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Post by FLCeltsFan on Mar 3, 2008 7:10:27 GMT -5
www.bostonherald.com/sports/basketball/celtics/view.bg?articleid=1077297&format=textCelts make stretch run Offense perks up after half By Mark Murphy | Monday, March 3, 2008 | www.bostonherald.com | Boston Celtics Photo by AP When they say the Celtics [team stats] are built for the stretch, they’re not just talking about March and April. They’re also talking about the last 24 minutes each night. Paul Pierce [stats] and Ray Allen, after combining for 10 points on 4-for-10 shooting in the first half, got together for a 37-point, 13-for-20 second half that set the tone in the Celtics’ 98-88 win over Atlanta last night at TD Banknorth Garden. Pierce, who finished with 30 points, provided the major spark with a 17-point third quarter, but was responsible for merely one part of the Celtics’ fifth straight win. Kevin Garnett muscled in with an overpowering 20-point, 16-rebound performance that was clearly his best since returning from an abdominal strain, and Kendrick Perkins [stats] supplied tough paint support with an 11-point, 12-rebound, six-assist, four-block gem. The six assists were a career high for Perkins, who continues to grow into his role as Garnett’s bodyguard. “Perk did a great job trying to control the middle and talking on defense,” said Garnett. “I have to credit Perk for talking to me out there and communicating. He had four blocks and was very active. He’s the real reason I looked decent tonight.” After a 41-point, 40-percent first half that ended with the Hawks up three, the Celtics seriously needed an offensive makeover. Though that was essentially coach Doc Rivers’ halftime message to Pierce, the Celtics captain didn’t really need a reminder. He took 12 shots in the third quarter, hit seven, and never looked back. “I just tried to play within the flow of the game - let the game come to me,” said Pierce. “I thought in the second half that I just wanted to be a little more aggressive than I was. I saw an opportunity, guys were finding me, setting up the screens, and I took advantage of the opportunity.” However, the Celtics still had to scramble against a Hawks team that has taken a big step forward since the addition of point guard Mike Bibby - and sizes up as a potential first-round playoff opponent. “It took us a half to adjust to Josh Smith,” Rivers said of the Atlanta forward, who is second in the NBA in blocks. “He didn’t have a lot of blocks, but he changed 100 shots in the first half on his own. There were times we were at the basket where he wasn’t there, but we thought he was around. We were pump-faking and going away.” At least they didn’t stay away, with Allen kicking off a 17-1 third-quarter run with back-to-back treys, followed by 11 straight points from Pierce. The C’s led by three at the start of the fourth. The Hawks never drew any closer, with the score 73-70 when the Celtics went into their finishing kick, starting with an Eddie House trey. Garnett scored the C’s next six points on two free throws, a drive and a spinning tomahawk dunk over Al Horford to make it 82-74. Two Smith free throws with 4:39 left cut the lead to five points, but the Hawks continued to bounce against that margin. The Celtics were well into their flow, as evidenced by Allen’s one-hop drive for a 90-83 lead with 2:26 left. Horford, on the way to a seven-point, six-rebound fourth, could only power his team so far. Pierce came out of a timeout to draw the foul and hit both free throws for a 92-83 lead. Allen picked the ball from Bibby, and Pierce, after losing the ball, immediately grabbed it back to coast in for the easy layup and a 94-83 lead. He hit two free throws with 48 seconds left to seal the game at 96-85. “On defense we were as solid as we’ve been all year,” said Garnett.
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Post by FLCeltsFan on Mar 3, 2008 7:14:48 GMT -5
www.bostonherald.com/sports/basketball/celtics/view.bg?articleid=1077345&format=textPassing grade for Perk By Mark Murphy / Celtics Notebook | Monday, March 3, 2008 | www.bostonherald.com | Boston Celtics Photo by Matthew West Kendrick Perkins had an 11-point, 12-rebound double-double last night, which is not a big deal anymore for the 23-year-old Celtics [team stats] center. His four blocks during the 98-88 win over the Hawks weren’t a major event, either. He blocked five shots Friday against Charlotte. But the career-high six assists Perkins put on the board vs. the Hawks were another matter. That is the true measure of how much he is growing. “He’s always been a pretty good passer,” Paul Pierce [stats] said. “He has that type of ability. If he does this every night we’ll be a scary team.” Celtics coach Doc Rivers credited Kevin Garnett - the best passing big man in the league - for drawing out Perkins’ unselfish flair. Perkins agreed. “The intensity he brings to the game is awesome,” Perkins said. “Even if he’s not having a great night on the stat sheet, he has an impact on the game. I’m learning from him. If guys help on me, I know I can pass to the open guy.” Brown out Just when it appeared that P.J. Brown might receive an early look in a Celtics uniform, Rivers decided to postpone the power forward’s unveiling. Noting that it’s also unlikely Brown will play in Wednesday’s big home game against the Detroit Pistons, Rivers reiterated that he’s not in a hurry to start altering his lineup until Brown is ready to make the jump. “I just don’t feel like it yet,” Rivers said. “I doubt Wednesday, too. We have enough games and enough practices left to work things out. “We haven’t done enough with P.J. yet to have a gauge of where he is. I just don’t see the rush.” Brown said he is instead looking ahead to next weekend, when the Celtics host Chicago on Friday and play in Memphis on Saturday. “As far as learning the system and the players, I’m getting as comfortable as I can,” Brown said. “I’m working on my body, and my conditioning is better. But that’s not where I want it yet. I’m getting close. I feel like I can come back soon.” Gino on way? Rejoice, Celtics Nation. Gino is probably coming. Canadian crooner Gino Vannelli - his T-shirt the subject of a popular fourth-quarter Jumbotron video - would like to sing the national anthem before a game this season, perhaps during the playoffs. “Gino and I talk about it often,” his brother and business manager, Ross, said of Vannelli’s sudden popularity with Celtics fans and the fact that the T-shirts are now being sold, with proceeds going to the Shamrock Foundation. “He just felt Boston should (benefit) from those T-shirts. Now we’re talking about the possibility of doing the national anthem. Gino would love to do it.” . . . The Celtics are also about to have an impact on the national television front via a project with the “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” people. The group, which is also rebuilding a family’s home in Norton, is helping a family in Warwick, R.I. The Celtics have donated pieces of the parquet floor (there are plenty of spare panels available) to be installed in the home. . . . Hawks guard Salim Stoudamire needs 34 3-pointers to pass Rivers for seventh on Atlanta’s all-time list. Rivers made 185 as a Hawk. Ex-Celtic Joe Johnson didn’t need any time at all to pass the Celtics coach. He is fifth with 354. To hear Rivers tell it, though, he wasn’t even aware that his 3-point shooting merited that much consideration. “I hope so,” Rivers said of Stoudamire’s date with history. “I think my first year I took two. The assist and steal record is safe, but I don’t even know about the 3-point thing.” Rivers had 3,866 assists as a Hawk, but Mookie Blaylock holds every team steal mark.
