Celtics Face off Against New Look Rockets
by Jim Weeks on Nov 4, 2008 3:47 PM EST
in Games
101 comments
Boston Celtics at Houston Rockets, Nov 4, 2008 8:30 PM EST
Boston Celtics (2-1) at Houston Rockets (3-0)
Tuesday November 4th, 8:30 PM ET
Season Game #4, Road Game #2
TV: Comcast SportsNet, NBA TV
Radio: WEEI
Toyota Center
Rockets Blog: The Dream Shake
Probable Starting Lineups
Rajon Rondo vs. Rafer Alston
Ray Allen vs. Tracy McGrady
Paul Pierce vs. Ron Artest
Kevin Garnett vs. Luis Scola
Kendrick Perkins vs. Yao Ming
Scheduling Note
Both the Celtics and Rockets last played on Saturday. Boston lost on the road to Indiana and Houston knocked off the Thunder in the Toyota Center. Advantage Houston.
Injury Report: Boston - No Injuries Reported, Houston - Shane Battier, Questionable (ankle).
Players to Watch
Leon Powe and Carl Landry. According to their NBA.com profiles Landry has an inch and 9 pounds on Powe. And while their games are not exact replicas, there are similarities. Hollinger's PER loves them and they both benefited from the rise of the undersized power forward over the last several seasons. Finally, they're both bidding their time and improving before they sign nice contracts.
Key Match Up
Given how Rondo and Alston faced off the last two time these teams met, it would be easy to go with the point guard match up. However, that's clearly the under card to Pierce/Artest. As a Celtics blogger I'm legally obligated to link to the infamous shorts incident. Having gotten that out of the way I have one question: Is Artest playing consistent, hard defense again? I have not seen him in Houston yet and that definitely could be the case. However, over the last few seasons Artest was picking his spots. He still had the reputation as a stellar defender, but I felt he did not work as hard on the perimeter. Perhaps I'm wrong. Regardless, it will be interesting to see how he plays with his new team.
Meanwhile, I love where Pierce's game is right now. He used to make me a little nervous at times and I would worry about someone like Artest getting inside The Truth's head. It was just last season that Pierce was ejected on MLK Day. Still, Pierce's physical and mental game have both come a long way. I'm looking for Pierce to bring his A game. By the way, if you click on that ejection clip you'll see how much weight Pierce has dropped since last season. It's noticeable.
YouTube Magic
Rockets imitate Deke! (via Odenized)
In case you were wondering, here's how I'd rank the top 3 Dikembe Impersonators:#3 Steve Novak
#2 Aaron Brooks
#1 Shane Battier
Closing Thought
You could make the case that the Rockets are this year's Celtics. Granted it's not a perfect analogy, as McGrady and Yao were in Houston together previously. But Artest's arrival led to lofty expectations. And the Rockets are off to a great start. Meanwhile, after a dismal showing in Indiana, I'd love to see the Celtics rebound and send an message.
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Let's try this again
I know some people love the chat room and some folks must have their Tommy Points, but for those that want another option, try this thread. I think it is really neat to be able to discuss the game with people in real-time while still being able to reply to specific comments in threaded format.
Just another option to use for interacting with each other on the blog. Enjoy.
by Jeff Clark on Nov 4, 2008 4:08 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Trying!
We’re with you Jeff—just taking some time. My computer blew up (I think as a result of the Celticsblog migration), so getting used to the new site is taking longer with my girlfriend’s laptop. If I can’t stay, enjoy the game, and let’s hope that the C’s manage a better performance tonight.
by Thruthelookingglass on Nov 4, 2008 5:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
get that laptop fixed
because you need your CelticsBlog fix
I’m feeling punny today
by Jeff Clark on Nov 4, 2008 6:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
interesting note from the Globe
if we can shake off the rust of the Indy game and get in gear, we could make a good deal of headway in November:
The Celtics, 2-1, play 16 games this month. They visit Oklahoma City Wednesday and play host to Milwaukee Friday. Next week, the Celtics will play five games — at Detroit Sunday; home games against Toronto Monday, Atlanta Wednesday, Nov. 12, and Denver Friday, Nov. 15; then a visit to Milwaukee Nov. 15.
by Jeff Clark on Nov 4, 2008 4:11 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Artest
re: Jim’s question:
Is Artest playing consistent, hard defense again?
