SB Nation User Blog: Green17

Avert Your Eyes

Green17 — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 02:52:53 -0000

More photos » by Bill Kostroun - AP

How did the Celtics respond to their first loss of the season? They threw up a stinker in New Jersey. Thankfully for the Celtics, the Nets can barely dress eight players and had to start Trenton Hassell. I know, I was surprised he's still in the league too!

This was just a bizarre and awful game. It was played a snail's pace, and while it seemed like the Celtics couldn't shoot - mainly Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen (up until Ray made a couple late to ice it), the Nets had lineups out there that probably haven't even practiced together. The Celtics were fortunate that these unfamiliar Net lineups turned the ball over 23 times - 20 of those TOs were actually Celtics steals. Marv Albert (I had the Nets broadcast) informed me that is a league high so far this year. The turnovers really were the key to the victory tonight.

The Celtics have now played three sub-par games in a row. Hopefully they get some much needed rest and practice time before the Jazz come to town.

Flat Celts Get By

Green17 — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 02:51:46 -0000

More photos » by Jim Mone - AP

Wolves are pesky!

Browse more photos »

The Celtics were flat tonight. How flat were they? In case you missed it, Tommy Heinsohn, Mr. Celtic, the homer announcer that every non-Celtics fan absolutely loathes on league pass called the Celtics elderly. Elderly. He said this in the context of the second night of the road back-to-back. Hopefully, Tommy is wrong and the Celtics are still working on their legs, but clearly they lacked a bounce in their step tonight - for example, Eddie badly air-balled a rhythm three at the start of the fourth and Paul's turn-around with 20 seconds to go to ice it was woefully short, barely scraping the front rim.

Not to take anyting away from the Timberwolves. They came out with energy and basically had an answer for every Celtics run. It's a pleasure to watch Al Jefferson. Jonny Flynn seems very much legit (I still don't get the Rubio pick). Ryan Gomes is just a solid NBA player - except for that ill-advised three with 50 seconds left. Oleksiy Pecherov has some interesting hair, and a better jumper. Wolves fans might be upset with the tie up call with six seconds to go, but honestly, what is career 38% shooter Corey Brewer doing with the ball there?

The Wolves really controlled the game, up until the middle of the 3rd quarter when they decided to stop guarding Rajon Rondo. Rajon found a few creases down low, made the bunnies and carried that energy into his defense with a few steals. He sparked the team tonight. With an "elderly" core (in basketball sense) the Celtics are really going to need to lean on the young legs of Rajon and Marquis Daniels to carry the team at times this year. Rajon did that tonight for the Celtics. He pushed this team over the hill.

Box score after the jump.

Boston
Starters		Min	FG	3Pt	FT	+/-	Off	Reb	Ast	TO	Stl	BS	BA	PF	Pts
R. Rondo	G	34:53	8-16	0-0	2-2	0	2	4	6	2	3	0	0	3	18
R. Allen	G	33:13	6-13	1-7	1-1	-2	0	3	5	1	0	0	0	0	14
K. Perkins	C	31:57	6-7	0-0	1-2	-2	1	8	1	2	0	3	0	1	13
P. Pierce	F	41:24	3-12	0-1	4-4	-2	1	2	5	1	0	0	0	2	10
K. Garnett	F	35:18	6-13	0-0	0-0	-1	2	11	2	1	1	3	1	1	12
Bench		Min	FG	3Pt	FT	+/-	Off	Reb	Ast	TO	Stl	BS	BA	PF	Pts
R. Wallace		19:13	2-7	2-7	1-2	+2	1	5	0	1	0	0	0	3	7
M. Daniels		17:32	2-5	0-0	2-6	0	0	1	3	0	2	0	1	2	6
E. House		13:16	2-8	2-4	0-0	+5	0	1	1	1	2	0	0	0	6
S. Williams		9:24	2-2	0-0	2-2	+2	1	1	0	0	1	0	0	0	6
B. Scalabrine		3:50	0-0	0-0	0-0	+8	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0

Totals			37-83	5-19	13-19		8	36	23	9	9	6	2	13	92
Percentages:			.446	.263	.684		Team Rebounds: 7

