Remember when the Boston Celtics had a 3-0 series lead over the Orlando Magic? It seems like that was a completely different series. Games 1 and 2 were close, but then the Celtics blew the Magic out by 23 points at home. This really looked like it was the end of the Magic. They had lost two close games and then got blown out, finding themselves on the brink of being swept. The series was essentially over. But in Game 4 Dwight Howard came alive, going for 32 points and 16 rebounds. Vince Carter disappeared in that game, scoring only 3 points, but point guard Jameer Nelson picked up the slack with 23 points, which included two big threes in over time. Paul Pierce had 32 points of his own to go with 11 rebounds for Boston, but failed to get a shot off that would have won the game at the end of regulation, seemingly dribbling to nowhere in the process. No big deal, right? The series was 3-1. Boston was in control of the series and it seemed that Orlando was just happy to have not gotten swept.
After last night's Game 5, however, things could get out of hand in Boston. This time the Celtics were the ones getting blown out, losing 113-92. Orlando came out and got contributions from just about everyone. 23 from Nelson, 21 from Howard, 14 apiece from Rashard Lewis and J.J. Redick. For Boston, Rasheed Wallace, Rajon Rondo, and Pierce all had nice games-scoring 21, 19, and 18 points each, respectively-but that was about it. To confound matters was Kendrick Perkins being tossed from the game after getting two technical fouls and possibly being out because of it in the next game, Glen Davis getting a concussion, Marquis Daniels getting a concussion of his own after taking Davis' place, and Wallace hurting his back.
So yeah, I think the Boston Celtics are probably in some trouble. However, I don't think they've quit; they still seem to be playing hard to me. The thing is that the Orlando Magic have started playing their game. Really, they were playing pretty well in the first two games; they lost Game 1 92-88 and Game 2 95-92. But after Game 3 it looked like they were finished. Other than Dwight Howard, Jameer Nelson, J.J. Redick, and Matt Barnes, it didn't seem that anyone on the team thought they could win. But they came back in Game 4 and got back to what they're good at doing-establishing Howard in the paint and supporting him with shooting. They're giving the Celtics a fight and now, with the injuries and possible suspension to Kendrick Perkins, it might be more than just a fight. It might become the first 3-0 playoff comeback in NBA history.
This just in: the league has rescinded Kendrick Perkins' second technical foul from last night. In case you don't know, a player is suspended for one game after he gets his 7th technical foul in the playoffs. Had one of them not been taken back, Perkins would have picked up his 6th and 7th of the playoffs, which would have kept him from playing in the important Game 6. To be honest, I don't think he should have gotten two T's last night. Looking at the replays, I don't think he meant to elbow Magic center Marcin Gortat after his hand slipped as he was helping up Paul Pierce. In fact, I don't think anything would have been done about it if Gortat hadn't knocked the ball from Perkins' arm. In general, I think that the NBA referees have gotten a little too attached to the double-technical fouls. It seems to me like it's a cop-out, an easy decision to avoid upsetting either side. I also think it's lame to give a guy a T when he's got his back turned to you. The more pressing matter, I think, is the health of Glen Davis, Marquis Daniels, and Rasheed Wallace. After the way Davis went down like a KO'd boxer after taking an elbow from Dwight Howard, I don't see how anyone could go back in there and play against him. I would also like to add that it was a heads up move by ref Joey Crawford to recognize that Davis was in trouble and make sure that he didn't hit the floor. And while Daniels may not be as important a role player as Davis, having him out will obviously hurt Boston's depth and might force Brian Scalabrine back into action. Concussions are serious issues (I don't have to tell you that), and there's no telling how these two might be affected at this point. And then there's Wallace, whose play has been, at time, erratic throughout the playoffs, and that's without a tweaked back.
And speaking of bench depth, Doc Rivers should consider giving Nate Robinson more playing time.
