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FLCeltsFan
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News 4/14 Apr 14, 2009 6:56:02 GMT -5

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Post by FLCeltsFan on Apr 14, 2009 6:56:02 GMT -5

www.bostonherald.com/sports/basketball/celtics/view.bg?articleid=1165504&format=text
Kevin Garnett in a holding pattern
Will sit last 2 games

By Mark Murphy / Celtics Notebook | Tuesday, April 14, 2009 | www.bostonherald.com | Boston Celtics

Photo by Herald file
PHILADELPHIA - Doc Rivers officially ruled Kevin Garnett out of action until the playoffs, meaning Saturday - the expected date of the team’s first playoff game - is the earliest the Celtics [team stats] forward will take the floor.

Garnett has missed 21 of the team’s past 25 games because of a strained right knee.

The Celtics coach, after watching Leon Powe work out at the team hotel yesterday, also said that Powe could play as soon as tonight’s game against Philadelphia.

“It’s just the feel of Eddie (trainer Lacerte) and everybody else that this is the right thing to do,” Rivers said yesterday of Garnett. “I just don’t see a good reason to play him in these next two games. So the plan is simple. We practice Thursday, we practice Friday, and then from what I’m told our first game will be Saturday, so we’ll go from there.”

Garnett accepted the news with relative calm.

“It wasn’t a big deal for him, especially after watching us yesterday,” Rivers said of Sunday’s 31-point loss in Cleveland. “I don’t think Kevin was surprised by this news at all. But let’s hope everything else goes as planned, and Leon can play.

“Two weeks ago I would have told you that Leon was the one who wouldn’t be ready for this, or maybe even the whole playoffs.”

Working off rust

No one has a tougher dance card than Tony Allen.

The Celtics guard has two regular-season games left to work off the rust, and as a result his conditioning routine is focused on guarding the biggest scorers in the game.

On Sunday, his off-the-bench assignment was the smoking LeBron James.

Tonight against the playoff-bound Sixers, Allen is guaranteed to see a lot of Andre Iguodala.

With the Sixers stacking up as a very possible first-round opponent for the Celtics, this assignment will be like a practice test for Allen.

Besides, it couldn’t be as difficult as Sunday’s draw, right? Allen fouled out, with most of those grabs and bumps committed on James.

The Cavaliers forward brought it all to a head when, on consecutive possessions, and with Allen essentially in his lap, James hit a pair of preposterously deep 3-pointers.

Some defenders might be demoralized.

Allen simply wrote off the two bombs for what they were.

“Oh, amazing shots, amazing shots,” he said. “He’s LeBron James, and unfortunately those shots fall. But for the most part in last two games I have to get ready. I have to be a competitor. I have to get better. Next up it’s going to be Iguodala, and that’s how it goes. Right now, I’m just trying to get better and that’s it, slowly but surely.”

Along those lines, expect Allen to spend most of his time chasing Washington’s Caron Butler up and down the floor in tomorrow’s regular-season finale.

“I wouldn’t want a coach to say we’re working on your defense tonight, but we’re putting you on LeBron. Warm me up first,” Rivers said. “But unfortunately that’s not what we did. Unfortunately for Tony he’s been out, and we have no choice. We’re going to put him on Iguodala, and then Caron. That’s tough, but that’s our league.”

How to play it

Rivers still is mulling how to approach tonight’s game. The Celtics have clinched the second seed in the Eastern Conference, and they have a number of regulars in need of rest.

“Philly’s fighting with other teams, and it will be tough to sit guys for that fact,” Rivers said of tonight’s dilemma. “That’s my first thought, though I also have to take care of my team first. But that was my first thought when I thought about the Philly game.”

Tonight’s subplot also will be a good one. The Sixers have two games to play - tonight’s, and then tomorrow in Cleveland. Philly, Chicago and Detroit have locked up the conference’s last three playoff spots, however, their final seedings, and therefore their first-round foes, will be decided by the last few games.

FLCeltsFan
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News 4/14 Apr 14, 2009 7:02:08 GMT -5

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Post by FLCeltsFan on Apr 14, 2009 7:02:08 GMT -5

www.bostonherald.com/sports/basketball/celtics/view.bg?articleid=1165495&format=text
Scouting report: Celtics at 76ers

By Herald staff | Tuesday, April 14, 2009 | www.bostonherald.com | Boston Celtics
TONIGHT - 8, Wachovia Center, Philadelphia. TV - CSN, TNT. Radio - WEEI-AM (850).

THE NUMBERS 26-14: Celtics [team stats] on the road.

24-16: Sixers at home.

3-0: Celtics’ edge in season series.

