CelticsBlog

Beat By Bucks

2010-03-10T03:26:48Z

More photos » Jeffrey Phelps - AP

Not enough

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Paul's shot didn't fall, so the Celtics did.

T-Mobile Trivia Challenge - Free Tickets!

2010-03-10T01:04:07Z

This post is sponsored by T-Mobile.

I must say, T-Mobile outdid themselves this time. They gave us 70 free tickets to tomorrow's Memphis game!!! (And there's more on the way in the next few weeks)

So I decided to do things a little differently today.

Below is a link to a quiz. The first 35 people to answer all the questions correctly gets a pair of tickets. Go! Go now! (Duplicates will be deleted)

Update: The Quiz is Closed - sorry, no more entries

Celtics Visit Red Hot Bucks Looking for 5th Straight Win

2010-03-09T20:30:25Z

at
Boston Celtics (40-21) at Milwaukee Bucks (33-29)
Tuesday, March 9
8:00 PM ET
Game #62, Road Game #33
TV: CSN HD, FSN Wisc, NBA LP 760, 761
Bradley Center
Referees:     Tom Washington, Marat Kogut, Jason Phillips

Game Thread      l     Chat

The Bucks have been on a roll as of late. They are 9-1 in their last 10 games and have won 3 in a row. The Celtics have been picking up the pace lately also, having won 7 of their last 10 and they bring a 4 game win streak into this game. The Bucks are in the 5th spot in the East, 7.5 games behind the Celtics who are in the 3rd spot, just a game and a half behind the Magic.

The Celtics beat the Bucks 98-89 in Boston earlier in the season, but this Bucks team is way different from the one we faced then. 6 players that were on the floor for the Bucks then have been traded and John Salmons, Primoz Brezec, Ersan Ilyasova, and Royal Ivey have replaced them in the rotation. Salmons and Ilyasova have both been hot for the Bucks in recent games.

The Bucks come into this game well rested having last played on Saturday while the Celtics have had one day off coming into this game. Both teams are coming off a win over the Washington Wizards, although the Bucks' win was a blowout and the Celtics barely squeaked by after sleepwalking through the first 3 quarters.

We are entering the stretch run now where every game counts toward getting home court advantage in the playoffs. The Celtics can't afford to lose focus and hope to flip a switch sometime during the game. They may have gotten away with that against the Wizards, but that will be much tougher against a team like the Bucks. One win streak will end and if the Celtics don't want it to be theirs, they need to come out focused and play for 48 minutes.

The Celtics could possibly face the Bucks in the playoffs and so they must send a message in this game so as not to give the Bucks any momentum or confidence should they meet up in the playoffs.

Coach: Doc Rivers
Average Age: 29.0
Average Height: 6-6
Average Weight: 228

Probable Starters

PG: Rajon Rondo PPG 14.1 APG 9.9 SPG 2.5
SG: Ray Allen PPG 16.5 APG 2.7 3P% .352
SF: Paul Pierce PPG 17.7 RPG 4.4 APG 3.2
PF: Kevin Garnett PPG 14.4 RPG 7.5 BPG .9
C: Kendrick Perkins PPG 10.8 RPG 7.8 BPG 1.8

Coach: Scott Skiles
Average Age: 28.4
Average Height: 6-6
Average Weight: 220

Probable Starters

PG: Brandon Jennings PPG 15.8 APG 6.1 SPG 1.4
SG: John Salmons PPG 13.8 APG 2.6 3P%..370
SF: Carlos Delfino PPG 10.6 APG 5.3 APG 2.6
PF: Luc Richard Mbah a Moute PPG 6.7 RPG 5.5 BPG .6
C: Andrew Bogut PPG 16.0 RPG 10.3 BPG 2.4

Key Matchups
vs
Rajon Rondo vs Brandon Jennings
The Bucks rookie PG has been impressive and is one of the leaders for Rookie of the year. Rondo has been impressive himself as of late. Rondo needs to use his experience to get the best of this matchup.

vs
Kendrick Perkins vs Andrew Bogut
Bogut been having a great year and is a big reason that the Bucks are playing very well. There should be some good battles between these 2 physical centers.

Honorable Mention
Kevin Garnett vs Luc Richard Mbah a Moute
KG has a big height advantage over the 6'8" Mbah a Moute and should be able to get his shot off over him. But KG will need his speed and mobility to keep up with the young and athletic Mbah a Moute on the defensive end

Keys to the Game
Defense, Defense, Defense
Rebound the Ball
Strong Start -Don't dig a hole
Focus for 48 minutes

Daily Links 3/9

2010-03-09T17:37:50Z

Herald Relentless defense critical to Celtics
Scouting report: Celtics at Bucks
Cavs win as LeBron James gets rest
CelticsBlog KG's Kiss
Love & Marriage
Celtics Green On Any Given Sunday
CSN-NE C's pick up their play, trash talk

