Celtics and Cavaliers Square off at the Garden
by Greg Payne on Feb 25, 2010 3:59 PM EST
in Boston Celtics Games
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PrintCleveland Cavaliers at Boston Celtics, Feb 25, 2010 8:00 PM EST
The Cleveland Cavaliers storm into Boston, a game after righting their ship following their recent three-game losing streak, tonight at 8:00pm.
Not that they shouldn't be used to it at this point in the season, but the Celtics will once again be short-handed tonight, as Paul Pierce will miss tonight's game due to a right thumb sprain and a touch of the flu. On top of that, backup forward Marquis Daniels is also questionable for tonight's game, due to a similar bout of the flu. With that in mind, the Celtics are obviously weak at the small forward position tonight, particularly on the defensive end, which poses a serious problem with LeBron James leading the Cavaliers' offense.
Tony Allen should get the start in place of Pierce tonight, if Daniels can't go due to his illness. With so few options to throw at James, Marcus Landry could very well see his first minutes as a Celtic tonight (talk about a first audition).
The recent talk surrounded the Cavaliers has dealt with the new addition of Antawn Jamison, who was acquired in exchange for Zydrunas Ilgauskas last week. The Cavs proceeded to lose their first three games following the trade, allowing 109.6 points per game, which is a far cry from their 95.01 points per game allowed season average. However, in Jamison's first start of the season Tuesday against the Hornets, the Cavs snapped their three-game losing streak with a 105-95 victory.
Jamison undoubtedly adds more talent to Cleveland's roster, and gives them yet another rebounding force to bolster their already respectable 42.08 rebounds per game season average.
It's been difficult for the Celtics to find consistency all season, but a win over the league's second best team without Pierce could go a long way towards steering them back on the right path as the playoffs continue to draw near.
As an aside, ex-Celtic Leon Powe, now a Cavalier, could play his first minutes of the season tonight. He's finally cleared to play after rehabbing an ACL tear he suffered in last year's postseason.
Projected Starters:
Celtics: Rajon Rondo, Ray Allen, Tony Allen, Kevin Garnett, Kendrick Perkins
Cavaliers: Mo Williams, Anthony Parker, LeBron James, Antawn Jamison, Shaquille O'Neal
Health Check: For the Celtics, forward Paul Pierce (thumb, flu) is out, while forwards Marquis Daniels (flu) and Marcus Landry (ankle) are listed as questionable.
Keep It In Mind: The Celtics have not seen the Cavaliers since the very first game of the season, in which Boston silenced the Cavs in Cleveland, 95-89.
Who's Hot: For the Celtics, Ray Allen has shot 9-14 from the field (64.3 percent) in each of his last three games, and is averaging 23.3 points per game in those games.
For the Cavaliers, Shaquille O'Neal scored 20 points on 9-13 shooting against the Hornets on Wednesday.
Who's Not: For the Celtics, Nate Robinson shot just 2-7 in his Celtics debut on Tuesday.
For the Cavaliers, Mo Williams scored just six points on 2-9 shooting on Tuesday against the Hornets.
Key Matchup: Tony Allen vs. LeBron James
Honorable Mention: Kevin Garnett vs. Antawn Jamison and Kendrick Perkins vs. Shaquille O'Neal
Skinny: Discipline is the word that comes to mind when thinking about tonight's game. If ever there was a contest that calls for the Celtics to revert back to their defensive principles, this is arguably it. The Celtics' last two opponents both averaged over 100 points per game on the season, and the final score favored their offenses as opposed to the Celtics' defense. Cleveland is yet another team that's averaging over 100 points per game this year, and unlike the Nuggets and the Knicks, do not allow over 100 points per game in return (95.01).
The Celtics absolutely need to limit their turnovers, for they do not need to be spoon-feeding Cleveland extra possessions in a game where something like a 6-0 run on Cleveland's part could spell sheer doom at any point in the game. This could very well be a night where the Celtics need significant production from their bench, and even though it's only Nate Robinson's second game in a Boston uniform, he might need to come up big against Cleveland's second unit.
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I think Quis will play
Just how long he can hang on is the question.
Not sure about Landry. Even if he was a decent defensive player in college, it takes time to adjust to the pro moves. Lebron will eat him alive. PP was our best player against him. Wish we could put Walker in.
Calling Jackie Manuel? lol
TA may be the key tonight
If he plays well against James, we will win this game. I hope that Rajon will be able to play up tempo even in the fourth quarter. It’s all about focus and effort. Good luck and… eat them up tonight…:)
lets go c's!!!
defense will win us this game.
we beat orlando without paul (on christmas), lets go beat the cavs without him!
hopefull marquis does play. that would help alot!
