SB Nation - Rasheed Wallace

'Sheed Doin' Work...In the Paint

Greg Payne — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 23:53:56 -0000

More photos » by Michael Dwyer - AP

'Sheed's play down low has been noticeable the past two games. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)

Prior to the season, I begged the question: Why don't Kevin Garnett and Rasheed Wallace play in the paint more often? I then spent a considerable amount of time chronicling the rather atrocious shooting slump Wallace suffered through at the start of the season. Playing down low clearly was not 'Sheed's personal preference, but after watching miss and after miss after miss from three-point nation, the paint looked more and more like a five-star resort where 'Sheed could vacation for a while in order to get his game back on track.

Alas, even in the midst of some truly horrendous shooting numbers Wallace was persistent about launching them from deep and throughout the team's early season struggles, he became something of a scapegoat. But, the Celtics worked their way out of their funk, hit the road and began piling up the wins. The sky was no longer falling, we were taking our hands off the panic button and that sense of inescapable dread had morphed into insurmountable confidence.

Throughout this revitalizing 11-game win streak, the C's have secured some steep performances from a variety of players not belonging to the very exclusive "Big Three" club. Sure, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen have been tremendous over this stretch, but so has Rajon Rondo and Kendrick Perkins, and now, joining that list over the past two games, is Rasheed Wallace, whose play in the paint has opened my eyes and introduced a whole new weapon for this Celtics team to utilize.

In a word, 'Sheed's performance down low last night was flat out dominant. He tore the Grizzlies apart in the second quarter, which actually was vital to the Celtics, considering they left their defense in Chicago and it failed to catch the red eye to meet them in Memphis. Without Wallace finishing the half with 10 points on 5-10 shooting, the Celtics might have faced a hefty deficit heading into the break. The annual game in Memphis might have been something of a breeze the past few seasons, but we all know after watching that young group last night that they're as legitimate as any team that young can be. Heck, they might even be capable of challenging Oklahoma City for the title of Best Young Team in the NBA right now.

But that potential status made Wallace's work down low that much more important. And what work it was. When he applies himself down there, 'Sheed possesses some of the best low post moves this league has to offer. Take, for example, the short bank shot off the block with 7:56 left in the second. Sure, it was partially blocked by Hasheem Thabeet, but credit Wallace for sticking with the Memphis bigs, digging his nose in, collecting the blocked shot and putting it back in.

Then there was the crisp drop step on the left block around Zach Randolph 40 seconds later, which brought Boston to within a point, 40-39. Fortunately it didn't stop there, as a minute later he was back down low, with a wide base, fending off the still beefy Randolph, receiving hand high in the air, demanding the ball down on the block again. He was rewarded with an over the top pass, which he converted for another layup, making it 42-41 Memphis.

After that, with Marc Gasol now on him, 'Sheed resorted to a somewhat difficult low post jump shot, which he made look very, very easy. By then, I was ecstatic watching this happen. Again, 'Sheed was dominant, plain and simple. He capped off the second frame with his semi-patented low post fade away jumper from about seven feet, which he calmly knocked down with 2:06 left, making it 50-49 Grizzlies. Granted, Randolph isn't the league's most prestigious interior defender, but don't let that fact discredit the effort Wallace put up last night.

Making all of this even better was the fact that 'Sheed's presence down low actually impacted his teammates in a positive manner as well. With 10:41 left in the second, Pierce tossed the ball down low to a posting Wallace, who took the ball, waited for Pierce to cut towards the hoop, fed him a simple handoff and simultaneously acted as screen and watched as Pierce drew a foul and converted down two free throws.

Eddie House also benefited from a Wallace screen inside the arc, with 9:32 left, which freed him for an open jump shot, which he knocked down. These are simple plays from Wallace, but they wouldn't have happened had be been parked outside the three-point arc.

This isn't to say I want 'Sheed to abandon the three-ball entirely. In fact, his lone three-pointer last night came with nine minutes left in the fourth and it gave Boston a 92-87 lead - its largest at the time. But with Wallace, the word that comes to mind is balance. Some of us became irate when his game was strictly made up of threes, yet if he confined himself to the post for the entire game, that would somewhat defeat one of the primary purposes of us bringing him here, since his versatility and ability to stretch the defense are two of his best assets. But taking his low post game and his three-point game and creating some sort of hybrid of the two would work wonders for this team.

By routinely switching up his offensive position he forces the defense to continually adjust and in some ways that keeps the defense guessing. Imagine being a big guy guarding 'Sheed and half the time you feel like you're in your natural defensive element down low and then half the time you're plodding around the perimeter, while also having to keep an eye out for other slashers in case the defensive scheme calls for you to help.

The benefits of 'Sheed playing down low in conjunction with shooting a consistent number of threes far outweigh the hindrances in my eyes. He gives himself more opportunities to score, he opens things up for other teammates and he keeps the defensive on its toes. He can stretch the defense when the situation calls for it, or score at will down low when the team needs that offensive boost. 'Sheed's put that formula together quite nicely over the past two games. Let's see if that formula becomes a consistent part of the Celtics' offensive attack from here on out.

Celtics Score Last

Jeff Clark — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 03:38:16 -0000

More photos » by Mark Weber - AP

He had a Gay-o time.

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Wire to wire this was a close game. Neither team could push the lead past 5 or so for any length of time. The Celtics simply were able to score a few more times down the stretch than the Griz. That's what good teams do.

Interesting note: At one point in the first half, Sheed had just missed consecutive 3's. Out of the huddle CSN reported that Doc stressed to Sheed to get in the paint more (somewhere Pistons nation must have been chuckling). Sure enough, Sheed got in the paint and scored 3 or 4 buckets on the hapless Zach Randolph. So it seems Sheed can be coached after all. Of course he went back to shooting (mostly open) 3's later, but still.

Rudy Gay bolted out to 17 points, but ended up with only 23 on the game.
Randolph and Mayo also each topped 20 points and the Griz shot over 51.2% from the field.
Luckily the Celtics shot 52.5% from the field.
Some of that was pace, some of it was lack of D, some of it was just plain hot shooting.
Rondo was impressive again, with 18 points and 9 assists.
All even on the boards tonight (36 each), which is a step in the right direction considering we played a team with Randolph, Thabeet, and Gasol. Also, there weren't many rebounds to go around since neither team could miss.
Lester Hudson got word before the game that he'll be headed to the D-League for a couple of weeks to get some run. I predict he'll do very well in Maine.
Yet another evenly balanced scoring effort with all the starters plus Sheed putting up double figures (and House added 9). When that happens once in a while, it can be an anomaly. When it happens regularly, you have to credit the offense and of course the way Rondo distributes the ball.
Ok, one last time. I told you so! Turns out I was aiming a little low.

Watchability: C's Rank 5th

Jeff Clark — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 16:57:47 -0000

Ever wonder what other team's fans think of watching the Celtics? Here's a quick insight from SBNation's Mike Prada.

