By: Greg Payne
At this point, the Boston Celtics and Chicago Bulls don't even seem to be playing for the right to continue on in these 2009 NBA Playoffs. The likes of the Orlando Magic, Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Lakers seem so incredibly far away at this point. Instead, these two teams are just fighting for bragging rights and for the right to say that they won one of the single greatest post season series in the history of the National Basketball Association.
Coming into Game 6, the Celtics and Bulls had already fought through four overtime periods in this best of seven series, but they decided that three more would be appropriate. The Bulls walked away from the United Center with a 128-127 victory after outlasting the defending NBA Champions through three overtime periods to tie this truly incredible series at three games apiece.
"No positives, we lost," said C's Coach Doc Rivers afterward. "Really. No positives. We lost. We had our chances."
After fouling out with over five minutes left in Game 5, Ray Allen made up for lost time, posting a playoff career-high 51 points on 18-32 shooting (9-18 from three-point nation). With twenty seconds left in the second overtime period, Allen buried what appeared to be a three-pointer from the right hand corner, but it was ruled a two and Boston faced a 116-115 deficit. It appeared to be Boston's chance to get back in the game, but after Brad Miller hit two free throws, making it 118-115, Allen took one of Rajon Rondo's 19 assists and nailed a three from the left wing to tie it at 118 with 7.6 seconds left, forcing the third extra period.
"He was phenomenal," said Rivers. "We were joking with him on the plane coming up here. We told him, 'Ray you're the only guy with legs. You fouled out, you only played 26 minutes (in Game 5). You should be great tonight'. And I guess he was. 51 points."
It was physical. Rondo and Kirk Hinrich nearly threw punches with 28 seconds left in the first quarter. Rondo was assessed a flagrant foul 1 and Hinrich received a technical.
Paul Pierce had his nose busted open on an inadvertent hit from Tyrus Thomas with 10:24 left in the third quarter, which required several stitches.
Much like in Game 5 on Tuesday, Boston faced a 10-point fourth quarter deficit with 9:44 remaining, but then exploded on a 23-3 offensive out pouring that gave them a 99-91 advantage with 3:40 remaining. But then the Celtics fell guilty to the greatest of all basketball sins. They played the clock, rather than the game. They failed to execute, hoping the clock would wind itself down. Chicago rallied with a 10-2 run fueled by Miller (23 points, 8-9 from the field, 2-2 from three, 5-5 from the free throw line), to tie the game at 101. Both Pierce (22 points) and Ben Gordon (12 points) had chances to win the game in regulation, but both shots went begging.
"We stopped playing. We tried to hold onto the game the last three minutes of the game and that's not how we got the lead, that's not how we ever play, I thought that was, to me, the difference in the game," explained Rivers. "You've got an eight point lead and we just stopped playing. We saw that score and we had a chance to close it out and it just looked like we just stopped playing."
After Boston was staring at a 107-103 deficit in the first OT, Pierce connected on four straight free throws to tie it and after Glen Davis (23 points) buried a jump shot over Hinrich, John Salmons (35 points) proved equal to the task by hitting a jumper of his own to tie it at 109 and send it to a second five-minute session.
After Allen saved Boston in the second OT, Joakim Noah (nine points, 15 rebounds) stole the ball and Boston's last chance to put Chicago away in the third extra frame.
With the game tied at 123 apiece, Noah stuck one of his long arms in the passing lane, deflected the ball away from Pierce, proceeded to go coast to coast, drew a foul on Pierce (who fouled out), but still managed to throw down an earth shattering dunk which brought the United Center to its feet, and gave Chicago a 126-123 edge that they wouldn't rescind. Rondo tried to cut into the lead with a turn around jumper in the paint, but Derrick Rose (28 points) appeared a step ahead and leaped up to reject Rondo's attempt.
"We let a team shoot, again, close to 50 percent against us (49.5 percent to be exact) and we're supposed to be a defensive team. We gotta be better. We gotta be better defensively," Rivers maintained afterward. "I know we scored 127 points and that's dandy, but if we're gonna win, we're gonna win it with our defense, and we didn't do it tonight."
The Celtics will need defense Saturday night in Boston at 8:00pm, the site and time of Game 7. But with the way this series has gone so far, not even the TD Banknorth Garden can seem as secure anymore. But the Celtics will still take it.
"It's Game 7. It's at our place. We've earned the right to play at our place. We'd rather not have had it, but we have it," Rivers concluded. "That's why all those little games in the regular season - that you win - that's what they're for. So you can play at home."
Thursday, April 30, 2009
STUNNED.
Celtics lose 128-127 in triple overtime.
Down 128-127 with 16 seconds left, Rajon Rondo took the clock down, but his shot was rejected by Derrick Rose, who took it the other way, was fouled with 3.2 seconds left. He would miss both free throws, but Rondo's shot just over half court went begging and Chicago walked off with the win.
Ray Allen: A playoff career-high 51 points. With 7.6 seconds left in double overtime with the Celtics down three, he rose up and BURIED a three-pointer to tie the game at 118 and send it into triple overtime. He scored 11 points in the fourth quarter and seven in the three overtime periods.
Paul Pierce: 22 points. Fouled out with 38 seconds left in the third OT.
Glen Davis: 23 points. Nine of those points came in the three overtimes. He set the pace for Boston in each of the overtime periods. Fouled out with 28.3 left in the third OT.
Rajon Rondo tallied 19 assists tonight.
Derrick Rose finished with 28 points, eight rebounds and seven assists.
John Salmons scored 35, including five key points at the start of double overtime.
The defining play had to be Joakim Noah knocking the ball away from Paul Pierce with 38 seconds left in the third overtime. Noah got in the passing lane, took the ball, went coast to coast and threw down a dunk while drawing a foul from Pierce. Pierce fouled out and Chicago went up 126-123.
With 3:40 left in regulation, the Celtics led 99-91, but were unable to hold on, as Brad Miller scored five points in a key 10-2 run that Chicago ended regulation on.
The Celtics also made comebacks. With 3:03 left in the first quarter the Celtics faced a 28-15 deficit and were down 10 on two separate occassions early in the fourth, but before Chicago went on their 10-2 run, the Celtics put together a monster 23-3 scoring burst to take their eight point lead.
Tony Allen was forced into 11 minutes of action and somehow ended up with the ball during two key fourth quarter possessions. That's what we call NOT executing.
Pierce had a chance to win the game in regulation and in overtime as the Celtics tried to wind the clock down, but neither shot fell.
Game 7 will be played Saturday at 8:00pm.
This has been one of the best playoff series in the history of the NBA. But it needs to end. Celtics fans cannot be subjected to this treatment any longer. I feel like we're all being held captive in Guantanamo and instead of water boarding we're being forced to watch the playoffs.
I still need to write my college writing final. I'm not going to sleep for a very long time.
Full write-up and podcast on the way...but honestly...just go to bed...it will be here when you wake up in the morning. It's like a hangover...time is the only true cure.
Full Box.
Down 128-127 with 16 seconds left, Rajon Rondo took the clock down, but his shot was rejected by Derrick Rose, who took it the other way, was fouled with 3.2 seconds left. He would miss both free throws, but Rondo's shot just over half court went begging and Chicago walked off with the win.
Ray Allen: A playoff career-high 51 points. With 7.6 seconds left in double overtime with the Celtics down three, he rose up and BURIED a three-pointer to tie the game at 118 and send it into triple overtime. He scored 11 points in the fourth quarter and seven in the three overtime periods.
Paul Pierce: 22 points. Fouled out with 38 seconds left in the third OT.
Glen Davis: 23 points. Nine of those points came in the three overtimes. He set the pace for Boston in each of the overtime periods. Fouled out with 28.3 left in the third OT.
Rajon Rondo tallied 19 assists tonight.
Derrick Rose finished with 28 points, eight rebounds and seven assists.
John Salmons scored 35, including five key points at the start of double overtime.
The defining play had to be Joakim Noah knocking the ball away from Paul Pierce with 38 seconds left in the third overtime. Noah got in the passing lane, took the ball, went coast to coast and threw down a dunk while drawing a foul from Pierce. Pierce fouled out and Chicago went up 126-123.
With 3:40 left in regulation, the Celtics led 99-91, but were unable to hold on, as Brad Miller scored five points in a key 10-2 run that Chicago ended regulation on.
The Celtics also made comebacks. With 3:03 left in the first quarter the Celtics faced a 28-15 deficit and were down 10 on two separate occassions early in the fourth, but before Chicago went on their 10-2 run, the Celtics put together a monster 23-3 scoring burst to take their eight point lead.
Tony Allen was forced into 11 minutes of action and somehow ended up with the ball during two key fourth quarter possessions. That's what we call NOT executing.
Pierce had a chance to win the game in regulation and in overtime as the Celtics tried to wind the clock down, but neither shot fell.
Game 7 will be played Saturday at 8:00pm.
This has been one of the best playoff series in the history of the NBA. But it needs to end. Celtics fans cannot be subjected to this treatment any longer. I feel like we're all being held captive in Guantanamo and instead of water boarding we're being forced to watch the playoffs.
I still need to write my college writing final. I'm not going to sleep for a very long time.
Full write-up and podcast on the way...but honestly...just go to bed...it will be here when you wake up in the morning. It's like a hangover...time is the only true cure.
Full Box.
TONIGHT! GAME 6: CELTICS AT BULLS
At long last, the Boston Celtics have a chance to close out the Chicago Bulls in their first round playoff series in Game 6 tonight in Chicago. Tune into Comcast SportsNet or 850 AM WEEI at 7:00pm for full coverage.
KEEP IT IN MIND: The last game in Chicago (Game 4) resulted in a double overtime, 121-118 Chicago victory.
WHO'S HOT: For the Celtics, Paul Pierce scored six of Boston's 13 points in overtime, including the game-winning jump shot with 3.4 seconds left.
For the Bulls, Kirk Hinrich scored 19 points on 6-12 shooting in Game 5.
WHO'S NOT: Boston's bench put in a mere five points in Game 5. The pine guys really need to show up tonight and provide some consistent scoring to relieve the starters.
For the Bulls, Brad Miller contributed only five points, but more importantly, he missed two pivotal free throws with two seconds left in overtime, which would have tied the game for Chicago.
KEY MATCHUP: Paul Pierce vs. John Salmons
SKINNY: Paul Pierce finally appears to be back after four less than productive games from the C's Captain. If game 5 was a sign of things to come, then Pierce should come out aggressive early, forcing Chicago's defense to focus solely on him, which will open things up for his other teammates.
The Celtics need to be careful of retaliation from the Bulls tonight, as Rajon Rondo's hit on Brad Miller at the end of Game 5 will surely be resonating through Chicago's huddle.
Boston should do its best to assume an early lead in this one and get their starters out of the game, in case Chicago engages in any unnecessary physical action. The Celtics do not need to go to Game 7 in the first round for the second straight season. It is in their best interests to get this win tonight, rest up the rest of the week and hopefully the weekend, and gear back up for the second round.
The bench needs to contribute more than five points tonight. Right now it's looking like Stephon Marbury, Eddie House and Brian Scalabrine are our main guys off the pine, and Marbury specifically showed a hesitancy to shoot late in Game 5, particularly in the waning seconds of the fourth quarter. Marbury and House need to be aggressive tonight in their time on the court.
KEEP IT IN MIND: The last game in Chicago (Game 4) resulted in a double overtime, 121-118 Chicago victory.
WHO'S HOT: For the Celtics, Paul Pierce scored six of Boston's 13 points in overtime, including the game-winning jump shot with 3.4 seconds left.
For the Bulls, Kirk Hinrich scored 19 points on 6-12 shooting in Game 5.
WHO'S NOT: Boston's bench put in a mere five points in Game 5. The pine guys really need to show up tonight and provide some consistent scoring to relieve the starters.
For the Bulls, Brad Miller contributed only five points, but more importantly, he missed two pivotal free throws with two seconds left in overtime, which would have tied the game for Chicago.
KEY MATCHUP: Paul Pierce vs. John Salmons
SKINNY: Paul Pierce finally appears to be back after four less than productive games from the C's Captain. If game 5 was a sign of things to come, then Pierce should come out aggressive early, forcing Chicago's defense to focus solely on him, which will open things up for his other teammates.
The Celtics need to be careful of retaliation from the Bulls tonight, as Rajon Rondo's hit on Brad Miller at the end of Game 5 will surely be resonating through Chicago's huddle.
Boston should do its best to assume an early lead in this one and get their starters out of the game, in case Chicago engages in any unnecessary physical action. The Celtics do not need to go to Game 7 in the first round for the second straight season. It is in their best interests to get this win tonight, rest up the rest of the week and hopefully the weekend, and gear back up for the second round.
The bench needs to contribute more than five points tonight. Right now it's looking like Stephon Marbury, Eddie House and Brian Scalabrine are our main guys off the pine, and Marbury specifically showed a hesitancy to shoot late in Game 5, particularly in the waning seconds of the fourth quarter. Marbury and House need to be aggressive tonight in their time on the court.
Watch Your Back?
By: Greg Payne
With the NBA set to take no further action against Rajon Rondo after his hit on Brad Miller at the tail end of overtime of Game 5, one would have to wonder if any retaliation is coming Rondo's way.
I was watching what turned out to be a very physical Heat-Hawks Game 5 last night, and as I was watching guys like Dwyane Wade, Mo Evans and Al Horford repeatedly hit the floor, I could just see a guy like Miller throw his arm out and deck Rondo to the floor. At this point, with his team down 3-2, I wouldn't put it past Miller. Sometimes a team in dire circumstances reacts in the most inappropriate of ways. I'm not sure who the officials of this game are just yet, but they will probably need to be on high alert for this one.
Now, the crazy fan inside of me would love to see a fight tonight. Nothing would make me happier than to see Kendrick Perkins just lay out Brad Miller or Tyrus Thomas with a sweeping right hook.
But, then the rational and realistic side of me springs up and I remember the fact that if Perk or anyone else takes a swing, he will most likely be suspended for the remainder of the playoffs. We don't need anything like that to happen. Now, if I were still watching last night's Heat-Hawks battle, I would totally cheer for a fight.
At the same time though, I would not be at all surprised to see some extra curricular activities on the court tonight. I'm not sure how severe they will be, but I wouldn't be surprised if Chicago initiated some of it. Chicago HAS to win tonight. Boston has the luxury of Game 7 back in Boston, but if Chicago can't pull out a win, their season is over. So, I wouldn't be surprised, especially if the Celtics built some sort of early lead, if Miller or anyone else started to get unnecessarily physical in an attempt to have the Celtics retaliate in some way, prompting some important player's ejection, followed by some incredible, improbable Chicago scoring run that ends up giving them a win tonight and forces Game 7 to be played on Saturday.
We don't need any of this. We need to win tonight and rest up for the second round. Chicago has to be infuriated that the league did not take any further action, even if they aren't addressing their agitation publicly. If the Celtics can jump on the Bulls early, hopefully they can put this thing away before the fourth quarter and any issues would take place during garbage time (I hate to say it, but I'd sacrifice Tony Allen before I'd sacrifice Paul Pierce.).
If the Celtics do want to grab an early lead, they had better be prepared to come out hard, as, like I said, Chicago will be motivated from the end of Game 5, and that motivation could turn into a huge first quarter for the Bulls if the Celtics aren't careful.
Here's to not playing a Game 7 in the first round for the second straight season!
Stay tuned.
With the NBA set to take no further action against Rajon Rondo after his hit on Brad Miller at the tail end of overtime of Game 5, one would have to wonder if any retaliation is coming Rondo's way.
I was watching what turned out to be a very physical Heat-Hawks Game 5 last night, and as I was watching guys like Dwyane Wade, Mo Evans and Al Horford repeatedly hit the floor, I could just see a guy like Miller throw his arm out and deck Rondo to the floor. At this point, with his team down 3-2, I wouldn't put it past Miller. Sometimes a team in dire circumstances reacts in the most inappropriate of ways. I'm not sure who the officials of this game are just yet, but they will probably need to be on high alert for this one.
Now, the crazy fan inside of me would love to see a fight tonight. Nothing would make me happier than to see Kendrick Perkins just lay out Brad Miller or Tyrus Thomas with a sweeping right hook.
But, then the rational and realistic side of me springs up and I remember the fact that if Perk or anyone else takes a swing, he will most likely be suspended for the remainder of the playoffs. We don't need anything like that to happen. Now, if I were still watching last night's Heat-Hawks battle, I would totally cheer for a fight.
At the same time though, I would not be at all surprised to see some extra curricular activities on the court tonight. I'm not sure how severe they will be, but I wouldn't be surprised if Chicago initiated some of it. Chicago HAS to win tonight. Boston has the luxury of Game 7 back in Boston, but if Chicago can't pull out a win, their season is over. So, I wouldn't be surprised, especially if the Celtics built some sort of early lead, if Miller or anyone else started to get unnecessarily physical in an attempt to have the Celtics retaliate in some way, prompting some important player's ejection, followed by some incredible, improbable Chicago scoring run that ends up giving them a win tonight and forces Game 7 to be played on Saturday.
We don't need any of this. We need to win tonight and rest up for the second round. Chicago has to be infuriated that the league did not take any further action, even if they aren't addressing their agitation publicly. If the Celtics can jump on the Bulls early, hopefully they can put this thing away before the fourth quarter and any issues would take place during garbage time (I hate to say it, but I'd sacrifice Tony Allen before I'd sacrifice Paul Pierce.).
If the Celtics do want to grab an early lead, they had better be prepared to come out hard, as, like I said, Chicago will be motivated from the end of Game 5, and that motivation could turn into a huge first quarter for the Bulls if the Celtics aren't careful.
Here's to not playing a Game 7 in the first round for the second straight season!
Stay tuned.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Rondo's Free, but Howard's Not...
By: Greg Payne
So basically, when you go up 3-2 in a playoff series, you should win. The Orlando Magic grabbed a 3-2 series lead over the Philadelphia 76ers last night, BUT, their quest to end the series on Thursday took a dramatic hit earlier today when they learned that both Dwight Howard and Courtney Lee would miss a very crucial Game 6.
The Orlando Magic will be without two starters in their next playoff game after the NBA announced Wednesday that Dwight Howard has been suspended for Thursday night's Game 6 in Philadelphia.
Howard received a one-game ban for an elbow he swung at the head of 76ers center Samuel Dalembert in Tuesday's Game 5 and will join teammate Courtney Lee -- who was later felled by an unintentional Howard hit -- on the sideline when the 76ers try to force a Game 7 in the teams' tight first-round series. (ESPN)
I sure hope Philadelphia takes advantage of this.
In terms of the Celtics, Rajon Rondo will not receive any discipline from the league for his "We're not taking any more of your s**t, Chicago" foul on Brad Miller with two seconds left in overtime. The NBA: Where we have no idea what is and is not a foul happens.
Late add-in:
The question has popped up all over the place: Was Rajon Rondo's hit on Brad Miller a flagrant foul? Well...here's my take on it. Was the actual hit, like the physical contact, a flagrant foul? In my opinion, no it wasn't. What the NBA and everyone would classify as a flagrant foul is the fact that Miller lost a tooth. Like, Rondo didn't jump in the air, bring his arm back and then punch Miller in the face. He was going for the ball and hit the second-most round object within his grasp.
Let me ask you this...if Miller did not bleed on that play, would I even be writing this right now? No. For all we know, Miller's tooth was already loose. I mean, maybe Rondo did the guy a favor. Maybe Miller was in intense physical pain from a cavity he actually had in that tooth and Rondo just took care of the problem for him. Maybe that strange look on Miller's face was actually his attempt at a smile of relief at the fact that Rondo saved him 50 bucks because now he doesn't have to pay for a filling. But then he remembered he had to hit two free throws. Yeah, he's just not clutch. I'm preparing myself for an all out brawl in Game 6. If Rondo gets thrown to the floor at any one point, it is so on.
Stay tuned.
So basically, when you go up 3-2 in a playoff series, you should win. The Orlando Magic grabbed a 3-2 series lead over the Philadelphia 76ers last night, BUT, their quest to end the series on Thursday took a dramatic hit earlier today when they learned that both Dwight Howard and Courtney Lee would miss a very crucial Game 6.
