Celtics Central

The young New Jersey team played without their safety Net – Vince Carter. The results were no surprise. They hit the ground hard as the Nets were handily beaten 83-66.

The Celtic starters ran up a 30-18 first quarter lead and it appeared to not be competitive for the rest of the game.

I didn’t see this one, so it’s basically a boxscore breakdown from here.

Gabe Pruitt made his first start and made the most of it, playing 44 minutes, scoring 11 points, leading the team with 12 rebounds and 7 assists, but had 6 TOs. Gabe finished with a gaudy +20 on the night. It must have seemed quite different playing with the starters for so long. Gabe is trying to make a case to keep Sam Cassell in coach mode.

Kendrick Perkins had a strong offensive game against rookie Brook Lopez and his replacements, scoring 18 points in 23 minutes on 5 of 7 shooting, 8-10 foul shooting, and 9 boards (6 offensive). No one else on the Celtics scored in double figures.

Coach Frank did not play team leader Carter, Eduardo Najera, Josh Boone, Jarvis Hayes, and Stromile Swift. Whether it was a concession or not, he must have wanted to look at other players more closely. Rookie Ryan Anderson made the most of it and led the Nets with 20
points in 25 minutes.

The Nets are in full rebuild mode, but have some interesting pieces on the team. It will be a learning year as they develop and try to find some chemistry.

Celtic power forward Glen Davis appears to have had another solid outing with 8 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals, and a block in 18 minutes.

The Celtics did not shoot well at .415, but the Nets were worse at .319 and the Celtics outrebounded the Nets by twenty-seven – 56-29.

Rajon Rondo did not play, just to be safe with a mild ankle turn.

Next: Boston plays the Knicks in New York on Tuesday.

The Celtics lost at home to the New York Knicks 104-97.

Eddie House was Eddie Money last night with 27 points in 30 minutes on 16 shots. You might say House has found a home.

And with his new contract, just maybe he’s bought two tickets to Paradise.

The Knicks actually resembled a team for much of the night and played some defense. Nate Robinson lit up the Celtics for 19 points in 13 minutes to lead the Knicks. Randolph added 15 points. David Lee started, with Eddie Curry now coming off the bench.

Rajon Rondo sprained his ankle in the 3rd quarter and did not return.

It seemed Eddie was money, even though it got a little sloppy when the Cs started singing ‘Take Me Home Tonight’ and he started chucking up bombs like a high school star trying to get his average up. Still, he kept things exciting almost until the final buzzer. He finished 10 of 16 overall and a laser-like 7-11 from the 3 point line.

With the big three playing limited minutes again, after sitting out last night, someone had to step up and make shots. House has answered the call twice in a row.

Pierce scored 15 points in 14 minutes. Ray Allen added 10 points in 10.5 minutes. Kevin Garnett added 11 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 TOs in 26 minutes.

Kendrick Perkins had 7 rebounds and 6 boards in 20 minutes in a solid outing as he continues his return from shoulder problems.

Eddie House has demonstrated over the last few games what a consistently good shooter he is. It almost makes you wonder what he could do with more regular minutes. Almost. teams are still apply pressure, at times, when he brings the ball up. Putting he and Pruitt together gave the team two ball handlers in the game.

Tony Allen had 11 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals and 4 TOs in 25 minutes. Patrick O’Bryant had 4 blocks and 8 boards in 14 minutes, but incurred Doc’s frustration at one point anyway. Glen Davis added 6 boards and hit a few jump shots, but finished 4-9 on the night.

Leon Powe played but 7 minutes drawing 3 quick fouls.

A Darius Miles DNP-CD is not a good sign for the player’s attempted comeback with the Celtics.

Coach D’Antoni’s new team won’t ever be mistaken for the Suns, but there was a semblence of order and effort at both ends of the court – at times. They did hand the Cs their 2nd preseason loss, though it was mostly scrubs on the floor when it mattered most.

Eddie rocked the house and seems to have found a home in Boston. After playing for 7 straight different teams each year after leaving Miami, he is playing a 2nd season and signed for yet another in Boston. Eddie said “I Wanna Go Back” and they made it happen, giving the Cs some of the sweetest long distant shooting off the bench and team hustle they could obtain for the ….money.

next up: the Nets on Sunday.

No big three.

No Jefferson. No Kidd.

Vince Carter – Year of the Solo.

The Celtics win 111-108.