NBA 'Watchability' Scale: Ranking Every Team Based On Entertainment, Not Talent - SB Nation

There's something unbelievably satisfying about watching a veteran team just take care of business no matter what, even if everyone guns for them. Boston is 11-1 on the road this year, and watching them, you know why. They never make a mistake. All their sets are precise, though it helps that they have two great scorers in Paul Pierce and Ray Allen, along with two of the league's best screeners in Kevin Garnett and Kendrick Perkins. On defense, they shut down everything your team likes to do. You like pick-and-roll? No problem, we'll unleash the human pick-and-roll eraser, KG, on you. Like post play? Don't worry, we only have the two best low-post defenders in basketball. Good luck, guys. Thanks to Rajon Rondo, they also have the best secondary fast break in the league, meaning they do a great job of pushing the ball on missed shots and taking advantage of the confusion that results while players try to find their man on defense.

Here's the problem: Boston is so damn unlikeable. Garnett and Rondo are punks. Perkins has developed some ridiculous fake swagger, the kind that results from riding the coattails of your four all-star caliber teammates. Rasheed Wallace needs no introduction, and Pierce is a chronic whiner that got carried off the floor by his teammates in the 2008 Finals, only to magically come back a few minutes later and be just fine.

Same stuff we've heard time and time again. One of the reasons people like watching us is because they need a villain to root against. Like I've said before: This team will be America's Most Hated this year.

Briefing: Hey, good job! Ow!

JakeTheSnake — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 13:52:13 -0000

Twitpic via @courtside by way of @jeskeets.

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Game Hub | Boxscore

On a night where the Wizards could have very easily packed it in and accepted the blowout that most of us thought they would receive, the gave a strong enough effort (more assists than turnovers, 5 players with double-digit scoring games, limiting Paul Pierce and Rasheed Wallace to a combined 16 points) to earn an emphatic high five. But in the narrow loss they did just enough things wrong (missed free throws grabbing a total of zero (!) rebounds in the 2nd quarter) for that high five to end up feeling like a slap in the face.

Gilbert Arenas Can't Buy a Free-Throw - Tom Lorenzo, Fantasy FanHouse

Note to Gilbert Arenas: you have to make your free throws. He shot just 1-of-6 from the line on the night, with two key bricks in the final 26 seconds of the game that helped seal the loss for the Wizards. Aside from a poor showing at the line, Arenas turned in a fairly standard line -- 24 points on 11-of-23 shooting, eight assists, zero steals and four turnovers. Though my favorite stat of the night had to be the zero rebounds that the Wizards pulled down in the second quarter. Zero. Think about that one.

Wizards toe the mark, then retreat again, in loss to Celtics, 104-102 - Craig Stouffer, Washington Examiner

"The positive is that we’re in games," said Wizards head coach Flip Saunders, whose team has lost three games in a row that have been decided in the fourth quarter. "We’re not getting blown out. We’re in games. We had a situation where we were down two. We had our best player with the ball at the free throw line. He was expected to make those and didn’t." Arenas (25 points, 8 assists) retreated to the practice court immediately, where he knocked down 48 of 50 free throw attempts in a desperate search to figure out why he finished the night 1 for 6 at the line. "In a minute, it’s going to be called hack-a-Wizards," said Arenas, as Washington was a combined 14 for 22.

Celtics 104, Wizards 102 - Michael Lee, Wizards Insider

Arenas used to have a reputation as a reliable closer, but for the second time in as many home games, he came up short when his team needed him most. He missed two free throws that could've tied the game with 26.7 seconds remaining against the Celtics, after missing a point-blank layup that could've tied the game late against Toronto. The Wizards love to talk about how they compete against any team in the league when healthy, but right now they are proving that to be true. Competing isn't enough. The goal should be to win. Granted, they lost to the Celtics, a possible championship contender, but this team isn't winning games against anyone right now. That loss to Detroit on Sunday remains one of the most perplexing of the season.

Wizards can't convert in final minutes, fall to Celtics - William Yoder, Agent Dagger

Down two with :27 seconds left in the game, Gilbert Arenas did the right thing. Instead of being the passive, nervous player that many have criticized him for being this season, the former all-star drove to the lane and drew two fouls. He did what the star of the team had to do, he did what a closer needed to do. However despite drawing the foul, Arenas couldn't convert on his free-throws. Gil missed both, completely squandering the opportunity he had created for his team. But hasn't that been the story of the season for the Wizards so far this year? Their man, who used to be the man, can seemingly do everything but finish. He gets open, he makes the plays, but seemingly never when they count the most.

Fundamentals can't rescue the Wizards - Mike Jones, Washington Times

"We competed for the most part except that second quarter, but if we compete the way we did in the second half, we'll win our share of games and get things going in the right direction," Saunders said. "We had the situation where we were down two, had our best player at the free throw line, and you expect him to make those - and he didn't. He also got a pretty good look at a 3-pointer to tie it later - but didn't. We're doing things to put ourselves in good position, but unfortunately we haven't come up on the better end of the draw."

Celtics Deal Wizards 3rd Straight Loss - Dave Johnson, CSN Washington

Even with Arenas missed free throws and the defensive breakdown that led to the Rondo dunk, the Wizards still had a chance in the closing seconds. Down 103-100 with 14.6 seconds left, the Wizards were able to get the ball in Arenas hands. Arenas was able to get a good look from the top of arc but his three point-attempt ricocheted into the corner. That’s when Randy Foye tracked down the rebound but he hurried a shot with 8.5 seconds left that fell short. "It was a tough place to be. KG let the ball roll so I thought the time was running out so I chased down the rebound," Foye recalled. "He gave up so I just tried to get a shot off real quick. I didn’t know how much time was on the clock."

Gilbert Arenas and the Washington Wizards fail to come through in the clutch vs. Boston Celtics - Michael Lee, Washington Post

"You got to understand when things are not going well, you got to continue to fight. Only way it's going to happen is to work hard and believe we're going to turn things around," Jamison said. "We're in games. We're competing. We're just not finding a way to get it done. Right now, it's getting tough but guys are still positive. Guys realize things are going to turn around." But that won't happen unless the Wizards find a way to play a full 48 minutes. They trailed 63-48 when Rondo hit a fadeaway jumper over Arenas. Arenas drew a foul on the Wizards' next possession, but as he stepped to the foul line, a group of fans in the upper deck began to chant, "Let's go Celtics!"

Instant Analysis: Celtics-Wizards - Brian Jackson, CSN Washington

DeShawn Stevenson got the start in the second half and breathed some life back into this team. The Wizards opened the third quarter on a 22-6 run that got them back in the game. In his 16 minutes on the floor he only scored five points but the Wizards were +9 when he was in the game. This was the first time all season that the Wizards old starting line-up of Arenas, Stevenson, Caron Butler, Antawn Jamison and Brendan Haywood had been on the floor together for an extended period. Another positive was the play of Haywood and Andray Blatche. The two combined for 34 points on 14-of-17 from the field.

