News 3/7

[FLCeltsFan]

www.bostonherald.com/sports/basketball/celtics/view.bg?articleid=1078478&format=text

Allen scores with ‘D’

By Mark Murphy | Friday, March 7, 2008 | www.bostonherald.com | Boston Celtics

Photo by Stuart Cahill (File)
In the advent of Wednesday’s win over Detroit - a game that packed the voltage of Times Square - coach Doc Rivers looked to the Celtic with one of the least notable stat lines to illustrate how the team’s system works.

Ray Allen shot 1-of-9 from the field, hitting his only basket in the fourth quarter. That’s understandable, considering the high-speed marathon the guard ran while chasing the Energizer bunny - Detroit’s Richard Hamilton - through a forest of picks.

Hamilton finished with a relatively benign evening of 15 points on 7-of-14 shooting, and Allen was later lionized by his coach for the oddest of things - his defense.

But as the player who has probably sacrificed more of his game - his offense - than anyone to make the Celtics [team stats] what they are, Allen has developed a new appreciation for the other parts of his talent.

“I’ve been in a lot of situations this year that have proven a lot to me and what I mean to this situation,” he said. “It almost lets me expand what I have done as a player. In the past, so much relied on what I could do as a scorer. Now when I fill a role, that can involve anything. Scoring is not necessarily a primary option for me here. Every night it can be something different.”

Allen has admittedly had to adjust - perhaps more than at any other stage in his career - with a pair of colossal talents like Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce [stats] also on the floor.

Where Pierce has gone through the least change in his offense, with numbers (20.8 points per game, 44.7 percent shooting) reflecting his production in recent years, Allen has been forced to rethink how he gets shots.

The process hasn’t been easy for a pure shooter accustomed to receiving unlimited chances with the ball. In the meantime, other areas, like his defense, are undergoing a late renaissance.

“We needed someone to chase Rip,” Rivers said. “Rip is exhausting to guard. And Ray was the guy, and I thought he did a phenomenal job of it. I’m just happy with that effort.”

Allen didn’t find it surprising that his defense was singled out - at least not on this team, where guarding the perimeter has been eased by the presence of Garnett and an ever-improving Kendrick Perkins [stats] in the paint.

“Any time I’ve been on good teams,” Allen said of the last time his defense was noticed. “Since I went out West (to Seattle), the idea was that we wanted to outscore our opponents, and so that’s where all of the focus went.

“But a lot of that credit goes to our bigs. It goes back to what I call the big dog and little dog theory. The little dog can do a lot more if the big dog is behind him. With the way we do things, we put pressure on people to be in certain places on the floor. With the teams I played on that were good, the bigs expected you to be in the right position to make plays, and that’s what we have going on here.”

Celtics notes

Point guard Sam Cassell, who flew to Baltimore to attend a funeral after taking his physical and signing a contract with the Celtics Tuesday, is expected to join the team for tonight’s game against Chicago. But as forward P.J. Brown (DNP) discovered after being activated for the Pistons game, Rivers is not in a rush to get his new additions on the floor. . . .

Garnett, based on the variety of ways he scored a season-high 31 points against Detroit, appears to have fully recovered from his abdominal strain. Said Rivers: “He doesn’t have but one gear, and it’s fast and faster.”

[FLCeltsFan]

www.bostonherald.com/sports/basketball/other_nba/view.bg?articleid=1078503&format=text

Seattle tries to keep Sonics with help of Microsoft, Costco CEOs

By Associated Press | Friday, March 7, 2008 | www.bostonherald.com | NBA Coverage

Photo by AP
SEATTLE - In no way did developer Matt Griffin ever consider owning a professional sports franchise.

With the Seattle SuperSonics seemingly destined for Oklahoma City, Griffin and his big-name partners see no other option than to make a huge financial commitment in an attempt to save the Sonics and pro basketball in Seattle.

"Our interest is not necessarily in being an owner, but seeing a team here in Seattle and seeing KeyArena alive," Griffin said Thursday. "If there was a way to do it without having to own the team, that would be terrific. But these are the cards, (and) we have some generous people here in Seattle that are willing to do this."

Making a last-ditch effort to keep the team, the city of Seattle unveiled a $300 million KeyArena renovation plan on Thursday, along with the heavy hitters of local business who are willing to provide a significant financial stake.

Griffin and his three partners — Microsoft Corp. chief executive Steve Ballmer, Costco Wholesale Corp. president and CEO Jim Sinegal and wireless entrepreneur John Stanton — have agreed to contribute $150 million to the arena renovation, contingent on the group’s ability to purchase the SuperSonics or another NBA franchise. Only recently did the group up its offer from about $75 million.

The group hopes to have a viable option for professional basketball in Seattle on the table when the NBA’s board of governors meets next month to vote on SuperSonics owner Clay Bennett’s application to relocate the franchise to Oklahoma City at the earliest possible date.

"This particular announcement, we think, is a game-changer," Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels said. "The fact that local investors are willing to step up with the first 50 percent of the money to get this job done, as well as the investment they’re going to make in buying a team to begin with, changes the game."

While private investment would cover half the arena upgrades, the plan envisions that the city and state would split the other $150 million. Half would come from the city of Seattle, offset by lease agreements and taxes on the renovated arena.

