SBNation.com User Blog: Bunky5

Pierce Shows That He Is First Ballot HOF...And Other Thoughts....

Bunky5 — Wed, 02 May 2012 02:06:01 -0000

I can say this: we will all miss Paul Pierce BIGTIME when he is gone. The media talks about Joe Johnson and his $100 million something contract. Well this just in, he ain't nothin' next to Pierce. Tonight was a night when the outlook was tough. One sure way to get e "W" was for Pierce to have a big one, and boy did he.

At the risk of wearing green tinted glasses, Pierce has one of the most diverse offensive games in the NBA. I put him in there with Kobe, Durant, Lebron, and Carmelo. However, I think he stands with Kobe as the only complete offensive players in today's league with grit. Durant is knocking on the door. LeBron is looking for the door, and Melo is playing only one end of a see-saw...the offensive end.

In any case, Pierce's 36 tonight sums up his career. When, Rondo pulled the oops move of the season the other night. It was clear right away that Pierce was the prescription for the collective anxiety of Celtic Nation. He did it from the get go, while scoring nine right away. He hit mid-range, threes, lay-ups, and dunks. He also grabbed 14 off the glass. All the time, he handled the ball throughout, and he made sure IT happended. Where IT was the necessary win, after the Rondo mess. All I can say is thanks Paul. Thanks....

A few other thoughts....

Wouldn't Pierce look good in London. Jerry Colangelo, are you listening. You have a few injuries, and a gold for a mature, gritty, hall of famer would be nice.

I know Pop got COY, but Doc deserves better than fifth for getting KG to pkay the 5 and getting him to score inside.

Btw, good job on the glass tonight Big Ticket!

Avery sure looks strong.

Good job by the refs tonight.

Loved to see Marquis contribute some meaningful minutes tonight.

Can we trade Donny Marshall back to Cleveland? Can't we find some ex-Celtic to do studio work and lurk in Mike and Tommy's shadow?

You gotta love te chemistry of this crew. You get the reeling that they would've he'd it down at Bastogne. I say that with the utmost reverence. These guys JUST DON'T QUIT,

Great timeouts by Doc down the stretch. There were just enough at the right time to avoid losing the wagon wheels to any potential "slow it down hero ball."

Josh Smith is confounding. This guy is so gifted, yet can't put together enough consistent play. If this knee is bad, the Hawks are in BIG trouble Friday.

Speaking f Friday, Rondo, you better bring it! Paul laid out the blueprint, now you keep laying the blocks to 18!

Thanks Truth!!! Straight killer tonight!

A few other thoughts....

Wouldn't Pierce look good in London. Jerry Colangelo, are you listening. You have a few injuries, and a gold for a mature, gritty, hall of famer would be nice.

I know Pop got COY, but Doc deserves better than fifth for getting KG to pkay the 5 and getting him to score inside.

Btw, good job on the glass tonight Big Ticket!

Avery sure looks strong.

Good job by the refs tonight.

Loved to see Marquis contribute some meaningful minutes tonight.

Can we trade Donny Marshall back to Cleveland? Can't we find some ex-Celtic to do studio work and lurk in Mike and Tommy's shadow?

You gotta love te chemistry of this crew. You get the reeling that they would've he'd it down at Bastogne. I say that with the utmost reverence. These guys JUST DON'T QUIT,

Great timeouts by Doc down the stretch. There were just enough at the right time to avoid losing the wagon wheels to any potential "slow it down hero ball."

Josh Smith is confounding. This guy is so gifted, yet can't put together enough consistent play. If this knee is bad, the Hawks are in BIG trouble Friday.

Speaking f Friday, Rondo, you better bring it! Paul laid out the blueprint, now you keep laying the blocks to 18!

Thanks Truth!!! Straight killer tonight!

Poll

Is Pierce a top 5 offensive player in the NBA?

Yes

101 votes

No

36 votes

137 votes | Poll has closed

Never Give Up!

Bunky5 — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 10:33:49 -0000

Well, I could have done without this one. One night after one of the most fun wins of the year in San Antonio, the Celtics pulled the old bye-bye somewhere ate the end of the third quarter. If it’s one thing that I hate about this team as a diehard fan, it’s their ability to tantalize, to thrill, and then disappoint. This game was one of those. After a great, win over the Spurs. This game looked to be leading the Celtics out of the center-less wilderness and back to controlling their destiny. This was shaping up to be a "build on" game, where the C’s set the table for the playoffs. They seemed ready to win a back to back, and I figured this would perhaps give way to the much needed mini-streak to close out the year. It was the beginning of the end of the Perk trade whining, but this was not the case.