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Post by FLCeltsFan on Mar 3, 2008 7:19:46 GMT -5
www.bostonherald.com/sports/basketball/celtics/view.bg?articleid=1077353&format=textForward progress KG back to dominant self By Steve Bulpett | Monday, March 3, 2008 | www.bostonherald.com | Boston Celtics Photo by Tara Carvalho You can call him KG. Or Big Ticket. Or, as many of his teammates do, simply Ticket. We learned again yesterday, however, that Kevin Garnett answers to “Kev” when he’s talking to himself. This piece of invaluable knowledge was available to those in the lower sections of the Garden’s east end when Garnett began yelling at himself during the second quarter last night. “Shoot the ball, Kev,” he said. “Shoot the (expletive) ball.” The self abuse came after Garnett passed up an open jumper and committed a turnover instead. Sufficiently chastised, he rolled to the hoop a few moments later and jammed. Hard. All in all, he didn’t have to be too hard on himself. In his eighth game back from an abdominal strain, his ability finally and truly caught up with his intensity. Garnett - or “Kev,” if you wish - was asked about that following the 98-88 victory over Atlanta, but before he could answer, Paul Pierce [stats] intercepted the question. “He’s all the way back,” said Pierce, a broad smile creasing his face. “Didn’t y’all watch the game tonight? When he’s going to the basket inside-outside and dominating the rebounds - that’s the Kevin Garnett I like to see.” That Kevin Garnett had 20 points and 16 rebounds in 35 minutes, blocking no shots but altering several Hawk forays to the hoop. He was the anchor of a defense that held the visitors to 39.5 percent shooting. And his three assists included a slick lefty behind-the-back number to Glen Davis. That one brought Kendrick Perkins [stats] out of his seat on the bench like a rocket - a rather impressive feat in its own right. Earlier there was a one-touch redirection to Perkins for a jam. The word we’re looking for here is, uh, impact. “Not just scoring,” said Doc Rivers, taking the word and running. “He’s blocking shots. He’s showing again on our pick and rolls. He’s making our defense active and aggressive again. He scores, but his passing is just contagious. “His rhythm is coming back on the post. He’s starting to drive the ball more, and that’s really nice to see. We need it.” When Garnett is this active, the effects reverberate up and down the roster. It was there on the court and it was there last night on the bench when he cooled down Rajon Rondo [stats] after the latter got into it a bit with Rivers on the bench. Garnett has had some decent games since his return - the 18-point, 11-board effort against Cleveland was none too shabby - but this was the first time it appeared his body was able to respond to the demands he places upon it. He wasn’t a half-step off on anything last night. “I had a decent night,” Garnett understated after Pierce’s testimonial. “I was active early. I was able to get some rebounds early.” As usual, he then passed again, shoveling off credit to his mates. “I thought Perk did a great job talking and communicating, trying to shut the middle or at least control the middle,” Garnett said. “Paul did a great job talking with us. I think our starting five had, as far as communicating and what we want to be defensively, as solid a game as it’s been all year. I have to credit Perk for talking to me. The way we dialogued tonight was great. “I’m human, too, and I do have rust,” he continued. “You know, nothing shows that better than game film. Good thing we have days of practice and days where you can come in and work on some stuff and work some of that dust off. “You know, I’ve got some above-average teammates who make the game easy at times. I’ve been just playing through the offense, playing real free if you will and taking the shots when they’re there - and at the same time trying to get back into rhythm. So I’m coming along slowly but surely.” Surely? Yes. Slowly? Last night not so much.
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Post by FLCeltsFan on Mar 3, 2008 7:25:06 GMT -5
www.bostonherald.com/sports/basketball/celtics/view.bg?articleid=1077347&format=textRondo will welcome Cassell By Steve Bulpett | Monday, March 3, 2008 | www.bostonherald.com | Boston Celtics Photo by Matthew West Back when Sam Cassell was just a gleam in the Celtics [team stats]’ eye, people around the club were talking about what it would be like to have him as a late-game alternative to Rajon Rondo [stats] in certain situations. It was also mentioned that the two could find themselves on the floor together if Cassell could ever be acquired. “If” will turn into actuality today, and while he’s already talked about the value of having Cassell, Rondo yesterday talked about being on the court with veteran point guard. A good part of that time, Cassell will undoubtedly be off the ball, perhaps looking to post up. But sometimes Rondo, who has improved his shooting, will be able to run the wing as Cassell handles the point guard duties. “It’s interesting,” Rondo said. “I did it at Kentucky a couple of times, and I actually had my career-high (26 points) one of the times. I’m always up for whatever’s best for the team, and I’d be able to learn while I’m out there watching him as he’s playing the point position. I’m sure there are things I can pick up on. “I’ll be able to spot up some with him, but I think I can do that with Ray (Allen), too. Teams are doubling off me, and Ray sees the floor really well. It’s a matter of me getting to the certain areas and knowing where the shot’s going to come from.” Celtics Nation panicked when Chauncey Billups backed in Rondo late in a Detroit Pistons win at the Garden earlier in the season. But it’s important to note that Rondo was dealing with foul trouble. “That’s tough,” Rondo said. “He knows you’re in foul trouble, so he’s going to go at me and try to get that sixth foul. It’s tough when you’re going against a guy like that because to do it right you need to be aggressive, and that’s hard to do when you have five fouls. Any NBA guard knows to go after the guys who are in foul trouble.” Maybe as soon as Wednesday, Cassell will be able to deal with Billups. “I can run around with a (2-guard) two like (the Pistons’) Richard Hamilton,” Rondo said. “When I’m guarding the point, I can’t see what’s going on behind me. But when you’re on the 2-guard, most of the things are right in front of you.”
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Post by FLCeltsFan on Mar 3, 2008 7:27:55 GMT -5
www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/articles/2008/03/03/celtics_handle_hawks?mode=PFCeltics handle Hawks Team's attention turns to Pistons By Marc J. Spears, Globe Staff | March 3, 2008 Even though the Celtics were up only 7 points during a timeout with 2:01 to play during a 98-88 victory over the Hawks last night, the game operations staff at TD Banknorth Garden couldn't fight the urge to announce the showdown that is coming next. Highlights were shown of the first two intense games this season between the Eastern Conference powers the Celtics (46-12) and the Pistons (43-16). And as the video montage came to a conclusion, the words "Round 3" appeared in regards to the Boston-Detroit grudge match to take place here Wednesday night. "I anticipate it being nothing short of emotion," said Celtics forward Kevin Garnett, who had 20 points and 16 rebounds against Atlanta. "Both teams are solid teams. People are expecting that to be the Eastern Conference finals matchup. It should be fun. "They have three All-Stars, we have three All-Stars. They have a [heck] of a cast, we have a heck of a cast. They're coached by a great coach; we're coached by a great coach. Solidified organizations . . . history is there. It should be a fun game, exciting, a lot of emotion." Boston is 3 1/2 games ahead of the Pistons for the lead in the East. Wednesday's game will be the last for the teams in the regular season; the series is tied, 1-1. "It's a very important game for us," said Paul Pierce, who had 30 points yesterday. "It's definitely a team we can see in the playoffs. As we are trying to secure home-court advantage the rest of the playoffs and continue to win, this is a team that is right behind us. If we can get a little gap on them as we try to finish out the season, it would be great." The Celtics have won five straight and eight straight at home. Pierce scored 17 of his game-high total in the third quarter. Kendrick Perkins matched Garnett's double-double with 11 points, a season-high tying 12 rebounds, and added a career-high 6 assists, and Ray Allen had 17 points. "It's kind of like pick your poison," said Hawks forward Josh Smith, who had a team-high 22 points. "You just have to hope that on a given night that they aren't going to shoot the ball like they're going to shoot it because KG is going to get his numbers every night, he's pretty consistent with it. You just got to hope that Paul Pierce or Ray Allen is off." The Hawks (24-33) haven't been to the playoffs since 1999. But with Smith, newly acquired point guard Mike Bibby, All-Star guard Joe Johnson, and Rookie of the Year candidate Al Horford (14 points, 11 rebounds), Atlanta has a chance not only to get back in the postseason, but also to possibly play Boston in the first round. "They will probably end up being a team we see in the first round," Pierce said. "They're a team that can definitely play in the seventh spot or the eighth spot [in the East]." The Celtics finished the first quarter with a 26-22 lead after shooting 48 percent from the field and scoring 12 points in the paint. Late in the first, coach Doc Rivers and point guard Rajon Rondo had a spirited discussion on the bench over Rondo's shot selection. Eventually, Garnett sat between the two and patted Rondo on his left leg to calm things down. Rondo finished the night with 6 points on 2-of-11 shooting and 8 assists. After the game, Rivers and Rondo both indicated the incident was water under the bridge. "He was right in that situation," Rondo said. "At that time, I thought I was right. I just got caught up in the moment. We're both past it. We got the win tonight and try to move forward." Said Rivers: "It's not a big deal." The Celtics were behind, 44-41, at halftime after being outscored, 22-15, in the second quarter while shooting 30 percent from the field (6 for 20) in the second. Garnett had 12 points and nine rebounds in the first half while Smith had 13 points and six rebounds. The Celtics went on a 13-0 run, including three 3-pointers, to take a 54-46 lead with 8:57 left in the third quarter. But the Hawks were only down, 70-67, at the end of the third. Pierce notched his 17 points in the quarter on 7-of-12 shooting. "I just tried to play within the flow of the game and let the game come to me," Pierce said. "In the second half I wanted to be a little more aggressive than I was." An emphatic baseline dunk by Garnett on Horford gave Boston an 82-74 lead with 6:17 remaining in the fourth. Just before the Pistons reminder was displayed on the big screen, Allen hit a 13-foot jumper to put Atlanta behind, 90-83, with 2:26 remaining. "We're not going to overemphasize it," said Allen about Detroit. "From one game to the next, we want to get better."
