12/24/07
When the game film from this one gets passed around from team to team, there is going to be a collective imbibing of hemlock across the NBA. Rajon Rondo, the man Kevin Garnett affectionately refers to as "shorty," is now making threes, too? Who's next, Leon Powe?
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query rondo magic. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query rondo magic. Sort by date Show all posts
12.23.2017
8.28.2012
Lex's Lobbying Efforts Starting to Pay Off?
9/30/2009
The Celtics are fully aware of the precedent established by Parker,
who improved his shooting to become MVP of the '07 NBA Finals. "Oh, we've
brought that up many times in our conversations," said Ainge of his talks
with Rivers. "His curse is that he's so talented, and in a deciding game
of the ('08) NBA Finals of such magnitude -- with Kobe [Bryant], Ray [Allen],
Paul, KG, [Pau] Gasol on the court -- Rondo was the best player in the
gym." In that decisive Game 6 Rondo finished with 21 points, 8 assists, 7
rebounds and 6 steals.
First, let me give credit where credit is due. It was Bob
Ryan, not Danny Ainge or I, who first observed that Rajon Rondo was the best
player on the floor in the decisive game of the 2008 NBA Finals. However, once
you've emerged as a player who can step up in a decisive playoff game, especially
a player in his early 20s, only the sky is your limit at that point.
10.08.2012
M-V-P, M-V-P
Ah, Rajon Rondo.
How can the word “frustrating” even enter into a discussion with a player so talented and so productive?
We all know of talented players who wasted their God-given abilities, and never amounted to much. We also know of players who weren’t so talented but who were productive beyond anyone’s wildest imagination. But the pantheon of legends is typically reserved for the players who are truly blessed, and work tirelessly to get better, not only the best they can be, but the best anyone has ever seen, doing something, perhaps many things, better than anyone else who has played the game. Where does Rajon Rondo fit into this discussion?
How can the word “frustrating” even enter into a discussion with a player so talented and so productive?
We all know of talented players who wasted their God-given abilities, and never amounted to much. We also know of players who weren’t so talented but who were productive beyond anyone’s wildest imagination. But the pantheon of legends is typically reserved for the players who are truly blessed, and work tirelessly to get better, not only the best they can be, but the best anyone has ever seen, doing something, perhaps many things, better than anyone else who has played the game. Where does Rajon Rondo fit into this discussion?
4.14.2018
KGless C's Lose to Magic
1/28/2008
KGless C's Lose to Magic
ORLANDO, Fla. - Often during Celtics games forward James Posey yells from the bench, "We got Tickets," in tribute to forward Kevin Garnett after he makes a big play.
Yesterday, for the first time this season, Posey couldn't yell anything about "The Big Ticket," as Garnett missed the game with an abdominal strain. But the Magic still needed a 25-foot 3-pointer at the buzzer by Hedo Turkoglu to defeat the battered Celtics, 96-93, at a sold-out Amway Center.
"We had tickets, but we didn't have 'Tickets,"' Posey said.
Said Orlando coach Stan Van Gundy: "They didn't have Kevin Garnett and we hit a miracle shot at the end. It was enough to win."
Garnett was hurt in the fourth quarter of a win over Minnesota Friday night but returned for the end of the game. While he still had hopes of suiting up during the bus ride to the arena yesterday, he was told firmly by coach Doc Rivers that he would not play.
"I knew we were going to come out and play hard," said Celtics forward Paul Pierce, who had a team-high 24 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block. "This group has a lot of resiliency regardless of who is on the court. There are no moral victories. But this was a game we could have seen ourselves winning regardless to who was on the court."
The Celtics are dealing with their worst string of injuries this season.
Forward Brian Scalabrine had 1 point and one rebound in 22 minutes in place of Garnett in the starting lineup after missing Friday night's game with the flu. Point guard Rajon Rondo (15 points, 6 steals) went to the locker room for a bit early in the third quarter to have his slightly sprained right ankle taped.
Posey had 16 points, four 3-pointers, and six rebounds in his return after missing three games with a sprained finger on his right hand. Reserve guard Tony Allen (2 points) played with a right eye scratch suffered against Minnesota and left the arena with a Band-Aid over the eye. Center Scot Pollard is out indefinitely with a right ankle sprain.
"We are banged up right now," Rivers said. "When Rajon went down, I grabbed them and said, 'Hey, I got great news for you. No practice Monday because we don't have enough bodies, so you might as well lay it on the line.' They started laughing.
"I figured at that point we might as well break the ice. Everyone was feeling a little bit sorry for themselves."
The Celtics led, 46-43, at halftime after receiving 19 points and six rebounds from Pierce. Magic All-Star center Dwight Howard had 10 of his 18 points, 10 of his 16 rebounds, and 2 of his 5 blocks in the first half.
Orlando shot 60 percent from the field and nailed five 3-pointers in the third quarter to outscore Boston, 32-19, to take a 75-65 lead. Magic reserve forward Brian Cook scored 11 points and hit three treys in the quarter.
