. He has a team-high 138 field goal attempts (18 more than Dana Barros) and is averaging 13 points per game.
10.18.2008
Bird on Walker: Antoine has to Make Himself a Great Player
11/23/96
Antoine Walker's Rookie Campaign
The Celtics' last superstar small forward thinks the club has another potential superstar at the position. But Larry Bird warns there is still a long way to go before rookie Antoine Walker reaches that level.
"People all over the NBA are telling him he's going to be a great player, but he's got to make himself a great player," said Bird of the 20-year-old Kentucky product. "He's got to stay focused. He can't get caught up in all that other stuff."
There was little doubt from the first time anyone saw Walker play as a pro that a) he had the talent and b) he needed guidance from a Larry Bird.
"I haven't been able to work with him as much as I'd like to, but I'll do more as we go along," said Bird, who is scheduled to leave town today, do some scouting and rejoin the club later (perhaps on a road trip).
"I can't talk to him too much about what he does away from the court, but I've tried to tell him that even if he really works on his game he'll still have plenty of time to do whatever else he wants.
"But that's something that everyone goes through when they first get to the NBA. I went through it, too, and Antoine's especially young. He'd just be a junior in college if he stayed in.
"I just think we're going to have to stay on him. If we do, it can really pay off. You don't see too many guys come in with the skills he has on the offensive end and the way he can play defense, too. He's really scrappy. But some of the guys who don't get to play too much are pushing him in practice, and I don't think he understands that yet. I've told him I went through the same thing with M.L. (Carr). M.L. used to push me really hard in practice, but what it did is make me a better player."
Antoine Walker's Rookie Campaign
The Celtics' last superstar small forward thinks the club has another potential superstar at the position. But Larry Bird warns there is still a long way to go before rookie Antoine Walker reaches that level.
"People all over the NBA are telling him he's going to be a great player, but he's got to make himself a great player," said Bird of the 20-year-old Kentucky product. "He's got to stay focused. He can't get caught up in all that other stuff."
There was little doubt from the first time anyone saw Walker play as a pro that a) he had the talent and b) he needed guidance from a Larry Bird.
"I haven't been able to work with him as much as I'd like to, but I'll do more as we go along," said Bird, who is scheduled to leave town today, do some scouting and rejoin the club later (perhaps on a road trip).
"I can't talk to him too much about what he does away from the court, but I've tried to tell him that even if he really works on his game he'll still have plenty of time to do whatever else he wants.
"But that's something that everyone goes through when they first get to the NBA. I went through it, too, and Antoine's especially young. He'd just be a junior in college if he stayed in.
"I just think we're going to have to stay on him. If we do, it can really pay off. You don't see too many guys come in with the skills he has on the offensive end and the way he can play defense, too. He's really scrappy. But some of the guys who don't get to play too much are pushing him in practice, and I don't think he understands that yet. I've told him I went through the same thing with M.L. (Carr). M.L. used to push me really hard in practice, but what it did is make me a better player."
10.17.2008
Antoine's Drawstring Difficulties
11/21/96
Antoine Walker's Rookie Campaign
An incident in the opening quarter threatened to remove the "family entertainment" tag the Celtic marketing types have worked so hard to foster.
Shortly after entering the game with 4:01 left on the clock, rookie Antoine Walker began having difficulty. . . keeping his pants up. Unable to get Walker's drawstring issue settled in transition, and with his shorts hanging around his knees, the Celtics called a 20-second timeout.
Antoine returned to action, though several fans thought they noticed a lack of focus by the rookie, at least when it came to anything other than keeping his pants on.
"Yeah, it didn't seem like he was willing to go full steam, and his left hand never strayed too far from his shorts," one fan said.
10.13.2008
Was Antoine the Best Rookie Since Larry?
11/20/96
Antoine Walker's Rookie Campaign
Clearly, Antoine Walker has the ability to be one of the top Celtics rookies since a kid from French Lick, Ind., came to Boston. In 1999, at age 23, Walker will be a wise young veteran. At the same age, Larry Bird was getting ready to begin his NBA career. As Carr has said, Walker's talents have no limits.
``Some nights he will be absolutely brilliant out there,'' Carr said. ``And some nights he won't get it done.''
Antoine Walker's Rookie Campaign
Clearly, Antoine Walker has the ability to be one of the top Celtics rookies since a kid from French Lick, Ind., came to Boston. In 1999, at age 23, Walker will be a wise young veteran. At the same age, Larry Bird was getting ready to begin his NBA career. As Carr has said, Walker's talents have no limits.
``Some nights he will be absolutely brilliant out there,'' Carr said. ``And some nights he won't get it done.''
10.11.2008
Antoine Frustrates ML
11/16/96
Antoine Walker's Rookie Campaign
The final Celtic minute was placed mainly in the hands of rookie Antoine Walker, who got an education if not vindication. Walker had key plays at both ends of the court, committing a big foul and missing the C's final chance at the hoop.
