Preseason Game 3: Boston Celtics vs. Houston Rockets Recap

by Jim Weeks on Oct 11, 2008 10:18 PM EDT in Green Bandwagon

- The Rockets had 45 free throws after 3 quarters. That's insane.

- Tommy Heinsohn is pushing Gabe Pruitt aggressively right now. I'm not ready to buy.

- The Bill Walker era could go a lot of different ways. Off the top of my head:

1. Guy who plays way too hard and gets injured as a result. Think Delonte West in Boston.
2. D-League stud.
3. Loose cannon.
4. Contributing role player.
5. Garbage time, highlight reel machine.
6. Overly excited, to the point that it's a little weird, end of the bench guy.
7. League leader in chest bumps.
8. Some combination of the previous 7 suggestions.

- "Classic Leon." - Tommy Heinsohn after Powe grabbed a rebound, tried to rip off Chuck Hayes' arm, and then got to the line. I still think Powe needs to be around a little longer and play more to have classic moments. But I was terrified of Powe at that moment.

- From my preview earlier today -

"If Patrick O'Bryant continues to impress and emerges as the back up center, Davis will be in a bind. He needs to approach these games with a sense of urgency. He's in a contract year, is competing for time with Leon Powe, behind KG of all people, and does not appear to be in peak condition. Furthermore, Powe gets buckets, is incredibly intense, and is also in a contract year. Davis could be relegated to the bench."

Davis must of read it as he responded with a solid effort. At the same time, even Tommy admitted that Davis was "huffing and puffing."

- One of the bigger stories in Boston's preseason has to be the 16 players the Celtics have on the roster right now. Who will get voted off the island? Barring a trade or Brian Scalabrine falling out of favor, Darius Miles and Sam Cassell (from a skill level) appear to be the most vulnerable. Regular visitors know I don't think Cassell has much left in the tank. I also worry about his shot selection. On top of that Miles made a few nice plays in limited action. Yet, I'm coming around on Cassell a bit. His constant yapping might be an asset. I wish I could do a better job of articulating what I mean. Also Miles is the only one without a guarantee. One more point.

- I wouldn't call Patrick O'Bryant a stiff. Note to self - talk to Golden State Warriors fans about him. Get reactions.

- I liked how O'Bryant, Eddie House, Pruitt, Powe, and Miles played together.

- Given the fact that he played in the Olympics, I was surprised to see Luis Scola get so much time.

- Shane Battier is a tool. That doesn't mean I dislike him. Although I am worried that people might not be saying "tool" anymore. I should check on that.

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Jim = Not a "tool"

Wait, how DID you mean that? Well it sounded insulting. lol. Anyhow nice recap. I’m on the west coast and my abiltiy to watch Celtic games is very limited, so really appreciate your work and being able to read a non "NBA.com/ESPN recap. I’m pretty much depending on you for my Darius Miles updates, so keep up the good work.

by In Walks Rudy on Oct 12, 2008 10:57 PM EDT reply actions

I should have clarified

Battier was behind the bench in a bright red jacket, just enjoying the show. I should have mentioned this or that. He’s comes off as goofy. But overall I respect his game and he seems like a good guy.

As for Miles. He only played at the very end but had a couple of blocks (one on a layup as time expired). He also had a nice hustle play to save a ball from going out of bounds. But he moves around like a much older man. That’s probably due to the injuries. It remains unclear whether he’ll look better with more playing time or if he is what he is at this point.

Green Bandwagon: Repeat in '09 or bust. Are you on the bandwagon?

by Jim Weeks on Oct 13, 2008 8:40 AM EDT up reply actions