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Post by FLCeltsFan on Jan 30, 2009 7:40:29 GMT -5
www.bostonherald.com/sports/basketball/celtics/view.bg?articleid=1148780&format=textPaul Pierce selected; Ray Allen, Rajon Rondo out C’s stars not all seen By Mark Murphy | Friday, January 30, 2009 | www.bostonherald.com | Boston Celtics Photo by Matt Stone As Doc Rivers now knows, even the best of campaigners can hit a wall. Such, apparently, was the case when lobbying his fellow coaches for the All-Star fates of Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo [stats]. While Paul Pierce [stats] was named an Eastern Conference reserve yesterday, Allen and Rondo were not. (However, either could be added if another player is injured, as was the case with Allen last year.) “It really would be (disappointing) because coaches all over the league talk about sacrificing,” Rivers said after yesterday’s practice but before the selections were announced. “I might be venting for no reason, but I just get that sense they’re being hypocritical because somebody who doesn’t make it on our group (sacrifices). (But) that’s what they did. They voted for numbers instead of sacrifice, wins and efficiency.” This, in particular, frames Allen’s exclusion as a snub, according to Danny Ainge. “Now that he’s having the best season of his career - the most efficient season of his career - this happens?” the Celtics [team stats] executive director of basketball operations asked. “Ray is the most efficient scorer in the league. He’s one of the best wing players in the conference and arguably our best offensive player. “I think it’s an interesting thing because the coaches vote on this, and they’re always preaching that you should sacrifice so your team can win. And then they go and pick other players. “But Ray cares more about winning than making an All-Star team.” Rondo, competing against a deep pool of young point guards, still has time, according to Ainge. “I think Rajon was a long shot just because of the amount of players,” Ainge said. “He’s certainly played to that level this year. But I, like most people, don’t agree with all of the selections.” Rivers made a point of promoting Rondo’s candidacy among his peers, though the C’s coach was prophetic when talking yesterday afternoon. “I think all three (should) be on, but I’ve been in the league too long,” he said of Pierce, Allen and Rondo. “There’s a lot of campaigning for guys who aren’t on winning teams who get numbers. I always tell people when they give me that argument, ‘Well, they are good numbers,’ I say, ‘Well, put Ray in that spot and see how many numbers he gets.’ “No one thinks of it in those terms. I’ve just been around the league long enough to know a for-sure thing is never a for-sure thing. This, to me, is as close to a for-sure thing as possible. Last year, you could have made the case. This year, it’s a closed case.” Pierce had another idea. “In my opinion, I think we should have our starting five,” said the C’s captain, who was selected for a seventh time. “It’s for the fans, and the coaches get a chance to choose it. I think we should be rewarded for how we played, but the Cavs have played really well, Orlando has played pretty well. The All-Star team is not going to consist of four Cavs, four Orlando players and four Boston players. I’ll take four or five of us.” Celtics forward Kevin Garnett was named as an East starter last week.
