I'm On A Plain, I Can't Complain

by Jeff Clark on Jan 6, 2009 8:28 AM EST in Articles Comment 35 comments

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You know, I was pretty bummed out about the Knicks game. Put together with the recent road trip it puts us in an actual slump. I mean, in the span of a couple weeks we tripled our loss total for the year. But that's a glass-half-empty way of looking at it. The glass-half-full view is that we're 29-6. That's still on pace for 68 or so wins (2 more than last year).

So maybe we should take a cue from the players. When they were busy winning 19 games in a row, they were pretty confident and they had some swagger, but they never really made a big deal about the records they were breaking. It didn't matter too much to them. Now that they have hit a slide, they understand there are issues to work through and things they need to work on, but they aren't getting too down either.

From the Steve Bulpett article:

They’re saying nothing major is wrong, that they just have to clean up a few things here and there. (Judging from the road troubles, it’s mostly “there.”)

“We talked about it as a group afterwards and I think we’re all in the right place,” Ray Allen said. “It’s just small little things we’ve got to do when we’re out there and just be good together as a unit. Simple as that.

That even keeled response is the kind of veteran attitude that this team needs to defend it's title. They know from experience how tough it is to win a Championship. They know the season is long and there will be peaks and valleys along the way. The key is to never get too high and to never get too low.

Basketball is a game that depends a whole lot on confidence. You have to believe that you are better than your opponent. You have to believe that the next shot is going to go in even if the last 5 didn't. You also have to be motivated enough to keep working on your game so that you are always getting better. So there is that delicate balance you have to strike between confidence and self awareness.

We can (and will) write all day about what this team is struggling with, what they need to work on, and what they need to do to get better. The nice thing is that we know the team is doing the same thing.

We can have confidence that Danny is looking around the league for the right missing pieces. We can have confidence that Doc is pointing out the areas the team needs to improve. We can have confidence that the players are taking the steps to improve as a team. Up and down the chain we know that they are not getting too low because a few weeks ago they were not too high.

At the beginning of the year I felt the team would lose a few more games due to the loss of James Posey and needing to expand the roles of some of the bench players. They started out faster than I thought but perhaps we are seeing a market correction of sorts. Water seeks its own level and by the end of the year teams typically end up with the record that they deserve (barring injury). At the end of the playoffs, I still expect to see the Celtics celebrating once again.

Bonus link: The Garbage Time All Stars say "Cheer Up Boston"

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Pretty random

By the end of the year, when we’re holding up the cup, this will just have been 4 random losses somewhere halfway the season. On a total of 15-17 losses, that’s nothing anyway ;)

In that winning streak, some games were pretty close anyway, now we’re just on the bad side of the close games. You’ll see, in a few weeks, we’re streaking it up again.

- Dirk

by Kiorrik on Jan 6, 2009 8:37 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

I wouldn’t be surprised by another loss tonight. If D’Antoni can figure out how to stop the Celtics’ offense, so can Larry Brown.

At some point Rondo is going to have to shoot the ball and keep shooting.

by Brickowski on Jan 6, 2009 9:15 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Only Team That Can Stop The Celtics

The only team that can stop the Celtics is the Celtics. They were not up to the game with the Knicks. If the Bobcats try to do the same thing, which has already been done by LA, dropping off Rondo and clogging the Lane, the C’s will be used to it and contend with it as they did against the Lakers. They’ve done it before. The reason it worked for the Knicks is that the C’s just didn’t play well. I don’t think it was a Rondo problem, but a team problem. If they defended well and hit the shots they normally hit they would have beaten the Knicks regardless of what the Knick’s did. The same goes for any other team. They may need to find a scorer for the second unit, especially one that can spread the floor. TA isn’t getting it done. Last year they defeated this defense by going to House at pg and Posey to hit the threes. I think Scals can defend, at least, almost as well as Pose and if he plays more I think he will hit the open three with consistency. House just needs to be on the floor to make a defender pay attention to him. Scals, then might be the key because he’s the one they will not defend.

by TrueGreen on Jan 6, 2009 9:55 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

So...

What if we lose 2 out of the next 3, or god forbid all 3? will you complain then?

by TheAncientRivalry on Jan 6, 2009 9:32 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

sure

"Would I rather be feared or loved? Easy. Both. I want people to be afraid of how much they love me." Michael Scott

by Jeff Clark on Jan 6, 2009 9:36 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I say that because

for a tired team, the schedule is setting us up for failure, not to menntion the rockets are due to beat us after we ended there winning streak, we always have problems with the bobcats, and we cant win in cleveland…..should be interesting

by TheAncientRivalry on Jan 6, 2009 9:56 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

things could get worse

and they could get better – I’m just saying that I still think this team is in excellent shape

one of the things that the SSoM clip pointed out is that the Celtics were sloppy on Defense – specifically rotating on the baseline help – that’s not like this team and I think it is something that will be fixed

a lot of the issues we are having can and will be fixed

"Would I rather be feared or loved? Easy. Both. I want people to be afraid of how much they love me." Michael Scott

by Jeff Clark on Jan 6, 2009 10:03 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Absolutely, but the main thing this team needs right now is time off to rest IMO…they’re clearly exhausted and until they get some time off, I dont know what to expect

by TheAncientRivalry on Jan 6, 2009 10:05 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I hear ya

it doesn’t help that they are an older team too

"Would I rather be feared or loved? Easy. Both. I want people to be afraid of how much they love me." Michael Scott

by Jeff Clark on Jan 6, 2009 10:07 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