Celtics 104, Wizards 102 - Mike Jones, Outlet

How do the Wizards get Butler going? "That's what we keep on [saying]. We have our meetings, and we keep on talking about that," Saunders said. "To his credit, he's good defensively and he rebounded well. But we're not doing a good job setting screens and getting him open, and when he gets it, some of these teams are loding up on him. ... We're hoping that by pushing the ball up the floor more, we can get him some more open-floor opportunities, but we do have to get him free on more situations."

Celtics 104, Wizards 102 - Craig Stouffer, Pick and Roll

Point: Brendan Haywood finished the night with 17 points on a perfect 7 for 7 from the field, including nine points right after the break in which the Wizards trimmed the 14-point halftime margin completely with a 22-6 run that culminated with taking the lead, 72-70, when Arenas gave up the ball in the lane to Jamison for the And-1. Counterpoint: Of course, Jamison missed the free throw and Allen took the lead right back with a three at the other end -- a jumper that just so happened to give him 20,000 points in his career. Nice touch. It also sparked a 13-2 run for the Celtics that restored a nine-point advantage at the end of the third.

Behind Rondo, Celtics Fight off Wizards - Greg Payne, CelticsBlog

"Clearly (the Wizards') game plan was they weren't going to guard (Rondo)," said Rivers. "They were going to give him shots and he took them. That's what we tell him: 'Once it's your shot, it's your shot. No more passing or being a point guard. When it's time to shoot, it's time to shoot. You're a shooter.'

Best of Twitterville

Twitter / Truth_About_It
Walked in media room bathroom just b/f the game, Gheorghe Muresan was squatting over a urinal trying 2 pee, turned around & walked back out.

Twitter / Jon Lewallen
Unless I missed it before the game, I have a feeling they're not going to ask Webber about Abe Pollin.

Twitter / Jack Kogod
Just begged Ted Leonsis to bring back the old colors/name. Time will tell. #wizards

Twitter / Mike Prada
If the #Wizards do indeed win, they have Gilbert Arenas and Andray Blatche to thank. Both guys have really come to play tonight.

Twitter / Mike Jones
7-Day-Dray got posterized, whipped off the headband, then schooled Rasheed Wallace.

Twitter / wizznutzz
deshawn should get ABE logo patch tattoo on the neck of his Lincoln tat

Twitter / Andrew Sharp
I love how jamison's leaning threes are like, actually a part of our offense.

Twitter / Wolf Blitzer
Ernie Grunfeld is Wizards President. He's a great guy and (again full disclosure) a good friend. He assembled this team.

Twitter / J.E. Skeets
I wonder who Gil will "blame" those missed free throws on. Spalding? Wolf Blitzer? Me?

Twitter / Agent Dagger
How can that man be so good at shooting three's to win games, but he can't hit the free throws..De ja vu from Cleveland series

Twitter / George V. Panagakos
@AgentDagger If I'm Foye, I don't end the game with a lay-up, I jack another three; hope he has a body guard in that locker room

Daily Links 12/10

FLCeltsFan — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 19:09:35 -0000

Herald Rajon Rondo on point for his team
Marquis Daniels’ absence opens door
Allen Iverson’s no Answer for Sixers
Lakers silence all that Jazz to win 10th straight game
Scouting report: Celtics at Wizards
Globe Source: Daniels to miss roughly 8 weeks
Wizards thumbnails
Daniels undergoes surgery on wrist
Ray Allen through the years
Celtics’ Allen on verge of 20,000-point club

CelticsBlog     The Lobster Roll: Issue 3
Rubik's Cube
Remember This Finish Against the Wizards?
Loy's Place    A Few Random Thoughts on a Road Trip Day
Celtics Head Out on the Road Again - First Stop: Wizards
Hoopsworld    Celtics pay a visit to the Wizards
NBA PM: Wallace Cleaning The Glass
Sporting News   Tim Donaghy:
Let LeBron James Dance
Basketball-refs    Tim Donaghy Speaks
Agent Dagger    Teds Take: Wizards vs. the Boston Three Party
Seattle PI    Celtics pay a visit to Wizards
Yahoo    Allen hopes to keep lasting bond with Celtics
Wall's legend grows
Celtics 17   Eastern Conference Player of the Week Kevin Garnett Is Playing His Best Basketball Last Week
Red's Army   Tony Allen wasn't horrible... which is a good start
The Morning Dump... Where Perk likes to get as deep as possible
Fewer 3's mean an improved Sheed
Dwight Howard Spits on Balls
Live Blog Tonight at 8
Green Street   Celtics-Wizards Preview
Celtics Hub   Quote of the Day: Ray on 20,000
The Decline of the Corner Three
Ray Wants to Be a Celtic
NESN    Celtics Travel to Nation's Capital Seeking Ninth Straight Win
Live Blog: Celtics at Wizards
Technically, Rasheed Wallace Has a Lot More Work To Do
Loscy    10 Questions for Jon Duke from Celtics Stuff Live "
North Station Sports    Mark Cuban Is The Most Interesting Owner in Sports. Period.
Today’s Headlines – 12/10/2009
Celtics Town    Boston Celtics discuss Tim Donaghy's allegations
Tim Thomas spews anti-gay slurs, may or may not have hit woman with chair
Doc Rivers: Kendrick Perkins is Celtics' best defender
Throwing some dimes: What to do with 'Quisy's minutes?
The Morning Walkthrough: Ray Allen closing in on exclusive 20,000 point club
Rajon Rondo, mathematical genius?
Hardwood Houdini    Marquis Daniels out 6-8 After Surgery
Give or Take – Marquis Daniels and Glen Davis
Rajon Rondo Continues To Take It To Opponents
4 Sport Boston    4SB Podcast: The Boof is in the Booding
A Quarter Season Non-Crisis for the Boston Celtics
Lex Nihil Novi   Celtics Stumble Past Pacers 83-84
Run-and-Gun Nuggets Will Try to Play Some D 83-84
Volk Set to Replace Auerbach at Season's End 83-84
Celtics (16-6) Pound Nuggets 83-84
CelticsLife    NBA News: Tim Thomas has a T.A. Diner Incident
KG is Officially Back
Boston, We Have a Problem
Today's Video: '08/'09 Celtics Flashback
Gino's Jungle    Rankings and Reflections
Strut and Saunter: How Much Swagger Does Boston Need?
Welcome to the Jungle - Graham Brunell
ESPN   Daniels: I'll be back better than before
A new cast for Baby? Call security
Pierce, Rondo join Awards Watch
Hoop Data What’s Gone Wrong in Washington? Not What You’d Expect
Man in the Middle: A Look at Defending the Basket
D-League Digest    Rants from Grouchy Oscar: tired officiating complaints
Cleveland.com    Ejected and dejected: Cleveland Cavaliers lose their poise, then the game, 95-85, to Houston
South Coast Today    Celtics must make do without Daniels
Milford Daily News    Celtics notebook: C's thriving on the road
Josh Q Public   Rajon Rondo: Exclamation Point Guard
NBC Sports    Winderman: NBA’s season for hold ’em or fold ’em arrives
CT News   Rondo and Celtics: Assisted Living
State Press    Eddie brings the House down
Examiner   NBA receap Week 7: Rondo & Celtics winners of last 8, Bucks, Meeks in a jam
How to Watch Sports    Know Your Role: The NBA's Evolving 6th Man Position
Waiting for Next Year     Bring on Leon
Fan Huddle     Rebounding and bench woes continue to hound Celtics
Bleacher Report   Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic: Being Put to The Ultimate Test
SI.com   Kendrick Perkins is core of Celtics' defense, low-post scoring
SportsNet    Fast break: Dissecting Donaghy
LA Times Blogs   Celtics streaking, but Rondo still can't shoot straight
Mass Live    Celtics buzz: Rasheed Wallace says 'the truth is coming out,' Marquis Daniels gone for 8 weeks
RealGM    NBA Power Rankings For Mid-December
Norwich Bulletin   NBA: With Daniels sidelined, the recently returned Allen could step in for Celtics
Washington Examiner   First shot at a Celtics preview
CSNNE    Daniels undergoes successful surgery
'Sheed's shot (finally) starting to fall
HoopsAddict     Catching Up With Dee Brown
YouTube    Maine Red Claws Home Opener 2009
Slam Online    Decade’s Best:General Manager
Green Street    Doc Rivers on D&C
A Stern Warning   NBA Awards, 20 Games In - with Daniel Eade

Fans Deserve To Know How The NBA Conducts Business\"
Let LeBron James Dance
Basketball-refs    Tim Donaghy Speaks
Agent Dagger    Teds Take: Wizards vs. the Boston Three Party
Seattle PI    Celtics pay a visit to Wizards
Yahoo    Allen hopes to keep lasting bond with Celtics
Wall's legend grows
Celtics 17   Eastern Conference Player of the Week Kevin Garnett Is Playing His Best Basketball Last Week
Red's Army   Tony Allen wasn't horrible... which is a good start
The Morning Dump... Where Perk likes to get as deep as possible
Fewer 3's mean an improved Sheed
Dwight Howard Spits on Balls
Live Blog Tonight at 8
Green Street   Celtics-Wizards Preview
Celtics Hub   Quote of the Day: Ray on 20,000
The Decline of the Corner Three
Ray Wants to Be a Celtic
NESN    Celtics Travel to Nation's Capital Seeking Ninth Straight Win
Live Blog: Celtics at Wizards
Technically, Rasheed Wallace Has a Lot More Work To Do
Loscy    10 Questions for Jon Duke from Celtics Stuff Live "
North Station Sports    Mark Cuban Is The Most Interesting Owner in Sports. Period.
Today’s Headlines – 12/10/2009
Celtics Town    Boston Celtics discuss Tim Donaghy's allegations
Tim Thomas spews anti-gay slurs, may or may not have hit woman with chair
Doc Rivers: Kendrick Perkins is Celtics' best defender
Throwing some dimes: What to do with 'Quisy's minutes?
The Morning Walkthrough: Ray Allen closing in on exclusive 20,000 point club
Rajon Rondo, mathematical genius?
Hardwood Houdini    Marquis Daniels out 6-8 After Surgery
Give or Take – Marquis Daniels and Glen Davis
Rajon Rondo Continues To Take It To Opponents
4 Sport Boston    4SB Podcast: The Boof is in the Booding
A Quarter Season Non-Crisis for the Boston Celtics
Lex Nihil Novi   Celtics Stumble Past Pacers 83-84
Run-and-Gun Nuggets Will Try to Play Some D 83-84
Volk Set to Replace Auerbach at Season's End 83-84
Celtics (16-6) Pound Nuggets 83-84
CelticsLife    NBA News: Tim Thomas has a T.A. Diner Incident
KG is Officially Back
Boston, We Have a Problem
Today's Video: '08/'09 Celtics Flashback
Gino's Jungle    Rankings and Reflections
Strut and Saunter: How Much Swagger Does Boston Need?
Welcome to the Jungle - Graham Brunell
ESPN   Daniels: I'll be back better than before
A new cast for Baby? Call security
Pierce, Rondo join Awards Watch
Hoop Data What’s Gone Wrong in Washington? Not What You’d Expect
Man in the Middle: A Look at Defending the Basket
D-League Digest    Rants from Grouchy Oscar: tired officiating complaints
Cleveland.com    Ejected and dejected: Cleveland Cavaliers lose their poise, then the game, 95-85, to Houston
South Coast Today    Celtics must make do without Daniels
Milford Daily News    Celtics notebook: C's thriving on the road
Josh Q Public   Rajon Rondo: Exclamation Point Guard
NBC Sports    Winderman: NBA’s season for hold ’em or fold ’em arrives
CT News   Rondo and Celtics: Assisted Living
State Press    Eddie brings the House down
Examiner   NBA receap Week 7: Rondo & Celtics winners of last 8, Bucks, Meeks in a jam
How to Watch Sports    Know Your Role: The NBA's Evolving 6th Man Position
Waiting for Next Year     Bring on Leon
Fan Huddle     Rebounding and bench woes continue to hound Celtics
Bleacher Report   Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic: Being Put to The Ultimate Test
SI.com   Kendrick Perkins is core of Celtics' defense, low-post scoring
SportsNet    Fast break: Dissecting Donaghy
LA Times Blogs   Celtics streaking, but Rondo still can't shoot straight
Mass Live    Celtics buzz: Rasheed Wallace says 'the truth is coming out,' Marquis Daniels gone for 8 weeks
RealGM    NBA Power Rankings For Mid-December
Norwich Bulletin   NBA: With Daniels sidelined, the recently returned Allen could step in for Celtics
Washington Examiner   First shot at a Celtics preview
CSNNE    Daniels undergoes successful surgery
'Sheed's shot (finally) starting to fall
HoopsAddict     Catching Up With Dee Brown
YouTube    Maine Red Claws Home Opener 2009
Slam Online    Decade’s Best:General Manager
Green Street    Doc Rivers on D&C
A Stern Warning   NBA Awards, 20 Games In - with Daniel Eade

Perkins vs. Bogut Had an Old School Feel to It

Greg Payne — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 18:26:50 -0000

More photos » by Michael Dwyer - AP

Bogut wins the individual battle, but Perkins team takes the win.

Browse more photos »

Heading into last night's game against the Milwaukee Bucks, rookie Brandon Jennings had my attention. It would be my first time seeing the kid play and after a rookie goes off for 55 points, it's difficult not to want to see him for yourself. I figured Rajon Rondo would present a formidable defensive challenge unlike anything Jennings had seen in his still very young NBA career and for the most part I was right.

While the plight of the point guards was entertaining (mainly due to Rondo being one rebound shy of a triple-double and finishing with 11 points, 13 assists, nine rebounds and five steals), the battle of the big men stole the show. Kendrick Perkins and Andrew Bogut did not appear to like each other on the court last night, but Perk was pivotal to Boston's success and Bogut was one of the main reasons Milwaukee kept it close for far too long.

The final lines for the pair:

Perkins: 7-8 shooting, 15 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, 0 blocks, 2 turnovers

Bogut: 11-17 shooting, 25 points, 14 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, 2 blocks, 7 turnovers

Advantage to the Aussie, I suppose, and give him credit for playing so well against one of the NBA's premiere interior defenders. But the tussle itself between these two was worth watching, as the paint proved to be quite the battleground last night.

I missed out on the '60s, '70s and '80s when the vast majority of the NBA's big men actually played in the paint and brought legitimate offensive repertoires down there with them. Hook shots abounded, along with the five to seven-foot turn around and didn't the '80s serve as the 8-10 foot jumper's hay day? I've watched a ton of footage from the decade and I swear EVERYBODY had that shot, including the majority of the league's big guys.

Now come back to last night and with Perk and Bogut going at it, one might have felt like we had taken a step back in time with the moves we were seeing. Bogut was an absolute whiz with the hook shots, whether they be of the stop and pop kind or of the sweeping brand. It looks like he's turned that shot into his go-to move, although, when the Bucks needed him to utilize that go-to move when they were hanging on for dear life with minutes left, Bogut came up empty on two consecutive possessions, primarily due to outstanding defense by Perk (and a helping hand from Rondo the first time around). But despite Bogut's shortcomings in the final few possessions, he really does possess a nice touch down low, and in terms of old school post moves, he's right up there for tops in the league today (along with guys like Al Jefferson and Pau Gasol).

For Perk, has any NBA center in today's league mastered the short fade away jumper in the lane the way he has? He typically begins his move on the right block, backs his man down and buries him into the paint to the point where his defender is almost under the rim, then plants the right foot, turns, fades, and buries the shot. Speaking of go-to moves, Perk has shown he can fall back on this shot whenever he needs to, particularly early on in games when he's establishing his own rhythm.

I think it's fair to say Bogut is a naturally more gifted offensive player, meaning he did not need to develop as much of his offensive game as Perk did when he entered the league. When Perk first stepped onto an NBA floor, if a dunk wasn't an option, he pretty much wasn't going to score. But it's a testament to Perkins' work ethic, along with Clifford Ray's tutelage when we recognize how Perk has developed into a legitimate offensive threat.

But last night it was nice seeing two legitimate interior players really play where their respective games thrive. Bogut didn't drag Perk out to the perimeter, but instead went at him relentlessly down low, and even though I might be forced to say Bogut got the better of Perk for three and a half quarters, watching a skilled big man with legitimate post moves go up against an equally legitimate interior defender is arguably a rarity in today's game. Many of the 6-10 and up guys in today's league possess outside jump shots, or prefer the perimeter in general. But the paint really was a battleground last night and it was somewhat captivating seeing these two continue to go at it, with the hook shots and the up and unders and the reverses, especially when their teammates cleared the lanes and just let them play each other straight up.

I sure hope Perk treats Rondo to a nice dinner when this team heads off on its next three-game road swing, because of the 13 assists Rondo racked up, a bunch of them went through Perk in the paint. As much as we talk about the unspoken on-the-court chemistry between Rondo and Kevin Garnett when they're executing their alley-oops, the relationship Rondo shares with Perk is equally crippling to an opposing team. With Perk always parking himself down low, whenever Rondo slices through the defense and draws the help defender, he can usually count on Perk being wide open mere feet away from the basket. And if Perk isn't always in pristine position, he's usually lurking somewhere nearby, cutting to the hoop or battling for position for an offensive rebound.

I'm not entirely sure which big men helped spark the wave of the 15-18 foot jumper. Perhaps it was Hakeem Olajuwon or Karl Malone. Or maybe it was those drafted in the mid-to late '90s like Garnett, Rasheed Wallace and Dirk Nowitzki. Whoever was responsible for the transition, Perk's had to deal with a steady crop of perimeter based big men this season, including Channing Frye, Andrea Bargnani and Mehmet Okur, which takes Perk out of his natural defensive element.

But Perkins vs. Bogut proved the NBA can still go retro every once in a while, where the emphasis isn't necessarily on the pure athleticism, but rather on the quickness and the finesse, as well as the intelligence it takes to play quality low post basketball. It's difficult to tell whether the big men of tomorrow will resemble a Bogut or a Perkins as opposed to a Garnett or a Nowitzki, but regardless, games like last night's proved that we can still be treated and reminded of the NBA's low post glory days from time to time.

Daily Links 12/9

FLCeltsFan — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 15:16:26 -0000

Herald    Rajon Rondo, Celtics home in
Celtics Marquis Daniels out 6-8 weeks
Rasheed Wallace T’s off on ref
Kevin Garnett hits stride
Thumb injury keeps Marquis Daniels down
Rasheed Wallace is a straight shooter
Dwight Howard, Magic top Clippers
Doc Rivers on crooked ref:‘I’m so sick of that guy’
‘Michael Jordan’ hoax hits Flash point
Wallace predicts referee scandal will grow
Globe   Allen weighs in on Donaghy
Final: Celtics 98, Bucks 89
Video: Rivers: 'Celtics need to rebound better'
Video: Garnett: 'We're not a flawless team'
Pierce: Celtics buckled down
Celtics 98, Bucks 89
Rondo took flight in fourth quarter for Celtics
An impressive closing argument in a most perplexing court case
Celtics stop Bucks to extend winning streak to eight games
Vote for Perk    Vote For Perk

Celtics Blog    Open Season: C's Shoot The Bucks
Overseas Fandom; Story of a Lone Celtic Fan
Rondo, Celtics Pounce on Bucks in 4th: 98-89
Loy's Place    Comments from the Other Side - Bucks 12/8
MetroWest Daily    Megliola: Rondo's play sparks C's
ESPN    The Magic are winning and having fun
Pain free, Allen expects no limitations -
First impression: Celtics 98, Bucks 89 -
Pagliuca doesn't fare well at polls
Closing time
Big night for Bogut
KG: Nothing shiny, nothing glossy
Rajon Rondo helps Boston Celtics by passing first, scoring later
Red's Army    Expect to See Big Baby After Christmas
Your Morning Dump... Where rebounding might not be a big problem
Nearly Done in By Bogut
CSNNE     Live from the Garden!
Rondo shines, leads Celtics to eighth straight win
Another game, another win for Celtics
Live from the Garden!
Celtics Hub    Ho-Hum: C’s 98, Bucks 89
This Trend Won’t Buck
North Station Sports    NSS Live Game Chat: Bucks vs. Celtics
Celtics Persevere, Slide Past Bucks 98-89
Where Does Rondo Stand with the Legends?
CT News    Brandon Jennings Hits Beantown Tonight
Gino's Jungle    Celtics Shoot Down Bucks
Celtics Town   Brandon Jennings, the Milwaukee Bucks, and the law of averages
Tim Donaghy blames Rasheed Wallace's technicals on his intelligence
Celtics hold off Bucks, 98-89
The Morning Walkthrough: Celtics not as good as two years ago?
Glen Davis in shape, could be ready by Dec. 27 road trip
Hardwood Houdini    Celtics Rebounding Problems Becoming Consistent
Lex Nihil Novi   Larry v. Magic: Game 6 Post-Mortem
Bird Returns Home for Birthday Tilt 83-84
17-4: Celtics 98, Bucks 89
Celtics Life    Perk should be an All Star
Rondo outduels Jennings as Celtics beat Bucks
Celtics/Bucks Post Game Videos
Celtics 98, Bucks 89 Highlights
CBS Sports   Karl: NBA should fight back against Donaghy
Power Rankings: Flop, flop, it must stop
Celtics Stuff Live    Gang Green: Season 3, Episode 8
NY Post    Sympathy for Blazers' Oden after season ender
Examiner    A Celtics Christmas in the community
For Celtics Ray Allen future remains uncertain.
NECN   Despite loss, Pagliuca feels "like a huge winner"
Patriot Ledger   Celtics aware they have to improve their rebounding
CELTICS NOTEBOOK: Garnett continues his sizzling shooting in win over Bucks
ProJo    Celtics less than impressive, but still beat Bucks for eighth straight victory
Celtics win eighth straight, beat Bucks, 98-89
Doc Rivers responds to disgraced referee Tim Donaghy
NESN     Doc Rivers on Tim Donaghy: 'I'm So Sick of That Guy'
Kevin Garnett, Celtics Break Bucks for Eighth Straight Win
Despite Wins, Rebounding Still a Major Concern for Celtics
Live Blog: Celtics vs. Bucks
Three Reasons Rajon Rondo Vs. Brandon Jennings Is No Contest
Top 10 Comeback Stories in Professional Sports - Top 10
Bleacher Report    Tim Donaghy : A Disgrace to the Game
Commercial Appeal   Boston Celtics top Milwaukee Bucks for 8th straight win"
Slam Online    Missing the Point
Banner 18?    Rondo's World...
WEEI    Doc Rivers Postgame Presser
Brew Hoop    Recap: Celtics 98, Bucks 89 - Brew Hoop
Top Tenz    Top 10 NBA 3 Point Shooters of All Time
Green Street     Take that Tim Donaghy
Davis: ‘I’ll be back soon’
Daniels to get MRI
Pagliuca falls short in Senate bid
Fast Break: Celtics-Bucks
C’s trying to get the point of rebounding
Allen calls for accountability, communication with refs
Tim Donaghy on D&C, 12/8
Telegram    Rondo’s late shooting sparks Celtics
Tony returns at right time
Dimemag   Shooter McDirk
Knickerblogger    The Fix Is (Still) In
Mass Live    Celtics buzz: Kevin Garnett paved the way for Bucks phenom Brandon Jennings, 'Big Baby' Davis update, and more
Slam Online     Decade’s Worst: NBA Team
Waiting for Next Year   Delonte West as the Ultimate Diff: How the Young Guard Makes the Cavaliers Great

Rondo, Celtics Pounce on Bucks in 4th: 98-89

tenaciousT — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 06:10:41 -0000

More photos » by Brian Babineau - NBAE/Getty Images

Rondo and KG put the pinch on Jennings.

Browse more photos »

Thanks to a masterful performance by Rajon Rondo and continued hot shooting by Kevin Garnett, the Celtics took care of home cooking tonight against a feisty Bucks team that was hungry for a win. They dropped their 4th straight.

The Cs winning streak reaches 8 straight and they are 17-4 overall, while raising their record at home to 8-3.

The Cs started the final period tied at 71, and after another tie, pulled away in the fourth quarter thanks to an unstoppable performance by Rajon Rondo. Shaquille O'Neal move over. The Hack-a-Rondo has arrived.

Kevin Garnett led a balanced attack with six Celtics in double figures with 25 points on 9 of 13 shooting.

Paul Pierce and Kendrick Perkins finished with 15 points each, Ray Allen added 13 to the cause, including 2 of 4 from the three point line, and Rasheed Wallace popped for 13 more, with 3 of 4 from the arc, off the bench. Eddie House was shooting blanks last night, going 1 for 7, but got busy with 3 steals.

Ray Allen on Rondo…

He just distributed the ball throughout the whole game and then the plays were there for him to make, and to me, it was one of his better games, based on just how he managed it.

After three quarters, Rondo was 0-6 and scoreless but had orchestrated the Celtics offense all night with strong drives to the hoop, kick outs, and pin hole interior passing.

Scott Skiles…

Rondo was in the paint on us all night long. A team like that, as the game goes on, they’re going to wear you down and they’re probably going to beat you if you continue to let them do that.

We had tremendous difficulty keeping him in front of us the whole game. We went to go under the pick and rolls and we didn’t have any luck with that. We tried to make several adjustments and he took it to our rookie pretty good.

That rookie is Brandon Jennings, the Bucks new point guard of recent reknown. Jennings looked tentative starting out the game and was 1-7 shooting, before going 6-12 the rest of the way. He was 0-4 from the arc.

Rondo had 13 assists, but also made passes that led to assists for someone else.

Rondo turned it up a notch in the 4th, dropping 11 points on 3-3 shooting, including a few jump shots and 5 of 7 free throw shooting. Rajon finished with 13 assists, 11 points and 9 rebounds, just missing the triple double.

Jennings finished with 17 points on 7 of 19 shooting and had 6 points, but 4 fouls in the final period trying to guard Rondo. He finished with 5 fouls and 4 turnovers.

The Celtics started out the game with one thing in mind, pound it into the paint. They didn’t take a jump shot until the 4:07 mark and they had scored 17 points.

Rasheed Wallace…

We just tried to do what we could to punish them in the paint. We knew they only had one true big with Bogut. They had two bigs on the side (Dan Gadzuric, Kurt Thomas) that didn’t get a chance to play, but we just tried to punish them inside.

The Celtics got small leads all game and the Bucks would battle back. There was great interior passing at different times in the game by both teams. But the Celtics were able to create shots with more varied overall passing due to Rondo’s ability to get inside.