Boston opened the fourth with a 16-7 run finalized by two Posey free throws to trim its deficit to 82-81 with 5:49 remaining. The Magic responded with a 9-3 run capped by a 20-foot jumper by Turkoglu (a game-high 27 points) to take a 91-84 lead with 2:41 left.
Ray Allen's lay-in sliced Boston's deficit to 91-88 with 1:13 left but two free throws by Turkoglu gave Orlando a 93-88 advantage with 58.9 seconds remaining. Rondo's lay-in with 43.9 seconds left got the Celtics within 93-90, and after Rondo's athletic steal of a pass from Orlando guard Carlos Arroyo, Ray Allen nailed a 3-pointer in front of the Magic bench to tie the game at 93 with 14.1 seconds remaining.
"I kept telling them to hang in there, hang in there, cut the lead, and when it got closer and you're on the road the home team gets tight, not the road team," Rivers said. "I just kept telling them, 'One basket at a time."'
Howard and Rashard Lewis (15 points) are viewed as the Magic's stars. But with 24 points at that point, the Magic turned to Turkoglu. He responded by nailing a deep 3-pointer over Pierce's outstretched hand.
"I didn't want to settle on a jumper," Turkoglu said. "I just tried to go to the hole and take a foul. But they had good defense and forced me to take a tough shot.
"It was a tough shot to take over Pierce and it was from long range. I'm glad it was right there today and I was able to make it."
Rivers, the Eastern Conference All-Star coach, joked that he was going to call the NBA to take back his All-Star vote for Turkoglu.
"We played well enough to win," Rivers said. "A guy makes a fadeaway from 4 feet behind the [3-point line] on the last play. I was really proud. I thought we took them out of what they were trying to run. Turk turned around and made a tough shot. I can live with that."
KGless C's Lose to Magic
ORLANDO, Fla. - Often during Celtics games forward James Posey yells from the bench, "We got Tickets," in tribute to forward Kevin Garnett after he makes a big play.
Yesterday, for the first time this season, Posey couldn't yell anything about "The Big Ticket," as Garnett missed the game with an abdominal strain. But the Magic still needed a 25-foot 3-pointer at the buzzer by Hedo Turkoglu to defeat the battered Celtics, 96-93, at a sold-out Amway Center.
"We had tickets, but we didn't have 'Tickets,"' Posey said.
Said Orlando coach Stan Van Gundy: "They didn't have Kevin Garnett and we hit a miracle shot at the end. It was enough to win."
Garnett was hurt in the fourth quarter of a win over Minnesota Friday night but returned for the end of the game. While he still had hopes of suiting up during the bus ride to the arena yesterday, he was told firmly by coach Doc Rivers that he would not play.
"I knew we were going to come out and play hard," said Celtics forward Paul Pierce, who had a team-high 24 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block. "This group has a lot of resiliency regardless of who is on the court. There are no moral victories. But this was a game we could have seen ourselves winning regardless to who was on the court."
The Celtics are dealing with their worst string of injuries this season.
Forward Brian Scalabrine had 1 point and one rebound in 22 minutes in place of Garnett in the starting lineup after missing Friday night's game with the flu. Point guard Rajon Rondo (15 points, 6 steals) went to the locker room for a bit early in the third quarter to have his slightly sprained right ankle taped.
Posey had 16 points, four 3-pointers, and six rebounds in his return after missing three games with a sprained finger on his right hand. Reserve guard Tony Allen (2 points) played with a right eye scratch suffered against Minnesota and left the arena with a Band-Aid over the eye. Center Scot Pollard is out indefinitely with a right ankle sprain.
"We are banged up right now," Rivers said. "When Rajon went down, I grabbed them and said, 'Hey, I got great news for you. No practice Monday because we don't have enough bodies, so you might as well lay it on the line.' They started laughing.
"I figured at that point we might as well break the ice. Everyone was feeling a little bit sorry for themselves."
The Celtics led, 46-43, at halftime after receiving 19 points and six rebounds from Pierce. Magic All-Star center Dwight Howard had 10 of his 18 points, 10 of his 16 rebounds, and 2 of his 5 blocks in the first half.
Orlando shot 60 percent from the field and nailed five 3-pointers in the third quarter to outscore Boston, 32-19, to take a 75-65 lead. Magic reserve forward Brian Cook scored 11 points and hit three treys in the quarter.
Boston opened the fourth with a 16-7 run finalized by two Posey free throws to trim its deficit to 82-81 with 5:49 remaining. The Magic responded with a 9-3 run capped by a 20-foot jumper by Turkoglu (a game-high 27 points) to take a 91-84 lead with 2:41 left.
Ray Allen's lay-in sliced Boston's deficit to 91-88 with 1:13 left but two free throws by Turkoglu gave Orlando a 93-88 advantage with 58.9 seconds remaining. Rondo's lay-in with 43.9 seconds left got the Celtics within 93-90, and after Rondo's athletic steal of a pass from Orlando guard Carlos Arroyo, Ray Allen nailed a 3-pointer in front of the Magic bench to tie the game at 93 with 14.1 seconds remaining.