The other $75 million would come from existing taxes already in place to pay off bonds on the construction of Safeco Field. Those bonds are scheduled to be paid off early, and the KeyArena plan would call for the taxes to remain in place through 2016, when they were set to expire.

The state legislature would have to approve a continuation of the taxes.

[FLCeltsFan]

www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/articles/2008/03/07/tactful_brown_wont_shoot_down_the_bulls?mode=PF

Tactful Brown won't shoot down the Bulls
By Marc J. Spears, Globe Staff | March 7, 2008

There is an old saying that if you don't have anything nice to say, it's better not to say anything. Such was the case for new Celtics forward-center P.J. Brown regarding the Chicago Bulls.

Brown signed with the Celtics last week and could make his debut tonight against the Bulls at TD Banknorth Garden. The 15-year veteran has built a strong reputation as a consummate professional. So instead of going into detail about why he was unhappy last season in Chicago, he preferred to avoid the issue.

"I really don't have any comment on the Chicago Bulls," he said.

From 2000-06, Brown starred for the Hornets in Charlotte, New Orleans, and Oklahoma City. The 6-foot-11-inch, 239-pounder was dealt to the Bulls with guard J.R. Smith July 14, 2006, for center Tyson Chandler. The additions of Brown and Ben Wallace were expected to give the Bulls a strong veteran inside presence last season.

But with a smaller role than expected a month into the season, Brown asked for a trade. He later apologized for making his trade request public and cleared the air with general manager John Paxson and then-coach Scott Skiles.

"It wasn't the best time for that," Brown told the Chicago media. "I just want to focus on P.J. Brown and helping my team win."

Brown did just that by helping the Bulls advance to the second round of the playoffs. During the playoffs, he averaged 8.3 points on .493 shooting and 4.7 rebounds during 22.8 minutes per game in 10 contests.

Brown described his time with the Bulls as "OK." He became an unrestricted free agent after last season.

"There was no going back. Once the season was over, it was over," he said.

The Bulls had high expectations after winning 49 games last season and making three straight playoff appearances. Chicago, however, lost 10 of its first 12 games and was aswirl with trade rumors that never materialized for Lakers star Kobe Bryant.

Quickly, the Bulls went from a potential East power to arguably the most disappointing team in the NBA.

Brown was shocked to see the Bulls take a step backward.

"I definitely thought they would go to the next level," he said. "They went to the second round last year. I expected big things from them this year, but that didn't happen."

With a 9-16 record and losses in three of the previous four games, the Bulls fired Skiles on Christmas Eve. Brown declined to comment on the move. Since then, the Bulls have dealt Wallace and forward Joe Smith to the Cavaliers and guard Adrian Griffin to Seattle while acquiring forward Drew Gooden, guards Larry Hughes and Shannon Brown, and forward Cedric Simmons from Cleveland.

The last time Brown played was with the Bulls during the 2007 playoffs. The Celtics signed him for the remainder of the season Feb. 27.

Coach Doc Rivers has taken his time with the newcomer and activated him for the first time for Wednesday's 90-78 win over Detroit. Brown didn't play in the Eastern Conference showdown, although Rivers considered putting him in. But Brown had no problems with not making his debut.

"It was intense, man," he said. "I haven't played in months. To turn it on and off like that, it doesn't work like that. It takes time. We'll just see what happens as we go down the road."

Rivers also noted that it was beneficial for reserve rookie forward Glen Davis and reserve forward-center Leon Powe to get minutes against the Pistons, providing confidence and experience. Rivers added that Brown has confidence and experience from years of playing in the NBA.

"These games are good for the young guys," Rivers said. "[Brown has] been in them. He'll play soon and get some time. I don't know [when] yet."

Brown has already lived up to one of his roles as a veteran voice. He gave second-year point guard Rajon Rondo some words of wisdom for several minutes on the bench during the Pistons game.

"I talk to P.J. every day," center Kendrick Perkins said. "He's a great guy to have around. He's really positive. I'm just happy he's a part of our team."

Although Brown didn't feel comfortable running with the Bulls, he has been very happy as a Celtic.

"I feel like I'm part of the family," he said. "I feel like I've been here the whole [season], and that means a lot to me."

The Celtics did not practice yesterday. Point guard Sam Cassell, who signed for the rest of the season Monday, is expected to be at the shootaround this morning. It's uncertain when the 38-year-old will make his Celtics debut . . . Bulls forward Tyrus Thomas is suspended for tonight's game for an unexcused absence from Wednesday's practice . . . Comcast SportsNet's telecast of Wednesday's Celtics-Pistons game delivered a 5.7 household rating, which was the highest-rated Celtics regular-season telecast in 10 years.

[FLCeltsFan]

www.boston.com/sports/columnists/bob_ryan_blog/2008/03/one_night_in_ma.html

One night In March
Email|Link Posted by Bob Ryan, Globe Staff March 6, 2008 11:02 AM
Now that's what I'm talkin' about...

Forget about the fact that by winning the Celtics seal a 2-1 season's series edge over the dreaded Pistons, something that would serve as a tiebreaker if needed. Forget about the fact that the victory, combined with convenient losses by the Nets, Pacers, and Hawks, makes the Celtics the first NBA team to clinch a playoff spot (with an astonishing 23 games remaining). Forget about the bragging rights the Celtics now have (until the seemingly inevitable Eastern Conference Finals begin in May).