Minnesota
Starters		Min	FG	3Pt	FT	+/-	Off	Reb	Ast	TO	Stl	BS	BA	PF	Pts
C. Brewer	G	39:08	6-16	0-2	1-1	+2	0	3	5	1	1	0	1	3	13
J. Flynn	G	33:10	4-6	1-1	1-1	+3	1	5	5	2	0	0	1	1	10
A. Jefferson	C	36:09	8-17	0-1	2-3	+3	0	4	3	2	1	0	2	2	18
R. Gomes	F	34:41	5-7	0-1	1-2	+6	1	7	3	1	2	0	0	1	11
O. Pecherov	F	34:10	9-14	1-4	5-5	+12	1	8	1	2	1	0	2	3	24
Bench		Min	FG	3Pt	FT	+/-	Off	Reb	Ast	TO	Stl	BS	BA	PF	Pts
R. Sessions		14:50	2-3	0-0	0-0	-5	0	4	2	3	0	0	0	1	4
R. Hollins		13:41	2-5	0-0	0-0	-11	2	4	1	2	0	2	0	4	4
S. Pavlovic		13:19	2-3	0-1	0-0	-8	1	4	0	2	0	0	0	0	4
B. Cardinal		11:51	1-3	0-0	0-0	-5	0	0	2	0	0	0	0	2	2
D. Wilkins		5:06	0-1	0-1	0-0	-8	0	1	0	2	0	0	0	1	0
W. Ellington		3:55	0-0	0-0	0-0	+1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0

Totals			39-75	2-11	10-12		6	40	22	17	5	2	6	18	90
Percentages:			.520	.182	.833		Team Rebounds: 7

C's Head North to Visit Old Friends

Green17 — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:09:31 -0000

View full size photo »

Boston Celtics at Minnesota Timberwolves Game Preview

Wednesday, November 4th, 2009 8:00PM EST

TV: CSNHD, KSTC-45 Radio: WEEI

Venue: Target Center

Game # 6, Away Game #3

GAME THREAD | CHAT ROOM

Preview by IndeedProceed

Since that fateful day on July 31st, 2007 the Boston Celtics have faced off against the Minnesota Timberwolves four times and have won four times. That does not mean it has always been easy. In 2007-2008 the Celtics won the two games against the Wolves by a combined score of three points. In 2008-2009 the scores were a little less stressful but the latest battle last season had Boston only winning by eight.

Circumstances are decidedly different for both teams since they last met during the regular season. Minnesota's (By way of Boston. We had him first) Al Jefferson way playing at an All-Star level, posting 34 points and 11 rebounds. Boston was riding high, tied for the best record in the league. Since that game both teams have underwent massive changes.

Seven games later Boston would lose Kevin Garnett to what would ultimately be a season ending injury. Five games later Minnesota would lose Al Jefferson for the season. Both injuries would severely derail their respective teams seasons.

Now, it is two very different teams that face off. The Celtics have a revamped bench and a healthy Garnett. Of the Timberwolves starting 5 last Winter, only former Celtics Ryan Gomes and Al Jefferson remain. The Celtics look to improve on their already impressive record while the Timberwolves still look to get their first win since the franchise defining trade of Kevin Garnett.

Probable Lineups

Boston:

POS	Player	MPG	PPG	APG	RPG
PG	Rajon Rondo	31.6	7.4	10.4	4.4
SG	Ray Allen	35.0	15.2	2.2	1.6
SF	Paul Pierce	32.4	21.6	3.0	6.8
PF	Kevin Garnett	28.0	11,2	6.8	2.2
C	Kendrick Perkins	25.3	8.4	1.2	5.0
6	Rasheed Wallace	21.4	12.0	1,4	4.4
7	Marquis Daniels	22.0	5.0	2,8	2.0
8	Shelden Williams	18.6	7.8	1.2	6.6
9	Eddie House	15.8	9.6	1.6	1.4
10	Lester Hudson	9.0	3.0	1.3	.3

Minnesota:

POS	Player	MPG	PPG	APG	RPG
PG	Johnny Flynn	24.0	14.8	3.3	2.8
SG	Damien WIlkins*	17	5.8	1.0	3.3
SF	Corey Brewer	34.3	12.8	2.3	5.8
PF	Ryan Gomes	28	11.3	1.8	8.0
C	Al Jefferson	29.5	16.5	2.8	6.0
6	Wayne Ellington	20.8	4.8	1.8	2.8
7	Ramon Sessions	24.5	6.0	2.8	5.8
8	Oleksiy Percherov*	13.5	8.0	.3	3.5
9	Ryan Hollins	19.3	8.0	1.3	3.0
10	Sasha Pavlovic	13.3	2.3	1.8	1.8

*Oleksiy Percherov and Damien Wilkins have both started 2 games a piece. Rambis has been playing around with the lineup and neither has set themselves apart. With our bigger lineup Percherov will probably start, but honestly I have no idea.

