Yes.
June 18, 2008
June 13, 2008
Game 4 Thoughts
What a game. I haven't been that excited during a C's game since the Nets comeback of 2003.
Of course, we lost that series. The C's really need to focus on closing out this series in LA because I don't like LA getting any hint of life. I'd be very nervous about the Lakers, backs against the wall, playing with nothing to lose in Beantown.
As karma would have it, I might not even be able to watch game 5 since I'll be in Utah working that Sunday. Still, I'm hoping the Celtics close out the series and come home with a trophy rather than a date with the Laker girls.
June 12, 2008
Game 4 Preview
Not much to say about this one. The Celtics need to come back and push the action on both ends of the floor. Eddie House and Sam Cassell need to get solid minutes both to rest Rondo and to help the Celtics' spacing on offense. Personally, I think this is the C's series to lose so they just need to go out and establish their will and they should be able to come away with a 3 - 1 lead in the series.
Not that that will be easy. The Lakers haven't been playing very well and if Lamar Odom has an ounce of pride in his body, he should come to play tonight. The Lake Show should also look to establish Pau's post game early in the first half but we'll see if that happens.
June 11, 2008
Game 3 Thought
One thought. That was just a bad game.
From Sam Cassell forcing shots to Lamar Odom deciding running out the clock is for suckers and getting an offensive foul called on him, this was most certainly not a game for the ages. I'd love to sit back and say Pierce played poorly so the C's should have no problem winning when he's on but the fact remains that the Lakers also played like crap. Unfortunately, this is the kind of game that road teams have to steal in order to close out a playoff series.
I'm still sticking with my Celtics in 6 prediction but this was a giant step back. The C's were completely out of sorts. As I expected, they figured out the Lakers defense in the third but then they went away from it in the 4th and suddenly were back playing catch up and trying to adapt. They played desperate basketball in a close game. If the Lakers could hit a shot or Lamar Odom or Pau Gasol actually had shown up, the Lakers would have run away in the last quarter.
It was a bad game. I really wouldn't take a single thing out of this performance besides the fact that the Celtics can't let it happen again.
June 10, 2008
Game 3 Preview
The C's main focus needs to be figuring out how the Lakers are going to adjust. Right now, everything is working for the Celtics (when they are actually playing and not running out the clock) and the pressure is on the Lakers to catch up to them. I'm expecting the C's to struggle a bit in the first half but then figure out the Lakers new defense in the second half. Right now I'm expecting the C's to win this game and lose the next two.
THe biggest disappointment of the Finals, for me, is that the Lakers are playing as listlessly as the Pistons did, having an almost been there, done that attitude when they should be firing on all cylanders. Hopefully the Lake Show keep forgetting about feeding Pau Gasol in the post and Lamar Odom doesn't wake up.
June 09, 2008
Game 2 Thoughts
POWE!
Leon was truly The Professional tonight against the Lakers. His aggresiveness was the key. I loved that in the post-game interview, Phil Jackson complained about the officiating and that Leon shot more free throws than the the Laker team and then one queston later was asked about how Leon Powe was somehow able to drive down the lane for a wide open dunk. Eventually Phil admitted that his team wasn't aggresive enough and also wasn't even taking charge when they were available.
No doubt, the officials were terrible. It was very one-sided (and yes, I know the C's didn't get ALL the calls but they got more than their fair share) and featured one of the worst sequences I've ever seen in a basketball game, playoff or not. Pierce pulled Kobe's arm off during a drive, then on the other end Derek Fisher was tackled, followed by Vlad Rad stealing the ball next time down and taking three or four steps on a lay-up.
As for the fourth, the Celtics played poorly as they did in stretches in game 1: leaving people open, not starting the offense until late in the shot clock, lazy passes, etc. Doc Rivers commented that the Celts were running down the clock and playing the score rather than playing the game. While I don't like the shot of confidence it gave the Lakers, I am happy that the Celtics aren't heading into LA with big heads. They now know that no lead is safe and that if they let up for an instant that this Lakers squad will be able to beat them.