Tony Allen with 32 points (22 in the first half) and Eddie House with 21 lead the Celtics over a Net team that is under assembly. Interesting parts. Mostly young. Potential? To be determined later.

I present for your consideration…

odd thoughts…

What if Rondo played on a team where he had the green light to develop his offensive game?

What if Kendrick Perkins did?

We saw a part of the answer two seasons ago. But that was two seasons ago.

Would they be higher scorers but not as efficient with the ball? Most likely.

Would Bill Walker be looking this good on say…the Nuggets?

Would J. R. Giddens play better or…worse?

Is there any other team’s situation that could possibly be any better for Patrick O’Bryant than the one he has here?

My point:

The influence of the three Celtic stars, the team’s success, the system they play – all impact the perception of the other players trying to make this team. That is the filter.

All determinations made about these players are done within the context of this team only.

That being said…

It is still very early but…

Tony Allen will be better more often than he is not.

Patrick O’Bryant will have his best opportunity to blossom here.

Same for Bill Walker, though I could see someone develop the opposite case for him.

Gabe Pruitt is gaining confidence and could develop a role with this team.

The star-less Celtics just beat the almost star-less New Jersey Nets.

The difference is that the Celtics’s stars were just resting.

Here are the play-off match ups based on my predictions:

Eastern Conference

1) Boston
2) Detroit
3) Orlando
4) Cleveland
5) Philadelphia
6) Washington
7) Toronto Atlanta

I’m amazed. It is the exact same 8 teams as last season (not all in the same positions).

But I don’t really see any of the bottom teams making the jump to the play-offs.

Miami could. Chicago definitely could. But I’m not a believer in either.

Detroit and Boston should lead again. Orlando, Cleveland, and Philly are all about the same, IMHO. Then there’s Washington and Toronto, while Atlanta barely makes it again. Cavs could again be dangerous in the play-offs.

East:

First Round:

Boston over Atlanta
Detroit over Toronto
Orlando over Washington (tough pick)
Cleveland over Philly

Eastern Semis: (Deja vu all over again)

Boston over Cleveland
Detroit over Orlando

Eastern Finals:

Boston over Detroit

Western Conference:

1) Lakers
2) Houston
3) New Orleans
4) Utah
5) San Antonio
6) Phoenix (tie)
7) Portland (tie) Dallas

Again, amazing. One team out – Denver – and one team in – Portland.

Clippers, Golden State, and Denver all have a chance – but I doubt it.

West:

First Round:

Lakers over Dallas
Houston over Portland
New Orleans over Phoenix
San Antonio over Utah

Western Semis:

Lakers over San Antonio
Houston over New Orleans

Western Final:

Houston over Lakers (and home court disadvantage)

NBA Championship Series

Boston over Houston

2009 NBA Champions – Boston Celtics

Thoughts….

Houston is a scary team and will give the Cs a whale of a battle but the Boston Celtics repeat as NBA Champions. I have Boston and Houston both with 58 wins, so I don’t know who gets home court. But it won’t matter.

Until someone plays as hard and as unselfishly, it is the Celtics title to lose. The Celtic bench might not be as good but the starting 5 will be better.

What team has a 3rd option as good as Ray Allen?
Answer – None.

Boston brings back Banner 18.

What tough seven game series?

Whatcha got Cleveland?

The Celtics have now beaten the Cavaliers 3 straight times including the legendary 7th game of the conference semi-finals.

Understanding it was bench player time, Boston’s bench was better. Leon Powe put the Cs ahead at 85-84 and they went on to win with another Powe fade away jumper and two Eddie House free throws iced it with 2 seconds left.

Ray Allen led in the first half, finishing with 15 points on 5-9 shooting, and Leon Powe put on the show in the 2nd half, finishing with a game high 17 points on a nice assortment of moves around the hoop. He was 8-12 from the floor.

Kevin Garnett led with 7 rebounds and added 11 points. Paul Pierce chipped in with 14 points. Eddie House led everyone with 4 steals and added 8 points.

But this game was about watching Gabe Pruitt to see if he can continue to show he can run the team effectively. While not outstanding, Gabe didn’t do anything to hurt his chances..of getting more chances. He should get better as he gets those crucial game time minutes. He is just smooth enough, just quick enough, and hopefully will become consistent enough to gain Doc and the team’s trust going forward.

In case you haven’t noticed, Sam Cassell hasn’t played but one game. That is not without meaning.

