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 Author | Topic: Thunder (45-28) at Celtics (47-28) 3/29 (Read 488 times) |
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Karma: 253 |  | Thunder (45-28) at Celtics (47-28) 3/29
« Thread Started on Mar 29, 2010, 10:13pm » | |
![[image]](http://images.footballfanatics.com/productImages/_330000/FF_330106_s.jpg "[image]") at ![[image]](http://images.footballfanatics.com/productImages/_316000/FF_316860_s.jpg "[image]")
Oklahoma City Thunder (45-28) at Boston Celtics (47-26)
Wednesday, March 31
7:30 PM ET
Game #74, Home Game #37
TV: KSBI, CSN-NE, NBA-LP 756,757
Radio: WEEI, WWLS
TD Garden
![[image]](http://www.halftimepizzaboston.com/html/images/garden.jpg "[image]")
![[image]](http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/.element/img/2.0/sect/basketball/nba/teampages/toppers/celtics_514x96.jpg "[image]")
Probable Starters
PG ![[image]](http://assets.espn.go.com/i/nba/profiles/players/65x90/4149.jpg "[image]") Rajon Rondo
SG ![[image]](http://assets.espn.go.com/i/nba/profiles/players/65x90/3080.jpg "[image]") Ray Allen
SF ![[image]](http://assets.espn.go.com/i/nba/profiles/players/65x90/3253.jpg "[image]") Paul Pierce
PF ![[image]](http://assets.espn.go.com/i/nba/profiles/players/65x90/3007.jpg "[image]") Kevin Garnett
C ![[image]](http://assets.espn.go.com/i/nba/profiles/players/65x90/3730.jpg "[image]") Kendrick Perkins
Reserves
Marquis Daniels
Rasheed Wallace
Nate Robinson
Shelden Williams
Michael Finley
Brian Scalabrine
Glen Davis
Tony Allen
Injuries
Kendrick Perkins (knee) probable
Paul Pierce (shoulder) questionable
D-League
Marcus Landry
![[image]](http://www.insidearenas.com/eastern/pictures/td08900.jpg "[image]")
![[image]](http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/.element/img/2.0/sect/basketball/nba/teampages/toppers/thunder_514x96.jpg "[image]")
Probable Starters
PG ![[image]](http://a.espncdn.com/i/headshots/nba/players/65/3468.jpg "[image]") Russell Westbrook
SG ![[image]](http://a.espncdn.com/i/headshots/nba/players/65/3028.jpg "[image]") Thabo Sefolosha
SF ![[image]](http://assets.espn.go.com/i/headshots/nba/players/65/3202.jpg "[image]") Kevin Durant
PF ![[image]](http://assets.espn.go.com/i/headshots/nba/players/65/3209.jpg "[image]") Jeff Green
C ![[image]](http://a.espncdn.com/i/headshots/nba/players/65/1719.jpg "[image]") Nenad Krstic
Reserves
James Harden
Serge Ibaka
Byron Mullins
DJ White
Nick Collision
Eric Maynor
Kevin Ollie
Etan Thomas
Kyle Weaver
Injuries
None
Team Connections
Nick Collison and Paul Pierce are former Kansas Jayhawks
Jeff Green was originally drafted by the Celtics with the 5th overall
pick in the 2007 Draft
Nick Collison and Ray Allen were teammates in Seattle from 2004-07
Kevin Ollie and Ray Allen are former UConn Huskies
James Harden and Eddie House are former Arizona State Sun Devils
Kevin Ollie and Shelden Williams were teammates in Minnesota
during the 2008-09 season.
Key Matchups
![[image]](http://www.sportsecyclopedia.com/nba/boston/PierceBos.jpg "[image]") vs ![[image]](http://www.sportsecyclopedia.com/nba/seattle/DurantSea.jpg "[image]")
Paul Pierce vs Kevin Durant
When we play against Durant there will always be thoughts of what might have been if the Celtics had landed the 1st or 2nd pick in that draft instead of the 5th. Durant has blossomed into a star and is averaging an impressive 29.6 points per game along with 7.5 rebounds per game. In the first meeting between these two teams this season, Durant put up 36 points. Pierce will have his hands full trying to contain this young and athletic star.
![[image]](http://www.sportsecyclopedia.com/nba/boston/RondoBos.jpg "[image]") vs ![[image]](http://www.sportsecyclopedia.com/nba/okc/WestbrookOKC.jpg "[image]")
Rajon Rondo vs Russell Westbrook
Westbrook is a very good point guard who could give Rondo problems in this game. He is averaging 6.2 points, 7.9 assists and 1.4 steals per game. Rondo outplayed Westbrook in their first meeting and so Westbook will likely be looking to even the score in this game. Rondo needs to come out focused and be aggressive on both ends of the court.
Honorable Mention
Kevin Garnett vs Jeff Green
This is another of those what might have been matchups. The Celtics picked Jeff Green with the 5th pick in the draft and then traded him to Seattle in return for Ray Allen and this was the trade that set the table for KG to come to Boston. KG has been playing very well and has height and experience advantages while Green has youth and quickness on his side.