Cs aren't stupid enough to play Quis tonight
…if he was so sick with the flu just yesterday that he got sent home from practice. Not gonna happen. They won’t risk him infecting the rest of the team.
The absence of Quis on top of Paul is probably the last nail in the coffin. Cs should take it easy, give Landry and Nate some good runs, experiment, have fun… and if by some chance they manage to get a win tonight, great. I wouldn’t bet on it.
The absense of Paul = good … we dont need him thinking he can go mano a mano with Lebron the way hes been playing, isolating himself and either brickin a shot or dribbling the ball of his foot
Move the ball, make rondo the playmaker, and hope quis can play, because that would hurt if hes not ready….Paul just needs to sit out until hes healthy
I wonder
whether or not the Cavs will consider putting LeBron on Ray if Ray gets hot early on. Especially with Pierce out. That would definitely hinder the Celtics’ offense even further.
Actually, that would be a good thing.
The best way to ‘control’ (not ‘stop’) Lebron is to try to wear him out playing defense. Lebron is a great on-ball defender, but Ray is an even better off-ball mover. I doubt they will put Lebron on him, but if they do, Lebron will be dragged all over the court chasing Ray.
I just don’t expect that to happen. More likely Lebron’ll be on TA who he’ll sag softly off waiting for him to slash to the paint. He’ll also be able to provide more help defense that way. The only way to prevent that is for TA to move, move, move constantly.
We have to be disciplined. TA has to make use of the help defense and execute the switch off to prevent LBJ murdering us with dump offs. On offense, we have to keep moving. Especially whomever LBJ is guarding – we need that guy moving all the time.
That'd be the main reason why he wouldn't
But at the same time, if the Cavs can shut Ray Allen down, with Paul Pierce out, the Celtics’ offense will certainly hit a snag. And if the ‘08 playoffs are any indication, Ray doesn’t shoot too well against the Cavs to begin with.
yeah, for his career, the Cavs have not been kind to Ray
and 08-09 against them was one of his wore ‘vs team’ season splits ever.
But thats only 4 games.
In 07-09 he was an assassin against them, shooting 51.6% over and 41.4% from 3Pt land.
I think with Ray, a lot comes back to just whether he is hot or not. If his shot is falling, no one can stop it. If its cold …. well, we need the team to step up.
Yeah I was curious what the stats were
Past the ‘08 season…But I think it’s safe to say the brunt of the offensive workload tonight falls on Garnett’s, Rondo’s, and Allen’s shoulders, and if one of them is taken out of the flow early, our chances of winning take that much more of a hit.
on cue
They took out Rondo in the 4th quarter and that totally defused the offense.
This is where it hurt not having (a healthy) Pierce on the floor. Without Pierce there to create his own shot, taking out Rondo basically took out Ray and KG as well.
“I have a dream …. of a fully healthy C’s lineup …”
Marcus Landry
Is totally has the size and the speed. I just don’t know if he will be able to do it with the bench glued to his butt.
LOL
Bad English aside – asking Landry to pickup and execute the Celtic team defensive concepts in such a short time – and apply them to Lebron?
That sounds like a recipe for a quick 6-0 run by Cleveland if I ever heard of one.
Give the kid a few more practices before you throw him to the wolves!
Best "d" on LeQueen
Would be for Quisy to play. Have him get all up in his grill and cough and sneeze and hack phlegm all in his face. I bet that would get him.
On a serious note. If Quisy is sick, I’d rather him rest. I would love nothing more than a C’s win, but lets face it. Even if he plays there’s no guarantee they win anyway. They should just let TA, or whoever guard LeQueen 1 on 1, and make him beat the C’s by himself. Maybe if they can play tough “D” on everyone else they might have a chance.
Also, with KG’s recent improved play the C"s should run pick and roll with Rondo all night long. This is actually the one weak spot in Clevelands “D”.
Until Paul is healthy and his mind is in the right place, we’re better with him, so I dont see him as not playing as a bad thing, he would hurt more then help…just the way its been.
And under the caption of the pic, KG could have his hands full with shaq?
KG cant guard shaq, that will be perk/sheed/BBD
Greg
Who is this Leon Powe you speak of ?…and… What’s the over/under how many times Queen James acts like he has been hit in the eye?
Tony will guard Lebron most of the night
and Scal will guard him off the bench. Highly doubt that Landry will play.
