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Post by FLCeltsFan on Feb 27, 2008 7:12:10 GMT -5
www.bostonherald.com/sports/basketball/celtics/view.bg?articleid=1076260&format=textC’s build off West momentum swing By Steve Bulpett | Wednesday, February 27, 2008 | www.bostonherald.com | Boston Celtics Photo by Stuart Cahill The stats show the Celtics [team stats] pulled down 190 boards on their five-game tour of the West. The more important rebound, however, was the one the club made from an 0-3 start to finish with a pair of wins. The reasons for the losses were many. The C’s were reintegrating a rusty Kevin Garnett; they got blinded by the scoring light and forgot to play defense; and they played some talented and motivated opposition. But the fact they got it back together - albeit against the two lesser foes - was encouraging to them as they flew home yesterday. “What you have to understand is after the All-Star break is some of the hardest basketball, especially when you’re on the road,” Garnett said. “It’s not easy. It’s not easy at all. These teams are really prepared for us. They’re really up for us. “I think we regained our composure a little bit at the end of the road trip. I thought we should have won (at) Golden State, but those little things happened. They beat us. Take nothing from them. In the Phoenix game, we shot like crap. Obviously in these last two games we wanted to stop the bleeding. I thought we did a real good job playing physical up in Portland, and we carried it over (to Monday’s rout of the Clippers). We made it a decent trip.” The Celtics are taking their first three-game losing streak of the season as a learning experience. “Those first three games, I don’t want to say it was the (All-Star) break, but it was kind of sloppy,” Paul Pierce [stats] said. “But the last two games we turned it around, and hopefully we can carry it over. “We have to expect that teams are going to be up for us. We lost some games we didn’t think we should have lost, but we were resilient. We came back and got the last two. We just have to learn that teams are going to be ready for us. We have a bull’s eye on our back. We’re going to get everybody’s best shot. You know, we lose to Denver and we lose to Golden State, then you look at their next games and they lose to teams that aren’t that good. So we’re getting their best shot, and we have to be prepared. “You’re going to have your ups and downs,” Pierce added. “We haven’t had that many downs. We lost three games in a row, but by no means did we ever get down on ourselves.” Tonight’s game against Cleveland will be the Celtics’ third in four days, a rather brutal stretch when you consider the geography. But with the Cavaliers in town, the C’s will not be mailing anything in. “It’s a big game for us and a big game for Cleveland,” Celts coach Doc Rivers said. “They have a bunch of new guys, and they’ve had the best (of the Celtics). They’ve owned us so far. They’re up, 2-1. We’ve got to come in and put a good effort in. It’s a tough game, flying back and playing in that game, but we have to be ready.” Said Pierce: “We (are facing) a new-look Cleveland team that’s beat us twice this year. We get a chance to play them at home, and that’s going to be a good test for us. That’s a team that won the Eastern Conference, and they got better.” Celtics notes The C’s were still waiting to see if the Clippers would buy out point guard Sam Cassell’s contract. Cassell, who must be waived before 9 p.m. Friday in order to be eligible for the playoffs, told the Orange County Register that his agent, David Falk, has been in talks with Clippers president Andy Roeser. “It’s in the hands of the higher people,” Cassell told the Register. . . . Before Monday’s game, Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy gave credit to Garnett for the Celts’ turnaround. “I think Garnett has come in and established a real attitude with them,” Dunleavy said. “His competitiveness and the intensity with which he plays has rubbed off.” Told of the comments, Garnett said, “The only thing I wanted to bring to Boston was a sense of attitude. You know, I play with emotion. I’m one of these players that really, really cares. And the work ethic - I don’t think before they had a serious work ethic. “I’m not saying that guys didn’t work here, but being consistent and (caring) about the next guy, you know, bonding, playing with your heart, not being afraid to show emotion and play and speak your soul at times.”