Trying to crowd Ellis, Walker pushed through Johnson's pick and sent the latter to the line with 54.5 seconds left. Coach M.L. Carr was not pleased with his prodigy.
"No, Antoine, no," Carr shouted from the sideline. "You want to make them score while the clock is running. You just gave them two points."
Antoine Walker's Rookie Campaign
The final Celtic minute was placed mainly in the hands of rookie Antoine Walker, who got an education if not vindication. Walker had key plays at both ends of the court, committing a big foul and missing the C's final chance at the hoop.
Trying to crowd Ellis, Walker pushed through Johnson's pick and sent the latter to the line with 54.5 seconds left. Coach M.L. Carr was not pleased with his prodigy.
"No, Antoine, no," Carr shouted from the sideline. "You want to make them score while the clock is running. You just gave them two points."
10.09.2008
'Toine needs to start bringing it every night
11/15/96
Antoine Walker's Rookie Campaign
This can be a successful season if the Celtics
Antoine Walker's Rookie Campaign
This can be a successful season if the Celtics
-- Help Eric Williams acquire an outside
game that would make him a complete
small forward.
-- Learn the full extent of what Greg Minor
has to give them.
-- Prod Antoine Walker into bringing his full
package to the gym every night, the way
those of his skill level are supposed to.
Right now, he appears to be in the
"I'll bring it when I'm in the mood mode."
++
Now that sounds easy, doesn't it?
Antoine taking a night off?
Come on.
Who are we trying to fool...
10.07.2008
E.Will and Antoine Becoming Fast Friends
11/14/1996
Antoine Walker's Rookie Campaign
On Monday, M.L. Carr said he wanted his most recent first-round picks to form a duo. When he mentioned that Eric Williams and rookie Antoine Walker would be ``joined at the hip,'' it sounded as if he were conceding to fans' wishes of playing both for 40 minutes a night.
He said that isn't the case, but he gave them both starts last night against the Hawks. The Celtics won, 103-85. Why change now?
``I think we might try them again on Friday,'' Carr said after the game. He was smiling. Earlier, he talked of Walker, especially, being on a steady course in which the word ``rush'' will never be used. Before the game, he detailed some of the expectations for the 6-foot-9-inch forward.
``We already know he's a good ballhandler and sees the floor well,'' Carr said. ``Now we want him to concentrate on delivering the ball, setting up his teammates. We want to see him get to know where guys like to get the ball. He can play the point, but some nights we'll send him out there and say, `Just play.' ''
The results: 15 points, seven rebounds, six assists, five turnovers and a blocked shot.
``I think he was patient tonight,'' Williams (25 minutes) said of his partner.
``I think we play well together,'' Walker (28 minutes) said of Williams.
Carr said the plan is for Walker to grow into the job and for Williams and Walker to grow together. ``It's a natural, really,'' he said. ``They are our last two picks and they play well together. They're already becoming good friends off the court.''
Antoine Walker's Rookie Campaign
On Monday, M.L. Carr said he wanted his most recent first-round picks to form a duo. When he mentioned that Eric Williams and rookie Antoine Walker would be ``joined at the hip,'' it sounded as if he were conceding to fans' wishes of playing both for 40 minutes a night.
He said that isn't the case, but he gave them both starts last night against the Hawks. The Celtics won, 103-85. Why change now?
``I think we might try them again on Friday,'' Carr said after the game. He was smiling. Earlier, he talked of Walker, especially, being on a steady course in which the word ``rush'' will never be used. Before the game, he detailed some of the expectations for the 6-foot-9-inch forward.
``We already know he's a good ballhandler and sees the floor well,'' Carr said. ``Now we want him to concentrate on delivering the ball, setting up his teammates. We want to see him get to know where guys like to get the ball. He can play the point, but some nights we'll send him out there and say, `Just play.' ''
The results: 15 points, seven rebounds, six assists, five turnovers and a blocked shot.
``I think he was patient tonight,'' Williams (25 minutes) said of his partner.
``I think we play well together,'' Walker (28 minutes) said of Williams.
Carr said the plan is for Walker to grow into the job and for Williams and Walker to grow together. ``It's a natural, really,'' he said. ``They are our last two picks and they play well together. They're already becoming good friends off the court.''
10.06.2008
A Snapshot of Antoine after 5 games
11/13/1996
Antoine Walker's Rookie Campaign
Five games into the season, Walker is averaging 12.4 points and five rebounds. Critiquing his early-season performance, Walker would like to rebound and pass more effectively, and cut down on turnovers (2.6). He has superior passing skills for a big man, but sometimes appears to be trying to do too much with the ball.
Antoine Walker's Rookie Campaign
Five games into the season, Walker is averaging 12.4 points and five rebounds. Critiquing his early-season performance, Walker would like to rebound and pass more effectively, and cut down on turnovers (2.6). He has superior passing skills for a big man, but sometimes appears to be trying to do too much with the ball.