Showing posts with label Orlando Magic. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Orlando Magic. Show all posts
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Saturday, March 13, 2010
A Few Spare Tidbits
On Friday night, the Celtics blew out the Indiana Pacers, avenging themselves after suffering an embarassing loss to the athletic and energetic Memphis Grizzles. Here's the talk from around the Celtics' blogosphere, and more thoughts revolving around the state of the Boston Celtics during this time of the season:
The Boston Herald reports:
I said yesterday that the Celtics were saying hello to goodbye (of the championship window) if they couldn't prove to us that they still had that fire that characterizes champions. We all know they have the talent, and even most of the intangibles. So it's not entirely implausible here to think that if we go in with a fourth seed that we can't make a run at the championship. ]In addition, third seed or fourth seed aside, I still think we have enough to get past the first round.
It's a matter of getting past Cleveland though, and if we do, either Orlando or Atlanta (two teams we're 1-7 against during the regular season), that Doc is planning around for. But again, maybe rest is what's in our way of a new life. But I can't help but saying that we need to drive this team into the ground mentally to get them in condition for the big games, the must-win quarters, and the excruciatingly critical play sequences. Sure, fans aren't always able to recognize that their teams may be dog-tired. But it sure seems to me that with the relaxed style of play we've been going about with every night, we should be well-rested.
On the other hand of that argument, you have to keep your players happy. And like the article mentions, I seriously doubt Pierce or Garnett is willing to cap off the regular season and show up to games in suits because it might give them some extra recovery time. They're vets. They know how to battle through injuries. They know the bangs and bruises of a regular season and they understand that the real contenders are those who lead by example. In this case, how are Pierce and Garnett going to show their team the true mold of a contender if the validity of their playoff position is still up in the air and they're voluntarily sitting out? Which leads us to this:
From the Celtics' Twitter:
(Disclosure -- this was reported yesterday morning before last night's annihilation of the Pacers.) That's a great thing to hear. I don't care if I've been hearing reports of the team recognizing that they all need to sit down and really discuss their objectives all season -- it's about time that it's been taken care of (or at least begun) and that we have evidence that's it's started to work (once again, the annihilation of the Pacers last night). Keep it up, boys.
CelticsBlog has an interesting piece about Glen Davis, preaching something that has kept me a fan of "The Eleventh Hour" since the beginning:
The Boston Herald reports:
Rivers said he’d consider holding his veterans, both of whom are on the mend from injuries, out of games so they’re able to log practice time down the stretch.That's a very interesting take by Doc. Rivers may feel that if they can just hang on to a top four seed and come into the playoffs fresh, competitive, edgy, and with a new look at their goal, Boston can be a much better team, which is an understandable theory.
"We have to have them playing at their peak (when the playoffs start). Whatever we have to do that, we have to do it," Rivers said before the C’s 122-103 win against the Pacers last night. "If that means working them more in practices and maybe them missing games - whatever it takes, that’s what we have to do and that’s what we’re going to do."
Garnett and Pierce didn’t exactly welcome the idea with open arms.
I said yesterday that the Celtics were saying hello to goodbye (of the championship window) if they couldn't prove to us that they still had that fire that characterizes champions. We all know they have the talent, and even most of the intangibles. So it's not entirely implausible here to think that if we go in with a fourth seed that we can't make a run at the championship. ]In addition, third seed or fourth seed aside, I still think we have enough to get past the first round.
It's a matter of getting past Cleveland though, and if we do, either Orlando or Atlanta (two teams we're 1-7 against during the regular season), that Doc is planning around for. But again, maybe rest is what's in our way of a new life. But I can't help but saying that we need to drive this team into the ground mentally to get them in condition for the big games, the must-win quarters, and the excruciatingly critical play sequences. Sure, fans aren't always able to recognize that their teams may be dog-tired. But it sure seems to me that with the relaxed style of play we've been going about with every night, we should be well-rested.