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Post by FLCeltsFan on Jan 30, 2009 7:42:45 GMT -5
www.bostonherald.com/sports/basketball/celtics/view.bg?articleid=1148782&format=textGuards have something up sleeve By Dan Duggan / Celtics Notebook | Friday, January 30, 2009 | www.bostonherald.com | Boston Celtics Photo by Matt Stone Aside from the hours Ray Allen and Eddie House have logged perfecting their form, coach Doc Rivers might have identified another reason for the success of the sharpshooters: The Spandex sleeves each wears. “I have one under my suit now as well to help me,” Rivers joked yesterday. “Ray started doing it in the playoffs last year, and he started shooting the ball better. I think (Detroit’s Allen) Iverson came up with it, and he shoots it as much as anyone, so I think maybe they’re onto something.” Allen began wearing the sleeve on his left arm to defend repeated scratches from Pistons guard Richard Hamilton in last season’s Eastern Conference finals. The Celtics [team stats] guard was mired in a prolonged shooting slump at the time, but he regained his form and has continued wearing the sleeve this season. House had never worn a sleeve, but after feeling pain in his shooting elbow following a game at Toronto on Jan. 11, he opted for one. “When my arm gets right, I’ll take it off,” House said. “Right now, it’s just a little sore, so just to keep it warm I keep it on.” The way he’s been shooting, House might not want to take it off. The reserve guard is 22-for-32 from 3-point range in his last four games. Of course, the benefits of the sleeve don’t fully explain House’s hot streak. He’s been playing off the ball more, allowing for better looks. “I’ve been able to run to spots,” House said. “Instead of me passing to somebody to make the play, somebody is passing to me to take the shot. It does make a difference.” New-look Pistons For the last six years, the Celtics could count on seeing Chauncey Billups and Hamilton in Detroit’s starting lineup. But tonight the C’s will get their first look at the revamped Pistons backcourt combination of Iverson and Rodney Stuckey. Billups was traded to Denver in early November, and Hamilton has since moved to the bench to make room for the emerging Stuckey. The changes have made the Pistons inconsistent. “I think you knew what you were going to get from the Pistons night in and night out,” Paul Pierce [stats] said. “They didn’t make a lot of mistakes, they were a well-oiled machine and they weren’t a team that beat themselves. “Right now, with the transition they’re going through with Allen Iverson [stats], trying to figure out their identity, you never know which team is going to show up.” The Celtics were quick to point out that the new look won’t make things any easier for them tonight in Auburn Hills, Mich. “They’re a terrific basketball team,” Rivers said. “Their record (25-19) is still pretty darn good. We don’t take that lightly at all.” TA all right Tony Allen showed no ill effects in his first practice since returning to the lineup Wednesday. The reserve guard had missed 11 games with a sprained right ankle before playing 23 minutes and finishing with 10 points and eight rebounds against the Kings. “He just has to keep working on his game compared to our game,” Rivers said. “That’s always a fight.”
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Post by FLCeltsFan on Jan 30, 2009 7:46:35 GMT -5
www.bostonherald.com/sports/basketball/other_nba/view.bg?articleid=1148793&format=textMagic cool off Cavaliers By Herald Wire Services | Friday, January 30, 2009 | www.bostonherald.com | NBA Coverage The Magic are looking more and more like a contender in the Eastern Conference. Dwight Howard had 22 points and 18 rebounds, Hedo Turkoglu added 19 points and 11 rebounds, and the Magic took advantage of LeBron James’ shooting struggles to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers, 99-88, last night in Orlando, Fla. Rashard Lewis and Jameer Nelson, both selected All-Star reserves earlier in the night, also came up big for Orlando. Lewis had 19 points, and Nelson chipped in 18. James was 10-of-27 from the field for the Cavs, who lost for the first time in five games. He finished with 23 points, eight rebounds and eight assists. He spent much of the night complaining to the officials and missed 3-of-6 free throws. Orlando was much more efficient. A week after losing to the defending NBA champion Celtics [team stats], the Magic showed they might be more than an afterthought in the East. They overcame a 10-point deficit in the second quarter and turned a close game into a one-sided affair with a spree of jumpers in the fourth. Mickael Pietrus started the spurt with a mid-range shot. Anthony Johnson and Lewis followed with consecutive 3-pointers. Lewis added a jumper, then Turkoglu and Nelson hit two more from behind the arc to make it a rout with 6 minutes remaining. Turkoglu’s breakaway dunk made it 97-74 and sent many fans scattering for the exits. The Magic gained momentum heading into halftime when they sliced a 10-point lead down to one, 56-55. They carried it out of the break, too. Orlando scored the first seven points of the third quarter - two inside baskets by Howard and Lewis’ 3-pointer. Cleveland looked as if it would get back in it, even finding motivation in consecutive technical fouls on coach Mike Brown and guard Mo Williams. The Cavs cut it to five, 75-70, but then the Magic got hot from long range. Elsewhere in the NBA - After being left out of the NBA’s midseason gala for first time in his career last season, Shaquille O’Neal received his 15th All-Star selection when the reserves were announced for the Feb. 15 game in Phoenix. O’Neal and Suns teammate Amare Stoudemire give the host team two Western All-Stars. New Orleans, San Antonio and the Los Angeles Lakers also had multiple players on the West roster, which will be coached by the Lakers’ Phil Jackson. If the West team plans to rely on experience, the East might turn to youthful exuberance. Making their first All-Star teams are Nelson, New Jersey guard Devin Harris and Indiana forward Danny Granger. . . . Oklahoma City guard Desmond Mason will miss the rest of the season after hyperextending his right knee during a victory over Memphis Wednesday. . . . Utah Jazz forward Andrei Kirilenko is scheduled to have surgery today to remove a bone fragment from his right ankle. . . . The Bobcats signed forward Cartier Martin to a 10-day contract.
