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Post by FLCeltsFan on Feb 22, 2008 7:51:22 GMT -5
www.bostonherald.com/sports/basketball/celtics/view.bg?articleid=1075248&format=textC’s out of their element Defense has faltered on road trip By Steve Bulpett | Friday, February 22, 2008 | www.bostonherald.com | Boston Celtics Photo by AP PHOENIX - The Celtics [team stats] have built the best record in the NBA on a defense that, until this week, was the toughest on which to score. But they’re also among the league’s top shooting teams. Ay, there’s the rub. “Being able to score like we can is almost a curse,” said coach Doc Rivers, who’s seen his team lose the first two games on this trip despite scoring 118 and 117 points. “It’s easier. We’re scoring really easy right now, but that doesn’t mean you play defense easy, and that’s what we’re doing. Defense is hard, and we’ve got to keep that thought in our minds.” Maybe the Celts lost some focus with Kevin Garnett away for nine games. Maybe they have been drawn to the bright lights on the offensive end of the floor. Whatever the reason, they surrendered 124 and 119 points, respectively, in losses to Denver and Golden State. “We know we can score,” said Paul Pierce [stats], “but that kind of game really doesn’t play to our strength, because we’re a defensive team. We can run, but we prefer to keep the score down some and play in the lower 100s. We just have to clean some things up defensively and do a better job of keeping teams out of the fast break. That’s what they like to do in the Western Conference.” After spending the first week of training camp in Rome establishing their defensive mantra, the Celtics have taken on a “when in Rome” approach out here in the Wild West. They are playing the opponent’s game. “That’s not the way we want to play,” said Rivers, who gave his team a day off in preparation for tonight’s duel with Phoenix. “We are a better defensive team than we’ve played, but I was talking about that before the break, too. I thought our offense bailed us out (in) four or five games before the break, and we kind of fell into that fool’s gold that your offense is going to win. “We’re never going to win a title, a conference or anything else just being an offensive team. We’re just not doing our jobs, and it’s a lot of little things. We’re better than that.” Garnett criticized himself for missing defensive assignments, but it’s clear he’s still not in sync. And it’s been hard for him to watch his team lose its head. “I think sometimes we get deterred a little bit with the other team’s style,” he said. “We’ve been in two kind of loosey styles the past two (games). It’s hard when we get the ball out not to play that style. We try to be an up-and-down team, but against teams like this, especially in the West, I think it’s important to slow it down and focus on execution, come down and get the ball to our mismatch. “I think we have got caught up in the matchup a little bit. We know we can play that way, but I think when it comes to West Coast teams, we should slow it down a little bit and be a little more focused, a little more physical going to the basket. “I think when we do go small, it’s important for all of us to rebound. We’re getting smashed on the boards.” Shaking his head, Garnett said, “Everything starts with me, man. I’m just trying to get myself back in the flow on both ends.” The problem is that foes have been flowing a bit too easily into the paint on the Celtics. “Right now I just think our interior defense the last two games hasn’t been good, and we’ve got to get back to that,” said Ray Allen. “I think these two games kind of slapped us in the face, and the next game we have is not going to be any easier.” If the Celts try to match buckets with the Suns, they could get heatstroke.
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Post by FLCeltsFan on Feb 22, 2008 7:55:56 GMT -5
www.bostonherald.com/sports/basketball/celtics/view.bg?articleid=1075249&format=textTrade deadline no big deal for Ainge By Steve Bulpett / Celtics Notebook | Friday, February 22, 2008 | www.bostonherald.com | Boston Celtics Photo by AP PHOENIX - The fact that Danny Ainge’s phone battery was low yesterday afternoon tells you he performed his due diligence, but when the 3 p.m. trade deadline passed without incident, it was hoped for the owner’s sake he at least has a good wireless plan. When no good actions became available, the Celts were all talk. “No, we weren’t close to anything,” said Ainge, the C’s director of basketball operations who got all his moves out of the way last summer. “There was a lot of discussion, but nothing we wanted to do. There was nothing that tempted us. All I can tell you is I like our team.” The Celts would have liked some insurance for their 13-man roster, but they were wary of getting in the way of what they’ve built. There is still a possibility a player could be added, but most likely that would have to be the result of something unforeseen, like an injury. “If that happens, then we’ll go find another player,” Ainge said. “And we’re prepared to do that. But you’d be looking at free agent players and people in the D-League.” A timely matter Kevin Garnett has gone 21 and 31 minutes, respectively, in his first two games back from an abdominal strain. And he’d like an even heavier workload. Asked about keeping his playing time down, he said, “I don’t know. That’s (up to coach) Doc (Rivers). The more I play, the better. I’m sure he’s probably being a little cautious because of everything. At the beginning of the season he told me he’s going to watch those minutes. I think I get into a better flow if my minutes go up, but that’s my own personal (feeling).” As for his progress, Garnett said, “I’m trying to get into a rhythm. Those things are established from Day 1 when you come into camp. So I’m trying to re-establish that right now but at the same time trying to bring an intensity and an energy to the defensive end.” Prepping for Shaq While the Celts rested, their opponent tonight, the Suns, went through a regular practice - a more important exercise as the team works newly acquired Shaquille O’Neal into the mix. Coach Mike D’Antoni said his team still is thinking too much on the court since the trade - not simply reacting, as he’d like. He also noted that it would have been easier to slide Shaq in against lesser competition than the Lakers Wednesday (a 130-124 loss) and the Celtics [team stats] tonight. Said O’Neal of the C’s: “Mr. Garnett is the most energetic player in the league, and of course, you’ve got Ray Allen and Paul Pierce [stats]. Those three guys are a dangerous mix.” Garnett is similarly taken with the Suns. “You already know that they have perimeter artillery,” he said. “They can shoot a lot of 3’s. They’re very versatile. Diesel’s a big body that’s going to block some shots and alter shots. I think it was a wise move for them.”
