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Fiddlin' and Diddlin' - Daily Links 11/21

noreply@blogger.com (FLCeltsFan) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 16:37:00 +0000

Herald Newest trick for Celtics is a disappearing act
This Green group still a mystery
Kevin Garnett’s burst takes night off
Red-hot Hawks edge Rockets
Globe FINAL: Magic 83, Celtics 78
Rivers defends House/Rondo decision
Dwight Howard on KG
Postgame chatter
Video: Pierce, Garnett on loss to Magic
Video: Rivers: 'We don't deserve to win games'
Clips' broadcasters suspended for Haddadi remarks
Ellis leads Warriors over Blazers
Video: Ryan: Celtics must improve quickly
Finding combinations hasn’t been a lock
Wallace is unable to zero in
Disorganized from start, they need to regroup
Out of synch
CelticsBlog Celtics drop another home game to a contender
What's Wrong With The Celtics?
Loy's Place Comments from the Other Side - Magic 11/20
Celtics.com Ford Keys to the Game: Magic at Celtics
Celtics 17 The Trident Strikes: Vince Carter and the Magic Give Boston Their Fourth Loss
Red's Army Celtics/Magic Live Blog
Playoff Basketball in November
Your Morning Dump... Where we're a long way from where we want to be
Comcast Sportsnet Carter fit to fill Hedo's shoes
Magic act too tricky for Celtics
Our take: The Comcast SportsNet view of the game
Celtics Hub That was ugly….Magic 83, Celtics 78
North Station Sports Celtics Players Talk Magic
NSS Live Game Chat: Magic vs Celtics
More Questions then Answers-- Magic Drop the Celtics at the Garden
Celtics Town Running Diary: Vince Carter shoots just enough for Magic to down Celtics
Hardwood Houdini Orlando Magic vs. Boston Celtics
Where O’ Where Did My Celtics Go?
Celtics Fans – Heres Your Chill Pill
Lex Nihil Novi 9-4: Magic 83, Celtics 78 9-4: Magic 83, Celtics 78
Fernsten Happy with Knicks (83-84)
World Champion Sixers Not in Synch (83-84)
CelticsLife Celts Lose to Orlando, Just About Time to Worry
Celtics/Magic Post Game Videos
Putting the Pieces Together; Have the Celtics Simply Become too Old?
Happy Birthday Reggie Lewis
Live by the Three....
Gino's Jungle Magic vs. Celtics
Too Much Vincanity In The Jungle
Gino's Starting Five
CT News Are the Celtics Tough Enough for the Magic?
Magic Hold Off Celtics: 83-78
ProJo Magic pull rug out from sloppy Celtics, 83-78
Celtics-Magic final: Magic survive Celtics, 83-78
Orlando's Dwight Howard respects Boston's Kendrick Perkins
Celtics-Magic pregame: Wallace is a role model to Orlando's Howard
Celtics-Magic pregame: quick notes
Patriot Ledger CELTICS NOTEBOOK: Kevin Garnett finally gets chance to face Magic
Celtics lose for the third time in four games, falling to the Magic
Magic’s Van Gundy trying to be positive
CELTICS NOTEBOOK: Orlando center Howard has praise for Perkins
NBA.com MAGIC: Denton: Magic-Celtics Postgame Analysis
MAGIC: Denton: Magic-Celtics Notes
Magic Prepared for Celtics' Best Effort
Orlando Sentinel Happy Orlando Magic beat the Celtics in playoff rematch
Fox Sports Celtics need vintage KG to win East
Slam Dunk Central Boston’s Friday Blues Continue; Vinsanity And Magic Shut Down Celtics 83-78
Dimemag Smoove Criminal
NY Times The Pick-and-Roll Is the N.B.A.’s Old Reliable
Green Street Magic: Can’t Afford to Foul Rondo
A kinder, gentler Van Gundy?
Fast Break: Celtics - Magic
Magic know formula to beat Celtics
Ray Allen’s Ray of Hope Fundraiser
Sheed trying to keep Superman from lifting off
Yahoo Van Gundy's light touch lifts Magic
Game to pay attention to: Magic vs. Celtics - Ball Don't Lie
Garnett still feels pain of lost season
Telegram Celtics center has his perks
Magic act buries C's
MetroWest Daily News Celtics Notebook: Magic's Van Gundy altering sour tune
Magic 83, Celtics 78: Celtics run out of tricks
ESPN Boston Celtics will have revenge on their minds against Orlando Magic
Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers, players reach for answers
Wallace on shooting: What me, worry?
Vote: NBA highlights of the decade
NESN Live Blog: Magic at Celtics
Ray Allen to Provide 275 Boston Families With Thanksgiving Meals Ray Allen to Provide 275 Boston Families With Thanksgiving Meals
Celtics Struggle, Fall Flat at Home Against Assertive Magic
Cold Streak From 3-Point Range Kills Celtics' Comeback Chances
Boston's Mount Sportsmore Celebrates the Best of the Best
Celtics' Tony Allen to Help Middle School Students Celebrate Thanksgiving
The Big Lead Kevin Garnett Pretty Sure of Boston’s Ability to Bully The Magic
Inside Hoops ESPN Suspends Bill Simmons from Twitter :InsideHoops
Hoopsworld Rashard Lewis Making His Presence Felt
Mass Live Celtics buzz: Paul Pierce believes healthy Celtics would've beaten Orlando Magic last year
RealGM The Rondo Era Begins Here And Now

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Comments from the Other Side - Magic 11/20

noreply@blogger.com (FLCeltsFan) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 15:05:00 +0000

These are definitely more fun to do when we win. The majority of posts were complaining about Vince Carter taking 29 of the 70 Magic shots. Ugly game on both sides.

Time to step up against the best team of the East. Go Magic!

I'm not counting on Dwight at all tonight, Vince has to be big same with Shard. Plus we need big bench play.

If current foul treatment of Dwight persists, we're gonna be in a lot of trouble. I wouldn't be shocked if Perkins got him in foul trouble, and there's something seriously wrong with that.

God knows this game should not be lost. Otherwise everybody will hit the panic button, and there will be 10 trade threads for every player. Maybe not for Foyle

We lose. Sheed & Perk guarding D12 = ?

Don't forget Shard vs. KG = yuck...

Useless fact: Vince Carter hasn't won against the Celtics in 4 seasons...

I have a feeling Boston will come out this time and get their revenge on us for knocking them out of the playoffs. That's ok though, let's get our loss to Boston out of the way now.

I'm not worried about Pierce anyway. The real question is: who the hell is gonna guard House and Scalabrini?

Real question is how is Dwight gonna deal with sheed and Perkins

Boston's most important pieces such as Sheed, Garnett, Allen, and Pierce are aging more than focusing on the average team age.Outside of Vince our primary pieces are relativley young when compared to Boston.

The NBA is about matchups and we don't match up well vs Boston. This team as built will struggle vs Boston, LA, and SA. Rasheed Wallace will cause the same problems he did with Detroit.

I hate to say it, but we lose tonight. They're gonna want it more than we do!

Heart says magic
Head says Celtics
Stomach says breakfast

This game depends on which Magic team decides to show up tonight. We know that we can put up points but can we defend them. I hoping for a defensive game so a low scoring game. But I think this might be the game of the season so far and might go into overtime.

If Indiana and Atlanta can beat em we can too

I want this win badly. It's not just any game, it's Magic pride. The Celtics fans have been ragging on about KG's absence, it's time to prove them wrong.

Orlando by 10. I think the C's are all hype

There will be foul trouble for Howard. You think Sterns boys are going to let Dwight dominate the C's ? The offensive juggernaut Perkins will get calls his way all night..watch.

If our teams comes out hungry we'll win. I think the 1st quarter will be very important.

I think it'll come down to bench play and Orlando's bench >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Bostons bench easily

The Celtics are garbage. Magic win by 30.

Dwight needs to get himself outside the circle so that he doesn't pick up a lot of fouls when Rondo and Pierce start throwing themselves into him.

The key to the game is Pierce. Not his play, his flopping. I can guarantee you that he will drive to the basket and flop to foul Dwight out. It's up to the refs as to whether or not they allow that.

It should be obvious to any ref that all Pierce has left is to draw fake fouls and that, he continually does, so its their first team against our second. And if the refs allow them to do it, then we have to drive to the basket and flop on them.

Whats the over under that Rondo hits the floor like a sack of potatoes tonight?

You know even before Rondo started becoming a wannabe bad boy. Punching out Brad Miller throwing Heinrich into a score table. Grabbing Chris Paul and trying to get him to fight. I still wanted to punch him. He's just got one of those annoying "I want to punch this guy in the face" faces. I can take satisfaction knowing JWILL will knock Rondo out if he try's anything tonight. I predict a fight!

I hope we win tonight and shut these excuse filled team up in their own building.

Oh how I havent missed Pierce and his retarded head fakes

They are trying to looking for Perkins early to get Howard in foul trouble.
But the refs are playing fair right now... Even a little to our side...

Garnett: 0-5 (he must be looking at his watch now)

Garnett and Perkins are getting away with too much physicality on Howard

Rondo has zero offensive capabilities.

Marquis looks higher than the USS Enterprise.

Every time Eddie shoots a 3 I hold my breath

The refs are keeping us in this+ our bench is sucking.

God AJ has no business playing in the NBA...I always try to give him the benefit of the doubt..but he's so goofy and unnatural when he plays...he's keeping the Celtics in the game

More freethrows..Pierce is such a actress.

If the refs were movie critics they'll say two thumbs up to a movie like killer Clowns..They fall for bad acting all the time.

Someone needs to throw Paul Pierce a soccer ball. He flops on every single play.

Well we are pretty much only capable of playing 1 quarter well...then we look like tards offensively and defensively...awesome

Why do the refs allow them to be physical but if we do anything we are automatically in trouble.

Boston the most complaining team in the league j van gundy great call

They do complain like crazy..Pierce always looks like hes going to cry.

Him, lebron, and Kobe should do commercials for Kleenex

Refs are sure helping Boston now....

The refs are screwing us. Its obvious. It has been a different set of calls since the Second quarter.

This is just frustrating BC a lot of bostons run could've been prevented if we don't leave our backups in for so long...when aj starts playing more retarded than usual, it's time to sit on the bench and pop some geritol

What really worries me is that I KNOW Boston has the ability to come back from a 16 point deficit. But if the roles were reversed, and we were down 16, in all honesty, we would most likely succumb to a blowout loss...

Fouls are 13 to 11 so its a pretty evenly called game so far.

Is there H1N1 in the paint? What the hell is up with these long twos?

Lol KG is falling apart, see him hobbling after that play where he sort of fell and lost balanced?

Refs letting the Celts back in it...

The refs have to cover the spread!

Fouls dead even at 17 each.

We can learn from PP too. Just lean into KG and stick your figures into his eyes

Lol @ scalabrine...I heard the team rubs his head before games for "good luck"

Perkins is always angry

Paul Pierce just does that stupid head fake and rams into someone to get a foul, it's just ridiculous...

WOW Kg with 40,000 minutes played

KG's body will explode in the second half. No one plays good bball after 40,000 minutes.

Ewing drawing up plays on the bench looks like he's cheating off the dude next to him.

Hahha, Scalabrine a "fan favorite." AKA: The only white guy on the team...

There we go, the lead was too big for the refs to handle... Now they're doing their game...
Notice all the contact Pierce had on Rashard there, and somehow, we end up "giving" an offensive foul.

Scalabrine has gotta be the most "bad body" dude in the league.

Scalabrine looks like he should be sitting on some ratty old couch, wearing a wifebeater and drinking a six pack

Sheed is really helping us out there lol.

We're lucky the guy has been bricking all over the place. I wouldn't know what to say if those shots were actually falling.

If Carter is this kind of rollercoaster all year I will need a pacemaker

I hate Boston so much. ****.

I hope we lose. We have no business winning this game. We've played terrible basketball for over half the game.

I like how the Boston crowd boos on that call when Lewis did basically what pierce does on every possession.

I love beating the Celtics. They are a bunch of punks and it's always great...ESP when big fat baby Davis isnt out there running kids over.

If we win it's because Boston is terrible. Not because were good, and I think we need to consider resting Vince for a couple weeks. Cause he looks tired.

Defense won this game

I hate that little "I got fouled" head bob everytime Pierce drives.

KG isn't anywhere near what he once was. The numbers don't lie.

The Celtics loss that game on their own. It was no way we should have won this game. They was just missing a lot of wide open shots. Yeah Vince won the game, I guess. Hell he took every dang shot. What you expect.

What did I told.. We Will Win this, And We Did!
Good Game!! We are the 09/10 champions !

Regardless of how bad we played, this was a good win...Coming away from tonight I am positive that Boston is not better than us, if anything we are on the same level and we will have to duke it out in the playoffs...They missed some open shots, so did we, both teams played bad, and both teams played pretty good D.

The Christmas day game vs Boston is going to be AWESOME.....