It was also about watching Patrick O’Bryant work with the 2nd unit. Not as smooth as with the starters, O’Bryant blocked Lebron at the hoop and will be tough in the paint at either end of the court with either unit. He will just have to learn to play hard all of the time.

Tony Allen had the play of the game with a behind the head, peek look to Powe underneath. Rajon Rondo also had a highly difficult penetrating pass to Powe at the hoop for two points.

Coach Brown said he would go easy on Lebron after an Olympic summer and he has. Lebron played just 17 minutes, scoring 12 points.

Jawad Williams played well, adding 13 points. Daniel Gibson led the Cavs with 14 points. Delonte West is absent from the Cavs for personal reasons. Coach Brown said he doesn’t know when Delonte will be back.

Doc Rivers said he would sit Bill Walker to look at the other players. Darius Miles had a few nice plays, but hasn’t made a compelling case to make Doc keep him on the roster. I feel he is still on the bubble.

Glen Davis led the team with 3 offensive boards and 6 total boards as he continues to learn how to be effective as a role player on this team.

Two young Cavalier big bodies who just might have something to do with just how far the Cavs go this season, rookies JJ Hickson and Darnell Jackson, both played credible games. Hickson had 7 rebounds and Jackson was 4-4 shotting at one point. Both finished with 8 points.

So, the Celtics’ continue to see who might step up. Former #3 lottery pick Patrick O’Bryant and 2nd year point guard Gabe Pruitt both look like they can develop into contributing members of the team as the year goes on.

The starters look pretty well in sync in short minutes each game so far. They could be every bit the force they were last year – maybe more. The Cs are 3-1 so far in very close games. But hey, it is the preseason. Who’s counting?

Like last season, I’m making a few revisions before the season starts.

But first, a few thoughts……

I can’t speak for others, but my picks are done in ‘real time’ – meaning they equal exactly 1230 wins and 1230 losses – the exact number of each for the season. It’s really the only way to do it.

I also give my preseason expectations for the play-offs and the new NBA Champion 2008-9.

I do have a few surprises. It’s too easy to follow the crowd and ‘be safe’.

My Miami, Dallas, Golden State and Denver predictions are all pessimistic, but I’m making a few adjustments. My Philly, Portland, and Houston picks are all optimistic. I like those teams and think they will surprise, providing the injury bug doesn’t bite.

Here are the final predictions:

Eastern Conference

Atlantic:

Boston 58-24
Philadelphia 48-34
Toronto 45-37
New York 28-54
New Jersey 23-59

Central:

Detroit 55-27
Cleveland 49-33
Chicago 33-49
Milwaukee 32-50
Indiana 30-52

Southeast:

Orlando 52-30
Washington 46-36
Atlanta 39-43
Charlotte 35-47
Miami 35-47

Western Conference
Pacific:

Lakers 59-23
Phoenix 48-34
Golden State 36-46
Clippers 35-47
Sacramento 25-57

Northwest:

Utah 53-29
Portland 48-34
Denver 41-41
Minnesota 28-54
Oklahoma 21-61

Southwest:

Houston 58-24
New Orleans 55-27
San Antonio 50-32
Dallas 44-38
Memphis 21-61

Next up: The Play-offs and Champion

Gabe Pruitt banked in the winning shot to go with 4 steals, and 8 points on 4-7 shooting.

It was a game of tough defense by both teams, as formerly offensive minded Houston Rocket coach Adelman has bought into defense as the way to an NBA Championship.

In a brief conversation last night with another coach known for his defensive emphasis, Cavalier coach Mike Brown, he said, “(Getting the championship) been that way for 15 years.”

Rick was relieved of his long time coaching duties in Sacramento, they say, because he wasn’t defensive minded enough. When coach Adelman was told that, his response was, “give me defensive players, if you want me to play defense.”

He now has (arguably) defensive player number one in Ron Artest, ironically from his former team, the Kings, and a team that was already defensive minded when he arrived in Houston. It just needed a little of Adelman’s offensive genius and player motivation.

Two time Westen Conference Finals winner Adelman has slowly put his stamp on the team. This team is now a legitimate contender for Western Finals. It’s two stars, Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady are also a bit fragile.

But the Celtics and Rockets played a competitive game with lots of physical contact and 37 Celtic fouls and 3 technicals called.