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Post by FLCeltsFan on Feb 27, 2008 7:15:20 GMT -5
www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/articles/2008/02/27/true_value_think_hardware?mode=PFTrue value? Think hardware Cassell would add a winning element By Peter May, Globe Staff | February 27, 2008 The final numbers from the February trip: three losses, two wins, and one possible addition. The last number is the most intriguing. The losses were to Denver, Golden State, and Phoenix. The wins were over Portland and the Clippers. As of late Monday, all signs pointed to the addition being veteran point guard Sam Cassell, who was working on a buyout of his contract with the Clippers and was prepared to sign with the Celtics. "Who? Never heard of him," cracked Doc Rivers. That was before Monday night's 104-76 win over the Clippers (in which Cassell didn't play because of a sore right wrist). By the end of the week, Rivers not only might be able to publicly identify Cassell, but also coach him. But for that to happen, the Clippers have to agree to the buyout. As of Monday night, the consensus was that the divorce was all but finished (although owner Donald Sterling said he had no knowledge of it, nor did he understand how it worked). Yesterday, however, there was no news, other than the emergence of one NBA truism: Sterling and his money are not easily parted. The owner actually said Monday night that he figured if Cassell were to leave the team, then the Clippers' financial obligation to him would go with the player. Doesn't work that way, Donald. Cassell wants to leave. His coach, Mike Dunleavy, would not oppose the move and would see it as a good-faith gesture by a team going nowhere. It would also send a sign to other players who might end up in a similar situation. But if Sterling doesn't sign off, it won't happen. He didn't want to part with the team's No. 1 pick in 2008 for a chance to get the Grizzlies' Mike Miller, and the deal died at last week's trading deadline. While the Cassell situation got a little murkier, the Brent Barry situation, thought to be dead, has gotten some life. On Monday, an NBA source said Barry was poised to join the Suns. That hasn't happened yet, although Phoenix boss Steve Kerr visited with Barry yesterday in San Antonio and remains hopeful. The Rockets also were in the hunt, but the season-ending injury to Yao Ming takes them out of the loop. The Spurs are still in the picture and, frankly, Barry is comfortable there and the team has a legitimate chance to repeat. What about the Celtics? He'd be a great fit for Boston as well, but it would involve a lot of logistical stuff. If he waits another three weeks, he can re-up with the Spurs and be ready for the playoffs. But as of yesterday, he hadn't signed anywhere. Cassell, however, has publicly expressed a desire to play for Boston (which he told the Globe's Marc Spears) and the feeling is mutual. He would be a tremendous and significant addition for a number of reasons. While Danny Ainge has consistently said that he likes the Celtics as constructed, he also has said that he wouldn't mind having a veteran point guard around for the playoffs. It just had to be the right one (read: not Troy Hudson or Mike Wilks). Cassell fits the bill in a number of ways. He has been in 115 playoff games. He has championship experience, having won two rings with the Rockets in his first two years in the league. He's also been to conference finals with the Timberwolves (2004) and the Bucks (2001.) Minnesota fans still feel that if Cassell had been healthy for the Western Conference finals against the Lakers, the Timberwolves would have won the series. He not only can run a team, which is critical when Rajon Rondo isn't on the floor, he's big enough and savvy enough to slide over to shooting guard and play with Rondo. He won't get rattled or frazzled by the pestering Lindsey Hunter or anyone else. He's wily, savvy, and smart. And if he's on the floor at the end of a close game, leave him alone at your peril. He not only wants to take the big shot, he's made a few along the way. You'd have to also think that from a chemistry standpoint, Cassell would be a seamless fit. He's played with Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen, both of whom have said kind things about him. Garnett's only serious playoff run came with Cassell and Latrell Sprewell. Allen's only serious playoff run came with Cassell and Glenn Robinson. You'd also have to think Ainge has sounded out Garnett, Allen, and Paul Pierce and gotten the green light. Otherwise, why bring in someone who could mess things up? Cassell's role will be to back up Rondo, not supplant him. He has to be OK with that. He has to be OK with nights when he plays 10 minutes. He'd also have a much better chance at a third ring by going to the East and getting out of the wild West. And, even at the grizzled age of 38, Cassell has shown he still has game. He poured in 35 points against the Pacers Nov. 7. Only one Celtic, Pierce, has scored more points in a game this season. He's gone 39 minutes on two occasions. He joked Monday night that he was "damaged goods" because of his wrist injury, but then quickly added, "I'll be fine in no time." If that's the case, and there's no reason why it shouldn't be, then the Celtics have made their move for the playoffs. The Lakers, Mavericks, Spurs, Suns, Rockets, Hornets, Jazz, and Cavaliers all made theirs. The Pistons may still do something. But now, the team with the best record and best defense since Day One hopes to add the proverbial cherry on top of the sundae. Can we just fast-forward to May?