I have been watching the NBA for thirty years now, and still don’t understand the way teams can summarily dominate a game, and then literally in a snap, swing out of the groove and lose. Throw in the blown leads, and it’s just amazing how often this occurs over the course of a season. Right now, the Celtics are Exhibit A. Don’t get me wrong the Hawks are still clearly a five seed in the playoffs. However, the Celtics look more like a six seed. Let’s review…

As soon as Larry Drew woke up and decided to sit the enigma that is Josh Smith, the complexion of the Hawks changed. On Josh Smith, this kids needs to move in with KG over the summer and see what it is all about. He is perhaps the most talented athlete in the NBA aside from LeBron, but his motor is like a three cylinder Yugo. In any case, upon Smith taking a seat, the Hawks stopped their foolish bad jump shot offense and started to play reasonable team ball. At that point, they began to chisel the Celtics eleven point lead down to six then even. They moved the ball, took better shots, and hit the glass. They took it back. Nothing upsets a true Celtic fan more than seeing Zsa Zsa Gabor, I mean Zaza Puchulia (Have you ever seen a bigger cranium? He must lead the NBA in hat size. I cannot stand the guy), pick-up key free throws, rebounds, etc. at the end of the game. The Celtics feel out of their game and resorted to Big Baby bailout jumpers and other one and done opportunities. The bench didn’t hold their own. This forced them to go all-Pierce almost all the time once the lead was relinquished. The funny thing with that plan was they that they didn’t go enough.

Let’s face it. Pierce came with a big time pulse again last night, but when they should have gone 90’s offense and jammed the ball to him every time, they didn’t. They went to him and then shied away then went to him and shied away. This guy is still the most talented offensive player on the team, and he should see the rock every time down the stretch in a game like this. When no one else steps up, he is the team crutch.

The offense should not come to one on one isolation play on a team like this though. This club wins with ball movement for optimal shots. They do not win when they bog down. They definitely do not win when they don’t get enough opportunities for Ray and KG down the stretch. Nine shots apiece are not enough. Ray shot 4-9 and KG was 5-9. Not mason certified by any means. What would it have hurt to get three more shots each for these two?

You see, offense is the problem for these guys right now. They held the Hawks to 36.7% from the field. The Celts shot 44.6%. This hovers somewhere around the league average. Can we agree good enough to win? The killer is they don’t get enough easy buckets. Three offensive rebounds is RIDUICULOUS! The Hawks had fourteen. If you believe that an offensive rebound leads to an additional shot, and factor in the Hawks at 37% shooting, that means 5-14, or ten points. The final was 88-83….you do the math. They don’t rebound as a team, never have, and never will. Offensive rebounding is part of offense folks. And the Celtics are woeful. Let’s put it this way, if the offensive rebounding playoffs started today the C’s would be in the lottery. They are 22nd out of 30 in the league. At the beginning of the season, I believed the hype that their poor offensive rebounding had to do with good shooting and fewer opportunities. Now it is glaring that it is not.

Before any one gets carried away thinking about Perk here, he averages a whopping six boards a game, of which 1.8, almost two, are offensive. You see that is the thing with this whole trade drama that has drug on and on and on. Perkins is an excellent player. He is a stand out post defender, but overall he is six point and six rebounds. I understand the team dynamic issue here, but six and six. Are you telling me that this is why the C’s are sucking wind on back to backs? Why Ray doesn’t see the ball regularly? Why Pierce is forced to dust off his 90’s offensive playbook? Rondo sulking? Maybe, but the kid had a great Spur game. He shot poorly last night, but had thirteen points, and tied for a team high ten rebounds. He is capable of it, and hasn’t lost it. Here’s the point Perk’s six and six isn’t the reason the team is down. Does anyone remember the five straight that they ran off after the shock loss in Denver? They are 9-8 since the trade. This includes a 5 point loss last night that shouldn’t have happened, along with a two point loss, a pair of three point losses, a four point loss, and one more five point loss. That is seven, SEVEN, by five points or less. Of these, five losses were games that the winning team scored 90 or less. That reeks of a lack of toughness when it’s needed. Maybe the team isn’t as tough as we think. I know they have it in them. They need to find it. I would only point out a great Bird quote here. I just finished Rebound, by Michael Connelly. It’s a great look at our beloved Boston dragging itself out of the mire of 70’s bussing. The book is framed around the dawn of one Mr. L. Bird and his Celtics. The story talks about how a team of six black guys and six white guys came together to win Banner 14 in 1981. This happens to be when my foray into pro hoops began as a youngster, by the way. In any case let’s get back to the Bird quote. It was right after they C’s defeated the Sixers in an extremely TOUGH series (Doc, play the highlights at the next film session….please!). A reporter asked Bird about the team’s miraculous comeback from being down three games to one and facing elimination. Bird simply said. "I never give up. Too many people give up."

At the end of the day, toughness is what it comes down to. The core of this club was there in 2008. They were as mentally tough as any team. They have it in them, the question is can they find it in time……NEVER give up guys! Come on!