On the other hand of that argument, you have to keep your players happy. And like the article mentions, I seriously doubt Pierce or Garnett is willing to cap off the regular season and show up to games in suits because it might give them some extra recovery time. They're vets. They know how to battle through injuries. They know the bangs and bruises of a regular season and they understand that the real contenders are those who lead by example. In this case, how are Pierce and Garnett going to show their team the true mold of a contender if the validity of their playoff position is still up in the air and they're voluntarily sitting out? Which leads us to this:
From the Celtics' Twitter:
Pierce and KG say the team had a "heart to heart" and open dialogue this morning. Say that loss to Memphis and boos at home stuck with team.Via CelticsBlog
(Disclosure -- this was reported yesterday morning before last night's annihilation of the Pacers.) That's a great thing to hear. I don't care if I've been hearing reports of the team recognizing that they all need to sit down and really discuss their objectives all season -- it's about time that it's been taken care of (or at least begun) and that we have evidence that's it's started to work (once again, the annihilation of the Pacers last night). Keep it up, boys.
CelticsBlog has an interesting piece about Glen Davis, preaching something that has kept me a fan of "The Eleventh Hour" since the beginning:
Fortunately, ever since that incident in Detroit on January 20, the artist formerly knows as "Big Baby" has cut out the superfluous junk that has plagued both his game and his reputation, and has seemed to re-focus his everlasting energy strictly on the basketball court. And that energy has in fact highlighted his play of late. He certainly hasn't been a perfect player, but the various flaws that have hindered his game, have so far, for the most part, been overshadowed by the relentless effort he's putting forth these days.Red's Army reflects on the brilliant performance put on by the blazing hot Nate Robinson during Friday night's Pacers' game. They argue, can this hot streak stay on track? And will Nate make the dire mistake of living and dying by the three from this point on?
Obviously "hustle" stats are not kept in NBA game logs, but if you've watched this team of late, you'd be hard pressed to argue that the energy isn't there from Davis, which must be a welcome relief for Doc Rivers, because in these troubled times, effort has sometimes been harder to find than Carmen San Diego.
Nate is 16-27 from long range in March... a blistering 59.3%.
It's an impossible pace... and a dangerous one at that. Nate has fallen in love with the 3.
At some point, that long-range stroke is going to go cold... which is going to put a serious strain on the second unit. And it was the second unit last night that made Gino possible.
All I'm saying is we've got to be realistic about what Nate brings us in the future. What we see now is not what we're going to get. No one sustains 59% shooting from 3.
So the question is... will Nate adjust and get back to attacking when he knows the 3 stroke has gone cold... or will he become a mini-Sheed who continues to shoot from deep without regard for reality?
Saturday, February 6, 2010
A Few Trade Rumors to Mull Over
Well folks, here we go again: trade deadline heat has arrived. And this year, we're treated with the special speculation of the 2010 offseason as well. It looks to be a buyer's market this year, as most of the teams looking to sell are doing so for two reasons: to get rid of misjudged fits with the team, and to clear cap space. Or if you're the New York Knicks, both! (Couldn't resist).
Let's take a look at some of the raw rumors that have come up so far.
There's an interesting report about Gilbert Arenas, where the Washington Post's Michael Lee is telling us that Orlando GM Otis Smith is interested in the troubled Wizards' guard. A trade is a possibility here, but Smith says he's "not necessarily sure." We'll definitely keep an eye on that one.
Chad Ford tells us that Kevin Martin is likely on the move, as during the Kings' period of observation, where Sacramento has evaluated the effect of the one-two punch of Tyreke Evans and Martin together in the backcourt, they've been disappointed with the results. The Kings are just 2-14 with Evans and Martin equally supporting the backcourt, while with Martin on the sidelines due to injury they were 14-18 (including some losses where they contested rather strong teams).
Also to note on Ford's report: Jamison is in fact not the number one Wizard on the market, but instead it's Caron Butler. The Wizards are looking for much in return for Jamison. One GM said: "Jamison is a good player, but he's old and makes a lot of money. No one is giving up a future superstar in return."
