Boston Celtics @ Sacramento Kings: 12/26/07 - Open Game Thread

by Jim Weeks on Dec 26, 2007 4:39 PM EST in Green Bandwagon

The Celtics travel to Sacramento tonight, a traditionally difficult place to play, for the start of their first west coast swing of the season. Boston will be looking for the season sweep after defeating the Kings in Boston on December 12th. Some thoughts as I wait for the late tip off:

The last time these two teams met Kendrick Perkins sat out because of his run in with a bed. Seems like ages ago. It's funny how quickly the season progresses and stories can come and go.
This is the last time the Celtics play the Kings this season but I'm not sure it is the last time Ron Artest plays against the Celtics. He's a complete wild card that could end up anywhere. For some reason New York just seems right.
Don't forget about Sactown Royalty, a great source for info on the Kings.
Can anyone think of a classic Kings/Celtics match up from the past?
I've wrote the following two weeks ago and still believe it: Sacramento's roster is a bizarre collection of journeymen, young guys, cast aways and over the hill vets. I'd still love to know their plan. It definitely involves Kevin Martin. Possibly Francisco Garcia as well. But it is hard to figure out beyond them.
At the start of the season I was under the impression that Tommy Heinsohn would not be traveling as much. I could see him staying home for this run through the west. If that is the case expect Donny Marshall to take his place. Regular visitors to this website know how I feel about that.
Go Celtics.

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I've said this about 3 times on StR jim

But TZ called in it his game preview. The only way the Kings could have won this game was going up tempo and forcing the action. They havent' done it but part of that is the Celtics too. They just have been stellar at getting back all game long.

Tremendous half court defense by the Celtics tonight. I don't know if they beat the Sonics tomorrow night but I know this: If they make it the halfcourt game the Sonics won't win regardless.

Either way congratulations on the win tonight.

"Get me another highball Gordo"-- Tommy Heinsohn

by pookeyguru on Dec 27, 2007 12:20 AM EST reply actions

While I'm not the Celtics guru or anything....

I have some observations.

Tony Allen makes this team more, uhm, flexible? What I mean is that Kevin Garnett brings a ton of versatility naturally in his own play; so does Ray Allen in his skills. But I think Tony Allen could be the single breaking x factor for the Celtics this year. He's big can play 2 positions defensively in the backcourt, which is not as simple as it sounds, can handle the ball a little and play along side any of the Celtics guards yes? While I'm always in favor of finding strong players anywhere, I think Allen's return from knee surgery may illustrate a separation point for the Celtics as the season moves along.
The biggest weakness of Garnett's game is getting to the FT line. If Allen and Pierce don't counteract that, and maybe some of Doc Rivers schemes to an even larger degree, than that maybe the biggest deficiency they can't overcome in the postseason.
It's very clear that this team is far better defensively than offensively. While I'm not necessarily shocked to any degree I find the difference being so night & day is.
When you have to start nitpicking at a team in December they're damn good.

"Get me another highball Gordo"-- Tommy Heinsohn

by pookeyguru on Dec 27, 2007 12:30 AM EST reply actions