The 4th Quarter was the Difference

After losing Jennings on a screen on the left side, Rajon drove and scored his first basket of the game with a little jump shot on a beautiful spin move in the paint. That made the score 75-73.

The next time down the floor, the Celtics moved the ball around with Scalabrine passing up a three and driving and kicking out to Sheed for a three that rocked the house. Score 78-73.

Jennings drives to make it 78-75, but Pierce kicks it out to Rasheed for another three to make it 81-75.

The Bucks come back to tie it at 86 all on an Ilyasova lay-up, before Charlie Bell fouls Rondo on what Doc Rivers called Hack-a-Rondo.

Rivers…

Well tonight was the first time I saw ‘hack-a-Rondo’. With five minutes left, that was an intentional foul. And he made them. Thank G-d, you know?

And he’s going to get fouled more. That’s going to happen. So, it’s really important, obviously, for your point guard to make free throws. And he’s going to do that. He’s starting to now.

Rondo made both foul shots and then made a pull up jumper to make it 91-86. After Garnett fouls Ilyasova and he makes both free throws, Ray Allen hits a three pointer off a Rondo pass, making it 96-89.

Rondo...

I like taking shots. It's just...you know when you're playing with guys that are great at what they do, my job is to distribute the ball so.....I'm a 'pass first' point guard, probably 'pass second', I think shoot third. This is how I play. I love the...I'd rather get an assist any day than score the ball.

I'm going to shoot the ball when I have to or when I feel I need to but other than that I'm fine with getting rid of the ball to Paul Pierce....Eddie House. You know, I've got great shooters around me.

After taking the rook to the woodshed in a number of ways, what was Rondo's impression of Jennings?

He's a crafty point guard. He can definitely score the ball. He missed some shots tonight. I think we did a pretty good job on him. But he's definitely going to be a great player.

After a Jennings three pointer misses, Pierce comes down court and passes to KG for a long side jumper that decides the game at 98-89 with 1:48 to go.

The Celtics went on a 12-3 run to close it out with a kick. The only three points the Bucks scored were on three Ilyasova free throws in the last 4:51 of the game.

Garnett's Torrid Shooting Continues

Many of Garnett’s 25 points were set up by Rondo drive and kicks, and Pierce drawing Garnett’s defender and kicking it back to KG as in that final shot against the Knicks. Garnett has been nailing the open Js.

Since going 6-6 against Toronto on Nov. 27, he is 50 for 65 from the floor for a ridiculous .77%, especially considering that many of those shots are 16-18 footers.

Andrew Bogut had a strong game though Perkins was guarding him fairly well. The difference between Bogut and Howard is that Bogut has a go-to move or two in the middle. He was on last night and was making a number of contested shots around the paint. Bogut finished with 25 points on 11 of 17 shooting. He also had 7 turnovers due to a harassing Celtic defense.

It was a physical game, especially rebounding late in the fourth quarter, when the Celtics pulled away.

Rivers…

I thought there was one stretch in the fourth quarter where you could physically see bodies on bodies. And we got all the rebounds. And we’ve just got to get better at it.

Even without winning the board battle overall, the Celtics out shot and outplayed the Bucks. They also had 17 steals and those were huge as well. Rajon led with 5 steals, two in the final period.

Tony Allen played for the first time this season, going scoreless in almost 6 minutes time. How did he feel about his performance?

It could always be better. The shots that I did take...I got fouled on one. I need to convert my free throws. For the most part, I took what was in the offense. I couldn't really do too much. It isn't like I had some clear outs.

I just have to get the rust out. I feel good. I have to see how I feel tomorrow.

So the Celtics continue their winning ways and go back on the road for 3 more games before having three games at home before the Christmas Holiday.

Daily Links 12/8

FLCeltsFan — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 17:35:13 -0000

Herald    Young Buck runs wild
Scouting report: Bucks at Celtics
Tim Donaghy has standards, just not high ones Tim Donaghy has standards, just not high ones
Globe     The power of words The power of words
Allen gets defensive
Chat with Gary Washburn right now
Jennings owes a bow to Garnett
Vote for Perk

CelticsBlog     Happy Birthday Larry Legend
Everyone Loves Brandon Jennings
Loy's Place    Celtics Host Bucks Looking for 8th Straight Win
ESPN    Tim Donaghy, disgraced NBA official, sticks to story: Biases helped bets
It's clear Daniels has been hurting
C's climb in power rankings
Garnett named the best in the East
Former Celtic mentored Jennings overseas
Owner sorry for Michael Jordan-Bryon Russell 1-on-1 hoax
Tim Donaghy's claims on trial
Nick Friedell's Blog - What happened?
NBA Basketball Power Rankings
Celtics 17    Iverson scores 11 in inauspicious return
Red's Army     Case of the Mondays: Lakers Lovefest Makes Me Wanna Puke
KG is the Player of the Week
The Morning Dump... Where Ray Gets Defensive
Andre Iguodala nails full court shot
CSNNE    C's Xmas list: Board game
Basketbawful     Happy Birdmas 2009!!
Celtics Hub    Statistical Oddities of Questionable Significance
Everybody Loves Ray
North Station Sports    Dwight Howard has worse hygiene than your garden variety preschooler
Anything Is Possible! KG Wins Player Of The Week
Keep Shooting Ray Ray!
Celtics Town    The Morning Walkthrough: Brandon Jennings was mentored by former Celtic Allan Ray
Is Tim Donaghy lying? Statistics prove it likely
Glen Davis has cast taken off, does 'light work' in practice
Lebron James bashing gone too far
Hardwood Houdini    Kevin Garnett – Hardwood Houdini Player of The Week
Hardwood Houdini NBA Power Rankings
Lex Nihil Novi     Larry v. Magic: Game 6 Preview
Red: Parish Doesn't Take a Back Seat to Anyone
Larry v. Magic: Game 6
Larry v. Magic: Game 6 Post-Mortem
CelticsLife    The decline of the White American NBA Player
More Donaghy
The Rarest of the Rare
What the Hell Happened to...Eric Montross?
Gino's Jungle     Write For Gino's Jungle
One at home then back on the bus.
Celtics Stuff Live    Covering the Celtics the Yahoo! Way V.2
Herald News    CELTIC KNOT:Boston has company at the top of the Eastern Conference
Charlotte Observer    CELTIC KNOT:Boston has company at the top of the Eastern Conference
Newest Bobcat's got your back - always
NESN     Celtics Seeking Eighth Straight Win as Bucks Visit Boston
Bucks' Rookie Star Brandon Jennings Set to Face Celtics
Bleacher Report   NBA Power Rankings: Lakers Still King but Magic, Celtics, Nuggets Closing
How Badly is Rasheed Wallace Out of Shape?
Dimemag      Most Improved NBA Player by Division
Back for the First Time
Slam Online    Phil Jackson on Women in NBA: No Way
Inside Hoops   NBA Rumors: Tuesday, Dec. 8
Patriot Ledger     The Shot heard ’round the Celtics
Cleveland.com    With Shaq and a beefed-up bench, there's plenty to like about the Cleveland Cavaliers
JS Online    Preview: Bucks vs. Celtics
Hoopsworld    NBA Power Rankings
Evan Brunell   The end of the Most Valuable Network, MVN.com
Sports Central     LeBron Develops Kevin Garnett Syndrome
BetUs    NBA Week 6 Hot or Not – Celtics are Back, Cavs Keep Rolling
FanHouse    Rondo Deserves to Be an All-Star
Tim Donaghy on '60 Minutes,' Puts Pressure on NBA
NA Sports     Coach of the Year – Worst. Title. Ever.
Orlando Sentinel    NBA Insider: The New Jersey Nets have sacrificed the present for the future
NBA.com    Kevin Garnett and Carlos Boozer named Players of the Week
My SouthEnd    Last Call for Tony Allen
Mass Live     Celtics buzz: Marquis Daniels out, Tony Allen in, and more
CBS Sports    Bucks-Celtics Preview
Herald Extra     Michael Jordan sighted in Orem for 1-on-1 challenge
American Chronicle      Quite a haul ; The Red Claws open a new era of pro basketball in Maine with a big win in their home opener.
TruFan    Are you ready for Tony Allen?