Red's Army    Enemy Chatter: I can feel KG's lips touching my face
My day with the Red Claws
Matt Barnes vs Kobe Bryant
Photo Essay: Anatomy of a game winner
Your Morning Dump... Doc has figured it out
More C's fans doing cool things
Big Baby's (almost) star turn
Pro Basketball Talk   Sheed stops shooting threes, the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse arrive
Why Steve Nash is the Best PG in the NBA
Green Street     Report: Marbury demanding more money in China
Garnett: Ray is playing ‘beautiful basketball’
Celtics Hub    Inside the Actor’s Studio with Big Baby
Emptying the Sloan Notebook
We Are All Witnesses
North Station Sports     Magic & Bird-- A Courtship of Rivals: One of the Best Sports Documentaries Ever Made
Today's NBA/Boston Celtics Links 3-9-10
Celtics Town    Trash talk a good sign for Celtics?
Poor Antoine Walker… literally
The Nate Robinson Effect
Davis ‘coming into his own’? Ehh…
Glen Davis and fiancee to have child
Hardwood Houdini   Ray Allen Is An Animal
Lex Nihil Novi    Leon Powe Continues his Comeback
E.House Trails Off after Big Debut
While We're Getting Caught Up
"I Got 'em. I Finally Got Him"
Celtics Life    Ray Allen- The Art of Shooting Mix
Grizzlies owner calls out Golden State's "Diarrhea of the Mouth"
The Crying Game
Gino's Jungle    My Take On What KG Is Doing
NESN    Ron Artest Shaves Purple and Gold Hair Following Loss to Magic
Celtics Ride Four-Game Streak Into Milwaukee to Visit Red-Hot Bucks
'Relaxed' Ray Allen Playing Important Role for Inconsistent Celtics
Healthy and Hot, Celtics Have Magic on Radar for No. 2 Seed in Eastern Conference
JS Online    Preview: Celtics at Bucks
Technorati     Boston Celtics Show Signs of Life
Houston Press    Game Time: Sandra Bullock Inspires Me To Salute My Favorite Moms In Sport
Philly.com    Nets threatening infamous 9-73 Sixers of 1972-73
Yahoo     '96 stars beginning to see their careers 86ed
ESPN    Three reasons to smile
Rankings agree: C's are 10th in NBA
Kevin Garnett's defense offers hope for Boston Celtics' future
Page 2's Academy Awards of sports
Report: Allen Iverson facing alcohol, gambling problems
Lakers' Artest a big Rodman fan
NBA Basketball Power Rankings
NY Post    Post-deadline Mavs have new look
Layup Drill   The Top 5 Front Lines in the NBA 2010 Edition
Patriot Ledger     Celtics are a team in disarray
Sporting News    Celtics-Bucks Preview
Lakers Don
Gator Sports    UF commitment Rivers clears air on Duke visit
NBA.com    Center-less Cavs reclaim No. 1 spot
News Observer    Giving the Devils Their Due - Basketball: Duke vs. UNC
Orlando Sentinel    NBA Power Rankings: The Orlando Magic move up to second
Celtics 18     What a night...
Florida Rivals    No. 24 Winter Park wins state title
WEEI    The Three-Pointer: Ray leads way in bizarre win
Reuters    Emmett outshines Marbury with record 71 pts in China
Bullets Forever    Wizards blow 13-point lead in loss to Celtics: Final wrap, where I blame the Minnesota guys
Dimemag    5 Reasons The Celtics Can Still Win The NBA Championship
Sports Center Overtime    Celts celebrate after this win?
Bleacher Report   NBA All Decade Team
Gator Sports    UF commitment Rivers clears air on Duke visit
NBA.com    Center-less Cavs reclaim No. 1 spot
News Observer    Giving the Devils Their Due - Basketball: Duke vs. UNC
Orlando Sentinel    NBA Power Rankings: The Orlando Magic move up to second
Celtics 18     What a night...
Florida Rivals    No. 24 Winter Park wins state title
WEEI    The Three-Pointer: Ray leads way in bizarre win
Reuters    Emmett outshines Marbury with record 71 pts in China
Bullets Forever    Wizards blow 13-point lead in loss to Celtics: Final wrap, where I blame the Minnesota guys
Dimemag    5 Reasons The Celtics Can Still Win The NBA Championship
Sports Center Overtime    Celts celebrate after this win?
Bleacher Report   NBA All Decade Team
Gator Sports    UF commitment Rivers clears air on Duke visit
NBA.com    Center-less Cavs reclaim No. 1 spot
News Observer    Giving the Devils Their Due - Basketball: Duke vs. UNC
Orlando Sentinel    NBA Power Rankings: The Orlando Magic move up to second
Celtics 18     What a night...
Florida Rivals    No. 24 Winter Park wins state title
WEEI    The Three-Pointer: Ray leads way in bizarre win
Reuters    Emmett outshines Marbury with record 71 pts in China
Bullets Forever    Wizards blow 13-point lead in loss to Celtics: Final wrap, where I blame the Minnesota guys
Dimemag    5 Reasons The Celtics Can Still Win The NBA Championship
Sports Center Overtime    Celts celebrate after this win?
Bleacher Report   NBA All Decade Team

Matt Barnes
Gator Sports    UF commitment Rivers clears air on Duke visit
NBA.com    Center-less Cavs reclaim No. 1 spot
News Observer    Giving the Devils Their Due - Basketball: Duke vs. UNC
Orlando Sentinel    NBA Power Rankings: The Orlando Magic move up to second
Celtics 18     What a night...
Florida Rivals    No. 24 Winter Park wins state title
WEEI    The Three-Pointer: Ray leads way in bizarre win
Reuters    Emmett outshines Marbury with record 71 pts in China
Bullets Forever    Wizards blow 13-point lead in loss to Celtics: Final wrap, where I blame the Minnesota guys
Dimemag    5 Reasons The Celtics Can Still Win The NBA Championship
Sports Center Overtime    Celts celebrate after this win?
Bleacher Report   NBA All Decade Team

Love & Marriage

2010-03-09T11:17:43Z

More photos » Ned Dishman - NBAE/Getty Images

a more mature love

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I was asked recently if I think that this team likes each other as much as they did two years ago and if I like them as much. I don't travel with the team and I'm no armchair psychologist, but I think they do (and I do), but in a very different way. The best analogy I could come up with was the process of falling in love and being married.