And, something that surprised me was the fact that nowhere in Andre Iguodala's section was Boston mentioned. Perhaps Danny's words about it not being likely that Allen would be packing his bags were heavy-hitting words to some teams?
Let's take a look at some of the raw rumors that have come up so far.
There's an interesting report about Gilbert Arenas, where the Washington Post's Michael Lee is telling us that Orlando GM Otis Smith is interested in the troubled Wizards' guard. A trade is a possibility here, but Smith says he's "not necessarily sure." We'll definitely keep an eye on that one.
Chad Ford tells us that Kevin Martin is likely on the move, as during the Kings' period of observation, where Sacramento has evaluated the effect of the one-two punch of Tyreke Evans and Martin together in the backcourt, they've been disappointed with the results. The Kings are just 2-14 with Evans and Martin equally supporting the backcourt, while with Martin on the sidelines due to injury they were 14-18 (including some losses where they contested rather strong teams).
Also to note on Ford's report: Jamison is in fact not the number one Wizard on the market, but instead it's Caron Butler. The Wizards are looking for much in return for Jamison. One GM said: "Jamison is a good player, but he's old and makes a lot of money. No one is giving up a future superstar in return."
And, something that surprised me was the fact that nowhere in Andre Iguodala's section was Boston mentioned. Perhaps Danny's words about it not being likely that Allen would be packing his bags were heavy-hitting words to some teams?
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Celts Eat Up Magic Like Christmas Ham, 96-87
Game info | Today's best recap
What else can I say besides: We showed up? Tony Allen and Rajon Rondo lead the onslaught march to the basket, Allen whipped daggers from outside, and Perkins/KG/Sheed REALLY frustrated Howard and Rashard Lewis. Lewis didn't have any answers for Boston's perimeter coverage in the first half, and went just 3-8 on a cold, cold Christmas day from behind the arc. Howard had 20 rebounds, and of course he's going to intimidate/actually block some shots (four blocks), but aside from yesterday's good defensive showing, Orlando's leader didn't do anything on the offensive end. He had seven turnovers and gathered just five points in the entire contest.
Something to point out: Prior to this game, the Magic second unit had four of its five individual players averaging over seven points. Boston held the second string to nine collective points (Bass was a DNP for the night -- still, very impressive stuff).
The only Magic player that really struck me was Vince Carter, who flat-out carried this dazed Magic team for the whole match. Carter shot 50% from the floor (whereas the Magic squad collectively shot 33.3%) and contributed 27 huge points. There's no way the Magic would have been within 20 points had Carter not played the way he did. Not only did he boost the Magic with his on-paper production, but he kept the tempo going and the team flowing rather nicely on an afternoon when the Boston defense was filthy.
Speaking of that C's defense, continue to pay attention to Rasheed Wallace. For someone who had been deemed as a lazy player in Detroit, this guy is ACTIVE on both ends of the floor. Wallace is a very capable shot-blocker and knows how to plant his feet to hold ground when he's getting challenged in the paint. Wallace assisted in guarding Howard for a good chunk of the night, and one thing that caught my eye was the limited amount of trips Howard took to the line (just four opportunities from the stripe). For someone that's a league-leader in FTAs, that's quite staggering.
Perk didn't have much of anything to say on the offensive side of the floor, but he too suffocated the Magic's interior threats. Perk sent back three shots and was a +19 on the night.
As for the rest of the starting line-up -- it was a good team effort. Tony Allen really has been big for us lately, and it stretched to last night as Allen dropped 16 points in replacement for the ailing Pierce. But the big gun? Rajon Rondo, who although doesn't jump out at you on the stat sheet when you're glancing at it quickly -- and even turns you away when you see the eight turnovers he committed -- Rondo was the most aggressive player in yesterday's throwdown.