The Orlando Magic will be without two starters in their next playoff game after the NBA announced Wednesday that Dwight Howard has been suspended for Thursday night's Game 6 in Philadelphia.
Howard received a one-game ban for an elbow he swung at the head of 76ers center Samuel Dalembert in Tuesday's Game 5 and will join teammate Courtney Lee -- who was later felled by an unintentional Howard hit -- on the sideline when the 76ers try to force a Game 7 in the teams' tight first-round series. (ESPN)
I sure hope Philadelphia takes advantage of this.
In terms of the Celtics, Rajon Rondo will not receive any discipline from the league for his "We're not taking any more of your s**t, Chicago" foul on Brad Miller with two seconds left in overtime. The NBA: Where we have no idea what is and is not a foul happens.
Late add-in:
The question has popped up all over the place: Was Rajon Rondo's hit on Brad Miller a flagrant foul? Well...here's my take on it. Was the actual hit, like the physical contact, a flagrant foul? In my opinion, no it wasn't. What the NBA and everyone would classify as a flagrant foul is the fact that Miller lost a tooth. Like, Rondo didn't jump in the air, bring his arm back and then punch Miller in the face. He was going for the ball and hit the second-most round object within his grasp.
Let me ask you this...if Miller did not bleed on that play, would I even be writing this right now? No. For all we know, Miller's tooth was already loose. I mean, maybe Rondo did the guy a favor. Maybe Miller was in intense physical pain from a cavity he actually had in that tooth and Rondo just took care of the problem for him. Maybe that strange look on Miller's face was actually his attempt at a smile of relief at the fact that Rondo saved him 50 bucks because now he doesn't have to pay for a filling. But then he remembered he had to hit two free throws. Yeah, he's just not clutch. I'm preparing myself for an all out brawl in Game 6. If Rondo gets thrown to the floor at any one point, it is so on.
Stay tuned.
Rondo and the "We're Not Taking Any More of Your S**t" Play
By: Greg Payne
I just remembered I need to give big ups to our starters in last night's game. The five-man force of Rajon Rondo, Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, Glen Davis and Kendrick Perkins combined for 101 of our 106 points. Rondo (28), Pierce (26) and Davis (21) all went over 20, Ray (10) was subjected to foul trouble and Perk (16) was just a beast inside.
On top of those 16 points, Perk hauled in 19 rebounds and rejected seven shots. Are we ready to proclaim him the second best defensive center in the league behind Dwight Howard? I am.
And then there is Rondo. Now, Rondo might have added 11 assists and eight rebounds to his 28 point outburst, but his most important play came with two seconds left in overtime. It happened rather quickly and somewhat unexpectedly. Brad Miller broke free on an inbounds play with two seconds left in the OT and proceeded to drive the lane, when suddenly, Rondo came flying in out of nowhere, and whacked Miller clean across the face, removing one of Miller's teeth in the process. The Boston Celtics will win this series because of that play. Rondo finally delivered the hit that the Celtics so desperately needed. It was the "We're not taking any more of your s**t, Chicago" play.
These Boston Celtics finally grew up with that play last night. They are ready to take off the training wheels and ride their two wheelers into the sunset (and the second round of these playoffs). The Celtics became men last night. And they will finish Chicago off on Thursday. The Celtics will finally come to play as soon as the ball is throw in the air for the opening tap.
All game I was praying for it. The energy and the passion is just not there through the first three quarters anymore and with out traditional, "We're not taking any more s**t" guy on the bench in street clothes, we need someone else to fill that void. I don't want anyone to get hurt (although, I was pretty pumped up when I saw Miller lost a tooth, I won't lie), but we need someone to just stand up for us. We need someone to stare down Joakim Noah when he tries all of his antics. We need someone to throw down Tyrus Thomas for all the times he's taken out his aggression on our players. We need someone to make the physical statement of, "We're not taking any more s**t". We needed to show the Bulls that we were not going to back down.
Rondo's hit on Miller was a declaration of war as much as it was a smart foul. His message was clear: "You are not getting to that rim. We are not taking any more of your s**t". There comes a point in every NBA season when your team just needs to stick up for itself. Especially the good teams. When good teams are being shoved around, no one is going to come their aid but themselves.
A "we're not taking any more s**t" play does not just resonate through the building for the next five minutes of that game. Oh no, it stays with a team through the rest of the series. The '84 Celtics woke up once McHale clotheslined Rambis. KG woke up the Celtics in Game 7 of last year's bout with the Atlanta Hawks with his famous "We're not taking any more of your s**t" screen on Zaza Pachulia. These plays just ignite teams and it shows the opponent that they aren't backing down for anything.
A play like that is a bold statement and only the best of teams should use them. We needed it. We needed a kick in the butt to get ourselves going. Now, with Game 6 set for Thursday and Rondo's hit on Miller still fresh in everyone's minds, the Celtics should come out hard, still fueled by that play.
Because, after all, the Celtics aren't taking any more s**t.
Stay tuned.
I just remembered I need to give big ups to our starters in last night's game. The five-man force of Rajon Rondo, Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, Glen Davis and Kendrick Perkins combined for 101 of our 106 points. Rondo (28), Pierce (26) and Davis (21) all went over 20, Ray (10) was subjected to foul trouble and Perk (16) was just a beast inside.
On top of those 16 points, Perk hauled in 19 rebounds and rejected seven shots. Are we ready to proclaim him the second best defensive center in the league behind Dwight Howard? I am.
And then there is Rondo. Now, Rondo might have added 11 assists and eight rebounds to his 28 point outburst, but his most important play came with two seconds left in overtime. It happened rather quickly and somewhat unexpectedly. Brad Miller broke free on an inbounds play with two seconds left in the OT and proceeded to drive the lane, when suddenly, Rondo came flying in out of nowhere, and whacked Miller clean across the face, removing one of Miller's teeth in the process. The Boston Celtics will win this series because of that play. Rondo finally delivered the hit that the Celtics so desperately needed. It was the "We're not taking any more of your s**t, Chicago" play.
These Boston Celtics finally grew up with that play last night. They are ready to take off the training wheels and ride their two wheelers into the sunset (and the second round of these playoffs). The Celtics became men last night. And they will finish Chicago off on Thursday. The Celtics will finally come to play as soon as the ball is throw in the air for the opening tap.
All game I was praying for it. The energy and the passion is just not there through the first three quarters anymore and with out traditional, "We're not taking any more s**t" guy on the bench in street clothes, we need someone else to fill that void. I don't want anyone to get hurt (although, I was pretty pumped up when I saw Miller lost a tooth, I won't lie), but we need someone to just stand up for us. We need someone to stare down Joakim Noah when he tries all of his antics. We need someone to throw down Tyrus Thomas for all the times he's taken out his aggression on our players. We need someone to make the physical statement of, "We're not taking any more s**t". We needed to show the Bulls that we were not going to back down.
Rondo's hit on Miller was a declaration of war as much as it was a smart foul. His message was clear: "You are not getting to that rim. We are not taking any more of your s**t". There comes a point in every NBA season when your team just needs to stick up for itself. Especially the good teams. When good teams are being shoved around, no one is going to come their aid but themselves.
A "we're not taking any more s**t" play does not just resonate through the building for the next five minutes of that game. Oh no, it stays with a team through the rest of the series. The '84 Celtics woke up once McHale clotheslined Rambis. KG woke up the Celtics in Game 7 of last year's bout with the Atlanta Hawks with his famous "We're not taking any more of your s**t" screen on Zaza Pachulia. These plays just ignite teams and it shows the opponent that they aren't backing down for anything.
A play like that is a bold statement and only the best of teams should use them. We needed it. We needed a kick in the butt to get ourselves going. Now, with Game 6 set for Thursday and Rondo's hit on Miller still fresh in everyone's minds, the Celtics should come out hard, still fueled by that play.
Because, after all, the Celtics aren't taking any more s**t.
Stay tuned.
Officiating the Officials
By: Greg Payne
I'm sure many of you were less than satisfied with the officiating of last night's game. Unfortunately it will be a hot topic for at least today and could very well stay that way until Game 6 tips off on Thursday.
Now, I was born in 1989. I missed out on the good ole days, as I like to refer to them. You see, essentially before the mid '90s, and I'm still not sure if this was Michael Jordan's doing or not, NBA players were actually allowed to be physical with one another. It wasn't the brush foul league we have been subjected to for the last decade.
You could foul a guy. Hard. You could hit a guy. You could clothesline a guy. Here is the essential difference:
In Game 4 of the 1984 NBA Finals when Kevin McHale wiped out Kurt Rambis (one of the best fouls in Celtics history, I might add), he wasn't ejected (To my knowledge. Correct me if I'm wrong) and he certainly was not suspended or fined for his play.
After reliving it again on YouTube, I even noticed the color commentator (I'm 99 percent sure it's Tommy Heinsohn) proclaim, "It's part of the game". And it was. If that play happened today, McHale would have been promptly ejected without any review, suspended at least 2, maybe 3 games and fined a minimum of $25,000. I mean, if Paul Pierce gets fined 25K for sticking his hand out at Al Horford, imagine how much money a clothesline would cost.
But this has really become the NBA's problem. David Stern has done a great job with the league, but at times I feel as if he just doesn't allow enough. I mean, grazing a guy's elbow is a foul now? Hand checks are fouls now? Even playoff fouls aren't allowed anymore. There was always the unspoken rule that you could foul a guy harder in the postseason...you know...the "no layups" rule.
But these lock down rules are what's causing this unstoppable fan uprising. At this point, whenever we see one of our players get touched with the slightest part of a hand or foot we scream, "Foul!", and when the whistle isn't blown, we bitch and moan for the next 48 hours. I'm not blaming the fans, it's what we've become accustomed to. I've been brought up this way. I grew up hating NBA Officials because it was what I was expected to do. Heinsohn has aged about 10 extra years behind the broadcasting booth just because of his transcending through the NBA decades and seeing how much the game has changed.
He played and coached during the eras of men. When professional basketball players could take a hit, get back up, and keep playing. Tommy's seen it all and I don't blame him for being awestruck at some of the calls we now see in the NBA. Half of Ray Allen's fouls last night were called because he was trying to prevent Ben Gordon from shoving off of him in an attempt to sprint away and duck around a screen faster to get open. I mean, we have to draw the line at some point, don't we? Is slapping hands really a foul? Especially when it has no feasible impact on the outcome of the play? I mean, the play hadn't technically even started yet.
And all I am going to say about the play Ray fouled out on...is that if Ray had happened to be LeBron James, Kobe Bryant or Dwyane Wade, Brad Miller would have been the only one to receive a foul. That's all I am going to say on that one.
Now, I don't want anyone to get hurt. I would hate to see any player suffer a serious injury because some guy is a headcase and takes out his anger on other people (Tyrus Thomas). But at the same time, the officiating is so inconsistent that it needs to be looked at. If I were David Stern, I would eliminate all "touch" fouls in the NBA. No more hand checks or grazes or school girl slaps will earn you a trip to the free throw line.
Realistically, college basketball gets it right for the most part. And from the college ball I've seen, they get away with more contact than any NBA player does. And isn't that another problem? I mean, if you get to the NBA you are clearly a superior physical specimen and can probably handle a chest bump that will knock you to the floor. I mean, we have guys who are 6'8 and 260 pounds who appear as if they can't handle a slap on the wrist, and then we have the 5'10, 160 (on a good day) pound kids in college who get laid out by opposing big men like it's a mandatory part of their scholarship.
To reach the upper echelon of basketball, learn to take a hit. The NBA player honestly has that assumption about him now. Outsiders who don't watch NBA basketball on a nightly basis just assume the NBA is a league of bitch players who gripe about not getting fouls called on them.
AND that is another problem. The players are expecting it at this point, too. If the NBA were to publicly change their rules, would we still see the repulsive glares that the star players try and intimidate the officials with anymore? Again, if the contact is blatant and it disrupts the play, then blow the whistle. But if it's a brush foul that a player can fight through, just let it go. Because this is where all of the inconsistensies that drive us all insane come into play.
It will always be an imperfect system...but it could still be better.
Stay tuned.
I'm sure many of you were less than satisfied with the officiating of last night's game. Unfortunately it will be a hot topic for at least today and could very well stay that way until Game 6 tips off on Thursday.
Now, I was born in 1989. I missed out on the good ole days, as I like to refer to them. You see, essentially before the mid '90s, and I'm still not sure if this was Michael Jordan's doing or not, NBA players were actually allowed to be physical with one another. It wasn't the brush foul league we have been subjected to for the last decade.
You could foul a guy. Hard. You could hit a guy. You could clothesline a guy. Here is the essential difference:
In Game 4 of the 1984 NBA Finals when Kevin McHale wiped out Kurt Rambis (one of the best fouls in Celtics history, I might add), he wasn't ejected (To my knowledge. Correct me if I'm wrong) and he certainly was not suspended or fined for his play.
After reliving it again on YouTube, I even noticed the color commentator (I'm 99 percent sure it's Tommy Heinsohn) proclaim, "It's part of the game". And it was. If that play happened today, McHale would have been promptly ejected without any review, suspended at least 2, maybe 3 games and fined a minimum of $25,000. I mean, if Paul Pierce gets fined 25K for sticking his hand out at Al Horford, imagine how much money a clothesline would cost.
But this has really become the NBA's problem. David Stern has done a great job with the league, but at times I feel as if he just doesn't allow enough. I mean, grazing a guy's elbow is a foul now? Hand checks are fouls now? Even playoff fouls aren't allowed anymore. There was always the unspoken rule that you could foul a guy harder in the postseason...you know...the "no layups" rule.
But these lock down rules are what's causing this unstoppable fan uprising. At this point, whenever we see one of our players get touched with the slightest part of a hand or foot we scream, "Foul!", and when the whistle isn't blown, we bitch and moan for the next 48 hours. I'm not blaming the fans, it's what we've become accustomed to. I've been brought up this way. I grew up hating NBA Officials because it was what I was expected to do. Heinsohn has aged about 10 extra years behind the broadcasting booth just because of his transcending through the NBA decades and seeing how much the game has changed.
He played and coached during the eras of men. When professional basketball players could take a hit, get back up, and keep playing. Tommy's seen it all and I don't blame him for being awestruck at some of the calls we now see in the NBA. Half of Ray Allen's fouls last night were called because he was trying to prevent Ben Gordon from shoving off of him in an attempt to sprint away and duck around a screen faster to get open. I mean, we have to draw the line at some point, don't we? Is slapping hands really a foul? Especially when it has no feasible impact on the outcome of the play? I mean, the play hadn't technically even started yet.
And all I am going to say about the play Ray fouled out on...is that if Ray had happened to be LeBron James, Kobe Bryant or Dwyane Wade, Brad Miller would have been the only one to receive a foul. That's all I am going to say on that one.
Now, I don't want anyone to get hurt. I would hate to see any player suffer a serious injury because some guy is a headcase and takes out his anger on other people (Tyrus Thomas). But at the same time, the officiating is so inconsistent that it needs to be looked at. If I were David Stern, I would eliminate all "touch" fouls in the NBA. No more hand checks or grazes or school girl slaps will earn you a trip to the free throw line.
Realistically, college basketball gets it right for the most part. And from the college ball I've seen, they get away with more contact than any NBA player does. And isn't that another problem? I mean, if you get to the NBA you are clearly a superior physical specimen and can probably handle a chest bump that will knock you to the floor. I mean, we have guys who are 6'8 and 260 pounds who appear as if they can't handle a slap on the wrist, and then we have the 5'10, 160 (on a good day) pound kids in college who get laid out by opposing big men like it's a mandatory part of their scholarship.
To reach the upper echelon of basketball, learn to take a hit. The NBA player honestly has that assumption about him now. Outsiders who don't watch NBA basketball on a nightly basis just assume the NBA is a league of bitch players who gripe about not getting fouls called on them.
AND that is another problem. The players are expecting it at this point, too. If the NBA were to publicly change their rules, would we still see the repulsive glares that the star players try and intimidate the officials with anymore? Again, if the contact is blatant and it disrupts the play, then blow the whistle. But if it's a brush foul that a player can fight through, just let it go. Because this is where all of the inconsistensies that drive us all insane come into play.
It will always be an imperfect system...but it could still be better.
Stay tuned.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
For Those of You Too Lazy to Read
By: Greg Payne
Here is the latest episode of "No Payne, No Gain", the ongoing postgame podcasts.
Here's the box score again, just in case.
Stay Tuned.
Here is the latest episode of "No Payne, No Gain", the ongoing postgame podcasts.
Here's the box score again, just in case.
Stay Tuned.
A Little Extra of Everything as Celtics Take Down Bulls in Game 5
By: Greg Payne
Whatever demons were holding down Paul Pierce heading into tonight's Game 5 of the Boston Celtics' first round playoff series with the Chicago Bulls were miraculously lifted with 3.4 seconds left in overtime of the Celtics 106-104 victory. Amid swirling rumors of injury, fatigue and wear and tear, Pierce winded the clock down, drove right on John Salmons, stepped back and buried his patended fade away jump shot with 3.4 seconds left to lift the C's to a pivotal 3-2 series lead.
On top of his game-winner, Pierce also buried a step back with 10.5 seconds left in regulation to tie the game at 93.
"I just thought I didn't over penetrate tonight. I took my time, I got some space off the dribble and I got it to my sweet spot and took the shots," said Pierce afterward.
For a player who was supposedly struggling from a strained right hamstring, Chicago's Ben Gordon appeared to be moving just fine. His injury might have only been evidenced by his 6-21 shooting performance from the floor, but he still managed to turn that into 26 points to match Pierce, and buried the go-ahead jumper for the Bulls with 16.6 seconds left, which then set up Pierce's heroics.
In the overtime he managed to score seven of Chicago's 11 points (despite some terrific defense from Tony Allen), including three free with 27.3 seconds left (off an Allen foul) to tie the game at 104.
"I wasn't worried about Ben Gordon being hurt," said C's Coach Doc Rivers afterward. "I've seen that act before. He was terrific. He made some unbelievable shots, and honestly, some of them were very well defended and we'll take some of those shots. If he makes those, he makes them."
With 5:27 left in regulation, and the Celtics down three, Ray Allen and Brad Miller were called for a double foul, which promptly exiled Allen from the game with his sixth personal, while Miller laughed at the call, knowing Allen meant more to the Celtics than he meant to Chicago. Well, Miller wasn't smiling with two seconds left in overtime with a chance to tie the game at the free throw line.
After a Chicago inbounds play wound up with Miller receiving the ball with an open lane to drive to the hoop, Rajon Rondo sprinted over and whacked Miller across the face and preventing him from getting to the basket. Miller's mouth was covered in blood and he proceeded to miss both free throws.
"It's a great foul by Rondo," Rivers said afterward. "You always talk about playoff basketball, no layups. Rondo did it on the very last play and it won the game for us."
Boston faced an 11-point fourth quarter deficit with 9:29 remaining, and the gap was still ten two minutes later before a drive by Rondo ignited a 9-0 run for Boston. Rondo capped off another near triple-double (28 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists) with a steal on Rose and a full court sprint for another layup to make it 83-77 with 6:27 remaining.
"He's just a mentally tough kid," Rivers said of Rondo. "Him and Paul, down the stretch, they just gritted it. (Rondo) drove with the intentions, either, 'I'm gonna score or you're gonna foul me'. That's the speed and the power and when you see Rondo you don't see power, but his speed becomes powerful."
After Kendrick Perkins rejected a John Salmons attempt, Pierce grabbed the ball and went coast to coast to tie it at 91 with 1:14 left.
"(With 9:29 remaining), I thought that was the time we actually slowed down and played with great patience on offense, moved the ball, and trusted each other," said Rivers. "I thought we were going too quick most of the game. Down the stretch our execution was phenomenal."
"This team has a never-die attitude," Pierce proclaimed afterwards as Rivers nodded confidently beside him. "We've been down in a lot of games where we've shown we can come back and that's just one of the characteristics of this team. I mean, we never look up and say, 'This game is over', regardless of the time, the score and that's just the way we feel."