Two years ago, it was love at first sight. The Big 3 of Pierce, Allen, and Garnett found in each other what they've been searching their whole careers for. Soul mates who wanted the same thing and were willing to sacrifice to get it. It was an emotional high and nothing could bring them down. They rode that honeymoon period right on through the season and into the playoffs. Their, they found their first sobering moments and major obstacles. Instead of getting discouraged, they put their heads together and fought through the trials and came out on top. Now, not only did they have the exuberance of the early days of their marriage, they also made it through some tough times and achieved their wildest dreams because of their dedication to each other. In short, their "marriage" was made even stronger because of it and everyone benefited.

A similar feeling can be associated with the fans. We bought in early and we flat out fell head over heels in love with this team and were rewarded with an NBA title.

However, the past year and a half could be defined as the post-honeymoon period. As the years go by, you discover things about your mate that you either didn't realize before or were too love-blind to see. Little foibles become grating pet peeves. Minor annoyances become glaring weaknesses. And a funny thing happens along the way. Being married typically makes you painfully aware of your own shortcomings because you see them reflected in the way your spouse reacts to you. This doesn't mean that you love each other any less. Just the opposite.

What develops is a more mature love. A more unconditional love. When you can look at someone and really know them top to bottom, knowing everything imperfect about them and still truly love them without hesitation, that's mature love. When you've been through many, many tough times together, you know that you can get through the next one together and you find a deeper respect for each other because of it.

I think this is what has developed on the Celtics. They make no pretense of being perfect and they are fully aware of each other's faults. (And as fans, we see them and get frustrated by them to no end.) But a more mature love and respect is there. They have more and more respect for each other even as more and more cracks are showing up in the armor.

I'm not sure if all this love and respect will ultimately lead to another title. But when I hear people question the chemistry on the team, I tend to disagree (in as much as I can from afar). What I perceive is a team that is becoming a bit like and old married couple. The honeymoon is long gone, but so are many of the hardest times. They've been through it all together, so they can pretty much have what were previously 30 minute arguments by exchanging a few knowing looks and moving on with their day.

They've had their share of rough spots in the last year and a half, but there have been good times too. They've overcome a lot and they have a long road yet ahead of them. But I don't get the sense that they have given up on each other in the least.

Here's hoping that this more mature love and respect is enough to pull them together at least one more time. They need to find that spark and rekindle the flame for the uphill climb ahead of them. Just like we fans have to put aside the disappointments and gear up for the playoffs. Because there's no turning back. This one is till death do us part and we're all in. The team wants this and we want this with all our hearts. Though if it doesn't happen, we'll pick ourselves up and still love each other just as much.

KG's Kiss

2010-03-09T02:18:00Z

More photos » Matt Slocum - AP

give us a kiss Andre

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washingtonpost.com

Blatche was noticeably upset and appeared to hold back tears as he explained his encounter with Garnett, which nearly got heated when Garnett approached Blatche and tried to wrestle the ball away from him. Blatche appeared to throw an elbow as Garnett continued to taunt him. Blatche later flung Garnett into a cameraman and sent him to the foul line for two free throws. Garnett smiled as he was helped off the ground. Reserve forward James Singleton said Garnett used his "veteran senses" to needle Blatche and get under his skin. "I see myself as defending myself as a player. I'm a man, just like they a man. If a man is talking to me this close to my face," Blatche said, moving his hand toward his cheek. "I'm going to say something back. He has to respect me just like I respect him. I just, 'Get up out of my face.' He was this close in my face - I can feel his lips touching my cheek - I wasn't bragging saying 'Ah we winning.' It was 'Back up.' "

Time to grow up Andre. (You too Stephen Jackson)

The Basketball Jones - new site

2010-03-08T23:26:36Z

The Basketball Jones - new site

The best general NBA podcast around, the Basketball Jones, has moved to The Score. Check out their first episode here.

T-Mobile Player of the Week (You Decide)

2010-03-08T22:00:25Z

This post is sponsored by T-Mobile.

Seems like every week someone disagrees somewhat with my pick for player of the week, so this week I'm tossing it back to you folks. I'll give you 4 candidates and you can chose who is most deserving.

Nobody had a perfect week but all of these guys stepped up and contributed to the 4 game winning streak.

Ray Allen: Scored 18, 3, 16, and 25 points last week. In fairness, he only took 2 shots against Charlotte in just 17 minutes due mostly to the blowout nature of that win (and Paul's hot hand). Without Ray, we don't win that Washington game. Period, end of story.

Paul Pierce: An up and down week for Paul. Scored 9, 27, 7, and 17 points (after missing the previous 3 games). He had perhaps his best game of the year against the Bobcats, entertaining us with a vintage Pierce performance. However, he had some much quieter performances as well - which we've become a little too familiar with lately.

Kevin Garnett: KG is rounding into shape, it would seem. He averaged 14 points and 8 rebounds last week, which is about what you'd expect from him at this point. But like his teammates his efforts were a little uneven. He followed up a 22 point effort with an 0-7 from the field stinker last night. That said, he still got praise from his coach for his defense and pulled down 10 boards.

Rajon Rondo: Our All Star point guard probably had the most consistent (statistical) stat line - with 15, 8, 16, and 15 points to go along with 11, 6, 11, and 7 assists. Once again, the worst game of that stretch came against the Bobcats where he wasn't called upon to do much. Of course, with Rondo it seems that for every 2 good quarters of play he disappears for 1. I think he's still trying to seek that balance between taking over and deferring to his teammates.

So cast your vote. Who deserves to be the T-Mobile Player of the Week this time?