Does playing consistently dirty count?
by Jeff Clark on Nov 4, 2008 4:25 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
If they play like they did against Indiana they will lose by 40.
If they can run a little, Perkins, Garnett and the other Celtics big men ought to be able to beat Yao and Scola down the floor. You really don’t want to get into a halfcourt game against Houston.
by Brickowski on Nov 4, 2008 4:46 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
well yeah
and if they play like they did in game 6 of the Finals, they’ll win by 40
I agree that doing a little situational running will help the cause and maybe get Rondo going a bit
this could be an interesting matchup for Powe/Baby – does height really matter?
by Jeff Clark on Nov 4, 2008 5:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Carl Landry
"Finally, they’re both bidding their time and improving before they sign nice contracts. "
… Landry signed a 3 year deal with Charlotte over the summer. Which Houston matched. I even think there’s a club option for a fourth year. Daryl Morey… not a dummy.
by grungedave on Nov 4, 2008 6:10 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Great Point
I forgot about Landry’s new deal, partly because I never understood why he was a restricted free agent after his rookie year. But that was a great move for Houston. 3 million over the next 2 seasons and then a team option for the third year. You have to love how Charlotte does the dirty work for other teams. Last year it was Varejao. Thanks for the comment.
by Jim Weeks on Nov 4, 2008 6:29 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I respect Morey
and not just because he came from the Celtics front office
if you are going to use stats, use them right
by Jeff Clark on Nov 4, 2008 6:34 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Morey has had a very impressive start as the Rockets GM. He looks like a special one.
by Who on Nov 4, 2008 8:09 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Houston just might be the deepest team in the league. They bring Head, Brooks, Landry, Battier, and Barry off the bench and just about each one of those guys could be the sixth man or starting on 25 of the 30 teams in the league.
by nickagneta on Nov 4, 2008 6:36 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
When they get Deke back they’ll be even better. They need that extra legit big man …. Hayes and Landry leave them undersized too often.
by Who on Nov 4, 2008 8:11 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
funny line by Dwyer
On top of that, we have two gimpies (Ray Allen and Tracy McGrady) chasing each other around, with two burly wing beasts in Paul Pierce and Ron Artest set to do battle. Actual battle. With swords and shields and honor.
by Jeff Clark on Nov 4, 2008 6:38 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
worth watching
McDyess might yet be a free agent
but I guess everyone assumes he’ll be going back to Detroit after a 30 day vacation
by Jeff Clark on Nov 4, 2008 6:39 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
We could be .500
After tonight. The loss to Indy was the worst of KG’s career as a C.
by The Real Large James 2 on Nov 4, 2008 6:44 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
what have you done for me lately?
sometimes this team is only as good as the last game – but yeah, we need to play better
Houston won’t roll over for anyone
by Jeff Clark on Nov 4, 2008 6:52 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
We could also be .750
…its too early to worry about the World Champs yet.
Tonight will be a tough game for sure, and the Rockets will want to see how they stack up, plus they’ll have some extra motivation since the Cs broke their dumb streak last year.
by Green17 on Nov 4, 2008 7:14 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
what do you mean too early?
don’t you know the sky is falling? woe is us ;)
by Jeff Clark on Nov 4, 2008 7:21 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
on the road we are a slow starting team. we have a shot in this game but we need our A game on defense especially. we need ray,rondo and perk to give us something so that we’re not playing 2 on 5 offensively
by Red2 on Nov 4, 2008 7:23 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
is it just me?
or do Rondo and Perkins play worse on the road?
by Jeff Clark on Nov 4, 2008 7:35 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
just looked up the stats splits
last year Perkins and Rondo didn’t really have much worse numbers for Away games – maybe by a few percentage points, but not by much
so there goes that theory
by Jeff Clark on Nov 4, 2008 7:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I imagine their playoff stats/splits are worse on the road … but that’s probably true for most of the team.