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Fiddlin' and Diddlin' - Daily Links 11/20

noreply@blogger.com (FLCeltsFan) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:35:00 +0000

Herald Thursday practice notes
Celtics have new trick for Magic
Scouting report: Magic at Celtics
Former NBA player Sam Bowie applies to be first black member at club
Gasol scores 24 in debut, Lakers top Bulls 108-93
Knicks in no rush to bring Allen Iverson into the fold
Globe Celtics believe in Magic
Magic thumbnails
Tough for Celtics not to believe in Magic
A few more observations from Bird’s nest

CelticsBlog Are We Ready For The Magic?
Loy's Place Rottweilers Host the Poodles in Playoff Rematch
Dimemag Top 5 power forwards of all-time
WESH Van Gundy Vows To Make Attitude Adjustment
Inside Hoops NBA Rumors: Friday, Nov. 20
Dwight Howard asks Stan Van Gundy to stop the negativity
NY Times Analysis - Can Allen Iverson Restore the Knicks’ Hope?
Hoopsworld Notebook: Kobe Catches Kareem - Lakers Defeat Bulls
Celtics 17 We’re just wasting time now.
Rajon Rondo’s Inclination to Think Isn’t Going to Get Him to the Top: Playing Basketball Is
Red's Army Your KG Face of the Day
The Ugliest Thing You'll See All Day
Your Morning Dump... Where TGIF means nothing to KG
Perkisabeast Perk and Rondo step up as C’s take down Warriors 109-95
Comcast SportsNet Professor Wallace
Celtics Hub KG talks in detail about his knee injury
The Magic are Getting Hyped and Stan Van Gundy is Whining
Harsh Truths
North Station Sports NSS Flix: KG Pays Respect to the Captian
Kendrick Perkins: Taking Tonight's Match-up with Dwight Howard Personally
Hardwood Houdini Ray Allen is a New Man
Kendrick Perkins “The Beast” Battles Superman Tomorrow Night
Friday of Horrors
Lex Nihil Novi Larry v. Magic: Game 5 Preview
Knicks Visit Boston for First Time Since Red Ruined their Summer (83-84)
Knicks Trap Celtics (9-3) (83-84)
CelticsLife Where is that Celtic Pride?
Eddie House Interview
Who Can You Tolerate the Most?
NBA Plays of the Week
Today's Video: The New Kid on the NBA Block
Gino's Jungle The Experience of a Lifetime
Gino's Starting Five
Wyc Tentatively Optimistic With 9-3 Record
Orlando Sentinel Orlando Magic: Rashard Lewis declares showdown with Boston Celtics a second-chance 'statement game'
Orlando Magic-Boston Celtics preview
Orange County Register Five years later, Artest hasn’t forgotten the Palace brawl
Patriot Ledger Celtics, Magic renew acquaintances six months after playoff series
Howard the Dunk Preview: Orlando Magic @ Boston Celtics
Both Teams Played Hard Talking About Practice: Episode 2
Dimemag Burned Out
NY Post Iverson's a walking contradiction
MetroWest Daily Celtics: C's look to pay back Magic
Green Street Celtics savor shot at Magical redemption
Doc Rivers on D&C, 11/19
Raising Ray
NBA POWER RANKINGS - 11/19
Kevin Garnett on D&H, 11/19
ESPN Magic will be in the air Friday night
Pierce climbs all-time scoring list
Adjusting field goal percentages
NESN New Challenges Facing Celtics as Magic Come to Town
Marquis Daniels Proving to Be Better Than Celtics Expected
M Live Hate Mail: Our Allen Iverson apologizing, personal hygiene and sensitivity stir up readers this week
Rasheed Wallace is like the guy that lets himself go after getting married
Honolulu Advertiser NBA: With Jameer Nelson out, Magic should take a chance on Allen Iverson
Boston Sports Pulse Celtics Bounce Back, Still Not Playing Their Best
Hardwood Paroxysm Do Not Think That Word Means What You Think It Means
R-E-S-P-E-C-T, Mike Woodson’s Getting It Gleefully
Dueling Couches Dueling Couches Writers Compared To Boston Celtics
CBS Sports Known for futility, Hawks growing accustomed to success
Magic-Celtics Preview
Hoopsvibe Doc Rivers: Hand Check Rules Have Brought Back Little Guards
ProJo With motivation from Pierce, Rondo turned up his game against Warriors
Celtics journal: Rivers says Orlando demands defense
WEEI Kevin Garnett, Celtics Forward on WEEI
Slam Online What’s Next for Allen Iverson?

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Rottweilers Host the Poodles in Playoff Rematch

noreply@blogger.com (FLCeltsFan) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:23:00 +0000

at
Orlando Magic (9-3) at Boston Celtics (9-3)
Friday, November 20
8:00 PM ET
Game #13, Home Game #7
TV: ESPN, SunSpO, CSN HD, RTV
Radio: WDBO, WEEI
TD Garden
Referees: Eddie F Rush, Tony Brothers, Eric Dallen

This is the first meeting of these two teams since the Celtics were eliminated by the Magic in 7 games in last year's playoff semi-finals. I am sure the Celtics would like to get even for that loss and show that they are top dog this season. And I am also sure that the Magic are still smarting from Pierce's comment about them being poodles and the Celtics being rottweilers and will want to show that their win last season wasn't a fluke and that they are indeed the big dogs in this rivalry.

Both teams have changed considerably since the playoffs. KG is back in the starting lineup for the Celtics. Most feel that if he had been playing last May, the results would have been much different. But, the Celtics bench has also changed with Mikki Moore and Stephon Marbury being replaced by Rasheed Wallace and Marquis Daniels. The Celtics have also added Shelden Williams who has been playing well off the bench. Big Baby, who hit that big shot in Orlando will be watching this one in a suit. But the Magic have changed even more than the Celtics and on paper are a much stronger team. They have replaced Hedo Turkoglu and Courtney Lee in the starting lineup with Mickael Pietrus and Vince Carter. Jason Williams replaces Rafer Alston. ON the bench, They have added Ryan Anderson, Matt Barnes, and Brandon Bass, all quality additions.

The Magic have been playing very well, but once again they have lost Jameer Nelson to a knee injury . The Celtics haven't been playing very well and their trademark defense has been missing for the most part recently. If they play like they did against the Warriors on Wednesday, they will probably lose this one. They have to get back their commitment to defense and keep their focus for 48 minutes as the Magic are not going to lie down and let the Celtics win this one. Word from practice is that the team was focused and that they are taking this game seriously.

Probable Starters

PG: Rajon Rondo PPG 10.3 RPG 3.5 APG 8.7
SG: Ray Allen PPG 15.2 RPG 2.7 APG 3.4

C: Kendrick Perkins PPG 10.1 RPG 7.1 BPG 2.0

SF: Paul Pierce PPG PPG 18.4 RPG 4.8 APG 4.1
PF: Kevin Garnett PPG 13.6 RPG 7.5 APG 2.4

Key Player
Rajon Rondo When Rondo is aggressive and setting the pace for the game, the Celtics are a completely different team than when he is tentative. As goes Rondo, so go the Celtics. We saw this in the Warriors game. In the first half, Rondo played tentatively and so did the Celtics but in the second half, Rondo was aggressive, taking the ball to the basket and pushing the pace of the game and the Celtics took over the game.

Probable Starters

PG: Jason Williams PPG 5.3 RPG 1.3 APG 4.1
SG: Vince Carter PPG 17.1 RPG 3.9 APG 1.8

C: Dwight Howard PPG 18.1 RPG 10.7 BPG 1.8

SF: Mickael Pietrus PPG 10.0 RPG 3.2 APG 0.8
PF: Rashard Lewis PPG 13.5 RPG 6.0 APG 5.0

Key Player
Dwight Howard Howard leads the team in points, rebounds, and blocks. Rashard Lewis has played well since his return from his suspension and Vince Carter is playing well, but Howard is the leader on this team on both ends of the court.

Key Matchups
vs
Kendrick Perkins vs Dwight Howard
Perk did a great job of slowing Howard down in the playoffs last year and the Celtics will need him to once again defend Howard with single coverage. His extra quickness from the weight loss should help Perk to stay with him. Hopefully he hasn't lost the strength needed to keep Howard away from the basket.

vs
Kevin Garnett vs Rashard Lewis
KG has his lift back but still doesn't look 100%, especially on defense. But, his defense will be needed in this game as Rashard Lewis is well rested from his 10 game suspension and is raring to go. He missed a triple double by one assist in his last game (17 points, 10 rebounds, 9 assists) and that was in just three quarters.

Honorable Mention
Bench vs Bench
The Celtics bench is much stronger than when these two teams met in the playoffs, and the Magic have a deep bench as well. The Celtics will need Sheed, Quisy, House and Shelden to contribute and hold their own against the Magic bench. The points scored by the benches may be the difference in this game.

Keys to the Game
Defense
The most important key to this game is for the Celtics to get back to their defense first mentality. They have to clamp down on defense because they won't be able to out-shoot the Magic. Their defense has been very lax over the last stretch of games and it will take a concerted effort from every player for the defense to get back to where it should be.

Rebound
The Celtics have been out rebounded in a few games already this season. Crashing the boards is very important in this game because of how dominant Howard is with put backs once he gets the rebounds. The Celtics must limit Magic second chance baskets by boxing out and crashing the boards. Effort, energy, and desire will show up in the rebounding stats. The team that wants the game more will win the rebounding battle. Hopefully, it will be the Celtics that want it more.

Run the Offense
The Celtics must run their offense. They have to move the ball and find the open man. They have to run their set plays and make their shots when they are open. They have been relying on quick 3's way too much this season and need to get back to taking the ball inside and making the extra pass.

Focus
The Celtics need to come out focused from the start. If they come out sluggish as they have in most of their games, they will find themselves in a hole that they may not be able to dig out of. They have to maintain their focus for 4 quarters because if the Celtics lose focus at all during the game, the Magic will take advantage.

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Fiddlin' and Diddlin' - Daily Links 11/19

noreply@blogger.com (FLCeltsFan) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:53:00 +0000

Herald Rajon Rondo ignites surge past feisty young Warriors
Rajon Rondo quick to forget
Heave escapes Kevin Garnett
Nellie plugs along
Knicks nix Pacers to snap skid
Comcast to offer Celtics on-demand programming
Globe Garnett on the Warriors post game
Post-game quotes from Perkins, Allen
Updates from the Garden: Celtics vs. Warriors
In NBA lore, Nelson never comes up short -
Garnett on the Warriors post game
Post-game quotes from Perkins, Allen
Washburn: Celtics need to step it up for Orlando
Doc: 'That team scares the hell out of you'
Rivers assumes 3-point stance
Video of KG's half-court shot
Celtics man up for win
CelticsBlog A Late Run Is Enough
Third quarter saves Celtics from Warriors
MetroWest Daily Celtics 109, Warriors 95: C's ride Rondo to win
Celtics Hub Doc to Sheed: Cut the 3s
Bullets: Anything but a Blowout
Step Aside and Avoid the Train Wreck: C’s 109, Warriors 95
Loy's Place Comments from the Other Side - Warriors 11/18
Examiner Depleted Warriors finish trip with pair of losses, but renewed enthusiasm
LeBron James in the NFL? Why not?
How to Watch Sports Exploring NBA Contracts Based on Performance, Rather Than Potential
Basketbawful Taken for granted
Celtics.com Comcast, Celtics, CSN Unveil Expanded Celtics On Demand Library
Ford Keys to the Game: Warriors at Celtics
NBA.com Celtics overpower outmanned Warriors in second half
THE OFFICIAL SITE OF THE NBA DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE
ESPN Hawks win Sixth game in a row
Rondo floors it
For KG, a buzz but no buzzer
Well-traveled Moore back in Boston
Weary Warriors battling more than Celtics
Opponents making their point with Boston Celtics defense
Celtics 17 Can the Boston Celtics Regain Their Dominant Defensive Effort?
Turning to What We Already Know: Sifting Through the Ridiculous and Poking the Dragon (Warriors Pregame)
Golden State Falls as Celtics Steer Themselves Back on Track
Red's Army Your KG Face of the Day
I've never felt worse about a 14 point win...
Comcast SportsNet C's vs. Warriors: Live from the Garden
Celtics Golden against Warriors
Perk plays role of unsung hero
Loscy A new joint venture: The Doubting Thomas Award «
North Station Sports NSS Live Game Chat: Warriors vs Celtics
Rondo Rallies the Troops, Celtics beat the Warriors 109-95
Celtics Town Running Diary: Rondo, Rondo, Rondo as Celtics overcome Warriors
Hardwood Houdini Celtics Work SOME Kinks Out- Still Have Work
Lex Nihil Novi 9-3: Celtics 109, Warriors 95
Utah Stops Celtics' Streak at 9 83-84
Something Still Ain't Right
CelticsLife Celts STILL Not-so-good, but outlast Warriors and their 4th grade star
Celtics/Warriors Post Game Videos
Celtics 109, Warriors 94 Highlights
Gino's Jungle Celtics Wake Up In Second Half To Defeat Warriors
Celtics Stuff Live Gang Green: Season 3, Episode 5
Mercury News Warriors notebook: Ronny Turiaf listed day-to-day
Warriors' Raja Bell plays through pain in loss to Boston
Green Street Wallace looks back on Pistons Pacers Brawl
Donny Basketball
Danny Ainge on the Big Show
Can Celtics finish?
Fast Break: Celtics - Warriors
Allen takes on second generation of shooters
Slam Dunk Central Raging Rajon Has Double-Double; Celtics Defeat Warriors 109-95
WEEI The Three Pointer: Celtics Run Away From Speedy Warriors
Danny Ainge on WEEI
SF Gate CELTICS 109, WARRIORS 95 / A loss, but not feeling defeated
Ratto: Warriors put the 'free' in free fall
Shorthanded team fall short in Cleveland
Golden State Warriors : Game 10: Warriors at Boston (halftime)
Bleacher Report NBA Top 10: If Players, Coaches, Execs, and Fans Had Theme Songs...
Reign Him In: LeBron James' Ego Threatening to Ruin a Wonderful Thing Reign Him In: LeBron James' Ego Threatening to Ruin a Wonderful Thing
Telegram Rondo still can’t toe the line
Allen helps Rondo from line
Celtics snap out of skid
NESN Rajon Rondo Still Making Big Plays Despite Free-Throw Woes
Celtics End Two-Game Skid, Whack Warriors 109-95
Live Blog: Celtics vs. Warriors - Boston Celtics
Ray Allen to Host 'Ray of Hope Foundation' Benefit at The Lansdowne Pub
Motown Sports Revival How to win an NBA Championship
CT News Rondo Solves Warriors: Saves Celtics in 3rd
Dimemag Kevin Garnett’s 75-Foot Shot
Back in the Mix
5 Suitors For The Inevitable Monta Ellis Trade
Summer 2010: Chris Bosh to the Nuggets
Patriot Ledger CELTICS NOTEBOOK: Losing streak ends at two after first-half struggle against Warriors
Celts' Rajon Rondo finds his rhythm
NY Times Seeking Shake-Up, Knicks Mull a Bid for Iverson
ProJo Celtics outscore road-weary Warriors, 109-95
Celtics-Warriors in-game update: Celtics up by one at halftime
Celtics-Warriors final: Celtics rout Warriors, 109-95
Celtics journal: Aigne says latest trade rumors are false
Celtics not interested in trading for Nocioni
Celtics-Warriors pregame: Celtics looking to snap losing streak
TSN Celtics snap short losing streak to thump Warriors
Sun Journal Some Red Claws pinching themselves over opportunity
Chicago Now Joakim Noah; top 3 center in the NBA
Dueling Couches Perkins Calls Celtics Practices "Sloppy"
BetUs NBA Lock Alert – Stunned Celtics Host High-Scoring Warriors
Luxist Chris Webber's Restaurant Shuts Down
Hardwood Paroxysm The Celtics Have A Coupon For Average Combo-Forwards And They Would Like To Use It
PRNewswire Comcast, Celtics, CSN Unveil Expanded Celtics On Demand Library
SportsRadio Interviews Ron Artest on tossing Ariza’s shoe off the court the other night
Slam Online When The Game Was ‘Theirs’
Chris Bosh Contemplates Life in Miami
Yahoo Phil Jackson jokingly blames Pau Gasol's injury on 'CSI: Miami' - Ball Don't Lie
Hoopsworld Notebook: Bryant Back to Form
4 Sports Boston The Resting C’s: Domination or Abomination? 4 Sport Boston

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Comments from the Other Side - Warriors 11/18

noreply@blogger.com (FLCeltsFan) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:11:00 +0000

This makes me think of how different the make up of the NBA would be right now if we would have gotten Garnett instead of the Celtics. They would still be really bad most likely.
Oh well, Cs by 24.