"I kept telling them to hang in there, hang in there, cut the lead, and when it got closer and you're on the road the home team gets tight, not the road team," Rivers said. "I just kept telling them, 'One basket at a time."'
Howard and Rashard Lewis (15 points) are viewed as the Magic's stars. But with 24 points at that point, the Magic turned to Turkoglu. He responded by nailing a deep 3-pointer over Pierce's outstretched hand.
"I didn't want to settle on a jumper," Turkoglu said. "I just tried to go to the hole and take a foul. But they had good defense and forced me to take a tough shot.
"It was a tough shot to take over Pierce and it was from long range. I'm glad it was right there today and I was able to make it."
Rivers, the Eastern Conference All-Star coach, joked that he was going to call the NBA to take back his All-Star vote for Turkoglu.
"We played well enough to win," Rivers said. "A guy makes a fadeaway from 4 feet behind the [3-point line] on the last play. I was really proud. I thought we took them out of what they were trying to run. Turk turned around and made a tough shot. I can live with that."
5.23.2010
Magic Johnson Earning Some Love from Celtic Nation
Stuart Scott:
The Cleveland Cavaliers and the Orlando Magic had the two best regular season records in the NBA and looked like two dominant teams on a collision course for a duel in the Eastern Conference Finals. Now those teams look more like lint the Boston Celtics have brushed off their shoulders. What happened?
Magic Johnson:
Rondo, Rondo, and more Rondo. Rajon Rondo is the best all-around point guard in the NBA, bar none. And it's not even close.
Any Questions?
Come on, Celtic Nation. If you watched the Larry v. Magic HBO special, then you know Magic Johnson yearns for love . . . from everyone. I think he's earned a little love from us. I trust his analysis now more than just about anybody else. When we stink, he tells us why. We we're dominant, he knows why.
Let's give it up for Mr. Purple.
The Cleveland Cavaliers and the Orlando Magic had the two best regular season records in the NBA and looked like two dominant teams on a collision course for a duel in the Eastern Conference Finals. Now those teams look more like lint the Boston Celtics have brushed off their shoulders. What happened?
Magic Johnson:
Rondo, Rondo, and more Rondo. Rajon Rondo is the best all-around point guard in the NBA, bar none. And it's not even close.
Any Questions?
Come on, Celtic Nation. If you watched the Larry v. Magic HBO special, then you know Magic Johnson yearns for love . . . from everyone. I think he's earned a little love from us. I trust his analysis now more than just about anybody else. When we stink, he tells us why. We we're dominant, he knows why.
Let's give it up for Mr. Purple.
12.24.2018
Rondo Goes for 16, 10, and 5 in 23 Minutes
4/12/2008
How do you Spell Championship? R-O-N-D-O
Sam Cassell was asked what it would mean to the Celtics in the postseason if he and fellow point guard Rajon Rondo played consistently as well as they did in last night's 102-86 victory over Milwaukee. His reply? "Championship."
How do you Spell Championship? R-O-N-D-O
Sam Cassell was asked what it would mean to the Celtics in the postseason if he and fellow point guard Rajon Rondo played consistently as well as they did in last night's 102-86 victory over Milwaukee. His reply? "Championship."
1.30.2013
11.01.2009
Like Magic Johnson, Rajon's Time to Score Will Come
Through three games, Rondo has 37 assists and five turnovers. He has taken 16 shots, which is six fewer than Kendrick Perkins [stats] (and he’s played 23 more minutes than the center). On Friday against the Bulls, Rondo had 16 assists and took just two shots, saying yesterday it was the first time he could remember not attempting a layup in an NBA game. He’s currently the C’s eighth-leading scorer.
LINK
My first thought is that a better than 7-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio is rather divine. My second thought is that they don't need him to score. When they do, he does (think last year's first round series versus the Bulls). This summer I asked hundreds of Laker fans what the difference was between 1986 and 1987. Not many could answer the question, other than to say in 1987 the Lakers won the championship, while in 1986 they didn't.
One good answer was that the Lakers played better defense. True enough. A better answer was that Magic Johnson cranked it up a notch.
1987 marked Magic's first MVP campaign. He went from averaging 18, 16, 18, and 18 points per game during the four previous seasons to averaging almost 24 PPG in 1987. Kareem was slowing down. Byron Scott was still a question mark. AC Green had just been inserted into the starting line-up. Mychal Thompson wasn't acquired until mid-season. So Pat Riley and Magic sat down before the season began and discussed what it would take for the Lakers to get back to the top.
"You need to do more of everything," Riley told #32 "especially scoring." Magic complied. He hoisted up 400 more shots in the 1986-87 NBA season than he did the year before, while still shooting .522 from the field. No less impressive, his assists-per-game dropped only a smidgen, from 12.6 in 1986 to 12.2 in 1987.
We don't need Rajon Rondo to score buckets this year. He is surrounded by one of the best shooting teams I can remember. If he can dominate a game like he did the other night, who cares how many points he scores? Better yet, does anyone remember how many points he scored in game 6 of the NBA Finals? Probably not, but most observers consider him to be the MVP of that game.