Not knowing how this game will turn out
I think I will watch it and see.
4 outcomes
we blow them away….unlikely but a huge ego boost if we do (15%)
we win by the hair of our chinny chin chin ….still very good and huge ego boost (40%)
we lose by the hair of their chinny chin chin …not great but a fight to the finish won’t be too painful as long as we don’t meltdown and give up a huge lead (35%)
we get blown out – absolute killer on the ego…..confidence (5%)……
I want this game like no other so far this year.
Is it Soup Yet?
I don't think a blow out would be that much of a killer
given we are missing Pierce (and possibly Daniels).
Our ‘Lebron’ is spread out across three guys. Losing one of those guys is like Cleveland playing with Lebron at 65%….
(okay, over simplifying, bad analogy, stupid stupid stupid … gotta take meds …. )
Seriously – this Celtic team is too veteran, professional and even-keeled. A blow out would cause hue and cry in the media and some fans. But I don’t think it would phase the egos on this team.
Er...what happened to the
remaining 5%?
by Celtsfansince55 on Feb 25, 2010 7:25 PM EST up reply actions
let LBJ be the hero...take away everyone else
by celticinorlando on Feb 25, 2010 6:00 PM EST reply actions
I have to admit, there is something extra satisfying
about beating Cleveland when Lebron posts 40+.
Another Smackdown on National TV?
That’s the likely outcome, unless Daniels can play.
Ray Allen will score 50 tonight
Rondo will have a season high in assists.
Perice was shootin around today and was lookin good, I think he’s gonna play
by x34celtics34x on Feb 25, 2010 6:45 PM EST via mobile reply actions
God I hope Not
Pierce needs a week’s rest (at least). He has been hurting the team with his terrible play. His knee isn’t right, and neither is his thumb. He should not be allowed to play.
Look for the Boston Massacre Part II
The best the Celts can hope for is that with Marquis and Paul at less than 100%, the Cavs will play on cruise control and only win by 15 or so.
by Celtsfansince55 on Feb 25, 2010 7:23 PM EST reply actions
Is there something called...
A citizens banning… like a citizens arrest… Hope, dude, hope—or else—why be a sports fan?
Hope and illusion
or don’t you know the difference.
by Celtsfansince55 on Feb 26, 2010 5:04 AM EST up reply actions
great start
ball movement, agressive rondo, starters and bench, defense to start. Nate firing it up
side note Leon was talking to lebron and midsentence bron walked away, leon not looked pleased
lol all the cavs fans are freaking out about how Rondo is killing them
They just don’t understand it
seems to be a good team effort on the glass
tho already 4-5 turnovers
need to challenge Lebron more
TOUGHER D ON LBJ
come on guys, stay tough and dont let up
8 point lead into half time
stay tough on lebron, he seems a bit frustrated, stay with him, and the lead will grow, and stop leaving varejao
Am I high?
Or has the officiating not been god awful so far?
What's the matter? The CIA got you pusing too many pencil?
what's a secret?
Me being high or the officiating not being as normally and completely awful?
What's the matter? The CIA got you pusing too many pencil?
take ur pick
lets keep the officials legit tonight and see what these teams can do against eachother
good start so far
by Warrior Spirit on Feb 25, 2010 9:35 PM EST up reply actions
Also...
LeBron can’t beat us on his own. If C’s keep up the energy (Q’s flu?) other Cavs will have to step up.
What's the matter? The CIA got you pusing too many pencil?
I dont care if the C's did it with Gary Payton...
players traded then released should not be able to return to that team unless its through another trade.
What's the matter? The CIA got you pusing too many pencil?
probably bit of both
so far only varejo is other cavs other then bron whos scoring so our bigs needs to do better job defensively on that punk
why is it everyone who is not a cavs fan hates on varejao
he is the type of player a champ team needs, if he was a C we would all love him. he is underrated, imho
no
hate none
dislike a few all good reasons
by Warrior Spirit on Feb 25, 2010 9:44 PM EST up reply actions
doc
needs to put robinson back in…offense is stagnant and I think rondo has played the entire game
meh...same old story with this sorry old team. play a great first half....choke the second half away
this team is going nowhere in a hurry
by celticinorlando on Feb 25, 2010 10:36 PM EST reply actions
rondo is an idiot why does he walk the ball up the court second half after destroying their D first half. DOC should stop being a pussy and yell at someone
by BostonThreeParty on Feb 25, 2010 10:40 PM EST reply actions
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