Right now, the Celtics just need to keep playing their game until the Lakers alter their defense to stop them. Radmanovic on Pierce is a disaster and could get the Lake Show swept. On defense, the C's are doing a good job forcing Kobe into tough shots. Hopefully the Lakers will continue to ignore Pau Gasol who made the defensive player of the year KG look silly on a couple of post plays.
And Paul Pierce continues to make a bigger name for himself with some key shots, drives, and one huge block.
June 08, 2008
Game 2 Preview
While I know this game is huge, I wouldn't consider it a "must win" and for that reason, I would keep Pierce's minutes down a bit. Give James Posey more time, go big with KG at the 3, or even give Tony Allen some spot minutes. The C's can't focus on winning this battle and possibly hurting their star for the rest of the war.
Other than that, the C's should work to improve off of their last outing. Rondo and the PG's need to stay on Fisher better and not give him open looks. The defense on Kobe was great and they should look to continue forcing him into off-balance jumpers. The offense needs to stay focused and work on not breaking down so much. Especially in the 4th, the C's had a lot of discombobulated trips down the floor, many times getting their offense started with little time left on the shot clock.
In the end, it should be another great game and the Celts should look for an energized Lakers squad to open the game. I thought they seemed lackluster in game 1 and should be more fired up to start this game. If the C's can withstand the opening punch, I think they should be sitting pretty in the fourth and be able to take a 2 - 0 lead.
June 06, 2008
1 Down
Whining about refs. Whispering about Pierce faking his injury. The worst part about living in LA is that even when the Lakers lose, you can't enjoy it because people complain so much and make up fake excuses as to why the Lake Show was shut down.
The Lakers didn't shoot well. The Celtics played some nice defense but they can't rest on their laurels and think how they played is going to be enough for the rest of the series. The C's defense had some lapses (especially on Fish in the first half) and, on offense, they made too many mistakes in the 4th when they should have been putting the final nail in the Lakers' coffin. Ray Allen's mistakes are most annoying; I don't mind him not being able to shoot but when he's bouncing the ball off of his foot and throwing ill-advised passes it's adding insult to injury.
On the bright side, Paul Pierce gave an elite-level performance and KG was strong. While his dunk in the 4th was great, the best move he had was a play or two after when he took the ball strong to the hole. Rondo was solid running the point and Sam Cassell made some big plays although he did have a senior moment in the middle of the game, forcing some shots and then passing up another when the shot clock was running out. PJ Brown was huge and helped the C's overcome Perkins' lousy game.
But the most intriguing part of this game to me was the fact that the Lakers didn't seem to have much of any fire. Even Kobe seemed eerily calm and in his post-game interview he seemed almost non-plussed by the loss. In fact, all of the Lakers seemed to kind of blow it off as if they'll easily step up and take game 2.
I can't wait for game 2.
June 05, 2008
Pre-Game 1 Thoughts
The key to this game will be the second half. Both teams will be playing off of adrenaline and the first and the team that can come out of the locker room in the second half and establish their game plan in the second half will likely take the game. Yeah, not the most insigtful comment ever typed but what can I say? I'm still a little dizzy about the fact that the Celtics are back in the Finals.
In terms of nerves, both teams should be even. The Lakers have the pressure of being the favorites (and Kobe trying to show he can win without Shaq) while the Celtics need to win in order to maintain their home court advantage. Pierce needs to play within himself and keep the mistakes to the minimum, letting KG focus more on defense.
And if Perkins could pop Gasol in the mouth once, it might not be so bad.
In terms of nerves, both teams should be even. The Lakers have the pressure of being the favorites (and Kobe trying to show he can win without Shaq) while the Celtics need to win in order to maintain their home court advantage. Pierce needs to play within himself and keep the mistakes to the minimum, letting KG focus more on defense.
And if Perkins could pop Gasol in the mouth once, it might not be so bad.
May 31, 2008
Yes He Can
Be it the savvy draft picks like Kendrick Perkins and Rajon Rondo or the big moves (Ratliff, Ray Allen) that led to the biggest move, Danny's plan has really come together and the C's are back where they belong. And the fact that the Lakers had some great talent fall in their lap and are joining the C's in the Finals makes it all the sweeter.