By the way, heads up: CelticsBlog will be giving away 70 tickets to the next home game courtesy T-Mobile. You read that right, 70.

Poll

Who should be last week's T-Mobile Player of the Week?

Daily Links 3/8

2010-03-08T15:34:01Z

Herald Celtics star in late drama
Newcomer Michael Finley follows in Doc Rivers’ footsteps
Mixed bag for Kevin Garnett
Orlando gets back at Lakers
How did Ray Allen get so open for his last 3-pointer against the Wizards?
Globe Updates from Celtics-Wizards
Celtics 86, Wizards 83
Full circle for Finley and Daniels, Mavericks reunited on Celtics
Allen has been on the money
Celtics 86, Wizards 83 Photos
Celtics scuffle, but tough it out

CelticsBlog    Deja-Vu Averted
Allen, Celtics provide 4th quarter heroics
Celtics Green   Comments from the Other Side - Wizards 3/7
Celtics.com    Ford Keys to the Game: Wizards at Celtics
Red's Army   T-Mobile Recap: Ray saves the day
Your Morning Dump... Where it went just like Doc drew it up
Enemy Chatter: I can feel KG's lips touching my face
Celtics Hub   Celtics Win? Celtics 86, Wizards 83
North Station Sports    Celtics Earn Cardiac Comeback, Down Wiz 86-83 3/7/10
Celtics Town   Allen, Celtics down Wizards after fourth-quarter comeback
Red Claws Fall To Third In Fourth
Morning Walkthrough: Wizards piss down their legs
Lex Nihil Novi   Why Weren't the C's Motivated? Maybe ask Doc
Did Celtics Fans Really want to Trade Ray Allen?
Celtics Life    Michael Finley Meets the Press
Celtics Pathetic in Victory
Celtics/Wizards Post Game Videos
Celtics 86, Wizards 83 Highlights
Celtics Stuff Live    Celtics Stuff Live: Mike Gorman
NY Post Shaq often is victim of malicious cheap shots
Bleacher Report    NBA Playoffs: Who Really Has a Shot at The Title
NBA Overview: My Opinion On This Seasons Best Players.
Hardwood Paroxysm   Lion Face/Lemon Face 03.08.2010: The I’m Going to Fake Fight You Edition
ProJo    Celts manage to muddle through against Wizards, 86-83
Celtics survive scare from Wizards, win 86-83
Celtics journal: Finley counts Rivers as a mentor
Pro Basketball Talk   Stuckey sits, undergoes more tests
NESN    Live Blog: Wizards at Celtics
Fourth-Quarter Surge Lifts Celtics Past Pesky Wizards
NBA.com   Allen caps Celtics' comeback with 3-pointer to sink Wizards
NBC Sports    Winderman: NBA full of stretch run storylines
WEEI   C's Davis almost had chance to show his 'Blind Side'
CSN-NE     Celtics comeback provides a glimpse of greatness
C's rally, make Wizards shot at upset disappear
Celtics notes: Finley now playing for his childhood hero
Green Street     Fast Break: Celtics vs. Wizards
Ray: We probably got away with one
Flip: ‘We choked’ against Celtics
Dimemag     Kobe’s late surge falls short in Orlando; Celtics avoid disaster
Telegram    C's wait until end
Finley likes fit with Celts
ESPN     First impressions: Celtics 86, Wizards 83
Postgame notes: Allen's heroics, Saunders flips out
Three reasons to smile
Ray Allen saves Celtics from themselves
Patriot Ledger    CELTICS NOTEBOOK: Veteran Finley looking for a fresh start
Inside Hoops     NBA Rumors: Monday, Mar. 8
Empty the Bench    Is There Anything Bill Walker Can’t Do?
Slam Online    Kevin Garnett Didn’t Hit a Shot Last Night

Allen, Celtics provide 4th quarter heroics

2010-03-08T06:24:16Z

More photos » Michael Dwyer - AP

And boom goes the dynomite...

Browse more photos »

With a little over six minutes left in the fourth quarter, and the Celtics down 66-79, the Celtics called timeout. This gave fans a chance to find the closest exit, and there were some who did. You couldn't really blame them at the time. Based on the way the first three and half quarters were going, and the Celtics track history this season at home against much poorer teams (Nets anyone?), they had every right to leave. Those fans are probably kicking themselves right about now.

The Celtics went on to close out the last 5:56 of the game on a 20-4 run and defeated the Washington Wizards 86-83. Amazing what a little defense can do!

"We should have played with that intensity all game," admitted Paul Pierce. "Once our defensive intensity picked up it changed the whole ball game from us getting up on guys, making them do things that they didn't want to do. Tonight we saw something that I like to see at this point in the season, coming down the stretch. We saw the Celtics that we are used to seeing."

Maybe in the past two seasons, yes, but fans were treated to a comeback that hasn't been all too common this season, and it was certainly a breath of fresh air.

"You know, it was good to win a game like this, as far as I was concerned," said Coach Doc Rivers. "We've lost so many of these, where we've played poorly and lost. It's nice every once in a while to play poorly and win."

Down 13 points, Rivers spent the timeout getting on his team about stepping up the defense and not putting up poor shots. They responded with the type of basketball that fans have expected to see out of them for 48 minutes, and not six.

"I said ‘we have to be perfect from this point on defensively, we have plenty of time'. We really didn't but you have to get them not to start thinking hero shots. That was my whole purpose offensively is let's get stops, look for twos, not threes, and just play solid basketball."