The real significance of what transpired at the Gahden on Wednesday night was what took place when the game was over. I was there strictly in an observer's capacity, so I blew out of there as soon as the game concluded. And as soon as I left the building, what did I encounter? What I encountered was an exiting crowd almost giddy with excitement. Their Celtics had just given them the gift of a memorable performance on an otherwise drab evening in early March. Their Celtics had just delivered the goods.

These were people who, like their forebearers in 1968, '78 and '88, had come into a late season game full of anticipation. They had spent all day antsy and itchy, eager to get on with it. They had spent all day thinking about the matchups, thinking about the ramifications and thinking about seeing plain good old-fashioned basketball.

This is what the Celtics have done: they have restored meaning to the regular season. They have given people a proper season's experience.

This is what matters. Do not listen to people who say it's only about championships and only about the playoffs. It can't be if there is to be any meaning to this whole thing known as fandom. The fact is that the playoff dynamic is quirky. Luck and circumstance play a large role. If you invest in a sports team for the sole purpose of seeing it through to a championship, and for no other reason, the overwhelming odds are that you will
be disappointed.

I beg Patriots fans to stop moping. Their team provided them with four unmatched months worth of thrills and satisfaction. Their team elevated and dignified the game. They came within one Asante Samuel INT, one Eli Manning miracle escape (and, from what I now gather, one monumentally uncalled hold on Richard Seymour), and one sensational David Tyree catch of winning the Super Bowl. They were 35 seconds from victory. You know what? There is no truer statement in sports than "You can't win 'em all." Sometimes, it's just not your day. I urge Patriots fans to recall the many glowing feelings they had watching this team play so magnificently for 18 games. That is what it's all about.

And I now call upon the Celtics fans to do the same. Could this team win it all? Sure. It could. I don't think it will, but it sure could, and I'm anxious to see it try. But if it doesn't, does that mean that all these wonderful exhibitions of, yup, Celtic basketball we have all been witness to in the months of November, December, January, February, and, doubtless, April will not have happened? Will it erase the memories of nights such as Wednesday, when their team walked the walk against a quality opponent? It should not.

I have made that same walk out of that same door since the new Gahden opened in 1995. And I am here to tell you that I do not recall a comparable buzz. Now I'm sure it was that way on that Sunday afternoon when the Bombs Away team came from 20 back in the fourth quarter to beat the Nets in '02, but I worked that game and so by the time I left no one was around. That, of course, was a playoff game, so, sure, there was a buzz.

But I have made that walk many, many nights after regular season losses, and even routine regular season wins, or even pretty good regular season wins, and I have not been in the company of so many jabbering, smiling, flat-out deliriously happy people as I was on Wednesday. Everything they had spent all day wishing for had materialized. Their Celtics had come through, mucho big-time.

A few random thoughts about the game ...

Kevin Garnett was magnificent, of course. How about Paul Pierce restricting himself to 9 shots, but making the team's only threes, including what was perhaps the game's biggest basket? Kendrick Perkins had those 20 manly rebounds, to go with aggressive defense (and a couple or three defensive three-second violations) and smart finishing when needed. Ray Allen had an off-night offensively (1 for 9), but he buckled his chin strap for 8 rebounds and kept his head up for 5 assists. And did anyone even notice Rip Hamilton, save for one straightaway three-pointer? No, they did not. Give that credit to Ray Allen.

But the person who intrigued me the most was Rajon Rondo. How did you like the way he responded to that 18-point Chauncey Billups third quarter? That was a Bleep You Statement Dunk if I've ever seen one. And I just loved his demeanor in the fourth quarter, capping it off with that tough leaner in the lane. He just seems to gain more and more court maturity with every passing game.

And Big Baby. How much do we love Big Baby? It's almost becoming a cliche now, but I don't know any other way to say it: He just knows how to play. We're just not seeing this kind of instinct and precocious court in a package that's 6-8 and Lord-Knows-What; that's all. I just know he's very difficult to keep from getting to the offensive boards, that he can pass, that he runs around setting picks, that he works extremely hard on defense and that he has a tremendous left hand. He's very effective, and he's just flat-out F-U-N.

Will this game have any true bearing on the playoffs? No. But right now I'm not concerned with the playoffs. Back in 1986 I honestly believed that the Celtics of Larry, Kevin, Chief, D.J., Danny, Walton, et al had rendered meaningless the concept of the meaningless game. This team is on its way to doing the same thing.

This Celtics team gave everyone who loves basketball in this town something to look forward to all day Wednesday, and then it put on an exhilarating show on Wednesday night. That's what I'm talkin' about.

[FLCeltsFan]

Awesome interview!!!!

my.nba.com/thread.jspa?threadID=300027427

Russell and Kevin Garnett: Celtic Icons Say Hello
Mar 6, 2008
Posted by: John Hareas

Twentieth Century Celtic Icon and 11-time NBA champion Bill Russell was in the Bean for a couple of days before heading out West. He caught the Celtics playoff clincher last night over the Pistons and less than 12 hours later visited the man who was instrumental in the Celtics victory, Kevin Garnett.