Injuries and Stuff:

Bos- Glen Davis, out. Bill Walker, out. Brian Scalabrine, questionable.

Min- Kevin Love, out

Major Matchup:

Al Jefferson vs Kevin Garnett- Both of these guys are obviously less than 100%, but for either team to maximize their potential, both guys need to eventually be healthy, and the sooner the better. While both guys are averaging close to 30 mins a game, neither guy has looked remotely like the player they have been in the past. Also it is pretty obvious their minutes are still being heavily monitored. Both teams are really looking for that 25 point 12 rebound performance to breath a sigh of relief for either player, and as yet it has not happened.

Other Noteable Matchups:

Johnny Flynn and Ramon Sessions vs Rajon Rondo-Johnny Flynn right now is the Wolves' leading scorer, and Rondo has had issues with fast agile scoring PG's in the past (see TJ Ford, Chris Paul, etc). The bigger story in the long term here though is the ever changing depth chart in Minnesota. While Flynn scores and start, Sessions seems to make his teammates better and gets more minutes. Flynn is a showy player that makes things happen but Sessions is a more steady hand and probably the smarter play. It will be interesting to see who Rambis goes to for the majority of the game while the outcome is still in question.

Keys to the game for the good guys:

The Celtics need to play up to their own potential and not down to the competition. During theBobcats game, I made the observation in the chat that the Celtics often end up in tough drawn out games with the Cats, and one of the other more astute members said "No IP, they just play down to them" That makes a lot of sense. On paper we're a far better team than the T-Wolves, but if we walk onto the floor thinking this game will be anything other than a regular NBA game, the Wolves have a shot to surprise us.
Don't try to do too hard, and stay focused. I said in the matchups section, Al Jefferson and Kevin Garnett have neither really had a 'statement game' yet. On top of that, KG will be heading home for the third time since his trade, and he will feel real pressure to put on a show for the people, and likewise Al Jefferson will be looking both to reaffirm his own worth as a player matching KG's caliber (b/c they were traded for each other), and to show the home fans that he's still the 25-10 Al Jefferson from last season.
Limit the turnovers. God I cannot fathom why we turn over the ball so much. It is the number one thing that gets me screaming at the TV and the one thing we're constantly raked over the coals for in the national media. Against a young, hungry team like the Wolves this is of even larger concern. The Wolves' number one priority coming into this season was to 'run', with Rambis stating from day one that this team was going to get up and down the court fast, and often. Points off turnovers has been a bane in the past, and if you give a young team like the Wolves an emotional boost with a couple showy dunks off of turnovers, they might actually start thinking they can win the game. (as if.)

Philadelphia 74ers

Green17 — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 02:23:54 -0000

More photos » by Matt Slocum - AP

Browse more photos »

The Celtics stay undefeated in another laugher, holding the Philadelphia 76ers to 74 points in the process.

After a tight first quarter, the Celtics blew it open in the second and third, largely on the strength of Rasheed Wallace's 20 points, including a sizzling 6-8 from downtown. The threes were a theme all night - the Celtics shot 14 of 20, 70% for the game.

Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen both had odd stat lines, with KG putting up 3 points and 6 boards with 5 turnovers in 20 minutes while Ray had only 5 points for the night, but was a +14 on the night. Honestly KG didn't seem to into it tonight, which is unusual.

The bench really pushed this game open for the Celtics extending the lead when the starters came out - the core bench guys were all above +25 on the night. Eddie House is the best garbage time player in the league, just stomping all over Philly with a couple of extreme garbage time three-pointers. Shelden Williams was also pretty solid tonight, flashing a few real nice turnaround post jumpers.