Celtics are going stomp us. I know we played Cleveland tough but this team with all the injuries will just be too tired to keep up.

Clovers vs Motley Crew BOSTON MASSACRE

I'm calling a win.

Celtics have no chance tonight...They hate to run run run.

Don't we want to lose? We aint making the playoffs, and I don't want a 12-14 pick. May as well play the kids and lose big for the future.

I hate the Celts
We won't win but we’ll give Rondo some troubles one defense.
Ray Allen isn’t a very physical player but is a deadly 3point shooter so Monta and Curry will take their turns on guarding him.
AR might get a little frustrated from KG but we’ll stand our ground.

We're going to get waxed tonight. We have no chance.

+/- 4 technical fouls tonight?

Our record is 3-7? 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37

Significance?

The average age of the Boston Celtics?

I can't take Nelson's side any more. FREE ANTHONY RANDOLPH!

Randolph is not good. End of story

Mikki Moore is worse. End of story.

Predictions: -Warriors shoot 46% while the Celtics shoot 50%
-Rajon Rondo has a career night
-Stephen Curry gets a triple double
-Monta Ellis gets injured at halftime with a “bad back”
-Warriors win by 3,YES,not a typo.

LOL someone always has a career night against the Warriors...its like clockwork

Random Warrior killer tonight Shelden Williams?

Game Predictions
The Boston Celtics crush our Golden State Warriors, 110-88.
Anthony Morrow leads the way with 24 points.
The average guy in the crowd doesn’t know at least three of our seven players.
Don Nelson looks uninterested on the bench.
Kevin Garnett delivers at least one cheap shot, possibly leading to a scuffle with Anthony Randolph.

Ray Allen has been stinky all year So, 33 points for him tonight.

Here we go again Refs loved lebron yesterday, they are gonna love all 19 stars they have on Celtics

I h8 Boston

I hate that thing KG does when he is in the post

You mean score?

Celtics play at such a slow deliberate pace It almost puts the other team to sleep.

Pierce is God? Why would someone make a sign like that?

Because they're ignorant Celtics fans

Refs making sure Celtics don't have 3 game slide

Uh oh Sheed is in. He’s going to rain 3s on us like he always does.

We totally mystify the NBA. Every team plays to our level.

Should watch ray ray play. He moves from side to side and comes to the ball by going through screens to get open. Morrow mainly just stands and waits for the ball

Celtics Announcer: “So much for the Celtics coasting against the Warriors”. He obviously has not watched our 3rd quarters.

How come that's not a moving screen when Kendrick backs his big ass down the lane clearing out space for the guard like that? It's not rolling to the basket, he's just backing over the defender without the ball.

Note the W's speed has the Celts out of their comfort zone already, but we don't have the depth to sprint the whole game

Celtics are shooting 64%. If Jack were still here they would be shooting 60% and we'd be down by 15.

Shelden Williams dominating the game..

Shelden is a Ben Wallace who doesn't know he's Ben Wallace. But he boards better than anyone available at the price,sets great picks and is a plus on D. Could have helped us a LOT. I know it would just kill Nellie

I hate when other teams announcers air all our dirty laundry like that

Raja bell is in! Thought he was getting surgery.

He's a fast healer

Entire Celtics bench in right now.

That headband looks weird on Daniels.

Randolph was bless with so much talent, but has the brain of a 5 year old

Can the referees understand that we're playing with 7 players? WHY ARE YOU CALLING THESE WEAK FOULS?

Shrek Perkins is the luckiest stiff in the league. He gets away with murder because he plays for the Celtics. Hooking, moving screens, elbows, grabbing, he's a complete hatchet man and because he plays with KG the refs call it intensity. Someone needs to punch him in his stupid cheating face. I wish we still had Barnes.

Several games Shelden was their top rebounder with less minutes than the other bigs. He's rebounded everywhere he played but hasn't had the minutes.

Doc rivers is such a bloody good coach

After picking up RA and KG I think they wanted to fire him before that for their 24 win season

KG is unguardable

The frustrating thing about this game so far is the Warriors are playing pretty good defense and taking better shots… The Celtics just are making all of the shots…

All Warrior fans are like is that what Defense looks like ha ha

I really do hate these announcers. More than the cavs

These refs suck

Who agrees that Mikki Moore is the worst player in the world?

Boston's pretty bad all they do is talk about how great they are and how awesome kg is

We need to apologize to Bobcat fans for giving them Jackson

Kendrick Perkins This guy does not get enough credit. He is a very good defender and rebounder and a very smart player. I think this year he deserves 1st team all defense. He is such a good complement for this team and him and Rondo are a major part of the reason they play such good defense.

This ball movement is actually bringing a tear to my eye.

Who is this ref and what happened to his Celtics jersey?

W's are going to win this one... We always show up against Boston for some reason. Monta especially...

Holy sh** KG hit a one handed heave from 3/4 court. He is unbelievable.

This shows our luck is changing If jack was still here, that would’ve counted!

Reason we are in this: cause Boston is letting us

Yeah they are not trying very hard

They really don't need to this game don’t mean much to them so if they win by 1 point they’ll be happy

If the Warriors eliminate the turnovers, they can outscore the Celtics—assuming Boston continues to play soft, lazy defense. If the game is close, the Celts will probably turn up the heat defensively. Then we’ll be in trouble.

Cavs are sooo overrated….they are so bad when lebron isnt in

Hmm, out rebounding the C’s 21 – 14 with NO centers

Mikki Moore's a center

Mikki Moore doesn't count as a basketball player

He's really more of a power forward

Really? Power is the last thing that come to mind when you watch him play

You mean powerless forward

Having Garnett fall on you is not smart

This ref has been a joke.

Somebody needs to put Rondo on his ass... Not to make him think twice, but because he's a punk that needs to be put on his ass.

Celtics defense really hard to get through

Foul disparity in this game is a joke

Refs got the memo that Boston is supposed to win

Courtesy of David Stern for sure

“He we just got a great shot of Rondo mouthing the F-word” " Quick replay that in close-up, so the kiddies can see, hilarious"

Sheed hella fouled him and he keeps denying it

BALL DON'T LIE Ha ha

He made one of’em, was the ball confused?

Freaking rando is making 3’s this game is over

Whistles going our way so far in the 4th

Why are we still losing?

Uh... Celtics are way better than us?

I'm thinking about popping in modern warfare 2 and put a face of sheed on all the baddies

Eddie House…I hate that guy.

Someone pull a Rafer Alston and slap his headband off

Is Rondo the second most overrated Point Guard in the NBA? The answer is yes! Who wants a point guard who can’t shoot?

Yep hack a Rondo right now

Celtics announcers said “don nelson would like to clear the bench but he’s got no bench clear” and start laughing..

That's just cold

NBA officiating is corrupt

I don't get why the Celtics fans are cheering for Scalabrine

They feel bad for him

Because he looks like a Celtic.... Giant Lebrechan

Put simply, the Celtics play defense all game and don't shoot themselves in their feet. It's hard to build leads or come back against teams like that. We have no centers and played pretty poorly... Yet, it took 46 minutes to get Scalbrine off the bench.

Oh well, we tried and fought hard but were too tired to get it done 4 q's, good effort.
Special thanks to Raja Bell for playing, you are now and forever on my good list Raja, even if you one day decide to sexually assault a white girl in Colorado.

Boykins is back in the league!

Maybe nelson will grab him to help us out at the center position

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Celtics Hope to Get Back on Track vs Depleted Warriors

noreply@blogger.com (FLCeltsFan) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:29:00 +0000

at
GoldenState Warriors (3-6) at Boston Celtics (8-3)
Wednesday, November 26
7:30 PM ET
Game #12, Home Game #7
TV: CSNHD, CSN Bay Area, NBA LP 758,759
Radio: WEEI
TD Garden
Referees: Scott Foster, Courtney Kirkland, Leon Wood

The Celtics have been off since Saturday and the last time they had 3 days off, they dominated a very good Jazz team.. The Warriors are playing in the second of back to back games and fatigue could be a factor for them especially since they are severely undermanned. .

They just traded disgruntled star Stephen Jackson and Acie Law for Raja Bell and Vladimir Radmanovic. Radmanovic has moved into the starting lineup for them and Bell is headed for wrist surgery. The Warriors are very thin up front with most of their bigs on the injured list. The will go small and try to run the Celtics, hoping to wear them out. Even through the team is in turmoil and they are undermanned, it would be a very big mistake for the Celtics to underestimate them. They are a feisty team that took the Cavs down to the wire last night and will hand the Celtics a loss if they take them too lightly.

Probable Starters
PG Rajon Rondo PPG 10.3 RPG 3.5 APG 8.7

SG Ray Allen PPG 15.2 RPG 2.7 APG 3.4

SF Paul Pierce PPG 18.4 RPG 4.8 APG 4.1

PF Kevin Garnett PPG 13.6 RPG 7.5 APG 2.4

C Kendrick Perkins PPG 10.1 RPG 7.1 BPG 2.0

Off the Bench
Reserves
Eddie House
Rasheed Wallace
Marquis Daniels
Shelden Williams
Brian Scalabrine
Lester Hudson
Bill Walker
JR Giddens

Injuries:
Tony Allen (ankle) out
Big Baby Davis (thumb) out
Paul Pierce (knee) probable

Probable Starters
PG Stephen Curry PPG 8.3 RPG 2.2 APG 4.4

SG Monta Ellis PPG 19.3 RPG 5.1 APG 5.0

SF Anthony Morrow PPG 11.2 RPG 3.6 APG 0.9

PF Vladimir Radmanovic PPG 4.9 RPG 3.6 BPG 0.1

C Mikki Moore PPG 3.5 RPG 2.8 BPG 0.5

Reserves
Corey Maggette
Anthony Randolph

Injuries
Andris Biedrins (groin) questionable
Devean George (knee) questionable
Ronny Turiaf (knee) questionable
Brandon Wright (shoulder) out
Kelenna Azubuike (leg) out
CJ Watson (swine flu) out
Speedy Claxton out
Raja Bell (wrist) out (he will dress so that they have the required 8 players but won't play)

Key Matchups
vs
Kendrick Perkins vs Mikki Moore
As we saw from his time in Boston, Mikki isn't a great interior defender and so Perk (and anyone who drives to the basket) won't get much of a challenge from Mikki. Perk should have a very good game.

vs
Ray Allen vs Monta Ellis
This would be the matchup where Golden State has the advantage. Ellis is very quick and it will be difficult for Ray to keep up with him. I can see Ray covering Morrow and Rondo on Ellis on the defensive end.

Game Notes
• Celtics split the season series 1-1 against Golden State in 2008-09
• Paul Pierce led the Celtics with 21.0 points per game last season
• In his one appearance against the C’s, Corey Maggette netted 38 points for the Warriors
• The Celtics are 4-6 against Golden State since the 2004-05 season
• The Celtics are leading the all-time series 194-127 with the Celtics 108-34 at home

Keys to the Game
Defense - The Celtics have said that they want to be the best defensive team in league history and yet they have allowed teams to shoot over 50% in their last 2 games. They need to get back to the team defense that we saw in the first 5 games and that will take a commitment from every player on the team.

Effort It seems as though the team has come into the past 2 games expecting to win without putting out the effort. They have been sluggish from start to end and just haven't had that killer instinct we saw early.

Rebound Hand in hand with effort goes rebounding. They did a good job on the boards against the Pacers but were badly out rebounded by the Hawks. Since much of rebounding is effort, the Celtics need to put out the effort on the boards in every game. Allowing the other team too many rebounds leads to too many second chance baskets.

Move the Ball When the ball is moving and the Celtics are racking up assists on baskets, the offense is working like a well oiled machine. When they try to do too much individually, then the offense becomes disjointed and they struggle to score.

Don't Over Rely on the 3 When the 3's are falling, the Celtics offense is devastating but that can lead them to over rely on the outside shot because when the shots aren't falling, they keep taking them and the offense suffers. They can take the 3 when it is open and a good shot, but their first option should be to go to the basket and either draw the foul or get the hoop.