Wish you were a fly on the wall when these two met at the Sports Authority Training Center at Healthpoint in Waltham this afternoon? Wish no more. Here are some nuggets from their visit (and some random ones as well):

NBAE/Getty Images

Russell on first meeting KG
"He was just out of high school and he was really young. He seemed like a nice young man. He seemed upbeat and he was willing to work and willing to learn. Ever since his second year in the league, he plays with energy, intensity and joy and to be a great player you have to have all of those things.

"Since I've know him for several years, our relationship is really solid because I respect his basketball skills and community service. It's really important to note: He's not a basketball player. Like me, he's a man who plays basketball"

On KG being a Celtic
"I think that it's proper. He finally got on the right uniform. With No. 5, he got ahead of me (referring to his No. 6)...

On current Celtics team
"Against Detroit, they showed real promise. We had a saying when I was playing: You're not done until your done. I don't think people realize how difficult it is to win a championship. I'm looking forward to the playoffs to see how this team will evolve. We have to wait and see but all the signs are positive,"

Russell on what it would mean for KG to win an NBA title
"I have to admit, I am prejudice when it comes to titles. Kevin has presence. He's special. Winning a title would be another accomplishment for Kevin but he doesn't need it to be considered a great player. There are a lot of great players who never won a title."

Russell upon seeing KG
"Sorry, to get you out of bed." (KG laughs)

Russell: "You know, Bill Sharman, who I played with, is the one who came up with shootarounds when he was coaching the Lakers."

KG: "Are you serious? So, he's the guy we have to thank." (sarcastically, laughs)

KG: "When you hear the name Bill Russell, you think of excellence, longevity, greatness, life changing, dominance."

KG on his first meeting Russell
"I was in an elevator in San Francisco, doors open, I stopped. I froze. He had his posse (laughs). I introduced myself and he told me I was his favorite player to watch. We talked and I thanked him. Whenever I see the greats, I go up to them and say thank you and it's the same with him. Last time I saw him at length was last year at the Rookie Game at All-Star. When I talk to him, I pick his brain."

KG on their relationship
"It's respectful, its subtle but now that I'm with the Celtics its more in depth cause I have access to him. I pick his brain and get some knowledge. Whenever you come to this practice facility you can't help but be in awe. When I come here, I'm motivated. I noticed there's a empty spot up there." (pointing next to the team's 16th banner)

Russell/KG on playing on the same team
KG:"It would be great because of his experience and tenacity. It would be easy."

Russell: "If we were high and low post, we might lose maybe five games (insert cackle). .

Russell on the greatest Celtic of all time
"I think Dennis Johnson is the best player in franchise history because he could play effectively on both ends of the court."

Russell/KG on similarities
Russell: "We're both tall, dark but I've got more hair." (laughs)

KG: "By choice, by choice." (smiling)

KG: "We have a lot of similarities. We're both from the South (Russell, Monroe, La.; KG, Mauldin, S.C.). The way we see defense."

Russell: "The one thing I never accomplished was playing a perfect game by my standards, based on my criteria. I had to get at least 25-35 rebounds, 10 assists, 12 blocks, start the fast break at least a dozen times and had to shut my man out and I had to have constructive conversations with my team and the other team."

KG: "I found defense to be easier for me when I first started. Defense is effort, hard work, that's how I look at it to this day. I might miss 50 shots or have a ball bounce off my foot. If I do one thing tonight, it's got to be defense. I probably won't shoot the ball well but I can always play defense. When you rebound and block shots, you dictate the game."

KG upon hearing Russell talk about going 0-for-13 and grabbing 35 boards with 10 blocks in a game
KG: "Did you ever block a shot in the front row and say, get it out of here?!!"

Russell: "No, because I would want him to think he can score on me again. (laughs)

KG: "word, word."

KG: "I can pick up the likes and dislikes of a player right away. Even the way he picks up the ball from the rack."

Russell: "Red (Auerbach) was probably one of the best gin players ever because his background was math. I played for Red for 10 years and he never told me what to do. He said, this is what we need.

"To this day, no one runs the fastbreak as good as Bob Cousy"

KG: "what was your motivation to win multiple titles?"

Russell: "My motivation never came from outside sources or to prove myself. We always had a reason to win the next year. It was always internal. It never mattered what others thought, it's what you think of yourself."

KG: "Did you all have film back then?"

Russell: "Yes, but Red refused to scout. He used to say, 'Why scout them when I'm concerned about what I want to do.'" (Note: Russell said his Celtics used to play 20-25 exhibitions. Russell didn't call it team bonding playing all of those exhibitions but an opportunity to see where the players fit within the team concept.)

KG: "A lot of things you said today, not that I'm trying to compare myself to you, but it's parallel with my thinking. How can I make Paul (Pierce) better, Ray (Allen), my teammates better?'"

Russell: "I think passing is the most important skill. From the low post, there are 11 different passes you can make. I told Yao Ming this and he thought I was crazy." (laughs)

On what separates winners from losers:
Russell: "I think it's execution."

