Taking the D to Detroit

by redzdeadbabyredzdead on May 24, 2008 11:18 PM EDT in Boston Celtics News & Links

Whoosh, what a relief!

The seconds seemed like minutes in the 4th, but overall the Celtics showed the type of team they can be when they put the clamps down on D. They came out on a mission from the get-go and rattled off 11 straight before the Pistons were awake. When Detroit predictably emerged from their early slumber the Celtics did not crumble like they have so often during their 0-6 road run prior to tonight. The Celts went to the bench and got a big night, and a big dose of energy - with James Posey earning the star of the day from me. When the Celtics energy level is at its highest it always seems James Posey is at the forefront, and after a lackluster few games from the ringbearing Posey, the man delivered in a big way.

Boston ran the lead to 8 after one on consecutive 3's by Posey & Sam Cassell - who was shaky at first after a 4 game hiatus, but settled down nicely.

By the end of the half the Celtics had the Detroit faithful booing, and the Pistons in disarray. It was just a matter of hanging on from there and the Celtics did the job.

Big night from Perk, who was a monster on both ends. The usual stuff from KG, and a passive, but efficient game from Pierce.

A giant sigh of relief from those who felt the Celts couldn't get it done on the road, and now we see a golden opportunity to take two and come home for a shot at a clincher. A night of redemption for the Celtics who sure looked like the better team. Defense won them 66 regular season games, and 31 on the road. Now add one playoff roady to that record. Bringing the D to Detroit brought home a W.

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Congrats to Redz on his front page debut. Good stuff out of ya.

by Roy_Hobbs on May 24, 2008 11:19 PM EDT reply actions

Highly encouraging.
Sleep happy.

by mcpu40 on May 24, 2008 11:23 PM EDT reply actions

The C’s were flat out cold blooded tonight like they were most of the year on the road. Its an attitude thing.

by Last Train on May 24, 2008 11:46 PM EDT reply actions

I loved seeing Ray’s early reverse layup – and that catch… set… THREE! from from Paul was ICE COLD killer type offense – ball movement. that’s part of how they took game 2 and exactly how we took game 3.

by ATX on May 25, 2008 12:18 AM EDT reply actions

I can sleep tonight.

by MoneyBagsBob on May 25, 2008 12:30 AM EDT reply actions

When the C’s defense is on, it’s scary good. Rondo hit some big baskets despite a few shaky passes down the stretch. Ball movement was excellent tonight, Rondo needs to keep pressing the ball down court aggressively and moving the ball around. And finally, the BENCH on the road!!! Pierce had only 2 points going into the 3rd. Great game.

by deejaymc on May 25, 2008 12:30 AM EDT reply actions

this really is one of the best defenses of the past 20 years. It’s absolutely sick.

Doc NEEDS to realize Perk >> PJ Brown. And I’m not just saying that because of Perk’s excellent game tonight. Even if he gives you nothing on the offensive end (much like PJ), his rotations are always solid and FAST. PJ is often behind. He’s OK for a few minutes to give some rest and play some mediocre 1v1 vs. Sheed, but Perk should get the majority of the mins.

by cmoney on May 25, 2008 12:43 AM EDT reply actions

well well well 2-1 i think that we will win another win out i am feeling that

by big bessi on May 25, 2008 1:17 AM EDT reply actions

I went to sleep last night amazingly well, but this morning I couldn’t stay in bed (thus the pre-7AM post) because of what I saw last night.

First and foremost I saw some incredible defense by Detroit down the stretch and that defense makes the C’s accomplishment all the more impressive. But I saw everyone wearing a green uniform doing their job last night. The biggest difference between last night and game 2 was the role of the bench. It seems to me if everyone can play to their ability and not try to push it above and beyond — this team has more than a chance.

Welcome to the front page Redz – here’s hoping for another positive article Tuesday morning.

by SShoreFan 2.0 on May 25, 2008 6:05 AM EDT reply actions

Same here SSHore (the early morning syndrome)…Though I forced myself to stay in bed since my morher-in-law had my kids – you just can’t waste those opportunities. Great way to wake up, back on ahead. Say what you want, but the Celtics have answered the bell when needed this playoff run.

by redzdeadbabyredzdead on May 25, 2008 7:50 AM EDT reply actions

Just some general thoughts using last nite as an example:
1. Will someone please find a coaching job for Jeff Van Gundy. He stinks up the broadcast to the point I need to turn the sound almost off. I can’t get radio reception where I am so I can’t turn to Sean Grande and Max for help. Please, someone help. I think Mike Breen and Marc Jackson would be okay, if it was just the two of them.
2. Will someone please inform the officials before each game that Rip Hamiliton is a fake and a flopper. The garbage he did to KG to get him out of the game should be humiliating to David Stern. If not for the great play of the C’s bench last nite that one ridiculous call could have cost us the game. Rip has also pulled crap on Ray and anyone else he gets close to.
3. But at least we did get some correct charge calls last nite and PJ’s play against Rasheed, I think, where he backed off him and basically made him fall down was beautiful to watch.
4. Near the end of the game either Ray or PP hit a three with 1 sec on the clock. I believe it counted. Because of Mr. Van Gundy (having to turn the sound off) and my eyesight problems I wasn’t able to hear or see well what happened. Anyone please tell me what happened?

by TrueGreen on May 25, 2008 8:30 AM EDT reply actions

it was ray

by Banda on May 25, 2008 9:26 AM EDT reply actions

A lot of the stories I read today talk about how bad the Pistons played etc… But I really think the Celtics just out played them. The refs let Detroit get away with a lot of crap and there were bad calls down the stretch, but the Celtics persevered and got the hard fought win. Best game of the playoffs so far for us and we can be a lot better, that’s scary.