Rajon attacked the rim and was very confident in all of his shots. Rondo was two assists shy of a triple-double, and controlled the team's momentum on the night. He was dominant in the fast break and a terror on the defensive end. Rondo held Jameer Nelson to 3-11 on the night and nabbed two steals. Combined with Tony Allen, the two butchered the Magic's transition D with a number of easy buckets on the break.
A few thoughts: Garnett seemed to be wincing on the bench even after he was walking... I still doubt anything serious took place but still be on alert... Ray Allen secured six big rebounds yesterday and was one of the Celtics guards that humiliated Orlando's big men with easy boards when left wide open... Rasheed Wallace played 32 minutes last night and only committed one turnover; Wallace surprised us shooting 5-7 on the floor as well.
He who angers you, owns you.
Keep gettin' yo's, Celtics.
What else can I say besides: We showed up? Tony Allen and Rajon Rondo lead the onslaught march to the basket, Allen whipped daggers from outside, and Perkins/KG/Sheed REALLY frustrated Howard and Rashard Lewis. Lewis didn't have any answers for Boston's perimeter coverage in the first half, and went just 3-8 on a cold, cold Christmas day from behind the arc. Howard had 20 rebounds, and of course he's going to intimidate/actually block some shots (four blocks), but aside from yesterday's good defensive showing, Orlando's leader didn't do anything on the offensive end. He had seven turnovers and gathered just five points in the entire contest.
Something to point out: Prior to this game, the Magic second unit had four of its five individual players averaging over seven points. Boston held the second string to nine collective points (Bass was a DNP for the night -- still, very impressive stuff).
The only Magic player that really struck me was Vince Carter, who flat-out carried this dazed Magic team for the whole match. Carter shot 50% from the floor (whereas the Magic squad collectively shot 33.3%) and contributed 27 huge points. There's no way the Magic would have been within 20 points had Carter not played the way he did. Not only did he boost the Magic with his on-paper production, but he kept the tempo going and the team flowing rather nicely on an afternoon when the Boston defense was filthy.
Speaking of that C's defense, continue to pay attention to Rasheed Wallace. For someone who had been deemed as a lazy player in Detroit, this guy is ACTIVE on both ends of the floor. Wallace is a very capable shot-blocker and knows how to plant his feet to hold ground when he's getting challenged in the paint. Wallace assisted in guarding Howard for a good chunk of the night, and one thing that caught my eye was the limited amount of trips Howard took to the line (just four opportunities from the stripe). For someone that's a league-leader in FTAs, that's quite staggering.
Perk didn't have much of anything to say on the offensive side of the floor, but he too suffocated the Magic's interior threats. Perk sent back three shots and was a +19 on the night.
As for the rest of the starting line-up -- it was a good team effort. Tony Allen really has been big for us lately, and it stretched to last night as Allen dropped 16 points in replacement for the ailing Pierce. But the big gun? Rajon Rondo, who although doesn't jump out at you on the stat sheet when you're glancing at it quickly -- and even turns you away when you see the eight turnovers he committed -- Rondo was the most aggressive player in yesterday's throwdown.
Rajon attacked the rim and was very confident in all of his shots. Rondo was two assists shy of a triple-double, and controlled the team's momentum on the night. He was dominant in the fast break and a terror on the defensive end. Rondo held Jameer Nelson to 3-11 on the night and nabbed two steals. Combined with Tony Allen, the two butchered the Magic's transition D with a number of easy buckets on the break.
A few thoughts: Garnett seemed to be wincing on the bench even after he was walking... I still doubt anything serious took place but still be on alert... Ray Allen secured six big rebounds yesterday and was one of the Celtics guards that humiliated Orlando's big men with easy boards when left wide open... Rasheed Wallace played 32 minutes last night and only committed one turnover; Wallace surprised us shooting 5-7 on the floor as well.
He who angers you, owns you.