KG on playing for the Celtics:
"When you put the green on, responsibility comes with that. The forefathers come before me, such as you. I'm proud to be part of the tradition, I want you to know that. Some people call it pressure, I call it an honor. There is more incentive to winning, to keep the tradition of winning, every time I suit up I think of that."

Russell: "I think you will win at least two or three championships and if you don't, I'll share one with you." (KG laughs)

Russell: "I'm serious, that's how much I think of you. If you continue to play the way you play and dedicate yourself, they will come, just like the movie Field of Dreams. You are one of the few guys who can do that. You may need to take a few guys with you, not drag them but put you arms around them and take them on a journey. You have no idea how proud I am of you, as proud as I am of my own kids. And you are close to No. 6." (laughs)

KG: "I say thank you. Every time I see you, you are always genuine, even though you are a comedian (laughs). Thank you for making the path for not only myself but for other guys, other young black men. Thank you for creating the path and for setting the bar so high. When I hear your stories, I think about your sacrifice and how deep it is. Thank you."

[FLCeltsFan]

www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=7725

The Hard Fouls Are Coming

By: Mike Moreau Last Updated: 3/6/08 5:03 PM ET



Adjust font size:113 – 112 - that's how I scored last night's fight between the Boston Celtics and Detroit Pistons. From Ray Allen's elbow to the neck of Richard Hamilton, to Jason Maxiell's takedown of Rajon Rondo at the rim, this was only an appetizer of what would come in a seven-game "winner goes to the NBA Finals" series.

And make no mistake; if this matchup is a preview of the Eastern Conference Finals, this will be a straight up fight – nothing but tire irons and two-by-fours – and lots of bodies hitting the deck.

This is why I scored the fight/game last night as a boxing judge, splitting the game into twelve rounds of four minutes (three rounds per quarter.) With a "10 Point Must System" in effect (whoever wins the round gets 10 points, loser gets 9 – or 8 if there is a knockdown or total domination in that round.)

According to my scorecard, Boston won only five rounds – the first, the fifth, the seventh, the tenth and the twelfth. I had Detroit winning seven rounds – the second, third, fourth, sixth, eighth, ninth and eleventh.

In fact, although ahead on the scoreboard the entire night, the Celtics were trailing on my card going into the last round.

However, Boston was dominant in the rounds they won. They landed big punches early and often in the first round and had Detroit backpedaling and on the ropes right from the start.

Detroit was in danger of a first round knockout and was literally saved by the bell of a Flip Saunders time out with Boston up 15-3. This was a dominant 10-8 round for the Celtics.

But, Detroit chipped away, got Rip Hamilton going, and won rounds two and three by slight 10-9 margins, evening the fight.

1st Quarter Score : Boston 23 - 13
Judges Scorecard After Three Rounds: 28-28

Round Four was all Rasheed Wallace, with a post up, a three and a dunk cutting the Boston lead to 27-25. But, the Celtics did battle and land some punches, giving Detroit only a 10-9 margin in the round. Although down on the scoreboard, Detroit had now taken their first lead in the fight by a score of 38-37.

Round Five was complete and total domination by Kevin Garnett. Detroit tried to guard him with everyone from Rasheed to Antonio McDyess to Amir Johnson. KG beasted everybody, stretching the lead back to 13 and winning the round 10-8.

Round Six saw Detroit digging in, staying out of trouble, landing some good shots, and cutting the Boston lead to 10. A close round to Detroit 10-9, and although still trailing on the scoreboard, the fight was dead-even again.

Halftime Score: Boston 47-37
Judges Scorecard After Six Rounds: 57-57

In the first half, the Pistons won four of the first six rounds, but Boston was dominant in Rounds One and Five, going on big runs and putting Detroit on the ropes.

This is a typical scene in the NBA. The home team goes on scoring binges or big emotional runs, and the visiting team chips away and fights back. This is especially true when one team is on a road trip or had played the night before, as was the case with the Pistons.

The playoffs are a different animal, as both teams are on identical schedules and have the same amount of rest and preparation.

In Round Seven (start of the third quarter), Boston's 10-point lead went to 12, giving them a narrow 10-9 win for that round.

However, Detroit won Rounds Eight and Nine with Chauncey Billups taking over and scoring 18 points. The Pistons pounded the Celtics with a seven point flurry in the last minute to cut the Boston lead to two. This time, it was Boston saved by the bell.

3rd Quarter Score: Boston 69-67
Judges Scorecard After Nine Rounds: Detroit 86-85

Going into the fourth quarter Boston had the lead in the game, but Detroit had battled back, surviving near knockouts in the first and fifth rounds, and taken lead in the fight.

Round 10 (first four minutes of the fourth quarter) saw a total of five points scored between the teams, with both teams circling and eyeing each other in preparation for what they knew would be two furious final rounds.

But, I gave the slight edge to Boston 10-9 as KG finished the round with a 17-foot jumper to give the Celtics a three-point lead. The fight was even again.

The 11th Round was all action, with scoring, trash talk and technical fouls. Detroit cut the lead to one, but Paul Pierce hit a deep three and Ray Allen made a technical free throw to put Boston up five.

I thought Detroit was the aggressor, so I gave the round to the Pistons 10-9. That's the beauty of the "10 Point Must System" – no ties. Someone has to win the round.