While the Celtics did in fact attack the rim and not look for the "hero" shot, Ray Allen played the hero role very well in the closing minutes of the game. Rondo went to the line to try to complete the three point play that would put the Celtics one point away from tying it. Rondo missed the free throw, but Perkins ended up with the ball and found Allen open for the three pointer with 1:33 left in the game. It gave the Celtics their first lead since midway through the first quarter.

A Randy Foye jump shot would give the Wizards a one point lead with 1:17 left on the clock. The Wizards had a chance to expand on that lead, but Foye missed on his three point attempt. There was a scramble for the rebound, and when the dust cleared, Garnett ended up with the ball and the timeout with 27 seconds left on the clock.

"I don't even know man, that was a bar fight," Garnett said with Pierce laughing in agreement. "Chairs were thrown, bottles were breaking. You had to get your back to something and just swing. So that's what that was, all grit."

Throughout his career, Allen has been one of the best in utilizing screens and picks to get open. This was no different tonight, as Doc drew up the play in the timeout that worked exactly as planned. Ray Allen did a nice job in summing up how it all went down.

"Sam (Cassell) was over there heckling on the sideline when I walked down and he was trying to talk to me, and you know how Sam is. He looked at me and was like, ‘You're getting the ball, you're getting the ball, I know you're getting the ball!' So, you know I tried to shrug it off, so when I went to fake to Rondo I just cut out and Mike Miller is riding me and he's kind of riding me making sure I don't get the ball and he's pushing me (the opposite) way so I just kind of lazily cut through to the basket and Perk and Kevin were coming up. And the minute he thought I was going that way I just cut hard and they got him. I was sitting there wide open."

And did Cassell, a man of many words, have anything to say after that?

"No, he probably was just kicking himself," said Allen. "I told him he needed to wear a tie."

Allen ended the game 10-15 with 25 points, 18 of which came in the second half.

"I thought that once (Allen) got into a nice, little rhythm, I think that everyone else, you know, fed off of that a little bit," said Garnett. "When it was time to really get him open for the three, we got him open, and he hit a big shot."

Deja-Vu Averted

2010-03-08T03:47:13Z

More photos » Michael Dwyer - AP

That was closer than it should have been.

Browse more photos »

For 3 and a half quarters, this had the look and feel of the Nets game. Then the Celtics somehow turned a 13 point deficit (with just 6 minutes left) into a win.

The Celtics played with no heart for the first three quarters. They looked pathetic.
The Wizards were the ones that came out with the heart and energy that the Celtics had no answer for, ...until, you know, the last few minutes.
Who is Andre Blatche and how did he get the best of KG, ...until, you know, the last few minutes.
8 blocked shots for the Wizards. Eight!
We let them dominate the pace of the game for most of the game. We can't do that. Our transition D isn't good enough to keep up with a younger team. We have to slow teams down and methodically pick them apart. Run when there's an opportunity, but not because the other team is dictating the pace.
I think I've figured out how I feel about Davis - and it isn't anything really new. He does pretty well ...for a guy his size. That qualifier will never leave him. He'll always be too short (and not athletic enough to overcome it). So he'll always be fundamentally flawed. Too bad, because he does have heart.
The Wizards showed a lot of heart, until they faced a charging rhino of a Celtics team. Then they wilted. That's just inexperience. That won't happen against better teams. But I'll still take it.
I was very emotional in this game. Just really upset for most of the game, ...until, you know, the last few minutes.
Thank you Rondo. Thank you Ray. Thank you Celtics for finally waking up and doing what you should have done to begin with.

Celtics Host Wizards In A Late Sunday Night Special

2010-03-07T22:25:30Z

Alex Brandon - AP

Tony Allen uses telekinesis to keep the ball out of Andray Blatche's hands. Either that or he over-dribbled and turned it over. I'm sure it's one of the two. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

View full size photo »

Washington Wizards (21-38) @ Boston Celtics (39-21)
Time: Sunday, March 7th, 8:00 PM EST
Venue: TD Garden
TV: ESPN Radio: WEEI
The Line: Celtics are 17-11 at home, and have won 5 straight games against WAS

Chat Room | Game Thread

The Celtics are playing a team they have never played before. The last time the C's faced off against the Wiz, they faced a team reeling from a scandal that was underachieving anyway under the now traded Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison. Effectively they were facing a de-fanged snake, a team that had high pre-season expectations as a possible dark horse but by Feb 1st had been reduced to a 16-31 record with really no hopes of redeeming the season, and little hope with the current roster going forward to the future.

The team the Celtics face tonight though is far from that squad though. Three of the starters in that February game have been traded away (Butler, Jamison, Brendan Haywood) and now the Celtics face a sort of enigma. No question, this roster will look very different come opening day next season, but right this is just a team full of guys that are finally getting to show what they're capable of. Andray Blatche pre-Jamison trade? Less than 10pts per contest. Since? 24+ points and 10+ boards. Other players have stepped it up too; Javall McGee has average double digit points and near double digit rebounds as well.The Celtics might be 5-0 against the Wizards, but they're 0-0 against THESE Wizards.

I guess the point I'm making here is that this game is just as dangerous as any other. If the Celtics take it seriously from tip-off til the final tick of the 4th, than they should be okay. But if they don't, there is no telling how this game will go.

