Boston Celtics vs. Toronto Raptors: 1/23/08 - Open Game Thread

by Jim Weeks on Jan 23, 2008 5:53 PM EST in Green Bandwagon

I have to admit I'm a little out of sorts. I was convinced that the Minnesota Timberwolves were coming to town tonight and was kicking myself for not putting up some sort of Al Jefferson/Ryan Gomes post. I'll save that for Friday. Meanwhile, the Toronto Raptors come to Boston tonight. To be honest I'm not sure what to expect. TJ Ford and Jorge Garbajosa are still out. Meanwhile, Chris Bosh is playing, which is both good for Toronto and not always a definite. Jose Calderon is turning heads around the league and Jamario Moon is playing well again after a lag. By all accounts Andrea Bargnani is struggling and some would say regressing. Anthony Parker's Celtic killing ways are well documented. What else is there to say? The Celtics look to continue dominating the Atlantic, James Posey is doubtful and according to that link Leon Powe is now the 6th man. I just want to enjoy some basketball.

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I saw this game earlier in the 4th and it was

94 90 C's. Now it's 111-110 TO. What gives? And what happened to the offense & defense for the C's?

"Get me another highball Gordo"-- Tommy Heinsohn

by pookeyguru on Jan 23, 2008 9:53 PM EST reply actions

tremendously big shot by Ray Allen

Eddie House seems off tonight. Gotta admire his confidence though; he won't shy away from jacking shots up.

On a side note, given where House and Tony Allen are at, do you think the Celtics would automatically try to get a vet like Cassell in? I understand the sentiment, but I think Rondo needs time to grow. Championships are rare, but developing players needs patience. Either way that's just curiosity speaking.

"Get me another highball Gordo"-- Tommy Heinsohn

by pookeyguru on Jan 23, 2008 9:55 PM EST reply actions

Oh my Calderon's vicious

That's a serious play. I agree with Tommy ironically. His point about Rondo not fouling is important. Sure Calderon may make both throws, but who cares? Don't you defend against the 3 point(er)/play at this time of the game? Wow.

"Get me another highball Gordo"-- Tommy Heinsohn

by pookeyguru on Jan 23, 2008 9:57 PM EST reply actions

Wow all I gotta say

This is where Doc Rivers deserves criticism. What was the final play and what were players supposed to do? The spacing didn't seem appropriate to try and execute a quality shot. (I've always been critical of Pierce, but wouldn't you rather have KG & Pierce on the blocks with Pierce having the ball?)

Mike Gorman's point about beating a team 4 straight times is correct too. It is difficult to dominate a team 1 sided all the time. Either way there are some chinks in the armor showing from the C's these days (not a terrible surprise I should think). I'm just curious what changes as the dog days end and the real season begins.

"Get me another highball Gordo"-- Tommy Heinsohn

by pookeyguru on Jan 23, 2008 10:01 PM EST reply actions

Crunch Time

If we've learned anything from some of the Celtics losses - Cleveland, Detroit, Washington and now Toronto - they're not entirely sure how to close out games. On a lot of teams it's clear who is getting the last shot. That's the NBA. However, it is not the case with the Celtics. And maybe that's not a bad thing. There are aspect of the NBA game that aren't great. Either way the Raptors shot lights out.

As far as Rondo goes, I'm a huge fan. And I'd be happy with the Celtics bringing in the right guy. It's hard to say who that is. That's Danny Ainge's job I guess. But the sentiment that the Celtics are a player or two short is probably warranted.

Green Bandwagon: Celtics '08 or bust. Are you on the bandwagon?

by Jim Weeks on Jan 24, 2008 7:28 AM EST reply actions