Blah Blah Blah, Bring On L.A.

by Jeff Clark on Dec 23, 2008 10:05 PM EST in Games Comment 30 comments

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Stuff happened, the Celtics won again. Bring on the Lakers!

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Boston
Starters		Min	FG	3Pt	FT	+/-	Off	Reb	Ast	TO	Stl	BS	BA	PF	Pts
R. Allen	G	35:03	5-8	2-3	4-4	+25	2	6	4	1	1	0	1	2	16
R. Rondo	G	29:14	7-12	0-0	4-4	+8	2	4	4	2	2	0	0	3	18
K. Perkins	C	30:01	3-8	0-0	2-3	+13	4	11	1	3	2	0	1	3	8
P. Pierce	F	31:01	4-11	1-2	1-1	+9	0	2	7	4	1	0	3	2	10
K. Garnett	F	29:29	7-13	0-0	4-4	+13	1	4	2	1	0	2	0	1	18
Bench		Min	FG	3Pt	FT	+/-	Off	Reb	Ast	TO	Stl	BS	BA	PF	Pts
T. Allen		20:14	2-7	0-0	0-0	+7	0	2	1	3	0	0	1	2	4
E. House		18:46	4-11	3-6	2-2	+11	0	2	2	1	1	0	0	4	13
B. Scalabrine		17:58	0-2	0-1	1-2	+6	0	1	3	0	1	0	0	3	1
L. Powe		15:58	3-5	0-0	9-10	+4	3	6	1	0	2	3	1	4	15
G. Pruitt		9:42	1-2	1-2	1-2	-3	1	2	2	0	0	0	0	2	4
P. O'Bryant		2:32	1-2	0-0	1-2	+2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	3

Totals			37-81	7-14	29-34		13	40	27	15	10	5	7	26	110

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Comments

Pruitt looking good.

I only saw the last twenty minutes or so, but I’m getting sold on this Pruitt as the future backup point guard.

by no kidding on Dec 23, 2008 10:09 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I agree. This kid needs to study footage of this groove Rondo is in now. Pruitt’s jumper has obviously come around nicely but he needs to avoid falling in love with it off the catch too often. He’s very athletic and he needs to consistently put pressure on his man offensively when he gets the ball. Penetrate and cut to the rim a bit more and he’s gonna make things happen. Tonight he did that and that’s great. But if he can KEEP doing that the next game and so on he’s gonna earn himself some more playing time.

by bucknersrevenge on Dec 24, 2008 1:15 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Pruitt

Doc is putting him in almost every game now for some few minute stretches. He has proved to me that he can play the pg position and allow House to be the 2 guard. Don’t forget this is really Pruitt’s first real year and Doc is using him this way to build up his confidence. It’s also a teaching or development strategy. I think we’ll see more and more of him as the year goes on. He’s a keeper.

by TrueGreen on Dec 24, 2008 10:18 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I was real happy to see our 2nd unit (can we have the “green team” or something? I think they need a name.) finish out.

Agree with no kidding about Pruitt’s play, and Heinsohn was gushing too. Happy for Pruitt, nice to see him earning some PT. Remember how “weak” we were at the point at the start of last year? Now it’s almost all-star Rondo, House/Pruitt and Cassell in waiting. I’ll take it.

More encouraging than POB’s small role tonight was the story that when the team went to a charity event, O’Bryant bought 100 presents and WRAPPED THEM HIMSELF. To me, that isn’t lazy. Crazy maybe, but not lazy.

Last but not least, Scal got his defender in the air and earned himself a shooting foul. It was the oddest thing.

Had wanted to see this game put away early, but it wasn’t too close and I think the extended run for the bench was very useful for them and a treat for those of us who wish we could see “under the hood” of this team.

by Thruthelookingglass on Dec 23, 2008 10:23 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Well said!

by Casperian on Dec 23, 2008 10:44 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

blah blah blah

i don’t know if you’re implying with the blahs that winning is boring or that it’s just a routine game. hey jeff- last year was a long way from 1986. this team puts out and the players might make it look easy, but they are intense. thank you kg. and red never got tired of winning. make the other guys look mediocre.

by nazzbo on Dec 23, 2008 11:16 PM EST reply actions 1 recs

speaking of '86...

anyone else hear Gorman say he thought this team is better?? Now Heinsohn is the one usually prone to hyperbole. Gorman is the reasonable one. And Gorman didn’t hesitate one bit in offering up that opinion either. That is extremely high praise to put this group in. And it continues to amaze me what this group is doing. We were supposed to have somewhat of a letdown this season. Has not happened.

by bucknersrevenge on Dec 24, 2008 1:19 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Tommy Has Two Words

BILL RUSSELL.

by TrueGreen on Dec 24, 2008 10:22 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Russell and Defense

Tommy’s two words were important, as was his explanation that he had 8 Hall of Famers on his team\ with Russell. He said there were three, maybe four on the ones in ‘86 and this one. While Gorman pointed to defense as the big difference (in his choice of this crowd over ’86), I wonder at the ways in which expansion has diluted talent. I’d take the bench from ‘86 in a heartbeat over today’s, and I kinda like our bench.

by tance on Dec 24, 2008 3:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I like winning

It’s always more fun to see the C’s beat better teams, but I never get tired of them beating any team.