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Fiddlin' and Diddlin' - Daily Links 11/18

noreply@blogger.com (FLCeltsFan) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:51:00 +0000

Herald Rivers steps up for Belichick
Paul Pierce up for practice
Celtics go on the defensive
Scouting report: Warriors at Celtics
Cavaliers deliver world of hurt
Lakers defeat the Pistons
Memo to LeBron James: MJ is doing fine without your help
Converse runs from Dwayne Wade case
LeBron James believes he could star in NFL
Globe Perkins says sloppy practice isn’t helping - The Boston Globe
Pierce goes full speed
Sources: Celtics not interested in Nocioni
Warriors thumbnails
Time to look for some help?
CT News The Circus Comes to Town: Warriors Play Celtics Tonight
CelticsBlog Warriors A Team In Turmoil
Perkins Unhappy With Practices
Loy's Place Perk's Got It Right
Examiner Belichick's Blunder helps cover Celtics Forgettable Stretch
Celtics 17 How Much Trouble Will the Phoenix Suns Inflict Upon the Lakers?
Red's Army Your KG Face of the Day
Pierce Practices on Sprained Knee
Wicked Local Wyc dampens Nocioni, Baby talk
Comcast SportsNet D is the Key
Preview: C's vs. Warriors
Celtics Hub Early Season Foul Avoidance: Can it Last?
Why The C’s Shouldn’t Trade for Nocioni
Average Andres
Loscy The back-to-back loss pep talk: we are fine but need to fix 5 things «
North Station Sports Ainge Meets with Scal and TA about Nocioni Trade
Game Preview - Warriors @ Celtics
Hardwood Houdini Hardwood Houdini Is Back and Better Than Ever
Once Again Pierce Is Proving Why He’s A Leader
Perkins Talking Bout Practice, Practice!
Lex Nihil Novi The 1986 Team had Problems with Athletic Opponents, Too
The 1986 Team had Problems with Athletic Opponents, Too
Fundamentals Have Been Key to Celtics' Success (83-84)
Celtics Breathing Hard (83-84)
Celtics Life I'm Lebron James and I'm kind of a big deal
Cancel Your T-Mobile Subscription
NBA News: Magic's Nelson to have knee surgery
A couple funny Inside the NBA videos
Celtics 18 Regroup and refocus...
Gino's Jungle Hardwood Houdini is Running Wild
Gino's Starting Five
Celtics Stuff Live What Would Don Draper Do (as a Celtics’ Fan) V. 2
ESPN Pierce expects to play Wednesday
Possible deal would send Nocioni to Boston
Flint Star
The odd, often-confusing culture of the athlete tattoo
Turkey's best basketball, marred by violence, again
Orlando Magic point guard Jameer Nelson to have surgery on left knee
Chat: Chat with Chad Ford
Thank You for Playing Cavs have edge on Celtics, Magic
Bleacher Report Celtics To Big For Their Briches?
LeBron James To New York: Remember the 2008 Celtics
L.A. Lakers' Pivot Points: Five Potholes On The Road To A Repeat, Part 3
SI.com Just how bad are Nets, Knicks, Grizzlies and Timberwolves?
MetroWest Daily Celtics: Pierce returns to practice
ProJo Pierce returns after missing a practice with a knee sprain
Patriot Ledger Golden State’s Don Nelson closing in on coaching records
Bust a Bucket NBA Player Rankings: Shooting Guards
Philly.com Source: Sixers discussed Dalembert deal before season
Dimemag Warriors are sorry, miss Jackson
Sports of Boston Calling for Backup at the Point
Yahoo Iverson, Jackson followed path to freedom
CBS Sports Warriors-Celtics Preview
Fear the Sword Battered and bruised Cavaliers head to Washington
NESN Celtics Hope to Break Out of Losing Funk Against Warriors
Celtics' Paul Pierce Practices Tuesday, Should Play on Wednesday
Allen Iverson Has Chance to Be Temporary Answer for Knicks
Mercury News Ellis/Warriors situation set to hit full boil at Thursday meeting: Trade inevitable?
FanHouse Kevin Garnett Cares Not for Your Rookies
Twincities.com Wolves' Al Jefferson grateful for time with family
NECN Boston Celtics encourage students to 'Stay in School'
WEEI Pierce returns to practice
Doc on Belichick call: ‘You don’t get do-overs’
Doc: ‘We’ve done a lot of things average’
Rufus on Fire The Day After Stephen Jackson Arrived
M Live Checking in with former Pistons Chauncey Billups and Rasheed Wallace
OSC D-Fenders Waive Moore, N'doye, Pinick, Wise And Pruitt
USA Today Cavs' Shaq, Varejao inactive for Tuesday's game
Depressed Fan Sam Dalembert Trade Rumors
NBA.com Let players wear jersey No. 23, retire these things instead
My SouthEnd No on Nocioni
Third Quarter Collapse Interview With John Schuhmann
A Royal Pain Kings, Celtics, 76ers Talking Trade
Dimemag Once Again, Monta Ellis Throws His Teammates Under The Bus
SB Nation NBA Power Rankings, Week 3: Lakers No. 1 By Default
Celtics.com Celtics Womens Group Hosts Drives to Benefit Cradles To Crayons
Cleveland.com Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Golden State Warriors: Windhorst Beat Blog

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Perk's Got It Right

noreply@blogger.com (FLCeltsFan) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:16:00 +0000

I love Perk. I know that comes as a surprise, but every season I love this guy even more. He has one of the best work ethics in the NBA. He has improved every season and has also worked on his body and conditioning every season as well. He takes his role seriously and plays it to perfection.

And, Perk will always tell it like it is. A couple of days ago, the Herald quoted Perk about how the team was getting too laid back and taking teams for granted.

“We haven’t won nothing,” Perkins said flatly. “We’ve won eight games. That ain’t our goal. We’ve just got to see where we’re at and realize it’s not enough. We’ve got to get better. I think we’re getting too relaxed. I think sometimes we’re just getting too laid back right now. We’ve just got to start going after it.

Today, the Globe has a few more quotes from Perk, who has never hesitated to tell it like it is. It seems that the team has been too laid back in practice also and Perk doesn't like it.

“I think our energy’s been high, [but] these past few practices haven’t been good, I don’t think,’’ Perkins said after yesterday’s workout. “They haven’t been our best practices. We’ve been turning over the ball, just being sloppy the last two practices.

“I thought as far as Doc and the coaching staff, they had the right game plan for practice. As a team, we haven’t had the perfect execution for practice. We just gotta get back on the right track.’’

Maybe the stitches that Ray and Paul got have them playing tentatively in practice, or maybe they are just tired. Maybe the talk of them being old is starting to have some merit. But Perk is very right. They haven't won anything yet this season and if they expect to win, they need to get it together mentally. Personally I think their problems come from their attitudes more than from age or fatigue. I don't think these guys have that killer attitude that they had 2 seasons ago when they won the championship. They just aren't approaching it the same and it shows in their lax practices and lax defense in games. It seems like they feel they are good enough to just coast through games and then pull it out at the end. Here is more from Perk.

“I don’t think we’re attacking,’’ Perkins said. “I think we need to be more aggressive. I don’t want us to turn into a 3-point-shooting team. Obviously we got shooters, but we have to be a more physical team, rebounding, driving, I just think we’ve go to be more physical.’’

I think Perk hits the nail right square on the head with this one. When they won the championship, they were a tough and physical team. They took the ball right at other teams. They took the 3 when it was there for them, but their first thought was to attack. I haven't seen that this season for the most part. They have to end their fascination with shooting 3's and get back to pounding the ball inside and taking it at other teams. They need to get their defensive mindset back as a team where they swarm every player and don't allow anything easy. We haven't seen that in the last 3 games. But it is there. We saw it in the first 5 games. And if they listen to Perk, who is making a lot of sense, we will see it again. They are no longer the champs. And if they want to get back to being the champs, they have to focus on playing tough, physical basketball and they have to focus on defense again.

Perk is quickly becoming the vocal leader on this team. We saw it all those years ago when Perk was just a second year player and he called out Paul Pierce for lack of effort in a game. Now, he is calling the whole team out for their lack of effort and intensity both in games and in practice. And Perk doesn't point fingers. He starts with himself always. You can say what you will about KG and his leadership, but Perk is the anchor of this team. He is the anchor of the defense and now he is anchoring the team attitude and letting everyone know that any less than 100% effort is unacceptable. Have I mentioned lately that I love Perk?

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Fiddlin' and Diddlin' - Daily Links 11/17

noreply@blogger.com (FLCeltsFan) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:51:00 +0000

Herald Green place limits on Paul Pierce
Allen Iverson, Memphis divorce
Globe Celtics hoping league rescinds technicals
Report: Deal could net Nocioni for Celtics
Johnson, Hawks stay in flight
Rivers looks inward for answers to Celtics’ woes lately
CelticsBlog Big Baby Still Shrinking, Working
Speaking of Slumps, How About Rasheed Wallace?
The Latest Nocioni Rumor
Loy's Place Random Thoughts on Rumors and CSI
How to Watch Sports Chairmen of the Boards: A Look at the Power Forward Position
ESPN Pierce limited in practice due to knee sprain
Possible deal would send Nocioni to Boston
The next big trade? Here's a three-team possibility
Stephen Jackson as a Bobcat: Crazier things have worked
NBA Basketball Power Rankings
Celtics.com Celtics Host Stay in School Assembly with Students at Timilty Middle School
USI Open Practice - Nov. 16, 2009
CBS Sports Power Rankings: Celtics, Lakers make grade when rivals don't upgrade
Red's Army Doc Regrets Playing Pierce vs Indiana
Your Morning Dump... featuring more Nocioni trade rumors
How about we create the "Joey Crawford" rule?
New shirt: Quisy Does It
Green Street Open practice, open questions
Paul Pierce - The Truth Strikes Again Video Recap
Report: C’s considering Nocioni in three-way
Comcast SportsNet Free throws proving costly for Rondo
Mike & Tommy's Mailbag: November 16, 2009
Nocioni a Celtic? Highly unlikely
Celtics Hub Nobody Does Hyperbolic Self-Pity Like Boston* Fans
On Iverson: You Win, Dad
Notebook: Nocioni Talks Start, Defense Slips
North Station Sports NSS Week Three Recap
Allen Iverson a Boston Celtics?
Chance to Party with Paul Pierce after the Orlando Magic Game!
Celtics Town It isn't the Celtics, but Bill Belichick made the right decision
NBA parity: Wasn't the NBA supposed to be top-heavy this season?
Fernsten's Follies Larry v. Magic: Game 2
Lex Nihil Novi Faker Fans Already Worried about June (83-84)
Sound Familiar?
C's Make It 9 in a Row (83-84)
Don't Worry, It's Not 1987 or 1988 Yet
CelticsLife Checking the Stats
Yes? No? Maybe So?
KG is the Anti A.I.
Thanks Steve Blake, for Ruining My Night
Gino's Jungle Rome Wasn't Built In A Day - House Isn't Either
Allen Iverson a Boston Celtic?
Gino's Starting Five
Sporting News Iverson Could Resurface With Contender
Power Poll: Supposed Superteams Aren\'t So Super
Bsketbawful Worst of the Night November 16
Tom's Bombs of Thought The Transformation of Rasheed Wallace
Nashflqoq The cost of Phoenix’s penny-pinching: No Fernandez, Johnson, Rondo, or Robinson for post-Nash era
Philly Burbs Source: Nothing to Dalembert trade rumor
Inside the Hall The Morning After: Hey, That’s Doc Rivers!
WEEI Respect Is Hard to Come By For Celtics
NECN Confident Red Claws are ready to play | NECN
My Fox Boston Paul Pierce hosts charity bowling event
Milford Daily News Megliola: Celts must stop 'fense sitting
Yahoo SL: Dirk's 'lucky' bounce; Brown says he can handle Jackson
Iverson hopes to resume NBA career
Star Tribune Big Al is back, 'ready to play'
Paul Pierce.net Paul Pierce | Celtics Look to Rebound
Off the Record Rondo earning his money at the stripe
Orlando Sentinel The Cleveland Cavaliers ascend to the top spot; Magic drop to 6th by
Warriors Run Down Stephen Jackson traded to Bobcats
Metro Celtics’ Allen no 1-trick pony in backcourt
Chicago Tribune Mark Heisler's NBA rankings
Cavalier Attitude Week Three Power Rankings — 11/17
Dimemag Monsters vs. ATLiens
5 NBA Players No One is Talking About
NY Post Surprise! NBA's turned upside down
Patriot Ledger Celtics hit first bump in the road early this season
Cleveland.com Cleveland Cavaliers' record rising as Anthony Parker's long-range shot keeps falling
Charlotte Bobcats traded for Stephen Jackson, so how close were the Cavs?
Ohio.com Cavs' Parker starting to find his role
Hoopsworld NBA Power Rankings
NESN Larry Bird: Celtics' New Big Three Has What it Takes to Make History
Doc Rivers: Paul Pierce 'Shouldn't Have Played' Against Pacers
Boston Sports Fans Endure Worst Weekend in Memory
NY Daily News New York Knicks to meet with Allen Iverson after former guard parts ways with Memphis Grizzlies
USA Today Warriors guard Watson tests positive for swine flu
Athlon Sports NBA Power Rankings
AJC Whaddya know?
NBA.com Hawks have a chance to morph from nuisance into threat
Beacon Blog Beacon Sports: Look for drama, upsets in new NBA season
Fox Sports Jennings' rise among NBA's early surprises
Bleacher Report Allen Iverson Can Be Like Shaquille O'Neal Or Kevin Garnett
New York City Point Guards in the NBA: Looking Back Through History
Pivot Points: Lakers, Celtics Facing Questions in Wake of Two-Game Skids
Dueling Couches What's Wrong With The Celtics?
CBS Sports New York-area hoops crumbling, brick by brick
Hardwood Paroxysm Lion Face/Lemon Face 11.16.09: So about the weekend…
Fan Huddle The Good, The Bad, The Boys in Green
Knicks Fan Perspective: Celtics Fans Hated Rivers Before They Liked Him…
Business Pundit The 25 Highest Paid Sports Coaches in the World

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Random Thoughts on Rumors and CSI

noreply@blogger.com (FLCeltsFan) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:10:00 +0000

The rumor mill has been working overtime since yesterday. First, there is the Allen Iverson situation. He signed with the Grizzlies and then, when they asked him to come off the bench he develops an attitude and asks out. This is after causing a disruption last season in Detroit when they asked him to come off the bench. If past history means anything, teams take a chance on Iverson because of his talent and then can't wait to get rid of him because of his attitude.

Now, there are some Celtics fans who want to take a chance on Iverson because of his talent. But, if he came to Boston, would he be any happier coming off the bench than he was in Detroit or Memphis? The Celtics starting 5 have been together for 2 years now and Rondo is the perfect PG for them as he is a pass first PG and knows each of his teammates very well. Putting Iverson in the starting unit would disrupt chemistry and be a set back to team development. Putting him on the second unit wouldn't work out any better here than it did in Detroit or Memphis. AI is not what this team needs. Quite the contrary.

Second rumor to pop up today is the Nocioni to Boston rumor. Marc Stein has the story on True Hoop

There is some hope, according to NBA front-office sources, for a three-way deal that is currently in the exploratory-discussion phase.

Sources told ESPN.com that the Philadelphia 76ers and Sacramento Kings, in considering the feasibility of a Samuel Dalembert-for-Kenny Thomas swap, have discussed expanding that concept with Boston by trying to draw in the Celtics on a potential three-way deal that would land Andres Nocioni with the Celts.

Sources further stressed over the past 48 hours that this should be classified as an ongoing conversation as the teams involved decide how much they like what's on the table.

But the full deal as it stands, if it eventually gets that far, would send Nocioni to Boston, Kenny Thomas, Tony Allen and Brian Scalabrine to Philadelphia and Dalembert and J.R. Giddens to Sacramento.