Lester Hudson played quite a bit in the fourth and was absolutely bombing from downtown throwing up two pretty nifty threes of his own. Old pal Scal got in a bit too, and not surprisingly got that same annoying cheer from the crowd in Philly that he gets in Boston. Stop it people.

Message Sent. Not this year Baby Bulls

Green17 — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 02:00:55 -0000

More photos » by Charles Krupa - AP

Browse more photos »

Rajon Rondo's stat line is all you need to know for tonight. 2 points, 16 assists, 8 boards, 1 steal and 2 turnovers. Rajon took two shots, but absolutely dominated this game, just demolishing Derrick Rose. Question, can we just start calling him Errick Rose? Is it too soon?

The rest of the starters went a combined 26 for 39, largely due to the ridiculousness dime dropping from Rondo.

Message to Danny, just sign the kid. Seriously.

Jimmy is at the game and will have a full recap following the locker room pressers.

Happy Halloween.

Celts Win Game 2! Plus, Opening Night Intros and Comments from your Captain

Green17 — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 01:00:44 -0000

More photos » by Michael Dwyer - AP

Defense

Browse more photos »

The Celtics blew the doors off the Bobcats tonight. It's going to be all about defense this year, and from the play in this game and the game last night, the defense is looking mighty fine.

Keys from the game:

The defense was stifling. The Cats had 41 points through three quarters. And ended up with a franchise low in points
All the subs got a huge hand tonight, including Rasheed who immediately bombed from downtown.
The game was nailed shut with back-to-back threes followed by a dunk from Paul Pierce. All assisted by Rajon, who actually pretended to sign the ball after the last dime. It was both hilarious and bush league - I loved it and hated it, someone needs to find a clip of it though.
Lester, JR, Shelden all got extended minutes tonight.
Mike Gorman has a tiny budget Coby monitor that he uses to call the games which got prominent air-time following Gerald Wallace diving over the scorer's table. CSN needs to upgrade that for our man Mike.

Oh and the Cavs lost in Toronto, with Shaq putting up a frothy -25 (maybe fewer yucks with Big Ben, Golden Boy etc., this summer Shaq and more practice....)

JimmyT is at the game and will have a full recap complete with quotes from this laugher. After the jump check out the intros from the home opener.

Big tip of the hat to the dudes at Red's Army.

Quick BBD Update: Surgery Confirmed, Out 6 Weeks

Green17 — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 13:06:24 -0000

More photos » by Charles Krupa - AP

Big Baby smiles at his working hands on a much happier day.

Browse more photos »

On a day that should really be focused on the first game of the season the main storyline instead appears to be Glen Davis' hand. Note the latest updates will appear at the top as this story still seems rather fluid.

Update - The Celtics just put out the following press release:

BOSTON - The Boston Celtics announced today that forward Glen Davis underwent successful surgery to reduce and fix a right thumb fracture. The surgery was performed by Celtics Team Physician, Dr. Brian McKeon and was assisted by Dr. Hervey Kimball and Dr. Drew Terrono at New England Baptist Hospital. Davis is expected to miss the next six weeks.

"I would first like to apologize to my fans, teammates, coaches and the entire Celtics organization. I am extremely disappointed that this incident occurred and that it will prevent me from starting the season with the rest of my teammates. My teammates and the entire Celtics organization are extremely important to me and I will do my best to expedite the healing process and be back on the court as soon as possible," said Davis.

The Herald has details of the altercation:

According to the police report obtained by the Herald, Davis claimed his allegedly drunken childhood pal was "continually bothering his girlfriend," Jenna Gomez. . . . "It was two guys that had a fight over something that was said to a girlfriend," Waltham Detective Capt. William Stanton said. "They assured us there would be no more problems."

Marc Spears reports further on the altercation, and BBD's status:

Boston Celtics forward Glen Davis told Yahoo! Sports on Tuesday that he will be sidelined six to eight weeks after breaking his right thumb while trying to protect himself from a friend who slugged him.