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Post by FLCeltsFan on Feb 22, 2008 7:57:29 GMT -5
www.bostonherald.com/sports/basketball/other_nba/view.bg?articleid=1075260&format=textCavs deal for Big Ben By Herald wire services | Friday, February 22, 2008 | www.bostonherald.com | NBA Coverage Photo by AP LeBron James finally got some help to win an NBA title. In an 11-player trade involving Cleveland, Chicago and Seattle, the Cavaliers yesterday acquired center Ben Wallace from the Bulls and forward Wally Szczerbiak from the SuperSonics, two players to possibly get James and the Cavs through the Eastern Conference and back to the Finals. Cleveland general manager Danny Ferry, unable to finalize major deals in the past, pulled off a colossal one in the final hours before yesterday’s 3 p.m. deadline. The Cavaliers sent guard Larry Hughes, forwards Drew Gooden and Cedric Simmons, and guard Shannon Brown to Chicago for Wallace, one of the game’s top inside enforcers, and forward Joe Smith. Cleveland acquired the sharpshooting Szczerbiak and guard Delonte West from Seattle for forwards Ira Newble and Donyell Marshall. The Cavaliers will also get Chicago’s second-round pick in 2009. The SuperSonics will receive guard Adrian Griffin from the Bulls. Ferry traded 60 percent of the starting lineup Cavs coach Mike Brown sent out on the floor for Wednesday’s game in Indiana. In the 33-year-old Wallace, the Cavaliers are getting a defensive intimidator. But Big Ben will give them little or nothing on offense. Chicago signed Wallace to a four-year, $60 million contract in 2006. He has two years remaining on that deal worth roughly $30 million. Spurs 100, Timberwolves 99 - In Minneapolis, Manu Ginobili hit a jumper from the top of the key with 6.2 seconds left for the last of his 44 points, leading San Antonio to its fourth straight win. Tim Duncan added 24 points and 14 rebounds for San Antonio, and Michael Finley had 13 points. Al Jefferson [stats] scored 28 points to lead the Wolves. Rockets 112, Heat 100 - Tracy McGrady scored 23 points, Yao Ming added 21 and host Houston won its 10th straight game and handed Miami its 10th loss in row. Houston has won 14 of its last 15 games and the winning streak is its longest since the championship season of 1993-94 when the team opened with 15 straight. Elsewhere in the NBA - Looking to solidify their bench and protect their perch atop the Western Conference, the New Orleans Hornets acquired swingman Bonzi Wells and guard Mike James in a trade that sent veteran guard Bobby Jackson to Houston. The trade involved three teams. The Hornets also sent rookie guard Adam Haluska and second-year forward Marcus Vinicius to Houston, then Houston sent Vinicius, the rights to Malick Badiane and cash to Memphis in exchange for the rights to Sergei Lishouk. New Orleans and Houston agreed to exchange second-round draft picks if the Hornets’ second pick is higher than Houston’s. . . . The Trail Blazers have acquired guard Von Wafer from the Nuggets for guard Taurean Green. . . . The Raptors acquired center Primoz Brezec and cash from the Pistons on for guard Juan Dixon.
