Time Is On Our Side (yes it is)

by DRJ1 on Mar 19, 2011 8:03 PM EDT

I am not at all sure that the Celtics care as much about HCA as some believe. We know last year that they did not. It's likely that at this point, HCA has faded in significance and all they care about now is health, and chemistry.

Let's remember: Rondo's current problems began in earnest on the day of the big trade. And there is NO question, at all, that team chemistry took a hit when Perk was traded. Perk was FAMILY.... no doubt about that, as they've all said it and obviously meant it. Tears were shed, all around. I can see how it would be hard to get swagger and chemistry back after an emotional hit like that. Making it even harder is the challenge of incorporating a whole bunch of new players into what once was a solid, chemically-bound core.

This also helps explain why it has been the starters who have not performed up to par lately. The COMBINATION of the trade's emotional hit, the need to gel with the new guys, the bodily insults they've all suffered, and the unending grind of the regular season -- has probably pushed the relevance of HCA down their list of priorities, and accounts for their recent apparently-indifferent play.

So what does this team need most of all now? I think it could be pretty simple: just TIME. Time to forget the emotional wounds, time to gel, time to get their swagger/mojo/confidence back, and (#4) time to finally get to the 2nd season (the only one that counts). This applies most clearly to Rondo, but nearly as well to the rest of the team.

The question is: is there enough time in the remaining regular season to get it all done (the first 3, anyway)? I think yes. And I think Shaq will be there in the playoffs, even if they have to shoot him full of whatever he needs. That's what he's said, and I completely believe him. He's a warrior. So are all the guys in the rest of this team's core.

Bottom line: There are dark clouds threatening, for sure... but I think they will soon part, and this team will step into the breach and go all the way through. I still expect to see them in the Finals.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XzcWwmwChVE

Be respectful and keep it clean. Thanks.

Tweet Comment 13 comments | 1 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

I don't think we ever lost to the East at home this year......

So, grab HCA and we’re headed to the Finals.

by Celtics own the refs on Mar 19, 2011 11:11 PM EDT reply actions

Yup, and LeQuitter Cant Get No Satisfaction

I agree that Boston has the needed time to integrate the new guys into the system, I mean when they were acquired there was about 1/3 of the season left !
I believe the overwhelming key to #18 is simply the return of Shaq, and hopefully JO which gives the C’s the muscle and presence in the middle. Important against miami -bulls as this provides our biggest edge against them and certainly makes all of our other key guys that much more effective. And against the Lakers, it is almost a MUST to have Shaq-JO against their length.

seed or health ? – edge to health as Boston can win away

by gocanes1 on Mar 19, 2011 11:30 PM EDT reply actions

There'll be no satisfaction in Miami, As Tears Go By

by DRJ1 on Mar 20, 2011 3:22 AM EDT up reply actions

I like your confidence on this team DRJ1

As you always say that we WILL win the title, not IF. But I still think we need HCA not for the east, but for the west. Against LA for instance.

"The idea is not to block every shot. The idea is to make your opponent believe that you might block every shot."

- Bill Russell

by Marjun Raposon on Mar 20, 2011 3:35 AM EDT up reply actions

If they meet LA

I don’t think they’ll need HCA. Seemed like it last year, but this a different time now. Remember how they didn’t need it in 08? I see them as even more determined to win it this time. It’s probably their last shot, or if not, close to it. This time, they will not blow off a game 6. This time, they mean to get the job done and let nothing stand in their way. LA’s fire is a lot less bright than the Celtics’ this year.

Anyway, that’s the way I see it.

by DRJ1 on Mar 20, 2011 7:44 AM EDT up reply actions

LA`s motivation is very high...

1—Win their 17th title, tying Boston
2—Send Jackson out with his 4th career 3-peat
3—Kobe ties MJ with 6 rings

by Title 18 on Mar 20, 2011 9:33 AM EDT up reply actions

This.

But the Celtics’ motivation is very high too. I am confident about these C’s but I will not be overconfident. We need HCA.

"The idea is not to block every shot. The idea is to make your opponent believe that you might block every shot."

- Bill Russell

by Marjun Raposon on Mar 20, 2011 9:51 AM EDT up reply actions

You’re the only breath of fresh air around here…DRJ1.

by SAMnMAX on Mar 20, 2011 3:52 AM EDT reply actions

and you ain't.

"No I’m not KG. Not at all, but I’m Big Baby Glen Davis from LSU, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. I’m not the Big Ticket. I’m the Ticket Stub. Don’t count the Ticket Stub out. You might need the ticket to get in the game, but you leave with the ticket stub, because you’ll never forget this game."

by bopna on Mar 20, 2011 6:23 PM EDT up reply actions

everybody has his little niche in this world…

by SAMnMAX on Mar 21, 2011 1:14 AM EDT up reply actions

There's never been any doubt in my mind- banner 18 is ours to lose.

The team needs some rest, practice time for the newcomers to be fully integrated [ if possible ] , fewer minutes for the starters when possible, and the return of the injured big men, and no further injuries, and we return to being the juggernaut we can be in order to win no.18.

That’s been my theme all season [ that we need a healthy team to win it all ].

Lygafe.

Lionel Gaffen / Fotomix.

Lygafe

Lionel Gaffen / Fotomix | International Hockey Forums > Europe > ISRAEL
Israel Recreational Hockey Association 2009-2010 & 2010-2011 [ Lygafe ] | Israel Ice Skating Federation - From the Media [ Lionel Gaffen ]

by lygafe on Mar 20, 2011 4:30 AM EDT reply actions