Magic Lack Spark, C's Win

by Jeff Clark on Dec 23, 2007 8:20 PM EST in Boston Celtics Games

Another nice win against a quality opponent and the C's avenged another of their few losses this year. Some notes:

Gotta hand it to the Comcast crew's stats guys. When the lead hit 20, I was wondering how many games the C's have led by 20. A minute later Gorman mentioned that this was the 15th time. Wow.
Another stat: This is the first time since 1999 that the C's had 4 players with 20 or more points.
Rondo was feeling it from the field today, with two three pointers! (His first of the season) A career high of 23 points.
Toss in 6 assists and that's a great game for Rajon.
I think Pierce must be one of the best in the league at making bad shots. I don't know exactly how I feel about that, but it does come in handy sometimes. He hit two that I can remember with the clock running down that he had no business making.
3 pointers kept the Magic in the game (sort of) but they didn't have much else to throw at the C's until Howard started getting some dunks in the 4th.
Perkins is great for defense and rebounding, but he is just so awkward offensively.
Ray Allen had a solid shooting night, which is always nice to see. I think a healthy set of ankles makes a big difference for his shot.
Once again, Gorman nailed it when he said that we have come a long way when the lead gets cut to 9 points, we get a little upset. We have come to expect double digit leads. What a great feeling.
So, is there any question anymore who the 4th best player is on this team? Rondo has that title locked up.

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The Big Three are becoming the Big Four (see Rondo)

by jonnyor on Dec 23, 2007 9:30 PM EST reply actions

rondo put it together this game. kg has to be seen to be believed. his game tonight was at a level way above anyone else’s. posey and house and bb were afterthoughts today and slowed things down. they will be needed on the west coast trip. perk played good d.merry xmas to all and to all a good night.

by nazzbo on Dec 23, 2007 9:56 PM EST reply actions

Nice win. But now since Orlando is struggling our critics won’t call them one of the “top teams” in the league probably lol.

Also Ray looked great tonight- I love when he gets his feet set on a 3- beautiful to watch.

by tb727 on Dec 23, 2007 10:45 PM EST reply actions

Jeff, you’re being kind, Perkins is worse than awkward. I feel like were playing 4 on 5 on offense but our 4 are so good we make it work. Rondo is cat quick and again our D gives us the edge. Merry Christmas to all!!

by celty86 on Dec 23, 2007 10:52 PM EST reply actions

Btw anyone know who the 4 guys were in 1999 to score more than 20 points in the same game? Without looking I’m guessing it’s gotta be Pierce, Antoine, Ron Mercer, and… maybe Potapenko?

by tb727 on Dec 23, 2007 11:04 PM EST reply actions

Tonight Perkins was particularly pathetic offensively. In the past, though, he has actually been able to convert in the post in limited opportunities. I know he looks awkward, but sometimes he is more effective than people are willing to give him credit for.

Also, does anyone thik they might know why Doc sat BB for the entire first half? I guess BB’s minutes will be reduced now that Pollard is back in the rotation.

by Toine43 on Dec 24, 2007 1:36 AM EST reply actions

I’m rooting big time for Baby but he was not getting the job done tonight. When he came in is when Howard finally started getting those dunks. Not a good night for Glen.

by liam on Dec 24, 2007 2:55 AM EST reply actions

Anyone ever seen Stan VanGundy and Ron Jeremy in the same place?

by CoachBo on Dec 24, 2007 7:38 AM EST reply actions

Perk is not a good offensive player. No one could argue with that. BUT, he has lost those hands of stone that he had before this year that made him an instant TO. Credit to him probably but maybe also Clifford Ray. He still leads team in dumb fouls but he is playing well within his limitations. He is a down low presence even if he doesn’t gobble rebounds. He may continue to improve becasue he really wants it. HIs pride is the positive kind. That is not abundant in the NBA.

by Wildblu1 on Dec 24, 2007 1:08 PM EST reply actions

Rondo had the title of “4th best player on this team” locked up before the season ever started. The difference is that before it was by default, now people are starting to realize that he isn’t “going to be a very good player,” he already is, and he may just end up being great. Jameer Nelson was completely overmatched last night. Rondo is getting better and better about shot selection, meaning he’s starting to take more shots.

Even still, he remains amazing efficient (8-10 last night). His game is really beginning to mirror that of Tony Parker. I think the advantage for Rondo is believe it or not, Rondo shoots better at this stage of his career then Parker did. Both are amazing in the paint and can dish the rock very well, all the while being low turnover guys. Rondo has been labeled as a guy who can’t shoot since he got in the league, and last year he definitely struggled from the field(like many rookies do). However this year he is clearly proving those doubters wrong, and he has consistently knocked down the mid range jumpers at a very high pct.

by modawg3434 on Dec 24, 2007 3:04 PM EST reply actions