If They Are Tired

I don’t think it’s an age problem. If they really are tired, which I think they are, it could be due to the short summer which none of these players has had to deal with. Physically they are in good shape. PP is in better shape than last year. Ray, even if he is ?33 is in the shape of a much younger player. I think the problem is clearly with the 2nd unit. If this is fixed, the schedule, whether or not the team is tired, etc. won’t mean anything. The question is how to fix it. Right now I would say to get Marbury if we can as well as Joe Smith. But before that I would put in Scals (except for guys like Yao) and Pruitt to replace TA and BBD. Roster space would have to come from Cassell, who can retire to coaching, and POB who I don’t think can help us now.

by TrueGreen on Jan 6, 2009 10:22 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Well on Feb. 5th

you get to play the Lakers when they play the 4th road game in 6 days, which also happens to be the 2nd game of a back to back. Then, the Lakers follow up that game with a game in Cleveland 2-3 days later. This is following a tough 10-12 game stretch where they have to play mostly playoff teams. Everyone gets rough patches in the schedule. SA & Chicago have to be on the road for nearly a month every year due the rodeo and circus, respectively. All teams have to deal with it.

by wondahbap on Jan 6, 2009 11:44 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

good news and more good news....then some bad

we’re a very good team at 29-6
we’re a very good team that has lots of room for improvement
OOOOOPS…bad news-we must improve

by Motown on Jan 6, 2009 9:35 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Making Adjustments and Tony Allen

So the other teams have made adjustments – making Rondo shoot and keeping the ball from Leon on 2nd team O – and our guys are smart enough to adjust back. Just part of an 82 game season and better for us than cruising all year long.
I do think there is reason to worry about Tony Allen though. He needs a big game to come out of his funk. “Bad Tony” is way too present in his minutes now.

by Wildblu1 on Jan 6, 2009 9:41 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Agreed

about tony, i now cringe even harder then normal when hes in the game…I feel like hes hurting this team more than anything right now, anti-celtic, anti-posey, anti-basketball IQ

by TheAncientRivalry on Jan 6, 2009 9:58 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

?

Think Marbury? This would take TA off the floor and put Eddie at 2. Marbury can drive to the basket and finish, which is supposed to be TA’s job and he has a better outside shot. And Marbury, if he wants to, can be a playmaker for guys like Leon. House isn’t the best playmaker I would also think about replacing BBD with Scals, as long there isn’t a bull-type big to guard, such as Yao who we’ll be seeing soon. I really don’t want Marbury, but I think he can help, more than Cassell could last year.

by TrueGreen on Jan 6, 2009 10:12 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

no love for the post title?

maybe grunge has officially died and been forgotten about

sad day

"Would I rather be feared or loved? Easy. Both. I want people to be afraid of how much they love me." Michael Scott

by Jeff Clark on Jan 6, 2009 10:12 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

mr. cobain lives

it certainly has not… great one. keep em coming.

by ssspence on Jan 6, 2009 10:16 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

only because I just read it and you beat me to the post.

A few weeks ago it was Ice Cube, now Nirvana….did you rediscover your old cd collection Jeff?

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 Jan 6, 2009 10:47 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

don't forget my other favorites

Building A Mystery
Set Adrift on Memory Bliss
Battle of Who Could Care Less

I just stopped buying CDs at the same rate that I did in college, so my collection is rather 90’s heavy

I used to sign up for BMG and cancel after I got the 15 or so CDs and then do it again – I think I got 100 CDs one year doing stuff like that

"Would I rather be feared or loved? Easy. Both. I want people to be afraid of how much they love me." Michael Scott

by Jeff Clark on Jan 6, 2009 10:53 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Just had to look those three up. I should have known the PM Dawn one, but the rest…not so much.

Sounds like you missed the heady days of Napster while in college. That’s where my collection was built.

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 Jan 6, 2009 11:11 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Napster and I were aquainted

but once it got shut down, my collection started running dry

Still buy every Coldplay CD that comes out, I wish Jimmy Eat World would get back to their Clarity days, and I miss Blink 182 something fierce

but see, even in that evaluation I’m still living in the past – ugh, I’m getting old

"Would I rather be feared or loved? Easy. Both. I want people to be afraid of how much they love me." Michael Scott

by Jeff Clark on Jan 6, 2009 11:18 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

building a mystery

sarah mcgloughlin? easy there…

by ssspence on Jan 6, 2009 11:48 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

what can I say?

she has a lovely voice

"Would I rather be feared or loved? Easy. Both. I want people to be afraid of how much they love me." Michael Scott

by Jeff Clark on Jan 6, 2009 12:02 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

re: what can i say?

it takes a man to admit that. good stuff….

by ssspence on Jan 6, 2009 1:39 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

point of clarification

While I do love those songs, I was mostly referring to the fact that I use them often in my post titles. To wit:

Building A Mystery – usually when a bad team makes a questionable move
Set Adrift on Memory Bliss – when I’m feeling nostalgic and write about history
Battle of Who Could Care Less – when two bad teams are playing/tanking

"Would I rather be feared or loved? Easy. Both. I want people to be afraid of how much they love me." Michael Scott

by Jeff Clark on Jan 6, 2009 3:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Thank God our fans don't play the games...