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Post by FLCeltsFan on Mar 3, 2008 7:32:10 GMT -5
www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/articles/2008/03/03/garnetts_best_case_scenario?mode=PFGarnett's best-case scenario By Peter May | March 3, 2008 We've been hearing it now for a while. Somehow, Kevin Garnett no longer is a consensus choice for Most Valuable Player because he (a) had the temerity to suffer a serious injury for the first time in his career and (b) his team had the temerity to win seven of the nine games he missed. But after last night's 98-88 grinder over the Hawks, the Celtics are, ahem, 39-10 when Garnett does play. And when he plays like he did yesterday, you'd like to send the game film to all those who have elevated Kobe Bryant and LeBron James to exalted status. They're both terrific, as they proved yesterday with tour de forces on national TV. Then, before the usual 18,624 at TD Banknorth Garden, Garnett did his thing. In his best "I'm back" statement game since he got hurt, Garnett had 20 points, 16 rebounds, and 3 assists. He is gradually working his way back to form, the form that made him the MVP front-runner for the first 2 1/2 months of the season. He once again anchored a defense that held the Hawks to the kind of numbers that make assistant coach Tom Thibodeau sleep easy: 88 points and 39.5 percent shooting. Asked if he felt he was getting more comfortable, Garnett was prepared to respond when Paul Pierce stepped in. "He's all the way back," Pierce said. "Did you all watch the game? When he's going to the basket, inside and outside, dominating the rebounds, that's the Kevin Garnett I like to see." As for Garnett, he said, simply, "I had a decent night. I don't know what you all expect. I am human and I do have rust. But I am coming. I am coming along, slowly but surely." Making the case for an MVP is a subjective one and occasionally leads to results that make you want to tear your hair out. In 2002, for instance, there was no more valuable player in the NBA than Jason Kidd, who single-handedly transformed the moribund Nets and took them to the NBA Finals. He did exactly what Steve Nash did for Phoenix. But Tim Duncan was named the MVP in a result that I still can't fathom, much as I love Duncan. The case for Garnett is pretty simple. The Celtics have the best record in the NBA, have had the best record all year, and he is their best player. The Celtics have been the best defensive team pretty much all season (save for that hideous two-game stretch in Denver and Golden State) and Garnett is the reason. He makes it all possible. Thibodeau gets props for his schemes, but if you don't have Garnett out there at middle linebacker barking out calls, it doesn't matter. So why has he now dropped behind Kobe and LeBron in a lot of the opinion polls? Let's start with the injury. Before this season, Garnett never had been hurt. He missed games at the end of the last two seasons to protect the Timberwolves' lottery position and ensure that Minnesota kept its pick. He wasn't really hurt hurt. This year, he was, and it was a first for him. You know what they say in sports: You shouldn't lose your job because of injury. (That truism was amended in 2001 to include the Tom Brady Exception.) Garnett didn't lose his job. He just lost a little bit of his eminence because his team happened to win while he was out. You know why? Because the Celtics have got a good team. The Cavaliers go Grizzlies when James is out, which, I guess, helps make his case for MVP in a roundabout way. But they've also lost a lot of games when LeBron plays, too. Bryant is now getting regular MVP chants when he's at the line at the Staples Center and he should. He's the best player on a team that is among the best in the very tough Western Conference. The Lakers were pretty good - not great - when they made the trade for Pau Gasol. Since Gasol arrived, the Lakers are a very good 12-2. Is Bryant even a top-three candidate if the Gasol trade isn't made? Just asking. James finally got some help at the trading deadline and the Cavaliers we saw last week won't look anything like the Cavaliers we might see in the second round of the playoffs. James is always going to get MVP consideration because of the load he has to carry. And he should, especially seeing what he had to carry before the trade was made and the fact that Cleveland is winless in the six games he has missed this season. Maybe if the Celtics had gone 2-7 when Garnett was out, his MVP chances would have improved. But those NBA observers who have dropped Garnett from the top will get a good opportunity to see the real KG these last six or so weeks. And please, stop with all the talk about reduced minutes. That's by design. The guy has a lot of mileage on his frame. If you want to give the MVP to the guy with the best numbers on a pretty good team, then Garnett is not your guy. If you want to give it to the best player on the best team, to an individual who has transformed a franchise and brought the word "defense" into the daily discourse without the need for a laugh track, then he still has to warrant serious consideration.