Taking the teams one by one:

*Boston has had interest in Nocioni from the minute Sacramento acquired him in February in the deal that dispatched Brad Miller and John Salmons to Chicago. That said, Boston has also been hesitant since February about acting upon that interest because Nocioni has three years and more than $20 years left on his contract after this season. That's a lot of long-term cash for the Celts to take on -- even if Nocioni turned out to be a James Posey-style Mr. Versatile for them -- after they just signed Rajon Rondo to a lucrative extension and with decisions about the futures of Paul Pierce and Ray Allen looming. So Boston pulling out because of financial concerns likely ranks as the biggest impediment to this deal.

So, the Celtics would get Nocioni for a package of Scal, Giddens and Tony Allen. Nocioni has 2 years guaranteed after this one at $6.85 million and $6.5 million and the 3rd year is at a team option of $7.5 million. Nocioni is strong and athletic and plays aggressively. He has been said to play dirty at times. He is a good rebounder and has a decent mid range game along with the ability to hit the 3. He is 6'7" and 30 years old. He could be a very good back up for Paul Pierce since Daniels has been assuming the back up point guard duties.

I think this could work. Scal is a great guy to have on a team and is willing to do anything asked of him, but Nocioni is a huge upgrade in talent. At this point, I don't see Tony or JR cracking the regular rotation. Talent wise, this is a no brainer. But, financial wise, it wouldn't be that easy. Danny hesitated at giving Posey the 4th year on his deal and that was the deal breaker. Danny hesitated to tie up money in the 2011-12 season then, will he be willing to do so now? That will be the question that will decide whether this deal gets done from the Celtics' standpoint. I like this deal though. It opens up a couple of roster spots. We don't give up that much other than expiring contracts and Scal, who has been a very good soldier for the team. But, what we get back is a player who would help the team now and over the next couple of seasons.

I was watching CSI Miami last night and I looked at this guy who was a person of interest in the case and kept thinking he looks just like Pau Gasol. I checked the credits and sure enough, it was Gasol. Nothing like appearing on a television show to help you get in shape for the season. Not to spoil the plot or anything, Gasoft went from Good Samaritan to person of interest to suspect to not guilty to dead. There was an interesting illustration using green jello that was of particular interest. Who would have thought that Gasol's brain was made of green jello? Certainly not me!

Rondo's free throw percentage is down to 25%. Is that a new record? How low can it go? You have to feel for the guy. I can see where he would avoid contact at all costs so as not to have to go to the line. My son played basketball in high school. He was defensive player of the year every season (Is that a surprise?) He had a decent shot, but just couldn't hit free throws. I'm sure after awhile it just became mental for him. I would cringe every time he was fouled because I just knew what was going on inside for him when he went to the line. I just hope Rondo can overcome the mental part of it and get his free throw shooting on track. He will be a liability in late game situations until he does.

To go with yesterday's quote from Perk, there is one from Ray in today's Herald that indicates that the Celtics' recent problems are mental more so than fatigue or age.

“I don’t think we’re slipping, but we still have to respect other teams coming in. The other night (in Indiana), Dahntay Jones scored 25 points. He’s a guy we had here in camp two years ago, and we didn’t adjust to his ability to score that night. Whatever we were thinking - that he couldn’t make shots, or they wouldn’t give him the ball - well, they did.

“We didn’t recognize it quick enough to try and take that away. It’s something defensively we have to mentally adjust to, and we have to respect every team. Every team we play, we have to ultimately look at that game as the one that gets us homecourt advantage.”

The team doesn't have that killer instinct that we saw in the first 5 games. The starters have come out slowly. They just seem like they think they can turn it on at any time. They approached the Hawks and Pacers particularly as though they could sleepwalk through the games and still win. They haven't been putting out the defensive effort. We haven't seen that swarming, take no prisoners defense that we have come to know and love. The players are all saying the right things and they seem to recognize the problem. Now, let's see if they do anything about it.
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Fiddlin' and Diddlin' - Daily Links 11/16

noreply@blogger.com (FLCeltsFan) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:47:00 +0000

Herald Weak effort beneath Celtics
Dirk Nowitzki, Mavericks in groove
Lakers drop 2nd straight
Globe Lakers hear it in loss
It’s tough to defend Celtics’ play
CelticsBlog Same Old Story
Loy's Place Random Thoughts on What's Wrong with the Celtics
Random Thoughts on LeBrainiac's Bright Idea
And This is the Best Free Agent Signing of the Season?And This is the Best Free Agent Signing of the Season?
Celtics 17 Ray Allen Contributing to the Welfare of the Greater Good
NESN Lakers Get Booed at Home in 101-91 Loss to Rockets
Red's Army Your KG Face of the Day
Your Morning Dump... where maybe we overreacted a little
ESPN The (new) latest on the Stephen Jackson trade front
Fast-break points favored Pacers 27-6
Celtics Hub How Does Pace Really Work?
Loscy Daryl Morey dumps me and the Celtics drop 2 in a row «
Lex Nihil Novi Ainge Accepts Limited Role (83-84)
Celticslife Today's Video: John Havlicek Mix
Rondo's Globe Magazine Video and Feature
Name Them All
Gino's Jungle Granger Backs Up Smack Talk, Celtics Atrocious In Loss
Ginos Jungle Starting Five
Bring In the Assists - Bring In the W's
Hoopsnotes Marquis Daniels’ Move Was Purely Financial
Green Street Pierce to strike again for charity
Both Teams Played Hard Ron Artest Throws Trevor Ariza's Shoe
Dimemag Give ‘em Ariza to Worry
Washington Times Tom Knott: Drama queen role fit for King James
NBA Tipoff How Bennett-Ball Is Played: Sonicsgate, A Review
NY Post ‘Zombies’ getting too much playing time
Cleveland.com Cleveland Cavaliers night news roundup: With wins in 7 of last 8 games, start to season is one of Cavs' best
FanIQ Celtics license plates take 3 years to be made -
Yahoo.com Warriors trading Jackson to Bobcats

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And This is the Best Free Agent Signing of the Season?

noreply@blogger.com (FLCeltsFan) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:39:00 +0000

Before the season started, there were a number of articles about the off season's free agent signings and most of them were touting the Lakers' signing of Artest as the best signing of the off season. This guy is such a nut case that I don't see how anyone could feel that his signing anywhere would top Sheed/Daniels in Boston, or even Ariza to Houston. Here is the latest evidence of Artest's being just a little off.

Ariza's shoe comes off and Artest takes time out of the play to pick the shoe up and toss it into the crowd? Artest can't keep up with the player whose place he took and so he uses dirty tactics to try to get an edge. Reminiscent of when he couldn't keep up with Paul Pierce and so pulled his shorts down. If the Lakers are planning on this guy putting them over the top they are largely delusional.

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Random Thoughts on LeBrainiac's Bright Idea

noreply@blogger.com (FLCeltsFan) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:23:00 +0000

Sometimes Peter Vescey just gets it right. In this article, he hits one right out of the park. Honestly, Michael Jordan wasn't that great. He was a great player, yes. And he won 6 titles, but he wasn't a good teammate, as evidenced by the disparaging words from his teammates after they were away from him. But, he really didn't do all that much for the league for them to retire is number league wide. He won titles for Chicago and his number should be retired there. But league-wide? Not a chance.

So, LeBron James has decided on a new . . . number.

Seems the narrow-minded student of hoop history has decided to drop No. 23 in deference to Michael Jordan . . . even going so far to suggest the number should be retired league-wide.

LeBrainiac, it seems, deduced Jordan’s No. 23 has the same social significance as Jackie Robinson’s No. 42.

Quick, someone signal for a full time out. And, though James is trying to recover his senses, let’s call Wizards owner Abe Pollin, who ordered all evidence of Jordan’s presence removed from the premises the instant he fired him, and find out what he thinks of the idea.

But, wait, there’s more: LeBrainiac is leaning toward No. 6, his Olympic number, for next season. No other reason, er, other than possibly setting the table for joining the Bulls next season, already having settled the jersey conflict.

That digit, as you might recall, belonged to one William Felton Russell, whose business card reads “Greatest Winner of All-Time.”

Eleven titles — eight in succession — five more than Jordan.

Insulting Russell is ignorant enough, but it makes me wonder if LeBrainiac ever heard of other league pioneers like Mikan, Cousy, Wilt, Oscar, West and Baylor . . . or some of its saviors—Erving (ahem, No. 6), Kareem, Bird and Magic?

Every so often, today’s generation needs to be reminded that NBA history didn’t begin with the latest Collective Bargaining Agreement.

If we're going by championships you would have to go with any number of the early Celtics starting with Bill Russell (11) and Tommy Heinsohn (10). But as far as players who changed the league and should have league-wide recognition, you could easily make a better case for Russell, Dr J, Pistol Pete, Magic or Bird.

If any number should be retired, it should be #6, worn by two different pioneers in the league. Bill Russell changed the way the game was played. And he was a pioneer in that he played in a time when he couldn't stay in the same hotel or eat at the same restaurant as his teammates. It was Russell more than anyone else who helped to break the race barrier in the NBA. He was a great player and a great man and things had to change because of it. Then, there was Dr J who also wore #6. Dr J also brought a revolution of sorts to the NBA, bringing a new and exciting brand of basketball suddenly played off the ground and above the rim. It was Dr J who paved the way for Michael himself to play the way he did. And what about Frank Ramsey? The league gives out a 6th man award today because of the way Ramsey perfected the role.

Then, there was one of my personal heroes, Pistol Pete Maravich who did as much to change the way the game of basketball was played as anyone in the league. The Pistol was vilified for his hot dogging and his showtime moves, but today's game is what it is because of the style that Pete Maravich brought to the game. And when the league was faltering and ready to fold, it was the Bird/Magic rivalry and their exciting styles that brought the league to the prosperity that it has today. There are so many other players who should be honored league-wide before even considering Jordan who benefited from the pioneers who went before him. He wasn't a pioneer. He was just a basketball player with talent and lots of athleticism. Vescey got it right in this one. And LeBron definitely got it wrong.

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Random Thoughts on What's Wrong with the Celtics

noreply@blogger.com (FLCeltsFan) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:37:00 +0000

I have said several times that I don't blame fatigue and age for the recent losses as much as I do lack of effort and mental toughness from the players. Before the Hawks game, they had only played 1 game in 5 days. There is no way you can blame fatigue for that one. And a team that can totally dominate the Jazz just 2 days earlier doesn't get that old that quick that they can't keep up with the Hawks.

The fact that the Hawks out rebounded the Celtics by a huge margin tells me that the Celtics just didn't put forth the effort. Rebounding is mostly effort and desire. You can see that when a 6'1" guard can out rebound a team's bigs because he just works harder and wants them more. So, when I see a team like the Celtics get out rebounded by 18, that tells me that the team lacked intensity, desire and effort.

When a team like the Celtics starts to settle for 3 pointers instead of taking the ball to the basket, that tells me that the team isn't putting in the effort needed to win the game. The fact that the 3's aren't falling could signal old or tired legs, but the fact that they are taking them tells me they just don't want the game enough. I have to hand it to Ray. His 3's haven't been falling, but he has made some great drives to the hoop and has been getting his points that way.

You know I love Perk because of his work ethic and willingness to do the dirty work on defense. But I also love Perk because he never glosses anything over. He always tells it like it is and you'll always get the straight scoop from him. In today's Herald, this is what Perk had to say:

“We haven’t won nothing,” Perkins said flatly. “We’ve won eight games. That ain’t our goal. We’ve just got to see where we’re at and realize it’s not enough. We’ve got to get better. I think we’re getting too relaxed. I think sometimes we’re just getting too laid back right now. We’ve just got to start going after it.

“You can’t point the finger at any one person, because we’ve all messed up something. I know I messed up some plays. We all did. The biggest thing is that this is where Ubuntu comes in to play. You’ve got to stick together. You can’t be pointing fingers. It’s all of us that have to come out and play harder.”

There you have it. They're getting too laid back they have to start going after it. It seems as though at times they expect to win the games just because they are the Celtics. Other teams have improved. Every team is gunning for the Celtics and will bring their A games against them. It isn't enough to show up. They have to come to play every single night.

This team has the talent and has the players to do something very special. They have arguably the best starting unit from 1 to 5 in the league. They have a deep bench behind the starters. But, they aren't giving the effort to back up the talent they have on the team. They know how to play the game. They know that passing the ball is what makes the offense go, but yet get only 18 assists against the Pacers. Too many players trying to do it on their own without leaning on team. They are capable of dominating the boards every game but yet they were out-rebounded by 18 vs the Hawks because they didn't put out the effort to box out and grab the rebounds. They just took the ones that came to them.

Judging by what Perk had to say they know what the problem is and knowing is halfway to a solution. This team wants another championship. It's time for them to put out the effort necessary to go and get it. We could say that 3 losses in November don't really mean anything. But, the 3 losses in November because of lack of effort could be the difference in whether the Celtics have home court in the playoffs or not. It's obvious that the Cavs and Magic aren't going to slack off and give the Celtics a chance to catch up. The Hawks are in 1st place right now and have a legit chance to make some noise in the East.