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Post by FLCeltsFan on Feb 27, 2008 7:18:00 GMT -5
www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/articles/2008/02/27/cassell_buyout_hits_snag?mode=PFCassell buyout hits snag By Marc J. Spears, Globe Staff | February 27, 2008 An NBA source said yesterday that Clippers owner Donald Sterling does not seem interested in buying out the final year of guard Sam Cassell's contract. Cassell's agent, David Falk, has given the Clippers a deadline of Saturday to complete the buyout so the 6-foot-3-inch, two-time NBA champion would be eligible for another team's postseason roster. Cassell is being paid $6.1 million this season, and is believed to be owed about one-third of that total. The NBA source said the Celtics and possibly the Nuggets, both over the salary cap, would be interested in Cassell if he is bought out prior to Saturday's deadline. Both teams could only offer a prorated amount of the veteran's minimum, around $1.2 million. Falk didn't respond to an e-mail yesterday and couldn't be reached by phone. Cassell, 38, is averaging 12.8 points and 4.7 assists this season. He has said he would have no problem backing up starting point guard Rajon Rondo if he came to Boston. Celtics general manager Danny Ainge has said he is interested in finding the "right veteran point guard." Another NBA source said free agent guard Brent Barry, who cleared waivers yesterday, is still considering Boston. Barry also is considering the Spurs, but he can't re-sign with his former team for another three weeks. The Celtics are also believed to be interested in free agent guard Flip Murray, who cleared waivers yesterday.
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Post by FLCeltsFan on Feb 27, 2008 7:20:36 GMT -5
www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/extras/green_room/2008/02/back_in_green.htmlBack in Green Email|Link|Comments (1) Posted by Jesse Nunes February 25, 2008 07:52 PM Now that the writers' strike is over, and I can finally turn on my word processing program and put electronic ink to electronic paper, let me first say what an insanely fun past four months is has been in Celtic land. I mean, have you stopped to appreciate just how good you have it as a Celtics fan right now? Who in their craziest, most euphoric dreams would have thought that after the tragic events of May 22, 2007 the Boston Celtics would be sitting in this situation: Best team in the NBA two-thirds of the way through the season, selling out not only the Garden but every single opposing arena in the league, taking every team's best shot (well, every team except for the Clippers), and still coming out on top 4 out of 5 times. I think the remarkableness of the whole thing has kind of gotten lost in the whole Boston sports scene. Think about it: The Red Sox win the World Series, the Patriots run through an undefeated regular season, and the Celtics start off with an incredible 29-3 record. 29-3!! Yet, by that time, most Boston sports fans seemed to shrug their shoulders and chalk it up to the greater Boston dominance of the sports world. What they didn't talk about was the success of the Red Sox and Patriots didn't come overnight. It was slow and painful, the culmination of years and years of experimentation, failure, and steady improvements. They didn't just start dominating overnight. Yet the Celtics did. Overnight. Worst to first. I still don't think people realize how incredible this turnaround has been. So, the next time the C's lose three in a row (and yes, as we have seen, it CAN happen), just remember: only two years ago, the Celtics couldn't even win three in a row. For a whole season. Believe me, I was there. And yes, I still scream at the TV every game. I still don't understand what Doc is thinking on the sidelines many times. I still wish Danny appeared to do a little more to shore up this team's weak spots. I still am a little worried that the team has gone only 14-9 since that 29-3 start. (Although, let's be honest, 14-9 is not too shabby with the schedule they've played and injuries they've dealt with.) But at the same time, I've been willing to cut some slack so far… you can't argue too much with this season's results overall. Of course, I reserve the right to delete the previous sentence over the next couple of months. It doesn't hurt to expect perfection. And like all things in life, second guessing is always more fun than making the actual decisions. But I'll continue to enjoy the ride the rest of this season, and I will never forget just how bad it can really be. There's a lot experience in that department to draw from over the past 20 years. More to come Also just want to note that the most common question/e-mail I've gotten over the past few months has been "How come the Green Room has been so quiet during the Celtics’ most successful season in a long time?", and although I have not come up with a satisfactory answer (no, I'm not in the writers guild … they actually have a restraining order against me), I do want to say that the activity will be picking up in the coming days/weeks/months. We have a new contributor getting thrown into the mix shortly, and as the playoffs creep closer there will be a lot more to write/obsess about. So as the season gets more fun, check back here a little more frequently than once a month and hopefully you'll find something to occupy your Celtics time once again. And if not, well, you can always curse us out (without the cursing, of course) in the comments section. Or send really filthy stuff to our e-mails by using that box on the right --->