Remember it wasn’t too long ago that the C’s were a gimme on most teams schedules. It’s much better being on the winning end.

by LuckyNumber07 on Dec 23, 2008 11:21 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Umm two important points

1. BBC looks like dr evil in that picture. Glad to see he is back to normal.

2. Beat LA

When Perk was asked what he thought of Howard winning the gold medal this summer, he responded: "What’s his impression of me after I won a ring?"

by Green17 on Dec 24, 2008 12:14 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

We need an edit option

Obviously that should be BBD

When Perk was asked what he thought of Howard winning the gold medal this summer, he responded: "What’s his impression of me after I won a ring?"

by Green17 on Dec 24, 2008 12:16 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I was wondering

when the folks across the pond had gotten involved. :-D

-sw

Manuel Aristides Ramirez is the greatest hitter I've ever seen.

by Steve Weinman on Dec 24, 2008 12:22 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Everybody's getting involved, Steve

We’re all watching a thing of beauty unfold :-) The Celtics are even getting mentioned in small news writings here in Europe.
They must be doing something right. Good stuff.
BRING ON THE FAKE SHOW!

by Amager Celtic Fan on Dec 24, 2008 1:19 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Having a spot of tea, Steve?

:-)

Seriously, this will be an interesting game win or lose. Good opportunity to gauge matchups, what the Lakers will do differently against us, how the benches match up.

Terrific start.

by CoachBo on Dec 24, 2008 7:57 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Definitely looking forward to this one

although it’s important to remember – as I think most on our board do – that this isn’t by any means the be-all, end-all.

Can you remember a more anticipated regular season game occurring before the turn of the calendar? Wow.

-sw

Manuel Aristides Ramirez is the greatest hitter I've ever seen.

by Steve Weinman on Dec 24, 2008 3:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Good point, ACF

Certainly no intent on my part to leave out our Celtics fan brethren all over the globe. Enjoy the holiday and hopefully a big win at Staples!

-sw

Manuel Aristides Ramirez is the greatest hitter I've ever seen.

by Steve Weinman on Dec 24, 2008 3:36 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Lakers Match Up Well Against Hornets

But as we know, not so well against the East powerhouses like the Heat and Wizards.

I think 19 points has a nice ring to it!

by nba is the worst on Dec 24, 2008 2:09 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Franchise record 19 wins=blah?

“I like winning, man. Like, its better than losing”
Ebby Calvin "Nuke LaLoosh

by Tenacious D on Dec 24, 2008 7:38 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

This C's team is likely a finely aged wine

They just keep getting better and better, I’ll savior every win. The LA game is their championship the C’s play one every night.

Tony Allen > Dearly departed JP

by Birdbrain on Dec 24, 2008 8:50 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

savior haha should be savor

'We circle them all' - KG

by Birdbrain on Dec 24, 2008 12:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

LA is an excellent test

At this point, no one in the NBA can beat the Celtics. The C’s will no doubt pull out a few stinkers and beat themselves when their legs are heavy, their shots won’t fall, someone gets hurt, but no team has improved as much as the C’s have improved.
Let’s see what the Lakers got?

by Wildblu1 on Dec 24, 2008 10:11 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

The Bench

I notice a pattern lately with the bench. They don’t play well in the 2nd quarter, but improve greatly in the 4th. Last nite it was basically all bench in the 4th quarter, much of it against Philly starters. Last year and early this year the starters got off slowly in the 1st quarter and then owned the 3rd. Whatever it is we are winning.

by TrueGreen on Dec 24, 2008 10:21 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

vs 86??

Bird, McHale, Parrish, DJ, Ainge, Walton, Wedman vs. PP, KG, Ray, Rondo, Perk, Tony, House, Powe.

Its a match up nightmare for the 86 team imho. Mind you I am a 50 year old who has been a fan since 1967.