Perhaps Perkins' most impressive stat was not his 16 points, 19 rebounds or his seven blocks. Instead, he finished with zero fouls which was vital, considering the lack of big men the Celtics have to throw out there.
"I thought Perk and Tony Allen, I know the foul (on Gordon at the end) was a bad one, but those two guys defensively changed the game for us," added Rivers. "I thought they were phenomenal."
The Celtics can now close out the Bulls Thursday night in Chicago and await the winner of the Orlando-Philadelphia series. Despite their loss in Chicago on Sunday, the Celtics must have comfort knowing that Paul Pierce is back to his old self.
Whatever demons were holding down Paul Pierce heading into tonight's Game 5 of the Boston Celtics' first round playoff series with the Chicago Bulls were miraculously lifted with 3.4 seconds left in overtime of the Celtics 106-104 victory. Amid swirling rumors of injury, fatigue and wear and tear, Pierce winded the clock down, drove right on John Salmons, stepped back and buried his patended fade away jump shot with 3.4 seconds left to lift the C's to a pivotal 3-2 series lead.
On top of his game-winner, Pierce also buried a step back with 10.5 seconds left in regulation to tie the game at 93.
"I just thought I didn't over penetrate tonight. I took my time, I got some space off the dribble and I got it to my sweet spot and took the shots," said Pierce afterward.
For a player who was supposedly struggling from a strained right hamstring, Chicago's Ben Gordon appeared to be moving just fine. His injury might have only been evidenced by his 6-21 shooting performance from the floor, but he still managed to turn that into 26 points to match Pierce, and buried the go-ahead jumper for the Bulls with 16.6 seconds left, which then set up Pierce's heroics.
In the overtime he managed to score seven of Chicago's 11 points (despite some terrific defense from Tony Allen), including three free with 27.3 seconds left (off an Allen foul) to tie the game at 104.
"I wasn't worried about Ben Gordon being hurt," said C's Coach Doc Rivers afterward. "I've seen that act before. He was terrific. He made some unbelievable shots, and honestly, some of them were very well defended and we'll take some of those shots. If he makes those, he makes them."
With 5:27 left in regulation, and the Celtics down three, Ray Allen and Brad Miller were called for a double foul, which promptly exiled Allen from the game with his sixth personal, while Miller laughed at the call, knowing Allen meant more to the Celtics than he meant to Chicago. Well, Miller wasn't smiling with two seconds left in overtime with a chance to tie the game at the free throw line.
After a Chicago inbounds play wound up with Miller receiving the ball with an open lane to drive to the hoop, Rajon Rondo sprinted over and whacked Miller across the face and preventing him from getting to the basket. Miller's mouth was covered in blood and he proceeded to miss both free throws.
"It's a great foul by Rondo," Rivers said afterward. "You always talk about playoff basketball, no layups. Rondo did it on the very last play and it won the game for us."
Boston faced an 11-point fourth quarter deficit with 9:29 remaining, and the gap was still ten two minutes later before a drive by Rondo ignited a 9-0 run for Boston. Rondo capped off another near triple-double (28 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists) with a steal on Rose and a full court sprint for another layup to make it 83-77 with 6:27 remaining.
"He's just a mentally tough kid," Rivers said of Rondo. "Him and Paul, down the stretch, they just gritted it. (Rondo) drove with the intentions, either, 'I'm gonna score or you're gonna foul me'. That's the speed and the power and when you see Rondo you don't see power, but his speed becomes powerful."
After Kendrick Perkins rejected a John Salmons attempt, Pierce grabbed the ball and went coast to coast to tie it at 91 with 1:14 left.
"(With 9:29 remaining), I thought that was the time we actually slowed down and played with great patience on offense, moved the ball, and trusted each other," said Rivers. "I thought we were going too quick most of the game. Down the stretch our execution was phenomenal."
"This team has a never-die attitude," Pierce proclaimed afterwards as Rivers nodded confidently beside him. "We've been down in a lot of games where we've shown we can come back and that's just one of the characteristics of this team. I mean, we never look up and say, 'This game is over', regardless of the time, the score and that's just the way we feel."
Perhaps Perkins' most impressive stat was not his 16 points, 19 rebounds or his seven blocks. Instead, he finished with zero fouls which was vital, considering the lack of big men the Celtics have to throw out there.
"I thought Perk and Tony Allen, I know the foul (on Gordon at the end) was a bad one, but those two guys defensively changed the game for us," added Rivers. "I thought they were phenomenal."
The Celtics can now close out the Bulls Thursday night in Chicago and await the winner of the Orlando-Philadelphia series. Despite their loss in Chicago on Sunday, the Celtics must have comfort knowing that Paul Pierce is back to his old self.
OVERTIME IS MUCH BETTER WHEN YOU WIN
Now that is more like it. 106-104 Celtics in overtime.
Paul Pierce buried three crucial jump shots in the OT, including the game-winner with 3.4 seconds left to cap off his 26 point night. He also buried the key jumper with 10.5 seconds left in regulation to send the game into overtime.
Brad Miller missed two free throws with two seconds left in OT to seal the Bulls' fate.
Rajon Rondo neared a triple-double once again with 28 points, 11 assists and eight rebounds.
Kendrick Perkins added 16 points, 19 rebounds and seven blocks.
Uh...are we really buying that Ben Gordon is hurt? 26 points including the go-ahead basket with 16.6 seconds left in regulation and three clutch free throws with 27.3 seconds left in overtime to tie it (setting up Pierce).
Here's the Box.
Full write-up on the way.
Paul Pierce buried three crucial jump shots in the OT, including the game-winner with 3.4 seconds left to cap off his 26 point night. He also buried the key jumper with 10.5 seconds left in regulation to send the game into overtime.
Brad Miller missed two free throws with two seconds left in OT to seal the Bulls' fate.
Rajon Rondo neared a triple-double once again with 28 points, 11 assists and eight rebounds.
Kendrick Perkins added 16 points, 19 rebounds and seven blocks.
Uh...are we really buying that Ben Gordon is hurt? 26 points including the go-ahead basket with 16.6 seconds left in regulation and three clutch free throws with 27.3 seconds left in overtime to tie it (setting up Pierce).
Here's the Box.
Full write-up on the way.
TONIGHT! GAME 5: CELTICS VS. BULLS
By: Greg Payne
Sunday's Game 4 double-overtime loss is now behind us and Game 5 tips off tonight at 7:00pm. Tune into Comcast SportsNet or 850 AM WEEI for full coverage.
KEEP IT IN MIND: Ben Gordon suffered a strained hamstring in Game 4, and is listed as a game-time decision for tonight's contest.
WHO'S HOT: For the Celtics, Rajon Rondo recorded his second triple-double of the series with 25 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists in Game 4.
For the Bulls, all seven of their players who played at least one minute in Game 4 scored in double figures.
WHO'S NOT: Paul Pierce might have scored 29 points in Game 4, but he shot just 9-24 from the field to get there.
Derrick Rose commited seven turnovers for the second straight game for Chicago.
KEY MATCHUP: No surprises here: The 1s, 2s and 3s for each respective team. Rajon Rondo vs. Derrick Rose, Ray Allen vs. Ben Gordon and Paul Pierce vs. John Salmons.
SKINNY: Energy. Energy. Energy. Energy is what will propel the Celtics to a much needed win in Game 5 tonight. A lack of energy, focus and execution is what buried them in Game 4, despite some phenomenal individual efforts. We have learned through the first four games of this series that the Bulls are very, very capable of making shots late in games, but in Game 3 where the Celtics came out like a team ready to defend its title, the Bulls had no answers for the effort the Celtics were playing with.
In the end, the individual performances are marred by the fact that the team as a whole could not come away with a win and in the end, that is all that matters. If the Celtics play together and play with passion, they should win this game easily.
Sunday's Game 4 double-overtime loss is now behind us and Game 5 tips off tonight at 7:00pm. Tune into Comcast SportsNet or 850 AM WEEI for full coverage.
KEEP IT IN MIND: Ben Gordon suffered a strained hamstring in Game 4, and is listed as a game-time decision for tonight's contest.
WHO'S HOT: For the Celtics, Rajon Rondo recorded his second triple-double of the series with 25 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists in Game 4.
For the Bulls, all seven of their players who played at least one minute in Game 4 scored in double figures.
WHO'S NOT: Paul Pierce might have scored 29 points in Game 4, but he shot just 9-24 from the field to get there.
Derrick Rose commited seven turnovers for the second straight game for Chicago.
KEY MATCHUP: No surprises here: The 1s, 2s and 3s for each respective team. Rajon Rondo vs. Derrick Rose, Ray Allen vs. Ben Gordon and Paul Pierce vs. John Salmons.
SKINNY: Energy. Energy. Energy. Energy is what will propel the Celtics to a much needed win in Game 5 tonight. A lack of energy, focus and execution is what buried them in Game 4, despite some phenomenal individual efforts. We have learned through the first four games of this series that the Bulls are very, very capable of making shots late in games, but in Game 3 where the Celtics came out like a team ready to defend its title, the Bulls had no answers for the effort the Celtics were playing with.
In the end, the individual performances are marred by the fact that the team as a whole could not come away with a win and in the end, that is all that matters. If the Celtics play together and play with passion, they should win this game easily.
Rajon Rondo Tops Them All
By: Greg Payne
I have written and said for the past several months that Rajon Rondo is steadily moving up the ranks in terms of the top point guards in the NBA. Well, it is with a strong sense of pleasure and pride (he is a Boston Celtic after all) that I reveal the following statistics to all of you.
Since only the Detroit Pistons and Utah Jazz have been eliminated from playoff contention so far, there are still 14 teams with a point guard running the show and of those 14 (make it 15 because Deron Williams still had to be included. He played great against the Lakers), I see eight that have been playing pretty solid ball (Rafer Alston, Aaron Brooks, Derek Fisher, Steve Blake, Jason Kidd, Mario Chalmers Mike Bibby and Mo Williams), a rookie who looks like a 10-year veteran at this point (Derrick Rose), an old guy playing like he's 23 again (Andre Miller), a rejuvenated star whose return to his old home has brought that city legitimate playoff hopes (Chauncey Billups), three All-Star point guards who everyone loves to talk about (Chris Paul, Deron Williams, Tony Parker) and only one other who sits above them all. Rajon Rondo.
The Celtics might be deadlocked 2-2 with the Chicago Bulls in their first round series, but without Rondo playing the way he's been playing, they probably would already be chipping away at some of the nicest 18-hole golf courses in the country.
Rondo's playoff numbers so far:
23.3 ppg, 10.8 rpg, 10.0 apg, 40 percent from three-point nation, 50 percent from the field, 3.5 spg, 1.75 TOpg, 43.3 mpg.
Rondo is not just the only point guard to average a triple-double in the playoffs this season, he is the only player to do it, period. Of the other point guards, only two are averaging double-doubles (Paul and Williams).
Since so many people salivate over Paul and Williams, let's examine their numbers:
Chris Paul: 17.75 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 10.5 apg, 1.25 spg, 5.25 TOpg, 35.0 mpg
Deron Williams: 20.2 ppg, 10.8 apg, 3.8 rpg, 1.8 spg, 4.20 TOpg, 42.2 mpg
Interesting...I see more points out of Rondo, many more rebounds, a wash in assists, more minutes, many more steals and a significant advantage in turnovers. I mean, Paul is essentially giving the other team five extra possessions and Williams is handing it over four extra times. Do these guys not value the ball?
Now, what Paul and Williams have done over the course of their 3+ years in the NBA can not be out-done by one playoff series from Rondo, but at the very least all of these national guys need to understand that another guy belongs in the conversation. I mean, Paul was a legitimate MVP candidate. People love this kid. I know he's done some pretty unique stuff over the course of his career, but in Game 4 of their series last night, Paul had four points and six assists and the Hornets lost by 58 points. In my book, that's not MVP caliber play.
It could even be argued that Rondo has the toughest matchup night in and night out (besides Paul, who's dealing with Billups' nightly line of 25.0 points, 3.75 rebounds, 6.5 assists, one steal and 1.75 turnovers) with Rose.
Rose is arguably the closest to Rondo in terms of a point guard averaging a triple-double for a playoff series. His numbers:
19.5 ppg, 7.3 apg, 6.0 rpg, 0.2 spg, 5.25 TOpg
The steals and turnovers obviously hurt Rose, but he's bigger and stronger than Rondo, which actually accounts for something, especially when Rose is bulling his way through the paint. But when he's not getting into the paint he's handing the ball over to the other team nearly six times per game.
Then there's the Tony Parker part of this. Parker, who apparently deemed Rondo as "overrated" recently, has had some solid numbers to fall back on:
29.3 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 5.5 apg, 1.5 spg, 3.5 Topg in 34.0 mpg
The only thing is Parker and the Spurs are down 3-1 to the Dallas Mavericks (and don't give me any crap about not having Manu Giobili. Last time I checked, we were missing a pretty key guy ourselves.). Also, both the Spurs and Celtics need their starting point guards to score more points because of the key injuries they're fighting through. Well, Parker might scored six more points per night on his own, but Rondo's five extra assists have to count for at least ten extra points and his 23.3 scoring mark is nothing to snuff at.
I hope Parker checked the stats before he made his overrated comment. In fact, I hope all of these guys check the stats at some point, because, if the playoffs were to start all over again today, how could anyone not take Rajon Rondo?
Stay tuned.
I have written and said for the past several months that Rajon Rondo is steadily moving up the ranks in terms of the top point guards in the NBA. Well, it is with a strong sense of pleasure and pride (he is a Boston Celtic after all) that I reveal the following statistics to all of you.
Since only the Detroit Pistons and Utah Jazz have been eliminated from playoff contention so far, there are still 14 teams with a point guard running the show and of those 14 (make it 15 because Deron Williams still had to be included. He played great against the Lakers), I see eight that have been playing pretty solid ball (Rafer Alston, Aaron Brooks, Derek Fisher, Steve Blake, Jason Kidd, Mario Chalmers Mike Bibby and Mo Williams), a rookie who looks like a 10-year veteran at this point (Derrick Rose), an old guy playing like he's 23 again (Andre Miller), a rejuvenated star whose return to his old home has brought that city legitimate playoff hopes (Chauncey Billups), three All-Star point guards who everyone loves to talk about (Chris Paul, Deron Williams, Tony Parker) and only one other who sits above them all. Rajon Rondo.
The Celtics might be deadlocked 2-2 with the Chicago Bulls in their first round series, but without Rondo playing the way he's been playing, they probably would already be chipping away at some of the nicest 18-hole golf courses in the country.
Rondo's playoff numbers so far:
23.3 ppg, 10.8 rpg, 10.0 apg, 40 percent from three-point nation, 50 percent from the field, 3.5 spg, 1.75 TOpg, 43.3 mpg.
Rondo is not just the only point guard to average a triple-double in the playoffs this season, he is the only player to do it, period. Of the other point guards, only two are averaging double-doubles (Paul and Williams).
Since so many people salivate over Paul and Williams, let's examine their numbers:
Chris Paul: 17.75 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 10.5 apg, 1.25 spg, 5.25 TOpg, 35.0 mpg
Deron Williams: 20.2 ppg, 10.8 apg, 3.8 rpg, 1.8 spg, 4.20 TOpg, 42.2 mpg
Interesting...I see more points out of Rondo, many more rebounds, a wash in assists, more minutes, many more steals and a significant advantage in turnovers. I mean, Paul is essentially giving the other team five extra possessions and Williams is handing it over four extra times. Do these guys not value the ball?
Now, what Paul and Williams have done over the course of their 3+ years in the NBA can not be out-done by one playoff series from Rondo, but at the very least all of these national guys need to understand that another guy belongs in the conversation. I mean, Paul was a legitimate MVP candidate. People love this kid. I know he's done some pretty unique stuff over the course of his career, but in Game 4 of their series last night, Paul had four points and six assists and the Hornets lost by 58 points. In my book, that's not MVP caliber play.
It could even be argued that Rondo has the toughest matchup night in and night out (besides Paul, who's dealing with Billups' nightly line of 25.0 points, 3.75 rebounds, 6.5 assists, one steal and 1.75 turnovers) with Rose.
Rose is arguably the closest to Rondo in terms of a point guard averaging a triple-double for a playoff series. His numbers:
19.5 ppg, 7.3 apg, 6.0 rpg, 0.2 spg, 5.25 TOpg
The steals and turnovers obviously hurt Rose, but he's bigger and stronger than Rondo, which actually accounts for something, especially when Rose is bulling his way through the paint. But when he's not getting into the paint he's handing the ball over to the other team nearly six times per game.
Then there's the Tony Parker part of this. Parker, who apparently deemed Rondo as "overrated" recently, has had some solid numbers to fall back on:
29.3 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 5.5 apg, 1.5 spg, 3.5 Topg in 34.0 mpg
The only thing is Parker and the Spurs are down 3-1 to the Dallas Mavericks (and don't give me any crap about not having Manu Giobili. Last time I checked, we were missing a pretty key guy ourselves.). Also, both the Spurs and Celtics need their starting point guards to score more points because of the key injuries they're fighting through. Well, Parker might scored six more points per night on his own, but Rondo's five extra assists have to count for at least ten extra points and his 23.3 scoring mark is nothing to snuff at.
I hope Parker checked the stats before he made his overrated comment. In fact, I hope all of these guys check the stats at some point, because, if the playoffs were to start all over again today, how could anyone not take Rajon Rondo?
Stay tuned.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Gordon to undergo MRI
ESPN:
Bulls guard Ben Gordon was scheduled to undergo an MRI on Monday after straining a hamstring in the first half of Sunday's double-overtime victory over the Boston Celtics in Chicago.
Update (from the good folks at ESPN):
Chicago Bulls star Ben Gordon is listed as day to day after an MRI confirmed he has a strained left hamstring.
Bulls guard Ben Gordon was scheduled to undergo an MRI on Monday after straining a hamstring in the first half of Sunday's double-overtime victory over the Boston Celtics in Chicago.
Update (from the good folks at ESPN):
Chicago Bulls star Ben Gordon is listed as day to day after an MRI confirmed he has a strained left hamstring.
It's Not Chicago...It's Us.
By: Greg Payne
I will say this: If the Boston Celtics lose to the Chicago Bulls in the first round of the 2009 NBA Playoffs it will not be because of the Chicago Bulls. It will be because of the Boston Celtics. You know, it's the classic break-up line: "It's not you, it's me."
While this series has been one of the most exciting in recent playoff history, it has also been one of the most frustrating. A series that is now tied 2-2, could just as easily be over by now with a 4-0 sweep by the defending champs. The two games the Celtics have lost have been decided by a combined five points. The overlapping and mysterious explanation for both of our losses: A lack of focus, intensity and execution. In other words, we've shot ourselves in the foot on two occassions now.
I said it yesterday, but I will only give the Bulls credit for hitting the shots when it mattered most. That cannot be ignored and I will not insult the Bulls by belitting them there. However, the Celtics came into this series as the superior team and continue to be the superior team, even if they don't want to play like it.
Take yesterday's first quarter for example. The Celtics came out flat yet again, which was even more disappointing after we saw them come sprinting out of the gates in Game 3. However, the Bulls came out even flatter. At the end of the first quarter the Bulls had scored 18 points on 36 percent shooting. Every Chicago starter had at least a -1 on the +/- chart. They were simply terrible in yesterday's first quarter. So, we had the PERFECT opportunity to jump on them early and put them away! But, by quarter's end, we had a measily one-point lead.
WE turned the ball over five times in the quarter. WE shot 35 percent from the field. WE only scored 19 points. Chicago didn't do that to us. We brought that on ourselves and in the end, it came back to haunt us.
Yesterday's game should have been won by at least 10 points. It never should have gone to overtime, let alone two of them. It should not be airing on ESPN Classic today at 5:00pm.
But it wasn't. But it did. But it will.