Fast forward to the 4:50 mark below.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=vYd3oCjHEDc

Celtics vs Hawks boxscore

Fast forward to the 4:50 mark below.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=vYd3oCjHEDc

Celtics vs Hawks boxscore

Poll

Will the Celtics find their groove?

Yes

15 votes

No

1 votes

I don't know, I'm still whining about Perk and watching Thunder games

4 votes

20 votes | Poll has closed

What Happened Here?

Bunky5 — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 21:11:14 -0000

Tell me that this isn't a bizarre twist. Rondo is out of the World Championships!!?? A week ago, I read extremely complimentary comments from Coach K about Rondo intelligence and ability to defend. I've read Doc River's in some recent interviews say that Rondo's "basketball IQ" (Gotta love this term, best one since "Length") was off the charts and that he's the smartest player that he's coached. Yes, I realize Doc isn't coaching, but he visited USAB practices in Vegas. He must've spoke to Colangelo and Coach K. Things were good, right?

I really don't know. None of do right now. I know this, none of the kids that USAB selected has Rondo's ability. Yes, they are all skilled and have tremendous ability. They are all fine players, but to take Eric Gordon or Westbrook over Rondo is ridiculous. I understand the value of shooting. Rondo is a 50.8% career field goal man, with a 46.3% playoff average last year. He was even a 54.1% with a 20.7 ppg in the conference semis versus Cleveland (I believe a certain King even took a swipe at him defensively). Eric Gordon is a 45.3% career shooter. hell, Derrick Rose is a 48.3% shooter on his career and a 24.2% 3-point shooter. Rondo is a career 24.4% 3-pointer bomber. What's the point? Rose is not statistically much better than Rondo. Neither is Gordon.

Now, the USAB squad isn't selected based on stats. It shouldn't be. The fact is that these guys are terrifically different on production scale. However, I am certain after watching Rondo for the last few years, that his smarts are far greater than the rest of them. I defy any of the internet commenters that I've read today to prove to me, or themselves, that shooting is the problem. Granted the Lithuania game was a zero for him, but wasn't Spain a zero for Gordon? To say Rondo sucks and can't shoot is ignorant. This kid is a once-in-a-lifetime player. I can't understand how a guy who was so celebrated in the playoffs (Remember th 18 rebound game and all of the offense that flowed from it??) now isn't a top five guard in the pool. I could understand not making it witht he Bejing squad and throw in Chris Paul, but with this group it's preposterous. The team has little height and rebounding. The plan now is to sit Chandler in favor of Odom. Super. Good luck. Watch what Greece will be able to do tomorrow.

Look, I want USA to win, but something is wrong here. I don't buy the "I got stuff to do" bit. Man up and say you didn't want him. Although, maybe they did, and he got pissed with the Spain DNP. In any case, this team will have moments of "forced raggedness" (ugly word, eh?). Billups will be a steady hand, but I've seen every game to date for this squad, and they fall into the turnover frenzy. It is likely to be their undoing. I think the shooter dominant approach will cost them. They will want that steady hand and the rebounding that Rondo can bring. If they cut him on shooting, then they are missing the point. This squad should be all about effective fast break play. The have Durant, Gay (who looks ready), Iguodala (a beast on the wing), Grainger, Odom, and throw in Billups or Curry (pure shooters). What else do you need? Rondo lives to share the ball.

I am reading Coach K's "Gold Standard" book on the 2008 team. I will tell you this, he's missing the boat with Rondo. This kid is team first. He may be hard headed, perhaps that's what did him in, but he knows how to get the team on the floor moving the right way. If K didn't like the fit, it's the staff's fault for not figuring out how best to use him. Doc did it, why can't they?

I know one thing. God help those guards when they square off with Boston. It's a good thing for Coach K that we don't play Duke.

Poll

Did USAB make the wrong choice by "excusing" (er, cutting) Rondo?

Yes

86 votes

No

33 votes

119 votes | Poll has closed

"Bow-Gate Follow Up

Bunky5 — Thu, 06 May 2010 02:08:26 -0000

So I'm sitting here watching "Los Suns" vs. Spurs, and then it struck me...Ginobli. Or GINNNNOBLEEE! as Sir Charles would say. Have you seen that mess on his face? He got his nose destroyed against the Mavs in the last series. "Guess what? I heard nothing about him going for MRI's. In fact, he has even refused the "Bill Laimbeer" Jason Mask (Note to Rip Hamilton: Do you know how ridiculous you look in that thing? What happened to you?). In any case, the media IS NOT making excuses for Ginobli. He is just playing...

Interesting isn't it?

Long live the nose!

Interesting isn't it?

Long live the nose!

Poll

Who is being tougher?