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Post by FLCeltsFan on Feb 22, 2008 8:03:27 GMT -5
www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/articles/2008/02/22/celtics_will_try_to_get_back_on_the_defensive?mode=PFCeltics will try to get back on the defensive By Marc J. Spears, Globe Staff | February 22, 2008 PHOENIX - The Celtics' defense, or lack thereof of late, was so bothersome to Kevin Garnett that he couldn't help but change the subject to it when the original topic was actually about him. One thing the Celtics have been able to count on this season is their stingy defense. But over the past two games, one of the NBA's top defensive teams has allowed 121.5 points per game in losses to Denver and Golden State, and the Celtics have allowed 100 or more points in five of eight games in February. It doesn't get any easier for the Celtics tonight against the Suns, who average 110.1 points. "I'm trying to give my team some energy," said Garnett after Wednesday night's 119-117 loss to Golden State, his second game after missing nine because of an abdominal strain. "We've got to get back to playing some defense for 48 minutes. We played against two crazy kinds of styles, real West Coast styles, these last two nights. "It doesn't get any easier. So, I'm sure we are going to watch some tape and everybody's going to try and figure it out. But at this point we've got to [get back to] being defensively sound." The Celtics entered the All-Star break as the league's top defensive team, allowing 89.4 points per game. Boston also led the NBA in defensive field goal percentage (.422) and held opponents under 100 points a league-best 42 times. Boston's defense was slated to be severely tested against Denver and Golden State. The Nuggets entered the break averaging 106.7 points and Golden State averaged a league-best 109.9. Something had to give. "Out West they are going to score points, they are going to get the ball up and down the floor," Celtics guard Ray Allen said. "We knew it in both games. We have to recognize it and we have to get back. Right now, these two games are a slap in the face and the next one we have isn't going to be any easier." Said Celtics coach Doc Rivers: "We are just not doing our jobs. It's a lot of little things. We are playing very good offensive teams." The Celtics allowed a season-high 124 points in Tuesday's loss to the Nuggets. Denver shot 49 free throws (another season high for the Celtics' defense) and made 34, and scored 62 points in the second half. Golden State had four players with at least 20 points and scored 69 points in the second half. Baron Davis had a team-high 29 points and made the winning 20-foot jumper with 0.3 seconds left. "I'm surprised because we pride ourselves on defense," Celtics guard Rajon Rondo said. "The last two games we haven't been doing that." Said Rivers: "It's got to be better, no doubt about it." Against the Nuggets, Warriors, and Suns, it's easy for an opposing team to get caught up in a running game. The Celtics are talented enough offensively to run with anybody, but are also a solid halfcourt team. But away from TD Banknorth Garden, Rivers isn't sure if running is always a good idea. "We can score, we've proven that," he said. "But getting in a shootout on the road means you usually lose the game. Getting in a shootout at home? You might win that one. But on the road, they are comfortable making shots on their home court. "That's not the way we want to play. Granted, we did play Denver. We played the Golden State Warriors, and we got Phoenix next. Having said that, we are a better defensive team than we played." So what is wrong with the Celtics' defense? "Our rotations aren't down," Rondo said. "We are not making the right rotations. We just have to trust our defense and make the right rotations." Said Allen: "As fast as the ball [was moving] and the tempo of the game . . . we have to be back every single time if we want to build our defense out and force the referees to not blow the whistle." Said Garnett: "If we can stop some of these easy points, it not only gives us a chance to build the lead but also open the game up a little bit. If you look at how we've won games, we've stopped the easy buckets, we've stopped all the nonsense on the backdoor cuts. There was none of that [the past two games]. Now, we're in situations where teams are not only getting a lot of fast-break points but a lot of free throws. We have to continue to be aggressive and minimize those things."
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Post by FLCeltsFan on Feb 22, 2008 8:04:59 GMT -5
www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/articles/2008/02/22/aquiring_oneal_could_mean_a_total_eclipse_of_the_suns?mode=PFAquiring O'Neal could mean a total eclipse of the Suns By Marc J. Spears, Globe Staff | February 22, 2008 PHOENIX - Paul Pierce thought the Suns were a championship-caliber team before recently acquiring Shaquille O'Neal. But with the mammoth, four-time NBA champion in the post, Pierce believes the Suns are more imposing, literally and figuratively. The Celtics play the Suns tonight for the first time this season, and O'Neal will be playing his second game for Phoenix since being dealt from Miami. After being known as a running team, the Suns now have the ability to play a halfcourt style, too, with O'Neal. "They've made themselves a serious championship threat, not that they weren't already," Pierce said. "But I think they are a team that's ready for the playoffs. When you talk about styles and how the playoffs are played, grind-it-out games, halfcourt execution, I really believe you've got to have a low-post presence. There is only so much fast breaking, only so much pick-and-rolls you can do. "But it also gives them another guy that they can play through in the halfcourt. The Suns play through [guard Steve ] Nash most of the time and now they have Shaq they can throw the ball down low to and spread the court. That's going to benefit them in the playoffs in those halfcourt settings." O'Neal scored 9 of his 15 points in the fourth quarter and grabbed nine rebounds in 29 minutes in a 130-124 loss to the Lakers Wednesday. He is still learning the plays. "I will take the blame for this loss because I wasn't in tune with the guys," O'Neal said. "But give me four or five days to really get in tune and I'll get it. A couple of times I went back to my other teams' games. Just give me four or five days and I'll be very in tune with these guys, like I've been here the last couple of years. "We played pretty good and it was a good game. I would have liked to have gotten the win, but I see us going pretty far if we play like that." Said Nash: "The possibilities are very exciting for us. But we have to be realistic, this was our first time together, after an All Star break, but I think we've got a lot to be encouraged by." Kevin Garnett believes Amare Stoudemire will benefit most from playing with O'Neal. The 6-foot-10-inch, 245-pounder is a natural power forward, but pre-O'Neal he often played center. "They already have perimeter artillery," Garnett said. "They can shoot a lot of threes. They are very versatile. Having a post presence now, and that being Shaq . . . it gives Amare a break. He doesn't have to focus on being the interior. "[O'Neal's] a big body. He's going to block some shots, alter shots. I think it was a wise move for them, especially if you're Amare Stoudemire, you love it." Garnett improving A day made a difference for Garnett, who missed nine games with an abdominal strain prior to the All-Star break. He had 4 points on 2-of-7 shooting, 8 rebounds, 2 steals and 4 turnovers in 21 minutes during a 124-118 loss to Denver Tuesday. Garnett, however, had 17 points and 15 rebounds in 31 minutes in a 119-117 loss to Golden State Wednesday. "He was much better," coach Doc Rivers said. "The first half he was rusty. The second half we got it going a little bit. We had to take him out to try to keep him under minutes, and then we put him back in. He played pretty well." Said Garnett: "When you play at game speed, in game situations, just game flow, it's not simulated, you react a little quicker, things start coming back to you. I'm starting to get back into a rhythm. Those things are established from Day One in [training camp]. I'm trying to establish that right now. At the same time, I'm trying to bring intensity and energy to the defensive end." Standing pat The trade deadline came and went, and all was quiet for the Celtics. "I like our team," said executive director of basketball operations Danny Ainge. "There was nothing that tempted us." . . . Kendrick Perkins, who averaged 7.3 points and 5.6 rebounds prior to missing three games with a sprained left shoulder, averaged 3 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3 turnovers the past two games. "I've just got to get better, but I'll be all right," said Perkins, who added that his shoulder is not bothering him . . . Brian Scalabrine has missed two straight games with a right groin injury, but hopes to return tonight.
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Post by FLCeltsFan on Feb 22, 2008 8:08:24 GMT -5
www.boston.com/sports/basketball/articles/2008/02/22/cavaliers_shake_up_makeup_in_big_way?mode=PFCavaliers shake up makeup in big way By Associated Press | February 22, 2008 As yesterday's NBA trade deadline drew near the 3 p.m. cutoff, it didn't look like LeBron James was going to get the help he's desired. Then, in buzzer-beating fashion, Cavaliers general manager Danny Ferry pulled off a colossal deal, shipping off 60 percent of the starting lineup Cleveland coach Mike Brown employed Wednesday night. In an 11-player trade involving Cleveland, Chicago, and Seattle, the Cavaliers acquired center Ben Wallace from the Bulls and a pair of ex-Celtics, forward Wally Szczerbiak and guard Delonte West, from the SuperSonics to help them reach their goal of returning to the NBA Finals. The Cavaliers sent guard Larry Hughes, forwards Drew Gooden and Cedric Simmons, and guard Shannon Brown to Chicago for Wallace, one of the game's top inside enforcers, and forward Joe Smith. Going from Cleveland to Seattle were forwards Ira Newble and Donyell Marshall. The Cavaliers will also get Chicago's second-round pick in 2009. The Sonics will receive guard Adrian Griffin from the Bulls. "I didn't think we were good enough to win the championship," Ferry said. "I thought we had a very good team. But I do believe if we have a chance to make ourselves better we should try." Plagued by injuries this season, the Cavaliers are nine games behind Detroit in the Central Division and fourth in the Eastern Conference. James had hoped Ferry could pull the trigger on a deal as the deadline neared, but Cleveland's MVP candidate probably couldn't have imagined such an overhaul. In the 33-year-old Wallace, the Cavaliers are getting a defensive intimidator but somewhat of an offensive liability at 5.1 points per game (to go with 8.8 rebounds and 1.6 blocks). Chicago signed Wallace to a four-year, $60 million contract in 2006. He has two years remaining on that deal worth roughly $30 million. Much like Wallace, Hughes didn't deliver as the Cavs had hoped. They signed him to a five-year, $60 million free agent deal in 2005, but he struggled with injuries and his jump shot. Recently, though, Hughes had found his touch, which could help the Bulls climb back in the playoff picture. Gooden, too, can boost Chicago's inside game. The 26-year-old is averaging 11.3 points and 8.3 rebounds this season. Szczerbiak (13.1 points per game) should get plenty of open looks in Cleveland with more defenses double- and triple-teaming James. West never found a spot in Seattle's rotation, averaging 6.8 points in almost 21 minutes. Hornets create a buzz Looking to solidify their bench and protect their perch atop the Western Conference, the Hornets acquired swingman Bonzi Wells and guard Mike James in a three-team trade that sent veteran guard Bobby Jackson to Houston. New Orleans also sent rookie guard Adam Haluska and second-year forward Marcus Vinicius to Houston, then Houston sent Vinicius, the rights to forward Malick Badiane, and cash to Memphis in exchange for the rights to forward Sergei Lishouk. The deal means the Hornets now have two open spots on their 15-player roster, allowing them to pursue free agent forward P.J. Brown and center Chris Andersen, who was suspended for drug use in 2006 but recently applied for reinstatement . . . In other trades announced yesterday: The Pistons picked up guard Juan Dixon from the Raptors for center Primoz Brezec and cash; the Timberwolves sent former Celtic Gerald Green to the Rockets for shooting guard Kirk Snyder, a second-round pick in 2010, and cash; and the Trail Blazers acquired guard Von Wafer from the Nuggets for rookie guard Taurean Green.
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Post by FLCeltsFan on Feb 22, 2008 8:50:58 GMT -5
sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/marty_burns/02/21/tradedealine.winners.losers/index.htmlLakers deadline's biggest winners, while Celtics falter Posted: Thursday February 21, 2008 9:18PM; Updated: Thursday February 21, 2008 9:37PM Pau Gasol and Shaquille O'Neal both moved from floundering teams to contenders. Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images RELATED • THOMSEN Cavaliers reinvent themselves • BURNS: Dissecting the 11-player blockbuster • REACT Which deal has the most impact? MAILBAG Marty Burns will periodically answer questions from SI.com users in his mailbag. Your name: Your e-mail address: Your home town: Enter your question: One of the most amazing trade frenzies in NBA history ended with a bang Thursday. The Cavaliers, Bulls and SuperSonics combined on an 11-player megadeal that brings Ben Wallace and Wally Szczerbiak, among others, to Cleveland. The Cavs hope the two former All-Stars can join with LeBron James to give them a new and improved attack against the Celtics and Pistons in the East. Several Western Contenders had already made their big moves in the days leading up to Thursday's trade deadline. The Lakers (Pau Gasol), the Mavs (Jason Kidd) and the Suns (Shaquille O'Neal) all added marquee names to their already loaded rosters. Even the Spurs (Damon Stoudamire, Kurt Thomas), Jazz (Kyle Korver), Hornets (Bonzi Wells, Mike James) and Warriors (Chris Webber) made what could turn out to be significant moves. Here's a quick look at the winners and losers from this year's trade season: WINNERS LAKERS: The big winner by far. GM Mitch Kupchak got an All-Star caliber power forward in Gasol for basically peanuts. It puts them among the top West contenders and satisfies Kobe Bryant. CAVS: GM Danny Ferry needed to do something and he got some interesting pieces in Wallace, Szczerbiak, Joe Smith and Delonte West. Plus, like Kupchak, he made his superstar happy. SHAQ: The fun-loving big man was moping in Miami one day. Then, kazaam! Next thing he knows, he's in Phoenix with the fun-and-gun Suns. And he's still going to get his $20 million each of the next two seasons. HORNETS: The NBA's surprise contender added playoff experience and strengthened their bench considerably by adding Wells and James. The only way this backfires is if Wells causes headaches in the locker room. JASON KIDD: Like Shaq, he finds himself playing for a top contender in Dallas instead of wasting one of his final seasons for a team going nowhere. Bet that "migraine headache" is feeling much better these days. JAZZ: It's easy to forget that they actually started this year's trade deadline frenzy. But while their deal for Korver might not have created headlines, they are 19-3 since acquiring the sharpshooter from the Sixers for Gordon Giricek. PAT RILEY: The Heat president/coach was looking at having to pay a grumpy Shaq all that dough to clog up space on the bench the next two seasons. Now he can use the salary cap space to reload in the future and keep Dwyane Wade happy. HAWKS FANS: Even if the Mike Bibby acquisition doesn't help end its NBA-high nine-year playoff drought, Atlanta has reason for hope. Hawks management finally agreed to make a bold move and take on salary. LOSERS NUGGETS: Maybe it would have been a big risk to bring Ron Artest into their combustible locker room. But with all those other Western teams loading up, didn't it make sense to give Allen Iverson and Carmelo Anthony a little more help? ISIAH THOMAS: The embattled Knicks president/GM tried hard to find a deal for Zach Randolph, Eddy Curry, Stephon Marbury, et al., but had no luck. Gee, think he'll be hearing about it from New York fans? GRIZZLIES FANS: With owner Michael Heisley slashing payroll in preparation for a possible sale of the franchise, GM Chris Wallace got back little in return for Gasol. Even if it helps them down the road, it's a bitter pill to swallow right now. KIRK SNYDER: Seeking to accommodate Snyder's wishes for more playing time, the Rockets sent the seldom-used guard to the T'Wolves for Gerald Green. Nothing against Minnesota, but that's probably not what Snyder had in mind. CELTICS: They reportedly were trying to land veteran point guard Sam Cassell to help Rajon Rondo for the playoffs. Now they have to hope notoriously tight-fisted Clippers owner Donald Sterling agrees to buy out Cassell's contract.
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Post by FLCeltsFan on Feb 22, 2008 9:02:34 GMT -5
www.enterprisenews.com/sports/x920203206Defense abandons Celtics on West Coast swing -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- By Jim Fenton ENTERPRISE STAFF WRITER Posted Feb 22, 2008 @ 12:27 AM -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BROCKTON — In the 50 games they played prior to last weekend’s NBA All-Star break, the Boston Celtics allowed just eight teams to reach 100 points. Defense was one of the main reasons the Celtics shot out to a league-best 41-9 start as they allowed just 89.4 points per game. Since returning from a five-day vacation, though, the Celtics’ tight defense has been turned upside down. The Celtics have started their five-game trip out West by allowing the Denver Nuggets to score 124 points and the Golden State Warriors to get 119. Prior to those two offensive outbursts, the most points allowed by the Celtics this season was 114 in losses to the Toronto Raptors on Jan. 23 and the Cleveland Cavaliers on Feb. 5. The poor showings at the defensive end have resulted in the Celtics’ second two-game losing streak of the season, the other when they lost back-to-back games to the Washington Wizards on Jan. 12 and 14. The Celtics will attempt to get their defensive game in order tonight, but the task won’t be easy. The road trip continues with a game against the high-powered and new-look Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center (10:35, TV: ESPN and Comcast SportsNet; radio: WEEI-850 AM). The Suns, who played their first game with Shaquille O’Neal on Wednesday night, are second in the league in scoring (110.05 points per game), right behind the Warriors (110.07). Phoenix makes 49 percent of its shots, including 38 percent from 3-point range, with point guard Steve Nash making it all work. Amare Stoudemire, back at his natural power forward slot, is scoring 23.5 points per game followed by Nash (17.6), Leandro Barbosa (16.8), Grant Hill (14.8) and Raja Bell (12.1). O’Neal, acquired from the Miami Heat earlier this month, took part in his first game with the Suns, a 130-124 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday. O’Neal had 15 points, nine in the last quarter, to go with nine rebounds in nearly 30 minutes. “I think it’s going to be exciting to learn to play with Shaq,” Nash told reporters in Phoenix after the game. “I’ve never played with a player like him, a post player of pure size and ability. It’s a pleasure and it’s going to be a lot of fun, but it will take time to really get a feel for one another.” After allowing the Nuggets and Warriors to pile up the points, the Celtics are no longer leading the NBA in points allowed. Boston’s average has climbed to 90.7 points allowed, putting the Celtics behind the Detroit Pistons (90.1). “It’s got to be better, no doubt about it,” Celtics coach Doc Rivers said in his postgame press conference about the team’s defense Wednesday night. “We’ve got to go back to doing our job full-time, not a quarter here and there.” The Nuggets, the fourth-best offensive team in the league, shot 51 percent from the field and the Warriors made 47 percent of their shots. Opponents were shooting just 43 percent in the opening 50 games. On the bright side for the Celtics was the improved play of Kevin Garnett Wednesday night after a sluggish return a night earlier from his strained abdominal muscle. No moves made: The NBA trade deadline was 3 p.m. Thursday, and the Celtics, as expected, didn’t make any deals. … The Celtics have drawn record crowds in their first two games on the trip as the Nuggets (19,894) and Warriors (20,711) set franchise marks. The crowd in Oakland Wednesday was the largest to ever watch an NBA game in California, according to the Warriors. … The Celtics are 16-2 against the Western Conference, 18-7 on the road. … While the Celtics have dropped two games in a row, their lead over the Pistons in the race for best record remains at three since Detroit lost two straight. … After tonight, the trip concludes with back-to-back games against the Portland Trail Blazers Sunday and the Los Angeles Clippers Monday.
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Post by FLCeltsFan on Feb 22, 2008 9:05:37 GMT -5
www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/109641Suns-Celts: Battle of the trades Comments 0| Recommend 0 Jerry Brown, Tribune What an interesting time for Kevin Garnett and his “Men in Green” to show up in Phoenix. Brownie Points: Shaqs Suns debut vs. Lakers turned out to be a television ratings bonanza Read Jerry Brown's blog, 'Rim Shots' With Shaquille O’Neal now setting up shop in the Valley, many fans who gave a thumbs down to the Feb. 6 deal cited the fact that the Suns were just trying to rebound from a missed opportunity last summer — the chance to lure “The Big Ticket” away from Minnesota so he could do for Phoenix what he has done for the Boston Celtics: Make them an odds-on favorite to reach the NBA finals. It sure has worked out for Boston. Even after back-to-back losses in Denver and Golden State and with Garnett still struggling to rebound from a painful abdominal injury, the Celtics have gone from doormat to the best record in the NBA (41-11) by three full games and have a cushy 12-game lead over Toronto in the Atlantic Division. The acquisitions of Garnett and Ray Allen, coupled with holdover All-Star Paul Pierce, have given the Celtics a 1-2-3 punch that many teams have spent the last few months trying to match. “Mr. Garnett is the most energetic player in the league, and he brings a lot,” said O’Neal, offering a sign of respect that he gives to those whom he sees as the league’s elite big men. “Then you have a fabulous shooter in Ray Allen and Paul has been hungry for years. Those three guys are a dangerous mix.” Last June, the Suns took their shot at bringing Garnett to Phoenix, offering Shawn Marion as the centerpiece of a package similar to what ultimately brought O’Neal to the Suns. But as with many NBA teams looking to rebuild, the T-Wolves were more interested in rising stars, expiring contracts and draft picks than another big salaried star — whether that was Marion or Amaré Stoudemire. Boston had the assets Minnesota coveted, and a big leg up since Celtics GM Danny Ainge and T-Wolves GM Kevin McHale were former teammates and friends. Five players — including rising star Al Jefferson ($2.4 million this year, an average of $13 million for the next five) and Theo Ratliff’s $11.6 million expiring contract — two first-round draft picks and cash considerations later, the Celtics were reborn and the Suns went back to the drawing board. “We certainly had interest in (Garnett) and we tried to do everything we could within reason, but nothing ever got close,” Suns general manager Steve Kerr said. “There was always the underlying feeling that Kevin knew what deal he wanted and that we weren’t it.” There are no indications that Stoudemire’s name was ever on the table. But if he had gone in a Minnesota swap, would Garnett’s monstrous contract ($23.75 million this year, $24.75 next year) and trade kicker have forced the Suns to part with Marion as well to fit him in? What if Garnett had been available last month — after Pau Gasol had joined the Lakers — instead of last summer? It’s all irrelevant now. Garnett is in Phoenix, but just for one night. And the Suns have hitched their star to Stoudemire and the 35-year-old O’Neal, hoping that along with Steve Nash their three stars will hold up against Boston and the rest.
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Post by FLCeltsFan on Feb 22, 2008 9:13:23 GMT -5
blogs.metrowestdailynews.com/celtics/?p=992Happy day for former C’s Posted on February 21, 2008 by Scott Souza Filed Under Uncategorized | While it appears the Celtics stayed quiet on trading deadline day (having seemingly decided that waiting for buyouts is the better course of action) it is a good day for former Celtics. Much has been made this season that 10 former Celtics from the past three years - Al Jefferson, Ryan Gomes, Gerald Green, Sebastian Telfair, Antoine Walker, Theo Ratliff, Wally Szczerbiak, Delonte West, Mark Blount and Ricky Davis - have spent the season playing on the three worst teams in the league for much of the year - Minnesota, Seattle and Miami. Well, it appears that three of those old friends have received their pardons from NBA exile as West and Szczerbiak have apparently been traded to the Cavaliers in a big, 11-player deal, while Green is headed home to Houston. At the very least, it is a boon to the former C’s who now have a chance to to play (or perhaps not play in Green’s case) on winning teams. Green has to be thrilled with heading home to the Gulf Coast after a year of scratching his head at his lack of minutes in Minnesota. As much criticism as he’s received for his lack of “basketball IQ” it is still hard to believe his career will fade that quickly into ignominy with all his natural talent. Hopefully, for the sake of a generally nice kid with an overall strong work ethic - despite his limitations when it comes to thinking through the game - he winds up in a good spot this summer where coaches remain patient with the 22-year-old. As for West and Szczerbiak, if healthy (a big caveat for both of them this season) playing alongside LeBron James on an Eastern Conference power is another God-likes-me, he-really-really-likes-me turn of events. This should be a boon for their respective moods, if not necessarily their fantasy stats. With Szczerbiak entering the final year of his contract next year, this makes a nice add for the Cavs considering they are picking up a big chunk in Ben Wallace’s contract since they should be able to move him again fairly easily in the offseason if they wish. West can be a free agent this summer after the option year of his rookie contract was not picked up (Boston did not pick up Tony Allen’s option either). You have to believe that both Szczerbiak and West still had bags packed from the night of the NBA draft when they were dealt to Seattle. While Cleveland certainly added a lot of names in the deal, it did give up some good offense with Drew Gooden and Larry Hughes - making this deal a lot more risky than it would appear at first. The Cavs front office must be applauded, however, for such a bold move after being harshly criticized for such a quiet summer. From the Celtics’ point of view, the biggest news would appear to be that Sam Cassell was not moved - making him much more likely to be bought out over the next few days. Expect to hear of several more name players brought up in buyout talks over the next week as struggling teams look to cut their losses with aging players who don’t fit into their longterm plans.
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Post by FLCeltsFan on Feb 22, 2008 9:15:56 GMT -5
www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/sports/articles/0222sunsbigthree0222.htmlSuns, Celtics meet in clash of star trios Paul Coro The Arizona Republic Feb. 22, 2008 12:00 AM The Big Three usually has been clear-cut. There were Russia, Great Britain and America during World War II. There are Harvard, Yale and Princeton in the Ivy League. It's traditionally ABC, CBS and NBC for television and GM, Ford and Chrysler for American cars. And once Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen went to Boston to join Paul Pierce this summer, the Big Three became synonymous with the rebirth of great Celtics basketball, like the years when Larry Bird, Kevin McHale and Robert Parish defined a Big Three. advertisement But with Shaquille O'Neal joining Steve Nash and Amaré Stoudemire in Phoenix, is there an argument to be made for who has the best Big Three in the NBA? Star-studded triumvirates in Dallas, Detroit, Los Angeles, New Orleans and San Antonio can argue their case. O'Neal has the title rings that the All-Star Celtics seek. Nash has more Most Valuable Player awards than anyone who will be on the US Airways Center court tonight, when Phoenix and Boston meet for the first time this season. So whose Big Three is best? "Us; we're better looking," O'Neal said. Well, O'Neal and Nash have modeled for GQ. It also can be argued that the Suns play a better-looking brand of basketball. They have the league's best-shooting team and are two-hundredths of a point off Golden State's scoring lead. But winning always is pretty, and no NBA team is doing it more than Boston, which is on a 65-win pace despite starting 0-2 start on this Western swing. The Celtics counter the Suns' offense with the league's best field-goal percentage defense. "Initially, you've got to say Phoenix is one of the favorites to win it," Pierce said during the All-Star Game weekend. "You've got Shaquille O'Neal, Steve Nash and Amaré Stoudemire. They're going to be a scary team to watch. I can't wait to see them play all together. It looks like Shaq is rejuvenated and got a new spirit." Garnett, Pierce and Allen have been the best NBA trio, if you judge by scoring when they are on the floor together. They have outscored opponents by 322 points when on the floor, and the next-closest trio is Phoenix, with Nash, Stoudemire and Raja Bell at plus-312. "We've got two MVPs and a first-team All-NBA guy," Suns coach Mike D'Antoni said. "Case solved." A more unbiased point of view comes from ESPN analyst Jon Barry, a former O'Neal teammate, who said, "I'm going to say Boston because they've done it for a while and to be determined on Phoenix." O'Neal called Garnett, Pierce and Allen three future Hall of Famers. He said Garnett is the most energetic player in the league. Nash said the Celtics are the No. 1 team. "It's going to be a great test for us," Nash said. "But for us, the bigger picture is trying to get more and more familiar with us. Although the jersey says Boston, we're still really looking at the fact that we want to improve as a team, and we want to start to grow as a team and build that familiarity it's going to take to beat the Bostons of the world." All three stars for each team were in New Orleans for All-Star Weekend, but only O'Neal was not selected to play in the game. Garnett did not play, and Allen was one of the East's additions. Before his fourth-quarter tear of 3-point shooting vaulted the East in Sunday's All-Star Game, Allen offered the best way to figure out who has the best Big Three. "The one that wins the championship," Allen said. "A Big Three is anointed a Big Three once you win a championship. It's not a Big Three until you win something."
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Post by FLCeltsFan on Feb 22, 2008 9:18:57 GMT -5
www.startribune.com/sports/wolves/15860807.htmlTrade has Green flying high again By JERRY ZGODA, Star Tribune February 21, 2008 The Timberwolves transformed Gerald Green from unhappy to ecstatic when they traded him back home to Houston at Thursday's 2 p.m. trading deadline. The Wolves traded the young guard who has found slam-dunk celebrity but precious little playing time back home to Houston for Rockets swingman Kirk Snyder, a 2010 second-round pick and cash. Green's agent last month asked the Wolves to trade his client, one of five players acquired from Boston last summer in the Kevin Garnett trade. The Wolves did so on Thursday because basketball boss Kevin McHale said he was "99.9 percent convinced" Green would not re-sign with the team this summer. Green will become an unrestricted free agent in July because last fall, the Wolves did not exercise a fourth-year option on his contract for next season. "It's like a dream come true," Green told a Houston television station. "Never in my life did I think this would happen." Wolves coach Randy Wittman said Green, who entered the NBA directly from a Houston area high school in the 2005 NBA draft, became ensnared in a "logjam" of young wing players including Ryan Gomes, Rashad McCants, Corey Brewer and Randy Foye. McHale said it became apparent in time that Green "probably was farthest away" from being ready to play among all the Wolves' young players. "The coach is playing a lot of young guys already," McHale said, "and it's impossible to play them all." Snyder, a physical 6-6 player Wittman projects at small forward, led Nevada to its first NCAA tournament Sweet 16 in 2004, but the 16th overall pick that summer has struggled to find his way in the NBA. A restricted free agent this summer, he is with his fourth team four seasons. He played nine games for the Rockets this season. Asked if he considered the trade a gamble that might leave fans asking three years from now why the Wolves dealt Green, McHale said, "It could be. In three years, come see me." Walker still waits Antoine Walker was inactive for the game on Thursday, when the trade deadline passed and he was still a Timberwolf. "I'm disappointed," said Walker, a 12-year NBA veteran and former All Star who wanted to be traded to a contender. "It's disheartening. I want to play a lot, and it's obvious I'm not a part of the future here. They're obviously going young and I do understand what they're trying to do. I have to be respectful to that. I wish it never got to this point, but I have to deal with it." Walker played eight minutes in the first half Tuesday and did not play in the second half. The Wolves bought the contract of veteran Juwan Howard before the season when they couldn't trade him to a contender. McHale said a buyout of Walker's contract is unlikely and Walker said, "I'm not willing to give up a lot of money." Walker said his trade prospects might change this summer because he'll have only one year left on a contract that will pay him $9.3 million next season.
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