Kendrick Perkins said it best in Steve Blupett's article in the Herald today:
“It’s frustrating more than anything,” said center Kendrick Perkins [stats]. “I just feel like if everybody would just lock in on what we’re supposed to be doing, we’d be fine. I just thought we messed up a lot of plays because our focus wasn’t there. We’ve got to have a great focus.
“Now,” said Perkins, his face not hiding his disgust, “we’ve got to go get a win and come back to Chicago. I’m just saying all this (expletive) drains you, man.”
Well at least the players are as annoyed as we are at this point. We can't wait for the game to "get interesting" before we decide to turn it on. If not for Rajon Rondo playing with a sincere sense of urgency in the first half, we would not have possessed a one-point cushion at the break. Perk said 'everyone' needs to lock in to what the Celtics are trying to do. And that continues not to happen. Game 3 was really the only game when everyone appeared to be on the same page. Yesterday, Glen Davis was stuck in Chapter 3, Ray Allen was hanging out in the prologue and Paul Pierce was still perusing the title page.
One of the worst parts continues to be the fact that the Cleveland Cavaliers (the team we will most likely have to beat in order to make it back to the NBA Finals) swept the Detroit Pistons and will now rest easy for at least the rest of the week while the Heat and Hawks continue their own private war. But us? We'll have two more grueling games on our hands at the very minimum, and now I actually expect Chicago to come out with something to prove tomorrow night.
Hopefully, we do the same.
Stay tuned.
I will say this: If the Boston Celtics lose to the Chicago Bulls in the first round of the 2009 NBA Playoffs it will not be because of the Chicago Bulls. It will be because of the Boston Celtics. You know, it's the classic break-up line: "It's not you, it's me."
While this series has been one of the most exciting in recent playoff history, it has also been one of the most frustrating. A series that is now tied 2-2, could just as easily be over by now with a 4-0 sweep by the defending champs. The two games the Celtics have lost have been decided by a combined five points. The overlapping and mysterious explanation for both of our losses: A lack of focus, intensity and execution. In other words, we've shot ourselves in the foot on two occassions now.
I said it yesterday, but I will only give the Bulls credit for hitting the shots when it mattered most. That cannot be ignored and I will not insult the Bulls by belitting them there. However, the Celtics came into this series as the superior team and continue to be the superior team, even if they don't want to play like it.
Take yesterday's first quarter for example. The Celtics came out flat yet again, which was even more disappointing after we saw them come sprinting out of the gates in Game 3. However, the Bulls came out even flatter. At the end of the first quarter the Bulls had scored 18 points on 36 percent shooting. Every Chicago starter had at least a -1 on the +/- chart. They were simply terrible in yesterday's first quarter. So, we had the PERFECT opportunity to jump on them early and put them away! But, by quarter's end, we had a measily one-point lead.
WE turned the ball over five times in the quarter. WE shot 35 percent from the field. WE only scored 19 points. Chicago didn't do that to us. We brought that on ourselves and in the end, it came back to haunt us.
Yesterday's game should have been won by at least 10 points. It never should have gone to overtime, let alone two of them. It should not be airing on ESPN Classic today at 5:00pm.
But it wasn't. But it did. But it will.
Kendrick Perkins said it best in Steve Blupett's article in the Herald today:
“It’s frustrating more than anything,” said center Kendrick Perkins [stats]. “I just feel like if everybody would just lock in on what we’re supposed to be doing, we’d be fine. I just thought we messed up a lot of plays because our focus wasn’t there. We’ve got to have a great focus.
“Now,” said Perkins, his face not hiding his disgust, “we’ve got to go get a win and come back to Chicago. I’m just saying all this (expletive) drains you, man.”
Well at least the players are as annoyed as we are at this point. We can't wait for the game to "get interesting" before we decide to turn it on. If not for Rajon Rondo playing with a sincere sense of urgency in the first half, we would not have possessed a one-point cushion at the break. Perk said 'everyone' needs to lock in to what the Celtics are trying to do. And that continues not to happen. Game 3 was really the only game when everyone appeared to be on the same page. Yesterday, Glen Davis was stuck in Chapter 3, Ray Allen was hanging out in the prologue and Paul Pierce was still perusing the title page.
One of the worst parts continues to be the fact that the Cleveland Cavaliers (the team we will most likely have to beat in order to make it back to the NBA Finals) swept the Detroit Pistons and will now rest easy for at least the rest of the week while the Heat and Hawks continue their own private war. But us? We'll have two more grueling games on our hands at the very minimum, and now I actually expect Chicago to come out with something to prove tomorrow night.
Hopefully, we do the same.
Stay tuned.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Trying to Make Sense of a Wasted Opportunity
By: Greg Payne
I must have watched today's game highlight 50 times already, still trying to find out what exactly went wrong. I see Ben Gordon rise up to shoot his three with 4.5 seconds left in the first overtime over and over again and every time I see him shoot that shot I wish it won't go in, like whenever I watch '300' (which I'm doing right now, ironically enough) and wish Astinos wouldn't get his head cut off by that rogue horseman.
I'm writing under the influence of disappointment. Today was the day we were supposed to grab this series by the throat and cut off its life support. This series was supposed to end on Tuesday. But now? After today's 121-118 loss in double overtime, this series will span a minimum of six games and won't end before Thursday at the earliest.
I wrote a post the other day about how I didn't think the Bulls would respond in Game 4. I'm sticking to what I said. I don't think the Bulls responded. I think we gave away a win we should have had. Now, I don't want to discredit what the Bulls did today. Ben Gordon once again played out of his mind (22 points) and made some of the toughest shots I have ever seen. Derrick Rose's 23-point, 11 assist performance closer resembled his Game 1 heroics. BUT, the fact remains, Chicago was only in this game because we allowed them to be.
Ben Gordon only hit his three because we allowed the game to get that far. Derrick Rose only slashed through the paint throughout the entire fourth quarter because we were not displaying any defensive intensity. In Game 3, Paul Pierce shot 6/7 in the first quarter en route to 13 points. Today? 0-3, zero points. ZERO. We had no sense of urgency and no intensity to start this game and that is one of the main reasons we lost today's contest. Again, the Bulls made the shots when it mattered most, so I give them credit there, but that's only because we gave them the chance to.
So why else did we lose? In my eyes there were five distinct plays that if they just happened to go the other way, or a different way, we would have walked out of the United Center with a 3-1 series lead:
1) With 20 seconds left in regulation, Glen Davis took a Ray Allen feed and went up and under the basket for a layup on the right side. Unfortunately, when he put it off the glass, he put it too far to the left and it resulted in it just falling off the rim instead of through the net. If that shot had fallen the game would have been tied at 95. Now, Ray Allen's three-pointer with 9.8 seconds left in regulation made amends for it, but the complexion of the last 20 seconds would have been vastly different.
2) With 2:22 left in the second overtime, Davis missed ANOTHER layup inside. This time, he was on the left side and went up as if he was going to power it through, but with some heavy interference from Joakim Noah, it once again fell off. I mean, this one was even worse. Not because we hadn't scored in the second overtime yet, but because this one was literally over the rim. From the camera angle above the backboard you could literally see the ball rise up over the left side of the rim, but just not enough to fall in. A fly in the arena could have flown by and the flutter of its wings would have pushed that ball in, that's how close it was.
Now, I am not blaming Glen Davis for any of this. These things happen. They've happened to everyone (see Paul Pierce missing crucial free throw in Game 1). I think sometimes we all forget (including me) that Davis is only a second year player. He sure doesn't play like a guy in his second season in the NBA. I mean, Davis is replacing Kevin Garnett. KG. The Big Ticket. The man who apparently invented a certain 12-letter curse phrase. One of the single greatest power forwards in the history of the NBA. And how has Davis responded? He's averaged 17 points per game. He scored a career-high 26 points in Game 2. I love what Glen Davis is doing...I feel terrible that those two layups didn't fall.
3) With 28 seconds left in the first overtime, the Celtics were clinging to a two-point advantage after they started the period by shooting 5-6 from the field. Pierce lost the ball, Kirk Hinrich recovered and was off to the races. Now, Brian Scalabrine is not going to put in 20 points per night. It's just not going to happen. What we rely on Scal for is smart, savvy play and good decisions. Well, Scal didn't exactly make a good decision in this case. Instead of letting Hinrich just take the layup, he grabbed him once he was past halfcourt with no one in front of him, resulting in a clear path foul. The result? Two Chicago free throws and possession.
Scal and Doc Rivers didn't see it as a clear path foul, most likely arguing that Scal was even with Hinrich when he fouled him, but if you watch the tape, Scal was coming up behind him. It was the right call. It kills me to say it, but it was the right call. The events that followed eventually led to Ben Gordon hitting his unbelievable three-pointer with 4.5 seconds left in overtime. Which brings me to number four.
4) With nine seconds left the Bulls inbounded the ball to John Salmons and he was within the three-point line. If we had fouled him he would have shot two free throws, we would have most likely gotten the ball back, fed Ray Allen, who would have hit his freebies and the game would have been ours. Instead, we choose not to foul, Pierce is late in his switch to cover Gordon and obviously doesn't want to foul him shooting a three, but it didn't matter as Gordon hit the shot anyway (Oh...wait for it...wait for it...Yup...Astinos just lost his head again). 110-110. Double overtime.
Sidenote: I rarely see my dad get emotional when it comes to sports. He's usually pretty impassive. But when Gordon hit that shot, I thought his deep roar of, "OHHH NOOOOOO!" was going to shatter the downstairs windows.
5) BUT, double overtime could have possibly been prevented had we chosen to run a legitimate play with the 4.5 seconds we had left on the clock. After my dad yelled, I replied with a calm, "It's okay! We have two of the most clutch players in the league!", but amazingly, neither one of them touched the ball in those final 4.5 seconds of overtime.
Rajon Rondo played another fabulous game. He is now flirting with "Top 3 PG" status in the NBA, if he hasn't already achieved that in some peoples' eyes (I think he's already there). His most recent super human line:
25 points, 11 rebounds, 11 assists, two steals, ONE turnover.
BUT...with 4.5 seconds left he held the ball up top and decided a 19-foot jump shot would be the final play for Boston in the OT. I was speechless as to why he didn't at least try and get to the rim and possibly the free throw line (not that I would have wanted the game in the hands of the refs. We would have lost.). Or at the very, very least, try and kick it out to someone on the perimeter, because, ultimately, even if the Bulls expected Pierce or Allen to get the ball for the final shot, they could not have possibly ignored Rondo slashing to the basket. Doc looked pretty pissed after Rondo's jumper found nothing but iron. Can you blame him? I trust Rondo to the utmost. I trust him more than some of my best friends. But on that play? I can't help but disagree with his decision.
Some other quick stats stuck out to me, which slaps our supposed aggressiveness in the kisser:
We were outrebounded 49-49, out-assisted 23-19 and we turned it over 19 times to Chicago's 15. Also, the Bulls shot 48.4 percent from the field, proving our defensive intensity was at a minimum. The desire just wasn't there this time around.
This one hurt. I won't lie. I'm really bummed after this one. If you're interested, the rest of the Spartans just got slaughtered at the end of the movie.
Stay tuned.
I must have watched today's game highlight 50 times already, still trying to find out what exactly went wrong. I see Ben Gordon rise up to shoot his three with 4.5 seconds left in the first overtime over and over again and every time I see him shoot that shot I wish it won't go in, like whenever I watch '300' (which I'm doing right now, ironically enough) and wish Astinos wouldn't get his head cut off by that rogue horseman.
I'm writing under the influence of disappointment. Today was the day we were supposed to grab this series by the throat and cut off its life support. This series was supposed to end on Tuesday. But now? After today's 121-118 loss in double overtime, this series will span a minimum of six games and won't end before Thursday at the earliest.
I wrote a post the other day about how I didn't think the Bulls would respond in Game 4. I'm sticking to what I said. I don't think the Bulls responded. I think we gave away a win we should have had. Now, I don't want to discredit what the Bulls did today. Ben Gordon once again played out of his mind (22 points) and made some of the toughest shots I have ever seen. Derrick Rose's 23-point, 11 assist performance closer resembled his Game 1 heroics. BUT, the fact remains, Chicago was only in this game because we allowed them to be.
Ben Gordon only hit his three because we allowed the game to get that far. Derrick Rose only slashed through the paint throughout the entire fourth quarter because we were not displaying any defensive intensity. In Game 3, Paul Pierce shot 6/7 in the first quarter en route to 13 points. Today? 0-3, zero points. ZERO. We had no sense of urgency and no intensity to start this game and that is one of the main reasons we lost today's contest. Again, the Bulls made the shots when it mattered most, so I give them credit there, but that's only because we gave them the chance to.
So why else did we lose? In my eyes there were five distinct plays that if they just happened to go the other way, or a different way, we would have walked out of the United Center with a 3-1 series lead:
1) With 20 seconds left in regulation, Glen Davis took a Ray Allen feed and went up and under the basket for a layup on the right side. Unfortunately, when he put it off the glass, he put it too far to the left and it resulted in it just falling off the rim instead of through the net. If that shot had fallen the game would have been tied at 95. Now, Ray Allen's three-pointer with 9.8 seconds left in regulation made amends for it, but the complexion of the last 20 seconds would have been vastly different.
2) With 2:22 left in the second overtime, Davis missed ANOTHER layup inside. This time, he was on the left side and went up as if he was going to power it through, but with some heavy interference from Joakim Noah, it once again fell off. I mean, this one was even worse. Not because we hadn't scored in the second overtime yet, but because this one was literally over the rim. From the camera angle above the backboard you could literally see the ball rise up over the left side of the rim, but just not enough to fall in. A fly in the arena could have flown by and the flutter of its wings would have pushed that ball in, that's how close it was.
Now, I am not blaming Glen Davis for any of this. These things happen. They've happened to everyone (see Paul Pierce missing crucial free throw in Game 1). I think sometimes we all forget (including me) that Davis is only a second year player. He sure doesn't play like a guy in his second season in the NBA. I mean, Davis is replacing Kevin Garnett. KG. The Big Ticket. The man who apparently invented a certain 12-letter curse phrase. One of the single greatest power forwards in the history of the NBA. And how has Davis responded? He's averaged 17 points per game. He scored a career-high 26 points in Game 2. I love what Glen Davis is doing...I feel terrible that those two layups didn't fall.
3) With 28 seconds left in the first overtime, the Celtics were clinging to a two-point advantage after they started the period by shooting 5-6 from the field. Pierce lost the ball, Kirk Hinrich recovered and was off to the races. Now, Brian Scalabrine is not going to put in 20 points per night. It's just not going to happen. What we rely on Scal for is smart, savvy play and good decisions. Well, Scal didn't exactly make a good decision in this case. Instead of letting Hinrich just take the layup, he grabbed him once he was past halfcourt with no one in front of him, resulting in a clear path foul. The result? Two Chicago free throws and possession.
Scal and Doc Rivers didn't see it as a clear path foul, most likely arguing that Scal was even with Hinrich when he fouled him, but if you watch the tape, Scal was coming up behind him. It was the right call. It kills me to say it, but it was the right call. The events that followed eventually led to Ben Gordon hitting his unbelievable three-pointer with 4.5 seconds left in overtime. Which brings me to number four.
4) With nine seconds left the Bulls inbounded the ball to John Salmons and he was within the three-point line. If we had fouled him he would have shot two free throws, we would have most likely gotten the ball back, fed Ray Allen, who would have hit his freebies and the game would have been ours. Instead, we choose not to foul, Pierce is late in his switch to cover Gordon and obviously doesn't want to foul him shooting a three, but it didn't matter as Gordon hit the shot anyway (Oh...wait for it...wait for it...Yup...Astinos just lost his head again). 110-110. Double overtime.
Sidenote: I rarely see my dad get emotional when it comes to sports. He's usually pretty impassive. But when Gordon hit that shot, I thought his deep roar of, "OHHH NOOOOOO!" was going to shatter the downstairs windows.
5) BUT, double overtime could have possibly been prevented had we chosen to run a legitimate play with the 4.5 seconds we had left on the clock. After my dad yelled, I replied with a calm, "It's okay! We have two of the most clutch players in the league!", but amazingly, neither one of them touched the ball in those final 4.5 seconds of overtime.
Rajon Rondo played another fabulous game. He is now flirting with "Top 3 PG" status in the NBA, if he hasn't already achieved that in some peoples' eyes (I think he's already there). His most recent super human line:
25 points, 11 rebounds, 11 assists, two steals, ONE turnover.
BUT...with 4.5 seconds left he held the ball up top and decided a 19-foot jump shot would be the final play for Boston in the OT. I was speechless as to why he didn't at least try and get to the rim and possibly the free throw line (not that I would have wanted the game in the hands of the refs. We would have lost.). Or at the very, very least, try and kick it out to someone on the perimeter, because, ultimately, even if the Bulls expected Pierce or Allen to get the ball for the final shot, they could not have possibly ignored Rondo slashing to the basket. Doc looked pretty pissed after Rondo's jumper found nothing but iron. Can you blame him? I trust Rondo to the utmost. I trust him more than some of my best friends. But on that play? I can't help but disagree with his decision.
Some other quick stats stuck out to me, which slaps our supposed aggressiveness in the kisser:
We were outrebounded 49-49, out-assisted 23-19 and we turned it over 19 times to Chicago's 15. Also, the Bulls shot 48.4 percent from the field, proving our defensive intensity was at a minimum. The desire just wasn't there this time around.
This one hurt. I won't lie. I'm really bummed after this one. If you're interested, the rest of the Spartans just got slaughtered at the end of the movie.
Stay tuned.
For Those of You Too Lazy to Read
Here's a post game podcast!
I tried not to sound too disappointed in this one. Very tough loss to swallow though.
Stay tuned.
I tried not to sound too disappointed in this one. Very tough loss to swallow though.
Stay tuned.
Celtics Can't Hold Back Bulls...Lose in Double Overtime
By: Greg Payne
Just when you thought the first two games of the Boston Celtics' first round playoff series with the Chicago Bulls couldn't get anymore exciting, Game 4 happened.
This series could single-handedly push the limit for the number of clutch shots hit in a four-game span, as the Bulls ultimately came away with a 121-118 double overtime victory.
One would assume Chicago had learned its lesson in terms of guarding Ray Allen after his miraculous Game 2 performance. Well, apparently not. With the Celtics down 96-93 with 9.8 seconds left in regulation, Allen came off a screen, received a Rajon Rondo pass and knocked down a three-point basket to tie the game at 96. He finished the day with 28 points.
One would also assume that Boston had learned its lesson in terms of guarding Ben Gordon after his equally miraculous Game 2 performance. Well, apparently no one learns any lessons anymore these days. The Celtics blew a five-point overtime lead and with 4.5 seconds left in the first extra period, allowed Gordon to rise up for a three-pointer, instead of fouling him, which he expectantly buried, to tie the game at 110. With the game tied, Rondo fired a jumper at the hoop which went wild, sending the game into double OT.
"We always foul," said Doc Rivers following the defensive lapse. "Not only foul, but switch - we broke 'em all down the stretch. I thought if he pops for the three and makes it, they should win. One thing I always say, 'Even when you screw it up, they still have to make the shot', and Ben Gordon made a hell of a shot. So he deserves all the credit."
Boston wouldn't score for the first 3:16 of the second extra period, and could never quite seem to get the defensive stops it needed in order to reclaim their lead. With 35 seconds left, Joakim Noah (12 points, 10 rebounds), hit one of two free throws, giving Chicago a 117-112 advantage, but Pierce would rebound a Rondo miss and convert it for a three-point play, making it 117-115 with 27.3 left. Pierce finished with 29 points, but shot just 9-24 in order to get there.
John Salmons (20 points), knocked down two free throws, and after Allen missed a three-pointer from the right corner, Glen Davis smacked the ball back out to Pierce, who proceeded to bury a three to make it 119-118 Chicago. But Salmons would hit two more free throws and on Boston's final possession, down three, he covered Pierce tightly and blocked Pierce's final three-point attempt, securing Chicago's victory.
"Little things throughout the whole playoffs are the things that really kill you," said Pierce afterward. "You know, me not covering the three with Ben Gordon coming off the flare. Turnovers, little things like that, so, it's definitely a tough game to swallow since we gave ourselves the best chance there in the first overtime."
