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It was an interesting regular season wasn't it? First there was the lockout and lots of uncertainty that there even would be a season. The deal making portion of the offseason was fast and furious, highlighted by daily Chris Paul for Rajon Rondo rumors and a David West deal that was reported as done, and then not done just as quickly.
People assumed that the veteran Celtics would come out of the gates strong since they knew how to play together, but the opposite happened. Many, myself included, looked at the favorable schedule at the beginning of the season and assumed that the Celtics would take advantage and build up an early lead (like they did every other year of the Big 3 era).
When that didn't happen, fingernails started to get gnawed on and hands began wringing. Break 'em up! Build for the future! Get the rebuilding process started now! These were the battle cries being repeated daily.
The trade deadline was rampant with rumors and if reports can be trusted, Danny was ready, willing, and almost able to break up the Big 3 by shipping off Ray Allen and Paul Pierce. Rajon Rondo was in the rumor mill as well, but it sounds like much of that was speculation.
Then a funny thing happened - the team actually started to play well together. Injuries to guys like Ray Allen and Jermaine O'Neal actually opened up playing time for guys like Avery Bradley and Greg Stiemsma and the team got on a roll. Doc moved Bass into the starting lineup and moved Kevin Garnett to center and it worked beautifully. When Ray returned he got moved to 6th man and that worked well as well.
Now they head into the playoffs as the 4th seed and a team that nobody wants to face in any round because they are coming together at just the right time. And the playoffs are coming quick too.
Celtics home in on playoff approach - BostonHerald.com
word is strong the series will open on Saturday in Atlanta and on Sunday if the C’s hold homecourt.
But that's another topic for another day (like tomorrow). Before we move on to the post-season, what other memories do you have about the regular season that are worth remembering?