Game Notes
The C’s are currently leading the season series 1-0; Celtics won the season series 2-0 against the Thunder in 2008-09
Paul Pierce led the Celtics with 23.5 points per game last season
Kevin Durant led the Thunder with an average of 19.0 points per game against the Celtics last season
The Celtics are 8-3 against the Thunder since the 2004-05 season
The Celtics are leading the all-time series 66-50 with the Celtics 34-19 at home
The Celtics are coming off an embarrassing loss to the Spurs while the Thunder are coming off a heartbreaking home loss to Portland before their big win over the Sixers on Tuesday night. This team has a lot of confidence and are playing very well. The Celtics would do well to take them very seriously!
This game has playoff implications for both teams. The Celtics are back to a tie for 3rd in the East after their loss to the Spurs and a win by Atlanta on Monday. The Thunder are tied with Portland for the 6th spot in the West and just half a game ahead of the Spurs for that 8th spot and a first round matchup with the Lakers. Needless to say, the Thunder would like to avoid that 8th spot and so every game is important to them.
The Celtics are 7-3 in their last 10 games and a disappointing 24-13 at home this season. The Thunder are 6-4 in their last 10 games and an impressive 20 and 15 on the road. The Celtics have had 2 days of rest while the Thunder are playing in the second of back to back games, having played in Philly the night before.
The Celtics need to take this team seriously because they are for real. The Thunder are the kind of young and athletic team that can give the Celtics problems. The Celtics should be looking to redeem themselves after a terrible showing against the Spurs and hopefully will come out strong and take control of this game early.
Keys to the Game
Defense The team that plays the best defense is going to come out on top in this one. Both teams can put up the points and the team that stops the other team will have the advantage.
Rebound Rebounding is especially important when playing teams like the Thunder who will run on misses on the defensive end and who are athletic enough to get put backs on the offensive end. The Celtics have got to put out more effort in going after rebounds.
Play Team Ball The Celtics had gotten back to playing team ball and moving the ball and finding the open man recently, but against the Spurs, they fell back into bad habits of holding the ball too much and not looking for open teammates. Ball movement and assists are very important to the Celtics' success.
Play 48 Minutes Once again, the Celtics played well in the first half and disappeared in the second half against the Spurs. They can't come out flat in the 3rd quarter and expect to beat playoff teams. They have to get back to coming out strong in the 3rd and dominating teams in the second half as well as the first.
X-Factor
Youth vs Pride
The Thunder are a young team and so back to back games probably won't affect them as much as they would an older team. The Celtics had their pride wounded against the Spurs but will recovering their pride be enough to overcome the youth and athleticism of the Thunder?
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yakyakyak (away)
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Karma: 8 | | Re: Thunder (44-28) at Celtics (47-28) 3/29
« Reply #1 on Mar 30, 2010, 12:01am » | |
The Thunder are not only young and athletic but have gained a lot of experience this year. They have grown up and matured in a hurry. They just beat the Lakers too so they fear no one. This team will be too quick for the Celtics defense IMO.
Only chance is if they are fatigued and the Celtics come out p*ssed from their recent loss. But this is the type of team that gives a vet team fits. They could easily run the Celtics out of the building. Especially if Perk is still out and we have to depend on Sheed to run back for transition defense.
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jrmzt
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Karma: 78 | | Re: Thunder (44-28) at Celtics (47-28) 3/29
« Reply #2 on Mar 30, 2010, 2:22am » | |
Gonna be a very tough game. They have everything to play for while we don't have any sense of urgency right now. They are playing for playoff seeding while our seeding is going to be 3rd or 4th and both those positions are pretty much the same.
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FLCeltsFan
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Karma: 253 | | Re: Thunder (44-28) at Celtics (47-28) 3/29
« Reply #3 on Mar 30, 2010, 2:57pm » | |
Pierce hurts right shoulder (again) today in practice. Questionable for tomorrow's game. Perk (left knee) good to go.
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jrmzt
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Karma: 78 | | Re: Thunder (44-28) at Celtics (47-28) 3/29
« Reply #4 on Mar 30, 2010, 2:59pm » | |
Without Pierce on the court, I'm hoping Doc starts TA and puts him on full guard dog duty against Durant. Minimize the damage Durant does. Rondo also needs to play well defensively against Westbrook. Whilst the offense needs to come from probably Ray or KG.
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yakyakyak (away)
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Karma: 8 | | Re: Thunder (44-28) at Celtics (47-28) 3/29
« Reply #5 on Mar 30, 2010, 6:26pm » | |
No Pierce? Ouch, the improbable might have become the impossible.
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FLCeltsFan
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Karma: 253 | | Re: Thunder (45-28) at Celtics (47-28) 3/29
« Reply #6 on Mar 31, 2010, 8:34pm » | |
Celtics playing well so far but so are the Thunder. Unfortunately the Refs are forcing their will on this game and Celtics can't get a call. They go to the basket and get mugged and no calls. Just horribly one sided officiating tonight. 28-12 free throw disparity.