It's safe to say Boston did not bring their 'A' game in this one. After a convincing Game 3 win put Chicago on the ropes, the Celtics were unable to land their knockout punch. In terms of aggressiveness, Chicago won the battle on the boards (49-47), while blocking more shots (9-4) and valuing the ball more (15 turnovers to Boston's 19).
While it's difficult to lose sight of a player recording his second triple-double of a playoff series, Rondo's 25 point - 11 rebound - 11 assist - one turnover gem might have been lost in the translation of points that were recorded in the extra two periods. He is now averaging a triple-double for the series. His battle with Chicago point guard Derrick Rose (23 points, 11 rebounds, nine assists of his own to go along with seven turnovers for the second straight game), was back and forth all game, particularly in the fourth quarter.
"Rondo is absolutely terrific," said Doc Rivers after the game. "I trust him with the ball all game, he makes great decisions, he plays with an unbelievable composure. I mean he was composed as anyone on the floor tonight. He might have had the most composure, being as young as he is, you know, it's just great."
The Celtics allowed the Bulls to score 31 points in the final frame and 25 points in the two overtimes combined, on top of allowing the Bulls' seven-man rotation to each score in double figures.
"We just know what we should have done and we didn't do it. We lose as a team and tonight we lost as a team," said Rivers. "I could have done a better job of drawing stuff up and the players could have done a better job of executing."
Just when you thought the first two games of the Boston Celtics' first round playoff series with the Chicago Bulls couldn't get anymore exciting, Game 4 happened.
This series could single-handedly push the limit for the number of clutch shots hit in a four-game span, as the Bulls ultimately came away with a 121-118 double overtime victory.
One would assume Chicago had learned its lesson in terms of guarding Ray Allen after his miraculous Game 2 performance. Well, apparently not. With the Celtics down 96-93 with 9.8 seconds left in regulation, Allen came off a screen, received a Rajon Rondo pass and knocked down a three-point basket to tie the game at 96. He finished the day with 28 points.
One would also assume that Boston had learned its lesson in terms of guarding Ben Gordon after his equally miraculous Game 2 performance. Well, apparently no one learns any lessons anymore these days. The Celtics blew a five-point overtime lead and with 4.5 seconds left in the first extra period, allowed Gordon to rise up for a three-pointer, instead of fouling him, which he expectantly buried, to tie the game at 110. With the game tied, Rondo fired a jumper at the hoop which went wild, sending the game into double OT.
"We always foul," said Doc Rivers following the defensive lapse. "Not only foul, but switch - we broke 'em all down the stretch. I thought if he pops for the three and makes it, they should win. One thing I always say, 'Even when you screw it up, they still have to make the shot', and Ben Gordon made a hell of a shot. So he deserves all the credit."
Boston wouldn't score for the first 3:16 of the second extra period, and could never quite seem to get the defensive stops it needed in order to reclaim their lead. With 35 seconds left, Joakim Noah (12 points, 10 rebounds), hit one of two free throws, giving Chicago a 117-112 advantage, but Pierce would rebound a Rondo miss and convert it for a three-point play, making it 117-115 with 27.3 left. Pierce finished with 29 points, but shot just 9-24 in order to get there.
John Salmons (20 points), knocked down two free throws, and after Allen missed a three-pointer from the right corner, Glen Davis smacked the ball back out to Pierce, who proceeded to bury a three to make it 119-118 Chicago. But Salmons would hit two more free throws and on Boston's final possession, down three, he covered Pierce tightly and blocked Pierce's final three-point attempt, securing Chicago's victory.
"Little things throughout the whole playoffs are the things that really kill you," said Pierce afterward. "You know, me not covering the three with Ben Gordon coming off the flare. Turnovers, little things like that, so, it's definitely a tough game to swallow since we gave ourselves the best chance there in the first overtime."
It's safe to say Boston did not bring their 'A' game in this one. After a convincing Game 3 win put Chicago on the ropes, the Celtics were unable to land their knockout punch. In terms of aggressiveness, Chicago won the battle on the boards (49-47), while blocking more shots (9-4) and valuing the ball more (15 turnovers to Boston's 19).
While it's difficult to lose sight of a player recording his second triple-double of a playoff series, Rondo's 25 point - 11 rebound - 11 assist - one turnover gem might have been lost in the translation of points that were recorded in the extra two periods. He is now averaging a triple-double for the series. His battle with Chicago point guard Derrick Rose (23 points, 11 rebounds, nine assists of his own to go along with seven turnovers for the second straight game), was back and forth all game, particularly in the fourth quarter.
"Rondo is absolutely terrific," said Doc Rivers after the game. "I trust him with the ball all game, he makes great decisions, he plays with an unbelievable composure. I mean he was composed as anyone on the floor tonight. He might have had the most composure, being as young as he is, you know, it's just great."
The Celtics allowed the Bulls to score 31 points in the final frame and 25 points in the two overtimes combined, on top of allowing the Bulls' seven-man rotation to each score in double figures.
"We just know what we should have done and we didn't do it. We lose as a team and tonight we lost as a team," said Rivers. "I could have done a better job of drawing stuff up and the players could have done a better job of executing."
BULLS 121 - CELTICS 118
If this game had turned out the other way it would have had the potential to go down as one of the greatest in Celtics' history. Instead, the Bulls walk off with Game 4, 121-118 in double overtime.
Ben Gordon once again came up huge again, burying a three-pointer with the Bulls down three with 4.5 seconds left in the first overtime to send it to the second extra frame, but only after Ray Allen buried a three with 9.8 seconds left in regulation which sent it into overtime.
The positives:
Rajon Rondo had his second triple-double of this series:
25 points, 11 rebounds, 11 assists
Paul Pierce had 29 points and hit some big shots in the extra frames.
Allen finished with 28 on the day, with 16 of those coming in the fourth quarter and the overtimes.
The negatives:
While Glen Davis finished with 10 points and 11 rebounds, he missed two costly layups in the fourth quarter and overtimes, both of which would have really altered the course of this game.
Three of Chicago's starters scored at least 20 points. John Salmons finished with 20, Gordon had 22 and Derrick Rose had 23.
Full write-up on the way.
Ben Gordon once again came up huge again, burying a three-pointer with the Bulls down three with 4.5 seconds left in the first overtime to send it to the second extra frame, but only after Ray Allen buried a three with 9.8 seconds left in regulation which sent it into overtime.
The positives:
Rajon Rondo had his second triple-double of this series:
25 points, 11 rebounds, 11 assists
Paul Pierce had 29 points and hit some big shots in the extra frames.
Allen finished with 28 on the day, with 16 of those coming in the fourth quarter and the overtimes.
The negatives:
While Glen Davis finished with 10 points and 11 rebounds, he missed two costly layups in the fourth quarter and overtimes, both of which would have really altered the course of this game.
Three of Chicago's starters scored at least 20 points. John Salmons finished with 20, Gordon had 22 and Derrick Rose had 23.
Full write-up on the way.
GORDON FOR 3....AGAIN
Ben Gordon buried a three-pointer with 4.5 seconds left in overtime to tie the game at 110. We're headed for double-overtime.
RAY FOR 3...AGAIN!
Ray Allen buried a three-point basket with 9.8 seconds left to tie the game at 96.
Overtime begins now.
Overtime begins now.
TODAY: CELTICS AT BULLS
By: Greg Payne
It's Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals between the Boston Celtics and the Chicago Bulls today at 1:00pm. Tune into ABC or 850 AM WEEI for full coverage.
KEEP IT IN MIND: The Celtics absolutely dominated Game 3, 107-86.
WHO'S HOT: For the Celtics, Paul Pierce, scored 24 points in Game 3, including 13 in the first quarter on 6-7 shooting.
For the Bulls, Anthony Roberston scored eight points in the game's final four minutes.
WHO'S NOT: Chicago shot just 37.5 percent from the field in Game 3, to go along with 63 percent from the free throw line.
KEY MATCHUP: Not to sound repetitive, but the 1s, 2s and 3s continue to be the story of this series. Rajon Rondo vs. Derrick Rose, Ray Allen vs. Ben Gordon and Paul Pierce vs. John Salmons.
SKINNY: The Celtics need to do exactly what they did in Game 3. Game 3 was the perfect game for this team and the New Big Three. Their defensive intensity was there (as evidenced by Chicago's poor shooting percentage), they clogged the lane (16 steals) and they contested shots in the paint (10 blocks). That defense has to show up again today in a game that has possible elimination consequences for the Bulls.
Getting Pierce involved early last time made Chicago's defense shift to him, leaving Allen free to roam the perimeter and knock down open shots. Look for Rondo to continue to push the pace and attack Derrick Rose (seven turnovers in Game 3) and Kirk Hinrich. While Rose and Ben Gordon have been Chicago's two biggest threats, their less than enthusiastic play in Game 3 showed their inconsistencies. Boston has to be in attack mode from the start in order to build and early lead, which will most likely force Chicago to adjust their original game plan, which is what appeared to happen in Game 3.
Let's put a stamp on this one.
Stay Tuned.
It's Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals between the Boston Celtics and the Chicago Bulls today at 1:00pm. Tune into ABC or 850 AM WEEI for full coverage.
KEEP IT IN MIND: The Celtics absolutely dominated Game 3, 107-86.
WHO'S HOT: For the Celtics, Paul Pierce, scored 24 points in Game 3, including 13 in the first quarter on 6-7 shooting.
For the Bulls, Anthony Roberston scored eight points in the game's final four minutes.
WHO'S NOT: Chicago shot just 37.5 percent from the field in Game 3, to go along with 63 percent from the free throw line.
KEY MATCHUP: Not to sound repetitive, but the 1s, 2s and 3s continue to be the story of this series. Rajon Rondo vs. Derrick Rose, Ray Allen vs. Ben Gordon and Paul Pierce vs. John Salmons.
SKINNY: The Celtics need to do exactly what they did in Game 3. Game 3 was the perfect game for this team and the New Big Three. Their defensive intensity was there (as evidenced by Chicago's poor shooting percentage), they clogged the lane (16 steals) and they contested shots in the paint (10 blocks). That defense has to show up again today in a game that has possible elimination consequences for the Bulls.
Getting Pierce involved early last time made Chicago's defense shift to him, leaving Allen free to roam the perimeter and knock down open shots. Look for Rondo to continue to push the pace and attack Derrick Rose (seven turnovers in Game 3) and Kirk Hinrich. While Rose and Ben Gordon have been Chicago's two biggest threats, their less than enthusiastic play in Game 3 showed their inconsistencies. Boston has to be in attack mode from the start in order to build and early lead, which will most likely force Chicago to adjust their original game plan, which is what appeared to happen in Game 3.
Let's put a stamp on this one.
Stay Tuned.
In Wade We Trust Part II and What We'll Know About the Orlando Magic After Today
By: Greg Payne
Scoreboard watching has never been so much fun! Or so rewarding! The Mavericks just about ended their series with the Spurs last night (now they're up 3-1), New Orleans barely crawled back into it (2-1 Denver) and the Lakers went up 3-1 (BOO!).
BUT...in my ongoing plot to take down LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Miami Heat won a decisive game in Miami, their first game in South Beach of the series. "In Wade We Trust" (IWWT) put in 29 points to lead Miami, to give the Heat a pivotal 2-1 edge in that series.
After losing by 26 points in Game 1, the Heat have won Games 2 and 3 by a combined 44 points. Now of course, the Heat depend entirely upon IWWT, and they will only go as far as he can take them, but if the Heat can clinch this series in five games, part one of my plan will be set in motion.
If you missed out on my genius idea, part one consists of Miami meeting up with Cleveland in the second round. Now, since no one in the NBA can stop IWWT, the Heat have a slim but actual chance of knocking out Cleveland. Now, if that part of the plan fails, there's always the backup plan. The Heat do nothing but deliver body blows, making each and every game closer than it should be and take the Cavs to at least six or seven games, testing them mentally and physically for the whole series (putting them in a weakened, subdued state for when we meet them in the Eastern Conference Finals). The Heat deliver the body blows, tag us, we hop in the ring and give the Cavs the old knock out punch. I love tuning into TNT and watching Wade go to work. I also love the final scores I've been seeing. Keep it going, Miami.
Now, the other score we need to watch today is actually a crucial, crucial game for the Orlando Magic and it actually could tell us something about them (and their head coach). Even though Philly hasn't looked like it so far, they actually are the inferior team in this series, but now that Orlando is facing a 2-1 series deficit, we get to see how they respond to this adversity and what they do when their backs are up against the wall. It's so much fun when it's not us.
If the Magic do not win today and fall in a 3-1 hole, the Sixers are the only team in these playoffs capable of blowing that lead, but if the Magic don't respond the right way today, we know they falter under pressure, just like their head coach, Stan Van Gundy. Van Gundy's struggles in the clutch have been well documented, to the point where his own players have called him out on it.
If Orlando loses today I'm still not going to count them out, only because I'm not sold on Philly's ability to seal the deal, sort of like Matt Damon in 'Ocean's 11'. But, if the Magic were to fall, it would be blatantly obvious that they cannot respond to having the pressure put on them, that they can't win the big game and that their coach can't take a very, very talented team to the next level. If the Magic lose this game, but win the series, we will enter that second round matchup knowing the Magic are a weak team mentally. And in the playoffs, mental lapses spell definitive doom.
Keep it going, Philly.
Stay Tuned.
Scoreboard watching has never been so much fun! Or so rewarding! The Mavericks just about ended their series with the Spurs last night (now they're up 3-1), New Orleans barely crawled back into it (2-1 Denver) and the Lakers went up 3-1 (BOO!).
BUT...in my ongoing plot to take down LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Miami Heat won a decisive game in Miami, their first game in South Beach of the series. "In Wade We Trust" (IWWT) put in 29 points to lead Miami, to give the Heat a pivotal 2-1 edge in that series.
After losing by 26 points in Game 1, the Heat have won Games 2 and 3 by a combined 44 points. Now of course, the Heat depend entirely upon IWWT, and they will only go as far as he can take them, but if the Heat can clinch this series in five games, part one of my plan will be set in motion.
If you missed out on my genius idea, part one consists of Miami meeting up with Cleveland in the second round. Now, since no one in the NBA can stop IWWT, the Heat have a slim but actual chance of knocking out Cleveland. Now, if that part of the plan fails, there's always the backup plan. The Heat do nothing but deliver body blows, making each and every game closer than it should be and take the Cavs to at least six or seven games, testing them mentally and physically for the whole series (putting them in a weakened, subdued state for when we meet them in the Eastern Conference Finals). The Heat deliver the body blows, tag us, we hop in the ring and give the Cavs the old knock out punch. I love tuning into TNT and watching Wade go to work. I also love the final scores I've been seeing. Keep it going, Miami.
Now, the other score we need to watch today is actually a crucial, crucial game for the Orlando Magic and it actually could tell us something about them (and their head coach). Even though Philly hasn't looked like it so far, they actually are the inferior team in this series, but now that Orlando is facing a 2-1 series deficit, we get to see how they respond to this adversity and what they do when their backs are up against the wall. It's so much fun when it's not us.
If the Magic do not win today and fall in a 3-1 hole, the Sixers are the only team in these playoffs capable of blowing that lead, but if the Magic don't respond the right way today, we know they falter under pressure, just like their head coach, Stan Van Gundy. Van Gundy's struggles in the clutch have been well documented, to the point where his own players have called him out on it.
If Orlando loses today I'm still not going to count them out, only because I'm not sold on Philly's ability to seal the deal, sort of like Matt Damon in 'Ocean's 11'. But, if the Magic were to fall, it would be blatantly obvious that they cannot respond to having the pressure put on them, that they can't win the big game and that their coach can't take a very, very talented team to the next level. If the Magic lose this game, but win the series, we will enter that second round matchup knowing the Magic are a weak team mentally. And in the playoffs, mental lapses spell definitive doom.
Keep it going, Philly.
Stay Tuned.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Not Completely Sold on the Bulls 'Responding' Tomorrow Afternoon
By: Greg Payne
I know "feelings" don't always count for a whole lot, but you know how most of us "felt" like Paul Pierce was due to go off in Game 3 and then we weren't surprised when he did?
Well, everyone's been talking about how the Bulls are going to respond after the Celtics waxed them by 21 points on Thursday, but I'm still not convinced. I just "feel" like the Celtics are going to keep their foot right on the gas medal and head back to Boston up 3-1 after another convincing victory tomorrow afternoon.
I guess it could be just because of the Bulls' effort in Game 3. I mean, how can a team play that poorly and suddenly expect to just turn the switch back on and compete in the next game? While the Celtics played poorly in Game 1, it was a much different type of subpar play. While we might not have come out red hot, we weren't COMPLETELY flat. I mean, Rondo had 12 points in the first quarter. I still say that Game 1 was us simply underestimating the Bulls more than anything else and I also think that explains Pierce's uninspiring play in the first two contests. It's especially difficult for young, inexperienced teams to just "turn it on". I mean, we're not talking about the '86 Celtics here.
But the Bulls in Game 3 were just dead. Granted, the crowd wasn't spectacular, but how can a team so young and enthusiastic play so poorly in their first game at home after pushing the World Champions to the brink for two games?
Well, if nothing else, we absolutely learned one thing from Game 3: The Bulls do not respond well when they get flustered. Now, pressure (like in Games 1 and 2) is different from discomfort. When the Bulls finally saw the Celtics taking control, they panicked. They took quick, impatient shots, Derrick Rose turned the ball over, Ben Gordon couldn't find his offensive flow and instead of Tyrus Thomas scoring six points in a vital stretch, he shoved Glen Davis after a whistle, resulting in a technical foul, instead. These Bulls can be broken. And I for one think the Celtics truly broke them in Game 3.
Here's Joakim Noah's explanation for Game 3 (courtesy of K.C. Johnson, Chicago Tribune):
"We rushed our offense instead of taking our time and staying poised," Noah said. "We took bad shots.
"It was embarrassing. It's a situation we can't forget. But we must cherish the ball and play every possession like it's our last."
I think the Bulls came into this series as that young team with nothing to lose. You know, they're high on energy without a care in the world and could hold their heads pretty high after Games 1 and 2. But after Game 3, they are no longer that team in my eyes. They could only run on that energy and essentially, that innocence, for so long. Once the Celtics fought back, the Bulls could no longer be that team. Now, they're rattled. Now, they actually have to show up, execute and respond to the Celtics. Not exactly the easiest thing for a young team like the Bulls to accomplish.
According to Paul Pierce, he wants the Celtics to push the pace once again (courtesy of Frank Dell'Apa of the Globe):
Captain Paul Pierce is urging the Celtics to set the tone against the Chicago Bulls in Sunday's game.
"Personally, I don't want to come back to Chicago," Pierce said after a 1 1/2-hour practice at DePaul University Saturday. "We had a good day of practice.
"I'm treating this game like we lost Game 3. So, it's going to be my mindset to go out here and win Game 4 and, hopefully, put it away at home."
If the Celtics can come out the same way as they did in Game 3 (And why wouldn't they? It worked, didn't it?), I'm very confident they will put the Bulls away early.
As much as I loved the excitement of Games 1 and 2, I'll take a Game 3-like win any night of the week. Here's to another one tomorrow.
Stay tuned.
I know "feelings" don't always count for a whole lot, but you know how most of us "felt" like Paul Pierce was due to go off in Game 3 and then we weren't surprised when he did?
Well, everyone's been talking about how the Bulls are going to respond after the Celtics waxed them by 21 points on Thursday, but I'm still not convinced. I just "feel" like the Celtics are going to keep their foot right on the gas medal and head back to Boston up 3-1 after another convincing victory tomorrow afternoon.
I guess it could be just because of the Bulls' effort in Game 3. I mean, how can a team play that poorly and suddenly expect to just turn the switch back on and compete in the next game? While the Celtics played poorly in Game 1, it was a much different type of subpar play. While we might not have come out red hot, we weren't COMPLETELY flat. I mean, Rondo had 12 points in the first quarter. I still say that Game 1 was us simply underestimating the Bulls more than anything else and I also think that explains Pierce's uninspiring play in the first two contests. It's especially difficult for young, inexperienced teams to just "turn it on". I mean, we're not talking about the '86 Celtics here.