Probable Starting Lineups:

Boston Celtics


.	POS	NAME	MIN	PTS	REB	AST
.	PG	Rajon Rondo	36.8	14	4.5	9.9
.	SG	Ray Allen	36.3	16.3	3.4	2.7
.	SF	Paul Pierce	34.9	17.7	4.4	3.2
.	PF	Kevin Garnett	30.2	14.5	7.4	2.8
.	C	Kendrick Perkins	28.1	10.8	7.8	1.1
.	6	Rasheed Wallace	23.5	9.7	4.1	1.1
.	7	Marquis Daniels	21.1	6.6	2.3	1.8
.	8	Tony Allen	18.4	6.7	2.8	1.5
.	9	Nate Robinson	17.5	9.8	2.3	1.8
.	10	Glen Davis	16.9	6.1	3.9	0.8

Injuries and Stuff: Tony Allen (DTD), Marcus Landry (D-League)

Washington Wizards


.	POS	NAME	MIN	PTS	REB	AST
.	PG	Randy Foye	24	10.4	1.9	3.2
.	SG	Mike Miller	31.7	9.8	5.8	3.5
.	SF	Al Thornton	30.8	12.9	5	1.1
.	PF	Andray Blatche	24.4	11.3	5.9	1.5
.	C	JaVale McGee	11.9	4.3	2.5	0.2
.	6	Earl Boykins	18.4	7.6	1.3	3
.	7	Nick Young	16.7	7.1	1.4	0.6
.	8	James Singleton	19.7	5.7	6.8	0.4
.	9	Shaun Livingston	9.3	3	1	1.5
.	10	Quinton Ross	14	3	1.1	0.1

Injuries: Josh Howard (OUT)

Matchup of the Night: Andray Blatche V Kevin Garnett

Blatche is just the type of mobile high energy multi-talented big that gives us problems. Sure, if all he wanted to do was post up and play defense, we'd be kosher. But Blatche wants to run the floor. He wants to go 110% on the boards...heck he even wants to hit a three-pointer once and a while. Garnett is going to be running tonight, and if Garnett can't guard Blatche I'm not sure anyone on our team has the combination of length and speed to do it. I'm not saying Blatche is a world beater or anything, but he's a potential mismatch for almost anyone in the league because of his unique body and skill set. The C's need to make sure he never gets a sliver of confidence this game.

Three Keys To The Game For The Good Guys:

1) You can't look at just one guy. You gotta look at all the guys.- The Wizards are a different team than most others, in that most other teams generally have a good idea about who is going to be churning out the production on 85% of the nights. While Blatche has been good for the Wiz so far, this team is still without a leader. What I am implying here is that this Wizards team does not have a pecking order. Randy Foye could get 4 pts or he could get 20. Same for Al Thornton. The Celtics can't gameplan around stopping one guy, because nobody has any idea from Washington who is going to score the points.

2) Don't Look A Gift Horse In The Mouth, And If You Do, Well Don't Do It Twice!!- I can only imagine that when the Celtics eggheads looked at the roster in October they saw 8 straight wins in between the bookend Cleveland games of 2/25 and 3/14. Well, we sure screwed the pooch with the Nets game, but since then we've rattled off 3 straight wins. While the Grizzlies and Bucks are no pushovers, they're far from unbeatable. This portion of the schedule is a gift from the NBA schedule makers, and lord knows the Celtics deserve it. I just hope our boys have the sense to reach out and take it.

3) Say Hello To The New Guy- An ideal game for Micheal Finley's first contest in Celtics green. While I don't imagine that M-Finn (I'm trying it out) is going to have any major impact of the outcome of the game, this should be a good no pressure home contest for the old man to get his sea-legs back, as it were.

Daily Links 3/7

2010-03-07T20:46:31Z

Herald Celtics need convincing
Doc Rivers’ medicine: Bitter pill
Up-and-down Paul Pierce looks to find rhythm
Hot Suns fight off Pacers
Globe Streak gives lift to Celtics

CelticsBlog    Random Weekend Thoughts
Celtics Stuff Live: Mike Gorman
Keep It Going
Celtics Green   Demolition--Nuts and Bolts
Random Thoughts on Michael Finley Day
Red's Army     Player of the Week: Kevin Garnett
Your Morning Dump... Where Doc's taking responsibility
A day with the Red Claws
Celtics/Wizards Game Preview
CSN-NE    Preview: C's vs. Wizards
Rondo waiting for word on National Team
Paul Pierce makes his points in many ways
Celtics Hub    Will Coaches Listen to Stat Heads?
Bias In Officiating
North Station Sports    Celtics Late Night Show: Tonight at 11 pm with ESPN's Chris Forsburg
Today's Boston Celtics/NBA Links 3-7-10
Celtics Town   Maine vs. Sioux Falls Preview
Hardwood Houdini   Rajon Rondo to Kevin Garnett – Serving the Daily Poll
Do You Approve Of The Scalabrine Chant? – Daily Poll
Lex Nihil Novi    Bill Walker: New York Knick
Was Dennis Rodman a Better Rebounder than Bill Russell?
Tiny II a Uniting Force
The C's Tanked Game 7 against Orlando
Ainge Talks of his Team's "Collapse"
The 1971-72 Lakers were Pretty Old, Too
CelticsLife    Why this win streak is important
Spanish Pride
Celtics Week In Review
Gino's Jungle    I Hope Marcus Landry Likes Lobster
Sheed May Be Starting to Come Around
Celtics Stuff Live   Kevin Garnett is Celtics’ Golden Ticket
Celtics Stuff Live: Mike Gorman
ESPN    On and off
Bias in officiating
The 1,000-game club
Michael Finley Solidifies Celtics as Most Experienced Team in the League
Celtics Paul Pierce: It's not about me
NBC Sports    Knicks set record w/ 0-of-18 three-pointers
Delonte West scores 27 points, sans LeBron
NESN   Dana Barros: Michael Finley To Provide 'Championship Foundation' for Celtics
Celtics Host Wizards in Search of Fourth Straight Win
Michael Finley Brings Experience, Scoring to Celtics
HBO Documentary Revisits Magic Johnson-Larry Bird Rivalry That Saved Basketball
Kevin Garnett Settling in on Reinvented Role as Celtics Begin to Roll
Telegram NBA: Plenty of reasons to like Rondo, Perkins
Bleacher Report C's Must Find Fountain Of Youth
Why Fans Shouldn't Write Off Ray Allen
Inside Hoops   Heat suspend Rafer Alston
Hardwood Paroxysm It’s Not Whether or Not Use Can Find the Perfect Stats, It’s How You Use Them to Play the Game
Be Less Than You Can Be
Woerriiors   Who Should Be the Warriors Next Head Coach?
NY Times Nets 113, Knicks 93 - The Knicks Make the Nets Look Like a .500 Team
Enterprise    Celtics’ Pierce, Garnett look to regain form down the stretch
Sporting News
Ball Don't Lie   You did it, Cleveland! A new world record!
Inquirer   Taking a cue from the Boston Celtics
Midwest Sports Fans   5 Things To Watch During the NBA's Stretch Run
Orlando Sentinel    We may get a Doc Rivers sighting tonight in Lakeland
Ball Don't Lie   You did it, Cleveland! A new world record!
Inquirer   Taking a cue from the Boston Celtics
Midwest Sports Fans   5 Things To Watch During the NBA's Stretch Run
Orlando Sentinel    We may get a Doc Rivers sighting tonight in Lakeland