The Argentine Nose

46 votes

The Akron Funny Bone (Ha-Ha)

2 votes

48 votes | Poll has closed

Lebron 'Bow-Gate

Bunky5 — Tue, 04 May 2010 14:28:57 -0000

In listening to this the last few days, one thing is clear: the media makes the stories. LeBron didn't do himself any good by discussing it after his silly lefty free throw, either. The fact remains that it is something to talk about and a storyline. Just like in all of sports, the networks are constantly looking forr the grabber for the casual fan to the crazed fan. LBJ served it up after the Chicago series on wince at a time.

Now listen, the reason he "under-performed" last night had everything to do with a tough rotating and swarming defense, with all-around good Celtics play. He was constantly chased around and unable to get free. He settled for threes at times late in the game. However, make no mistake that the arm will not stand in his way. He will be there throughout the series. He is the MVP, after all.

I can't help though but to reminisce about another Cleveland series back in '85. Does anyone remeber Cleveland yelping for one Mr. L. Bird? And does anyone remember his response, "If they want me, they'll get me...both barrels!" At which point he strode out and proceded to destroy the Richfield warriors with 34 and 14. All of this after MISSING Game 3! Let's be clear here. Mr. James hasn't missed any time. Sure, like many vets, he's banged up at this time of year, but he's playing. Bird was getting the elbow drained and was so bad he missed a game. This is the same guy who used to spend the night in traction in the hospital then go to the games and play against Indiana at the end of his career. So let's just cut it out on the elbow please. Lot's of guys have played in pain, so stop it. Stop making it a story ESPN and TNT! You guys are over shadowing the great wake-up call the Celtics experienced seven games ago, when the playoffs started. By the way, could you imagine what the networks would have done, what bloggers would have said, the tweets about Larry in '85? To steal one from Dick Enberg, "Oh My!"

Enjoy the ride people! This may be it. This team has morphed into the 3.0 version of the KG era. Not the supremely dominant 2008 1.0 model. This is something new. With a stronger smarter Rondo and a defensive renewal. This club may actually get it done. There is pleanty of room on the bandwagon...just leave your elbow pads behind.

An Outright Disgrace!

Bunky5 — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:08:30 -0000

Does anyone remember 1983 against the Bucks? I do. Although I was a young Celtic-o-phile at the time, I vividly recall the general disgust of that season. The underlying theme was that Fitch had to go, and ultimately, he did. Now, I am not suggesting that Doc should go. I would never do that. Doc is as good a mind that is in the game. What we saw last night was another example of the futility of this club. Like '83, they just don't have it. Trading E House for Krypto-Nate, reminds me of the silliness of having Ray Williams serve as a key contributor to your club. Similarly, they are servicable pros who have their moments, albeit clearly they are players cut from different cloth. The point is that they are not Championship parts of a greater whole.

Let's talk about the greater "Whole," or is it "HOLE?" As in, "HOLE" in the head or "Hole" in the heart. What we are currently witnessing is alot like '83. Games with a bench full of blank stares. The players have started to tune themselves out, and that is a shame. The Celts have some of the strongest personalitites in the NBA, just like '83. The problem is that they have adopted a series of bad habits. Their problems seem less due to injuries than the hangover from injuries. Basketball is a game loaded with muscle memeory actions, and the boys in green have been out of sync since the first quarter of the year, when all the injuries started. They had the refreshed post-training camp attitude. They were ready to overcome last year, where they clearly were still championship caliber. We have all heard before that if the they had KG, they were looking at Flag Number 18. They don't rotate on defense, they don't take charges, they don't help each other up, they don't rebound well, and they don't stand up on the bench rooting for their teammates. As a result of this defensive discontinuity, the team has trouble finding efffective offense. They lost all of this once the various parts started to drop due to injuries. There are holes everywhere!

They fought hard last year, but they were missing their most important player: KG. In alot ways this year, they are missing their most important part again. Though this time, it is not a missing player. It is a missing pulse. The guys have gotten out of a groove. In sports, when you get off the proverbial freeway of success, you have a heck of a time finding the on-ramp again. Hey it took 22 years the last time we got off Highway 16, before we could get onto Highway 17. Given the general habits of the club, there is not sufficient time to re-boot the system to the early season groove. Also, don't forget that athletes decline quickly, and this appears to be the case. It hurts as fans to come to grips with this, but the reality is that before our very eyes, this club looks to have gone from top two or three to second tier in the NBA. I'd say much like San Antonio. There is a perennial powerhouse that is now relegated to play it out, with slim hopes of a championship. I think that the Celtics have crossed that barrier, and it is inevitable that this is a lost season. Don't be surprised if we get swept out in the first or second round, just like '83. The difference here is that this team doesn't have better years ahead, as in '83. The best is behind them. This is not the '69 team. They will not reach back and get there.

Look no furhter than their homw record to solidify this point. All championship teams win at home and onb the road. This team doesn't play well at home. The road record is good, although I think it is slanted due to early season success. When you don't win nearly all your home games, you are not tough enough to win it all. The bad habits are too numerous, and they won't overcome it.