But the Bulls in Game 3 were just dead. Granted, the crowd wasn't spectacular, but how can a team so young and enthusiastic play so poorly in their first game at home after pushing the World Champions to the brink for two games?
Well, if nothing else, we absolutely learned one thing from Game 3: The Bulls do not respond well when they get flustered. Now, pressure (like in Games 1 and 2) is different from discomfort. When the Bulls finally saw the Celtics taking control, they panicked. They took quick, impatient shots, Derrick Rose turned the ball over, Ben Gordon couldn't find his offensive flow and instead of Tyrus Thomas scoring six points in a vital stretch, he shoved Glen Davis after a whistle, resulting in a technical foul, instead. These Bulls can be broken. And I for one think the Celtics truly broke them in Game 3.
Here's Joakim Noah's explanation for Game 3 (courtesy of K.C. Johnson, Chicago Tribune):
"We rushed our offense instead of taking our time and staying poised," Noah said. "We took bad shots.
"It was embarrassing. It's a situation we can't forget. But we must cherish the ball and play every possession like it's our last."
I think the Bulls came into this series as that young team with nothing to lose. You know, they're high on energy without a care in the world and could hold their heads pretty high after Games 1 and 2. But after Game 3, they are no longer that team in my eyes. They could only run on that energy and essentially, that innocence, for so long. Once the Celtics fought back, the Bulls could no longer be that team. Now, they're rattled. Now, they actually have to show up, execute and respond to the Celtics. Not exactly the easiest thing for a young team like the Bulls to accomplish.
According to Paul Pierce, he wants the Celtics to push the pace once again (courtesy of Frank Dell'Apa of the Globe):
Captain Paul Pierce is urging the Celtics to set the tone against the Chicago Bulls in Sunday's game.
"Personally, I don't want to come back to Chicago," Pierce said after a 1 1/2-hour practice at DePaul University Saturday. "We had a good day of practice.
"I'm treating this game like we lost Game 3. So, it's going to be my mindset to go out here and win Game 4 and, hopefully, put it away at home."
If the Celtics can come out the same way as they did in Game 3 (And why wouldn't they? It worked, didn't it?), I'm very confident they will put the Bulls away early.
As much as I loved the excitement of Games 1 and 2, I'll take a Game 3-like win any night of the week. Here's to another one tomorrow.
Stay tuned.
Ray Allen Puts the Final Touches on a Winning Formula
By: Greg Payne
I could not have written out a better script for the Celtics in Game 3. It honestly was the perfect game for them. Nothing could have gone better. I do need to give credit to one guy who no one really talked about after the game though - Ray Allen.
While Rajon Rondo, Paul Pierce and Glen Davis all put up extremely impressive lines in the third game of this series, Allen really helped bury the Bulls in a very subtle manner that no one paid much attention to. When I casually looked over the final box score right when the game ended, I was pleasantly surprised to see that Ray had finished with 18 points. Before the page loaded, I was thinking 12, maybe 14 total.
Allen finished the night with 18 points on 6-12 shooting from the field, 3-4 shooting from the nation and 3-3 from the charity stripe. Now, 18 points might not be 30 points, which Allen had in Game 2, but of the nearly 400 guys in the NBA, I can think of 347 who would sacrifice a small goat in order to average 18 points per game (and of those 347, I bet 126 have actually tried).
This was a perfect Ray Allen night to cap off a perfect Game 3 performance for Boston. You see, with Paul Pierce hitting six of his first seven shots en route to 13 of his 24 points in the first quarter, Chicago's defense had to play according to his rules, like whenever you went over "That Kid's" house and whatever game you were playing, he always changed the rules up in his favor and because you were at his house you really couldn't do anything about it. Yeah, we all hated "That Kid". Well, Chicago hates Paul Pierce because no matter what they did, he scored, like he was changing the rules of the game right before every shot he took.
Now, the beauty behind that is every single player on Chicago simultaneously forgot about Ray Allen. With five guys suddenly zoned in on The Truth, Jesus Shuttlesworth got to work.
Quick Note: Allen started off on 1-5 shooting with 2 points in the first quarter. I swear he did that on purpose.
Ray's two biggest threes probably came in the final minute of the second quarter, with his second one giving Boston its 59-37 halftime lead, because Chicago was essentially finished at halftime. Acquiring that lead so early on really put a stamp on this one. But in the third quarter, after we had pushed the lead to 70-45, Chicago's pulse beat briefly (Well...not exactly. It was more like when a dead body accidentally twitches as rigor mortis sets in), as they put together a 5-0 run, cutting the lead to 20, which led to a Boston timeout.
Since we're not fans of rigor mortis victims twitching, we came out of the timeout and went on an 8-0 run, with Allen supplying five of the eight points on a three-pointer and two free throws. Game, set, match.
I mean, Ray was huge in this game. His shots were timely, effective and dispiriting for Chicago. If Ray pulls a Game 1 and finishes with four points, all of a sudden we have a game on our hands. But who is better at playing the role of the quiet assassin in the NBA? Ray was designed for this role. He was built to play it. While he can easily go off for 20 or 25+ points on any given night (see Game 2 for proof), he is almost better letting someone else handle the brunt of the scoring while he just flicks in the biggest of buckets. It's like Pierce was the man in charge of Chicago's coffin. He placed the cover meticulously over the casket and Allen supplied the nails and the hammer.
This realistically could be the formula for success for the New Big Three (and here I am giving it away): Rondo basically does everything, so defenses just have no shot whatsoever, Pierce scores a bucket load of points and Allen just cleans up with three to five three-pointers and a few other buckets in transition to go along with four or five free throws.
As great as Pierce is, he's just better as the leading man. He can't score as quietly as Allen because the defense will always try and adjust to him. If Allen is scoring six or eight straight points for Boston and Pierce hits a big three, the defense will immediately adjust to him every time for fear of him going off for a monster quarter. But if he's in the midst of scoring six or eight straight points for Boston and Allen hits a three, the defense is still be on red alert for Pierce.
It's a winning formula in my book.
Stay tuned.
P.S.: If you live in New England today, do not stay inside. Get out and enjoy the weather. It's by far the most beautiful day of the year.
I could not have written out a better script for the Celtics in Game 3. It honestly was the perfect game for them. Nothing could have gone better. I do need to give credit to one guy who no one really talked about after the game though - Ray Allen.
While Rajon Rondo, Paul Pierce and Glen Davis all put up extremely impressive lines in the third game of this series, Allen really helped bury the Bulls in a very subtle manner that no one paid much attention to. When I casually looked over the final box score right when the game ended, I was pleasantly surprised to see that Ray had finished with 18 points. Before the page loaded, I was thinking 12, maybe 14 total.
Allen finished the night with 18 points on 6-12 shooting from the field, 3-4 shooting from the nation and 3-3 from the charity stripe. Now, 18 points might not be 30 points, which Allen had in Game 2, but of the nearly 400 guys in the NBA, I can think of 347 who would sacrifice a small goat in order to average 18 points per game (and of those 347, I bet 126 have actually tried).
This was a perfect Ray Allen night to cap off a perfect Game 3 performance for Boston. You see, with Paul Pierce hitting six of his first seven shots en route to 13 of his 24 points in the first quarter, Chicago's defense had to play according to his rules, like whenever you went over "That Kid's" house and whatever game you were playing, he always changed the rules up in his favor and because you were at his house you really couldn't do anything about it. Yeah, we all hated "That Kid". Well, Chicago hates Paul Pierce because no matter what they did, he scored, like he was changing the rules of the game right before every shot he took.
Now, the beauty behind that is every single player on Chicago simultaneously forgot about Ray Allen. With five guys suddenly zoned in on The Truth, Jesus Shuttlesworth got to work.
Quick Note: Allen started off on 1-5 shooting with 2 points in the first quarter. I swear he did that on purpose.
Ray's two biggest threes probably came in the final minute of the second quarter, with his second one giving Boston its 59-37 halftime lead, because Chicago was essentially finished at halftime. Acquiring that lead so early on really put a stamp on this one. But in the third quarter, after we had pushed the lead to 70-45, Chicago's pulse beat briefly (Well...not exactly. It was more like when a dead body accidentally twitches as rigor mortis sets in), as they put together a 5-0 run, cutting the lead to 20, which led to a Boston timeout.
Since we're not fans of rigor mortis victims twitching, we came out of the timeout and went on an 8-0 run, with Allen supplying five of the eight points on a three-pointer and two free throws. Game, set, match.
I mean, Ray was huge in this game. His shots were timely, effective and dispiriting for Chicago. If Ray pulls a Game 1 and finishes with four points, all of a sudden we have a game on our hands. But who is better at playing the role of the quiet assassin in the NBA? Ray was designed for this role. He was built to play it. While he can easily go off for 20 or 25+ points on any given night (see Game 2 for proof), he is almost better letting someone else handle the brunt of the scoring while he just flicks in the biggest of buckets. It's like Pierce was the man in charge of Chicago's coffin. He placed the cover meticulously over the casket and Allen supplied the nails and the hammer.
This realistically could be the formula for success for the New Big Three (and here I am giving it away): Rondo basically does everything, so defenses just have no shot whatsoever, Pierce scores a bucket load of points and Allen just cleans up with three to five three-pointers and a few other buckets in transition to go along with four or five free throws.
As great as Pierce is, he's just better as the leading man. He can't score as quietly as Allen because the defense will always try and adjust to him. If Allen is scoring six or eight straight points for Boston and Pierce hits a big three, the defense will immediately adjust to him every time for fear of him going off for a monster quarter. But if he's in the midst of scoring six or eight straight points for Boston and Allen hits a three, the defense is still be on red alert for Pierce.
It's a winning formula in my book.
Stay tuned.
P.S.: If you live in New England today, do not stay inside. Get out and enjoy the weather. It's by far the most beautiful day of the year.
No positive updates in Tony Allen's Case
Mark Murphy gives great insight into the ongoing developments of the Tony Allen situation:
Two Chicago sources familiar with Allen and his hometown associates - past and present - yesterday connected a group of Allen associates to a fatal shooting in the parking lot of the famous Rock ’n’ Roll McDonald’s last August.
The group had been attending a birthday party for former Celtic Antoine Walker at the downtown club Excalibur when a fight occurred, extending into the McDonald’s parking lot.
Curtis Ellis, 25, was killed, and another person riding in the same car with Ellis was taken to a nearby hospital in critical condition.
According to both sources, this is the same group that was with Allen when the Celtics guard had an early morning fight with Marktwain Johnson and Nigel Odum in a Chicago restaurant in August 2005.
Though Allen was charged with aggravated battery, the charges from the 2005 incident were later dismissed.
One source said that Allen later offered to pay the medical expenses for one of the two men - which man is unclear - though Rahsaan Gordon, the attorney representing Johnson and Odum in a pending civil suit, denied that claim yesterday.
Allen will return to Chicago in July for a court date in the civil suit. At that time he will have to testify about the 2005 incident.
Both sources said Allen’s current troubles are somehow connected to last summer’s incident, and that the Celtics guard allegedly has incurred a heavy financial debt to someone in Chicago and he now refuses to repay.
I hate to say it, but Tony's starting to turn into one of those guys whose career just never quite panned out the way anyone (including Tony) could have anticipated. Behind knee injuries, ankle injuries, thumb injuries, bar fights and now civil suits, the man's never really caught a break since he was drafted back in 2004.
I'm pulling for you Tony.
Stay tuned.
Two Chicago sources familiar with Allen and his hometown associates - past and present - yesterday connected a group of Allen associates to a fatal shooting in the parking lot of the famous Rock ’n’ Roll McDonald’s last August.
The group had been attending a birthday party for former Celtic Antoine Walker at the downtown club Excalibur when a fight occurred, extending into the McDonald’s parking lot.
Curtis Ellis, 25, was killed, and another person riding in the same car with Ellis was taken to a nearby hospital in critical condition.
According to both sources, this is the same group that was with Allen when the Celtics guard had an early morning fight with Marktwain Johnson and Nigel Odum in a Chicago restaurant in August 2005.
Though Allen was charged with aggravated battery, the charges from the 2005 incident were later dismissed.
One source said that Allen later offered to pay the medical expenses for one of the two men - which man is unclear - though Rahsaan Gordon, the attorney representing Johnson and Odum in a pending civil suit, denied that claim yesterday.
Allen will return to Chicago in July for a court date in the civil suit. At that time he will have to testify about the 2005 incident.
Both sources said Allen’s current troubles are somehow connected to last summer’s incident, and that the Celtics guard allegedly has incurred a heavy financial debt to someone in Chicago and he now refuses to repay.
I hate to say it, but Tony's starting to turn into one of those guys whose career just never quite panned out the way anyone (including Tony) could have anticipated. Behind knee injuries, ankle injuries, thumb injuries, bar fights and now civil suits, the man's never really caught a break since he was drafted back in 2004.
I'm pulling for you Tony.
Stay tuned.
Philadelphia takes 2-1 series lead on Orlando
Now, I don't want to get ahead of myself and I don't want you to get ahead of yourself, but last night the Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Orlando Magic for the second time in the three games they have played so far. That's right, Philly's up 2-1 on Orlando in their best of seven series. Thank you, may I have another?
Thaddeus Young drove to the hole, nearly the lost the ball, and turned it into the game winning layup with two seconds left. In Thaddeus, I trust. Even if the Sixers can't pull the upset, taking the Magic to six or even seven games would be great for us (assuming we get past Chicago).
Stay tuned.
Thaddeus Young drove to the hole, nearly the lost the ball, and turned it into the game winning layup with two seconds left. In Thaddeus, I trust. Even if the Sixers can't pull the upset, taking the Magic to six or even seven games would be great for us (assuming we get past Chicago).
Stay tuned.
Friday, April 24, 2009
I'm Not Trying to Diss Chicago Fans...But Come On...
By: Greg Payne
So I was thinking about this on my way home today...
I never realized Chicago's fans were so...unforgiving? I mean, I know the Bulls were down by 30+ last night, and ultimately lost by 21 points and displayed virtually no effort, enthusiasm or intensity from start to finish, but come on. Their team, comprised primarily of young, emerging talent stole Game 1 from the defending NBA Champions, and took them to the brink in Game 2. Bulls fans should be ecstatic right now! I mean, like 2 months ago your team wasn't even in the playoff discussion.
Which is why I was surprised that the energy from the crowd in the United Center wasn't exactly noteworthy, even at the very beginning of the game, when the crowd can help set the tone. I mean, the first five buckets for the home team are the ones the crowds over-cheer for (unless you're like me and you over-cheer every single time your team scores) and can get away with it. I mean, if ever a crowd is going to be over-enthusiastic with no good reason, it has to be at the start of the game. Anyone can scream and holler at the end of a one possession game when their team wins with seconds left or at the buzzer, but if you're over-enthusiastic on an ordinary basket (i.e. a layup or an easy jump shot) with 7:11 left in the second quarter, you just look plain weird (story of my life).
I suppose my point is, Chicago's crowd last night reigned down a steady chant of "Boston Sucks" when Paul Pierce was at the free throw line in the first half, but, when the Bulls were down by 22 at the half, a hearty collection of "BOOS" swarmed the air of the United Center, and they were not directed at the Celtics. If I'm a Bulls fan, I'm keeping my mouth shut as they trot to the locker room, because, ultimately, where does booing my team get me? Am I honestly supposed to believe my team will respond to boos?
I mean, am I honestly thinking, "Wow, Ben Gordon must be getting so pumped in that locker room as the guy next to me's scream of 'You Suck!' reverberates through his mind". If I'm a Chicago fan, I'm staying absolutely silent until they get in the locker room and I'm building myself up for an extreme case of over-enthusiasm reserved specifically for the start of the second half, because, in the end, the NBA is a game of runs and Chicago could start out the second half on a 6-0 run and all of a sudden we have a game again.
But no, they boo-ed (booed?...how do you write this?! I'm going to used booed from now on) their team after the first half and groaned miserably like they were the republicans and we were the democrats and our first half play sealed the deal for Barack Obama's presidential victory.
Now, I felt like I might have heard the slightest hint of a "boo" after Game 1 in Boston from the TD Banknorth Garden crowd, but that was slightly more understandable. I mean, if I'm a Chicago fan, I want my team to hear nothing but positive vibes, because, again, in the end, where does booing a team get them? It's the playoffs! Last time I checked, you lose, you go home. So, why help the losing cause?
I don't know...I guess it doesn't make sense to me. Even when Boston gets smoked every now and again I never "boo"...I might throw up my hands in anguish, but I will never "boo". It's a waste of breath. I save my boos for when the opposing team's starting line ups are introduced or when their second wave comes in - the guys who are actually susceptible to harsh verbal abuse.
That brings me back to how I started this piece. Paul Pierce was at the free throw line and Chicago was booing him. Guys, he's Paul Pierce. Do you honestly think guys like Pierce, LeBron, Kobe and Wade care when opposing fans boo them? Let's get serious here.
I never even booed when Boston lost 18 straight in 2006-2007. That was still a fun team to watch even though we lost 58 of our 82 games. I was the only over-enthusiastic guy left! I mean, why give in to the horrible-ness of the team? No, I stay positive. Oh well...just some thoughts.
Stay tuned.
So I was thinking about this on my way home today...
I never realized Chicago's fans were so...unforgiving? I mean, I know the Bulls were down by 30+ last night, and ultimately lost by 21 points and displayed virtually no effort, enthusiasm or intensity from start to finish, but come on. Their team, comprised primarily of young, emerging talent stole Game 1 from the defending NBA Champions, and took them to the brink in Game 2. Bulls fans should be ecstatic right now! I mean, like 2 months ago your team wasn't even in the playoff discussion.
Which is why I was surprised that the energy from the crowd in the United Center wasn't exactly noteworthy, even at the very beginning of the game, when the crowd can help set the tone. I mean, the first five buckets for the home team are the ones the crowds over-cheer for (unless you're like me and you over-cheer every single time your team scores) and can get away with it. I mean, if ever a crowd is going to be over-enthusiastic with no good reason, it has to be at the start of the game. Anyone can scream and holler at the end of a one possession game when their team wins with seconds left or at the buzzer, but if you're over-enthusiastic on an ordinary basket (i.e. a layup or an easy jump shot) with 7:11 left in the second quarter, you just look plain weird (story of my life).
I suppose my point is, Chicago's crowd last night reigned down a steady chant of "Boston Sucks" when Paul Pierce was at the free throw line in the first half, but, when the Bulls were down by 22 at the half, a hearty collection of "BOOS" swarmed the air of the United Center, and they were not directed at the Celtics. If I'm a Bulls fan, I'm keeping my mouth shut as they trot to the locker room, because, ultimately, where does booing my team get me? Am I honestly supposed to believe my team will respond to boos?
I mean, am I honestly thinking, "Wow, Ben Gordon must be getting so pumped in that locker room as the guy next to me's scream of 'You Suck!' reverberates through his mind". If I'm a Chicago fan, I'm staying absolutely silent until they get in the locker room and I'm building myself up for an extreme case of over-enthusiasm reserved specifically for the start of the second half, because, in the end, the NBA is a game of runs and Chicago could start out the second half on a 6-0 run and all of a sudden we have a game again.
But no, they boo-ed (booed?...how do you write this?! I'm going to used booed from now on) their team after the first half and groaned miserably like they were the republicans and we were the democrats and our first half play sealed the deal for Barack Obama's presidential victory.
Now, I felt like I might have heard the slightest hint of a "boo" after Game 1 in Boston from the TD Banknorth Garden crowd, but that was slightly more understandable. I mean, if I'm a Chicago fan, I want my team to hear nothing but positive vibes, because, again, in the end, where does booing a team get them? It's the playoffs! Last time I checked, you lose, you go home. So, why help the losing cause?
I don't know...I guess it doesn't make sense to me. Even when Boston gets smoked every now and again I never "boo"...I might throw up my hands in anguish, but I will never "boo". It's a waste of breath. I save my boos for when the opposing team's starting line ups are introduced or when their second wave comes in - the guys who are actually susceptible to harsh verbal abuse.