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Post by FLCeltsFan on Mar 3, 2008 7:36:28 GMT -5
www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/articles/2008/03/03/some_traveling_by_this_guard?mode=PFSome traveling by this guard? Cassell pegged for Boston by agent By Peter May and Marc J. Spears, Globe Staff | March 3, 2008 Sam Cassell was in his hometown of Baltimore yesterday, preparing to travel to Boston once he clears waivers tonight at 6. Soon thereafter, the point guard is expected to join former teammates Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen as the final piece of general manager Danny Ainge's extreme makeover of the Celtics. Cassell's agent, David Falk, said yesterday he expects no last-minute surprises or new entries into the Sam Sweepstakes, such as, perhaps, Dallas owner Mark Cuban. "We've talked to all the teams that expressed an interest in Sam and nothing is going to change," said Falk. "He's still going to sign with the Celtics. The only unknown is if some team claims him off waivers. But I consider that to be highly unlikely." For a team to claim Cassell, it must have room to absorb what's remaining of his $6.15 million salary. He was waived last Thursday by the Clippers after the team negotiated a buyout. One NBA source said that with Golden State under the salary cap, it conceivably could claim Cassell, but the source would be surprised if that happened. Falk said Cassell is excited about being reunited with Garnett and Allen, with whom he made trips to the conference finals in 2004 (with Garnett in Minnesota) and 2001 (with Allen in Milwaukee). "It's nice when people want you," Falk said. "I've told Danny that it was amazing how quickly those guys [Allen, Garnett, Paul Pierce] all jelled. I mean, this isn't fantasy basketball. And when you saw what needs they might have going forward, the only thing really left to do is to bring in a guy like Sam. "If you look at this thing like a low-risk stock, Boston is a better fit. The West is much more difficult, while the East looks like a two-horse race." Falk said Cassell's sore wrist, which sidelined him for the last few games as a Clipper, is still bothersome. But he added, "This is what he paid for [by taking the buyout], so he's going to play. We've been talking about this for a month. It's going to be great. He's so excited." New Hawks guard Mike Bibby had a lot of battles with Cassell while playing for Sacramento. Before his team lost last night to the Celtics, 98-88, Bibby described Cassell as a "great player" but he was curious to how things will end up working out in Boston. "He's a heady player," Bibby said. "He's smart. He can shoot the jump shot. He's played in big games. You always have to see how things fill out." Brown debut delayed Newcomer P.J. Brown did not make his Celtics debut and it's uncertain when he will. The 6-foot-11-inch, 239-pound forward/center signed with Boston Wednesday and coach Doc Rivers is in no rush to get him on the floor. Brown acknowledged he is getting a little antsy, but he respects Rivers's decision and has said he still needs to get more familiar with the offense. "[Rivers] just told me he wasn't ready to activate me yet," Brown, 38, said. "So we'll see. I think if I got out there I could do something. Physically I feel better than I thought I would. I knew it'd be a challenge. I'm coming along OK." Said Rivers, "He's getting better. He'll be ready. I haven't been thinking about it, to be honest. It's not something that's pressing. We got 25 games , it's not like we have five or 10 games. He'll be ready when the time comes." Remembering Bias A documentary called "Len Bias" is expected to be completed by month's end, according May 3rd Films co-producer Kali McIver. Bias was the University of Maryland star who suffered a fatal drug overdose less than 48 hours after being the second overall player selected in the 1986 draft by the Celtics. May 3rd Films was in Boston last week to do interviews for the documentary, which already includes ex-Maryland coach Lefty Driesell, ex-Georgetown coach John Thompson, and people who were in the room the night Bias overdosed. McIver said the documentary is expected to debut either on network television or in theaters in early fall. "We think it's important to do the story because a lot of young people don't know the story," McIver said. "We want to tell the true story. It's important to educate and to show how his death is affecting lives today." McIver said the Bias family gave its blessing. He added that Ainge and fellow ex-Celtics greats Larry Bird and Kevin McHale have turned down interview requests. Ex-Boston general manager Jan Volk was interviewed last week. "[Ainge] said through a spokesman that he has come to peace with [Bias's death] and didn't want to talk about it," McIver said. A trailer for the documentary can be viewed at www.len-bias.com.
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Post by FLCeltsFan on Mar 3, 2008 7:41:43 GMT -5
aol.nba.com/celtics/news/blog/post-ups.htmlMarch 2 - Hawks at CelticsPostgame Recap Box Score | Recap | Video Highlights The Celtics dialed up the intensity in the second half to secure the win tonight, but the talk around the Celtics' campfire was the continuing play of Perkins. At times this year Doc has called out Perk for forgetting his role (the first half at MSG on January 21 comes to mind), but when he plays like he has the last two games, he's at his most effective and makes the Celtics an impossible team to defend. Perkins' six assists is a career high, and his coach couldn't be prouder of the way he's responding to what the team is asking of him. "I say it a lot about him, but I'm just so proud of him and happy that he's really just letting the game come to him and he's not trying to do too much," Rivers said. "He's understanding who he is, which makes him a very good ballplayer." Perk said he's still trying to find consistency, warning that "some nights I'll be there and some nights I won't. I try to keep improving every night." With the Hawks making a push for the final playoff spot, this could be a team the Celtics play in the first round of the postseason. Rivers talked about Josh Smith's shotblocking ability changing "100 shots" in the first half, and he's particularly impressed with rookie Al Horford, who leads all NBA rookies in rebounding with 10 boards a game. "I don't know if he gets enough credit," Rivers said of the rookie. But first things first, the Celtics will take Monday off before practicing on Tuesday to prepare for the showdown with the Detroit Pistons at the Garden. Rivers said he plans to start watching film of Detroit tonight and most of tomorrow to get the team ready for Wednesday's tilt. Live Courtside Blog Pop-up: Live Scoreboard 98-88 Celtics, FINAL: KG's had another big game, but Kendrick Perkins quietly posted his second consecutive solid game. 11 points (4/5), 12 rebounds, four blocks and six (!) assists. Perk is your Celtics.com Player of the Game. So he's got that going for him, which is nice... 80-74 Celtics, 6:26/4th: Kevin Garnett and Josh Smith have been battling on the block all night, and the refs keep changing the rules on them. Early in the game, KG was called for hooking Smith's elbow when Smith had two hands buried in his chest; the same sequence just happened and they called Smith for hand-checking. Meanwhile, KG was just drumming to Phil Collins coming out of the timeout again. He's basically rocking out on the floor... 70-67 Celtics, End of 3rd: Paul Pierce finished dropping 17 in the third quarter alone (7/12 in the quarter); he had five points at the half and has 22 points (9/17) heading into the fourth. I suppose you can guess the stat of the quarter... 67-61 Celtics, 2:45/3rd: Boston's defense has improved as the game's worn on, and the Hawks seem to be settling for perimeter jumpers rather than attacking the basket. 51-46 Celtics, 9:32/3rd: The Celtics came out of the locker room like a house of fire and promptly put together a 10-2 run to start the half. They knocked down a pair of threes and came up with two fast break hoops in the blink of an eye to reclaim the lead. 41-44 Hawks, Halftime: KG finished the half with an emphatic slam off Rondo's fourth assist, and the Celtics trail by three at the half. Garnett has 12 points (6/12 FGs) and nine rebounds. Stat of the Half: We haven't gone Inside the Numbers with Mike Zarren yet, but 15 assists for the Celtics jumps of my halftime box score. 