So Rajon has the luxury of only shooting the J when he's confident, and only driving to the hoop when it's necessary to open up shot opportunities for others. He can selectively assert himself on the offensive end this year, as a preview of what might become a reality a few years down the road when he's surrounded by less talent.
LINK
My first thought is that a better than 7-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio is rather divine. My second thought is that they don't need him to score. When they do, he does (think last year's first round series versus the Bulls). This summer I asked hundreds of Laker fans what the difference was between 1986 and 1987. Not many could answer the question, other than to say in 1987 the Lakers won the championship, while in 1986 they didn't.
One good answer was that the Lakers played better defense. True enough. A better answer was that Magic Johnson cranked it up a notch.
1987 marked Magic's first MVP campaign. He went from averaging 18, 16, 18, and 18 points per game during the four previous seasons to averaging almost 24 PPG in 1987. Kareem was slowing down. Byron Scott was still a question mark. AC Green had just been inserted into the starting line-up. Mychal Thompson wasn't acquired until mid-season. So Pat Riley and Magic sat down before the season began and discussed what it would take for the Lakers to get back to the top.
"You need to do more of everything," Riley told #32 "especially scoring." Magic complied. He hoisted up 400 more shots in the 1986-87 NBA season than he did the year before, while still shooting .522 from the field. No less impressive, his assists-per-game dropped only a smidgen, from 12.6 in 1986 to 12.2 in 1987.
We don't need Rajon Rondo to score buckets this year. He is surrounded by one of the best shooting teams I can remember. If he can dominate a game like he did the other night, who cares how many points he scores? Better yet, does anyone remember how many points he scored in game 6 of the NBA Finals? Probably not, but most observers consider him to be the MVP of that game.
So Rajon has the luxury of only shooting the J when he's confident, and only driving to the hoop when it's necessary to open up shot opportunities for others. He can selectively assert himself on the offensive end this year, as a preview of what might become a reality a few years down the road when he's surrounded by less talent.
12.15.2009
Rondo and Magic
As I've noted a couple of times, Pat Riley once said that Magic Johnson was the only player he ever saw who could dominate a game without ever taking a shot. I don't think that's true anymore. Speaking of similarities between Magic Johnson and Rajon Rondo, I was watching the 1984 Finals the other night, and was still amazed by the play of #32 in gold and purple. He was taking the ball the full length of the court for layins--AFTER MADE BASKETS BY THE GREEN. He did this on more than one occasion. The Celtics got so worried about him driving end-to-end that they started sticking two, three guys in his way, again, AFTER MADE BASKETS.
So I couldn't help but stand-up and yell when Rondo did the same thing last night after a made basket by the Grizz. The next time down, the Grizz thought he was going to do it again, so this time he dished off to a teammate for an easy deuce. Anyone else see similarities between our break this year and the Magic-led Laker break of the 1980s?
I must confess that it is immensely satisfying to (1) immediately see the opponent scrambling to get back after they make a basket; and (2) to have a player on our roster whose main goal is to find new ways to stick it in the opponent's craw every night of the season.
Rajon, you're getting closer and closer to fulfilling my D.Wade marching orders.
So I couldn't help but stand-up and yell when Rondo did the same thing last night after a made basket by the Grizz. The next time down, the Grizz thought he was going to do it again, so this time he dished off to a teammate for an easy deuce. Anyone else see similarities between our break this year and the Magic-led Laker break of the 1980s?
I must confess that it is immensely satisfying to (1) immediately see the opponent scrambling to get back after they make a basket; and (2) to have a player on our roster whose main goal is to find new ways to stick it in the opponent's craw every night of the season.
Rajon, you're getting closer and closer to fulfilling my D.Wade marching orders.
7.31.2012
If Our Offseason Was So Great, Why Doesn't Vegas Like Us More?
LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Kobe Bryant.
Three great players, who, just so happens, lead three of the best teams in the NBA. Las Vegas, not coincidentally, forecasts the Heat, Thunder, and Lakers as the most likely NBA champions for 2013.
Boston Celtics?
Not in the top five.
Why?
We seem to be going in a circle here.
Well, you tell me, who is the team's Big Kahuna?
Your answer may be Paul Pierce, and it would be a logical one.
But is it an answer that you realistically expect to pin your title hopes on?
I, for one, certainly hope not.
Paul Pierce is the Celtics second leading scorer of all time, NBA Finals MVP, and future Hall of Famer. Last year, he summoned up at least one throw-back Paul-Pierce performance in the playoffs. All Good. But he's also 35-years old, rehabbing a knee injury, and someone who comes up empty in big games on an increasingly frequent basis.
This is why, I submit, the Celtics are not deemed an upper echelon team by Vegas and other prognosticators.
So are we screwed?
Not necessarily.
12.24.2017
Anticipation: 4 Games, 5 Nights, 2 Time Zones
12/25/2007
It's finally here - an honest-to-goodness Road Trip. Most of the teams in the Eastern Conference have ventured into the Mountain and Pacific time zones this season. Every team but the Celtics and Bobcats has had at least one road game against a Western Conference foe.