If the Celtics want the championship this season, they are going to need to go out and get it. They can't sleep walk through the season and just all of a sudden turn it on and win it all. It is going to take a work ethic and a team effort all season long to develop that killer instinct and the team play that will bring Banner 18 in June.
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Fiddlin' and Diddlin' - Daily Links 11/15

noreply@blogger.com (FLCeltsFan) — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 20:22:00 +0000

Herald Hoosier daddy, C’s
Unemployment line long
Larry Bird likes Green’s new Big Three
Ben Gordon drives Pistons
Leaguewide retirement of No. 23 seems unlikely
Brandon Jennings scores 55, leads Bucks past Warriors
Globe Notes from Pacers shootaround
Celtics-Pacers updates
Analysis of Celtics-Pacers
For Celtics fans, waiting was plate of frustration
Jennings’s 55 lift Bucks over Warriors
Bird a booster of Wallace, Daniels
Celtics worn down by pace
Herald Hoosier daddy, C’s
Unemployment line long
Larry Bird likes Green’s new Big Three
Ben Gordon drives Pistons
Leaguewide retirement of No. 23 seems unlikely
Brandon Jennings scores 55, leads Bucks past Warriors
Globe Notes from Pacers shootaround
Celtics-Pacers updates
Analysis of Celtics-Pacers
For Celtics fans, waiting was plate of frustration
Jennings’s 55 lift Bucks over Warriors
Bird a booster of Wallace, Daniels
Celtics worn down by pace

CelticsBlog Celtics rebound, but still lose
Byron Scott Fired....Who's Next?
Where Have You Gone, Eddie House?
Loy's Place Comments from the Other Side - Pacers 11/14
Random thoughts on the Celtics 2 Game Losing Streak
Celtics.com Ford Keys to the Game: Celtics at Pacers
Celtics 17 Updates and Links: LeBron James Better Watch His Punches, And More
The Hankering Can Play Tricks on You: Indiana’s Motivation Proves to Be the Faltering Of Boston The Hankering Can Play Tricks on You: Indiana’s Motivation Proves to Be the Faltering Of Boston
Red's Army I want my Boston Celtics back
The Morning Dump... Joey Crawford Has A Huge Ego
Plays of the Week
Green Street Pierce will ‘wait’ on tender left knee
Celtics Hub KG Remains Unfriendly
Pierce Still Hurting
This team is starting to look old: Pacers 113, Celtics 104
Advanced Stats in Pacers Game
Loscy Kevin Garnett sports first official Loscy Gear «
North Station Sports Pierce Takes Blame as the Celtics Honeymoon is Officially Over
NSS Flix: Let's Get More Frustrated with Last Night's Loss
Celtics Town On Celtics-Pacers, a bad internet connection, and getting stuck in traffic
Lex Nihil Novi Celtics Make It 8 Straight (83-84)
Sheldoon
Walton v. Maravich
Celtics Take Winning Streak to Denver (83-84)
CelticsLife What the Hell Happened to...Brad Lohaus?
Celtics/Pacers Post Game Presser
Pacers 113, Celtics 104 Highlights
Celtics lose 2nd straight to feisty Pacers squad
Gino's Jungle Indiana Pacers vs. Boston Celtics Gameday Post
Granger Backs Up Smack Talk, Celtics Atrocious In Loss Granger Backs Up Smack Talk, Celtics Atrocious In Loss
NESN Rajon Rondo Continuing to Mature as a Player and Person
Live Blog: Celtics at Pacers
Celtics Fall Flat in Indiana, Lose 113-104 to Pacers
Larry Bird: Offseason Bench Additions Are Big Boosts for Celtics
Danny Ainge Isn't Finished Ranting About Rajon Rondo
Danny Ainge Isn't Finished Ranting About Rajon Rondo
Dimemag Young Cash Money
Fan Huddle Jim O’Brien’s Pacers extend Celtics Losing Streak to Two
Cleveland.com Stephen Jackson with the Cleveland Cavaliers? It's a matter of debate
Telegram NBA: Crying foul: Why isn’t Rondo at the line more?
My San Antonio Curse of the Coach of the Year
ESPN Granger tough for Celtics to handle
Pierce takes blame in loss
Fourth-quarter technicals crushed Celtics' chances
Boston Celtics' Paul Pierce #knee# makes start vs. Indiana Pacers
Boston Celtics' Paul Pierce #knee# makes start vs. Indiana Pacers
ProJo Granger backs up words as Pacers hand Celtics second straight loss
So What's Wrong With The Celtics?
Celtics fall for second straight night
Pierce returns to starting lineup for Celtics
MetroWest Daily Courtside View: Scalabrine struggling to see action
Indy Star Streaking along
Daniels settling in as Celtics' reserve
Hoopsworld Granger leads Pacers over Celtics
WRKO Wyc Grousbeck talks Atlanta
Press Herald Red Claws assemble for first drills today
Tom's Bombs of Thought The NBA in Polychromatic Form
NY Daily News Mike D'Antoni failing to get Knicks roster loaded with players in last year of deals to play hard
WBZTV Jaelen House, Eddie House's Son And Celtics Ball Boy Now A Reality TV Star
Indy Cornrows Small Lineup Set To Stay As Pacers Ready For Celtics
Peach Tree Hoops Atlanta Hawks 97, Boston Celtics 86 or nothing easy
CBS Sports Nellie addresses rifts with Jackson, Monta

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Comments from the Other Side - Pacers 11/14

noreply@blogger.com (FLCeltsFan) — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 04:24:00 +0000

I think Granger on Garnett is going to be a tough matchup. Granger can't guard Garnett, but Garnett, even after the knee injury, can guard Granger.

This game is a big test for our D. I worry about playing small-ball against the Celts. Danny guarding KG is not something I'm excited to see. Hopefully, he'll surprise me.

We got thisssssss

3rd game in 4 days, played last night in a loss to Atlanta. Maybe we can catch the old men fatigued and slowed down.

Ewwwwwww, Rashweed greeting a rain of boos, heheheh.

I hope the game mirrors last year’s game (minus Danny Granger losing his teeth), but we’re so banged up right now that I’m not sure what to expect tonight

Nice Block from D Jones (I think?) And what looked like a travel on a bucket by Pierce as he was falling backwards

Sheed and Garnett together yeesh

Pacers on track for about 140 points

I think that the Pacers are doing a good job of hanging with them, but when the bench takes the floor, it feels like we're slipping.

I have to say that Rashee Wallace is one of my least favorite players in the league Along with Sasha Vujacic.

Brian Scalabrine is doughy looking

Danny had so many options agains Scalabrine He couldn’t make up his mind.

Boston’s hitting shots, but the defense isn’t too bad.

I'm listening to the Celtics announcers And they have mention that there’s a football game tomorrow about 5 times so far. If anyone wanted to know.

Never liked Pierce. Always looks like an arrogant bastage to me.

It boggles my mind how on earth Sheldon Williams is married to Candice Parker.

Good foul T up Wallace, ref!

That was a crappy foul. Still needed to T up Wallace.

The Boston announcers are terrible and they are so bias (which I know they are Boston announcers but still) its not even funny

Of course, I really don’t like anything from the New England area lol

Boston bigs are doing work

First Q down and it's a point separating them. I hope they just wear these old fogies out!

Cool thing about Quis being opposite us now is all these players know how to defend him.

Rashweed, never fouls in his career, ever.

There goes Mr. Big Mouth once again trying to argue he didn't commit a foul when it's very clear he did. I hate "Rat Head" Rasheed Wallace.

Getting killed on the glass.....lucky Danny is on fire!

Smallball not doing us a lot of good right now.

Whistle blew on McBobs before the play actually happened.

Ford goes does an all 4's version of the fast break...pretty funny!

I hope that isn't the only highlight the Pacers get for this game, heheh.

The Celts have already gotten 10 extra shots because of the rebound difference! 11-3 on the offensive glass....ouch!

Down nine I don’t know if I’m happy or sad about that.

The Celtics might have more offensive rebounds than we have rebounds period.

One would assume that we aren't holding them under 90 tonight - Captain Obvious

Welp, the D isn't there, but this is the best team in the East so they're going to get theirs. Hope we can pair this down, knock some heads, and pull one out in the second half.

Rebounding 29-13 Celtics. Wow, it’s a massacre.

Pretty sad to see Hibbert STILL without a rebound 3 mins into the third quarter

Celtics setting up camp in the lane defensively There’s no room to get any points in the paint.

Ughhh All these offensive rebounds for the Celtics!

Wallace with a WTF shot No clue how he shot that, much lot got it go in. What a bum.

Allen is keeling us,

Reminds me of the Brickerbocker game.... Hanging in, staying with them, just waiting til they fatigue a little then we drop a quick ten on them in the fourth and they can't make it back.

Somebody has got to keep a shadow on Ray Allen. He still has the fastest release of any perimeter shooter in the league.

The only way to stop Ray is to break his hands! Both of'em

Excellent third Q. Looking like the Celts are a bit tired.

I wish Ray Allen would quit shooting jump shots

Wow shelden Williams

Sweet, another T on the Celtics On Perkins.

What was the T for? Arguing?

The C's broadcast claims he didn't say anything bad Just said “I went straight up” and they gave him the T

Doc just got T’d up just now after Garnett had an offensive foul.

I'm still debating whether Doc Rivers is a good coach...

Ever hear the caller who phoned the Jim Rome show and said, “We don't need to drill for oil, just wipe it off Doc’s Dome” , man, I'm a fan of Doc Rivers, but that's funny

Get these old men a little flustered, heheheh.

Celts crying after not having a call go their way

Boston is crumbling like their tunnel.

Celtics are clearly flustered.

I love listening to them complain and the shock in their voices when the Pacers do something good.

I think this game has shown this team is definitely better than the 0-3 start. Even if Boston is on the second night of a back to back.

I kind of like Quinn's analysis That you can run the legs out form the Celtics. We were definitely outhustling them here later in the game.

Image of the night, Ray Allen 3-ball wedged between hoop and glass.

Doc throws in towel

Yeah Boston has the scrubs in now

Even the Celts commentators are cry-babies

I was just cheering so loud my dog peed itself. Whoops....

The old farts got tired and our energy carried us to a win

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Random thoughts on the Celtics 2 Game Losing Streak

noreply@blogger.com (FLCeltsFan) — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 04:21:00 +0000

Well, the Celtics have lost 2 in a row. Once again, the defense just wasn't there. The Celtics talked about this team being the best defensive team ever. Well, so far it's all talk because when you allow a team to rack up 113 points on 52% shooting and allow them to shoot 50% from beyond the arc, You aren't playing defense. This team is very capable of playing lock down defense. We saw it in the first 5 games and in the Utah game but then, in the other games, the defense just hasn't been there. I don't know if it is fatigue or if it is just mental lapses. Whatever it is, they need to figure it out and get back to locking teams down on D because it is defense that wins championships.

There were a couple of bizarre happenings in this game. In the beginning of the 3rd quarter, a Dahntay Jones jumper got stuck inside the basket in the net and Perk had to tip it to get it to fall out. Then, in the 4th quarter, a Ray Allen 3 got wedged between the basket and backboard. And on one play, two Pacers were going for a rebound of a Paul Pierce miss and they tipped the ball into the Celtics' basket. Perk got credited with the points because he was the closest Celtics to the basket.

I really don't like Joey Crawford. He is power happy. Perk was called for a foul and afterwards, he calmly put his hands up in the air and according to Mike Gorman, who was just 10 feet away, Perk just said "I went straight up." And Crawford gave him a technical foul. It seemed totally uncalled for. Then, on the next play, Doc Rivers got a technical also. KG and Sheed also received techs in this game. You should recall that Joey Crawford was suspended back in 2007 for tossing Tim Duncan for laughing on the bench in a playoff game. He then challenged Duncan to a fight when Duncan tried to plead his case. I imagine he won the pool tonight for giving out the most technicals in the game.

The Celtics appeared to fix their rebounding problems and out-rebounded the Pacers 43-34. The difference was a lot bigger in the first half. They seemed to lose their fight in the 4th quarter and allowed the Pacers to get most of the rebounds down the stretch as they pulled away.

The Celtics struggled on the offensive end, especially in the second half. They shot just 3-12 from beyond the arc for just 25% and shot just 48% overall. They weren't moving the ball as can be seen from the fact that they had just 18 assists on 39 field goals. On the other hand, the Pacers had 31 assists on 40 field goals.

Perk and Shelden Williams both played well as Perk finished with 11 points, 13 rebounds and 2 blocks in 28 minutes and Shelden finished with 10 points, 9 rebounds, and 1 block in 17 minutes of play. Shelden had one play in particular that was impressive. He blocked a shot on one end and ran the floor to finish with a layup at the other. He also won the Tommy Award for the game.

Ray Allen had a team high 24 points on 8-18 shooting. He was 2-6 from beyond the arc and continues to take the ball inside when his outside shot isn't falling. Pierce had 15 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists. KG finished with 15 points 7 rebounds and 2 assists. Rondo had 10 points, 2 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals but continues to struggle from the line going 0-2 in this game. Marquis Daniels had 9 points, 2 rebounds, and 3 assists against his former team.

The Celtics have 3 days off now to regroup and try to get their defense right and to figure out what went wrong in these past two games. There is a lot of talk about fatigue, but I personally think it is more mental lapses than it is fatigue. Even to begin the games, the starters have been coming out flat. They just don't seem to be playing with the urgency and intensity that their opponents have been playing with. They need to get that mental toughness back.

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Fiddlin' and Diddlin' - Daily Links 11/14

noreply@blogger.com (FLCeltsFan) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 15:10:00 +0000