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FLCeltsFan
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Karma: 253 | | Re: Thunder (45-28) at Celtics (47-28) 3/29
« Reply #7 on Mar 31, 2010, 8:38pm » | |
We need to play some defense if we want to win this.
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FLCeltsFan
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Karma: 253 | | Re: Thunder (45-28) at Celtics (47-28) 3/29
« Reply #8 on Mar 31, 2010, 8:55pm » | |
This officiating is truly criminal. So one sided. Sometimes I hate the NBA.
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FLCeltsFan
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Karma: 253 | | Re: Thunder (45-28) at Celtics (47-28) 3/29
« Reply #9 on Mar 31, 2010, 8:56pm » | |
Atlanta blew out the Lakers tonight so we have to win to stay in that 3rd spot. And the refs are doing everything they can to prevent it.
Of course some defense would help too.
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jrmzt
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Karma: 78 | | Re: Thunder (45-28) at Celtics (47-28) 3/29
« Reply #10 on Mar 31, 2010, 9:02pm » | |
sigh hard fought loss. it is just ridiculous how many times they got to the free throw line. but when we needed to make those 3s in the end, we didn't.
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FLCeltsFan
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Karma: 253 | | Re: Thunder (45-28) at Celtics (47-28) 3/29
« Reply #11 on Mar 31, 2010, 9:10pm » | |
Celtics didn't have a chance in this game. 34 FTs for OKC and 17 for the Celtics. The Celtics drove to the hoop and got hacked, pushed, and grabbed and no calls but yet got called on the other end for touch fouls. I can always tell when the officiating is truly one sided and I'm not just seeing it through green glasses. The Thunder fans were talking about how one sided the calls were in their favor. One fan talked about sending a thank you note to the refs for giving the game to them.
The NBA is fast losing it's credibility. It's time for Stern to go.
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mev17
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Karma: 87 | | Re: Thunder (45-28) at Celtics (47-28) 3/29
« Reply #12 on Mar 31, 2010, 10:44pm » | |
Yet another home loss. We can't win by trying to outscore younger teams. We need to control the pace of the game.
I can't understand how we can have the second best road record in the league yet struggle so much at home. Granted, OKC got a lot of calls, but where was our defense, or execution late in the game? If we have no home court advantage (and so far, we don't) I can't see us achieving much of anything in the playoffs.
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jrmzt
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Karma: 78 | | Re: Thunder (45-28) at Celtics (47-28) 3/29
« Reply #13 on Apr 1, 2010, 12:10am » | |
We couldn't really do much. We shot nearly 60% so our offense was there(not to mention we got banged up trying to get inside) and defensively we couldn't even do much. Every time we tried to stop them, the refs called us for fouls. Its just really hard to stop guys who are still scoring and when they dont score they get the fouls called. As FL pointed out, the refs were so biased that even KG and Doc commented after the game that the foul discrepancy was so large that it was so hard to overcome. I hardly ever like losses but there was alot to like about today. If we played like we did today in the playoffs, we would have won the game. Heck we even made our FGs more often than they did but jesus christ give me a damn break. The refs sided with them so much that it was like climbing a hill with a rock tied to our back.
"Garnett was particularly concerned about Durant's 15 free throws.
"I thought we were playing Michael [expletive] Jordan the way he was getting the whistle," Garnett said. "Durant damn near shot more free throws than our whole team.""
""It's a tough one to swallow. A team shoots 34 free throws to our 17 on our home floor," Boston coach Doc Rivers said. "I thought we were attacking and we just didn't get to the line.""
Come on I'm pretty sure the effort and offensive prowess we put out today would pretty much beat any team in the league. Its just when the refs make it so one sided, that we lost. Its a loss with alot of positives in it.
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FLCeltsFan
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Karma: 253 | | Re: Thunder (45-28) at Celtics (47-28) 3/29
« Reply #14 on Apr 1, 2010, 8:20am » | |
Here is a quote from the Thunder boards
Quote:| It sucks have it decided by the refs especially when both teams were putting on an awesome show. |
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People who love basketball want to watch good basketball. It's not a game any more when referees impose their will on a game. Even the Thunder fans hated the fact that their win was tainted by the bad calls.
And what is worse is that the Celtics game wasn't even the worst officiated game of the night. Cavs 45 free throws. Bucks 9 free throws. I just watched a part of that game from the LP archives and the Bucks were getting hacked, pushed and manhandled with no calls while if they looked at one of the Cavs you were at the line. It was even more one sided than the Celtics game. And even with all that help from the refs, the Cavs barely won.
This kind of officiating is a black eye on the game. It's clear that there is some kind of agenda being carried out to influence the standings going into the playoffs. With Stern having complete autonomy over the officials and no one is allowed to question it, he can do whatever he pleases and the result are games like tonight that totally disgust real fans of the game.
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