That brings me back to how I started this piece. Paul Pierce was at the free throw line and Chicago was booing him. Guys, he's Paul Pierce. Do you honestly think guys like Pierce, LeBron, Kobe and Wade care when opposing fans boo them? Let's get serious here.
I never even booed when Boston lost 18 straight in 2006-2007. That was still a fun team to watch even though we lost 58 of our 82 games. I was the only over-enthusiastic guy left! I mean, why give in to the horrible-ness of the team? No, I stay positive. Oh well...just some thoughts.
Stay tuned.
In Case You Needed Clarification that Rondo is Not Hurt
Reporters were trying to make a big deal about Rajon Rondo being carried back into the locker room after last night's game by Bill Walker. This just in: Rondo's fine. This is the actual exchange:
"My feet hurt, that's all. I didn't want to limp in and Billy just picked me up and carried me in," he said after the game.
(Reporter): So everything's okay with the ankle?
Rondo: "Yeah I'm fine, it's not the ankle. It's just the bottom of my feet were hurting. That's all."
(Reporter #2): So you're okay for Sunday?
Rondo (almost laughing at this point): "Yeah, I'm fine. I'm fine. It's nothing at all."
He's fine, okay?
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
One other Celtic who might not be fine is Tony Allen, who apparently received death threats upon returning to his native Chicago.
Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports has the details:
Nevertheless, the Allen issue is real and a concern. The Celtics were too beaten up to leave him back in Boston, and spare themselves a police state of security for the weekend. Allen, 26, played high school ball at Crane High School in Chicago and still considers the city home. A judge found him not guilty of aggravated assault in April of 2007, a case based on a fight outside a Chicago restaurant two years earlier.
Sources say this issue has nothing to do with that case, that Allen has been a part of a dispute that’s gone unresolved for over a year. Friends are worried for him, and so are the Celtics. In fact, one long-time Allen friend was told by a Chicago police officer, a source said, that he would be wise to steer clear of the Celtic this weekend. Considering the source of these threats, no one with knowledge of the issue is dismissing these protection steps as an overreaction.
The Boston Globe’s Marc Spears, who broke the story along with Yahoo! Sports on Thursday night, reported that threats had been on Allen when the Celtics visited Chicago on March 17.
Let's all hope this gets resolved sooner rather than later.
Stay tuned.
"My feet hurt, that's all. I didn't want to limp in and Billy just picked me up and carried me in," he said after the game.
(Reporter): So everything's okay with the ankle?
Rondo: "Yeah I'm fine, it's not the ankle. It's just the bottom of my feet were hurting. That's all."
(Reporter #2): So you're okay for Sunday?
Rondo (almost laughing at this point): "Yeah, I'm fine. I'm fine. It's nothing at all."
He's fine, okay?
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
One other Celtic who might not be fine is Tony Allen, who apparently received death threats upon returning to his native Chicago.
Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports has the details:
Nevertheless, the Allen issue is real and a concern. The Celtics were too beaten up to leave him back in Boston, and spare themselves a police state of security for the weekend. Allen, 26, played high school ball at Crane High School in Chicago and still considers the city home. A judge found him not guilty of aggravated assault in April of 2007, a case based on a fight outside a Chicago restaurant two years earlier.
Sources say this issue has nothing to do with that case, that Allen has been a part of a dispute that’s gone unresolved for over a year. Friends are worried for him, and so are the Celtics. In fact, one long-time Allen friend was told by a Chicago police officer, a source said, that he would be wise to steer clear of the Celtic this weekend. Considering the source of these threats, no one with knowledge of the issue is dismissing these protection steps as an overreaction.
The Boston Globe’s Marc Spears, who broke the story along with Yahoo! Sports on Thursday night, reported that threats had been on Allen when the Celtics visited Chicago on March 17.
Let's all hope this gets resolved sooner rather than later.
Stay tuned.
Stephon Marbury Seems to 'Get It'
By: Greg Payne
My single favorite moment from last night's 107-86 triumph over the Chicago Bulls in Game 3 was not Paul Pierce burying a three-pointer from the right corner with 4:32 left in the third quarter, despite receiving some clear contact from John Salmons. It was not Rajon Rondo burying a three of his own with 2.8 seconds left in the first quarter. It was not Pierce and Rondo at one point (4:03 left in the second quarter), combining for more points than the entire Bulls roster combined (33-32). It even was not Tyrus Thomas blatantly shoving Glen Davis after the whistle with 8:20 left in the third quarter, resulting in a technical foul (now that's the Tyrus Thomas we all know!).
No, my single favorite moment from last night's game came with one minute and two seconds left in the first half. Stephon Marbury had buried a three-pointer 38 second earlier and had then fed Ray Allen for a three of his own with 1:09 left, resulting in a 56-37 Boston lead at the time. Then, a whistle was blown. The camera zoomed in on Marbury and Doc Rivers and it was a great exchange.
Doc had the clipboard out with his marker and was drawing up some sort of offensive set that Marbury did not appear to execute completely. Now there are some players who will start yelling at their coaches, trying to claim they were right all along. But not last night. Instead it was Marbury almost breaking his index finger from jabbing the clipboard as he tried to desperately to understand the play.
It was beautiful. It wasn't him saying, "Whatever, Coach, Ray got the three, didn't he?", or, "No, no, I was told this before. We're supposed to swing it this way. Trust me Coach, I got this."
Instead it looked to be a healthy dose of, "Coach, I messed up that set, where did I go wrong?", which Doc replying, "You need to hit Ray here, instead of here," (something along those lines), and Marbury replied with something like, "So I swing it there? What if I go right and they hedge off a screen and I'm forced back to my left?". Doc replies with another idea (Steph's nodding his head the whole time as it becomes clear, all while jabbing the clipboard relentlessly, trying to visualize the play in his mind), Steph gives one last ferocious nod and heads back onto the court, finally showing that competitive edge that we've all been starving for.
I don't want to say 'he's back', but I do want to say that this was really the first time that I've seen Marbury really want this. He wanted so badly to understand that play. He was not going to leave Doc's side until he understood exactly how to run that offensive set (even if play resumed), so that the Celtics could execute it and extend their lead. Sure, he was doing it for Stephon Marbury, but ultimately, he was doing it for the Boston Celtics.
Steph finished the night with 13 points, five assists and three rebounds. He might have only hit four of his ten shots, but the fact that he's taking ten shots is a really good sign. We need Marbury to be aggressive with our second unit. As much as he want to see him dish it to guys like Eddie House, we also wouldn't mind seeing him pull up on the break a little bit more. He always seems to find room just off the elbow for an open jump shot, and if that starts to consistently fall (and it's showing signs that it will), he will have a tremendous finish to this postseason.
Doc summed it up best after the game.
"I'm just happy for Steph," he said. "Obviously, you know the history. But you can see our guys pulling for him all game. He's playing a team game, he's fit in with this group and he really hasn't had a chance in this playoffs so far to play or play well, and he's done that (last night) and I was just thrilled. As happy as I was, I thought our team was happier for him."
It's the classic revival. You can almost see a new fire beginning to burn in Steph's eyes, as if basketball is finally starting to come back to him. This is not the Stephon Marbury of old who was going to poison this team and ruin its chances at another title.
Its like when we were all in high school and hated math class and we were struggling with some complicated formula for weeks and weeks and finally, three days before the big test, we sit down with the teacher, he/she explains it more thoroughly and all of a sudden, in the back of our minds, we're starting to think, "I can do this". We don't necessarily shout it out to the world, but in the depths of ourselves we know we can do it, and when that test is put in front of us three days later, we destroy it. It's that quiet confidence that fuels us.
Steph could very well be ready to destroy these playoffs from here on out with a new found, subtle confidence. As great as it was to see him finally comprehend things last night, it would be even greater to see him win an NBA Championship.
Stay tuned.
My single favorite moment from last night's 107-86 triumph over the Chicago Bulls in Game 3 was not Paul Pierce burying a three-pointer from the right corner with 4:32 left in the third quarter, despite receiving some clear contact from John Salmons. It was not Rajon Rondo burying a three of his own with 2.8 seconds left in the first quarter. It was not Pierce and Rondo at one point (4:03 left in the second quarter), combining for more points than the entire Bulls roster combined (33-32). It even was not Tyrus Thomas blatantly shoving Glen Davis after the whistle with 8:20 left in the third quarter, resulting in a technical foul (now that's the Tyrus Thomas we all know!).
No, my single favorite moment from last night's game came with one minute and two seconds left in the first half. Stephon Marbury had buried a three-pointer 38 second earlier and had then fed Ray Allen for a three of his own with 1:09 left, resulting in a 56-37 Boston lead at the time. Then, a whistle was blown. The camera zoomed in on Marbury and Doc Rivers and it was a great exchange.
Doc had the clipboard out with his marker and was drawing up some sort of offensive set that Marbury did not appear to execute completely. Now there are some players who will start yelling at their coaches, trying to claim they were right all along. But not last night. Instead it was Marbury almost breaking his index finger from jabbing the clipboard as he tried to desperately to understand the play.
It was beautiful. It wasn't him saying, "Whatever, Coach, Ray got the three, didn't he?", or, "No, no, I was told this before. We're supposed to swing it this way. Trust me Coach, I got this."
Instead it looked to be a healthy dose of, "Coach, I messed up that set, where did I go wrong?", which Doc replying, "You need to hit Ray here, instead of here," (something along those lines), and Marbury replied with something like, "So I swing it there? What if I go right and they hedge off a screen and I'm forced back to my left?". Doc replies with another idea (Steph's nodding his head the whole time as it becomes clear, all while jabbing the clipboard relentlessly, trying to visualize the play in his mind), Steph gives one last ferocious nod and heads back onto the court, finally showing that competitive edge that we've all been starving for.
I don't want to say 'he's back', but I do want to say that this was really the first time that I've seen Marbury really want this. He wanted so badly to understand that play. He was not going to leave Doc's side until he understood exactly how to run that offensive set (even if play resumed), so that the Celtics could execute it and extend their lead. Sure, he was doing it for Stephon Marbury, but ultimately, he was doing it for the Boston Celtics.
Steph finished the night with 13 points, five assists and three rebounds. He might have only hit four of his ten shots, but the fact that he's taking ten shots is a really good sign. We need Marbury to be aggressive with our second unit. As much as he want to see him dish it to guys like Eddie House, we also wouldn't mind seeing him pull up on the break a little bit more. He always seems to find room just off the elbow for an open jump shot, and if that starts to consistently fall (and it's showing signs that it will), he will have a tremendous finish to this postseason.
Doc summed it up best after the game.
"I'm just happy for Steph," he said. "Obviously, you know the history. But you can see our guys pulling for him all game. He's playing a team game, he's fit in with this group and he really hasn't had a chance in this playoffs so far to play or play well, and he's done that (last night) and I was just thrilled. As happy as I was, I thought our team was happier for him."
It's the classic revival. You can almost see a new fire beginning to burn in Steph's eyes, as if basketball is finally starting to come back to him. This is not the Stephon Marbury of old who was going to poison this team and ruin its chances at another title.
Its like when we were all in high school and hated math class and we were struggling with some complicated formula for weeks and weeks and finally, three days before the big test, we sit down with the teacher, he/she explains it more thoroughly and all of a sudden, in the back of our minds, we're starting to think, "I can do this". We don't necessarily shout it out to the world, but in the depths of ourselves we know we can do it, and when that test is put in front of us three days later, we destroy it. It's that quiet confidence that fuels us.
Steph could very well be ready to destroy these playoffs from here on out with a new found, subtle confidence. As great as it was to see him finally comprehend things last night, it would be even greater to see him win an NBA Championship.
Stay tuned.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
For Those of You too Lazy to Read...
Here's a post game podcast!
Celtics 107 - Bulls 86
By the way...
Rondo's not hurt. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
"It wasn't my ankle. My feet just hurt," he said after the game, after members of the media saw Bill Walker carrying him off the floor. The man's allowed to get sore feet isn't he? We've all had sore feet before. He's not hurt.
Stay tuned.
Celtics 107 - Bulls 86
By the way...
Rondo's not hurt. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
"It wasn't my ankle. My feet just hurt," he said after the game, after members of the media saw Bill Walker carrying him off the floor. The man's allowed to get sore feet isn't he? We've all had sore feet before. He's not hurt.
Stay tuned.
Celtics Dismantle the Bulls; Take Pivotal 2-1 lead in Series
By: Greg Payne
Maybe it was Paul Pierce scoring 24 points in 27 minutes. Maybe it was Chicago getting complacent in their first home game of this playoff series. Maybe it was Rajon Rondo continuing his remarkable playoff series with 20 points, 11 rebounds, six assists and five steals. Or maybe it was Glen Davis with a killer line of 14 points, nine rebounds, six assists, six steals and three blocks.
Whatever the reason might be, the third game in the Celtics first round playoff series with the Chicago Bulls was dramatically different from the first two games, which were decided by a combined one point. In this one? 21 points separated these two teams when the final buzzer sounded - a 107-86 Celtics thrashing, giving them a 2-1 lead in this series.
"The way we played tonight is the way we want to play," said Pierce afterward. "I mean, we feel like, even though we won last game, it really wasn't the way that we wanted to play and win games like. We felt like tonight was the way we wanted to play offensively, defensively when we're controlling the boards, we're causing turnovers, we're limiting their scoring options and we're scoring the ball."
The defensive intensity which was sorely lacking in the first two contests (105 points for Chicago in Game 1, 115 for the Bulls in Game 2), was suddenly back for Boston, as they held Chicago to just 37.5 percent shooting from the field, while forcing 22 turnovers (good for 28 Boston points), and stealing the ball 16 times.
"I don't know if we got them rattled or anything. We don't worry about them, honestly. We're more concerned with ourselves," said C's coach Doc Rivers. "For two days we heard that we couldn't play defense and so I thought our guys really came out with great defensive focus tonight and it was terrific."
Pierce scored 13 of his 24 in the first quarter, including the initial basket of the game, and his assertiveness on the offensive end allowed the Celtics to take control early, which only helped their defensive effort.
"I thought he set the tone for us. I really did," said Rivers. "I thought he came out extremely aggressive. He didn't wait for them to double team, he attacked early and then I thought when they started double teaming, he played the perfect decoy. He never really forced it, he let the game come to him, but he was aggressive at the same time. I just thought it was beautiful the way he played."
As for the Bulls, their heroes from Games 1 (Derrick Rose) and 2 (Ben Gordon) were held to a combined 24 points (15 for Gordon, nine for Rose) on 9-27 shooting between them. Rose received his Rookie of the Year trophy prior to tip off and celebrated his night with two assists and seven turnovers.
The Celtics valued the ball in this one with only 13 turnovers, which drastically cut back on Chicago's transition game, which is where Rose did most of his damage in Game 1.
"We did the same things," Rivers said of stopping Rose. "We're trying to clog up the paint and get to their shooters. It's very difficult to do both. I thought we did a better job of getting back. Until the second half, we didn't turn the ball over (only two giveaways in the first quarter), so they didn't get any breaks. We were making shots so they were taking the ball out of bounds. That takes them out of transition."
Boston opened a 47-32 lead late in the second quarter, courtesy of an 11-3 run. Stephon Marbury (13 points) buried a three-pointer off the bench and then fed Ray Allen (18 points) for another three-pointer, which put Boston up 56-37 with 1:09 left in the half. Then, with 28 seconds left in the second frame, Allen buried another three, which gave Boston a 59-37 lead at the half.
The Celtics outscored the Bulls 24-21 in the third quarter, and responded to a 5-0 run by Chicago, which cut the lead to 20 (70-50), with an 8-0 spurt of their own. Allen buried a three and two free throws and Pierce added a three despite some heavy contact from John Salmons.
Boston led 83-58 after three quarters, calling for some quality garbage time from both team's benches.
With Game 4 set for Sunday at 1:00pm, a Boston win would give them true command over this young Bulls squad, especially with Game 5 to be played back in Boston.
"It's a big win. Hopefully we can build on it," Pierce continued. "They're going to come out strong, we know, in Game 4, because if they lose we'll really have them in position (for elimination) if we go up 3-1 going back home. So we gotta expect their best game coming in here on Sunday."
For Boston, this was their best game by far.
Maybe it was Paul Pierce scoring 24 points in 27 minutes. Maybe it was Chicago getting complacent in their first home game of this playoff series. Maybe it was Rajon Rondo continuing his remarkable playoff series with 20 points, 11 rebounds, six assists and five steals. Or maybe it was Glen Davis with a killer line of 14 points, nine rebounds, six assists, six steals and three blocks.
Whatever the reason might be, the third game in the Celtics first round playoff series with the Chicago Bulls was dramatically different from the first two games, which were decided by a combined one point. In this one? 21 points separated these two teams when the final buzzer sounded - a 107-86 Celtics thrashing, giving them a 2-1 lead in this series.
"The way we played tonight is the way we want to play," said Pierce afterward. "I mean, we feel like, even though we won last game, it really wasn't the way that we wanted to play and win games like. We felt like tonight was the way we wanted to play offensively, defensively when we're controlling the boards, we're causing turnovers, we're limiting their scoring options and we're scoring the ball."
The defensive intensity which was sorely lacking in the first two contests (105 points for Chicago in Game 1, 115 for the Bulls in Game 2), was suddenly back for Boston, as they held Chicago to just 37.5 percent shooting from the field, while forcing 22 turnovers (good for 28 Boston points), and stealing the ball 16 times.
"I don't know if we got them rattled or anything. We don't worry about them, honestly. We're more concerned with ourselves," said C's coach Doc Rivers. "For two days we heard that we couldn't play defense and so I thought our guys really came out with great defensive focus tonight and it was terrific."
Pierce scored 13 of his 24 in the first quarter, including the initial basket of the game, and his assertiveness on the offensive end allowed the Celtics to take control early, which only helped their defensive effort.
"I thought he set the tone for us. I really did," said Rivers. "I thought he came out extremely aggressive. He didn't wait for them to double team, he attacked early and then I thought when they started double teaming, he played the perfect decoy. He never really forced it, he let the game come to him, but he was aggressive at the same time. I just thought it was beautiful the way he played."
As for the Bulls, their heroes from Games 1 (Derrick Rose) and 2 (Ben Gordon) were held to a combined 24 points (15 for Gordon, nine for Rose) on 9-27 shooting between them. Rose received his Rookie of the Year trophy prior to tip off and celebrated his night with two assists and seven turnovers.
The Celtics valued the ball in this one with only 13 turnovers, which drastically cut back on Chicago's transition game, which is where Rose did most of his damage in Game 1.
"We did the same things," Rivers said of stopping Rose. "We're trying to clog up the paint and get to their shooters. It's very difficult to do both. I thought we did a better job of getting back. Until the second half, we didn't turn the ball over (only two giveaways in the first quarter), so they didn't get any breaks. We were making shots so they were taking the ball out of bounds. That takes them out of transition."
Boston opened a 47-32 lead late in the second quarter, courtesy of an 11-3 run. Stephon Marbury (13 points) buried a three-pointer off the bench and then fed Ray Allen (18 points) for another three-pointer, which put Boston up 56-37 with 1:09 left in the half. Then, with 28 seconds left in the second frame, Allen buried another three, which gave Boston a 59-37 lead at the half.
The Celtics outscored the Bulls 24-21 in the third quarter, and responded to a 5-0 run by Chicago, which cut the lead to 20 (70-50), with an 8-0 spurt of their own. Allen buried a three and two free throws and Pierce added a three despite some heavy contact from John Salmons.
Boston led 83-58 after three quarters, calling for some quality garbage time from both team's benches.
With Game 4 set for Sunday at 1:00pm, a Boston win would give them true command over this young Bulls squad, especially with Game 5 to be played back in Boston.
"It's a big win. Hopefully we can build on it," Pierce continued. "They're going to come out strong, we know, in Game 4, because if they lose we'll really have them in position (for elimination) if we go up 3-1 going back home. So we gotta expect their best game coming in here on Sunday."