It's finally here - an honest-to-goodness Road Trip. Most of the teams in the Eastern Conference have ventured into the Mountain and Pacific time zones this season. Every team but the Celtics and Bobcats has had at least one road game against a Western Conference foe.
3.16.2020
O'Neal Combo May Debut Tonight
December 25, 2010
ORLANDO, Fla. - The Celtics' plan when they signed Jermaine O'Neal and Shaquille O'Neal over the summer was to have two veteran giants at their disposal, choosing which of the 7-footers would start and which would be the reinforcement.
But Jermaine O'Neal has been out since Nov. 8 nursing a sore left knee, getting fitted for brace after brace. Shaquille O'Neal has missed nine games because of a bruised right calf. Yet both should be healthy enough to play today against the Magic, which means the Celtics finally will have their two biggest free agent additions on the floor at the same time for the first time since October
ORLANDO, Fla. - The Celtics' plan when they signed Jermaine O'Neal and Shaquille O'Neal over the summer was to have two veteran giants at their disposal, choosing which of the 7-footers would start and which would be the reinforcement.
But Jermaine O'Neal has been out since Nov. 8 nursing a sore left knee, getting fitted for brace after brace. Shaquille O'Neal has missed nine games because of a bruised right calf. Yet both should be healthy enough to play today against the Magic, which means the Celtics finally will have their two biggest free agent additions on the floor at the same time for the first time since October
11.26.2017
82-0 Comes to an End in Loss to Magic
11/19/2007
ORLANDO, Fla. - Dreams may come true down the road from here at Disney World. But even the biggest Celtics fans couldn't have thought their team would be perfect all season.
"We're not going 82-0," coach Doc Rivers said.
ORLANDO, Fla. - Dreams may come true down the road from here at Disney World. But even the biggest Celtics fans couldn't have thought their team would be perfect all season.
"We're not going 82-0," coach Doc Rivers said.
1.28.2010
Celtics to Test "Flip the Switch" Mentality against Magic, Hawks, and Lakers
In tonight's TNT matchup, the Boston Celtics face-off against the Orlando Magic, in what promises to be the first of three games in less than four nights against three of the five best teams in the NBA.
Tonight's game, like tomorrow night's game against Atlanta, will be played on the road, while the Lakers game will be played at the Gahden. The Celtics and Magic have beaten each other once this year, with both victories coming on the opponent's home court. The Hawks, meanwhile, will be going for a series sweep against the Celtics on Friday, Atlanta having one the three previous meetings this season. Speaking of sweeps, the Lakers swept the Celtics last season, and we'll find out Sunday if the Celtics are able to get up off the mat and inflict some punishment of their own.
Orlando's favored by 2.5.
I'm excited to see how the team does. The Celtics could easily lose all three. Pundits around the league have pointed out that Team Green plays like a team that believes they can "turn it on" for good teams, while sleepwalking through the rest of the season. They wouldn't be the first Celtics team to play out a regular season in this manner. It says here we win 1 and drop 2 of the next three, thereby proving the suspect nature of the "flip-the-switch" mentality.
Tonight's game, like tomorrow night's game against Atlanta, will be played on the road, while the Lakers game will be played at the Gahden. The Celtics and Magic have beaten each other once this year, with both victories coming on the opponent's home court. The Hawks, meanwhile, will be going for a series sweep against the Celtics on Friday, Atlanta having one the three previous meetings this season. Speaking of sweeps, the Lakers swept the Celtics last season, and we'll find out Sunday if the Celtics are able to get up off the mat and inflict some punishment of their own.
Orlando's favored by 2.5.
I'm excited to see how the team does. The Celtics could easily lose all three. Pundits around the league have pointed out that Team Green plays like a team that believes they can "turn it on" for good teams, while sleepwalking through the rest of the season. They wouldn't be the first Celtics team to play out a regular season in this manner. It says here we win 1 and drop 2 of the next three, thereby proving the suspect nature of the "flip-the-switch" mentality.
| Gameday Matchup | |||||||
| W-L | PF | PA | HOME | ROAD | STK | L10 | |
| BOS | 29-13 | 99.7 | 93.7 | 13-7 | 16-6 | W2 | 5-5 |
| ORL | 29-16 | 101.1 | 96.3 | 16-4 | 13-12 | L1 | 5-5 |
| Injury Report |
| BOSTON |
| · J.R. Giddens SG - Jan 26: Day-to-Day · Brian Scalabrine PF - Jan 26: OUT |
| ORLANDO |
| · Vince Carter SG - Jan 26: Day-to-Day |
| · Fantasy Injury News · View NBA injury report |
| Depth Chart | ||
| POS | BOSTON (PPG) | ORLANDO (PPG) |
| PG | ||
| SG | ||
| SF | ||
| PF | ||
| C | ||
| · View full depth chart · Team rosters: Boston | Orlando | ||
| Team Stat Leaders | ||
| BOSTON | ORLANDO | |
| Points | P. Pierce 18.9 | D. Howard 17.4 |
| Rebounds | K. Perkins 8.5 | D. Howard 13.3 |
| Assists | R. Rondo 9.7 | J. Nelson 4.8 |
| Steals | R. Rondo 2.5 | D. Howard 1.2 |
| Blocks | K. Perkins 2.1 | D. Howard 2.6 |
| · Team stats: Boston | Orlando | ||
12.25.2009
Frustrated by Our Length
Great game, and a big, big win. I mean it. I don't mean an ugly win. To hell with our turnovers. This was your basic bare-fisted brawl, and we came out on top. All that you need to know, really. Do you think any of the Celtics-Sixers media coverage from the early 80s led with a turnover count from both teams? F no. It all came down to who won, baby.