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Post by FLCeltsFan on Feb 27, 2008 7:36:07 GMT -5
myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-30-114/Sam-Cassell--Potentially-Grumpy-Warrior-or-Sun.htmlSam Cassell: Potentially Grumpy Warrior or Sun February 26, 2008 12:29 PM Reports abound today that Sam Cassell and the Clippers are working on a buyout. The way such things normally go, Cassell and the team would agree to some price, and then the team would waive Cassell, freeing him to join just about any team that wanted to have him (and had some way, given salaries and roster spots). The story for some time is that Cassell wants to join his friend Kevin Garnett in Boston, and the Celtics could certainly use the veteran guard. But look carefully at what happens when a player is waived. Before they become free agents, waived players spend a few days "on waivers," which means that another team can claim them by agreeing to take on the rest of their existing contract. I have no idea if Golden State wants Sam Cassell, but they have a massive trade exception thanks to the Jason Richardson deal, and plenty of room under the luxury tax. They would have to waive someone like C.J. Watson to make it happen, but the Warriors could claim Cassell without any complications from the salary cap. It would cost them whatever it costs to get out of Watson's deal, plus a little under $2 million -- the portion of Cassell's salary that remains to be paid this season. Similarly, the Suns have a trade exception from that Kurt Thomas deal which gives them room under the cap. They also have open roster space. Phoenix could claim Cassell, too -- although it would cost them much more, as they would be paying luxury tax on Cassell's contract. Everyone I have spoken to believes Sam Cassell is on rails to Boston, and he may well be. But it is worth noting that getting him there would require several front offices falling in line.
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Post by FLCeltsFan on Feb 27, 2008 7:40:27 GMT -5
www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=7609Latest Free Agent Update By: Wendell Maxey Last Updated: 2/26/08 10:42 PM ET | 2436 times read Adjust font size:Who will land where? With several teams preparing for the playoffs, a handful of NBA free agents control their destiny while the teams that court them wait patiently for their decision. Could Phoenix and Boston add some backcourt help? Will Dallas and New Orleans add men in the middle? While deals are being done, HOOPSWORLD has you covered on the latest free agent whereabouts: Jamaal Magloire- (Update: Magloire signed with Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday night) Ever since the New Jersey Nets waived the rarely used 6-11 forward/center, talk was Magloire would sign with the Mavericks reuniting him with former Nets teammates Jason Kidd, Antoine Wright and Malik Allen. Word is Magloire will make Dallas his new home sometime this week according to sources familiar with the situation. Obviously Magloire signing with the Mavericks is a no-brainer. Dallas is desperate for a man in the middle behind Erick Dampier after sending DaSagana Diop to New Jersey in the Kidd trade, and Magloire can more than cover his ground and provide a punch in the paint. Don't be alarmed by his numbers this year - 24 games, averaging 1.8 points and 3.4 rebounds per game. He got absolutely no run in Lawrence Frank's offense, but minutes in the middle await Magloire with the Mavericks. Here is the latest on Magloire: The Dallas Morning News reports Magloire has agreed to sign a one-year contract for the veteran's minimum salary of slightly over $1 million, this according to league sources. Nothing will become official until he clears waivers Tuesday night, but don't be surprised to see Magloire in a Mavs uniform when Dallas plays at San Antonio on Thursday. P.J. Brown- The New Orleans Hornets appear the frontrunner to sign the former Hornet according to multiple media outlets. The Hornets, who currently have 13 players under contract, have apparently had discussions with Brown's agent Mark Bartelstein in recent weeks. Brown – who is retired – has been highly sought after by a number of teams, yet it is the Hornets who have a leg up. Not only does Brown have a history with the franchise but he equally compliments New Orleans frontcourt nucleus of Tyson Chandler and All-Star David West nicely. Could you imagine Brown's trademark defense back in New Orleans? It's not farfetched. In related Hornets news, rumors continue to circulate that the team is also awaiting a decision on whether the league will