Earlier updates follow after the jump

via Chris Sheridan's twitter:

"Glen "Big Baby" Davis update: He is having surgery today to determine the extent of the injury. It is to his right (shooting hand) thumb"

Meanwhile, Gary Washburn reported that BBD is likely to be out "3-4 months . . . but not the season"

With Brian Scalabrine out following his freak cameraman incident in New York, it would seem that Shelden Williams will get BBD's minutes until Scal is back practicing his intangibles for the Celts. Shelden averaged 4 points and 3 boards in 12 minutes of pre-season action, with a 7 point and 8 board effort in 33 minutes of playing time against the Cavs last week.

Wyc talks suspension for Baby Glen:

In the wake of a thumb injury sustained during a recent altercation, Celtics forward Glen "Big Baby" Davis likely will be suspended by the team, owner Wyc Grousbeck confirmed to the Globe this morning.

Grousbeck initially reported that a suspension was "very likely" during an interview with Gene Lavanchy on the Fox 25 morning show.

"I've had enough of 'Big Baby,' so I'm going to start calling him Glen," Grousbeck told the Globe. "It certainly seems like there's going to be a suspension here."

He doesn't sound very happy.

Our very own Author, Master Po (who will also pen tonight's game recap) has the quote of the day in the comments:

Song of the Day by Biz Markie (slight remix on the chorus)

Baby You, you had what we need but you got punched on by a friend
Now you say your fat thumb won't bend, oh baby please
You, you had what we need but now Wyc will reach out and suspend
How long you gonna be on the mend, oh baby pleeeeeease
You, you had what we need but you know
now you'll never win............ oh baby please.........

The Globe has the following report this am:

Another league source confirmed the injury will require surgery and will keep Davis out indefinitely.

Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge said yesterday he "would not confirm or deny'' reports surrounding the injury.

Davis missed practice yesterday at the team's facility in Waltham, Mass., and did not travel to Cleveland for tonight's season opener against the Cavaliers.

"I am not making a public statement until we have all of the facts relative to the injury,'' Ainge said. "We sent him for a scan and further tests.

"It looks like he's going to be out for a while.''

Visualize the NBA Schedule

Green17 — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 17:54:01 -0000

Visualize the NBA Schedule

You too can feel like you're reading the matrix and visualize the entire NBA schedule for each team (h/t Ball Don't Lie)

Yep, this is definitely the pre-season

Green17 — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 00:36:38 -0000

More photos » by Charles Krupa - AP

He's back!

Browse more photos »

Jimmy Toscano will follow up after the game with a recap, but for now, a few thoughts on the 1st half.

Oh wow is this ugly. I think they will have to re-paint the rims at half time. Maybe TA can get up on a ladder and do that, maybe he can contribute that way?
Rasheed made a turn-around jumper late in the 1st quarter. Hearing RAAAAASheeed WALLACE from the home public address was actually really jarring. I'm not used to this yet.
The defense looks pretty good. Or maybe the Knicks are just bad? Probably both.
PP abused Gallinari early, but missed the bunnies.
KG looked fluid to me. Active on D. Still working on the O
Daniels was a little spastic out there.
Rondo showed a very nice pull-up jumper early, but then bricked a few threes after that, so draw your own conclusions there.
If Perk doesn't average a double / double this year (even with Sheed stealing some minutes) I'll be bummed.

Update: Billy has successful surgery (rumor is out 6-8 weeks)

Green17 — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 18:45:15 -0000

More photos » by Steven Senne - AP

Heal fast Bill

Browse more photos »

Updating the story from yesterday, the Celtics just put out the following press release:

BOSTON, MA - The Boston Celtics announced today that forward Bill Walker underwent successful right knee arthroscopic surgery today at the New England Baptist Hospital. Walker sustained a meniscus tear on the first day of training camp. Surgery was performed by Team Physician Dr. Brian McKeon and assisted by John Rand, PAC. No timetable has been set for his return.

Yesterday's story from the From the Globe

An MRI on Bill Walker's right knee revealed a torn meniscus and he will miss six to eight weeks, meaning the Celtics would have to carry an injured Walker on their roster into the regular season.

Walker left Wednesday's practice with a sore knee and returned to Boston for further examination.

Walker has had major surgery on both knees and has yet to reach his vast potential. He spent most of his rookie season in the NBDL. He played in 29 games last season.

As I said in the comments yesterday, I blame Cameron Diaz. I like that the Globe calls his potential vast though. This opens the door again for TA and for JR as well.