Herald Al Horford won’t back down from the Celtics
Hawks view the Celtics as a measuring stick
Board game doesn’t go way of stumbling Celtics
Paul Pierce’s knee a pain
Bad result not tough to explain
Rival Al Horford begs to differ
Dirk Nowitzki gives Mavericks late lift
Globe Hawks top Cs, 97-86
When Celts need a lift, this little guy rocks the house
Pacers thumbnails
Pierce’s status undetermined
Atlanta’s growth spurt was the biggest factor
Slow burn
The Stubborn, Impatient, Self-Centered, and Absolutely Essential Rajon Rondo
CelticsBlog Young Legs Cause Trouble
Celtics Outrebounded, Outplayed In Loss To Hawks
Loy's Place Comments from the Other Side - Hawks 11/13
Random Thoughts on the Celtics Second Loss
MetroWest Daily Hawks 97, Celtics 86: Friday night folly
Celtics.com Ray Allen, Wyc Grousbeck and French Lick Team Up for "Ray of Hope Foundation"
Ford Keys to the Game: Hawks at Celtics
Celtics 17 LeBron’s proposed number change for next year is sure to stop the 2010 talk.
Updates and Links: LeBron James Better Watch His Punches, And More
Red's Army Lebron Honors Jordan, Disses Bill Russell
I'm lovin' Rondo's new move
"...When they go out on the court, they’re on edge”
Your KG Face of the Day
Basketball 101 - The Box Out
Comcast SportsNet C's/Hawks: Live from the Garden
Hawks soar past Celtics
Atlanta's rebounding was downright offensive
Celtics Hub That Was Ugly: Hawks 97, C’ s 86
Notebook: Pierce Questionable for Tonight
Loscy More reasons to HATE Lebron James: because he’s an idiot «
North Station Sports Celtics Flat Feet Keep Them Grounded, Hawks Fly 97-86
NSS Flix: Celtics Lose to Hawks 97-86
Celtics Town Boston Celtics and Atlanta Hawks: Don't call it a rivalry
Running Diary: Celtics fall short against athletic, hungry Hawks
Lex Nihil Novi Parish and Jabbar Renew Rivalry
Fitch Goes with 9-Man Rotation to Defeat Great 8
The Love-In for Sheldoon Continues
Ain't No Back Flip from the Youngins
VEGAS: Boston -8.5 at Home against Atlanta
Stern is Leading Candidate to Replace O'Brien -(83-84)
CelticsLife The Curious Case of Rasheed Wallace
Celtics Now: C's New Additions and New Gino
Celtics/Hawks Post Game Videos
Hawks 97, Celtics 86 Highlights
Gino's Jungle Celtics Out Everythinged by Hawks
Time to Focus on Championship NOT 72-10
ESPN Pierce will 'wait and see' after hurting knee
Game notes from an ugly Friday the 13th
Atlanta Hawks dominate on boards against sluggish Boston Celtics
Hawks coach says he's happy for Williams
Defensive benchmarks could be tested vs. Hawks
Fan Huddle Celtics Look to Rebound in Indiana after loss to Atlanta Hawks
NBA Tipoff LeBron Says Players Should Give Up No. 23; James Making Switch To No. 6
Kennebec Journal NBA D-LEAGUE: Red Claws open camp today
Green Street Doc: ‘I think No. 6 should be retired’
Pierce suffers bruised left knee
Horford Admires Ortiz’s Work Ethic
Pierce will ‘wait’ on tender left knee
Fast Break: Celtics - Hawks
NESN Celtics Open Weekend Back-to-Back With Hawks at Home
Live Blog: Hawks at Celtics
Celtics Strong-Armed 97-86 By Board-Crashing Hawks
Celtics Taking Full Advantage of Social Networking to Build Fan Base
LA Times Lakers' Ron Artest loses Round 1 to Denver's Carmelo Anthony
CBS Sports Celtics-Pacers Preview
ProJo Shelden Williams has put his past with the Hawks behind him
Rivers offers no excuse for Celtics’ effort against Hawks
Celtics-Hawks final: Hawks stun Celtics, 97-86
Celtics-Hawks pregame: Pierce moving up the scoring charts
Celtics-Hawks in-game update: Hawks up by two after three quarters of action
Hawks take control in second half and stun Celtics
The Vent Hawks 97, Celtics 86 or Where the Hawks just flat out wanted it more
CT News Hawks Break 0-9 Drought in Boston: 97-86
NY Post Hornets firing of Scott predictable
Patriot Ledger Atlanta Hawks come of age ... just ask Celtics
Telegram C’s reserves draw praise
Too many second efforts
Dimemag Opening Statement
Ball or Nuthin Hawks Win on the Road
Celtics Stuff Live Would Bob Ryan Eat His Words Too?
CSL (Your Sponsor Here) Sunday/Friday Postgame Show: 11/13 vs. Hawks
AJC Hawks stun Celtics, 97-86
Indy Cornrows IC Cold Links: T.J. Ford Offers Up A Little Off-Day Leadership For Hansbrough
Cavs News Deal for Stephen Jackson may involve Delonte West
Sports of Boston Opposing Views: Can the Celtics Win 73 Games?
Bleacher Report Face It Cleveland, Shaq Will Not Win a Ring For The King
The Key to the Knicks Season: Eddie Curry?
National Post NBA Power Rankings: Celtics edge Lakers for first No. 1 of the season
Bluegrass Stat Basketball Ex-Cat Rajon Rondo Understands that NBA is a Business
Slam Online MVP Race: Early Impressions
Yahoo Hornets' new coach must win over Paul

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Comments from the Other Side - Hawks 11/13

noreply@blogger.com (FLCeltsFan) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 04:49:00 +0000

We have to prove to the NBA and this National TV audience that we can be a SOLID TEAM ON THE ROAD and not just this surprising young team that can get up for any home game.

Fri should show us how far we have (or haven't) come. Should be interesting......

I'm interested more in how Boston approaches this game. Do they respect us yet, or will they come in with the same another game attitude they gave us last year.

In any case, why does earning the Celtics' respect even matter?

They didn't really seem to have a game plan for us last year. It was more just show up and beat us on talent. I want to see if they scheme us at all. And it does matter how they approach us. Beyond the talking heads and coach speak, the players truly show through their approach the potency of an opponent. If they are content to trade baskets with us and count on out playing us do to superior talent in the 4th then in their eyes we are no more than the Knicks are in the Hawk's eyes. And that bothers me and should bother the Hawks.

The game definitely means much more to the Hawks and Hawk fans, than it does to the Celtics and their fans. We're the only ones referring to this as a "rivalry game". We're the ones looking for vallidation, not them.

Man I hate the Celts. They always go after Horford and Smith early and depend on the calls. If the fouls add up, we need to just go totally small and run the old men out of the place.
Or I could dream.

I don't think its a rivalry at all. Everyone in Boston has forgotten about our little annoyance 2 years ago in the playoffs, in which Boston won it all. We Atlanta fans, however, will never forget the JJ shot against Powe, or ZaZa getting in KG's grill, but its all Mickey Mouse. There is no rivalry. We've proven nothing in their eyes.

We have more bench, youth and speed, but I am not really sure it will be utilized properly. Boston is at home and has more talent. I know it makes me a bad fan, but I am not expecting a whole lot out of tonight's game. I can take a road loss to a Finals contender, so I won't cover my head and panic if we get beat by 20 (like the Suns last night).

I'm not terribly optimistic. The Celts are efficient and smart offensively and too good defensively to allow Crawford or Joe to go off. Horford will struggle, too.

I would consider a loss by less than 20 a victory. This team is still a few years away from competing with the top tier teams on the road.

Are you serious??? The Hawks lost IN BOSTON last year by one point on a shot at the buzzer. Now, you are somehow trying to say that losing by less than 20 would now be a victory????? On the contrary. Losing by 15, 17, or 19 points would be a step backwards in my opinion. It would make much more sense if you said that losing by less than 5 would be a victory, but losing by 19 is still getting your butt kicked any way you slice it.

HATE THE CELTS.......I JUST HATE EVERYTHING THEY STAND FOR....A win tonight would be just another W in the column but just so much sweeter.
Just wanna take a pair of scissors and head to their rafters and cut down every banner they have
If the Hawks come out sluggish like these past few games its going to get ugly quick..But if they come out fighting and matching Boston's intensity, I think they have a chance to make this a close game.....

I try to keep things positive around here. I would hope that we keep it competitive for atleast a half before we get our doors blown off. This is the best team in basketball on their home floor against a team that doesn't consistently get up for big games especially on the road.

I don't think getting up is the problem, it's staying up.

I honestly feel a win coming Friday night. The Hawks have gone to Boston and lost one to many times by now.

It would be a huge staement win to beat the best team in the East in their building, but I don't expect them to do that. The Hawks are certainly capable, but they need to play a perfect game almost.
Nice to see the Hawks get off to a good start for a change.

I'm not a fan of these ticky tack traveling calls we are getting called on when Boston has a blatantly obvious moving screen just about every possession.

The calls don't look to even. They have made a couple comments that our guys got hit and no call.

Pierce hurt. That could be huge.

In it at the half which is surprising given all the turnovers. Our second unit gets a lot of minutes against Boston and are hardly used against New York: Mike Woodson you are an enigma wrapped in a question.

I bet PP comes back. I'm tickled we are up by two going into the last quarter.

Peirce goes out hurt but he always comes back. Sometimes I think he fakes injuries so he can come back as the hero. I really hate him. Hes such a faker

I'm convinced the Celtics have adopted a similar philosophy on moving screens as Pat Riley did on fouls with the Knicks-keep doing it until the refs stop calling it. It's amazing to see them complain when they actually get called for it.

Strange to see the Hawks dominating a good team on the boards. Even stranger to see the Hawks playing well with Horford and Smith on the bench in the 2nd half.

The big bully Celtics don't like being bullied. Ha ha! Its about time the Hawks get some credit for being a top team. This proves we belong. The old Celtics have no answer for the young Hawks.

Crawford got away with one there. I can't believe that the refs are giving the Hawks calls on the Celtics court.

The refs have inconsistent as hell....but it looks like we got the majority of the calls in the 2nd half.

Wow! The refs are really giving the Hawks some love in the second half. I expected just the opposite.

I'm loving it that Hubie is telling it like it is with the ISO Joe. Good to hear a respected commentator tell the truth. Looks like we win.

Big win! First win in Boston in regular season since 2007.

Is this win legit even though big baby was out? Oh yah,.. Pierce had a "boo boo" as well. You can add Perkins face to the injury list as well.

Yeah right. Pierce leaves the floor so he can make some prima donna return. He's as bad as Wade.

He ended up playing 36 minutes so he couldn't have been too hurt.

Some day we will see this: P. Pierce - DNP (Yeast Infection)

Somehow I don't think we saw the best of the Celtics tonight for whatever reason. They just didn't seem to have the intensity. Maybe they did take us for granted. They won't make that mistake again.

The Hawks scored 97 pts against the best defense in the league even though they shot only 27% from 3.

Great game! Garnett just does not seem like his old self.
Hubie just loves Paul Pierce.

Hearing "Bibby,you suck!" as the Hawks dribbled out the clock in a half empty Boston Garden as they secured the win and destroyed the under is my personal highlight of the young season.

And by the way, we beat the Celts with NO EXCUSES.

GREAT VICTORY FOR THE HAWKS. Mental block in Boston taken care of....CHECK

The Celtics only score 86 even though each starter shot 50% or better from the field. It was definitely all about the boards.

Boston had beaten Atlanta for so long on their home court, they didn't
Believe they could lose. Now, they believe!!

I was not happy that the guy announcing with Huby downplayed our victory by talking about how Boston didn't play well. Give me a break . . . . . Like it had nothing to do with how we played.
This should give us a little more respect: WINNING ON ESPN.

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Random Thoughts on the Celtics Second Loss

noreply@blogger.com (FLCeltsFan) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 04:47:00 +0000

This one was about effort. The Celtics didn't bring it. I usually look at the rebounds to see what kind of effort this team is putting out. They are perfectly capable of out-rebounding every team every night. Rebounding is about effort and desire. That's how a 6'1" guard like Rondo can out rebound centers and power forwards. The Celtics were out rebounded by the Hawks 47-29. When a team is out rebounded by that much, they just weren't putting out the effort.

The Celtics are still over relying on the 3 point shot. Like the old saying goes, "You live by the 3 and you die by the 3." In this game, the Celtics were definitely not living by it as they shot just 1-14 from beyond the arc. When the long ball isn't falling, the Celtics need to abandon those shots and take the ball inside. To his credit, Ray has been doing that. He was 0-2 from beyond the arc and 5-8 overall and had a couple of very nice layups. Paul Pierce was 0-4 and Sheed was 1-5 shooting the 3. When they are falling it is great but when they aren't, it's ugly.

The Hawks bench out played the Celtics bench both on offense and on the boards. The Hawks bench put up 28 points to 20 for the Celtics. And the Hawks bench had a 13-5 rebounding edge also.

Although it wasn't the reason the Celtics lost (their lack of effort was) the officiating was pretty bad. The calls mostly went the Hawks' way in the second half.

Individually, none of the numbers stand out. Perk had 14 points, 9 rebounds and 1 block in 29 minutes (fewest of the starters). Rondo had 4 points, 9 assists and 1 steal. He was 0-2 from the free throw line and his free throw percentage is just 38%. I don't think we can talk about Rondo in the top 5 point guards until he improves his free throw shooting. He will be a liability at the end of close games until he can make his free throws. Pierce had 24 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists in spite of leaving the game with a knee injury. He came back to finish out the game and I hope that it was not serious and that he won't have to miss time because of it. KG had 14 points and 5 rebounds. Ray finished with 10 points, 3 rebounds and 5 assists.

Now they go on to play the Pacers on the road in the second of back to back games. It is their 4th set of back to back games already this season. If they looked tired and lacked effort in the first game, I really don't know what to expect in this one. Thankfully they have another 3 days off again after the Pacers game.
Just an aside...I always hate seeing my Celtics lose, especially at home, but the blow was softened a little by watching the Fakers get totally out-played and trashed 105-79 by the Denver Nuggets. It's always fun to watch Kobe get frustrated and scream at his teammates.

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Fiddlin' and Diddlin' - Daily Links 11/13

noreply@blogger.com (FLCeltsFan) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:52:00 +0000