38-34 Hawks, 3:45/2nd: A 12-2 run for the Hawks has them enjoying their first lead since they went up in opening seconds on an alley-oop dunk off the opening tip. The Hawks are starting to knock down their perimeter jumpers and have ran up their last 10 unanswered points over the last 1:51. Seven Celtics turnovers in the quarter isn't helping Boston's case, either. 28-26 Celtics, 8:21/2nd: The Celtics are struggling to find offense in the early stages of the second quarter. James Posey has the only hoop of the quarter as the C's are just 1/5 in the period. With that in mind, Tony Allen will take a seat for Ray Allen. TA didn't look great out there; perhaps that calf is still bothering him. And speaking of calves, Vladimir Shulman is working on Perkins' left calf on the bench. 26-22 Celtics, End of 1st: Doc was not pleased with Rondo for pulling up and taking a quick shot on a possession with about two minutes left in the period. He called a timeout and pulled Rondo from the game after it appeared that Rondo broke off the play Rivers asked for in favor of a 17 foot jumper than clanged off the iron. Then again, it was right around the time the second unit usually enters the game. Stat of the quarter: KG has six rebounds in the first quarter. 17-12 Celtics, 4:51/1st: Rondo's come out shooting his midrange jumper, and KG is getting basically whatever he wants down low. Garnett had a season-high 27 points and 19 rebounds against the Hawks on November 9, and he's already got six points and six rebounds in just over seven minutes. Pregame Media Access The early start messed with at least one Celtic. Big Baby was asking reporters for the time, and seemed to be at least an hour behind in his pregame routine. "I'm all messed up. I gotta get my mind right," Davis said, asking for the start time (6 p.m.) of tonight's game. Tony Allen, on the other hand, seemed to be back on top of his game after missing two games with a strained calf and flu-like symptoms. Allen says the calf is "tight" but not sore and the flu is "clearing up", but he was bouncing around the locker room with Gucci Mane blasting through his Bose headset. Allen continued to stretch, offered a us a bite of his penut butter and jelly sandwich (all set, thanks!) and sailed into the team's workout room laughing. Standard TA. He'll be just fine. Brian Scalabrine was busy breaking in a new pair of Nikes after giving away the pair he wore for pregame warmups. Scal reports that he goes through a new pair of shoes about every 100 game minutes, which is about one pair per 4-5 games if he's starting. The new pair he was trying on were hightops, though, and Scalabrine says he's more comfortable in low-top shoes. Asked about ankle problems, he told us that one summer of yoga ended any issues he's ever had with his ankles. Perhaps Scot Pollard has some pilates in his future? P.J. Brown says he's ready to go, but Doc Rivers continues to say he's in "no rush" to play Brown, and the veteran big man will not be dressed for tonight's contest. Check the Audio Archive for pregame quotes from Tony Allen, P.J. Brown, as well as Doc's pregame press conference. Early Pregame Report Long day at the Garden today for the Celtics staff as the Shamrock Foundation's second annual Shamrock Shootout took place this morning on the parquet, with the top two teams advancing to the finals at halftime tonight. Sadly, Celtics.com will not be appearing on the court for halftime. Pinch-hitting for one of the guys on the ballboys' team, yours truly drew plenty of iron and not enough twine, and LG and the Boys finished in 9th place, three points shy of the third round. Tony Allen, who's missed the last two games with a calf and flu-like symptoms, practiced Saturday and is currently going through light shooting drills on the floor. Not much else to report thusfar, but the locker room opens in about five minutes.
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Post by FLCeltsFan on Mar 3, 2008 8:26:30 GMT -5
www.telegram.com/article/20080303/NEWS/803030429/1009/SPORTSDon’t forget about Garnett KG’s showing sparks Celtics By Bill Doyle TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF wdoyle@telegram.com BOSTON— Kevin Garnett was nearly everyone’s pick as the NBA’s most valuable player for the first half of the season, but no one mentions him any more. Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and others soared past him when an abdominal strain sidelined him for the Celtics’ last nine games prior to the All-Star break, and Garnett’s subpar play after returning didn’t promote his cause. But last night, Garnett showed he shouldn’t be forgotten. The 6-foot-11 forward scored 20 points and grabbed 16 rebounds in a 98-88 Celtics victory over the Hawks at the Garden. They were his most points since he scored 26 on Jan. 23 and his most rebounds since he also had 16 on Jan. 25. In his first seven games since he returned to the lineup, Garnett averaged 13.7 points and 8.7 rebounds — solid numbers, but not worthy of MVP recognition. “I don’t know what you all expect,” Garnett said. “I’m human, too. I do have rust.” When Garnett was asked after last night’s game how close he felt to 100 percent, Celtics captain Paul Pierce interrupted. “He’s all the way back,” Pierce said. “Didn’t you all watch the game tonight? When he’s going to the basket inside-outside and dominating the rebounds, that’s the Kevin Garnett I like to see.” “His rhythm is coming back on the post,” Celtics coach Doc Rivers said. “He’s starting to drive the ball more, and that’s really nice to see. We need it.” Garnett’s scoring and rebounding are vital to Boston’s hopes, but it was one of his passes that brought the sellout crowd to its feet. He took a lob from Pierce in the paint in the third quarter, then fed Glen Davis behind his back for a layup to make it 62-51. Enough of these tuneups against the Hawks and Bobcats. Detroit visits the Garden on Wednesday, and the Celtics appear ready after having won five in a row overall and eight straight at the Garden to improve to 27-4 here. Sam Cassell might even be signed and in uniform by then, and after Rajon Rondo and backup Eddie House combined to make just 4 of 20 shots last night, the Celtics could use him. Rondo (8) and House (4) did combine for a dozen assists, though. A 15-point second quarter in which the Celtics had more turnovers (7) than baskets (6) dropped them behind, 44-41, at the half, but they improved to 8-0 at home in games they trailed at intermission. Pierce scored only five points in the first half, but poured in 25 in the second to finish with a game-high 30 points. A halftime pep talk from Rivers did the trick. “I told him the guys that were guarding him couldn’t guard him if he attacked them,” Rivers said, “but they could guard him if he tried to back you down and slow the game up. Then they could get help.” “Guys were finding me,” Pierce said, “and setting up screens, and I just took advantage of the opportunity.” Pierce scored 17 points in the third quarter, including the final 11 of a 17-3 spurt to open the quarter that put the Celtics on top, 58-47 lead. Pierce poured in eight more in the fourth quarter even though he sat out the first 6:42 of it. Kendrick Perkins collected 11 points, 12 boards, a career-high 6 assists and 4 blocked shots, including a rejection of a Josh Childress dunk attempt midway through the fourth quarter. Ray Allen scored 17 points. Josh Smith’s 22 points and nine rebounds couldn’t prevent Atlanta’s 16th loss in its last 18 road games. Ex-Celtic Joe Johnson made only 4 of 16 shots and scored just nine points, 11 below his average. Al Horford had 14 points and 11 rebounds. Mike Bibby contributed 14 points and nine assists. The Celtics improved to 2-0 against the Hawks, whom they could meet in the opening round of the playoffs. Atlanta hasn’t qualified for the postseason since 1999, the longest playoff drought in the NBA. In the third quarter, the Celtics shot 57.1 percent (12 of 21) while holding Atlanta to 31.6 percent (6 of 19), but the Hawks remained within striking distance by outscoring the Celtics, 10-1, at the foul line. Through three quarters, the Hawks made 16 free throws, the Celtics just four. But in the fourth, the Celtics made 13 of 14 free throws, and Atlanta converted just 5 of 8.