This set the stage for the final round: Round 12 (Cue the Rocky music).

Score Going Into Final Round: Boston 82-77
Judges Scorecard After 11 Rounds: Detroit 104-103

Although trailing 82-77 on the scoreboard, Detroit, by winning Round 11, was ahead on the scorecard 104-103. You could almost hear Doc Rivers yelling, "We're behind on the card - we gotta go for the knockout!"

And that's exactly what Boston did. At the sound of the bell, they sprinted across the ring and attacked Detroit with a flurry of punches, sending the Pistons into the ropes. A Pierce lay-up, a tough Rondo "and one" in the lane, and a Perkins slam dunk buried Detroit, who could manage only one free throw in the last four minutes.

The Pistons were 10 seconds away from having the fight stopped. They were done.

The Celtics knew they had to win the round, but by dominating the Pistons in the last four minutes, they not only won the round 10-8, but they won the fight 113-112.

And in a regular season game that is a possible prelude to the conference finals, winning the fight is really more important than winning the game. Last night, the Celtics won both.

That may bode well for Boston and steel their nerve for when the real fights of the playoffs start and the hard fouls of May begin.

[FLCeltsFan]

www.lowellsun.com/basketball/ci_8476188

Beasts of the East
Celtics, Garnett win Round 3 from the Pistons
By Lynn Worthy, [e-mail]
Article Last Updated: 03/06/2008 12:11:20 PM EST


BOSTON -- It's almost scary to think that the Boston Celtics faced the second-best team in their conference, and they were still able to do almost exactly what they wanted on both ends of the floor.

The Celtics imposed their will defensively, and followed the lead of Kevin Garnett's 31 points as they defeated the Detroit Pistons, 90-78, last night at the TD Banknorth Garden.

With the win the Celtics clinched a playoff berth, locked up a the tie-breaker for homecourt advantage in the Eastern Conference playoffs, and avenged an earlier home loss to the Pistons.

"It was a huge game for us," Garnett said. "We knew the East was going to be won by one of three teams and this is one of them. Statement? You could say that. It was an important game for us. I can't even put anything really on it, but it was a huge game for us."

Detroit, who came into the game trailing only the Celtics for the best record in the Eastern Conference, handed Boston its first home loss of the season Dec. 19, 87-85, and the Celtics returned the favor Jan. 5, 92-85, in Detroit.

The current Pistons pride themselves on defense, yet they had no answer for Boston's big man with even bigger shooting range. Garnett tallied his 20th point with 3:50 left to play in the first half.

"I told him, 'Keep going. The way they're playing you, they're not coming,' " Ray Allen said of his dialogue with Garnett.

If the Pistons were coming -- with a double team that is -- they never


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arrived. Antonio McDyess, Rasheed Wallace, and Amir Johnson took their turns guarding Garnett. Each also took their lumps.
"I've been trying to get back into a rhythm and my teammates helped me out," Garnett said. "I got some easy shots. A couple went down early."

Offensively, the Pistons lacked the cohesive execution of a top-tier NBA team. A lot of the credit for that should be directed to the Celtics. For the most part Boston's defense pushed Detroit into shots it didn't want and didn't make.

Aside from Wallace's 23 points, Detroit's half-court offense left much to be desired.

"We had our shots, but our offensive needs to be inside," Pistons head coach Flip Saunders said. "We initiated too many outside shots. The easy way is to take perimeter jump shots because you are always going to get those. We didn't set the tone early for how we wanted the game played. If you don't set the tone early you are going to be in for a long night."

Detroit point guard Chauncey Billups finished with 23 points (18 in the third quarter), but 14 of his points came from the free throw line. He shot just 4-of-12 from the field, and Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo (16 points, five assists) met his challenge. Billups didn't score point in the fourth quarter.

The Pistons started the quarter looking as though they'd grabbed momentum, having cut the Celtics lead from 10 points at the half to two points at the end of the third quarter. The Pistons tied the score, 69-69, but Boston never wavered and the Pistons couldn't keep their cool.

Wallace picked up his fifth foul with 9:03 left. The Celtics regained the lead and pushed it back up to 81-77 when Billups picked up a technical foul with 4:49 remaining. A few minutes later a turnover and a Paul Pierce layup made the score 85-77. Rondo got fouled on a jumper just inside the elbow to make it 87-77, and his free throw made it 88-77 with 1:58 left in the fourth.

Garnett found Perkins (10 points, 20 rebounds) for a dunk, and that put the exclamation point on the game.

[FLCeltsFan]

forum.connpost.com/celticscentral/2008/03/detroit_game_afterthoughts.html#comments

10 Afterthoughts from the Detroit Game
A few things deserve mentioning.


1) Paul Pierce played a heck of a defensive game, the entire game. If you wondered why the offensive numbers looked so mundane for double P, wonder no more.


He was all over Tayshuan Prince. Prince looked inept out there and Paul was a major reason why. Paul also helped on other players with exceptional energy. And bear in mind, he was happy to do it and looked not, for his own shot. Big kudos for Paul to do what needed to be done. Oh yeah, before you it was just Prince being Prince, even Detroit fans said that Prince was on a nice streak coming in.