The gap between them and Cleveland is Gand Canyon-like. Lebron is playing the best ball in the league, by far (Sorry Kobe lovers, but LBJ is Numero Uno). Milwaukee will give them problems if they stay healthy, and don't revert to pre-all star status. Forget it if we ever see Atlanta. No need to dwell on this. The Hawks have them dialed in. Etc. and so on...

So what is the message? Well here is the optomistic part of the movie. Look last night sucked, and we all know it. Every non-top team will have a few stinkers, no matter how odious, over the course of the season. The Grizzly game was just that: GRIZZLY! Move on people, enjoy the string being played out. Danny did a great thing giving us 2008. Enjoy Ray's 25 pointers, KG's fired up plays, Pierce's moments of brilliance. By the same token, accept the periodic crummy game. We got 17, and we'll start the work new for 18 this summer. There are less than twenty games left, so don't go through the last month and the playoffs miserable. This could be Sacramento- UGH!

The goose is cooked, so eat it! Dessert will be next year...

Is It Thursday Yet?

Bunky5 — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 03:48:42 -0000

You know, many of us who are silly card carrying loyalists don't want change for the sake of change. We have heard them all in recent days/weeks. We heard Ray for everyone. Did you ever imagine that blasphemy in 2008? This guy has been nothing but a true pro throughout. Unfortunately, this may not be enough to us Number 18.

Let's face it. Our society, and certainly our city, is a "What have you done for me lately?" crew. We are short on patience. Short on sight, and quite frankly, driven by a local media that is always looking for the deficiency. It must be years of grooming by the Red Sox. The criticism has been well deserved of late, however. This club is far too talented to be playing this poorly. They are a sub .500 team in the last 20 or so, and they shouldn't be.

Why is it? What happened to the team? Well they broke camp healthy, with the exception of KG. He clearly was hampered for the early portion of the season, but i don't believe that he is impaired as much as people are crying out now. I saw him on NBA TV over the weekend, and he indicated that he has some things going on, but no more than any other older vet. Look, he is not rebounding like 2008, but even then, he was 8.5 or so. The guy was a career 12 board type guy. Face it those days are over. However, the gut has shown bounce on offense often. He is not the same player as two seasons ago, but he can and likely will adapt. His shooting percentage has been torrid at times. It was running at a 70% clip prior to his recent knee hiatus. The guy is in year 14 with high mileage. He is facing that era in his career when great games are in the "here and there" category. He will rely on his brain more than ever this season, which I am O.K. with. The guy can play, just don't put it all on him.

The problem is that beside an aging KG, everyone dropped off at once. I don't understand Perk not getting good numbers. The kid is intense, plays sound defense, has heart. He should be able to get 10 per game. The injuries through the line-up have forced him to try to score more, which leads to him getting away fro his game more. The guy is never going to be a 20 and 10 guy, but he can and should be a 12 and 10 guy right now. He'll probably become a 16 point guy in the next two years, when KG hangs it up. Right now, he should concentrate on D and the glass. He is smart enought to understand position defensive schemes, so be smart enough to position for boards. The other team can't score if we have the ball.

Glenn Davis is a complete disappointment. The kid has tremendous tools, but this whole nickname fiasco, the thumb, the whatever is sickening. Think about it, and I realize that we aren't trying to solve the world economic problems or launch a rocket, but this kid is worrying about what people call him. Worry about getting on the floor and staying productive. A good bench player should always try to be a positive impact on the team, ALWAYS. TO be immersed publically in this foolishness is insulting to the club, the coach, to himself. This kid worked very hard to reach a point of effective play last season. He perfected a reliable mid-range game to go with his energy around the rim. Why get involved in this nickname silliness? It is clear that his agenda is not focused on Number 18. It's about Baby, or Glenn, or whatever. To me he is tradeable, and frankly a change of scenery may provide him some smoothness. The kid will be a solid player for years. He is thge classic guy who is a good player on a crummy team. Think Corliss WIlliamson with less hammer in him. Message to Danny:: Pull the trigger now!

As for the others, whatever...They are all eminently likeable and periodically invaluable, but if they are suddenly disfunctional either on the court or behind closed doors, then it's time to move on. There is no need to trade for the sake of trading. The unfortunate thing is that the deadline is too soon out of the break. I would rather hit the panic button after these next few road games. I would be on board with anything you could do if they hit the road and continue looking up at mediocrity. Trade any of the bench with Ray, Glenn, Perk, or whoever if it stabilizes the team.