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Post by FLCeltsFan on Mar 3, 2008 8:29:11 GMT -5
www.enterprisenews.com/sports/x1236846181Garnett returns to form His performance Sunday night during the Celtics’ 98-88 win over Atlanta reveals he’s recovery well after his 31/2-week absence. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- By Fenton Enterprise staff writer Posted Mar 03, 2008 @ 03:46 AM -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BOSTON — He has been making steady progress since returning to the Boston Celtics’ lineup two weeks ago. After missing a career-high nine games over a 31/2-week stretch with a strained abdominal muscle, Kevin Garnett figured the process would take some time. In recent days, though, Garnett has been taking bigger steps as he moves closer to 100 percent with the season’s stretch drive approaching. There was an 18-point, 11-rebound, five-assist, four-steal gem against the Cleveland Cavaliers last Wednesday followed by a 17-point, nine-rebound game against the Charlotte Bobcats on Friday night. Further proof that Garnett is his old self again was submitted on Sunday night in a 98-88 victory over the Atlanta Hawks at the TD Banknorth Garden. It was more than the numbers Garnett put together — 20 points on 9 of 18 shooting to go with 16 rebounds. The point total was his highest since he scored 26 against the Toronto Raptors on Jan. 23. It was the way Garnett was moving at both ends of the court, jumping out to help on defense and being aggressive at the offensive end from start to finish. When Garnett was asked how close he was to being in top form again, Paul Pierce jumped in with the answer. “He’s all the way back,” said Pierce, seated next to Garnett at a postgame press conference. “You guys watch the game tonight? When he’s going to the basket, inside, outside, dominating the rebounds, that’s the Kevin Garnett I like to see.” It was the best Garnett has looked since suffering the injury against his former team, the Minnesota Timberwolves, on Jan. 25. There was obvious rust on Garnett’s game early in the recent five-game road trip, but during the Celtics’ current five-game homestand, he has only gotten better and better. “I don’t know what you all expect,” said Garnett, who has made some nifty inside passes. “I’m human, too. I do have rust. “Nothing shows that better than game film. We have days of practice and days where you can come in and work on some stuff to knock some of that dust off. “I’ve got above average teammates who make the game easy at times. I’ve just been playing through the offense, playing free, if you will, taking the shots when they’re there, and at the same time, trying to get back into rhythm. I’m coming. I’m coming along, slowly but surely.” Celtics coach Doc Rivers has been trying to keep Garnett’s playing time under 35 minutes as he works his way back. Garnett went 35:20 against the Hawks, only because he was needed early in the fourth quarter when Atlanta was pushing the Celtics (46-12). While it was Pierce (25 of his 30 points in the second half) who carried the Celtics offensively when it counted, Garnett set the tone early, just like he did as Boston bolted out to its 29-3 start. “His rhythm is coming back on the post and he’s starting to drive the ball more and that’s really nice to see,” said Rivers. “We need it. “It’s not just scoring. He’s blocking shots. He’s showing again on pick-and-rolls. He’s making our defense active again. He scores, but his passing is just contagious. “You can’t tell me it’s not a coincidence that (Kendrick Perkins, who had a career-high six assists) is the best passer he’s been in his career. He’s looking at probably the best passing big man in the game.” Perkins, who is also rounding into form after missing time with a shoulder injury, is growing as a player with Garnett alongside in the frontcourt. “The intensity he brings to the game is awesome,” said Perkins, who tied a season high with 11 rebounds and had 11 points. “The way he approaches the game, the energy he brings, even if he’s not having a great night on stats, he’s having an effect on the game.” Garnett, who had his third double-double since returning and 22nd this season, is riding high again after having to cope with the first extended mid-season injury of his career. The Celtics are on a five-game winning streak, they are headed for should be a wild Wednesday night showdown with the Detroit Pistons and one of his former teammates, Sam Cassell, should be joining Boston’s roster tonight. “When it happens, I’ll comment on it,” said Garnett of the impending signing of Cassell. “If Sam’s added on to this team, I think it’ll be a tremendous addition to this team. “But until it’s done, I won’t comment on it. I don’t want to jinx anything. You know something I don’t know? Speak up or forever hold your piece.”
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Post by FLCeltsFan on Mar 3, 2008 8:34:58 GMT -5
Signing Cassell would give Rondo confidence
March 03, 2008 6:00 AM
By all accounts Sam Cassell will clear waivers at 6 p.m. today and sign with the Boston Celtics shortly thereafter. But what does the Celtics' current point guard, Rajon Rondo, think about the possibility of a veteran already not happy with playing time coming to his team?
"(He) could help me. He's been in the game for a long time and he knows a lot," Rondo said. "Any veteran point guard would be a great addition to add to the team, but that's not my decision."
Rondo acknowledged that Danny Ainge has already spoken with him about the potential acquisition of Cassell. He said he's cool with the idea. But for Rondo, the Celtics are "his" team, both now and for many years in the future.
"You could say that," he said. "I just try to go out there and be more of a vocal leader on the court in situations, game-time situations, where to go and who to go to."
On the surface, the pursuit of Cassell is seen by many as an admission that they don't feel their second-year starter has the experience to lead the team into the postseason. But a position where they were looking to get insurance can instead become one of assurance, knowing that if Rondo does wither, there's a point guard the caliber of Sam-I-Am on the sideline.
The move is low-risk for the Celtics, luxury tax money aside. They've got the open roster spot, even after signing veteran P.J. Brown for frontcourt help last week.
In addition to being the best (sudden) free agent point guard out there for the stretch run, Cassell has history with the current Celtics. He played with Ray Allen in Milwaukee from 1999-2003, and was teammates with Kevin Garnett in Minnesota from 2003-05. The Timberwolves reached the 2004 Western Conference Finals with KG and Cassell on the floor together, and Cassell brings 115 games of postseason experience overall, with two championship rings from his time in Houston.
"I think him being an addition to this team would be over the top," Garnett said. "Obviously, Sam, with his experience, his knack for the fourth quarter, his leadership, he is a natural leader."
But will a natural leader be willing to take a backseat to a young point guard who is clearly the future at the position?
"I don't think he will have a problem with being a secondary," Garnett said. "He understands that he has been in the league a long time...Sam is a ball player and he understands at the end of the day it's about winning."
But perhaps Cassell's biggest asset will merely be his presence. Amidst all the Sam talk on Friday, Rondo had one of his best games of his career, putting up a career-high 16 assists in a win over the Bobcats. He also had a strong game on Sunday evening as well.
"Yeah, and he's still learning. He's definitely still learning," Ray Allen said. "We look forward to him blossoming even more."
"He is learning more about himself as the year goes on, what type of player he can be," Pierce said. "He is taking his time, he is getting to the paint, and when guys step up he's finding them, and when they don't he has the ability to finish at the rim. He is maturing before our eyes, each and every day."
This doesn't sound like a team that his unhappy with the play they're getting at the point guard spot. It's a team that's just looking to shore things up a little more, with the best possible talent available. The fact that they're the NBA's best team gives them the advantage of having that talent willing to sacrifice playing time for the potential to win a championship.
Besides, anyone who's watched the Celtics at length this season knows there are still certain close late-game situations where Rondo is on the bench anyway; if anything, Cassell would eat into the minutes Eddie House and Tony Allen have played at the point, another dangerous reserve who can develop a niche for the Celtics.
"I think teams are starting to take notice of our other guys," Pierce said. "Teams gear their game plan (toward Pierce, Allen and Garnett) and when they overlook these guys, the other guys can really hurt you. When you look at championships being won, it is usually because of great role players stepping up and getting the job done."
If he can come to Boston and fit in the way they need him to, Sam Cassell would make the textbook definition of that type of role player.
YAO-ZER!
Houston Rockets center Yao Ming has been blasted by the media for putting the fortunes of China's Olympic team over those of the team that is paying him nearly $14 million to play this season, the Houston Rockets.
After suffering a stress fracture in his left foot, Yao opted to have surgery to correct the problem so that it will be healed in time to play for his homeland in the Beijing Olympics this August. His expected recovery time is four months.
Earlier in the week, Yao expressed concern about not being able to play for China and carry the torch for his people.
"If I cannot play in the Olympics for my country this time, that would be the biggest los of my career up to right now. My biggest loss," Yao said, also noting he was confident the Rockets could win without him.
Critics blasted him for worrying more about the summer games than getting his NBA team into the playoffs. But the Rockets have stood by him, noting how important it is for his country and his culture for him to be involved in the Olympics.
