Game #64 - Recap: Celtics vs. Jazz

by Jim Weeks on Mar 15, 2008 10:48 AM EDT in Green Bandwagon

Deron Williams, perhaps angered by my contention that Chris Paul is more valuable, scored 32 points (7-10 from the field, 17-18 from the line), overcame a face rake from Kendrick Perkins, grabbed five boards and dished out 8 assists to lead the Jazz over the Celtics. Utah dominated the boards in the first half and ended up with a 38 to 29 advantage. Some other points on the game:

It was one of those games where the Celtics fell behind rather big and could just not get over the hump. A number of times Paul Pierce, Eddie House and James Posey had the opportunity to bring the house down with a huge shot and they just couldn't get it done. In the second half the Celtics climbed within 4, but that was as close as they would get.
Everyone on the Jazz, outside of Ronnie Price, played well. Utah is such a dangerous team.
I expect guys to slip on wet spots in the Old Boston Garden circa 1991. Maybe even in Worcester's DCU Center in 2007. But not in the TD Banknorth Garden in 2008. Ray Allen getting hurt in that way was ridiculous.
The Celtics can't get by with Ray Allen in the locker room and Pierce and Garnett putting forth mediocre efforts.
I'm as big a Tony Allen fan as there is outside of his family and friends. But he really struggled last night. Forget about the ridiculous windmill. He needed to convert some of those fast break baskets early in the third quarter. House and Tony Allen combined for 14 points in a combined 40 minutes of time. Contrast that to Ray Allen who had 9 points in 12 minutes.
At one point most Celtics fans probably thought, "Hey what about Cassell?"
It's hard for me to get too upset about losses. Heading into last night's game the Celtics had lost 12 games by a combined total of 55 points. Last night was the first time the C's really got blown up, replacing that inexplicable loss to the Bobcats as Boston's biggest margin of defeat.
As the Celtics embark on this road trip it will be interesting to see how they fare against teams who need the games so much more.

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tough game

i really struggled whether to sit down and watch this or finally go out. i was on spring break at home all week and had nothing to do each night but watch the c's blow someone out or choose from the slim pickings on hbo on demand. i was pissed that the best game of the week was on the only night i actually had something else to do. regardless, im very glad i didnt stay in to watch this one. i know utah manhandled the celts last night in the garden, but i still don't see them getting out of the west without playing better on the road. itll be tough to get past the lakers and/or spurs because you know those teams will come to play even in the ever intimidating salt lake city

by hellopaul56 on Mar 15, 2008 1:08 PM EDT reply actions

Torn on the Jazz

I like a lot of Utah's roster and they showed they can play last night. Deron Williams is such a tough match up and they have tons of guys who can score. But I can't get beyond the fact that Carlos Boozer is an atrocious defender. KG was off early on but later started taking it to Boozer. And on at least 3 occasions I saw Boozer lamely waive at Celtics as they drove by him. Still Utah has a good mix of youth and veterans. They could beat anyone out West. They are better defensively than Denver. Are too physical for Golden State. Deeper than Houston. The Lakers are holding their breath with Bynum and now Gasol. The Spurs are older. And on and on. Utah could be a sleeper. But you're right, even with the win on the road last night, that road record for the year is a red flag. Ironically Dallas is is a similar boat.

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

by Jim Weeks on Mar 15, 2008 1:41 PM EDT reply actions