by Who on Nov 4, 2008 8:12 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
way to go Perk
shooting us back into the game
by Jeff Clark on Nov 4, 2008 8:49 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
grr
I wish I could watch this game. Living in Australia isn’t fun sometimes :(
Let’s go C’s!
by blueygreen on Nov 4, 2008 8:58 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Nope
The only games we get are the ones on ESPN, and even then they don’t always show them
by blueygreen on Nov 4, 2008 9:01 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
well
you still have Hugh Jackson and Nicole Kidman, which is nice
by Jeff Clark on Nov 4, 2008 9:02 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Game is being broadcasted in tv here
But if it wasn’t I would go to JUSTINTV’s friend FURBY08 house.
by cordobes on Nov 4, 2008 9:02 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Good start for the Celtics. They’re doing well on the backboards and getting some good looks inside.
by Who on Nov 4, 2008 8:59 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Rondo
Rondo’s looking real agressive today. I wonder if him and Alston will have some type of rivalry going. He had a great pass to Pierce his ability to stick the ball in some tight space is really amazing.
Rondo doesn't believe in easy buckets...
by ManUp on Nov 4, 2008 9:01 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Alston
he’s just not a very good defender – but yeah, Rondo is pushing the issue – good for him
by Jeff Clark on Nov 4, 2008 9:03 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Alston struggles with Rondo. Struggled badly against him last year in Boston.
by Who on Nov 4, 2008 9:09 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Pierce is with the second unit again. Good move
by Who on Nov 4, 2008 9:08 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Adelman has been playing Artest with their 2nd unit so far. I don’t know if Pierce being there isn’t a by-product of that.
by cordobes on Nov 4, 2008 9:11 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I prefer Pierce in that second unit, he does more to help the bench players than Ray does.
Celtics getting to a lot of loose balls here. Good work.
by Who on Nov 4, 2008 9:13 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
agree
he can create his own shot when the offense breaks down – something he’s used to from years of playing with scrubs
by Jeff Clark on Nov 4, 2008 9:15 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I agree.
Pierce also does a better job of getting his teammates shots. Guys like Powe get easier opportunities when he’s on the floor.
It’d be great if the team could get more out of Ray Allen in that second unit but it hasn’t happened consistently enough for my linking.
by Who on Nov 4, 2008 9:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
can't complain about the refs so far
we’re getting a lot of close calls
by Jeff Clark on Nov 4, 2008 9:13 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Why is Davis shooting so many jumpers to start the season? Most of them haven’t even been close to going in.
Brooks defended Rondo well last season. His efforts defensively are inconsistent though.
by Who on Nov 4, 2008 9:16 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
there he goes again
he thinks he’s a small forward
by Jeff Clark on Nov 4, 2008 9:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Drew the third foul on Yao too. BBD is playing well outside of these jumpers. Good effort inside.
by Who on Nov 4, 2008 9:21 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
starters back in
subs built the lead larger but lost it lately
by Jeff Clark on Nov 4, 2008 9:23 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Rockets have done well to work their way back into this one.
It was 40-25 just a few minutes ago with the Rockets unable to get anything near the paint. The insertion of Brooks has sparked their offense back into life.
by Who on Nov 4, 2008 9:26 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
too bad
I was starting to hope for a blowout – not so much
by Jeff Clark on Nov 4, 2008 9:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
What happened to the Celtics offense during that run? Fell off badly in that period. The quality shots inside, the second shot opportunities, the crisp passing, the penetration .. disappeared.
Good thing halftime is coming up shortly. The team needs it.
by Who on Nov 4, 2008 9:34 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
all about confidence
the Rockets got on a roll and everything started clicking for them
now it is about which team can respond in the 2nd half
by Jeff Clark on Nov 4, 2008 9:37 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Two big shots by Ray to stop some of that Rockets momentum
by Who on Nov 4, 2008 9:37 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
almost had 3
adding a couple free throws now
by Jeff Clark on Nov 4, 2008 9:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
It’s great seeing Haywood Workman out there reffing the game
by Who on Nov 4, 2008 9:39 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
11-1 run to respond
nice job Ray (and Paul)
by Jeff Clark on Nov 4, 2008 9:40 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
defense turned the tide back
that’s our bread and butter – gotta get back to it in the 3rd
by Jeff Clark on Nov 4, 2008 9:41 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
11-1 run to end the half for Boston. Big run, changes the mood at halftime considerably.
by Who on Nov 4, 2008 9:41 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Defense?