"For the big fella, it's a special time for him," Rockets star Tracy McGrady said. "The Olympics are in his country. That's a special event. That's a big blow if he can't play in that. I understand where he was coming from."
Tim Weisberg covers the NBA for The Standard-Times. Contact him at timweisberg@hotmail.com.
HOT
LONG LIVE THE ABA
I'm too young to remember the original ABA, and I haven't seen "Semi-Pro" yet, but I'm all for the increased exposure to basketball's original renegade league. From the vibrant colors to the even more vibrant skills and personalities, today's NBA owes a large debt of gratitude (they gave us the Spurs, after all) to its red, white and blue predecessor.
ROCKETS ON FIRE
Houston, we have no problem. The Rockets for going for their franchise mark-tying 15th straight win Sunday night against the Denver Nuggets, including winning their last two games without Yao Ming. They went perfect in February, but without the big man, they'll be lucky to get to the playoffs and won't go far if they do.
SUPERMAN FLYING HIGH
Dwight "Superman" Howard has really had a breakout season, but perhaps his most compelling stat for MVP voting? He's had seven 20 point-20 rebound games thus far this season.
NOT
NO MORE STARBURY?
The Isiah Thomas-Stephon Marbury relationship has deteriorated to the point where Zeke won't even mention his injured point guard by name. But this week, a day after he told reporters Marbury won't play again this season, Thomas indicated the Knicks will look elsewhere for a point guard. Marbury, though, is under contract next season, earning $21 million.
KNIGHT MOVES
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported on its website that Hawks GM Billy Knight actually wanted to fire head coach Mike Woodson after acquiring Mike Bibby from the Kings, but ownership wouldn't allow it. It was also revealed that Knight has tried to fire his coach twice previously. Yet, under Woodson, the Hawks have only gotten better each year.
SUNS BURNING OUT
Prior to acquiring Shaquille O'Neal, the Phoenix Suns were the West's top team. Now, they are sixth, going 2-4 since Shaq arrived. Has The Big Aristotle become The Big Albatross?
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Post by FLCeltsFan on Mar 3, 2008 8:36:11 GMT -5
www.telegram.com/article/20080303/NEWS/803030446/1009/SPORTSPerkins coming along Game continues to blossom in frontcourt CELTICS NOTES By Bill Doyle TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF wdoyle@telegram.com Boston’s Leon Powe grabs a rebound away from Atlanta’s Al Horford. (THE ASSOCIATED PRESS) Enlarge photo -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BOSTON— Kendrick Perkins says he wants to be more consistent. It appears he’s on his way to reaching his goal. The 6-foot-10 center collected 11 points, 12 rebounds, a career-high 6 assists and 4 blocked shots last night as the Celtics held off the Hawks, 98-88, at the Garden. Two nights earlier, Perkins had 19 points, 9 rebounds and 5 blocked shots in a win over the Bobcats. “I’m just so proud of him,” Celtics coach Doc Rivers said, “and happy that he’s really just letting the game come to him. He’s not trying to do too much. He’s understanding who he is, which makes him a very, very good ballplayer.” Perkins’ best block came early in the fourth quarter when he reached up to swat away a dunk attempt by Josh Childress. “I just timed it,” Perkins said. “I didn’t know he was going to dunk it until the last minute, but I was already up there. When somebody goes up to dunk, you can either block it, foul him or get dunked on, so that’s the chance you take. I lucked out and got a dunk on him.” Rivers attributed Perkins’ career-high six assists in part to Kevin Garnett’s passing ability as a big man rubbing off on him. “I know how to find the open man,” Perkins said. Perkins said his left shoulder strain is much better, but not completely healed. “It hasn’t been bothering me, it’s just sore,” he said. Perkins is lifting weights to strengthen his shoulder. Perkins averages a career-high 7.3 points and 5.7 rebounds this season. “Some nights I be there, some nights I’m not,” Perkins said. “I’m just trying to be consistent. I just got to try to keep improving every night.” Not everything went well for Perkins last night. He took a shot above his right eye, and it swelled up. “I hope my girl still likes me,” he said. Hawk talk Rivers will always think of himself as a former Hawk, but fans remember him most as a Knick. “I think people see me as a Knick,” Rivers said, “because those were 3, 2-1/2 years when we were in the thick of stuff. I consider myself a Hawk. I was there for eight years, my first eight years, and they gave me my first chance.” The Celtics improved to a league-best 46-12. The 46 wins are the most Rivers has had in any of his nine seasons as an NBA coach. His previous best record was 45-37 three years ago in his first season with the Celtics. Itching to play Before Friday’s game against Charlotte, Rivers said P.J. Brown needed to play in games to regain his timing and mentioned that he might suit up the newly signed 6-foot-11 forward last night later against the Hawks. Brown, however, said last night that Rivers informed him before Friday’s game that he wouldn’t play against the Bobcats or the Hawks. “I’m itching. I’m getting anxious,” Brown said. Reminded that he said he thought Brown needed to play, Rivers said he wanted to give Brown more time. “We’ve got 25 games,” Rivers said. “It’s not like we have five or 10 games. He’ll be ready when the time comes.” Rivers said he hadn’t seen enough of Brown in practice to judge him yet and that he doubted that he would play Wednesday against the Pistons either. Brown said he trusts Rivers’ judgment, but he thinks he’s ready. “I think if I got out there, I could do something,” Brown said. “What I could do, I don’t know, but I could do something. I’m feeling better than I thought I would.” Limited action Tony Allen played only four minutes in his return after missing two games with a right calf strain and the flu.
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Post by FLCeltsFan on Mar 3, 2008 8:50:55 GMT -5
www.patriotledger.com/sports/pros/x395347495Rivers remains Hawk at heart -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- By Mike Fine The Patriot Ledger Posted Mar 02, 2008 @ 11:53 PM -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- QUINCY — The Patriot Ledger BOSTON – If it’s not Doc Rivers having an identity crisis these days, then some of his fans certainly are. First, there was the matter of the Celtics coach suffering through Saturday’s Marquette-Georgetown game, a 70-68 overtime win by the Hoyas. Rivers agonized as his son, Jeremiah, and his teammates finally nailed down the win, but as he was talking to the youngster after the game he continually found himself saying, “we” in reference to his alma mater, Marquette. “He was confused,” Rivers said of his son, a sophomore starting guard. “But I am not conflicted.” In other words, Rivers is completely behind his son. There seems to be even more confusion amongst fans, though. Prior to his team’s 98-88 victory over the visiting Atlanta Hawks, Rivers said he considers himself a Hawk, given that he started his career in Atlanta, playing eight seasons there before he was traded to the Clippers. After one season there, he went on to play 21/2 seasons for the Knicks before closing his career with a brief and injury-filled stint in San Antonio. Rivers won 60 games during his first season with the Knicks (1992-93), who ended up losing the Eastern Conference Finals. They won 57 games the following season, losing the NBA Finals to the Houston Rockets. He was sent to San Antonio midway through a third season there, with the Knicks en route to 55 wins. “I think people see me as a Knick because of the 21/2 years we were in the thick of stuff,” he said, “but I consider myself a Hawk. I was there for eight years of my life – my first eight (NBA) years – and they gave me my first chance.” He made the most of it, too, making the All-Star team in 1988 and finding himself among the league leaders in several categories during his early years as a point guard, including steals and assists. And, of course, Atlanta was a consistent playoff contender, making the postseason six of the eight years he played there. Doc preps for Pistons Rivers gave his team Monday off. He was planning to sit down and watch Detroit Pistons game films in advance of the teams’ third meeting Wednesday night at TD Banknorth Garden. Each team has won once on its opponent’s court. “Both teams are solid teams,” said Kevin Garnett. “I guess people expect this to be an Eastern Conference Finals matchup. It should be fun. We’ve got three All-Stars and they’ve got three All-Stars. It’s a helluva cast. There are great coaches, history. It should be fun.” Said Paul Pierce: “It’s a very important game for us. That’s a team we should see in the playoffs, the team that’s right behind us.” Garnett welcomes Brown Garnett says he’s very pleased that Celts management has added P.J. Brown and, likely, Sam Cassell when he clears waivers Monday night. “The message is that winning is right now,” he said. “This isn’t a process of molding younger players. When you’re established in this league, you want that message. If Sam was added to this team it would be a tremendous addition. But I don’t want to jinx nothing.” No, Brown was not activated for Sunday’s game. Rivers simply sees no rush. “It’s nothing that’s pressing,” the coach said. “We’ve got 25 games (remaining). It’s not like there five or 10.”
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Post by FLCeltsFan on Mar 3, 2008 8:56:59 GMT -5
www.enterprisenews.com/sports/x2075072207Pistons’ visit to Garden a playoffs preview Wednesday night’s game should be just as thrilling as the previous two meetings this year. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- By Jim Fenton ENTERPRISE STAFF WRITER Posted Mar 03, 2008 @ 03:47 AM -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BOSTON — The NBA postseason does not begin until April 19, but there will be a definite playoff atmosphere on Causeway Street on Wednesday night. The Boston Celtics and Detroit Pistons, who own the top two records in the league, meet in a rubber match of their intense season series. “I anticipate this being nothing short of emotional,” said Kevin Garnett. “Both teams are solid teams. I guess people are expecting this to be the Eastern Conference finals matchup. “It should be fun. They have three all-stars, we have three all-stars. They have a helluva cast, we have a helluva cast. They’re coached by a great coach, we’re coached by a great coach,” Garnett said. “The history is there. It should be a fun game, exciting, full of emotion.” The Celtics (46-12) have a 31/2-game lead over the Pistons (43-16), who host the Seattle SuperSonics Tuesday night in their first game back since being out West. Boston tuned up for the meeting with the Pistons by winning its fifth straight game, 98-88, over the Atlanta Hawks Sunday night at the TD Banknorth Garden. The two teams have played a pair of thrilling games with the Pistons winning in Boston, 87-85, on Dec. 19 when Chauncey Billups hit a pair of foul shots in the final second while rookie Glen Davis led the Celtics to a Jan. 5 road win, 92-85. Since they only play three times this season, this game will decide the tiebreaker for home-court advantage in the playoffs should the Celtics and Pistons wind up with the same record. “I think this is a very important game for us,” said Paul Pierce after getting 30 points against the Hawks. “This is definitely a team we can see in the playoffs. “We’re trying to secure home-court advantage throughout the playoffs. This is the team right behind us. If we can get a little gap on them and try to finish off the season, it’d be great. If it comes down to identical records, that’ll be important for us.” Coach Doc Rivers gave his team today off, but he was planning to watch film of the Pistons late Sunday night and all day today. “It’s two teams going at it. We play the game tremendously hard, and they play the game tremendously hard,” said Davis. “We’re just trying to keep progressing and getting better and having a chance to be the No. 1 team in the East.” Said Kendrick Perkins: “We’ve just got to go out and play our game. They’ve been together, they’re a veteran team. We’ve just got to have great focus. You know they’re going to come ready to play.” While the Celtics are trying to finish with the best record in the league, they are already close to clinching a spot in the playoffs. The magic number has been trimmed to four with more than six weeks still to go. Pierce finds groove: After scoring only five first-half points against the Hawks, Pierce scored 25 in the final 24 minutes. He had 17 points in the third quarter alone when the Celtics took control. “I let the game come to me,” said Pierce. “I thought in the second half, I wanted to be a little more aggressive than I was. Guys were finding me, setting screens and I took advantage of the opportunity.” Rejection by Perkins:: Perkins, who continues to play solid basketball with 11 points, 12 rebounds and a career-high six assists, also blocked four shots. His best rejection came on an attempted dunk by Josh Childress early in the fourth quarter. “I just timed it,” said Perkins. “I didn’t know he was going to dunk it until the last minute. I was already up there. You either block it, foul or get dunked on. It’s a chance you take. I lucked out and got a block.” Brown will wait:: Rivers changed his mind and decided not to get newcomer P.J. Brown some minutes against the Hawks. “No reason,” said Rivers. “I’m just going to wait until probably after the Detroit game (Wednesday). We haven’t done much to really see anything. I’m just going to wait. There’s no hurry. It’s not like we have five or 10 games left.” … Tony Allen, who missed two games with a strained right calf, was back in the lineup but played only four minutes … Eddie House, who had five points on 2 of 9 shooting, went against his brother-in-law, Mike Bibby, the new Hawks point guard. House is married to Bibby’s sister … Rajon Rondo struggled, missing 9 of 11 shots and had just six points, though he had eight assists.
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Post by FLCeltsFan on Mar 3, 2008 9:08:35 GMT -5
www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=369138Inside Dish: Celtics, Cassell not the best combo E-MAIL PRINT COMMENTS 1 WATCH THIS TOPIC Posted: March 2, 2008 Even though the Celtics like PG Sam Cassell and needed help at the point, they will regret not making a stronger run at Damon Stoudamire, who had Boston as his preferred destination before Spurs coach Gregg Popovich made his recruiting push. Cassell can bring an offense to a halt because of his tendency to dribble too much. Stoudamire can hit shots and lead fast breaks, and he does not care if he's not the one taking crunch-time shots. Cassell is at his best at the end of the game, but the Celtics already have three players who are even better. Cassell reportedly ended up forfeiting about half the remaining $1.7 million left on his contract with the Clippers. It could have been worse if he did not have the same agent (David Falk) as PF Elton Brand, a potential free agent this summer whom the Clippers hope to keep. . . . Lakers SF Lamar Odom is thriving in the third-option role he has had since the team traded for PF Pau Gasol. Odom shot 61.2 percent in February after shooting in the 40s the first three months of the season and also had his best month for rebounds (11.6 per game) and assists (4.6). Lakers C Andrew Bynum (knee), meanwhile, has yet to start jogging. L.A. now is targeting early April for his return. . . . Among the sub-.500 Eastern Conference playoff contenders, the Hawks, Nets, Bulls and Wizards all have more talent than the 76ers. But the Sixers, hanging on to the seventh spot when the week began, have one advantage, according to a scout: "Mo Cheeks. He should get votes for coach of the year for what he's done. He has that team playing hard every night." . . . Suns SF Grant Hill credits the training staff with helping him average 32.6 minutes this season, the most playing time he has had in three years. According to Hill, the Suns' staff takes a different approach than most. "Let's say you have a bad hamstring," he says. "Instead of focusing just on the hamstring, they'll try to figure out what caused the hamstring to be injured." . . . A silver lining for the team that finishes ninth in the West: It could win 50 games and still make the draft lottery. In the East, three playoff teams likely will finish below .500 and not be eligible for the lottery. Draft order of the playoff teams is determined by regular-season record, but the lottery includes teams that don't reach the playoffs regardless of record.
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