: An Unrivaled Rivalry, Friendship
Ball Don't Lie   You did it, Cleveland! A new world record!
Inquirer   Taking a cue from the Boston Celtics
Midwest Sports Fans   5 Things To Watch During the NBA's Stretch Run
Orlando Sentinel    We may get a Doc Rivers sighting tonight in Lakeland

Keep It Going

2010-03-07T19:53:26Z

More photos » Matt Slocum - AP

Rondo found his way to the hoop multiple times in the third quarter on Friday night. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Browse more photos »

The Celtics' current three-game winning streak will hopefully be extended tonight against the Washington Wizards. To make sure that happens, the C's would be wise to continue to incorporate what has worked so well for them over the last three games. Here are four things that stuck out last week:

Balanced Scoring - The streak began last Tuesday against the Pistons, in a game where Paul Pierce only scored nine points. Fortunately, he was the only starter to not reach double figures, as Rajon Rondo, Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, and Rasheed Wallace all scored 10+ points, along with Glen Davis and Nate Robinson, who also notched double figures off the bench.

The next night against Charlotte, Pierce came back, going off for 27 points on 9-13 shooting. Allen, on the other hand, managed just three points, yet the Celtics won by 24. Then came Philadelphia, and Ray was back with 16 points, tying Rondo for the second highest total on the team behind Garnett's 22 (It's great seeing his jumper fall with consistency again). The Celtics have enough offensive weapons to keep opponents honest - something that always serves a team well come playoff time.

Bench Play - The pine guys were the driving force behind the first win of the last three. Igniting a fourth quarter run against the Pistons, Robinson and co. finished that game with a total of 39 points, good for over a third of the team's total. They then followed that performance up with 46 points against the Bobcats and 29 points against the 76ers. Robinson has so far been the spark we were hoping he would be, and Glen Davis has exhibited a worthy amount of hustle down low. With Michael Finley set to dress tonight, let's see if the newest old-timer to join the crew can add another element to what is becoming a very productive second unit.

The Rajon Rondo - Kevin Garnett Pick-and-Roll - The on-court chemistry between these two is paramount, and no longer is it noticeable solely on the alley-oops. This pair tore Philly to shreds in the third quarter on Friday night, with Garnett acting as the stone wall, and Rondo turning on the afterburners as soon as his man lost a step on him. Rondo tallied 14 points in the third quarter alone, with nearly every single one of them a direct result of pick-and-roll action with Garnett. Some teams might be better suited to defend the pick-and-roll, but with Randy Foye and Andray Blatche or Al Thornton set to get the assignments tonight, Washington does not appear to be one of them.

Defense - Something that should go hand-in-hand with this group, like peanut butter and jelly or macaroni and cheese. Yet in the four games prior to this current streak, the C's were allowing 108 points per game. Things have settled down since though, with the Celtics allowing just 88.66 points per game over this three-game streak. Surely Detroit, Charlotte, and Philadelphia might not be as capable offensively as Denver, New York, or Cleveland, but the Celtics were expected to hold these three most recent teams to respectable totals, and with Detroit being the lone exception (100 points allowed), the Celtics did just that. Tonight's another opportunity for the Celtics to shut down an opponent's offense, as the Wizards are averaging just 83.3 points per game over their last three games.

A modest three-game winning streak against three beatable opponents isn't awe inspiring, but it's one of the first steps towards this team working its way back into form as the playoffs continue to draw closer. Let's keep it rolling.

Celtics Stuff Live: Mike Gorman

2010-03-07T15:12:28Z

Celtics Stuff Live will broadcast tonight starting at 11pm following the game against the Washington Wizards. Joining us will be Mike Gorman who is a Celtics Stuff Live fan favorite. Mike always offers up excellent perspective and insight. We'll see you then!

Listen To The Show | 1-866-751-9649 | CSL@CelticsStuffLive.net

Random Weekend Thoughts

2010-03-07T04:48:07Z

Nothing really worth its own post but some random thoughts to share just 'cause.