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Post by FLCeltsFan on Jan 30, 2009 7:50:06 GMT -5
www.bostonherald.com/sports/basketball/celtics/view.bg?articleid=1148784&format=textScouting report: Celtics at Pistons By Herald staff | Friday, January 30, 2009 | www.bostonherald.com | Boston Celtics Photo by Matt Stone TONIGHT - 7:30, The Palace, Auburn Hills, Mich. TV - CSN. Radio - WEEI-AM (850) THE NUMBERS 2-0: Celtics [team stats]’ edge in season series. 13-9: Pistons’ record at home. 15-7: Celtics’ record on the road. WHO’S HURT For the Celtics, Brian Scalabrine (concussion) is out. For the Pistons, Rip Hamilton (groin) is questionable. WHO’S HOT For the Celtics, Eddie House has shot 22-for-32 from 3-point range over the last four games. For the Pistons, Rasheed Wallace has averaged 23.5 points and 10.5 rebounds over the last two games. WHO’S NOT For the Celtics, Leon Powe has scored only one basket in his last four games. BOTTOM LINE If Hamilton plays, the Pistons will come at the Celtics with their new look, with the fluid scorer coming off the bench. The Celtics bench scored 60 points Wednesday vs. Sacramento, but the Kings reserves have no comparison to Detroit’s bench unit.
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Post by FLCeltsFan on Jan 30, 2009 7:53:19 GMT -5
www.bostonherald.com/sports/basketball/other_nba/view.bg?articleid=1148822&format=textTough weekend: Timberwolves meet Lakers, Celtics By Brian Stensaas / Star Tribune (Minneapolis) | Friday, January 30, 2009 | www.bostonherald.com | NBA Coverage It’s probably safe to assume the Timberwolves didn’t send a thank-you card to the NBA’s scheduling department when they looked ahead to this weekend. In a 40-hour span beginning Friday night against the Lakers at Target Center, Minnesota will take on both of last year’s NBA Finals teams. After tonight, the Timberwolves head to Boston for a Sunday matinee with the defending NBA champion Celtics [team stats]. "It’s crazy," Wolves rookie Kevin Love said. Bizarre, too, is that the Wolves actually enter this two-game stretch on par with these teams. Lately, anyway. Even after a loss to Detroit on Wednesday that coach Kevin McHale a day later called "mentally ... a big step back," the Wolves remain among the best in 2009. It has a 10-3 record this month after a 4-23 start to the season. The Lakers and Celtics enter Friday night’s action 10-4 in January. "It’s a good test for us," Wolves center Al Jefferson [stats] said of this weekend’s games. "We’re ready to take the challenge to see where we’re at." This will be a significant barometer. Before Wednesday, the Timberwolves had some advantages against some of their January opponents. The game against the Pistons was Minnesota’s first against a fully healthy team in some time. The Wolves responded by coughing up an 11-point second half lead and eventually lost by nine. "We have to be more focused," McHale said. "We have to be better in our assignments, we have to be on our spots. There’s things we have to do." In games earlier this month, the Wolves got hot against teams that were shorthanded, defeating Milwaukee minus Andrew Bogut and Michael Redd, the Clippers without Marcus Camby, Chris Kaman and Zach Randolph and New Orleans without Tyson Chandler and David West. The absence of those players — particularly the big men — allowed the Wolves to attack mismatches, usually getting big performances out of Jefferson (24 points and 14 rebounds against New Orleans last week, for example). That kind of mismatch will be a little harder to come by in the next two games. It starts Friday night with the Wolves trying to contain Lakers forward Pau Gasol and center Andrew Bynum, both 7-footers. The game plan appears simple. "You just have to block them out," Jefferson said. "Put your body on guys, and they can’t jump as high. They’re some big guys, but, you know, we’re big too." Big? Jefferson’s pursed lips and wandering eyes at that last statement were an indication that’s not exactly true. The Wolves, without a true center, lack size and instead will have to find another way to compete with two of the league’s premier teams. Aside from shutting down Gasol and Bynum tonight, there’s hot-shooting Kobe Bryant to deal with. Then comes the Celtics big three of Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce [stats] and Ray Allen on Sunday. McHale, though, refuses to put too much stock into the weekend. "Our goal is to be better a month from now," he said. "We’re not going to gauge anything on L.A. and Boston whether we win both or lose both. We gotta get better." He points out that the Wolves also have had some manpower issues recently, and scoffed at any mention that the Wolves took advantage of teams missing players. Corey Brewer hasn’t played since tearing a knee ligament in late November. Kevin Ollie has been out since Jan. 3 with a dislocated elbow and McHale apologized to Sebastian Telfair [stats] (sore thigh) for playing him as much as he did Wednesday. These players, though, are not the caliber of the difference-makers Wolves opponents have played without of late, or of the stars they will face against Los Angeles and Boston. "We’ve got a handful," Jefferson said. "But you just have to try and stay between them and the basket."
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Post by FLCeltsFan on Jan 30, 2009 7:56:44 GMT -5
www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/articles/2009/01/30/pierce_is_the_celtics_only_all_star_reserve?mode=PFPierce is the Celtics' only All-Star reserve By Marc J. Spears, Globe Staff | January 30, 2009 WALTHAM - The Celtics dreamed of four All-Stars, expected three, and got two. While forward Paul Pierce was named a reserve for the Eastern Conference team last night, eight-time All-Star guard Ray Allen was not selected. Kevin Garnett was voted in by the fans last week as a starting forward for the game Feb. 15 in Phoenix. "It's not about numbers," team president Danny Ainge said last night. "It wasn't about Orlando getting three [Dwight Howard, Jameer Nelson, Rashard Lewis] and us getting two. Cleveland has the best record and only gets one. Ray Allen is one of the most efficient players in the East and only LeBron James has a better plus-minus. He's been our most consistent player." Coach Doc Rivers said via text message, "No comment. Very disappointed." Pierce was selected for the seventh time in his 11-year career. He is averaging a team-best 18.8 points, plus 5.7 rebounds and 3.8 assists. He is tied with Dave Cowens, Kevin McHale, and JoJo White for seventh place for Celtic All-Star appearances, behind Bob Cousy (13), John Havlicek (13), Larry Bird (12), Bill Russell (12), Robert Parish (9), and Bill Sharman (8). "It means a lot," said Pierce. "It represents the things you have done throughout the regular season. Representing the Boston Celtics, it's always a joy to make the All-Star team. You don't take those for granted because there will come a day where I'm not going to make the All-Star team and I'll be like, 'Hey, I remember those days when I made it.' "I get to be around my peers and enjoy the weekend, the festivities. I enjoy it more each time I make it." The sharpshooting Allen is averaging 18 points on .503 shooting, and is shooting .415 from 3-point range and .936 from the foul line. He scored 28 points and nailed five 3-pointers off the bench as an injury replacement for Caron Butler in the 2008 All-Star Game. Allen was not available for comment. Asked before the announcement about the possibility of not having three All-Stars, Rivers said, "If one of the Big Three doesn't make it, then I'm [upset]. Any coach that comes up to me after that is hypocritical because they didn't vote for [all three]. All they talk about when they call is like, 'Man, I love the way you got your guys to play together."' Guard Rajon Rondo was also an All-Star candidate, but acknowledged that he was likely the fourth option among the Celtics. The 22-year-old is averaging 11.2 points, 8 assists, 5.2 rebounds, and 1 steal. Before the announcement, Rivers said, "I think Rondo should [make it]. But if he doesn't, I get that. It doesn't bother me because he'll have his time." Rivers is not eligible to coach the East because he was the coach last year. He plans on going home to Orlando during All-Star weekend to spend time with his family and watch his two youngest children play in school tournaments. "It was an honor last year, but I'm really looking forward to being at home," Rivers said. "My kids are playing in districts, and that time is always during All-Star break and that will be nice."