One thing that does worry me though is the chemistry. We heard all about how much everyone likes each other on this team. The fans, like me, hear how Mike and Tommy gush about the good karma in the locker room. However, we hear Rondo speak about focus and agendas. We finally see chinks in Doc's stone faced party line post game conferences. So, who knows. You could go with the old "where there is smoke, there is fire" philosophy. I'd rather not though. Making a trade here could rupture the bulkhead in the ship, and we call rocket to the bottom in a hurry.

One thing that this team is, it is supremely confident. They know what they can do. I think that it even hurts them some at a time like this though. They have fallen into the turn it on and off mode, and that kills all one win championship teams. If these guys want to win, they need to search deep and remember what got them there. Team defense. Take charges. Help guys up off the floor. Put the hammer to teams and keep it down. Won at home. For God's sake, WIN AT HOME! ESPECIALLY FRIDAY! I say give it eight games out of the break. If in eight games they are still flat, it is over...Get ready for the puppet show, because it will all be Kobe and LeBron. I wish it was Friday...

Well, What Do We Know?

Bunky5 — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 03:25:11 -0000

It's almost the All-Star break, and things are as jumbled as Soduku in the dark. I do know the pieces and parts are here. I do know that the secret is here. This team is constructed for the playoffs. The problem is: will they be 100% when they get there?

We all need to assess the NBA season with patience. Yesterday, we all saw Kobe bring it with 7 seconds or so to go. I am as big a Lebron fan as there is, but you cannot, must not, give this guy a look. After a struggling afternoon, he pulled up and sunk the biggie. Surprised? Not in the least. Look, remember Bird, Jordan, Ortiz, Gretzky, etc. All the big time clutch players deliver more than 50% of the time, probably more. The issue for the last dozen plus games has been the finishing shortage. The Celts have played well in spurts, but are like a wobbly wheel...they have a hell of a hitch in their step. They rarely get outclassed from bell to bell. They do, however, lose focus regularly. This is the most troubling thing.

This team had supreme focus in 2008. They helped each other off the floor. They played rotation crazy, effective defense. They took charges, often. They did the little things. KG talked about it after Portland. He said he tried to do the little things. The problem is, like the saying goes, winning is a habit. Like a golfer who loses it, or a pitcher who hits a rut, they have developed bad habits. As veterans, the club knows what is right, yet they fall into the habit of trying to get it all back with a bang. God help us with the three's! In addition, their injuries have totally derailed the program. He is young. Sounds great.; Think of this: the kid banged himself up on a scooter, lied about it, then was suspended by the crummy Warriors (all of a sudden they have a compass?). Look everyone messes up. We all do at some point, but we are talking about bouncing an all-time good guy in Ray Allen. A man with great chemistry all around. He is an excellent player, despite the silliness of the recent criticism of his game. He is in superior shape. He cares. Aren't we tired of taking chances..does anyone remember Telfair? Nice guns...

Ray, like any shooter, will have his ups and downs. However, when you sum up all the math, he will be there more than not. Look hos three point shooting is atrocious, but so is Sheed's. No one is looking to dump hom (not that this is logic to nbot trade anyone, but as fans, what are we looking for?). Our problem in Boston is simple, we wnat it all now. We want the green light, we want the next great politician to do it now, we want that promotion, whatever. People, remember "Colors" when Robert Duvall, the veteran cop, talks with Sean Penn, the rookie cop, about the the Dad bull and the Son bull and the whole walk down to "befriend" the cows, rather than run down?? The NBA is a long season, STOP THE MADNESS! We are just over half way. Let's see what Ray looks like after a solid weekend in the Bahamas at the break. He'll come back. Good shooters always come through it. Keep shooting, get reps, that's what it's all about.

Now the real problem.The defense is weak. When KG is out, they give up more points. The intensity is lacking, but the technical proficiency is not there. The injuries have hurt them in two ways. The first point is simple, guys are out, then they are not on the floor. Result = two cans short of a six pack. Second, when they are all back, they are slow to give up the body. Think about it. How many charges have you seen them take in the last fifteen games? They don't back each other up. So, they don't step in for each other. It does nto appear to be an issue of whether they care fpr each other. By all accounts, this team truly gets along. The issue is a subtle loss of confidence in their health, which lead to a hesitancy to make the extra move. Then, when you continue to miss the play, it becomes habit, a bad habit.

Next is the rebounding. Simply put: it is horrible. Van Gundy pointed out Sunday that the C's are running at a deficit. That's all you need to here, a DEFICIT??? Ugh!

Now, the good news. The team has nearly 40 games to get it together. Who the hell knows about their health? A little point though: we cannot control it as fans. My advice is to stop speculating. That doesn't mean for us not to be analytical, or critical, but think of what it takes to get right. Rather than obsessing about one shot vaccines for the H1N1 the team has, talk up the skills that the boys need to remember. This team has all the skill set players that they need. They just have to swing through like a hitter in a slump in baseball. Tonight's effort is a start in Washington. Always take the "W."