Call me crazy but I feel like Finley will have a PJ Brown moment in the playoffs. I think Brown, after he got his legs under him, was a perfect fit and really helped our big man rotation in the playoffs in 08, and Finley doesn't exactly fill a defined need and I doubt he has much long-term impact. But at some point, I feel like he'll be called upon to make a play and I have a lot of confidence that because of his experience, he'll calmly make the play like it was a walk in the park.
So the Nets beat the Knicks by 20. I think New York is a fundamentally flawed team and prone to big collapses, but I also think that the Nets were not really as bad as their record indicated. That said, it doesn't take the C's off the hook for that loss. It was still the low point in the season. Hopefully we can keep the streak going and keep it going when we face some of the better teams.
It is going to be odd seeing the Wizards without their version of the big 3. They would seem to be easy pickings, but since the deadline they've strung together some wins based on young legs and inspired play. So I hope we don't look past them.
Hello March Madness, I missed you.
Love the following quote by Doc.

"Yeah, so we're old," said Rivers. "We don't mind. We could be young (and stupid) or old and dignified, like us."

Finley To Wear #40

2010-03-07T04:05:43Z

Finley To Wear #40

He'll join this illustrious club past jersey #40 wearers.

Terry Duerod 1981-1982
Carlos Clark 1984-1985
Dino Radja 1994-1997
Travis Knight 1998-1998
Tony Battie 1999-1999
Calbert Cheaney 2000-2000
Rick Brunson 2001-2001
Joseph Forte 2002-2002

One Blogger's Experience Behind The Bench

2010-03-06T18:38:14Z

One Blogger's Experience Behind The Bench

Nick from North Station Sports was able to get seats right behind the Celtics bench in Philly the other night. Needless to say, he was very excited.

Daily Links 3/6

2010-03-06T17:09:38Z

Herald Celtics not perfect, but making strides late
Cs ponder how to fit in Finley
Finding right fit Finding right fit
Celtics’ banner in jeopardy
Bobcats nip Lakers for second straight loss
Rodney Stuckey collapses in defeat
Globe Celtics 96, Sixers 86
Analysis of Celtics-76ers
Pistons: Stuckey is 'doing well' after collapse
Experience has a nice ring to it
Please shake this behavior
Celtics connect the dots

North Station Sports   My Experience on the Celtics Bench!
CelticsBlog    Friday Night Lights
Landry Assigned to Red Claws
Celtics Green   Comments from the Other Side - Sixers 3/5
Celtics.com    Ford Keys to the Game: Celtics at 76ers
Red's Army    T-Mobile Recap: Rondo, KG lead way over Philly
Your Morning Dump... We need the angry Celtics back
CSN-NE    Tip Off: A new feature from A. Sherrod Blakely
Celtics beat Sixers for third straight victory
Celtics Hub     Celts Take a Boring One: 96, Sixers 86
Age in Numbers
Examiner     Celtics getting desperate with signing of Michael Finley
Celtics Town    Celtics defeat 76ers, 96-86
Hardwood Houdini    Celtics Beat 76ers Making it 3 Straight
Rajon Rondo to Kevin Garnett – Serving the Daily Poll
Lex Nihil Novi    Ron Artest Goes Mark Blount on the Lakers
Celtics Return to Scene of the Crime
Johnson & Johnson
Garnett Makes an Oblique Reference to the Switch
Are the Big 3 Actually Playing Better Together than Two Years Ago?
Rondo Gordon Orr
Celtics Finally Outrebound an Opponent
What's that they Say About Great Minds?
CelticsLife   Celtics/Sixers Post Game Videos
Celtics 96, Sixers 86 Highlights
Gino's Jungle     This Years Celtics - From A Hawks Perspective
Celtics Stuff Live   Will You Be My Valentine?!
Celtics 17 5 Reasons For Signing Michael Finley
Only Gators    Austin Rivers reaffirms UF commitment…sort of
WEEI     celtics - The Three-Pointer: It was Rondo to the rescue for Celtics
Rajon Rondo, Celtics Guard on WEEI
Eagle Tribune    Feeling like a Celtic
Philly.com   76ers tighten defense, but can't catch Celtics
Celtics outlast Sixers, 96-86
Inside Hoops   Bill Walker has chance to shine with Knicks
Courier Post    76ers' defensive problems mount
MLive     Rodney Stuckey's health scare makes Detroit Pistons' problems seem insignificant
Daily Caller   Rondo double-double lifts Celtics past 76ers
Dimemag    Scary incident mars Cavs/Pistons; Kobe can’t beat Charlotte
ESPN    First impressions: Celtics 96, 76ers 86
Michael Finley might be long in the tooth, but he fits right in with the Boston Celtics
Doc: Finley 'has basketball left in him'
Tony Allen sits out vs. 76ers
Landry assigned to Red Claws
Hoop Doctors   Who Deserves 6th Man Award?
Green Street     Fast Break: Celtics vs. 76ers
NESN    Live Blog: Celtics at 76ers
Rajon Rondo's Strong Second Half Helps Celtics Net 96-86 Win Over Sixers
Pro Basketball Talk     Bill Walker is not the Knicks savior, but he is fun
No Guts No Glory   Celtics Continue Push For The Title Of 'Oldest Team Ever Assembled' By Signing Michael Finley
UB Spectrum   Punching in my top five brawls
NY Times Still Going One on One and Giving No Ground
The Best Blogs    Rondo hasn't stopped playing HORSE
A Stern Warning Adam Morrison hopes he's still allowed to wear #6
Slam Online   Can Michael Finley Help the Celtics?

Landry Assigned to Red Claws

2010-03-06T16:03:30Z

According to a Celtics press release:

The Boston Celtics announced today that forward Marcus Landry has been assigned to the Maine Red Claws. Landry is the team’s fourth assignment to the NBA Development League this season.