Kudos to Danny and the C's. I've been an all-or-nothing, Championship or Bust type guy but I have to say that this run has been sweet, no matter what happens in the NBA Finals.
That being said...
BEAT LA
May 23, 2008
The Stage is Set
The Celtics will be ready to go to war on Saturday and it should be an amazing game. It should be great to see them face real adversity for the first time in this playoffs. Personally, I think they need to have Rondo bring the ball up the floor and get it to Pierce as soon as possible so that he can initiate the offense. When Rondo is up top, there's really no threat; everyone knows he's going to pass (unless he can start beating Rip off the dribble). The Pistons played a great game and hit a ton of difficult shots but there can really be no moral victories taken from this one.
May 22, 2008
No Let Down
Winning has come fairly easy to the Celtics and they've seemed to lost a bit of their fire in these playoffs when things are going according to plan. Normally the let down has come in the road but the C's need to be careful that they don't open up the door for the Pistons tomorrow. Detroit played poorly and is going to be fired up and focused and part of me is afraid that the C's might not be ready for it.
May 20, 2008
Let Eddie Play!
if there's one thing this team doesn't need it's Sam Cassell's been there, done that attitude. While it seemed like, earlier in the season, that what this team needed was a steady veteran presence, it now seems like this team is too steady for their own good. The lack of energy that the team showed in the third quarter of game seven was astonishing and is an example of the lax attitude that has killed this team on the road. They seem to have bought into their press clippings a little too much or are just a little too confident in themselves. The best thing possibly for this team is Eddie House and the chip on his shoulder. He'll go out every play and try to keep his spot. I'm a fan of Cassell but he looked beyond slow in the Cavs series and I don't think moving from Boobie Gibson and Delonte West to Chauncey Billups and Rodney Stuckey is going to make things any better.
And say a prayer for Ray Allen's shot. Because without it, I don't think the Celtics have one against the Pistons.
May 15, 2008
Rondo!
Great game by Rondo. The only thing better would have been if Eddie House got the backup minutes instead of Sam Cassell. The C's need to go into Cleveland as if it is game 7 and close out this series. I have to be honest, I don't like the idea of LeBron looking up at the banners and realizing that a game 7 win over the Celtics would be a major feather in his Yankees cap and a huge win for the Cavaliers franchise.
May 13, 2008
The Celtics won't win a road game...
...until they lose a home game. Every time these guys play on the road, it just doesn't seem like they are into the game 100%. It's not that they aren't trying but they lack a sense of urgency. Honestly, the worst thing that could have happened was the Hawks series in which they blew out the Hawks at the Garden and their lack of focus on the road didn't really do anything but make the fans nervous.
Right now, the only possible remedy I could see would be to get Eddie House some minutes. The last thing this team really needs on the road is Sam Cassell's calming presence. I think we need Eddie's fire and attitude to get this team going when the series heads back to Cleveland.
It might not always be fun but at least it's interesting and dramatic and has nothing to do with praying about ping pong balls.
April 29, 2008
Breathe
It's two games. Two embarrassing games in which the Celtics were outplayed, outhustled, and without focus. Of course, that means it's time to sharpen the knives against Doc Rivers but this happens to the best teams. The Pistons faced a similar challenge from the young 76ers team.
While this team needs to play with more urgency, I'm not about to get nervous. I've been a huge Josh Smith fan over the years but even I'll admit that he's playing out of his mind right now. The C's need to refocus on the defensive end and build from there. While I like a lot of the talent on the Hawks, most of it is young and Smith especially is prone to get down when things aren't going his way.
It hasn't been pretty but let's not get crazy here. The Celtics are still IMO the best team in the East and arguably the best team in the NBA.
April 17, 2008
Playoff Predictions
First Round
Boston vs. Atlanta: I think Atlanta could steal one game but right now I have to go with the C's in a sweep.
Detroit vs. Philly: The great run of the Sixers comes to a screeching halt against the Pistons. Again, the Sixers could steal a game but I'm calling for a sweep.