Best of all was the quote at half-time from SVG: The Magic were frustrated by our length. It took 28 games, but Doc finally unleashed our Tall Team. Even Brian Scalabrine contributed, and playing small forward at 6'9", he most certainly was part of the length that gave the Magic fits. Tony Allen again played Huge, aggressive as heck, dictating the action against Vinsanity. Sheed had a couple of Huge dunks, and whenever Ray needed to convert a basket, he did. Rondo was again our fearless floor leader. Perhaps not the best player on the floor in the second half, as he was in the first, but he was good enough (Note that the Army suggests that Rondo played better in the second half).
Then there was our defense. The Magic score 27 points in the first half. 27 points! If today doesn't get you excited for our head-to-heads against the purple, then you need to find a different team. This road trip should be interesting without our Captain. But with our depth, we know we can dig down and grind out W's when we need to. Better yet, we're starting to see some young legs, or at least some fresh ones. TA, Baby, Scal, and Rondo all looked spry today.
Let's keep it up.
Best of all was the quote at half-time from SVG: The Magic were frustrated by our length. It took 28 games, but Doc finally unleashed our Tall Team. Even Brian Scalabrine contributed, and playing small forward at 6'9", he most certainly was part of the length that gave the Magic fits. Tony Allen again played Huge, aggressive as heck, dictating the action against Vinsanity. Sheed had a couple of Huge dunks, and whenever Ray needed to convert a basket, he did. Rondo was again our fearless floor leader. Perhaps not the best player on the floor in the second half, as he was in the first, but he was good enough (Note that the Army suggests that Rondo played better in the second half).
Then there was our defense. The Magic score 27 points in the first half. 27 points! If today doesn't get you excited for our head-to-heads against the purple, then you need to find a different team. This road trip should be interesting without our Captain. But with our depth, we know we can dig down and grind out W's when we need to. Better yet, we're starting to see some young legs, or at least some fresh ones. TA, Baby, Scal, and Rondo all looked spry today.
Let's keep it up.
8.06.2012
Shorty's Summer School Objectives
``Used to be,'' Karl Malone once said, ``guys would come back every year with a new shot. I think a lot of great players were guys who really worked on their shot, like Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan. They weren't great shooters when they entered the NBA, but they worked hard to make themselves good shooters. When you can drive and then you can hit the jumper, then it's like, how are you going to stop them?"
When Magic Johnson entered the league after his sophomore year at Michigan State, he was a terrible outside shooter, and his free throw shooting wasn't much better. But he came back one off-season and suddenly everything was falling: threes, free-throws, and his slop-game from mid-range. Michael Jordan was the quintessential slasher when he joined the NBA. Over the years, he made himself into a great outside shooter.
Kevin McHale taught Kevin Garnett how to add arc to his jumper. Bill Russell improved his offensive game. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar learned to score in a variety of ways, and became a better passer. Larry Bird worked on scoring with his left-hand so much that he'd spend entire games (even entire road trips) scoring more with that hand than his right hand. Anyone remember the year Larry Bird came to camp with the move where he'd back-down his opponent from 15 feet out, continuously dribbling and inching closer toward the hoop until he either drew a double, at which time he'd zip a pass to the open shooter, or he'd finally be so close to the basket that he was basically undefendable?
Every great player who later became immortal kept working on adding pieces to their game, even players who looked like they had nothing to improve (one year Wilt led the league in assists). You know what they all did? They got better at their weaknesses. They did not focus on what they did well, they went into the gym in the off-season and worked on a facet of their game that would improve them and make their teammates better.
Rajon Rondo?
12.25.2009
Magic Johnson: Rondo's the Best Player on the Court
There's been a lot of talk about whether Rajon Rondo will earn a berth on the All-Star team. Screw the All-Star team. Rondo's got a shot at the MVP. The campaign has begun. Today is the New Hampshire primary. Rondo needs to put in a good showing in the second half. I've spent some time comparing Rondo to DJ, and I still think it's a fair comparison. But if Rondo's early days are comparable to DJ, then perhaps his later days will be comparable to that other Johnson from the West Coast.
5.04.2020
17-2 Celts Make it 9 in a Row
December 2, 2008
One by one, they dribble toward the Garden seeking to claim the throne now occupied by the Celtics.
And one by one, they have been turned back, unable to cross the moat that separates them from the defending champions. Nothing, of course, will get decided for this season until the snows fall and then melt into spring, but at the very least, the Celts are getting across the point that they're well-equipped to fight eviction from their castle.