reinstate center Chris Andersen, who was banned for violating the league drug policy back in January 2006. Brent Barry- What to do, what to do? Barry is a wanted man and has received interest from the Phoenix Suns, Houston Rockets, Boston Celtics and his former team the San Antonio Spurs (league rules prevent Barry from returning to the Spurs for 30 days after the date on which he was traded, which was Feb. 20. March 21 is the the first official day he could re-join San Antonio if he chooses). If only Barry had a crystal ball to catch a glimpse of who will be fitted for a ring at the end of the year. We all know that's what it comes down to: Who has the chance to win a title. Houston was rumored to have the edge at one point but such speculation is fading fast. According to the Arizona Republic, Barry will commit to a team today and Suns GM Steve Kerr feels confident: "We feel we have a shot at getting him." Knowing Phoenix will need help running their uptempo offense when Steve Nash isn't on the court, the 36-year-old Barry could help anchor the Suns second unit. But not so fast. As of late Tuesday (8:00 EST), Barry was yet to give his word to the Suns or any team for that matter. "There have been so many changes over the past few days it's very difficult," Barry told the San Antonio Express-News. "Just because I've cleared, I don't have a timetable that today is the day I have to decide." The wait continues.... Dale Davis- The former Piston could be heading back to Detroit according to local media outlets around the Motor City. Davis - who is currently retired - may come out for one more run at a ring and would help spell Jason Maxiell at center. It is believed that with the waiving of Flip Murray last week and the trade of 7-foot center Primoz Brezec to Toronto, the Pistons opened a roster spot and the door for Davis (who played for the Pistons in 2005-06 and 2006-07) to return but an agreement has not been reached yet. Also in talks, Davis' name has been mentioned as a possible fit in Dallas. Flip Murray- Ever since the Detroit Pistons waived Murray last Friday, it's been pretty hush on who will sign the 6-3 guard. There were murmurs the Boston Celtics would snag him off waivers, but obviously GM Danny Ainge wanted to see how the Clippers-Cassell buyout would go before committing to Murray. Cleveland was a thought, but no longer particularly since the Cavs added Delonte West and Wally Szczerbiak in the Ben Wallace deal. So, much like remaining free agent Ruben Patterson – another guy who could bring something to the table - Murray is a man without a home. Yes, he could lend some guard experience come playoff time. No, there haven't been a lot of discussions from teams about signing him. Sorry Flip. Sam Cassell- Okay, so Cassell isn't a free-agent….yet. But Cassell did confirm on Monday he is in discussions with the Los Angeles Clippers regarding a contract buyout and now it looks like Cassell's days as a Clipper are coming to a close. If an agreement can be reached, the 38-year-old point guard may find himself in a similar situation as Brent Barry: A wanted man. Phoenix, Boston and Denver have all been rumored teams associated with Cassell but it appears Boston could be his eventual destination. Those rumors have been circulating for weeks and come as little shock. The Clippers apparently attempted to move Cassell before last Thursday's trade deadline but an alleged deal with Memphis for Mike Miller couldn't be reached. Now – with a buyout looming - all signs point to the Celtics getting a new point in Cassell.
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Post by FLCeltsFan on Feb 27, 2008 9:05:29 GMT -5
www.ohio.com/sports/windhorst/16015257.htmlEx-Celtics return to Boston New Cavaliers Szczerbiak and West are looking for win against team that traded them in offseason By Brian Windhorst Beacon Journal sportswriter Published on Wednesday, Feb 27, 2008 MILWAUKEE: Wally Szczerbiak and Delonte West aren't holding any grudges, but that doesn't mean tonight won't have any extra meaning. The two new Cavaliers are also former Celtics and will be making their first return to Boston tonight with the Cavs to face the team that traded them both last summer. ''Who can blame them for that trade?'' said Szczerbiak, who was shipped to the Seattle SuperSonics with West and the rights to the No. 5 overall draft pick for Ray Allen last June. It was a move that helped convince Kevin Garnett to green-light a trade to the Celtics. ''They made a great decision and it is working out for them. It is going to be a fun game.'' Both Szczerbiak and West said they were treated well in Boston and have nothing but praise for the storied franchise. Yet both still said they felt left out when the Celtics upgraded to elite status while they were shipped to the Sonics, a team not focusing on winning and trying to relocate to Oklahoma City. ''I've got a sour taste in my mouth. I've been on the losing end of things for most of my career,'' said West, who was on losing Celtics teams the past two years there. ''I'm not going trying to prove any points there, but I definitely