Point guard Gabe Pruitt had a solid performance, as did forward/center Glen Davis with 12 points and 6 rebounds. Glen used his weight effectively in keeping Yao out of the middle. The Celtics scored 42 points in the paint to the Rockets 28.

Paul Pierce scored 15 points as the Celtic stars all played between 22-25 minutes. Kevin Garnett had 10 points and 7 rebounds in 22 minutes. Ray Allen added 9 points on 4-8 shooting. Rajon Rondo had 6 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds and a steal in 24 minutes.

Patrick O’Bryant has contributed in three straight games and looks to be solidifying his spot on the team and in the rotation. He is a work-in-progress, but could fill PJ Brown’s role, as length off the bench if he continues to improve.

Pruitt did not hurt himself tonight either. Darius Miles was shut out in scoring in 9 minutes and was the only Celtic not to get a foul called on him. But Darius did have a big block of Luis Scola’s lay-up attempt with .04 left on the clock, to preserve the victory.

Leon Powe played well with 10 points 4 boards and 2 steals, but fouled out, as he and Big Baby were the Celtic’s version of the Bruise Brothers, fouling 11 times between them. Rookie small forward Bill Walker made it a trio with 5 fouls in only 9 minutes. If they take this act on the road, they could all be a big “hit”.(ouch)

The Celtics move to 2-1 in the preseason while giving the role players plenty of time this year. Doc will preserve his stars minutes more and will see how things develop for roster spots and and for playing time.

The next game is Tuesday in Cleveland against the Cavaliers again.

The Celtics staved off the Cavaliers once again.

A thrilling, final seconds victory ended with a fortuitous no call at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence, Rhode Island was fittingly preceded by a pre-game Celtic dunkathon to please the crowd coming in…. and going out.

The Celtics and Cavaliers picked up right where they left off – with another tightly contested game ending in a Celtic victory. Except that this time, LeBron did all of his damage in the first half, scoring 15 points in 13 minutes, mostly with unstoppable bursts to the basket.

The three Celtic stars played in part of the first quarter only and played well enough. The Celts biggest lead of the night was 4 points at 17-13.

Doc…

“I thought they (the fans) got their money’s worth. That’s good. Great crowd. It was nice.”

Boston’s big three weren’t initially scheduled to play.

“I really hadn’t planned on playing Kevin (Garnett) and those guys at all tonight, but I just thought honestly because we’re right here down the road, that the fans needed to see them a little bit. And they got a chance to…”

After that, the Boston “minute men” played to impress the boss. Every ball player wants more playing time, no matter what they tell you. There are a number of players on this team fighting for minutes.

Tony Allen, Patrick O’Bryant, Eddie House, and Bill Walker all made strong cases for themselves last night. Even J.R. Giddens played well.

House played solid at both ends of the court. Bill Walker played with confidence, leading the team in rebounding with 6, while scoring 10 points in 21 minutes, including some put backs with contact, in traffic.

Logging 41:34 minutes, Tony Allen led the way with 25 points, attacking the basket for 6 of 7 shooting and 13-16 from the foul line.

When asked about it, he responded…

I just want to keep it simple. You know…K-I-S-S…Keep it simple (stupid). Don’t try to do too much.

Afterwards, when asked if he considers this a chance for a break out year. He gave the ‘correct’ answer…

I’m just trying to fit in to the team’s game plan. It’s not about me. I want to just get better for the play-offs.

He also made time to laud Patrick O’Bryant…

He’s got game. I like what he brings.

Patrick had another strong game with some solid defensive play and a nice array of shotmaking going 4 for 5 for 12 points. He may not be a force in the middle, but he is definitely an obstacle….a lanky, seven foot tall obstacle, a he made a number of shots miss by his being there.

Leon Powe, Brian Scalabrine, Glen Davis and Gabe Pruitt gave inconsistent performances, in spite of Leon making the winning free throws. Doc lauded Brian’s defense, but his timing was off offensively all night.

Glen Davis played well at times, but fouled out. Doc said that he was trying to do too much. Doc’s comment on Gabe was that he “has to be more aggressive”. There were a few times that the shot clock was at 8 seconds before Gabe got the ball up, stopped dribbling around and threw the first pass of the set.

The usual pre-game lay-up line broke into a dunk contest. I’m not sure who got the crowd going but….they roared (okay murmured loudly) with excitement with every dunk that topped the previous ones and many of the Cs got in the act.

Next up are the Houston Rockets in Manchester, N.H. tonight