Jeff you talked about basketball being about confidence. Imagine if Celtic Fans had to play, and we were relying on their CONFIDENCE, or lack there-of. You guys sound like a bunch of weenies, we’re 29-6 and going through the best years of Celtic basketball in the last 20 years. Are you guys serious right now? Get a clue, it’s the NBA. Act like you have watched it before, from season to season, game to game, minute to minute, second to second, the NBA is about swings. We happen to be on a down swing right now, get a grip people. 2 more losses and we’ll probably start hearing the “fire doc” chants, and scal will start beign boo’d again. I love the Celtics, but when it comes to this team, Boston is straight fair weather. It disgusts me. Bunch of babies.

SCOTT

by Vegas Scott on Jan 6, 2009 10:57 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

understand the rant, but be careful

lets remember to treat each other with respect – this isn’t calling out anyone in particular, but I just don’t want to start a flame war over posts like this

"Would I rather be feared or loved? Easy. Both. I want people to be afraid of how much they love me." Michael Scott

by Jeff Clark on Jan 6, 2009 11:05 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

re: thank god our fans don't play the games

you think Tony’s been playing well, Vegas Guy? Last I can recall an “upswing” for him was in late 2006 when we were losing 18 in a row. relax… nothing wrong with a bit of debate, no one’s lighting the ship on fire…

by ssspence on Jan 6, 2009 11:44 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Well put.

by wondahbap on Jan 6, 2009 11:46 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

more random rant...

People have been down on the Celts for so long, they don’t know how to enjoy a good ride! Don’t worry, folks, the Celts are not falling off a cliff…at least not this year! Constructive criticism is one thing, but just complaining for the sake of complaining is something else. Basketball is a “sport” not a certainity. Every game will not be a blow out. Every game will not even end up in the win column. Danny and Doc are professionals and did not get where they are by “stupidity”. One might even hope that all the negative fans are as good at their own jobs, and don’t have to worry about people watching and criticizing their every move. Enjoy, people, don’t you remember two years ago? All Celtics fan want them to win. Do you think, if they read your post, they would be more apt to be positive?

Jeff, I love your columns and your attitude!

by thirstyboots18 on Jan 6, 2009 11:33 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Everyone remember 2 years ago

And Im not overly concerned about this team, I just think they need rest like I stated above….but sometimes its easier watching a team with no expectations losing than it is to watch the defending champs with repeat aspirations do the the same

by TheAncientRivalry on Jan 6, 2009 11:59 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

i am not waiting for danny to trade and fix things. i am hoping he does. however, what we have, has to do what needs to be done. let’s go guys— self correct. tony get your head on straighr. gabe- stay ready. doc- coach these guys. ray-hit your shots.

by nazzbo on Jan 6, 2009 1:06 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

How soon we all forget

We had tough stretches last year too. I mean, 16 losses is a bunch, right? Everyone seems to agonize over each and every one. The other amnesia, is the play of the “2nd unit” last year . Pose really stepped up in the playoffs, when it becomes a half court game, spotting up and spreading the floor, letting the Big 3 create for him.

In the regular season however, the 2nd unit was awful, nobody could create their own shot, House and Pose just passed it back and forth around the perimeter, no penetration and kicks whatsoever. It is only in the playoffs when Pose played more with the starters, that he brought the spread the floor game that everyone remembers. I remember wincing alot last year with 4 subs on the floor with nobody able to create their own shot or penetrate and kick for others.

All of the sudden, all we hear is how we miss Pose and they way he spread defenses, but this is applying a playoff memory to the regular season which is vastly different. Much tougher scheduling, back-to-backs, diff teams so no adjusting to matchups. The so-called 2nd unit struggled massively last year…..during the regular season. A key addition or 2 would be nice, but there is plenty of time. They lost 3 in a row out West last year, lost to the Wizards 2 straight times, but somehow still came out on top of the whole league.

by KJ33 on Jan 6, 2009 3:29 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I agree

Maybe a trade wouldn’t be bad but the way POB is playing might have to drop him. I give them a couple more weeks until they make a move before the trade deadline. Even if they try to get Starbury which isn’t the best move I think they should try get Joe Smith and play him next to KG when Perkins is out. Like back in the Minnesota days when they were one of the best front courts in the NBA. I have confidence in this team like any Celtic fan would but we need to focus on what is wrong and how to fix it.

by illestmcsgt on Jan 6, 2009 7:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs