SB Nation - Kendrick Perkins

Celtics snap out of it in time to beat Pacers

Jimmy Toscano — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 04:57:32 -0000

More photos » by Elise Amendola - AP

Paul Pierce turned it on in the fourth quarter.

We have seen it many times with this Boston Celtics team this season. The game starts at a certain time, but the players on the Celtics don't show up until sometime around the midway point. The same can be said tonight. The Celtics trailed by 15 points at halftime, 57-42, playing from behind the entire half.

The starters, minus KG who was out with a right thigh bruise, looked asleep the entire first half. Rondo let his man Earl Watson score 18 first half points, Kendrick Perkins had trouble finding the ball on the offensive and defensive end, and Paul Pierce could not buy a basket.

It was clear that the Celtics were missing Kevin Garnett out there. Garnett, known for his defensive intensity, gets the Celtics in gear and all on the same page defensively. It took the Celtics an entire half to realize that they would need to adjust to the fact that he wasn't shouting in their ears.

"We said at halftime we said we weren't talking on defense and usually Kevin [Garnett] leads us in that category as far as talking, being in the spots, having everybody in their spots," Pierce said. "I guess it took us a half to realize that Kevin wasn't going to be out there. So we got it together, that is an adjustment we got to make when it's relevant. We got to make it a little bit earlier at the start of the game and realize there are things we have to do when he's out."

The Celtics came out in the second half looking more like Dr. Jekyll and less like Mr. Hyde, while showing something that was not seen in the building up to that point: effort.

"Just straight energy, just focus," coach Doc Rivers said of what the Celtics did differently in the second half. "We didn't change one defensive assignment. We didn't make one adjustment. We just did it harder, and did it better."

Kendrick Perkins and Ray Allen led the charge in the third quarter, scoring 13 points and 11 points respectively. Rajon Rondo added five assists and two steals in the quarter. The Celtics dropped 35 points and gave up only 20- tying the game at 77 by the end of the quarter.

Perkins ended the night with 19 points, eight rebounds, and four blocks. Asked what he did differently in the third quarter, Perkins said, "Finishing around the basket, I quit putting it on the floor and I just wanted to do some defensive things, checking my defense to help the team win."

Up to this point, Paul Pierce was 0-8 from the field, scoring seven points all on free-throws. Pierce would end up with 21 points, going 4-7 from the field in the fourth and hitting five free throws. Also, he ended the night with five steals.

"I've been in this league long enough to shrug off shooting slumps that really don't bother me," said Pierce. "The shots I was getting were good shots. I was thinking it's just got to be a matter of time before they go in."

Rasheed Wallace started the night in place of the injured Kevin Garnett. He finished the game with nine points and thirteen rebounds to go with three steals and zero turnovers. Wallace didn't know he was starting until about twenty minutes before game time when Rivers told him.

"It's a different preparation," Wallace admitted. "You know when you're coming off the bench you're looking more at the guys that they have coming off the bench. At first I was more focused on [Tyler] Hansbrough and what they have coming but I had to turn that focus to [Roy] Hibbert and [Troy] Murhpy and try to do what I can with them."

Wallace didn't have much success in guarding Murphy, who had 24 points and 18 rebounds on the night, but Rivers chose to stay with Wallace in the second half over Brian Scalabrine.

Ray Allen notes how different it is for a player to adjust from a bench role to a starting role, especially on such short notice.

"Rasheed might try to get us more shots because we're starting the game, so he's been very professional about it because he's started most of his career so layups he's out there getting everybody shots. But now he's in the starting lineup it changes; he needs to get his own shot, he needs to worry about getting himself going and making sure everybody is sharp and he knows what Hibbert is doing to start the game off."

Kendrick Perkins, who started alongside Wallace for the night, said that while Wallace's numbers weren't eye catching, he had an affect on the game in many ways.

"He goes out there and rebounds- his defense and energy is up," Perkins noted. "He just goes out there and does the little things. He doesn't worry about scoring the ball or nothing like that he just goes out there and plays his role to the fullest."

Rajon Rondo ended the night with 15 points and nine assists, and Earl Watson did not record a single point in the second half. Ray Allen had a game-high 23 points, and hit some extremely timely three-pointers during the Celtics third quarter run. Eddie House did his best to stop the bleeding in the second quarter, scoring all of his 10 points then but failed to score in the second half.

The Celtics play their next game on Christmas day in Orlando. Rivers expects Garnett to be suited up for that game, and more importantly the entire west coast trip. Rivers stressed the importance of having Garnett for that trip, and explained to Garnett that it was important for him to get rest for a couple of days to be healthy for the trip. Garnett got hit in the thigh against Memphis, but didn't tell anyone it was hurting him until yesterday or today according to Rivers.

Celtics 103, Pacers 94: Indiana Blows Seventh Double-Digit Lead Of Season In Loss To Boston

spstevenson — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 04:24:06 -0000

More photos » by Elise Amendola - AP

Ahh, got to love the shots of Indiana Pacers players, such as Solomon Jones here, reaching frantically to stay in reach of a loose ball. This is the seventh time a picture of this kind has been metaphorically linked to the Pacers being just out of reach of holding a double-digit lead and gaining a loss this season.

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There's something about playing the Boston Celtics that brings out a tenacious, ball-hungry and shot-making Indiana Pacers team. And then, there's something about a fourth quarter that always brings out the true identity of the blue and gold.

After cruising to a 15-point halftime lead behind the spirited play of Earl Watson and Troy Murphy, the Pacers figured out another way to throw away a double-digit lead for the seventh time this season. Playing against one of the league's best, the Pacers turned the ball over (seven of the team's 19 TO's occurred in the fourth) coupled with a three-minute shooting slump that allowed Paul Pierce and the Celtics to stage a comeback 103-94 victory and hand the Pacers their fourth straight loss.

It was just another game where the Pacers jumped out to a big lead. Watson and Murphy helped lead the offense early as Murphy was dropping a slick-looking stroke from the outside, and even dropped a few moves in the post en route to his 24 points and season-high 18 boards. Watson, who started at the point for the third straight game, looked like he had all but locked up hearing his name in the starting unit after his stellar first half. All of his 18 points came in the half that helped extend a Pacers' 28-21 first-quarter lead to a 15-point advantage by halftime.

But even the most casual Pacers observer could see the second half unfold before it happened. With the Celtics trailing 66-54 in the third, the green rolled out 13 straight points (with Ray Allen dropping nine of them) to take the team's first lead of the game with 4:45 left in the third quarter.

Boston, playing without star Kevin Garnett who missed the game with a right thigh bruise, was led by Pierce's fourth-quarter outburst of seven straight unanswered points in three minutes to take the game from an 86-86 tie with 6:41 remaining to help put the game out of reach.

Another blown lead. Another loss. Take from this one what you want. At least the team didn't get blown to smithereens in the confines of one of the best teams in the league. But it was another case of not having enough firepower down the stretch. After Luther Head dropped the first two points of the fourth quarter, only Troy Murphy had anything going down the stretch. Murph was the only Pacer to score from the nine-minute mark to the three-minute point. Per usual, the Pacers have plenty of weapons in the first half, but those weapons start shooting blanks in crunchtime. Maybe it's a case of youth, inexperience and lack of talent, but the Pacers will continue to drop big leads until problems like this are fixed. And that's not even mentioning the team's defense in the fourth. Moving on...

Check out the jump for more notes about the loss and add your thoughts on the game.

Earl Watson is not letting go of his starting position, and Luther Head is gaining steam to be his consistent backup. Watson played 36 minutes tonight as he led the team from the point by shooting 6-of-13 from the field, grabbing seven rebounds, dishing six assists and finishing with 18 points (all of which came in the first half). Minus the five turnovers and his play in the final two minutes (one missed 3-pointer, two fouls and a botched pass), Watson continues to impress. Head used his 17 minutes to add seven points. As for T.J. Ford..
...the former starting pg made it known in the Indianapolis Star this morning that he was obviously unhappy about how his season has played out, but that he accepts whatever role is dealt to him. On Tuesday, Ford was given even a more limited portion of playing time. Ford had six points and two turnovers in 12 minutes, and even that seemed like too much playing time. With Watson playing well enough (although it's still obviously not on par with Rajon Rondo's of the league) and Head creeping into the rotation, Ford's role could get murkier and murkier. Nothing like a good point guard controversy to keep things interesting during a bad season. Nothing wrong with some drama.
Pierce finished with 21 points, going 12 for 13 from the free throw line. Kendrick Perkins scored 19 points to go with eight rebounds, and Rasheed Wallace finished with nine points and 13 rebounds.
The back-to-back games hurt Mike Dunleavy, who might have been bothered by his knee tonight after playing 30 extensive minutes against the Bucks on Monday. He only mustered 19 minutes of play and his six points aren't going to be making any highlight reels. Tyler Hansbrough, another player who still must be watched in back-to-back situations, was also only on the court for 19 minutes. He grabbed five boards and put in two points.
The loss drops the Pacers to a 9-18 record, ranking them 13th in the Eastern Conference along with the fifth-worst record in the NBA. Indiana has an extended break over the X-mas holiday. The team returns to action on Saturday against Atlanta.

Daily Links - 12/21

Jeff Clark — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 12:01:24 -0000

More photos » by Michael Dwyer - AP

Old friends battle once again.

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FLCeltsFan is taking a vacation from the links, so here's my small attempt to provide a few links for you this morning.

Green Street " Inside the Game: Paul Pierce and the Art of Versatility

After nearly 12 years in the league, Pierce has learned how to accentuate his talents to help the Celtics win. He ranked first on the Celtics in scoring and 3-point shooting, second in assists, and third in rebounding heading into Sunday’s game. This overall versatility is what makes him one of the most dangerous players in the league.

Three cheers for Paul Pierce - BostonHerald.com

By shooting 6-of-6 from downtown as the crux of his 29-point performance, Pierce became the third player in franchise history to hit six treys without a miss. Walter McCarty, who went 6-for-6 on Nov. 2, 1999, in Toronto, and Ainge, who did the same on Jan. 4, 1988, in Utah, have company.

Rondo passes up quite a chance - The Boston Globe

Rajon Rondo had 13 points and 15 assists in the Celtics’ 122-104 victory over Minnesota last night. But Rondo was regretting one of those assists after being informed that Paul Pierce had a chance to break a team record for 3-pointers without a miss. "I had no idea, I didn’t know he shot 6 for 6 until I saw him do an interview,’’ Rondo said. "You know, I looked him off on one, too. The skip pass to Ray [Allen], Paul said he was open, too. He made sure he told me that right after.’’

Timberwolves' Jefferson, Celtics' Perkins at head of this class - The Boston Globe

High school centers are far from guaranteed to produce at the NBA level, especially those who played against much-lesser competition in high school. Celtics executive director of basketball operations Danny Ainge scored on both Perkins and Jefferson because they possessed the talent and work ethic to remain in the leagu

Al Jefferson plays with perspective - BostonHerald.com

"It’s a blessing to be in the league," Jefferson said before his team’s 122-104 loss to the Celtics [team stats] at the Garden. "I’m just happy I’m still in the NBA. I’d rather be in the NBA losing than not be in it at all. "We’ve got a young team. I’ve been on a young team the last five years, but that’s a part of life."

‘Mad respect’ for Kendrick Perkins - BostonHerald.com

Modestly aside, Perkins is doing far more than carving a niche for himself amid a cast of more celebrated teammates. It became almost cliche to throw in several lines about how helpful it is to play next to Garnett whenever he would have a decent game. But ask not what your Big Ticket can do for Perk, for, conversely, Kendrick Perkins does much to make Garnett’s life easier. He would be a great success if all he did was play defense, hit the glass and make teams have to guard him a tad. But he’s become so much better with the ball that sleeping on Perkins will give an opponent a nightmare.

Tony Allen has an impact - BostonHerald.com

Allen took the ball right to the hoop and posterized Minnesota’s Corey Brewer with a one-handed slam. "Actually I kind of surprised myself. I wanted to lay it up, but I saw him running so hard, so I just had to finish," Allen said. "I was pretty happy after that. It actually motivated me throughout the game."

Celtics respond to tough loss with win over Wolves

Jimmy Toscano — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 03:22:00 -0000

More photos » by Michael Dwyer - AP

Tony Allen helped the Celtics take care of Al Jefferson and the Wolves Sunday night.

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The Boston Celtics responded to an embarrassing home loss against the Philadelphia 76ers exactly how they should have- with a convincing win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Celtics took a 15 point first quarter lead and turned it into a 25 point halftime lead. Although the Timberwolves made a rally in the fourth quarter, bringing the deficit to 12 points, the Celtics pulled away once again, scoring a season high 122 points in the 122-104 win.

Paul Pierce led all scorers with 29 points on 8/14 shooting including 6/6 from three point territory- tying Danny Ainge and Walter McCarty for the most three pointers in one game. He also added seven rebounds and four assists.

"We talked yesterday and I just told him he needs to get back to playing with his instincts," coach Doc Rivers said of his discussion with Pierce. "I thought he was trying to get everybody involved which you want him to do too but I think our three really instinctive players are Kevin [Garnett], [Rajon] Rondo, and Paul [Pierce] and I think all three of them, they have the curse of a high basketball IQ. And at times I think they start wanting to ‘think' the game, and try to get this guy off; instead of just playing. Their instincts will take over and their IQ will play into it

Rajon Rondo recorded a double-double once again with 13 points and 15 assists. Ray Allen, playing with a hyper-extended ring finger, ended up with 20 points.

The play of the night and maybe season, however, goes to Eddie House and Tony Allen. Early in the second quarter House tipped the ball away from Ramon Session, sending the ball towards the sidelines. House got to the ball just as it was to fall out of bounds and threw a behind the back pass to the streaking Allen. Allen caught the ball cleanly on his way to the hoop and threw down a thunderous slam over Corey Brewer for the points and the foul, sending the crowd and Allen's teammates to their feet.

"Well, first I didn't think (House) was athletic enough to get to the ball," said Rivers. "So the fact that he got to the ball, I was shocked. And then he made a play once he got to the ball- it was pretty spectacular. It was great. I was happy because it was a great defensive play."

Allen finished the night with 15 points, six rebounds, and three assists, but more importantly zero turnovers. The Celtics needed Allen to fill the void left by Marquis Daniels who is out roughly until the All-Star break, and so far since coming back from his injury he has done just that.

"He's been huge man," Pierce said of Allen, "just his energy and what he's been able to bring especially with Marquis [Daniels] out because he's a guy who can come in and slash, score, and also what he's best known for is his defense. He comes in right away and he gets a steal and a fast break layup to start the game off when he gets in the game.

Kendrick Perkins was matched up with his old friend Al Jefferson tonight. Perkins finished the night with 14 points and 11 rebounds, while Jefferson recorded 20 points and 11 rebounds.

"Perk [Kendrick Perkins] is getting better and better every game," said the Timberwolves' Al Jefferson. "If he keeps playing the way he's playing, he's going to get a big contract. He's a great defensive player, always has been... Plus his offensive game is getting better."

If the opponent can see the improvements Perkins has made, you can bet his teammates notice them on a daily basis. Perkins has really come into his own and embraced his role on this team. He has worked on his low-post moves and takes way more high-percentage shots than he has in previous seasons.

"He's improved," Kevin Garnett said of Perkins. "The one thing Doc expressed here is knowing your role, he tried to go out and do that every day, every night, even in practice. But the thing that stands out about him, because I get to see him every day, is that he works on his game every single day and that's what you want from a young guy."

"I know I had a tough matchup," Perkins said of his bout with Jefferson. "I just try to make things hard on him. You're not going to stop Al [Jefferson], you just try to make things tough on him. He will still hit you with some things you won't expect."

Rajon Rondo's Assists Demand Our Attention

Greg Payne — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 17:58:21 -0000

More photos » by Stephan Savoia - AP

"Assist!" (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia)

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Remember a few years ago when the Celtics' offense consisted primarily of some sort of isolation play for Paul Pierce? While those were some of the darker days of the decade in terms of wins and losses, one of the only things that kept us coming back night in and night out was the idea of Pierce possibly going off for 40 during any given game. I'm sure you were all like me in the sense that when Pierce would eclipse the 15 or 16-point mark by halftime or the 20-point mark by the end of the third quarter, you would automatically remember his point total throughout the rest of the game.

If Pierce had 20 entering the final period and hit a jump shot to start off the fourth frame, you'd think to yourself, "That's 22!" Two minutes later when he buried a three you would say in your head (or maybe out loud like me), "25!" And that trend would continue on for the rest of the game, no matter the outcome.

The notion of a players' personal stats resonating strongly with us isn't exactly anything new, but over the last decade, we as Celtic fans have been used to that captivating stat being either points or rebounds. When Pierce or Antoine Walker got hot early on, their point totals were automatically embedded in our minds. The same can also be said for Kendrick Perkins, Al Jefferson and even (gulp) Mark Blount when they put together a colossal rebounding night (or in Blount's case, that ONE colossal rebounding night). I think in a way, with the majority of this decade's teams not achieving a whole bunch, stats were an outlet for us. If the Celtics lost but Pierce scored 40 or Perk grabbed 20 boards, we could at least brag about that.

But now, ever since Rajon Rondo helped guide the Celtics to the championship two seasons ago, we've been able to add assists to the list of personal statistics that captivate us night in and night out.

I first noticed myself acknowledging Rondo's assists last season. His 8.2 assists per game mark was a steady sign that he was becoming one of the league's best distributors, especially considering he had averaged a more pedestrian 5.1 assists during the championship season. That increase in assists made him a legitimate threat to reach double figures in dimes every game and it soon became apparent that his assists were much more valuable to the Celtics than his points.

On any given night this season and last season whenever Rondo would find a wide open teammate I wouldn't be thinking about the receiver of the pass scoring the ball. If Ray Allen was lining up for a three-pointer off of a Rondo feed, I wouldn't be thinking, "Ray for three!" Rather, I'd be thinking. "Assist!" Even before the receiver shot the ball, I'd proclaim, "Assist!" because I knew there was a chance for one. It wasn't about the scoring. It was about the passing. It wasn't about the points. It was all about the assists.

So why the steady love for Rondo's passing game? Why have his assists moved up the ranks onto the level of the stats that captivate us? In my mind there are three main reasons:

1) No one else has done it this entire decade: Seriously, Rondo's 8.2 assists per game last year as well as his 9.5 mark this year shatter every other point guard's assist per game mark that played for the Celtics this decade. The closest a player has come to Rondo's mark was Gary Payton back in 2004-2005 when he dished out 6.1 assists per game. Before Payton there was Chucky Atkins in 2003-2004 (5.3 assists per game) and Kenny Anderson during the 2001-2002 campaign (5.3 assists). Before Rondo we never really had any reason to get excited about assists because they were pretty tough to come by. Other names that didn't quite cut it at the point guard spot for the Celtics this decade: Marcus Banks, J.R. Bremer, Orien Greene, Mike James, Dan Dickau, Shammond Williams and Sebastian Telfair.

I apologize for bringing up so many painful memories. If you need a moment I understand...

...Okay, let's continue.

2) Rondo could lead the league in assists: Once Rondo's assists numbers hovered around the eight or nine per game mark, he automatically entered the discussion for the top spot in the league. That fact certainly got our attention. It wasn't long before we were longing for Rondo to rack up the assist numbers, just so he would remain in contention with guys like Chris Paul, Steve Nash and Derron Williams. In a way it sort of became a personal competition. We loved our guy and wanted him to receive the recognition that would automatically come his way by leading the league in assists. So, whenever Rondo neared double digits in dimes with a hefty amount of time to play, the mental calculator switched on and I'd be yelling "Assist!" every time I got a whiff of one. Why? Because an 8+ assist game kept him in the conversation for tops in the NBA.

Last season Rondo finished sixth in the NBA in assists per game with his 8.2 average and this season he's currently sitting fourth in the league with 9.5 per game.

3) Rondo's passes are just so cool: Sure, every once in a while one of Rondo's assists will be a simple pass to Ray Allen curling off of a screen. But the majority of Rondo's dimes are highlight worthy. So often, he can be found knifing through the defense in the lane, only to launch himself into the air, wrap his left hand around the frame of a seven-foot tall center, and dish the ball to a cutting Kendrick Perkins for an easy lay up. Or there are the crisp, practically un-stealable (did I make that word up?) bounce passes that shoot through a string of bodies in the paint and magically find a guy like Perk or Kevin Garnett or Glen Davis in perfect position.

Or, there are the behind-the-back passes, the over-the-head passes, the no-look passes, the full court chest and bounce passes and the near perfect alley-oop tosses to Garnett and Perkins. How about last night against Philadelphia, when Rondo intercepted a Philly pass off balance with 4:45 left in the second quarter, was about to fall on his face, but still managed to shoot the ball sideways over his head, like Tommy Heinsohn shooting a hook shot, to Tony Allen who was sprinting up the court ahead of the defense? The pass found TA perfectly. TA didn't have to slow down, speed up or float right or left to chase after it. It came right to him and I'm 97 percent sure Rondo was looking straight down at the floor he was about to collide with when he threw the ball ahead to Tony.

One last thought: Rondo might very well be the best right-handed, left-handed passer in the league today.

I know Rondo's passes will continue to captivate me as the season rolls along and as he continues to develop as an overall player. Very few players can control a game with assists the way Rondo can. Sometimes scoring in the NBA garners too much of a spotlight. It's truly impressive when a player can dictate a game without actually putting the ball in the bucket. And if you weren't shouting "Assist!" to yourself (or out loud) when Rondo passed before you read this article, I'm tempted to say you'll develop the habit now that you have.

Look What I Found!

TheArtistFormerlyKnownAsMichaelBourn — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 07:37:57 -0000

More photos » by Charles Krupa - AP

Hold it like an egg.

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Sixers beat Celtics 98-97

I know, right? Consider that we hadn't beaten a winning team all season, Boston was tied for the best record in the league, and riding an 11 game winning streak, my "we won't win" prediction before the game seemed like a safe bet. But how about a little reverse psychology?

AI was a scratch with some left knee pain, so we got a healthy dose of Jrue, which is what I wanted. Unfortunately we also got an unhealthy dose of Willie Green. A 45 minute cot damn dose! Much too much.

By now you know the last few plays but I'll relay them anyway. With 23 seconds left down 1, Mo Speights was the go to guy and, guarded by Kendrick Perkins, he took an off-balance up and under from about 10 feet out in an attempt to draw the foul. The whistles were silent and his shot clanged off the rim. Elton Brand (more on him later) had perfect (and I mean perfect!) position on Paul Pierce down low after a switch and was able to go up for the tip in with 7 seconds left to put your 76ers ahead by a point. Pierce got the ball defended by 'Dre, who slipped a bit on Pierce's step back jumper that clanged off the back rim. Ray Allen got the floor board with 2 seconds left, turned around and fired up a makeable shot, but another Ray-Ray dagger was not to be.

Now let's get to some bullet point observations, since you idiots love simplicity (just kiddinggggggg)

Elton Brand was a stud tonight. He worked, flashed a nice jumper from up to 14 feet out, and got his meat-and-potatoes-four-pump-fakes-in-the-lane-put-backs, trademarked to EB himself. 23 and 8 off the bench in only 26 minutes is as quality as it gets. While he should without a doubt be a starter, if Jordan pulls Dalembert after 3 minutes, it's not that much of a difference.
Before I say anything more about Mo, I have to continue to hammer home the point that it was completely unnecessary to bring him back this early. What's the benefit? We win one game against a good basketball team and continue towards perennial mediocrity? Wait until he is completely healthy, then play the kid. ANYWAY, he played aggressively tonight and that's good to see. His rebounding has absolutely improved, and while his defense is still a step or two behind, I'm optimistic about it coming around. He had a couple ill-advised shots early in the clock and needs to work on his ball-handling (two strong dribbles max, plz), I appreciate taking the ball to the basket and it was super cool watching him get the ball at the end of the game, even if he didn't sink it.
I can't emphasize enough how Rasheed Wallace's ejection affected this game. He kills us, and adds another dimension to this Celtics team that makes them virtually unbeatable, even if it's just as a decoy. His early exit gave us an opening that we took advantage of during crunch time.
We won the third quarter! yayayayayayayaya
Hey, they only shot 5-15 from beyond the arc! There were too many open looks though, don't expect this to continue. On a related note, every time Ray Allen takes a shot, I look away and wait for the swish. I'm pretty sure I've never seen him miss (hyperbole).
In this game, the best lineup Jordan put on the floor was Jrue-Willie-Iguodala-Thad-Brand
Jason Kapono is atrocious at basketball.
How many loose balls a game does Sam lose with his rock hands and awful reaction time?
Willie couldn't keep up with Allen, but offensively he wasn't horrendous.
Jrue with another game filled with positives and rookie mistakes. He had a couple really nice passes inside to Brand and Thad. The mistakes are to be expected. I just love that he's getting playing time against some legitimate competition. He's earned minutes when Lou and AI are healthy. Whether he gets them or not remains to be seen.
Clutch free throws from Speights and Iguodala at the end
Speaking of Dre, he played his game. Didn't force too much when his shot wasn't falling, battled on defense, got ballsy at the end when he had to step up, and celebrated with some angry man faces. When other guys step up offensively, Andre can focus on setting up other guys and working on D, making us a better team.
Big ups to JSams who popped his NBA cherry at TD Garden tonight. A long time coming, my friend. Good first game, I'd lower my expectations for the rest of your game-watching life.

This was a fun game and a great comeback win for a group of guys that lost too many of these close ones in the past few weeks. It's not a season changer, it's not a turning point, and it's certainly not an indication that we're in any way better than the Boston Celtics. I like seeing improvement from the young guys, and cohesiveness of Elton Brand's involvement in the offense (what the offense is I'm not sure). Anything else is gravy. We've always known this team has plenty of talent in various areas, but the fact remains that until we get some consistency with the coaching philosophy and rotations, we won't be playing as a team, especially on the defensive end.

Get some rest kids, we're doing this again tomorrow vs. the Clip Joint at 7. Another winning streak? Pshyah!

Player of the Game (POG) - Elton Brand

Celtics blow big lead, fall to Sixers

Jimmy Toscano — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 04:57:37 -0000

For the fourth time out of five, the Boston Celtics lost a Friday night home game, putting a sour taste in Celtics fans' start to the weekend. The Celtics fell to the Philadelphia 76ers 98-97 in front of the TD Garden crowd. Don't blame the officials, don't blame the cold weather, and don't blame the traffic getting here- blame it on the lack of all around enthusiasm from the Celtics.

"I think our energy sucked all night," Kevin Garnett admitted.

The Celtics were up 59-44 early in the third quarter to a poor Philadelphia 76ers team, but could not hold the lead. Instead of putting the 76ers away for good in the third quarter, the Celtics dropped their energy level and let the 76ers crawl back into it. The 76ers only trailed by four points going into the fourth quarter, and took the lead with 6:02 left in the game for the first time since the first quarter.

"We have to do a better job playing better at home," Paul Pierce said. "I mean, I don't know what it is about us playing at home this year. We have to come out with a little more energy from start to finish. There in the third quarter you know you gave a team life. And when you give a bad team some life they're going to play, and that's what we did."

"We played with this, you know, this swagger- the losing swagger," said Doc Rivers. "It's one thing to have the winning swagger when you go out, you feel great about your team, and you go out and play. And then there's another thing when you just show up and you think the other team's going to lay over because you're the Celtics."

Kendrick Perkins, who scored 12 points and grabbed 16 boards, was quick to echo Doc's sentiments in that maybe the Celtics just assumed they were going to win.

"I thought when we went up 16 or whatever we were up, we kind of let our guards down, Perkins said. "I don't think we executed right. I think sometimes you win a couple games in a row you tend to have this swagger like you can walk on the court and just win games. We played against a hungry team that needed a victory, they played hard tonight and they came out and just got a win- they kept fighting."

The Celtics were forced to play most of the game without Rasheed Wallace, who was thrown out in the second quarter with his second technical of the game. Wallace was on the officials about a previous call during a timeout, and would not let up. The loss of Wallace clearly hurt the Celtics down the stretch.

"It affected us a lot," Perkins said. "We needed Rasheed tonight. We sure could have used him in a lot of ways but we still know we should have won the game."

Rasheed Wallace had to be held back by Celtics assistant coach Tom Thibodeau after being ejected from the game.

"I was more scared for Tom [Thibodeau] than I was for anybody else," Rivers joked. "Tom is tough. ‘Tibs' has been on the weights now for about three months and it finally paid off for him today."

As for Wallace's actions during the game, nobody is really surprised.

"He's been doing it a long time," Rivers said. "He's an expert at it. But we knew that when we got him, and I still love him. I think he's great, he's been great for our team, but he's going to have some of these days."

While it seems that Rivers is somewhat downplaying Wallace's technical fouls, we saw firsthand tonight the repercussions that can occur if Wallace's temper gets ahead of him, like it has done many times in the past. For the season, Wallace has 10 technical fouls. Once he gets to 16 technical fouls, he will be suspended for the next game and every other technical foul after that will result in a one game suspension. Wallace is the first guy off this Celtics bench, and with Marquis Daniels also down, that left two of the Celtics best bench players off the floor.

On the flip side, the 76ers' Elton Brand and Marreese Speights combined to score 40 points and grab 18 rebounds coming off the bench.

The bright spot off the bench tonight for the Celtics was Tony Allen. Allen scored 10 points, all in the second quarter, but then didn't do much of anything in the second half.

"I just think we have to buckle down, make some better decisions, close out games," said Allen.

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.

Daily Links 12/13

FLCeltsFan — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 20:10:34 -0000

Herald   Celtics charge past Bulls
Celtics’ Ray Allen copes with time away
Rajon Rondo gets foe’s message
Replays help Pacers past Wizards
Web site providing new ticket ‘option’ for Celtics fans
Globe    Updates from Celtics-Bulls
Pierce injuries shoulder, but returns to game
Analysis of Celtics-Bulls
Celtics’ Pierce deserves contract extension
Rondo undaunted by Miller
Celtics make it a perfect 10
Vote for Perk   Vote For Perk

CelticsBlog   Celtics Stuff Live 12/13: Mike Gorman
Rondo the (Bulls) Destroyer
Loy's Place     Comments from the Other Side - Bulls 12/12
Telegram   Celtics’ bench will take back seat
Celtics.com   Ford Keys to the Game: Celtics at Bulls Ford Keys to the Game: Celtics at Bulls
Red's Army   The Maestro
The Morning Dump... where Rondo takes his shot at Brad Miller
Enemy Chatter: "We're not even close..."
Green Street    Fast Break: Celtics-Bulls
CSNNE     Live from the United Center!
Celtics 106, Bulls 80
Celtics Hub    Ray’s "Nothing But Net" Moment
10 in a Row with No Signs of Slow
Where’d the Bulls Go? C’s 106, Bulls 80
Sunday Notebook: Pierce Wants to Stay, Rondo’s a Bad Ass and Ray Copes
Chicago Now   Boston Celtics beat Chicago Bulls 106-80 Haiku
North Station Sports    Celtics Make Bulls See Red After Beatdown 106-80
An unwilling witness: why LeBron James has let me down
What Do We Do With Rajon Rondo Now?
CT News    Celtics Play the Right Way
NBA.com   NBA Development League: Red Claws at BayHawks
Celtics Town    Celtics grab the Bulls by the horns
Celtics Loudmouth Quote of the Night
Hardwood Houdini    Celtics Charge Past Bulls, Win Tenth Straight
Rondo Leads Celtics To Tenth Straight
Lex Nihil Novi    Pistons Require 3 OTs to Top Celtics Record 83-84
Celtics Overcome 12 4th-Quarter TO's to Finally Beat Knicks 83-84
19-4: Celtics 106, Bulls 80
World B. Free Sounds Off after Celts Top Cavs
Celtics Life Live Game Chat, Celtics at Bulls
C's Blitz Bulls for 10th Straight Win
Celtics/Bulls Post Game Videos
Gino's Jungle    Live from Chicago
Celtics Stuff Live     The Gold Rarities Postgame Show
Daily Herald    Bulls fade against surging Celtics, lose 106-80
Slam Dunk Central   Celtics Use "Killer D" To Slaughter Bulls 106-80 For Tenth Straight Win
Bulls.com   Celtics Show Bulls 2009 Playoffs are History
NW Herald Not much of a rematch
NY Post   Post blows whistle on Donaghy claims
ESPN   Do you want Ray to stay?
First impression: Celtics 106 , Bulls 80
Rough night for Pierce
Bulls can't slow Rondo
Bench solid for Celtics
Defending Del Negro
The Celtics-Bulls rematch that wasn't
BWorld Jazz drop LA Lakers from league’s best record; Celtics win
NESN    Live Blog: Celtics at Bulls
Celtics Make It 10 in a Row With 106-80 Rout of Bulls
Kendrick Perkins Thriving Under the Radar
WEEI   Kendrick Perkins on WEEI
MetroWest Daily News   Celtics 106, Bulls 80: Power of ten
Courtside View: Celtics finding winning form
Yahoo   Williams, Jazz end Lakers' streak
Behind the Box Score, where the C's outclassed the Bulls - Ball Don't Lie
Autographs   Proof That The Nba In Fixed….tim Donaghy Rats Out…
Dimemag   Game of the Weak
Hoopsworld   5 Things We Learned In The NBA This Week
The Hoop   Lokomotiv Kuban announced Gerald Green
Hoopsworld   Only Getting Worse for Bulls
Chicago Now    Brad Miller called for flagrant on Rondo
Chicago Breaking Sports    Celtics blowing out Bulls
Chicago Tribune Doc Rivers rises to Vinny Del Negro's defense
Orlando Sentinel     Is the NBA headed for another Lakers/Celtics Finals?

Why the NBA isn't Tough Anymore

aramnath — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 06:31:07 -0000

More photos » by David Liam Kyle - NBAE/Getty Images

Don't blame Lebron for dancing, blame David Stern and the excessive suspensions in place if players tried to police the game themselves. (Photo by David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images)

Browse more photos »

"If a guy was doing the Riverdance like that, coach would come over and say, 'Who's got the fewest amount of fouls of my big fellas?' " said ex-Celtic and TNT analyst Kevin McHale. "If you raised your hand, he would say, 'We will let him drive and then we will throw him on the ground.'

"When he is laying there we would say, 'Do you feel like dancing now?'

"And that pretty much solved the dancing problem."

Let's imagine that what McHale said would happen back in his day took place today. To begin with, both teams would pretend to actually want to fight, but since since fights never happen in the NBA nobody would actually do anything. The reason why a fight has almost no chance of happening is because of the heavy suspensions that is now imposed on any sort of slightly physical play.

Any time there's any kind of physical play, there is an immediate reaction that a flagrant foul needs to be called and then announcers usually will say something like "there's no place for that in the game". Well if there's no place for that in the game then you can't really complain about guys showboating and you should expect Lebron to continue his "Riverdance" (Kevin McHale you were a horrible GM, but that was slightly redeeming).

It's gotten to the point where a guy like Kendrick Perkins is considered a tough guy. Bitch please. Oakley would slap Perkins silly and not one player on the Celtics would be man enough to step to him (I'm looking at you wannabe thug Paul Pierce, throwing up the B against the Hawks). If you think I'm joking go watch some clips of the early 90's Knicks. Yeah, we never won a championship, but if you had to choose one team in the history of the NBA in a fight, you would choose that team because we had Oakley and Mason. Do you really need anybody else?

When players could settle things on the court like that, you didn't have these problems. That's why you never saw Jordan, Bird, Magic, Dr. J or any other great player dancing around on the court. Back then if you were talking trash and trying to show a player up, you better believe your ass was going down hard whenever the opportunity presented itself.

The league was obviously tougher when you allowed the players to police it themselves. Ever since the Malice in the Palace the league has become excessive in its punishments of players involved in fights or any physical play that could lead to confrontation. Remember the last "fight' in the NBA between the Knicks and Nuggets?

There were maybe 3 punches thrown, followed by Carmelo's bitch slap and run (seriously just look). The suspensions in comparison to the fight were insane. Melo got 15 games for his slap and both Nate Robinson and J.R. Smith were hit with 10 game suspensions for their wrestling match. Then after the fight we had to hear about how this was such a disgusting act that tarnished the game and that "there's no excuse for behavior like this".

If the blame should go anywhere for Lebron's dancing and the less physical brand of basketball we watch today, look at David Stern and the league office.