One by one, they dribble toward the Garden seeking to claim the throne now occupied by the Celtics.
And one by one, they have been turned back, unable to cross the moat that separates them from the defending champions. Nothing, of course, will get decided for this season until the snows fall and then melt into spring, but at the very least, the Celts are getting across the point that they're well-equipped to fight eviction from their castle.
1.11.2010
Boston -3.5
LINK
I seriously don't care if Rajon Rondo is named to the All-Star team. What I do care about is his continued growth and maturation. The thing about Magic Johnson was that he wouldn't let his team lose big games, unless the disparity in player talent grossly favored the opposition's roster. We've seen Rajon do about everything we can ask for him in terms of growth, except one thing:
We need him to be the primary reason we win a big regular season game this year. Let's see that happen tonight.
I seriously don't care if Rajon Rondo is named to the All-Star team. What I do care about is his continued growth and maturation. The thing about Magic Johnson was that he wouldn't let his team lose big games, unless the disparity in player talent grossly favored the opposition's roster. We've seen Rajon do about everything we can ask for him in terms of growth, except one thing:
We need him to be the primary reason we win a big regular season game this year. Let's see that happen tonight.
| Gameday Matchup | |||||||
| W-L | PF | PA | HOME | ROAD | STK | L10 | |
| ATL | 23-13 | 103.4 | 97.8 | 14-4 | 9-9 | L1 | 4-6 |
| BOS | 26-9 | 100.8 | 93.5 | 11-4 | 15-5 | W1 | 6-4 |
| Injury Report |
| ATLANTA |
| No significant injuries |
| BOSTON |
| · Tony Allen SG - Jan 10: Day-to-Day · Eddie House PG - Jan 8: Day-to-Day Kevin Garnett PF - Out Marquis Daniels G - Out |
| · Fantasy Injury News · View NBA injury report |
| Depth Chart | ||
| POS | ATLANTA (PPG) | BOSTON (PPG) |
| PG | ||
| SG | ||
| SF | ||
| PF | ||
| C | ||
| · View full depth chart · Team rosters: Atlanta | Boston | ||
| Team Stat Leaders | ||
| ATLANTA | BOSTON | |
| Points | J. Johnson 20.8 | P. Pierce 18.2 |
| Rebounds | A. Horford 9.8 | K. Perkins 8.2 |
| Assists | J. Johnson 4.9 | R. Rondo 9.7 |
| Steals | J. Smith 1.5 | R. Rondo 2.6 |
| Blocks | J. Smith 2.2 | K. Perkins 2.0 |
| · Team stats: Atlanta | Boston | ||
7.29.2008
Finals Predictions: An Accounting Vol. I
Before the playoffs began, I picked the Celtics to defeat the Lakers in six games. The feeling then was Boston had an easier road to the Finals. But the Celtics needed 20 games to advance, which is five more than their opponent had to play. The Lakers have the best player, a coach with a lot of bling and a better bench, so they must be considered the favorite.
Lakers in six.
--Chicago Sun Times
I am actually rooting for Kevin Garnett. I think he's a great player. But I would say Lakers in six. They look like the best team in the NBA already.
--Barack Obama
But after opening the season 26-3 (.896), Boston slowed down a bit, going 40-13 (.755) down the stretch. Flip that script for the Lakers, who were 30-16 (.652) when Pau Gasol joined the team on February 3, and 23-5 (.821) in the 28 of the final 36 games that Gasol was in the Lakers lineup for. In the playoffs, the Celtics have taken seven, seven and six games to dispatch of their opponents, while the Lakers have gone four, six and five games to beat their three Western Conference foes.
LAKERS IN 6
--California Daily News
No one is advocating a return to the Showtime days of Magic Johnson, but it would clearly be to the Lakers' advantage if they scored at least in the 90s. A lower-scoring game would favor the Celtics and would probably also mean Bryant isn't shooting many free throws again. You would have to imagine the league's MVP will find a way to assert himself and be the difference in the two teams.
Lakers in 6.
--Daytona News-Journal
X-factor I: If 22-year-old guard Rajón Rondo falters in prime time, the Celtics could be leaning on 38-year-old Sam Cassell to provide major playing time. Cassell won titles his first two years in Houston and is a big-game player, but the Celtics need decent performances from Rondo.
X-factor II:Derek Fisher won three rings with the Lakers, but after leaving for three years, he returned this season and has been a steady influence, not only on Bryant, but also on the young role players. As a leader, Fisher has been an excellent complement to Bryant, particularly in the postseason.
X-factor III: There is little doubt that the Lakers' role players of Vladimir Radmanovic, Sasha Vujacic, Luke Walton and Jordan Farmar have been more consistent than the Celtics' youthful players in the playoffs. Another top effort by the bench would be a major boost for Bryant.
X-factor IV: The Celtics' Kevin Garnett is in his first Finals and he wants to win just as badly as Bryant does.
Lakers in 6.