For Boston, this was their best game by far.
Takin' Care of Business
By: Greg Payne
Now that was exactly what I was talking about earlier. I wrote earlier about how the Celtics would do themselves a terrific favor by blowing out the Bulls tonight in the first game of this series to take place in Chicago.
The end result? 107-86, Boston. It was done almost flawlessly. For those thinking Paul Pierce was done, he responded with 24 points, hitting six of his first seven shots en route to a 13-point first quarter. He scored the first basket of the game and the Celtics rolled from there. The best part? He played 27 minutes all night.
Rajon Rondo contributed another great line:
20 points, 11 rebounds, six assists, five steals and only three turnovers.
As for his counterpart, Derrick Rose:
Nine points, two assists, seven turnovers.
Ray Allen added 18, and Glen Davis had a phenomenal line of:
14 points, nine rebounds, six assists, six steals and three blocks.
Throw in Stephon Marbury scoring 13 points, Brian Scalabrine making his return with three points, MIKKI MOORE BLOCKING 3 SHOTS, and it was nearly no contest from start to finish. Boston takes a 2-1 series lead and can put a significant stamp on this series if they can win the second game in Chicago on Sunday.
Box Score
Full write up and podcast on the way.
Now that was exactly what I was talking about earlier. I wrote earlier about how the Celtics would do themselves a terrific favor by blowing out the Bulls tonight in the first game of this series to take place in Chicago.
The end result? 107-86, Boston. It was done almost flawlessly. For those thinking Paul Pierce was done, he responded with 24 points, hitting six of his first seven shots en route to a 13-point first quarter. He scored the first basket of the game and the Celtics rolled from there. The best part? He played 27 minutes all night.
Rajon Rondo contributed another great line:
20 points, 11 rebounds, six assists, five steals and only three turnovers.
As for his counterpart, Derrick Rose:
Nine points, two assists, seven turnovers.
Ray Allen added 18, and Glen Davis had a phenomenal line of:
14 points, nine rebounds, six assists, six steals and three blocks.
Throw in Stephon Marbury scoring 13 points, Brian Scalabrine making his return with three points, MIKKI MOORE BLOCKING 3 SHOTS, and it was nearly no contest from start to finish. Boston takes a 2-1 series lead and can put a significant stamp on this series if they can win the second game in Chicago on Sunday.
Box Score
Full write up and podcast on the way.
The latest sighting of KG not in street clothes
Rob Peterson of NBA.com comments on the most recent KG-sighting:
Alas, Kevin Garnett made no announcement on Thursday, but his appearance at Celtics shootaround created a buzz. About 15 minutes before shootaround ended, Garnett had walked through the lobby and into the gym. I'm no doctor, but I can play one in this blog. It looked as if he were limping, his right leg and his injured right knee sheathed in a neoprene sleeve.
As the press corps watched and TV cameras recorded, KG did hit a few turnaround jumpe... well, not jumpers, but turnaround shots. He then gingerly walked to the other end of an adjacent court and took a couple 20-footers. After a couple shots, he slipped on his sweats and slipped out a side door.
What does it all mean? It probably means that KG will still be the best dressed and tallest cheerleader at The United Center tonight when the Bulls host the Celtics in Game 3 of their first round Playoffs series (8 p.m. ET). In the scant time reporters saw Garnett, he didn't make a hard cut, jump or run. Everything was measured.
It's pretty clear that the Celtics asked Garnett to delay his inevitable surgery because they must feel he could potentially return at some point this postseason. Obviously the Celtics need to survive long enough, but we can take comfort in the fact that KG must be rehabbing harder than NBA player has rehabbed before. I pity those poor tools he's now using in his sincere efforts to return to the court. They're not used to such harsh circumstances.
Rather than getting our hopes up, let's just silently keep our fingers crossed for a KG sighting this postseason.
Stay tuned.
Alas, Kevin Garnett made no announcement on Thursday, but his appearance at Celtics shootaround created a buzz. About 15 minutes before shootaround ended, Garnett had walked through the lobby and into the gym. I'm no doctor, but I can play one in this blog. It looked as if he were limping, his right leg and his injured right knee sheathed in a neoprene sleeve.
As the press corps watched and TV cameras recorded, KG did hit a few turnaround jumpe... well, not jumpers, but turnaround shots. He then gingerly walked to the other end of an adjacent court and took a couple 20-footers. After a couple shots, he slipped on his sweats and slipped out a side door.
What does it all mean? It probably means that KG will still be the best dressed and tallest cheerleader at The United Center tonight when the Bulls host the Celtics in Game 3 of their first round Playoffs series (8 p.m. ET). In the scant time reporters saw Garnett, he didn't make a hard cut, jump or run. Everything was measured.
It's pretty clear that the Celtics asked Garnett to delay his inevitable surgery because they must feel he could potentially return at some point this postseason. Obviously the Celtics need to survive long enough, but we can take comfort in the fact that KG must be rehabbing harder than NBA player has rehabbed before. I pity those poor tools he's now using in his sincere efforts to return to the court. They're not used to such harsh circumstances.
Rather than getting our hopes up, let's just silently keep our fingers crossed for a KG sighting this postseason.
Stay tuned.
TONIGHT: CELTICS AT BULLS
By: Greg Payne
In a pivotal Game 3 match up, the Boston Celtics travel to the Windy City as their best of seven games series with the Chicago Bulls rolls on. Tied 1-1, this series could break wide open after 48 minutes of action, starting tonight at 8:00pm. Tune into Comcast SportNet or 850 AM WEEI for full coverage.
KEEP IT IN MIND: The last time the Celtics played in Chicago, it resulted in a 127-121 defeat on St. Patrick's Day.
WHO'S HOT: For the Celtics, Ray Allen scored 28 of his 30 points in the second half of Monday's 118-115 Game 2 win in Boston.
For the Bulls, Ben Gordon scored 42 points in Game 2.
WHO'S NOT: For the Celtics, Paul Pierce has shot a combined 16-40 in the first two games of this series.
For the Bulls, Derrick Rose scored just 10 points in Game 2 after exploding for 36 points in the series opener last Saturday.
KEY MATCHUP: The 1s, 2s and 3s for each team once again. Rajon Rondo vs. Derrick Rose, Ray Allen vs. Ben Gordon and Paul Pierce vs. John Salmons.
In Game 2, the Celtics opened up an 18-6 lead with less than five minutes gone in the game, but it was Salmons who brought the Bulls to within six (35-29) at the end of the first quarter. Then, Gordon erupted for the majority of his 42 points over the course of the final three quarters to make things very interesting down the stretch. Both teams have great talent at all three spots and whichever team can have their respective three players all play well on the same night will gain a significant edge in the series.
SKINNY: The Celtics would do themselves a huge favor by winning this game handedly.They don't need this series extending to a minimum of six games, especially with the lack of bodies they now have along their front court. Pierce is due to come out of his shell at some point in this series, and what better game than the first on the opposing team's home court? Rondo's been the C's best player by far in the first two games and Allen still has to be sizzling from his blistering second half in Game 2, meaning, this could be the night when the New Big Three all play as one, culminating in a convincing win for Boston, and a confidence shaking loss for Chicago.
Stay tuned.
In a pivotal Game 3 match up, the Boston Celtics travel to the Windy City as their best of seven games series with the Chicago Bulls rolls on. Tied 1-1, this series could break wide open after 48 minutes of action, starting tonight at 8:00pm. Tune into Comcast SportNet or 850 AM WEEI for full coverage.
KEEP IT IN MIND: The last time the Celtics played in Chicago, it resulted in a 127-121 defeat on St. Patrick's Day.
WHO'S HOT: For the Celtics, Ray Allen scored 28 of his 30 points in the second half of Monday's 118-115 Game 2 win in Boston.
For the Bulls, Ben Gordon scored 42 points in Game 2.
WHO'S NOT: For the Celtics, Paul Pierce has shot a combined 16-40 in the first two games of this series.
For the Bulls, Derrick Rose scored just 10 points in Game 2 after exploding for 36 points in the series opener last Saturday.
KEY MATCHUP: The 1s, 2s and 3s for each team once again. Rajon Rondo vs. Derrick Rose, Ray Allen vs. Ben Gordon and Paul Pierce vs. John Salmons.
In Game 2, the Celtics opened up an 18-6 lead with less than five minutes gone in the game, but it was Salmons who brought the Bulls to within six (35-29) at the end of the first quarter. Then, Gordon erupted for the majority of his 42 points over the course of the final three quarters to make things very interesting down the stretch. Both teams have great talent at all three spots and whichever team can have their respective three players all play well on the same night will gain a significant edge in the series.
SKINNY: The Celtics would do themselves a huge favor by winning this game handedly.They don't need this series extending to a minimum of six games, especially with the lack of bodies they now have along their front court. Pierce is due to come out of his shell at some point in this series, and what better game than the first on the opposing team's home court? Rondo's been the C's best player by far in the first two games and Allen still has to be sizzling from his blistering second half in Game 2, meaning, this could be the night when the New Big Three all play as one, culminating in a convincing win for Boston, and a confidence shaking loss for Chicago.
Stay tuned.
It Would Be in Boston's Best Interest to 'Win' This Series Tonight
By: Greg Payne
Unless it's a Game 7 situation, I'm not a big believer in the whole "must win" theory when it comes to certain games. Would I call tonight's game a "must win"? No. Would it be incredibly, substantially inconvenient to lose tonight's game, thus possibly prolonging this series to at least six games? Absolutely.
Which is why I would love nothing more than a Boston blowout tonight. If you think about it, when the Bulls won Game 1 by two points, we were all stunned (you were stunned, even if you're in denial), but we, as well as the team itself, took solace knowing we played terrible, Paul Pierce missed the free throw and Tyrus Thomas scored six points in overtime to seal it for Chicago. The diagnosis: We'll be fine. Sure, it's a slow start to the playoffs, certainly not the start we wanted, but we'll recover fine.
We go on to win Game 2 in a very tight, back and forth, dramatic finish, culminating in one of the single most exciting basketball moments of my young life, and suddenly we're knotted up at 1. Rajon Rondo is playing out of his mind, Ray Allen is out of his slump, Glen Davis is dropping career-highs and Kendrick Perkins is a beast in the middle. Oh, and Pierce has yet to assert himself on the offensive end.
Now, when we play tonight in the first game on their home court, it would be in our best interests to destroy them. Right now, the Bulls and everyone who happens to be a Bulls fan is thinking that they can hang with us. They're thinking the Bulls can beat the Boston Celtics in this best of seven series. We need to kill that mindset tonight. We need to come out so hard and so fast on both sides of the ball, that by game's end, EVERYONE in Chicago is collectively and simultaneously thinking, "What the hell just happened here?". We need them all to say afterwards: "Maybe we were wrong. We can't actually play with the Boston Celtics".
If the Bulls catch any momentum at home, this series will realistically go seven games, and we do not need Pierce, Rondo and Allen to be playing 38+ minutes for seven straight games. We need to stomp on the Bulls' heads right now. Spear them like a matador. In the end, we need to be able to look back on this series, point to Game 3 and say, "That's when we won this series".
Personally, I think it can and will happen and here's why:
1) I said it before, and I'll say it again. Pierce has yet to fully assert himself in this series. I read this absolutely foolish post on some website that Pierce is overrated. If you call Paul Pierce overrated, you should not be writing about basketball. Sorry. You shouldn't be allowed to touch a keyboard. Anyway, I believe that Pierce more or less underestimated the Bulls coming in, especially because Luol Deng isn't playing. I don't think he fully anticipated the defense the Bulls have thrown at him and he's a little taken aback. With that in mind, he's also had Rondo and Allen take the pressure off of him in Games 1 and 2, respectively. Tonight, I think it's Pierce's turn. Tonight should be the night when your New Big Three all collectively play well together, resulting in a Boston blowout. The last time Pierce played in Chicago, he dropped 37 points. The Celtics might have lost that game, but Pierce appears to be comfortable in the United Center.
Here's what Kendrick Perkins had to say on the matter:
“Just get his confidence,” said Perkins. “I don’t think he’s lost his confidence, but once his shot gets going it’s all right. Make the extra pick, and let him attack more. Once he attacks, it will be over.” (Mark Murphy - Boston Herald)
Speaking of the United Center, does anyone else look at that court when you're watching it on TV and think, "That court looks really small". Perhaps 'small' isn't the right word. Condensed? There are certain arenas that look so drastically different. I get the feeling when we're playing in Chicago, Orlando and Atlanta and everything just looks much more hectic. There appears to be no spacing in the paint and the player honestly look like they have no room to drive to the basket, but when we play at most other arenas (The Garden, Stapes Center, Toyota Center, etc.) I feel like the court literally looks much more spaced out. Perhaps its the colors of the paint? Or the lighting of the building? If you watch enough games you know what I mean.
Anyway...
2) Rajon Rondo wants this more than anyone. This guys is out of his mind. His numbers so far this series:
24.0 points, 10.5 rebounds, 11.5 assists, 3.5 steals, 1.5 turnovers.
I guess combining an unreal will to win with a suffocating thirst to prove himself results in Rajon Rondo 2.0. I read this thing in a Mass Communication class that action movies will typically "up the anty" as they say, when a sequel is released. Take 'Rambo' for example. He's bound to kill more and more people as they make more and more movies in an effort to keep the audience satisfied (says so much about us as a people, doesn't it? Thank God they didn't make a sequel to 'Saving Private Ryan').So maybe Rondo sees these playoffs as a sequel to a monster season and he needs to keep us all satisfied.
Last time I checked, Oscar Robertson was still alive, meaning this isn't him reincarnated...
I know of one other point guard in the league who Rondo's beating out right now...A certain point guard from New Orleans whose team is now down 0-2 to the Denver Nuggets has the following line so far:
17.5 points, 12.0 assists, 4.5 rebounds, 1 steal, 4.5 turnovers.
Not bad, but those aren't Rajon Rondo playoff numbers.
Huge Disclaimer: This is probably going to come back and bite me in the ass. Chris Paul will probably explode for like 40 points and 20 assists in Game 3. But oh well. Your move, Paul.
Some last quick notes:
Good work Miami. The Heat tied the series 1-1 in Atlanta last night, 108-93. Dwyane Wade had 33 points. That's more like it.
Derrick Rose took home Rookie of the Year. Good for you, sir. Well deserved.
Jason Terry got the sixth man. Can't help but love the Jet.
Dwight Howard earned the Defensive Player of the Year Award (You are so lucky KG was hurt half the season).
Oh well, time to study for business statistics. I have my final exam at 11. Wish me luck. I'll preview the game in more detail later.
Stay tuned.
Celtics Circuit Home Page
Unless it's a Game 7 situation, I'm not a big believer in the whole "must win" theory when it comes to certain games. Would I call tonight's game a "must win"? No. Would it be incredibly, substantially inconvenient to lose tonight's game, thus possibly prolonging this series to at least six games? Absolutely.
Which is why I would love nothing more than a Boston blowout tonight. If you think about it, when the Bulls won Game 1 by two points, we were all stunned (you were stunned, even if you're in denial), but we, as well as the team itself, took solace knowing we played terrible, Paul Pierce missed the free throw and Tyrus Thomas scored six points in overtime to seal it for Chicago. The diagnosis: We'll be fine. Sure, it's a slow start to the playoffs, certainly not the start we wanted, but we'll recover fine.
We go on to win Game 2 in a very tight, back and forth, dramatic finish, culminating in one of the single most exciting basketball moments of my young life, and suddenly we're knotted up at 1. Rajon Rondo is playing out of his mind, Ray Allen is out of his slump, Glen Davis is dropping career-highs and Kendrick Perkins is a beast in the middle. Oh, and Pierce has yet to assert himself on the offensive end.
Now, when we play tonight in the first game on their home court, it would be in our best interests to destroy them. Right now, the Bulls and everyone who happens to be a Bulls fan is thinking that they can hang with us. They're thinking the Bulls can beat the Boston Celtics in this best of seven series. We need to kill that mindset tonight. We need to come out so hard and so fast on both sides of the ball, that by game's end, EVERYONE in Chicago is collectively and simultaneously thinking, "What the hell just happened here?". We need them all to say afterwards: "Maybe we were wrong. We can't actually play with the Boston Celtics".
If the Bulls catch any momentum at home, this series will realistically go seven games, and we do not need Pierce, Rondo and Allen to be playing 38+ minutes for seven straight games. We need to stomp on the Bulls' heads right now. Spear them like a matador. In the end, we need to be able to look back on this series, point to Game 3 and say, "That's when we won this series".
Personally, I think it can and will happen and here's why:
1) I said it before, and I'll say it again. Pierce has yet to fully assert himself in this series. I read this absolutely foolish post on some website that Pierce is overrated. If you call Paul Pierce overrated, you should not be writing about basketball. Sorry. You shouldn't be allowed to touch a keyboard. Anyway, I believe that Pierce more or less underestimated the Bulls coming in, especially because Luol Deng isn't playing. I don't think he fully anticipated the defense the Bulls have thrown at him and he's a little taken aback. With that in mind, he's also had Rondo and Allen take the pressure off of him in Games 1 and 2, respectively. Tonight, I think it's Pierce's turn. Tonight should be the night when your New Big Three all collectively play well together, resulting in a Boston blowout. The last time Pierce played in Chicago, he dropped 37 points. The Celtics might have lost that game, but Pierce appears to be comfortable in the United Center.
Here's what Kendrick Perkins had to say on the matter:
“Just get his confidence,” said Perkins. “I don’t think he’s lost his confidence, but once his shot gets going it’s all right. Make the extra pick, and let him attack more. Once he attacks, it will be over.” (Mark Murphy - Boston Herald)
Speaking of the United Center, does anyone else look at that court when you're watching it on TV and think, "That court looks really small". Perhaps 'small' isn't the right word. Condensed? There are certain arenas that look so drastically different. I get the feeling when we're playing in Chicago, Orlando and Atlanta and everything just looks much more hectic. There appears to be no spacing in the paint and the player honestly look like they have no room to drive to the basket, but when we play at most other arenas (The Garden, Stapes Center, Toyota Center, etc.) I feel like the court literally looks much more spaced out. Perhaps its the colors of the paint? Or the lighting of the building? If you watch enough games you know what I mean.
Anyway...
2) Rajon Rondo wants this more than anyone. This guys is out of his mind. His numbers so far this series:
24.0 points, 10.5 rebounds, 11.5 assists, 3.5 steals, 1.5 turnovers.
I guess combining an unreal will to win with a suffocating thirst to prove himself results in Rajon Rondo 2.0. I read this thing in a Mass Communication class that action movies will typically "up the anty" as they say, when a sequel is released. Take 'Rambo' for example. He's bound to kill more and more people as they make more and more movies in an effort to keep the audience satisfied (says so much about us as a people, doesn't it? Thank God they didn't make a sequel to 'Saving Private Ryan').So maybe Rondo sees these playoffs as a sequel to a monster season and he needs to keep us all satisfied.
Last time I checked, Oscar Robertson was still alive, meaning this isn't him reincarnated...
I know of one other point guard in the league who Rondo's beating out right now...A certain point guard from New Orleans whose team is now down 0-2 to the Denver Nuggets has the following line so far:
17.5 points, 12.0 assists, 4.5 rebounds, 1 steal, 4.5 turnovers.
Not bad, but those aren't Rajon Rondo playoff numbers.
Huge Disclaimer: This is probably going to come back and bite me in the ass. Chris Paul will probably explode for like 40 points and 20 assists in Game 3. But oh well. Your move, Paul.
Some last quick notes:
Good work Miami. The Heat tied the series 1-1 in Atlanta last night, 108-93. Dwyane Wade had 33 points. That's more like it.
Derrick Rose took home Rookie of the Year. Good for you, sir. Well deserved.
Jason Terry got the sixth man. Can't help but love the Jet.
Dwight Howard earned the Defensive Player of the Year Award (You are so lucky KG was hurt half the season).
Oh well, time to study for business statistics. I have my final exam at 11. Wish me luck. I'll preview the game in more detail later.
Stay tuned.
Celtics Circuit Home Page
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