Remember this, there is always the next game, when you are mired (and I mean mired) in the regular season. Yesterday, in the first quarter, the Lakers were solid gold, premium, A1. Then, they got it handed to them, only to revive and hit the game winner. Then sports radio, blog nation went koo-koo. ow will we compete? What will we do? Well, it's all there people, besides the mighty Lakers rolled into Memphis tonight....and lost. So does that mean Memphis is Finals-bound? Probably not. See what happens. For the first time in twenty-plus years the Celtics are more than relevant. Enjoy it for God's sake. The team we have won't last long. It may even be going out, but for another few months stay on the band wagon and see it through...Besides, next season, why not let Ray's contract expire, and then make charter reservations for a visit to Cleveland...it'd be better to see Wyc and company pay the luxury tax, rather than extend Monta Ellis. Wouldn't it?

Next is the rebounding. Simply put: it is horrible. Van Gundy pointed out Sunday that the C's are running at a deficit. That's all you need to here, a DEFICIT??? Ugh!

Ba-Boomp! Ba-Boomp! Ba-Boomp!

Bunky5 — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 14:07:53 -0000

Well people, the HEARTBEAT of America is back! Down at the big house last night, we were all witnesses (Sorry Lebron, love ya' but da' kid has you beat on the phenom out of high school thing). KG was back in the line-up and showed us all what we've been sorely missing: a pulse. As much as Rondo is now the motor on the team, KG is the fuel. Coaches, tv analysts, and fans saw the obvious difference.

Remember back to the Palace on Wednesday? This club looked as lost as a 2nd grader on the concourse of Gillette stadium. They forced it, had no "oomph", no face. Pierce had the blankest of blank stares late in the fourth. He looked like he just saw someone run over by a train.

Thankfully, the list in the good ship Celtic is starting to right itself. It's really simple here. The Celtics have three sure fire Hall of Famers and one seedling candidate, but don't forget that until they all assembled there was, at a minimum, more of a debate of the Big Three Part 2's place in history. All are fantastic, but it is their ability to get it done as a group that propels them ahead. They are not individually able to carry the load at this point in their careers to carry a club for long stretches of games. The good news though is that they were back on the floor last night and looked, and looked like they had been together the whole time. Sure, Ray was 3 for million, KG played 30 minutes, whatever. They had trust on the floor (note Ray's third make to go ahead). The trust was there. Pierce went for 24 on 9 of 14 shooting. He made it look easy. They open it up for each other. They operate smoother.

The litmus test for championship blood is the next half dozen or so games. If they can get their groove on, improve the flow, they have a chance to make the misery of the last ten games look ten seasons ago in the rear view mirror after the All-Star break. They need to build on last night. It was a welcome step back. They ground out a very necessary win last night against a good, well coached, but injury riddled team. If Brandon Roy played, this post might be written in red blood, because that loss would've really stabbed Celtic Nation in the heart. Of course that didn't happen, and so as to not too go Boston doom and gloom here, this morning I am happy. No Felger-itis for me. This team still has a pulse, and it's wearing number 5....UBUNTU!

Well Where Are We Now?

Bunky5 — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 14:10:48 -0000

Last night was another slug out....By the way, did Lou Williams borrow his older brother's sport coat last night on the Philly bench? This clearly is a work in progress.

It is interesting thought that when the Celtics had the benefit of extendedd practice time, a la breaking training camp, they play better. In the beginning of the season, they looked like a juggernaut, but really how long could that last? They were chucking threes and making them. For the last, half dozen or so games, they have not been nearly as proficient.

Take the percentages out of it and think timeliness. That is really the best way to win with a three. Look no further than the Jim O'Brien years. Those teams fought hard mind you. They barely ever had no show nights during those years. However, they had no true offensive flow. It was a variety of iso plays and a ton of threes...maybe more. They lived by them, and ultimately died by them, along with an overall lack of talent. The O'B teams were offense by volume. Shoot as many threes as possible...hope enough go in. Clearly not the solution. This team is another matter. They have mutliple options, but for periods they have fallen in love with the three. They have the cabaility of having a solid, aggressive take it to the basket game, which could (and should) be supported by the deep ball.

Take stock of the options for a moment. Ray Allen has looked like Jesus Shuttlesworth at times. I think he's had more dunks in the first 15 games than he had all of last year, or so it seems. He keeps himself in fantastic shape and still has the ability to choose his spots. He should continue to do so. Look no further than last night's 1 for 6 from three. Although his role is to spot up in the drive and kick nature of this team's offense, he need s to find a way to mix in the aggressive drive to the hoop. His game has evolved from the heady final season in Seattle, where he was a mid 20's scorer, but that doesn't mean he shouldn't push the ball at the rim reagularly. He is an exceptional foul shooter and appears to have some pop in his game this season (except that lay-up last night of the E House feed...).