Hard to say much defense was being played looking at the boxscore per quarter. Which is surprising since both teams are good defensive teams. I am sure it will pick up in the 2nd half.
by NoraG1 on Nov 4, 2008 9:46 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
true
but the defense stepped up at the end of the quarter (after being terrible before that)
by Jeff Clark on Nov 4, 2008 9:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yao Ming played only 8 minutes in the first half.
Big advantage on the backboards for Boston, leading 27-19 and 12-4 on the offensive glass.
by Who on Nov 4, 2008 9:48 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Houston has to feel good about being in this game after Yao was out that long
by Jeff Clark on Nov 4, 2008 9:53 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
They can’t feel good however with the way he was racking up fouls in 8 min. though.
by NoraG1 on Nov 4, 2008 9:57 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
you can't stop Perkins
you can only hope to let him keep shooting open 12 footers?
by Jeff Clark on Nov 4, 2008 10:01 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Houston are missing Battier defensively. They lack some defensive leadership out there, a coordinator.
by Who on Nov 4, 2008 10:08 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
PERK!
Perk is making me so happy right. He’s looking like a star out there. Why can’t he play like this all the time.
Rondo doesn't believe in easy buckets...
by ManUp on Nov 4, 2008 10:09 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Perk is shooting like he's all alone in the gym
and Yao can’t keep up with him
by Jeff Clark on Nov 4, 2008 10:09 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
PERK FOR PREZ!!!!!!
Rondo doesn't believe in easy buckets...
by ManUp on Nov 4, 2008 10:09 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
now would be a good time
to get KG and Pierce going (with Ray picking up his 4th foul)
by Jeff Clark on Nov 4, 2008 10:14 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Houston look in good shape but the C’s still have the lead
by Who on Nov 4, 2008 10:31 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Yao doesn’t have a hope of covering KG if Doc played KG at center down the stretch.
by Who on Nov 4, 2008 10:37 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Perk’s defense on Yao Ming has been superb, especially in the second half
by Who on Nov 4, 2008 10:41 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
That felt like a long continuation on McGrady’s drive. Thought that foul was on the floor. How many dribbles did he have after the whistle? One? Two?
by Who on Nov 4, 2008 10:46 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Ray Allen has nailed a lot of big shots tonight.
by Who on Nov 4, 2008 10:49 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Ray Allen
is the star of the night – but a big head nod goes to Perkins for his efforts tonight
by Jeff Clark on Nov 4, 2008 10:54 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Good win
Rockets still have some work to do. Offensively they lack fluidity to their play, which has been a problem for a long time. Defensively they can improve too, I think the return of Shane Battier will take care of that. Houston look promising though, they’re a legit contender.
by Who on Nov 4, 2008 10:55 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Battier
he doesn’t solve all their problems, but he’s a big piece – not unlike Posey was for us last year
by Jeff Clark on Nov 5, 2008 9:22 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I think Battier will cure their defensive problems. He’s their best defender and by far their best defensive leader out there, he’s the guy that organizes and anchors their D. Artest doesn’t do that, none of their bigs do that (Deke did). Battier is the only player on the roster who does that.
by Who on Nov 5, 2008 10:32 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The legend of Tony Allen grows?
Will this play last the season like the Billups one last year?
Three FTs for Tracy. Gives Houston a shot, a long shot but a shot.
by Who on Nov 4, 2008 11:03 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Tony Allen cannot be trusted in a close game.
by NoraG1 on Nov 4, 2008 11:07 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Take Tony Allen out of the game, Doc
Just in case…
by cordobes on Nov 4, 2008 11:07 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I don't know
he still plays good man-up defense – he just gets caught once in a while
by Jeff Clark on Nov 5, 2008 9:22 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Excellent Game
Everyone from the starting lineup contributed positively.
Rondo doesn't believe in easy buckets...
by ManUp on Nov 5, 2008 7:47 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
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