2) Detroit ball movement- Rip said it to me (as one UConn guy to another) after the game as one of biggest problems they have to fix and things will be fine. And it's true. They broke down into a lot of one on one stuff when the Cs defense took their first option away.


3) How Rip did so well on Ray...


"Just have to get into his air. Close up his air space, stay tight on him."


4) Jason Maxiell on Rondo's dunk and the game generally...




"He went tight to the rim...good dunk."




We decided to come out a little bit too late. We came out slow. They shot some tight rim and attacked it. We (have) guys who been there before. They been to championship before. They know what they're doing. Allen hasn't been there. Pierce hasn't been there. (if we meet in the play-offs) it's gonna be a tough series."


Were you surprised by anything tonight?




Ummm...na. We knew they were going to come and play hard, play their game like it was a championship game, and they did.


5) The late arrival (4 a.m.) was a factor, I believe. Was it the difference? It possibly explains the slow start and that was a huge setback. I won't say the out come would been different, but you never know.


6) I'd like to comment on the idea that Steven A. Smith put forth (I read about it, I didn't hear it myself) that the Celtics put all their 'cards on the table' and that will hurt them in a return meeting in the play-offs with the Pistons.


I've felt all along that that the Cs have been intentionally 'holding back' stuff that they will bring out in the play-offs. Stuff like..... KG playing a strong offensive post game, like he did tonight. Well..that is the main thing and KG rebounding more as well.


KG has averaged a much higher board number than he has put up this season. It is not by mistake, in my opinion. I believe he will crash the boards in certain games and in certain series, far more than he has on a regular basis so far.


But as far as putting all their cards on the table..I don't see that any great secrets have been revealed.


7) The Celtic shot distribution was skewed this game as well. KG had 22 and Rondo 16 of the Celtics 76 attempts. No one else hit double digits. That is far from normal.


Usually Doc makes sure all three stars have about the same amount of attempts. While the Celtics didn't do that last night, they did execute under pressure much better due to Perkins, Rondo, and even Davis playing calmer under pressure. Their 'assists per made basket' was the highest of the series.


8) Garnett's attacking Wallace early in the 4th, and getting the 4th and 5th fouls on him, was huge strategically. That opened the door for Perkins to go wild on the boards with 10 in the final period.


9) Speaking of inexperienced players, how about Jason Maxiell and Amir Johnson? They both looked tight. Maxiell missed a sure dunk. He played 18 minutes and that was his only shot. He had been a factor of sorts in an earlier game. Amir was just schooled by Garnett.


10) Talking about not playing all your cards...


I liked that Doc tried to keep the 2nd unit out there, even when they started to lose the lead in the 2nd quarter. They will never get the chance to respond to pressure like that unless you give them the chance. Then he brought KG back before the lead was completely lost. I was understanding of what Doc was trying to do, contrary to those who think he left that unit in too long. Remember, this isn't the play-offs. Doc is trying to get the whole team ready for games like these.


Well, 10 things to think about is enough for now.


I was going to add a Mensa Sudoku game for jollies. But that's enough. Go back to work now.

[FLCeltsFan]

www.patriotledger.com/sports/x2055354960

Celtics in no hurry to suit up Sam Cassell
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By Mike Fine
The Patriot Ledger
Posted Mar 06, 2008 @ 08:43 PM

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BOSTON — OK, this is it. This is really, really it. Sam Cassell will arrive in time for tonight’s contest with the Chicago Bulls.

It’s just that, well, he won’t play. Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers said the backup point guard might not even suit up. Ditto for Saturday, when the team travels to Memphis.

No hurry, just as there’s been no hurry to get the other 38-year-old newcomer, P.J. Brown, onto the floor. The difference, of course, is that Brown hasn’t played all season (“sitting in New Orleans eating gumbo,” according to Rivers), while Cassell has been a member of the Los Angeles Clippers, albeit one who tweaked his wrist a few weeks ago, forcing him out of action since Feb. 20.

The anticipation is killing the Celtics. Not really, but there is a general respect for the veteran who owns two NBA championship rings and is considered intense and a winner. Not surprisingly, Kevin Garnett, a Cassell teammate with the Minnesota Timberwolves from 2003 to ’05, is looking forward to reuniting with his former teammate, with whom he went to the Western Conference Finals (2004).

“We will be over the top,” Garnett said. “It’ll be great. He’s a natural leader. It can definitely help, and not only (Rajon) Rondo. There’s definitely a big aura. I don’t think he’ll have any problems being secondary. Sam’s a ballplayer. He understands about winning.”

This continues to be a non-problem for Rondo, who proved with his terrific, gutsy performance against Detroit’s Chauncey Billups Wednesday that he is the undisputed starter for this team, probably for years to come. Rondo held Billups scoreless in the fourth quarter of a tight game after the Pistons had tied the score, 69-69. The Celtics closed the game on a 12-1 run. Detroit never led.

“I don’t really focus on what people say about needing a veteran point guard,” Rondo said. “As long as I have veteran guys around me, I think I am probably pretty good and continue to listen to them. I am just happy with the way we played (against Detroit) and its just one game, and we need to go forward from here and play Chicago on Friday.”

