Preseason Game 3: Celtics vs. Nets- notes and thoughts

by Jimmy Toscano on Oct 11, 2009 12:56 PM EDT in Boston Celtics Games

Pre-game notes:

Tony Allen not playing today- foot is still hurting from last game and didn't look good in practice yesterday.

Doc Rivers not sure on how he's going to run the minutes today.

Doc will sit the starters for one of the two back to back preseason games at some point in the preseason. Older players most likely to sit one of the two games- so maybe add Sheed to that list?

Doc jokingly said he was going to get kicked out of the game today because of all the other sporting events that are on television... can you blame him? Go Sox!

1st half thoughts:

KG looks very good early on. He was active right off the bat, stealing the ball, scoring, and grabbing rebounds all within the first couple of minutes. Looks fine getting up and down the court as well but still seems hesitant to score in the paint. In his defense, he is shooting 5/6 right now from outside.

Marquis Daniels looked good out there in the first half. Great steal and finish on the other end and ran the offense well from the point. I love the Daniels-House combo so far. It seems to be working out well for them.

It was good to see Pierce creating shots and hitting them as we are so used to seeing him do. He is the point leader at the half with 14.

Perkins looked solid while he was in there but he did pick up three fouls in the process

Rondo is definitely running the floor hard today and showing his speed out there, but he still isn't doing much offensively. Also, he has turned the ball over a few times. Still waiting to see something out of Rondo this pre-season.

It is great to see Yi Jianlian at the Garden... in another team's jersey.

2^nd half thoughts:

Paul Pierce played the whole 3^rd quarter and continued to hit his shots. He kept the offense in check, scoring 11 in that period.

I think we got our first Rajon Rondo sighting in the third quarter. He made a nice drive to the hoop on one occasion and threw down a nasty jam from Pierce on another.

Lester Hudson was impressive playing with the second unit in the 4^th quarter. He didn't try to do too much out there and even hit a three pointer to spark a mini Celtics scoring run. He still has a lot to learn though.

The Celtics put out a lineup of Hudson, House, Daniels, Davis, and Sheed for an extended period of time in the fourth quarter. Pretty small lineup and this was the lineup that pulled away from the Nets.

Daniels knows how to finish around the basket, doing so on more than one occasion this game including a nice drive in the fourth quarter.

Nets made game a lot closer than it needed to be in the fourth quarter, but the Celtics held on for the 100-93 win.

Check back in a bit for post-game article.

Tweet Comment 9 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Yi for Baby

Remember when that sign and trade rumor was swirling? I was thinking about that when Yi missed one of his shots and how glad I am it never happened.

by Greg Payne on Oct 11, 2009 2:26 PM EDT reply actions

not only that but

think about what this team would be like had they drafted Yi and not traded for ray allen… scary.

by Jimmy Toscano on Oct 11, 2009 2:34 PM EDT reply actions

Another nice recap by JimmyT.

Lester is getting some minutes now, but… is Doc gonna play him at all in the regular season?

Unfornately, I get the feeling he’ll spend a lot of time with Danny Ainge’s son in the D-League…

by Global Celtic on Oct 11, 2009 4:03 PM EDT reply actions

what jimmyt?

Can’t hear you about Lester Hudson???? You said in the chat Hudson will never make the team? can you say that louder? lol – just kidding – thanks for the updates in the chat while you were at the game …and I hate you

Is it Soup Yet?

by Master Po on Oct 11, 2009 4:33 PM EDT reply actions

Tony Allen, Ricky Davis, Nocioni and Bell

I am a Tony Allen Fan. There was a time, a few years ago, when he started for about 10 or 15 games and was the teams leading scorer and brought excitement and fire to the team. Then his knee failed him again. I think that he (if he can stay healthy) could do that again, on the second squad. I would love to see a line up of Daniels, House and Allen at the 1-2-3 for our second squad (switching on “O” and “D”). I think that it would be a very exciting and productive combo… but if Allen is not healthy, then the Celts definitely do need a real “3”. Lets face facts – Scalabrine is only an occasional asset (very occasional) and we have to bring in a real “3” or someone who can switch off with Daniels on “O” and “D”. My suggestion is…………… Ricky Davis…. shhhhh, I know it sounds stupid but the guy may still have game (even after last year’s disaster). I know he’s a head case but so was Marbury and he probably can be had for an injured Allen and a Draft Pick (I would even go 1st round) and then our second team has Daniels, House and Davis at 1-2-3. Pretty exciting. All of this is only if Allen is not healthy. A healthy Allen is better for the Celts, but if Allen is injured then Davis is probably the best (available) out there. Please NO Nocioni. Maybe Raja Bell, but that’s a whole ‘nother story.
Just something I’m thinking about as I drink my cheap wine.

by The Cooz on Oct 11, 2009 5:52 PM EDT reply actions

I'm sorry man. . .

but you’re crazy. Tony Allen is an unmitigated disaster. He’s beyond a train wreck, even. He’s a plane crash!!! I think he might be the worst player in the NBA right now. Honestly.

And then you advocate the acquisition of Risky Davis??? Dude, today is not April 1st. Who are you kidding?!?!?!?

by MetroGlobe on Oct 11, 2009 6:45 PM EDT up reply actions

ok I've had one (a few) too many, but I'll respond.

Tony Allen was resigned by the Celts last year at 2.5 million dollars. Why? Why , because there is something there. I agree that his career may be over – that’s what my note was all about but if he’s healthy (and it looks like he isn’t) he’s good, no very good for the Celts. As for Ricky Davis, I know it might be too far out but you tell me what we can do about the SF spot and please don’t tell me “we could trade Scalabrine for Lebron James”

by The Cooz on Oct 11, 2009 10:20 PM EDT up reply actions