Orlando vs. Toronto: Personally, I feel like both of these teams are overrated but the Raptors are especially troubling since Chris Bosh keeps speaking out saying he doesn't have enough trust in his teammates and that the home fans aren't loud enough. Not that I can blame him. Toronto home games are eerily quiet at times and the Raptors roster isn't that impressive. TJ Ford and Jose Calderon will have to raise their game another level for the Raptor to have a chance and I don't see that happening. Orlando in 5.
Cleveland vs. Washington: LeBron can try as hard as he can but the Cavs just don't have enough to make it out of the first round this year. Danny Ferry immediately starts working the phones, trying to find what he can get for the expiring contracts of Wally Szczerbiak, Eric Snow, and Damon Jones. Wizards in 6.
Second Round
Boston vs. Washington: This is the series that make me nervous. I think the C's will have enough to beat the Pistons but the Wizards, if hitting on all cylanders, could knock us off. This is the type of series in which hometown legends are made and I'm hoping someone will step up for the C's. The Wizards bench is just too thin and should anything go wrong for the starters, I can't see any cavalry on the horizon. Celtics in 6. (Should the Cavs win, I'll take Boston in a sweep)
Detroit vs. Orlando: I could see Detroit manhandling Orlando in some of these games. The Magic defense needs to step up a notch to hold down the Pistons and I don't see it happening. The Magic could win one of these games in a blowout but I can't see them more than two. In fact, I'm betting they only get one: Pistons in 6.
East Championship
Boston vs. Detroit: This should be a great matchup and the only thing that really scares me is if the ghost of Pitino rises up and Chauncey Billups has a monster series. I could see him having his way with Rondo and Cassell and I could even see Rodney Stuckey coming in and being effective. Still, I just can't bet against the Celtics so I'm taking the C's in 7.
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West First Round
LA Lakers vs. Denver: Denver takes one of the first two games in LA and makes a series out of it. Still, they just don't have the defense to beat the Lakers and end up losing in 6 games.
New Orleans vs. Dallas: The best matchup of the first round, this one should come down to the wire. I'm gonna go with the Mavs in 7 with Peja coming up small while Jason Terry earns his paycheck.
San Antonio vs. Phoenix: The Spurs are the worst best team I've ever seen. I really have no idea how they are so successful this year. Any team that has Jacque Vaughn getting serious minutes shouldn't be so good. I'd have had a lot more faith in the Spurs had they held onto Luis Scola and Beno Udrih. I just don't see the Spurs having enough fire power to hang with the Suns nor enough defense to slow then down. Phoenix in 6.
Utah vs. Houston: The Rockets were a great storyline but when all else fails, bet on McGrady failing to make it to the second round. Utah in 6.
Second Round
LA vs. Utah: It seems to me like the Jazz are destined to be the team that is always one player away. I just can't see Okur, AK-47, or Korver being the guys to step up to beat the Lake Show.
Phoenix v. Dallas: Honestly, either team that takes on the Suns will likely struggle. I think the Suns would rather deal with Jason Kidd than Chris Paul but either way they are taking this series in 6.
West Championship
LA vs. Phoenix: Kobe vs. Shaq. ESPN goes nuts with countless stories and 24 hour coverage of this but both players take the high road, praising one another while throwing jabs at former teammates like Ricky Davis, Smush Parker, and Kwame Brown. I'm not sure if Bynum will be able to go much against Shaq and I think Gasol vs. Amare should be a battle but the key player in this will be Lamar Odom. Lamar Odom at his peak is going to be too much for the Suns to handle. I also wouldn't be stunned if Jordan Farmar made a name for himself in this series, taking it to Steve Nash a few times. It will be a battle but I saw the Lakers in 7.
NBA CHAMPIONSHIP
It's back! Lakers vs. Celtics. People dust off their old game consoles and remember the days of Tom Chambers drunking from the three point line while ESPN Classic becomes the most watched ESPN channel during the days before tip-off. The C's never faced the Gasol version of the Lakers but I just don't think the Lake Show is going to have enough. I'm going the Celtics in 5.