WHO’S HURT

For the Celtics, Kevin Garnett (knee), Leon Powe (knee) and Brian Scalabrine (neck) are out. For the Sixers, Thaddeus Young (ankle), Elton Brand (shoulder) and Jason Smith (knee) are out.

WHO’S HOT For the Celtics, Mikki Moore scored 10 points on 5-of-6 shooting Sunday in Cleveland. For the Sixers, Louis Williams has scored 20 points in three of the last seven games.

WHO’S NOT The Celtics scored a season-low 76 points Sunday.

BOTTOM LINE The Sixers, still fighting for playoff seeding, have more to shoot for tonight. But the Celtics have the bad taste from Sunday’s loss in Cleveland to erase.

FLCeltsFan
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News 4/14 Apr 14, 2009 7:05:32 GMT -5

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Post by FLCeltsFan on Apr 14, 2009 7:05:32 GMT -5

www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/articles/2009/04/14/garnetts_return_awaits?mode=PF
Garnett's return awaits
Coach: He will be back for playoffs
By Frank Dell'Apa, Globe Staff | April 14, 2009

PHILADELPHIA - Kevin Garnett will not return to the Celtics' lineup until their playoff opener, likely to be scheduled for Saturday.

Garnett joined the Celtics on this road trip, which began with a 107-76 loss at Cleveland Sunday, and the team hoped he would be in action either against the 76ers tonight or in the regular-season finale against Washington in Boston tomorrow. But coach Doc Rivers yesterday changed plans.

"We're just being careful right now," Rivers said. "I don't see the benefit of playing Kevin right now, with the practice we're going to have."

Rivers called off practice yesterday, but Garnett (right knee), Leon Powe (right knee), and Brian Scalabrine (cervical strain) worked out with trainer Bryan Doo and are planning to participate in today's shootaround at the Wachovia Center. Powe could play against the Sixers, and the hope is for Garnett to take part in practices Thursday and Friday in Waltham.

Garnett has missed 23 games this season, the last seven following a failure to recover sufficiently from the injury he sustained in Utah Feb. 19. The Celtics have a 16-7 record without Garnett and had won six straight without him before the loss to the Cavaliers.

Rivers normally wants Garnett to have a full practice before returning to action.

"I'm not that concerned with that," Rivers said. "The last time we brought him back, he didn't have any practices and we threw him in."

Both Garnett and Scalabrine could return to Boston after this morning's workout. Powe's status depends on his recovery from yesterday's session.

"We may send them all home if we don't think any of them will play," Rivers said. "They've all been doing weights and working out. We'll wait and see on Kevin."

Powe, who has been out for 11 games, could be available for the final two.

Against Cleveland, the Celtics experienced their first double-digit defeat since a 105-95 loss to Detroit March 1 and their worst loss since a 108-84 playoff setback at Cleveland May 10, 2008. After clinching the No. 2 playoff seed in the East Saturday, the Celtics experienced their most visible letdown of the season in the opening quarter at Cleveland, falling behind, 31-9.

"They just kicked our butt," Rivers said. "We don't make any excuses. We didn't have great focus, and I understand that. But every game is a competition, it doesn't matter if you are playing for anything or not.

"One team was desperate to win the game and to win home court throughout the playoffs and the other was just settling up and playing. And you can't do that.

"I told the starters that wasn't the first night we've had a bad start, and that's something we have to focus on. But we'll be all right. I'm not concerned. The thing is to come in and play and play hard. That was one of those 'perfect storm' nights. But I would love to go back to Cleveland again this year."

Schedule due soon
The Celtics were the last team to host a playoff game last season, as they won the NBA title against the Lakers in Boston, and they will likely be the first team to play at home this postseason. They will meet the seventh-place Eastern team (Chicago or Philadelphia) at either 12:30 or 1 p.m. Saturday and play host to Game 2 Monday, according to a league source. The league is awaiting results of tomorrow's season-ending contests to announce the schedule . . . The NBA is reviewing the third-quarter incident involving Celtic guard Ray Allen and Cleveland forward Anderson Varejao. A double technical was issued after Varejao pulled down Allen, who retaliated with an elbow. Rivers said he did not anticipate Allen being suspended. "Varejao grabbed him and held him and swung him to the floor," Rivers said. "If you stop that, the other thing doesn't happen." Asked if Allen lost his composure, Rivers replied, "It's tough to be composed when you are getting your butt kicked and the other guy is playing a little more than he should be."