want to win in Boston.'' Szczerbiak was hampered by knee and ankle injuries after he was traded to the Celtics two year ago following a successful career with the Minnesota Timberwolves. He was only able to play 32 games with the Celtics last season, which made him expendable when the Celtics looked to rebuild. Now that he's healthy and having a good season, Szczerbiak has been anxious to show it. He didn't get much notice in Seattle, but now is on a much bigger stage playing next to LeBron James and wants to remind people that he was once an All-Star. ''I've pretty much been kicked to the curb last year and the beginning of this year,'' Szczerbiak said. ''People forgot what I was of capable of doing. I had to use my time in Seattle as a resurrection to remind people of what I was capable of. It has landed me here.'' In the locker room • Zydrunas Ilgauskas missed Tuesday's game, suffering from an upper respiratory infection. He didn't come to the Bradley Center for the game but will travel with the team to Boston. Ilgauskas was the only starter not to miss a game this season. He is questionable for tonight's game against the Celtics. The illness is spreading within the team. Athletic trainer Max Benton also missed the game, the first time he's been out in recent memory. • A few weeks ago, the Cavs were monitoring the Sam Cassell situation in Los Angeles closely. According to reports, the Clippers' point guard will get his wish soon and be available after terms of a buyout are agreed to. If he clears waivers, which isn't assured, he could be a free agent by the end of the week. The Cavs have two roster spots and $4 million left of their mid-level exception to bid if they chose. However, sources have hinted that the Cavs will not likely be getting seriously involved. They are still adjusting to their new players and Cassell is favored to go to the Celtics. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Brian Windhorst can be reached at bwindhor@thebeaconjournal.com. Read his blog at www.ohiomm.com/blogs/cavs/. MILWAUKEE: Wally Szczerbiak and Delonte West aren't holding any grudges, but that doesn't mean tonight won't have any extra meaning. The two new Cavaliers are also former Celtics and will be making their first return to Boston tonight with the Cavs to face the team that traded them both last summer. ''Who can blame them for that trade?'' said Szczerbiak, who was shipped to the Seattle SuperSonics with West and the rights to the No. 5 overall draft pick for Ray Allen last June. It was a move that helped convince Kevin Garnett to green-light a trade to the Celtics. ''They made a great decision and it is working out for them. It is going to be a fun game.'' Both Szczerbiak and West said they were treated well in Boston and have nothing but praise for the storied franchise. Yet both still said they felt left out when the Celtics upgraded to elite status while they were shipped to the Sonics, a team not focusing on winning and trying to relocate to Oklahoma City. ''I've got a sour taste in my mouth. I've been on the losing end of things for most of my career,'' said West, who was on losing Celtics teams the past two years there. ''I'm not going trying to prove any points there, but I definitely want to win in Boston.'' Szczerbiak was hampered by knee and ankle injuries after he was traded to the Celtics two year ago following a successful career with the Minnesota Timberwolves. He was only able to play 32 games with the Celtics last season, which made him expendable when the Celtics looked to rebuild. Now that he's healthy and having a good season, Szczerbiak has been anxious to show it. He didn't get much notice in Seattle, but now is on a much bigger stage playing next to LeBron James and wants to remind people that he was once an All-Star. ''I've pretty much been kicked to the curb last year and the beginning of this year,'' Szczerbiak said. ''People forgot what I was of capable of doing. I had to use my time in Seattle as a resurrection to remind people of what I was capable of. It has landed me here.'' In the locker room • Zydrunas Ilgauskas missed Tuesday's game, suffering from an upper respiratory infection. He didn't come to the Bradley Center for the game but will travel with the team to Boston. Ilgauskas was the only starter not to miss a game this season. He is questionable for tonight's game against the Celtics. The illness is spreading within the team. Athletic trainer Max Benton also missed the game, the first time he's been out in recent memory. • A few weeks ago, the Cavs were monitoring the Sam Cassell situation in Los Angeles closely. According to reports, the Clippers' point guard will get his wish soon and be available after terms of a buyout are agreed to. If he clears waivers, which isn't assured, he could be a free agent by the end of the week. The Cavs have two roster spots and $4 million left of their mid-level exception to bid if they chose. However, sources have hinted that the Cavs will not likely be getting seriously involved. They are still adjusting to their new players and Cassell is favored to go to the Celtics.
