Now That’s Odd

The Celtics continue to throw up some strange statistical nights. Consider that in their 16th straight victory pushing them to a franchise best 24-2 start, the 88-85 road victory over the Hawks contained the following puzzling numbers.

The Thirty-something All-Stars combine for:
--28 missed shots on 40% shooting
--more turnovers (7) and fouls (7) than assists (5)
--one for nine from the three-point line
while the young starters:
--shoot 50% or better
--provide the leading rebounder and shot blocker (Perkins 10 & 4)
--and the leader in assists (Rondo 7)
and the bench players
--outshoot the All-Stars (41% to 40%)
--make just as many three-pointers (1) as the starters
--but rack up a +/- of minus 22 in 48 minutes of play

and what does this all mean?

While it is not true that the younger starters are carrying the All-Stars, it is easy to support the idea that they are the biggest difference between last year’s champions and this year’s defending champions. The play of those “other” starters who had so many doubters last year has been more, though not completely, consistent. They have been positive difference-makers far more often than they have been a drag or MIA. Their collection of double-doubles and Rondo’s triple-double suggest that many nights opponents are making a perilous decision when they concentrate on the Big Three.

Rondo in particular has had me searching for a new descriptor. When Rondo gets his thirty, let’s call it a Rondo Thirty where the total of points, rebounds, and assists adds to thirty or more, the Celtics roll. Throw in steals and you might say that when Rajon gets his Rondo Forty, the Celtics are nearly unbeatable. Of course nearly unbeatable almost goes without saying in a season when they are only losing only one of every dozen games or so.

Be afraid, very afraid. The really chilling fact for the rest of the league is that the Celtics have yet to play a game this season where they are really “on.” It’s like a Ferrari lapping a field of Yugo’s even though the engine is running rough. If they ever get all the cylinders firing, it will just seem unfair. Add in the Garnett factor, which pretty much precludes lapses in intensity, and the regular season starts to seem like a delaying tactic while the owners fill their coffers before the fans get to enjoy the treat of watching the real teams duke it out in the latter rounds of the playoffs. Seldom has the gap between the NBA have’s and the have-not’s loomed so large, and there aren’t very many of the have’s.

In September most of the bleed-green fans poured over the pundits’ offerings hanging on every word. Well think again. Success saps champions? Apparently not. Either these stars waited so long that they just can’t get enough or they at least realize what a rare and wondrous opportunity competing at the top level really is. The increased production from the younger guys suggests that they aren’t resting on their laurels either.  Lackadaisical surely doesn’t describe the team with the most wins and the most technicals.

Loss of Posey cripples team? Can’t tell it by the record. Posey’s contributions haven’t been replaced, but the combination of improved production and consistency by the younger starters, incremental improvement of young vets on the bench, a re-energized Tony Allen, and Doc’s deft pulling of the right strings have the C’s playing their winningest ball ever.

Age spots appear to slow Big Three? No, at least not yet. Not in spite of a brutal 30 days (10/31-11/29) containing 17 games (21% of the schedule), six back-to-backs (of 16 for the year), and five games in seven nights. Not noticeably in a record setting 24-2 start that included eleven of the other 15 playoff teams last season. Six coaches have already bitten the dust, looks like we are going to need some new pundits too.