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Post by FLCeltsFan on Jan 30, 2009 8:00:01 GMT -5
www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/articles/2009/01/30/from_an_automatic_to_a_shift?mode=PFFrom an automatic to a shift Evolving Pistons have earned Celtics' respect By Marc J. Spears, Globe Staff | January 30, 2009 WALTHAM - After years as the conference's standard of excellence, the Detroit Pistons are in the unfamiliar position of being outside the East's elite, which consists of Boston, Cleveland, and Orlando. But with a roster filled with All-Star-caliber players and more success than any other East team this decade, the Pistons still have the Celtics' respect. Tonight at The Palace of Auburn Hills, the Celtics (38-9) will attempt to go 3-0 this season against Detroit (25-19). "You definitely are going to have a lot of respect for the Pistons," Paul Pierce said yesterday. "They have All-Stars all across the board when they put a lineup out there. Even though they haven't been playing as consistent as [in the past], you still got to look at them as a threat because on any given night when you have guys like Rip Hamilton, Rasheed Wallace, Allen Iverson, they can be hell." Said Ray Allen, "Detroit, we've always had tough battles against them. They get up playing against us. We're going to have a battle." The 2004 NBA champions have been to six straight Eastern Conference finals and sent four players to the All-Star Game three years ago. Last season, Boston knocked them off, 4-2, in the conference finals. With key players still on its roster, Detroit opened 4-0 under rookie coach Michael Curry. But on Nov. 3, the Pistons traded 2004 NBA Finals MVP Chauncey Billups, forward Antonio McDyess (since returned), and center Cheikh Samb to Denver for Iverson. Since acquiring Iverson, the Pistons are 21-19 while using nine lineups. Detroit is tied with Miami for the fifth-best record in the East. "They still have a lot of great players on their team and they've infused young talent into their club," Allen said. "They have the experience. It's important that we know that they know how to win games. It's going to be a four-quarter game." Asked about the difference between the Pistons before and after the Billups trade, Pierce said, "You knew what you were going to get from the Pistons night in and night out [before]. They played together five, six, seven years. They were a well-oiled machine. They're not a team that beat themselves. "Right now, with the transition they're going through with Allen Iverson trying to figure out everything, you never know what team is going to show up. You have to be ready for a great Pistons team." The Celtics defeated the Pistons, 88-76, in Iverson's home debut Nov. 9 and 98-80 in Boston Nov. 20. Playoffs included, Boston has beaten the Pistons in eight of 11 games since the start of last season. "This year, they beat us convincingly both times," Hamilton told the Detroit media. "It's two different situations, last year to this year. We have to get on the ball. In order for us to get where we want to get to, we have to go through them." Said Curry, "Both games, we had really good first quarters. Second quarter, we really struggled and kind of lost our grasp of the game. Their second unit did a really good job on us and we struggled to score." Hamilton's status will be a game-time decision after he aggravated his groin injury against Minnesota Wednesday. The former University of Connecticut star has been coming off the bench of late, behind Iverson and Rodney Stuckey. "Mentally, I'm going in saying that I don't want to miss that game," said Hamilton. "It's tough. We did a lot of treatment today. Hopefully, it will feel better [tonight]." The Pistons face a tough parlay, with the Celtics followed by Cleveland Sunday. They have plenty of time to get back in the mix, and this may be the opportunity to show it. "We better [respect them]," Celtics coach Doc Rivers said. "They're a terrific basketball team. Their record is still pretty darn good." Said Pierce, "We have to expect their best, especially with the way teams are coming at us all year long. We know they'll be up for us. They haven't been playing well and they can look at this game as 'We beat the Celtics. Maybe we can turn this around.' "
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Post by FLCeltsFan on Jan 30, 2009 8:02:02 GMT -5