10.03.2008
Pitino Visits Antoine
11/9/96
Antoine Walker's Rookie Campaign
He wasn't here for a job interview. And he isn't planning to return to the NBA as a head coach anytime soon.
Rick Pitino was merely in town last night to bring his two sons to the Celtics game at the FleetCenter. The Kentucky coach had a rooting interest in the Celtics, who lost to the Philadelphia 76ers, 115-105.
It was Pitino's first opportunity to see former Kentucky Wildcats star and Celtics first-round draft pick Antoine Walker play as a pro. He also coached new Celtic Marty Conlon at Providence. But Pitino, ever the basketball coach, couldn't help but break down the Celtics' future from his bird's-eye view in Section 13.
"I think with Dallas' (first-round) pick and with their own pick (next year), it's going to happen here, but it's going to take time," he said. "It's unfortunate, but when they had (former coach) Chris Ford for all those years, they were hurt and banged up, but they kept on winning their 48 games and their 50 games.
"As a result, they never really could rebuild, so they just maintained. In the NBA now, before you can think about going to the top again, you almost have to hit rock bottom."
The Celtics might have hit rock bottom during Pitino's brief visit. They allowed the Sixers to leave town with their first victory of the season. Walker had 17 points and seven rebounds.
"I think Antoine is a future NBA All-Star," said Pitino, who coached Walker for two years at Kentucky. "He's a legitimate 6-9, 6-9 1/2 with guard skills. He rebounds well, he has a long wingspan and he has a great, great flair for the game.
"He does so many different things well and he's going to get so much stronger and better. I know I'm a little biased, but I thought that was one of the best picks in the draft."
Walker, who helped Pitino win his first national title last season, gave up his final two years of eligibility to enter the NBA draft. He left a winning situation in Lexington, Ky., for a rebuilding one in Boston.
"I'm where I want to be," said Walker, who spoke with his former coach before the game. "It was nice to see him again and talk about things, but I have no regrets about leaving school early. My focus now is helping this team win games and turn things around."
Pitino believes that will happen - but not overnight.
"I think down the road they're going to be very good, but you've got Philly, Washington, Miami and New York. There's a lot of talent in that division alone. Give the Celtics another couple of years with a few more good draft picks and they'll be an excellent ballclub again."
And what of Pitino's plans?
"It's not that I wouldn't want to come back to the NBA, but I have the greatest job, I think, in all of basketball," he said. "It would be very difficult for me to leave a position that every year, if you do your job recruiting, you're going to have a great shot at a Final Four and a great season. I'm very happy where I am."
Antoine Walker's Rookie Campaign
He wasn't here for a job interview. And he isn't planning to return to the NBA as a head coach anytime soon.
Rick Pitino was merely in town last night to bring his two sons to the Celtics game at the FleetCenter. The Kentucky coach had a rooting interest in the Celtics, who lost to the Philadelphia 76ers, 115-105.
It was Pitino's first opportunity to see former Kentucky Wildcats star and Celtics first-round draft pick Antoine Walker play as a pro. He also coached new Celtic Marty Conlon at Providence. But Pitino, ever the basketball coach, couldn't help but break down the Celtics' future from his bird's-eye view in Section 13.
"I think with Dallas' (first-round) pick and with their own pick (next year), it's going to happen here, but it's going to take time," he said. "It's unfortunate, but when they had (former coach) Chris Ford for all those years, they were hurt and banged up, but they kept on winning their 48 games and their 50 games.
"As a result, they never really could rebuild, so they just maintained. In the NBA now, before you can think about going to the top again, you almost have to hit rock bottom."
The Celtics might have hit rock bottom during Pitino's brief visit. They allowed the Sixers to leave town with their first victory of the season. Walker had 17 points and seven rebounds.
"I think Antoine is a future NBA All-Star," said Pitino, who coached Walker for two years at Kentucky. "He's a legitimate 6-9, 6-9 1/2 with guard skills. He rebounds well, he has a long wingspan and he has a great, great flair for the game.
"He does so many different things well and he's going to get so much stronger and better. I know I'm a little biased, but I thought that was one of the best picks in the draft."
Walker, who helped Pitino win his first national title last season, gave up his final two years of eligibility to enter the NBA draft. He left a winning situation in Lexington, Ky., for a rebuilding one in Boston.
"I'm where I want to be," said Walker, who spoke with his former coach before the game. "It was nice to see him again and talk about things, but I have no regrets about leaving school early. My focus now is helping this team win games and turn things around."
Pitino believes that will happen - but not overnight.
"I think down the road they're going to be very good, but you've got Philly, Washington, Miami and New York. There's a lot of talent in that division alone. Give the Celtics another couple of years with a few more good draft picks and they'll be an excellent ballclub again."
And what of Pitino's plans?
"It's not that I wouldn't want to come back to the NBA, but I have the greatest job, I think, in all of basketball," he said. "It would be very difficult for me to leave a position that every year, if you do your job recruiting, you're going to have a great shot at a Final Four and a great season. I'm very happy where I am."
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