In some ways, I love it.
The Celtics have lost three games for first the time all season. When they were breezing through their first half schedule, I kept thinking that it can’t be this easy, can’t it?
The Celtics have been so good so easily that real adversity has been sparse. I know that they won’t agree with that. They have put in serious hard work to achieve the record they have. I don’t disagree. It has just looked easy.
But they now have a real challenge in front of them. But it is not unsurmountable. This is when we really see what they are made of – everyone from Doc Rivers to each of the team’s leaders. I think it can only help make this team better. I think it would actually help if they played more games against the best in the west. Two games against Phoenix is just not enough.
But bear in mind, the Celtics, as bad as they played, outscored the Suns for the last three quarters last night. Neither team was stellar. That was play-off basketball intensity. The Suns were adding someone who is still a force (Shaq) to be reckoned with in the middle and the Celtics were trying to play defense against one of the top offenses in the game. With Shaq now in the middle it gives Amare a license to roam and roam he did.
From figuring out what to keep, and how to keep it, from the time KG was out, (read that: Rondo’s stepped up play, mostly) to getting back to playing solid D, rebounding and still running a smooth, confident offense, the coach and team have some work to do.
Has running into high flying, high scoring west coast powerhouses had something to do with it? It sure has. Welcome, Boston to west coast ballin’….on their own courts. You don’t the calls you get at home at their places. It changes things a bit. They have to find a way to deal with it if they want to win a championship. A revamped Cavalier team, the Magic and the Pistons don’t play basketball like that. That is what makes these games a little harder. There is no one on the east coast that plays like that.
There is no question that the three leaders on this team can figure things out. They have to and they will. Paul and Ray will rarely have as bad shooting games combined as they did last night. Kevin and the other bigs will have to control the boards more and they will. They have done it all year. They will or dreams will die.
Still, it makes you wonder if Danny should fill those 2 open spots.
Celtics have interest in Barry, Magloire, and Andersen
I have no idea what big could be had. Jamal Magloire was just released from New Jersey. I’m not sure what he has left. Apparently not much. But Marc Spears of the Globe has reported that the Celtics will inquire about him.
Marc also said that the Celtics (and all of the other play-off bound west coast teams) are interested in recently released sharp shooting (43% from downtown this year, 95% Foul shooting, 68 play-off games and 2 championships) Brent Barry. The Cs look to be a long shot as he could ply his trade on the west coast which is closer to home.
The Cs are also said to be interested in soon-to-be-reinstated big man (6′ 10″ ) Chris Andersen of the New Orleans Hornets, if he is released from the team, as is expected.
Rumors abound that the Clippers are finally thinking of a buy out for Sam Cassell…again. Sam won’t play better defense than Rondo, but he can make some big time 4th quarter plays on the other end.
Anyway, this rumor has been going on for a while, we should know if there is anything to it soon. Coincidentally, March 1 is the next important date. Sam must be released by then to be included on a play-off roster on another team this season. The Celtics play the Clippers on Monday, March 3rd. They would actually have to wait until Tuesday at 6:00pm for him to clear waivers according to Marc.
The Celtics first go to Portland for a game on Sunday.