www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/articles/2009/01/30/not_his_lucky_day?mode=PFNot his lucky day Celtic mascot's tenure ends By Bella English, Globe Staff | January 30, 2009 The NBA's website says Lucky, the Celtics' mascot, "swears he'll remain the No. 1 fan for his favorite team until the end of time." Or until time runs out. Damon Lee Blust, the gymnast who plays the acrobatic leprechaun, has parted ways with the Celtics. According to a statement released last night by his agent, Blust and the Celtics "mutually agreed to relieve Damon from his contract as the team's mascot for the remainder of this season and next." The Celtics also issued a statement yesterday confirming that Blust is no longer employed, but a spokesman refused to elaborate. "We appreciate his many efforts in entertaining Celtics fans as well as his work in the community while a member of the Celtics organization," the statement reads. Celtics president Rich Gotham declined to say whether Blust quit or was fired. "It's a private employer-employee matter, something I can't talk about right now," he said. The team also declined to say whether or when Blust might be replaced. Scott Jordan of (207) Entertainment in Portland, Maine, who recently began representing Blust, said Blust was not fired. In his statement, Blust said he will miss performing for "the best sports fans in the world," as he has for the past six seasons. But he said leaving would allow him to launch a new career working with children on health issues. "At 33, I'm not getting any younger and like most professional athletes there comes a time to step out of the limelight and focus on a career that can be sustained at an older age." Blust said he plans to create a school-based health and fitness show focusing on preventing diseases such as Type 2 diabetes among youth. "The only way I could repay the Celtics for their support over the years is to take what I've learned from the organization and strive to provide the same level of excellence . . . with my own school program," he said. He signed his statement, "Go Celtics! Best o'luck, Damon Blust aka Lucky." But a source in the Celtics organization said Blust had been having trouble with management, and had missed public appearances for both charities and Celtics sponsors, despite warnings to change his behavior. "They sat with him before the season started and told him, 'If you don't show up, there are going to be problems,' " said the source. "He wasn't keeping his schedule like he should have." Blust, who became the Celtics' mascot in 2003, is a skilled gymnast who often dunked after catapulting off a trampoline. He was a familiar sight at TD Banknorth Garden in his velvet knickers, vest, bow tie, and bowler. Celtics fans either loved him or hated him. "Red [Auerbach] must be lighting a cigar in heaven right now," one fan posted yesterday on Boston.com. "Lucky was [and will be when they replace him] the height of the tacky game 'presentation' that is such a part of today's NBA." Others expressed sadness at Lucky's departure. "As a season ticket-holder, I like having him around," wrote one man. "He was always running around, shaking hands with the little kids, silly stringing anyone in the stands with opposing jerseys. Don't know anything about him off the court, but hopefully they will find a replacement ASAP." Blust, who said he was the first unmasked professional sports mascot, told the Globe in 2006 he was to the role born. "Big nose, gapped teeth - I was Lucky," he said. "God really knew what he was doing that day." Blust had undergone surgeries over the years for various injuries. Blust, who lived in Quincy until recently, when he moved to New Hampshire, was also fined $200 last month for speeding and driving with a suspended license. Mike Rotondi, a season ticket-holder for 30 years, was saddened by Lucky's departure. "I thought he did an awful nice job, and it's tough," said Rotondi, who lives in Hingham. "You've got to run around and wear a silly little outfit and he did it very well and he did it with a smile on his face." Rotondi said he often spoke with Blust, who seemed enthusiastic about his job. Rotondi recalled one stunt in which Blust shot himself out of a big slingshot that propelled him down the court on roller skates. "He went at about a million miles an hour, hit a ramp, did a flip, and put the ball in," Rotondi said. "He hurt himself a couple of times. To me, he was a very, very nice guy, and I thought he was very good, especially for the younger kids." Joanne Borzakian Ouellette, who has had front-row season tickets since 1974, once hired Lucky to entertain at her son's birthday party. "Lucky was fun to watch, especially for the children," said Ouellette, of Westwood. "I think he added a fun element." Rotondi believes it will be difficult to find another Lucky. "I don't know how the heck they're going to find someone to replace him," he said. "Who wants to put their body through that? Not me. I get sore just watching him."