Herald Sheldon Williams gets shot at ex-team
Scouting report: Hawks at Celtics
Kobe Bryant scores 29, Lakers stop Suns’ quick start
Hornets fire coach Byron Scott, GM to take over
Timberwolves’ Al Jefferson to miss 2 games for personal reasons
LeBron James leads Cavaliers past Heat, 111-104
Globe Why Marquis Daniels is so important
Scal makes impression on Pierce
Hawks thumbnails
Williams: Onward, upward
CelticsBlog WEEI Interviews
Paul Pierce Raffle
Loy's Place Hawks Visit Garden Looking to Renew Rivalry
Celtics Have Some Rough Practices
Motown Sports Revival I Injured Myself Just Writing About the NBA
Red's Army The Morning Dump... Where Shelden Williams Lies about the Hawks
"He's been wonderful"
Your KG Face of the Day
Scal Knocks Around Pierce, Giddens at Practice
North Station Sports How Do the Best Teams in Celtics Past Rate Against the 2009-10 Squad
NSS flix: LeBron James-- No More Free Agent Talk Until After Season
Slam Online LeBron Wants NBA to Retire the Number 23
It’s Now Don Nelson vs. Monta Ellis
Celtics 17 Byron Scott has been fired
Wicked Local Thursday practice update: Scal’s back; Pierce bandaged
Comcast SportsNet Allen: Man of many (scoring) talents
Celts notes: Williams wants win, not revenge
Celtics Hub Doc talks about Sheed taking 3’s, turnovers & what he looks for in box scores
The King’s New Clothes?
Loscy Get KG, Rondo, Perk, Pierce, and Ray On Your Desktop
Lex Nihil Novi Larry v. Magic: NBA Still Struggling for a National Audience
Larry v. Magic: Celtics Dominate the So-Called Great 8
CelticsLife And the 1st coach to get canned is...
"Welcome to your Kodak Moment Anderson Varejao"
Gino's Jungle KG Creates A Whole Nother Atmosphere At The Garden
Craftiness Works for Rondo and Celtics
Celtics and Hawks Rivalry Revisited, Soon To Be Renewed
Scores Report The Top 10 NBA Free Agents of 2010
ESPN Boston Celtics' past three starts have been historic
Lakers dismantle red-hot Suns for sixth straight win
Byron Scott exits stage left
Minnesota Timberwolves center Al Jefferson to miss two games
Dallas Mavericks coach calls out players
LeBron James should join Dwyane Wade on the Miami Heat
Antoine Walker's lawyer: Former All-Star trying to resolve Las Vegas gambling debts
Orlando Sentinel Callie Rivers inducted into Winter Park Hall of Fame
WEEI For Williams and Daniels, The Present Is All That Matters
Hoop Doctors The Celtics Made the Right Decision Resigning Rondo
Enterprise News Former lottery pick Williams making court contribution for Celtics
Daily Thunder Peace, Love and Thunderstanding: Random Thoughts
Dimemag Super Smash Brothers
The surprise contender in the West (and it’s not Phoenix)
10 Players Who Are About To Crash The Party
Breaking News: New Orleans Hornets Fire Byron Scott
My Random Observations- Magic/Cavs Game
Patriot Ledger Shelden Williams fitting in with Celtics
MetroWest Daily News Celtics: Dancing to a different beat
Cleveland.com Cavaliers seem to be preparing for life without Delonte West
Green Street Rasheed Wallace on D&H 11/12
Scal strikes again
Doc on Scott firing: ‘That’s our league’
KG: ‘Rondo and I have a connection’ KG: ‘Rondo and I have a connection’
Boston Sports Pulse Petey’s Corner: Celtics Need More Conditioning?
Why Do Cleveland Fans Even Root For This Guy?
NESN Celtics’ Balanced Attack Will Be Tough to Beat
Brian Scalabrine Elbows Paul Pierce at Practice
CBS Sports Hawks-Celtics Preview
Dueling Couches Scal Not A Happy Ginger
Sun Sentinel Miami Heat: Is Cleveland's supporting cast that much better?
SI.com Young Timberwolves learning the hard way
Hawks' Joe Johnson an NBA�free-agent prize few are mentioning
Ball Don't Lie Rasheed Wallace explains his 'prosthetic leg' story
AJC For the ever-improved Hawks, it's time to win in Boston
ITVT NBA Launches Two-Screen Interactive TV Application, "NBA TV Companion"
USA Today Halftime: Is Delonte West afraid to fly?
NY Times For Some N.B.A. Players, There’s No Such Thing as a Slam Dunk
Dwight Howard.com Don’t worry, we’ll bounce back!!!
Examiner Scouting the Eastern Conference: Cavs show why it’s a two-horse race

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Hawks Visit Garden Looking to Renew Rivalry

noreply@blogger.com (FLCeltsFan) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:59:00 +0000

at
Atlanta Hawks (6-2) at Boston Celtics (8-1)
Friday, November 13
8:00 PM ET
Game #10, Home Game #6
TV: ESPN, CSNHD
TD GardenReferees:    Monty McCutchen, Derrick Collins, Olandis Poole
Since the Hawks took the Celtics to 7 games in that 2008 playoff series, they have felt as though they are due a big win against the Celtics but have yet to get it. They are a young and athletic team and so the Celtics need to take them seriously. The Hawks are off to a very good start this season and will be looking to get that big win they feel they are capable of getting.

There is a subplot in this game as well. Joe Johnson was drafted by the Celtics who gave up on him while Shelden Williams was taken by the Hawks with the 5th pick in the draft and they gave up on him. Shelden has been playing very well for the Celtics and I'm sure he will be up for this game although he says that it is just another game.   He also said he wants the win, not revenge.
Kevin Garnett insists that the Celtics and Hawks are not a rivalry, but given the bad blood between these two teams going back to their first round series in 2008, I'd have to say that if it isn't a rivalry, it is fast approaching one. These two teams don't like each other and there will probably be a measure of chippiness in this game.

Probable Starters
PG Rajon Rondo 10.6 PPG 9.0 APG 3.1 SPG

SG Ray Allen 14.8 PPG 3.0 APG .343 3P%

SF Paul Pierce 18.8 PPG 5.0 RPG 4.1 APG

PF Kevin Garnett 12.9 PPG 8.3 RPG 1.4 BPG

C Kendrick Perkins Perkins 9.5 PPG 6.0 RPG 2.4 BPG

Reserves
Eddie House
Rasheed Wallace
Marquis Daniels
Shelden Williams
Brian Scalabrine
Lester Hudson
Bill Walker
JR Giddens

Injuries:
Tony Allen (ankle) out
Big Baby Davis (thumb) out

Probable Starters
PG Mike Bibby PPG 10.4 RPG 3.4 APG 4.4

SG Joe Johnson PPG 21.0 RPG 5.9 APG 4.3

SF Marvin Williams PPG 9.6 RPG 4.9 APG 0.4

PF Josh Smith PPG 16.0 RPG 7.3 APG 4.4

C Al Horford PPG 13.5 RPG 10.5 APG 1.9

Reserves
Jamal Crawford
Zaza Pachulia
Mo Evans
Jeff Teague
Joe Smith
Randolph Morris
Jason Collins
Othello Hunter

Injuries
None Key Matchups
vs
Rajon Rondo vs Mike Bibby
It doesn't get any easier for Rondo as he goes up against another solid veteran PG in Mike Bibby. Bibby can be dangerous from the perimeter but Rondo is quicker and can get the first step on Bibby. Celtics fans still remember Mike Bibby's comment about bandwagon fans in the playoffs 2 years ago and would love to see Rondo take Bibby to school

vs
Kevin Garnett vs Josh Smith
Smith is a very athletic and quick power forward and this will be a test of KG's mobility. Smith is a handful to guard but then, so is KG. Should be a good matchup.

Honorable Mention
Kendrick Perkins vs Al Horford
Horford has no love for the Celtics. It was and incident with Horford that earned Pierce a $25,000 fine for flashing a "gang sign" back at him. He has had scuffles with Perk more than a few times and recently he claimed that Paul Pierce owed him $10,000 for a bet they made while lined up for a free throw in that playoff series. Perk is more mobile this year and should be able to defend Horford very well. It will be interesting to see what Horford does in this game.

Game Notes
• Celtics won the season series 4-0 against Atlanta in 2008-09
• Paul Pierce led the Celtics with 23.5 points per game last season
• Joe Johnson averaged 21.3 points per game against Celtics last season
• Marked the first time in the 60 year history between the two franchises that the Celtics had swept back-to-back season series
• The Celtics are leading the all-time series 214-126 with the Celtics 114-35 at home Keys to the Game
Defense - This is the key to every game and to winning a championship this year.
Rebound - The Celtics were out rebounded by the Jazz. They need to work harder on the boards, especially on the offensive end.
Move the ball The Celtics lead the league in assists per game. Moving the ball, making the extra pass and finding the open man is crucial for this team's success.
Don't Overuse the 3 In the Jazz game, the team did a good job of balancing the 3 point shot with getting to the hoop. They need to keep up that balance.   Don't Underestimate the Hawks This team can be dangerous. They are a young, talented and athletic team. They also have a good bench. The Celtics have to come out strong and take them out of their game early because if they let them hang around, they may steal this one.

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Celtics Have Some Rough Practices

noreply@blogger.com (FLCeltsFan) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 22:09:00 +0000

Ray Allen is just getting over the 5 stitches he received courtesy of a Kendrick Perkins elbow during a walk through of some of the plays. Now, today we have 2 more reports from practice that indicate just how tough they go at each other in practice.

First, from the Globe, Paul Pierce got up close and personal with Scal's elbow.

Celtics' captain Paul Pierce sustained a cut on his right cheek, thanks to a Brian Scalabrine elbow, during a Thursday afternoon practice session. Pierce finished the 1 1/2-hour session with a bandage on his face.

Second, JR Giddens got elbowed in the head but it isn't clear who got him. from JR Giddens on Twitter, Perk was at it again.

man got elbowd by perk today i have a scottie pippen playoff knot on my head grrrr

JR says it was Perk, but WEEI is reporting that Scal got JR as well as Pierce.

Paul Pierce was sporting a bandage on the right side of his face after getting hit by an inadvertent elbow from Brian Scalabrine during Thursday's practice. Pierce wasn't the only victim of Scalabrine's physicality in practice as J.R. Giddens got hit on the top of the head.
"It went great," coach Doc Rivers said of Scalabrine's return from back spasms. "He elbowed one guy in the head and hit another guy, so he's back. Scal's back."

But, Scal denies elbowing Giddens in Scott Souza's Courtside View so it looks like Scal got Pierce but Perk elbowed JR:
While Rivers blamed a cut on Paul Pierce’s cheek and a bump on the back of J.R. Giddens’ head on Scalabrine, Scalabrine said he was responsible for only the Pierce scratch.
“I felt bad about that,” he said in a serious tone.
The Pierce cut was bandaged and described as minor.

Maybe it's a good thing they haven't had much practice time. Seems like they are rougher on each other than their opponents are.

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Fiddlin' and Diddlin' - Daily Links 11/12

noreply@blogger.com (FLCeltsFan) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:58:00 +0000

Herald Celtics leave Deron Williams searching for answers
Kevin Garnett fine after scare
LeBron James has answers for Magic
Glen Davis digs up treasure
Brian Scalabrine’s miffed
A big test for Heat
Dwyane Wade shoe-in for Air Jordan
Suns use 40-point first quarter to rout Hornets
Slimmer, healthier Eddy Curry back for desperate Knicks
Value of practice time shows for the Celtics
Celtics tune out Jazz
Globe Final: Celtics 105, Jazz 86
Final: Celtics 105, Jazz 86
Deron Williams: We're soft
Washburn: Celtics bounce back after rough stretch
Analysis of Celtics win over Utah Jazz
Garnett talks about locking down the Jazz
KG on his big dunk
Celtics vs. Jazz Photos
Davis thinks inside the box
Celtics take full advantage of break time
Doing a number

CelticsBlog Harmonizing Win
Celtics rock the Jazz
A Rested Team is an Offensively Efficient Team
Green Street NBA Power Rankings 11/12
Doc Rivers on D+C
Fast Break: Celtics - Jazz
Danny Ainge on the Big Show, 11/11
Celtics generous in win over Jazz
Walker makes unexpected return
Turn up the volume: C’s practice makes perfect
Boston SportsPulse Do The Celtics Have What It Takes To Go All The Way?
WEEI Rivers on D&C: Shoot it, Sheed
Danny Ainge on WEEI
Bulls.com NBA says refs made correct call on Miller shot
NESN What Life Could Have Been Without Kevin Garnett
Live Blog: Jazz at Celtics
Celtics' Brian Scalabrine Likely to be Sidelined Until Saturday Celtics Rock Jazz, Roll to Balanced 105-86 Victory
Rest, Practice Do Re-Energized Celtics Good in Win Over Jazz
SL Trib Utah Jazz: Boston gets no fight vs. Utah
Utah Jazz notes: Back, psyche hurt
Jazz thrashed by Celtics
Loy's Place Random Thoughts on a Fun Win Over the Jazz Comments from the Other Side - Jazz 11/11
Cleveland.com Which team is the Cleveland Cavaliers' true rival?
Muze Clothing Muze Clothing Blog -Ray's Shirt for Charity
ESPN Eastern Conference rematch -
Utah's Williams ready to go
Garnett has fun in laugher
Rondo, Perkins share duties
Walker makes season debut
Once again this season, point guard matchup is key to Celtics-Jazz game
Celtics.com Celtics Host Reading Event Featuring Educational Animal Show
Ford Keys to the Game: Jazz at Celtics
Celtics 17 Rajon Rondo Will Become the Best Point Guard in the NBA
Cocking the Gun: Celtics Three-Point Shooting Will Take Them to the Top or to the Grave
Red's Army Lay Up
Your KG Face of the Day
Your Morning Dump... Where Practice Happens
Comcast SportsNet Well-rested C's easily defeat Utah
Well-rested Celts play a tune on Jazz
Celtics Thrive Off Revamped D
Celtics Hub When Shots Fall, Blowouts Happen: C’s 105, Jazz 86
‘Toine vs. Sheed and the Importance of Context
North Station Sports Celtics Silence the Jazz, 105-86
Celtics Town The Boston Celtics' go-to guy
Running Diary: Jazz no match for rejuvenated Celtics
Lex Nihil Novi Rondo Needs to be Boston's D.Wade
McHale Thriving in 6th Man Role (83-84)
Boston -12
Celtics Keep Rolling
Larry v. Magic: Celtics have a Date with the So-Called "Great 8"
CelticsLife That's More Like It, Celts win handily
Celtics 105, Jazz 86 Highlights
Celtics/Jazz Post Game Videos
Gino's Jungle Celtics Rock and Roll the Jazz
Rondo Wins Another Heavyweight Battle
Spreadin the Wealth
Fan Huddle The Utah Jazz not in tune as they lose to the Boston Celtics
Yahoo Cavs' Delonte West misses team plane
Waiting for Next Year Cavs 102, Magic 93: The LeBron and Mo Show
Wilbon: Iverson and Cavs a Perfect Match
MetroWest Daily Celtics 105, Jazz 86: C's no fans of Jazz
Thoughts from the Jock Strap A Celtics Fan in Jazzland
NBA Talks The Celtics are Back!
ProJo Rondo, Celts drum Jazz out of town, 105-86
Celtics-Jazz pregame: Utah coach impressed with Wallace/Rivers
Celtics Journal: Garnett doing fine so far, and Rivers expects improvement
Welcome to the TD Garden
Bleacher Report Perfect Situation: Allen Iverson Is "The Answer" For The Cavaliers
Inside Source Says He Knows Where LeBron is Going
Slam Dunk Central Celtics Have The “TOUCH”; Bombard Jazz 105-86!
Sports of Boston Celtics Earn Extra Rest in Blowout of Jazz
Inside Hoops Brian Scalabrine angry at injury-causing cameraman
NBA Rumors - Thursday, Nov. 12
Dimemag Superman Too
CT News Celtics Overwhelm Jazz: 105-86 -
Patriot Ledger Celtics show what they can do
Telegram KG’s numbers not big worry
Rest Stop
Celtics Stuff Live Some Unemployed Ghosts of Celtics’ Past
Gold Rarities Postgame Show: Celtics vs. Jazz
Ohio.com LeBron to stay silent on free agency
NBA FanHouse Delonte West Speaks but Doesn't Make Much Sense
Athlete News Wire The Truth Strikes Again
Cleveland.com Delonte West sitting out Wednesday in Orlando after reportedly missing team flight
Hoopsworld NBA Power Rankings Week 2
Social Media How the Boston Celtics are using Social Media
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