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Post by FLCeltsFan on Feb 27, 2008 9:48:08 GMT -5
www.projo.com/sports/mikeszostak/sp_bkn_celtics27_02-27-08_LI95K4G_v12.356ff40.html#Road trip punctured Celts’ aura of invincibility 08:46 AM EST on Wednesday, February 27, 2008 By MIKE SZOSTAK Journal Sports Writer The Celtics’ Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce (from left) have led Boston to the best record in the NBA. AP / Branimir Kvartuc The Celtics are home after a weeklong road trip that showed they are not as invincible as they appeared to be at the beginning of the season. Sure, Boston still boasts the best record in the NBA, 43-12, but three losses in a row coming out of the All-Star break had to bring smiles to Detroit and Orlando, the other division leaders in the Eastern Conference. The Pistons have the second-best record in basketball, 42-15, only two games behind the Celtics with 25 to play. So nobody can blame the Celtics for looking over their shoulders tonight as they welcome LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers to the TD Banknorth Garden for their first game on the parquet since Feb. 13. What lies ahead for Boston in the next six weeks? First, a brief recap. What team is the Celtics' toughest rival for the Eastern Conference title? Detroit Orlando Cleveland Toronto View Results The Celtics went into the All-Star break having won five games in a row and seven of nine without center Kevin Garnett, who was recovering from a strained abdominal muscle suffered Jan. 25 when his old team, Minnesota, was in town. Garnett suffered the injury in the fourth quarter and missed four minutes while the team physician checked him out. Cleared to return, he played the last 1:51 and made a key steal at the end of Boston’s 87-86 triumph. Those were his last minutes until after the break. The Celtics did all right without him, winning seven and losing only at Orlando and Cleveland. Garnett joined Paul Pierce, Ray Allen and coach Doc Rivers in New Orleans for All-Star Weekend but did not play. He returned to the Celtics lineup two days later, played 20 minutes and scored four points in a 124-118 loss at Denver. He was his old self the next night against Golden State — 17 points, 15 rebounds, 30 minutes — but the Celtics still lost, 119-117, on Baron Davis’ 20-foot jumper with 0.3 seconds to play. His 19 points and 5 rebounds weren’t enough at Phoenix in Boston’s 85-77 loss. The Celtics shot a woeful 38.5 percent in that game. Boston halted its three-game slide, its longest of the season, with a 112-102 victory at Portland. Garnett had 10 points and 7 rebounds, solid support to Pierce’s 30 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. And Monday night the Celtics routed the lowly Clippers, 104-76. Garnett had 11 points and 7 boards. The Celtics center, the key to this resurgent season, is obviously healthy and must remain so for Boston to go deep into the playoffs in April and May. His defense — rebounds, blocked shots — leadership and focus are more important to this team than his scoring. Boston is allowing only 90.5 points per game, second in the league behind Detroit’s 90.28. Allen is another who has to remain healthy. The veteran guard arrived from Seattle last summer with surgically repaired ankles and has missed only two games. Ditto for Pierce. Boston needs his scoring. All those supporting players who have performed so well must continue to do so. That’s the beauty of this team. Everybody contributes. Garnett, Allen and Pierce may be the New Big Three, but they and Kendrick Perkins and Rajon Rondo are the second-best five-man combination in the league, according to the Lenovo Stat, a plus/minus statistic that measures point differential when players are in and out of the game. According to the Lenovo Stat, Pierce is the top individual player in the NBA. The only Celtics among the league leaders are Allen, who is fifth in free-throw percentage (171-for-188, .910), Garnett, 10th in field-goal percentage (336-627, .536), and Rondo, 14th in steals per game (1.71). The chemistry on this team is solid, but basketball boss Danny Ainge is said to be interested in adding another veteran for the playoff run. Free-agent guard Brent Barry was in the mix and received an endorsement from Allen, a teammate in Seattle. Now, back to what’s ahead. The playoffs, for sure. The Celtics have already guaranteed themselves a winning season — they could lose the rest of their games and still finish 43-39. Barring a major collapse, they should enjoy home-court advantage at least until the Eastern Conference finals. The Celts have 27 games to play, 14 home, 13 away. Another long road trip looms next month, when they will visit Milwaukee, San Antonio, Houston, Dallas and New Orleans March 15 through 22. Six of their nine games in April will be on the road. If the Celtics can boast the best record in the NBA after their regular-season finale against the Nets April 16, then they just might have restored some of that invincibility they displayed in November and December.
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