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Post by FLCeltsFan on Jan 30, 2009 8:15:14 GMT -5
www.metrowestdailynews.com/sports/pros_and_colleges/x349749053/Celtics-Busy-week-ahead-for-CsCeltics: Busy week ahead for C's -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- By Lenny Megliola/Daily News staff The MetroWest Daily News Posted Jan 30, 2009 @ 12:06 AM -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Brad Miller wouldn't mind wearing Celtics green. Can you blame him? He plays for the 10-37 Sacramento Kings. The losing gets to you. The Kings play lousy defense. Sometimes lethargy sets in. You think you're playing hard on defense, but you still lose. It can wear a team down. "That's the tough part," said the 6-foot-10 Miller after the Kings lost 119-100 to the Celtics Wednesday. "It takes a lot of energy to play defense ... it has to be a whole team commitment." Like the Celtics? No doubt. Miller was asked if his level of energy would increase if he were playing for Boston. "Absolutely." The Celtics know how lucky they are. They're in Detroit tonight looking for their 10th straight win. "It's going to be tough. Any time we go up there it seems like a war," said Kevin Garnett. "Their lineup has changed, but they're still Detroit. They play hard-nosed defense. It's never easy going to Detroit and get a win, so we don't anticipate it being any different. Difficult as usual." It couldn't have been much less difficult for the Celtics beating Sacramento. Not only did Eddie House's catch-and-shoot magic produce eight 3-pointers (in nine tries), but the bench racked up 61 points, led by House's 28. "Eddie's been on fire," said Garnett, who's lobbying for House to be invited to the All-Star Game 3-point contest. When Kendrick Perkins was out with an injured shoulder, Brian Scalabrine came off the bench and did more than a serviceable job. Now he's out after suffering a concussion. But the bench hasn't missed a beat. The more effective House, Leon Powe, Glen Davis and Tony Allen are, the more coach Doc Rivers can cut back on the starters' minutes. "With Scal out," said Rivers, "(Powe and Davis) will both play." But the best case scenario is when Powe, Davis and Scalabrine are all healthy because "they push each other, and so far that's worked better for us." Allen returned to action Wednesday night after missing 11 games because of an ankle injury. He looked good. Rivers didn't have to break him in too gently, like 10 or 12 minutes. He wound up playing 23 minutes, shot 5-for-5, had eight rebounds, three steals and three assists. After Paul Pierce received three fouls in the first nine minutes of the game, Rivers went to Allen, who was up to the task. "We needed it, with Pierce out," said Rivers. "I told him to tell me if he gets tired. Tony's like 'Hey, I never play. I'm going to stay out there.' ... It was great to see him back. I thought in the first half he kept it simple. In the second half he tried to do a little too much, and you turn (the ball) over." Allen had four turnovers. Allen admitted "fatigue kicked in. I felt my ankle get sore a little bit at halftime. I just got tired at the end. Other than that, I felt good." "It was good to see Tony get back out there and give us a spark," said Pierce. Davis has been working on his mid-range jumper and it's paying off. "He's been turning it up," said Pierce. Pierce only had to play 27 minutes against the Kings. He was just 1-for-5 from the floor. No big deal, the way the bench guys filled in. "That's great because it means it's taking a lot of pressure off (the starters). We don't have to play heavy minutes," he said. After tonight's game, the Celtics have a busy week starting with a noontime Garden tapoff Sunday against the improved Timberwolves. Then Boston plays at Philly Tuesday before the Lakers show up on Causeway Street Thursday night. "The schedule is going to be what it's going to be," said Pierce. "All we know is we have Detroit (tonight) and that's about it. We're just going to have to take this show on the road and try to take care of business."
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Post by FLCeltsFan on Jan 30, 2009 11:55:44 GMT -5
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