Rondo has been up and down at times. He has put some brilliant double doubles out there this season. Without question, he is the drive shaft of this team's car. His numbers often end up good, but the troubling thing is the stretches of time during a game where he doesn't force the issue more. Last night, it wasn't until the fourth quarter that he flexed his muscles and will on the game. He was simply brilliant in that quarter. Now I don't wish to go Felger here and complain about a win, but if they are going to get to Number 18, they need to find a sense of purpose earlierr in the game. Rondo is the gut to do that. Rondo is one of the most unique NBA players that I've seen in nearly 30 years of watching the league. He is like Plasticman out there with an Einsteinian feel for the game. Although some may cringe, his game has familiar overtones of Magic. He can rebound and go. He dictates where players need to be, and generally is pass first (although not nearly as creative, yet effective). That being said, I would like to see a more consistent push in the first and third quaters. At home the first is the time to set the tone, and the third is the time to put the thing away. Rondo has the ability to dictate every facet of the game out there, and should. Despite the fact that three first ballot Hall-of Famers are often flanking him on the court. They look for him after every defensive rebound, and off he goes to set the team. He has the ability to control the games entirely without scoring, which is truly unique.

KG...well I say give hime a pass. If Rondo is the drive shaft, then KG is the motor. The defense begins and ends with him. I look at his situation as something Brady-esque. Over the last few weeks, there is speculation about the pop missing from KG's game. The latest version of Grey's Anatomy says the knee is fine. Now, it's the shins. I'm no doctor, nether are most of you. So, let's just let the thing develop. Like Brady, and others, he should and will (most likely) come around. In the meantime, I'll take him every night over not having him. Look no further than Sunday. There he is 3 for lots, but then in an instant, he's 4 for lots plus one, with a game winner. Be positive for a minute, and take it. It's better than 3 for lots plus one and a loss to the lowly "Which Basket Are We Shooting At Knicks" (Note to file, it's a good bet than Mike D'Antoni: A. Never saw that in Italy and B. Wishes Steve Nash hadn't reisigned with Phoenix and was available in 2010.. after all he's not planning on having Chris Duhon pass Lebron the ball is he?). Back to reality, the moral of the story is let KG chest pound himself back to the mountain top, and enjoy the finger rolls (I think I've seen more from him this year than any player since either Dr.J or Iceman) until the dinks return.

Pierce...well let's keep it simple here, MVP. Look it, I'm not wearing my green glasses herre this morning. He is the most effective player on this team this year. He had a grat block in the fourth last night, scored in a variety of ways, and generally imposed his will all night. That has been the pattern this year. Now I know all about Kobe and LeBron. I am a fan too. Anyone with League Pass can give you an update on thos guys, and they deserve it. I'd even throw in Carmelo Anthony as an early candidate. Sorry Hawks, I am impressed, but I can't bring myself to believe it yet. So, no go for Joe Johnson...best player on best team be damned. With all that out there, I have watched Pierce for his whole carrier, and this is his best yet. He remade himself, when KG arrived, and clearly has figured it out over the last few years. Hehas always been a top shelf scorer. He has every move a scorer could hope for. The three, the stop-and-go herky jerky mid range drive and pull-up, the jab and step back (see last night), the drive and dunk, etc and so on. Tom Heinsohn once called him the best offensive Celtic ever. I being the Bird-era fan that I am though this to be heresy. However, the more games that pass, I am now starting to accept at least a tie. The kid truly has it all and should be considered at a minimum a top five player thus far in the year. If the Celtics finish the year as the best team, and his play continues, I say why not?

Perk...Just keep Perkolating. He is doing it. He was on 72% FG tear going into last night. Just rebound kid.

The bench has lots to offer. Let's just put it this way. There is a minimum of three players on the Green Team that could and would start on most clubs. Back to the three ball here. It's this simple balance the show a little more. Sheed for every three take two two's. E House don't change. The three is your game. Come off screens too, just keep playing. Marquis, you are a pleasant addition. You are smart and talented. It will all be fine off the bench. Forget last night's Philly outscoring Boston's bench anomaly. They shoot cuckoo off the bench. It was a classic example of playing up to competition.

Here's the bottom line. This is the most talented team in the League on most nights. They need to balance a little more, lose the Calipari drive and kick offense, mix in some lay-ups, and in the interest of completeness (even though I never mentioned it) Rebound the BALL! Buckle-up people it's long year. Think of it like this: one Patriots game is is like 10 Red Sox games or 5 Celtics games. That being said if we're all panicking over 4th and 2, then we shouldn't panick until we drop 5 straight, adn that's never going to happen!

Last night was another slug out....By the way, did Lou Williams borrow his older brother's sport coat last night on the Philly bench? This clearly is a work in progress.

Perk...Just keep Perkolating. He is doing it. He was on 72% FG tear going into last night. Just rebound kid.