--Fort Worth Star-Telegram
FORWARDS
Lamar Odom's versatility and Vladimir Radmanovic's shooting range can cause matchup issues, particularly in Phil Jackson's triangle offense, but the strength of the Celtics is in their forward combination of Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce, who have averaged 40.1 points in the postseason. Advantage: Celtics
...
GUARDS
Ray Allen seemed to be coming out of his postseason shooting slump in the last two games against the Pistons, and Rajon Rondo gives the Celtics their most reliable dribble penetration. But Rondo, in just his second season, is going against veteran Derek Fisher. Kobe Bryant, the regular-season league MVP, has been even better in the playoffs.
Advantage: Lakers
...
CENTER
As crucial as the acquisition of Pau Gasol was at the time, it has become even more valuable with Andrew Bynum unable to come back from his knee injury. Beaumont Ozen product Kendrick Perkins will offer the Celtics a physical, intense defender, but he has been inconsistent in the postseason.
Advantage: Lakers
...
BENCH
The Celtics' postseason inconsistency can be traced to their bench, where neither Sam Cassell nor Eddie House has nailed down the backup point guard spot. James Posey has provided a big-play and defensive lift. The so-called "bench mob" of Sasha Vujacic, Ronny Turiaf, Luke Walton and Jordan Farmar has helped key the Lakers' postseason run.
Advantage: Lakers
...
COACH
A former coach of the year, Doc Rivers led the Celtics to 66 wins this season. Phil Jackson is tied with Red Auerbach with nine NBA championships. For now.
Advantage: Lakers
...
Lakers in six.
--Houston Chronicle
Lakers in six.
--Chicago Sun Times
I am actually rooting for Kevin Garnett. I think he's a great player. But I would say Lakers in six. They look like the best team in the NBA already.
--Barack Obama
But after opening the season 26-3 (.896), Boston slowed down a bit, going 40-13 (.755) down the stretch. Flip that script for the Lakers, who were 30-16 (.652) when Pau Gasol joined the team on February 3, and 23-5 (.821) in the 28 of the final 36 games that Gasol was in the Lakers lineup for. In the playoffs, the Celtics have taken seven, seven and six games to dispatch of their opponents, while the Lakers have gone four, six and five games to beat their three Western Conference foes.
LAKERS IN 6
--California Daily News
No one is advocating a return to the Showtime days of Magic Johnson, but it would clearly be to the Lakers' advantage if they scored at least in the 90s. A lower-scoring game would favor the Celtics and would probably also mean Bryant isn't shooting many free throws again. You would have to imagine the league's MVP will find a way to assert himself and be the difference in the two teams.
Lakers in 6.
--Daytona News-Journal
X-factor I: If 22-year-old guard Rajón Rondo falters in prime time, the Celtics could be leaning on 38-year-old Sam Cassell to provide major playing time. Cassell won titles his first two years in Houston and is a big-game player, but the Celtics need decent performances from Rondo.
X-factor II:Derek Fisher won three rings with the Lakers, but after leaving for three years, he returned this season and has been a steady influence, not only on Bryant, but also on the young role players. As a leader, Fisher has been an excellent complement to Bryant, particularly in the postseason.
X-factor III: There is little doubt that the Lakers' role players of Vladimir Radmanovic, Sasha Vujacic, Luke Walton and Jordan Farmar have been more consistent than the Celtics' youthful players in the playoffs. Another top effort by the bench would be a major boost for Bryant.
X-factor IV: The Celtics' Kevin Garnett is in his first Finals and he wants to win just as badly as Bryant does.
Lakers in 6.
--Fort Worth Star-Telegram
FORWARDS
Lamar Odom's versatility and Vladimir Radmanovic's shooting range can cause matchup issues, particularly in Phil Jackson's triangle offense, but the strength of the Celtics is in their forward combination of Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce, who have averaged 40.1 points in the postseason. Advantage: Celtics
...
GUARDS
Ray Allen seemed to be coming out of his postseason shooting slump in the last two games against the Pistons, and Rajon Rondo gives the Celtics their most reliable dribble penetration. But Rondo, in just his second season, is going against veteran Derek Fisher. Kobe Bryant, the regular-season league MVP, has been even better in the playoffs.
Advantage: Lakers
...
CENTER
As crucial as the acquisition of Pau Gasol was at the time, it has become even more valuable with Andrew Bynum unable to come back from his knee injury. Beaumont Ozen product Kendrick Perkins will offer the Celtics a physical, intense defender, but he has been inconsistent in the postseason.
Advantage: Lakers
...
BENCH
The Celtics' postseason inconsistency can be traced to their bench, where neither Sam Cassell nor Eddie House has nailed down the backup point guard spot. James Posey has provided a big-play and defensive lift. The so-called "bench mob" of Sasha Vujacic, Ronny Turiaf, Luke Walton and Jordan Farmar has helped key the Lakers' postseason run.
Advantage: Lakers
...
COACH
A former coach of the year, Doc Rivers led the Celtics to 66 wins this season. Phil Jackson is tied with Red Auerbach with nine NBA championships. For now.
Advantage: Lakers
...
Lakers in six.
--Houston Chronicle
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