Cassell had been in Baltimore for a funeral but was scheduled to join his new teammates at this morning’s shootaround. There will be no attempt at force feeding him, since he will not play against the Bulls. The Celtics might practice Sunday, with a game at Philadelphia scheduled Monday, but practice time will be a problem for Cassell and Brown over the next couple of weeks. The Celtics have 14 games in the next 24 days, including five straight on the road beginning March 15 in Milwaukee.

“Sam’s a smart individual,” said Ray Allen, who played with Cassell in Milwaukee from 1998-’03. “He picks up fast. He’s got a high basketball IQ, one of the best I’ve played with. He can give Rondo on-the-court tutelage. Sometimes players get better when you have one of your teammates showing you.”

Rivers, a former point guard himself, has been Rondo’s chief tutor, and Allen suggested that that can get old, which is why Cassell’s presence will be much appreciated. Rivers still isn’t in any hurry because Rondo doesn’t need a whole lot of backup at the moment, nor do the Celtics have a pressing need for Cassell. “I don’t care,” said the coach. “I don’t think Rajon’s gonna look over his shoulder, anyway. I wish he (Cassell) was playing. I wish he was ready, and he’s not. We’re in no hurry with it.

The series

Perhaps you’ve noticed. Times have changed. The Bulls swept the Celtics, 3-0, last season and have won eight of 10 over the Celts – but they’re 0-2 against the NBA powerhouse this season. Allen is averaging 19.5 points and 3.5 assists per game against the Bulls while Rondo is averaging 12.5 points, 7.0 rebounds and 4.5 assists. He tied his then-season high of 18 points in the Dec. 8 game. The Celtics are outshooting the Bulls, .478-.358. Ben Wallace was averaging 14.0 rebounds in the two games. Oops. Wallace was traded to Cleveland.

In the spotlight

The disappointing Bulls were only 24-36 heading into their home contest with Cleveland Thursday night and are playing under interim coach Jim Boylan following the Dec. 24 dismissal of Scott Skiles. On Feb. 21 the Bulls acquired Drew Gooden, Larry Hughes, Shannon Brown and Cedric Simmons from Cleveland in exchange for Wallace, Joe Smith and Chicago’s 2009 second-round draft pick. The Bulls were 3-4 after the trade. They’ll be coming to Boston without forward Tyrus Thomas, who has been suspended two games for missing a practice.

[FLCeltsFan]

blogs.metrowestdailynews.com/celtics/?p=1051

Around the parquet for Thursday
Posted on March 6, 2008 by Scott Souza
Filed Under Uncategorized |

To the winners go the spoils. Or, at least, the days off.

Celtics practice was called off today, presumably as a reward for the team’s effort in a 90-78 victory over Detroit last night. Coach Doc Rivers said late last week that he would continue to try to rest the team late in the season - probably moreso - and with the top seed in the Eastern Conference starting to look secure after last night this seemed like as good a time for a day off as any.

Yesterday afternoon, we noted Rajon Rondo’s struggles in two games against the Pistons last night. He said the key to improving upon that would be playing physical (both he and Ray Allen) on the bigger Detroit guards as well as forcing them to play defense.

Thumbs up on both accounts last night - with the Dunk of the Year to go along with it. …

During an interview with WJAB’s Chris Sedenka yesterday, I was also asked who - other than Rondo - would I be watching closely last night and the response was Kendrick Perkins. With how well Perkins has played of late in terms of staying home in the post and rebounding, blocking shots and dunking it was interesting to see how he would respond under the pressure of such a big game.

Twenty rebounds? Test aced.

Not too surprising to see that Scot Pollard is out for the season with ankle trouble. Anyone watching him plod through the paint this season could see that he could barely move and even he admitted earlier this season that a career of 285 pounds of pressure on his ankles was taking a chronic toll.

Despite Pollard’s meager contributions this season, it still makes the P.J. Brown signing even more significant last week since without Pollard, it would give only the size-deficient Leon Powe and Glen Davis alongside Kevin Garnett if fouls or injury hit Perkins in the playoffs. …

Along those lines, Davis, Powe and Tony Allen have made a good case for themselves to keep getting big minutes over the next month even after Brown and Sam Cassell are worked into the mix. …

As far as we know, Cassell is still expected in town tomorrow.

[FLCeltsFan]

wickedgoodsports.com/celtics/lets-not-get-carried-away/
Let’s not get carried away
By Mike Gorman | Celtics
March 6th, 2008

The win over the Pistons last nite was important and satisfying on a number of levels. Five games in the loss column plus the tie breaker amounts to a six game lead with 23 to go. Even given the tough trip ahead for Boston to Texas and New Orleans and the easy schedule left for the Pistons, Detroit has little room for error if they are going to catch and pass the C’s. To be in the Garden last nite and hear and feel that crowd certainly makes every Celtic fan feel like they haven’t felt in 20 odd years. But that all said, remember the Piston were just back from a west coast trip. Weather had delayed their arrival at a Boston hotel till after 4 AM Wednesday morning.. Rested they are not going to miss the free throws they missed last night. They also won’t have the heavy legs and careless tendencies they exhibited late in the game. This is not to say the Celtics can’t beat the Pistons. I believe they can. But the double digit leads the C’s held for most of last nite and at the end were fool’s gold. These two teams are a coin flip and it may take a full seven games in May to separate them.