Two strong teams to start the season

[DERRENMATTS]

We are 2-0 to start the season, but it certainly weren't no-brainer wins. We were the favored teams in both games, but its not like the Wizs and the Raptors are doormat teams. They both are playoff worthy teams who can clobber teams when they are on their games.

But that just goes to show how good we may actually be. 2 games are hardly enough to gauge our entire season on, but based on early indications, we can lock in either a first or second place finish in the East (the Pistons may be our only rival for the top spot).

Our next game is another good test to see how good we may be. Denver is 2-1, and they are doing a number of things well. They average 102 ppg (while only giving up 96) and they limit their opponents to 40% shooting.

We are the best in the league in opposing team's FG% (standing pretty at 36%--DEN is in 4th place).

[cfoo]

Our defense has been solid for the most part although I think we need to do a better job at stopping penetration. Rondo is particular was having a tough time. Although Ford is tough but he could have done a better job. I also want to see the ball movement get better. IT has been great at times but it's still not where it should be. We still get stuck in iso too much. Pierce in particular. I know its a big part of his game which is fine and he needs to be able to play his game, but it needs to get better. I loved how we kept posting him on delfino. But it's some of the other stuff that needs to get better.

[Roadrunner]

Rondo is going through a transitional period right now. He has options now, that weren't not there before.

[DERRENMATTS]

I agree with the both of you. Pierce needs to fit in better with the whole team concept (he IS doing too much iso, holding onto the ball too long, penetrating too much into traffic, turnovers). And Rondo will improve. The kid is just too naturally gifted not to improve.