FLCeltsFan
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News 4/14 Apr 14, 2009 7:09:44 GMT -5

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Post by FLCeltsFan on Apr 14, 2009 7:09:44 GMT -5

www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/articles/2009/04/14/players_may_be_hurting_but_confidence_isnt?mode=PF
Players may be hurting, but confidence isn't
By Marc J. Spears, Globe Staff | April 14, 2009

The injury-plagued Celtics won't repeat as champions because of Kevin Garnett's knee issues. There is no way the Celtics can beat LeBron James and the Cavaliers, especially in Cleveland. With a healthy Andrew Bynum, the Celtics can't knock off Kobe Bryant and the Lakers again. The Big Three are getting old. Boston can't rely on home-court advantage this time around.

The Celtics have heard all those theories and more from skeptics who believe there will not be an 18th championship banner being raised at TD Banknorth Garden this year. But through all the injuries, criticism, and questions, the Celtics remain extremely confident, for several reasons.

"We don't mind flying under the radar," said Paul Pierce. "When you win a championship, you acquire a certain swagger, a certain confidence that you can beat anybody regardless of who you have on the court."

Said coach Doc Rivers, "They counted us out last year, too. Who cares? As long as the guys in the locker room and the fans believe, we could care less about anybody else."

One reason the Celtics are confident is that they are more experienced individually and as a group going into the playoffs this time.

Rajon Rondo, Glen Davis, and Leon Powe were making their playoff debuts last season, while Kendrick Perkins and Tony Allen had played in fewer than eight postseason contests. While Pierce, Garnett, and Ray Allen had a lot of playoff experience individually, they were still getting to know each other in their first season together. Sam Cassell and Brian Scalabrine, who didn't play in one playoff game, were the only players on the team with NBA Finals experience.

Actually, before last season, the Celtics were projected by many to have a better chance of winning a title this season than last. But they got a lot of postseason experience quickly, playing seven-game series in the first two rounds, and got stronger as the playoffs continued.

With all of the key players and newcomers having logged lots of playoff time by now, the Celtics believe they will be much more mentally prepared for anything that comes their way.

"We know what to expect," Ray Allen said. "We know it's going up a notch. We know both sides of the ball will require an intense amount of focus.

"We had so many young guys last year that were important to our success, that feeling was great as far as beating Detroit. They didn't think our guys would hold up on the road in foul situations, and they didn't know what to expect. I think now, we know what to expect."

The Celtics have been hampered by injuries. Garnett missed 23 games (one for suspension), Powe 10, Scalabrine 29, and Tony Allen 35. Pierce is the only Celtic who has played in all 80 games. But even through all the lineup changes and lost production, Boston has still managed the third-most wins in the league, 60.

Davis and Powe gained a lot of confidence as they more-than-adequately filled Garnett's mammoth shoes. There are also talented reserve guards in Tony Allen, Eddie House, and Stephon Marbury. While the loss of James Posey still hurts, the Celtics feel they are deeper and more talented now than last season.

"We've done a pretty good job holding up without [Garnett]," Rondo said. "[Davis] is stepping up. When Leon was healthy, he was stepping up. That's fine. We're the underdogs. We've all been underdogs before. It's no big deal."

Said Pierce, "We've been missing KG. We've had our injuries. But we still find ways to win games. And that factor comes into play, especially in the playoffs."

The big question mark for the Celtics is: How healthy will Garnett be in the postseason?

They seem optimistic that Garnett will be close to his old self. He should be aided by having extra days off during the playoffs, no back-to-back games, and long television timeouts. Davis, Powe, and Mikki Moore can also reduce Garnett's minutes with solid play off the bench. And even if Garnett isn't 100 percent, Pierce says his focus and presence alone have a positive impact on the team's play.

Asked if he were confident that Garnett would be a positive factor in the postseason, Pierce said, "I'm very confident. I'm confident that even if KG's not 100 percent, [he'll contribute] just by his presence on the floor."

There are many valid reasons why the odds are against the Celtics repeating. But the champs haven't lost their swagger in the least. They believe they will have the last laugh.

"I don't think, even without us healthy, that anyone can beat us four times," Rondo said.

Said Pierce, "Teams might say, 'Oh, they're injured and they're not as good as they were.' But you still think about that this is the team that won the championship. You can't take that lightly, either."

Said Ray Allen, "We've faced different challenges. The table doesn't always have to be set the same way to win a championship or to be great. It's just a different way for us to try to get to our goal."

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News 4/14 Apr 14, 2009 7:11:46 GMT -5

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Post by FLCeltsFan on Apr 14, 2009 7:11:46 GMT -5

www.metrowestdailynews.com/sports/pros_and_colleges/x405398918/Megliola-Bostons-Garden-denizens-take-center-stage
Megliola: Boston's Garden denizens take center stage
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By Lenny Megliola/Daily News staff
MetroWest Daily News
Posted Apr 13, 2009 @ 10:18 PM

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This is the way we like our springs around here. Full to the brim. The denizens of the Garden are waiting for the playoffs to start. Some loyalists think this is the Bruins' year, just like last year was the Celtics' year. There will be playoff hockey and hoops in Boston this week. Hopes are high. Meanwhile, the Red Sox are just kicking in, and already there is panic in the streets.

But this is Boston. We berate our teams, we second guess, and worry. Our teams can upset our stomachs and play with our minds. But you've got to love them just to be in that condition.

The 2000's have been good to Boston sports fans. Three Super Bowl wins; two World Series triumphs; an NBA title. See anything missing here?

The years 1918 and 1986 hung over the Red Sox and Celtics, respectively, like a persistent dark cloud. From their first breath, the Pats never won it all until the new millennium rolled in and smiled upon them. Thrice.

Six parades! The city kept cranking up the duck boats.

And that leaves (drum roll, please) the Bruins! This is the year it's all supposed to be different for these blue-collar pucksters, and their long-suffering fans, many of whom have skated off to the penalty box in the sky since 1972, the last time a Stanley Cup (not counting the one Ray Bourque carted around) showed up in Boston.

This might be the year. The Bruins aren't just accidental tourists in the playoffs. They're a talented, spunky team with a goaltender, Tim Thomas, capable of shouldering the load throughout the playoffs.

Can they go all the way? First they have to lock skates and sticks with the Montreal Canadiens. This is what's known as Destiny. The Canadiens didn't clinch a playoff spot until the final days of the season. The Bruins have been a penthouse team all year. They're a No. 1 seed to Montreal's No. 8. The Bruins amassed 116 points to Montreal's 93. The Bruins hold a 5-1 edge over their nemesis, including five straight wins. And you know what this all means to Bruins fans?

Squat.

The Canadiens are playing with house money in this series. The Bruins have no such luxury. They can't lose to the Canadiens this time. Again! They just can't. And they know it, or it's off to Siberia with all of them, if Montreal tricks them once more. So there you go.

The Celtics' burden is considerably lighter than the B's. After all, the smell of the 17th silky banner in the rafters is still fresh. Can the Celtics repeat? The key is the knee, Kevin Garnett's. OK, maybe they get by the first round with Garnett not 100 percent, or even if he doesn't play a minute.

But if he's lost any of his quickness because of the knee that already has sidelined him twice, the Celtics will struggle mightily against any team. And they'd have no chance against the Cavaliers, who will be waiting for someone in the Eastern Conference finals. It's that simple.

Tomorrow night is the regular season's finale at the Garden, but word came yesterday that Garnett would sit until the playoffs start.

Knees can be deceitful little buggers, especially for an athlete with as many miles on him as Garnett has. Once already this season the medical team signed off on Garnett's return. They were premature.

As for the Red Sox, they're kicking the tires a bit, but it's early, and anyway, they can go to the backburner for a while. We'll be focused on the Bruins' and Celtics' quests.

Early Sox observations: Is it possible that David Ortiz's big bat has been cut down to warning track power? A 20/80 season for him won't help this team much. Will Jonathan Papelbon burn out with those high-wire ninth innings? With Daniel Bard in the wings, the Red Sox may be reluctant to give Papelbon a longterm deal after this season.

Jed Lowrie isn't the first player to go crazy in spring training, then start the regular season struggling mightily. In the second game of the season, with J.D. Drew on the bench, manager Terry Francona let Lowrie bat with the bases loaded and the game on the line in the eighth inning. He struck out. After the game, Francona said pinch-hitting for Lowrie never crossed his mind. Sunday, in the sixth game of the year, Francona gave Lowrie the day off.

This wasn't the start Lowrie needed to put some distance between himself and Julio Lugo.

Jacoby Ellsbury's off to a brutal start too. Where Francona didn't pinch-hit for Lowrie, the manager didn't hesitate to pinch-hit Rocco Baldelli for Ellsbury in the ninth inning of Sunday's loss to the Angels. Dustin Pedroia went into last night's game in Oakland hitting a buck-67. Guess who's worried? Nobody.

Some shining light: Brad Penny's first outing; Jason Varitek making solid contact; Ramon Ramirez's nice work out of the bullpen; Kevin Youkilis, period.

It's April, there's a lot going on. A mini-parade for the national champion Boston University hockey team today; the Marathon next Monday, the NFL Draft on the 25th. Celtics, Red Sox, Bruins. We've got it all. Sunshine and roses.

FLCeltsFan
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Perk is a Beast

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News 4/14 Apr 14, 2009 9:34:54 GMT -5

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