1.Perk can stay with the Chief, can hit the boards and slow the chief down. The chief wins the match up, he was one of the great centers ever, but if he isn’t hitting his 10 foot jumper, he won’t have much of an edge there
2. KG on McHale. McHale will try spin moves on KG down on the block and is perhaps the best low post player ever. He is going to have a tough time scoring on KG who is taller and faster and smart. If McHale gets KG in foul trouble, the old celts end up with a big edge. if not, big edge KG.
3. The “new” Celts have to hope that PP can take Bird to the hoop all day long. PP is much smaller and Bird is going to have his way with him. Bottom line neutral here in that I think both will be unable to stop the other one.
4. Ray on DJ. DJ was agreat player. Ray is a different kind of great player. I think they neutralize each other.
5. RR vs Danny. At this moment, Rajon will just totally abiuse Danny in ways that may require the authorities to be brough in stop the scene. Children will not be allowed to watch. Danny will have no answer, anywhere. Advantage New Celts.

Bench: very small edge new Celts. You had to be there to know this was true. House, Tony, Powe ad up to more than Bill and Wedman back then as long as everyone is playing well. Wedman was limited to being a shooter despite his size. Bill would ccertainly have been the best of the bench players

Key point: the old celts may well have been able to take advantage of their size advantage and gotten KG and Perk in foul trouble which would have ended the discussion quickly

by wahz on Dec 24, 2008 10:48 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

A well thought out assessment.

Wahz, I’m a tad older than you, and think you have it worked out right. As you suggested, the big question would be if the ’86 team could feed McHale often enough, early enough to get Garnett into trouble (and McHale got everyone in trouble).

And I liked Ainge as a complementary player, but yes, neither him nor DJ would’ve been able to stay anywhere near Rondo, especially if they call handchecks the way they do now.

by no kidding on Dec 24, 2008 11:09 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Point #5

You have to be nuts saying that Rajon will totally abuse Danny. And you say that Danny “will have no answer”. Well, Danny will have an answer. He’s Rondo’s boss and he will be negotiating Rondo’s next contract. Seriously though, you bring up some interesting points. It’s fun to talk about this stuff.

by TrueGreen on Dec 24, 2008 11:09 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

You really had me going there TG.

by no kidding on Dec 24, 2008 11:10 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

You had me too. I was reading it and thinking,"this must be another guy under 25-30."

The one thing about that match up that I cheated on is that DA was smart too and a never ending complainer to the refs. I mean it was awful. As bad Rick Barry was without all the talent and probably even worse than Kobe. He took a LOT of fouls shots and was about a 90% shooter. So you know he would also have gone to the hoop and tried to get Rajon in trouble. And he would have roughed Rajon up ALL game. Still, I think it wouldn’t have consistently worked because Rajon would have stripped him over and over. Bird would be forced to do most of the offensive setting, and I can just see Rajon coming over from the wek side and knocking the ball away. Bird is forced to dump out to danny, or shoot himself, as Robert and Kevin and DJ are all blanketed and Rajon is racing around knocking balls away. danny was around a 35% 3 shooter. Not good enough to kill the new guys if frequently dropped off of.

Fun stuff. Have a great holiday you guys

by wahz on Dec 24, 2008 12:23 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, I'm 25

Actually I’m from NY and was a Knick’s fan (Sweetwater Clifton, Carl Braun, Vinnie Borilla, the McQuire Brothers, etc) until the C’s came to town with Bob Cousy. I finally became a full-blooded Celtic fan and now live near Boston. As to Danny vs Rondo. Do you think Rondo would pick a fight with Tree Rollin’s? (Doc’s teammate in Atlanta). Unfortunately you can’t do that these days. But Danny was tough and had heart as a player. I believe he (Danny) brings the traits he showed as a player to his present job and I think that’s what makes him successful. He’s a fighter, hard-working and doesn’t quit. He’s also very honest and straight-talking (which may not fit with the fighter image). And he’s not afraid to take chances and be criticized by people who don’t know the background of a situation. I really believe that KG is here because of Danny’s persistence and his willingness to give up the farm (of players) to get him. He also got permission to talk directly to KG and it was soon after that that the deal was done. Getting Ray here was also a gutsy move. (I still wonder, and we will never know what Danny would have done if we “won” the lottery. I think we did win the lottery. It’s late, there’s no game tonite and I’m rambling on. This team just has me so excited because I am 25 and remember Bob Cousy and his gang, including Tommy Gun.

by TrueGreen on Dec 24, 2008 9:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Old Memories? Its funny that Tommy didn't know the answer to the what Faker ho famer

retired at the beginning of their 33 game winning streak? (baylor). He guessed Wilt. Tommy was our coach at the time. the following year was the year that we won 68 and cowens just abused wilt. We still didn’t win it until the next year because of hondo’s injury, but it goes to show how many memeories Tommy would have by now with the team. He has been there for every moment of glory.

by wahz on Dec 24, 2008 10:06 PM EST reply actions 0 recs