Daily Links 12/3

FLCeltsFan — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 15:53:52 -0000

Herald Kendrick Perkins wows one of his Chief fans
Nets lose NBA-record 18th straight to start season
Scouting report: Celtics at Spurs
Ron Artest’s best shot: Cognac
Ron Artest says he drank during games
Nothing but Nets! NJ’s worst ever
On-Court Bobblehead dolls entertain Celtics fans in between games
Globe Spurs thumbnails
Hapless Nets fall to 0-18
He’s front and center

CelticsBlog   Bonus (Random) Links
Honoring The Beast
Loy's Place    Lots of Love for the Beast
Celtics Stuff Live    iCeltics Versioning: From the Files of ManchvegasBob
Gang Green: Season 3, Episode 7
Kendrick Perkinstein
Celtics 17   Shelden Williams’ Improvement Could Cause Celtics to Make A Move
Putting a Finger on the New Scoop on Ron Artest
Iverson to rejoin 76ers(!?!).
Shelden Williams’ Improvement Could Cause Celtics to Make A Move
Putting a Finger on the New Scoop on Ron Artest
Iverson to rejoin 76ers(!?!).
Tim Donaghy has a new publisher.
Red's Army    Your KG Face of the Day
And the player with the highest basketball IQ is...
Ron Artest: "I used to drink Hennessy at halftime"
Dime Magazine Disrespects Rajon Rondo
Your Morning Dump... Where Perk makes Chief reminisce
Live blog tonight... and get your picks in
Perkisabeast    EXTRA** EXTRA** Ron Artest still a jerk
CSNNE    Beast unleashed: Perk becoming major force
Beast unleashed: Perk becoming major force
Celtics Hub Nobody Can Stop Sheed But Sheed
The Semi-Transition Game: Embrace It
Some Love for The NBA’s Best Shooter: Kendrick Perkins
Examiner   The Tiger Woods story: What if it was KG instead?
Review: When the Game Was Ours, by Larry Bird and Magic Johnson with Jackie MacMullen
North Station Sports     Brandon Jennings May Be The New School Of One And Done
Goldie's Preview - Celtics @ Spurs
Celtics Town    Doc Rivers (again) discusses minutes
Rasheed Wallace surprised Antonio McDyess by signing with Boston
Celtics power rankings
The Morning Walkthrough: Kendrick Perkins earning a little admiration
Kendrick Perkins, fourth-best shooter in Celtics history
Hardwood Houdini    Iverson Comes Out of "Retirement"
Celtics December Tour Coming to a City Near You
Lex Nihil Novi    Parish and Bird Lead C's to Victory over Blazers 83-84
Celtics Seek to Silence Sixers and the Strangler
Paul Pierce Isn't League MVP Material
CelticsLife   East is Better
JR Giddens' Twitter
Today's Video: Ray Allen Mix- Shut It Down
Nets fall to NBA record 0-18
Gino's Jungle    Bruins vs. Celtics
Today's Headlines - As Seen By Gino
Hoopdata    Thunder Making Noise with their Improved Defense
D-League Digest    D-Leaguer of Intrigue: Orien Greene
Slam Online    Raptors Call Out Their Coach
Waiting for Next Year    Cavs 107, Suns 90: Z Leads Cavs In Romp Over Suns
Sports of Boston   Ray Allen: Father First, Celtic Second
Project Spurs    Gameday Q&A: Graham Brunell of Celtics 17
News OK    With Philly out of the way, it’s derby time at Ford Center
My San Antonio    Former teammates to meet when Spurs face Celtics
Games in the City    The Race for Number Eight Games In The City
MetroWest Daily      Streaking Celtics, Spurs to square off
Dimemag   Brains vs. ‘Bron Brains vs. ‘Bron
Pass The Mic: Top 10 Point Guards Over The Next 10 Years
NY Times Disgraced Referee’s Book Describes Gambling on N.B.A. Games
Philly.com   Phil Sheridan: Sixers take a bizarre step backward
ESPN   Video: Celtics-Spurs preview
Once a gatherer, Perkins now a hunter
Kendrick Perkins' and Tim Duncan's stocks are up, while Jose Calderon's and David West's values are down
Parker keeps raising bar, then clearing it
NESN    Celtics May Be Good, But Lakers Are Showing Us How It's Done
Since Near-Loss to Knicks, Celtics Have Been On Point
Return of Glen Davis Should Make Celtics Even Better
Dueling Couches    Doc Getting A Little Concerned About Sheeds T's
Glen "Big Baby" Davis Injury Update
Bleacher Report    Prodigal Iverson: The Answer To Philadelphia's Prayers?
WEEI    Danny Ainge on WEEI
Jackie MacMullan on WEEI
Josh Q Public    Celtics: Shooting The Lights Out
Mass Live Doc Rivers walks a 'fine line' with veteran minutes, Shelden Williams gives the team flexibility, and more
Tennessean    Johnson to Rondo: Bring it on
Damn Lies and Statistics    Daily Lies & Statistics
CBS Sports    Celtics-Spurs Preview
Cleveland Leader    Cavs Still Working It All Out
Hardwood Paroxysm   Surprise! Kendrick Perkins Is Eating Your Face!
Yawkey Talkies    Celtics looking to continue domination on the road |
OSC    D-Fenders Acquire Los Angeles Native, Gabe Pruitt
Sports of Boston     Maine Red Claws Acquire Mario West
Charlotte Observer    Ajinca deal made sense, but hasn't panned out
Sporting News    Celtics-Spurs Preview
Sheed

s Techs Can Set Perk on Straight and Narrow?