Keep gettin' yo's, Celtics.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Yeah, I Choked Too: Pierce Out For As Many As Two Weeks
Update:
According to WEEI, Garnett will be a gametime decision (for Orlando's game).
From CSNNE:
The good news? We'll have the chance to get a good look at Bill Walker, who was recalled today, as well as an even better look at Tony Allen. We shouldn't freak too much -- we do have a 22-5 cushion. CSNNE also reported that Pierce had the medical procedure (rinsed and irrigated, says Wyc Grousbeck. Says Wyc, "... it require some antibiotics") completed today, so there shouldn't be too many extentions on his sideline time.
The bad news? We're heading on a road trip where we play both Phoenix and Orlando (Christmas day). Both Orlando and Phoenix have hit us hard with losses, both at home, this season. Obviously, we were playing slumpish at the time, but there shouldn't be much of a difference in how we play now without Marquis Daniels and Pierce. There shouldn't be.
I look forward to see how much they'll speed along the Garnett hindrances. I'd assume now they'll play him for the Orlando game just to make a statement, then hold him back and leash his minutes for the Phoenix game. Unsure, depending on his progression, whether or not he'll participate in the Clips or Golden State games. Just my guess, as the Celtics were at first a bit skeptical about Garnett's situation. Who knows, maybe he'll come back and all we'll see is a few limps in the first quarter and he'll be fine from there on out. All I know is that either we're going to need a speedy recovery on BBD's part or Garnett back to take down Orlando. Howard will go ape on the boards otherwise.
Last thought: Perk had 19 and eight last game without Garnett. Maybe keep Garnett under 30 just for defense in the Orlando game, and hold him to 20 for the Phoenix game?
Thoughts from anybody? As (Jon) Duke mentioned, it's an infection... not a good sign.
According to WEEI, Garnett will be a gametime decision (for Orlando's game).
From CSNNE:
Paul Pierce will miss the Celtics' upcoming four-game road trip, and may be sidelined for as many as two weeks, because of a knee problem that required a medical procedure on Wednesday.When reporting this rumor via Twitter, Jon Duke told us to "not worry about KG." Duke also told us that it was an infection that irritated Pierce on Tuesday. Hmm...
Team owner Wyc Grousbeck said Pierce began feeling discomfort in the knee after Tuesday night's victory over Indiana. He described the problem as an infection that required drainage, but said he wouldn't describe the procedure as surgery.
The good news? We'll have the chance to get a good look at Bill Walker, who was recalled today, as well as an even better look at Tony Allen. We shouldn't freak too much -- we do have a 22-5 cushion. CSNNE also reported that Pierce had the medical procedure (rinsed and irrigated, says Wyc Grousbeck. Says Wyc, "... it require some antibiotics") completed today, so there shouldn't be too many extentions on his sideline time.
The bad news? We're heading on a road trip where we play both Phoenix and Orlando (Christmas day). Both Orlando and Phoenix have hit us hard with losses, both at home, this season. Obviously, we were playing slumpish at the time, but there shouldn't be much of a difference in how we play now without Marquis Daniels and Pierce. There shouldn't be.
I look forward to see how much they'll speed along the Garnett hindrances. I'd assume now they'll play him for the Orlando game just to make a statement, then hold him back and leash his minutes for the Phoenix game. Unsure, depending on his progression, whether or not he'll participate in the Clips or Golden State games. Just my guess, as the Celtics were at first a bit skeptical about Garnett's situation. Who knows, maybe he'll come back and all we'll see is a few limps in the first quarter and he'll be fine from there on out. All I know is that either we're going to need a speedy recovery on BBD's part or Garnett back to take down Orlando. Howard will go ape on the boards otherwise.
Last thought: Perk had 19 and eight last game without Garnett. Maybe keep Garnett under 30 just for defense in the Orlando game, and hold him to 20 for the Phoenix game?
Thoughts from anybody? As (Jon) Duke mentioned, it's an infection... not a good sign.
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