Celtics Central

If there is such a thing as basketball purgatory, we are witnessing it.

There are no winners and there are no losers. There are just times when one team, or the other, is ahead. If basketball games are art, this is surrealism.

Like something by Pollack, Picasso, or Dali, you aren’t quite sure just what you’re looking at. It’s inspired, from depths of the heart, done with great emotion, and a bit ugly.

Celtic Iron Men
Ray Allen played almost 59 minutes and tossed in a career playoff high 51 points, while tieing the Celtic record for three pointers with nine. He also set the record for three pointers taken with 18.

Rajon Rondo played 57 plus minutes on a sore ankle and had a playoff career high 19 assists and no turnovers. That must be a record as well.

Glen Davis played 53 minutes and hit two pressure shots, finishing with 23 points before fouling out.

Paul Pierce plays 51 minutes, gets stitches for a bloody nose, comes alive for a while with 22 points and then spent, has two huge turnovers.

Kendrick Perkins was the defensive anchor and top playoff shot blocker with 4 before fouling out. Three Celtics, Perkins, Pierce, and Davis, and one Bull, Gordon, fouled out.

John Salmons played an inspired 60 minutes, scoring 35 difficult points, while rookie Derrick Rose supported with 28 points in over 59 minutes.

If there was any doubt, an unreal series just officially certified itself as one of the most unforgettable series of all time. It has played like a Rod Serling script. A limping NBA Champion meets an up and coming young team and….. we have perfect parity. Never before in NBA history have two teams played such an evenly matched series….ever.

They might be still playing this series this time next year. Game seven – 802 overtimes laters.

The karma train stops here.
Fittingly, Brad Miller, the man who blew two free throws to allow Boston to win game 5, hits two with 28.3 seconds left in the third overtime. The Bulls hold on to win 128-127 after Derrick Rose blocks Rajon Rondo’s jumper near the key with 7.9 seconds left.

Derrick Rose was fouled with 3.2 seconds left, but missed both free throws. Rondo then heaved a long desperation three as time expired. Unlike purgatory, game 7 on Saturday will finally decide the team that moves on, providing one team can actually be ahead at the buzzer.

A Simple Moment Captures the Series
On first glance, it was a very simple moment in a much bigger story. Paul Pierce and John Salmons were continually pushing each other as they were lined up for a jump ball near the end of the neverending game.

Pierce was looking into Salmons’ eyes even as he pushed as if to say, no matter how tired I am, I will never give you quarter. Nothing more fittingly captured exactly the tone of this series than that moment. On a jump ball, late in the game, neither would give an inch for the tiniest consequence.

Pierce and Ray combined missed 5 straight shots in the OTs as they were both running on fumes. How Ray found it in himself to hit three shots and 7 points in the last two OTs were beyond me. His foot was one inch away from sending it into a fourth OT when he was barely touching the three point line on his last make with 1:57 left.

A sizzling first half for the Bulls, .639 shooting, ended up at .495 for the game, meaning that they shot 41% the rest of the way. The Celtics shot .434 on the evening.

From a fan’s point of view, this is basketball at it’s best. It is not perfect ball by any stretch, but it is played with great effort and under difficult circumstances for both teams. The Celtics are missing Garnett and Powe, Rondo and probably Pierce are nursing some injuries, while Ben Gordon is playing with a tight hamstring and John Salmons is recovering from a groin injury. Tyrus Thomas has his own personality to overcome.

There are more big shots in this series than at a mafia wedding. This game alone had enough to form its own country club. But there were plenty of misses, too.

This series has more ties than a men’s shop, more miracle shots than Louis Pasteur, more comebacks than Brett Farve, more big plays than Neil Simon, seen more pressure points than a diamond cutter’s chisel, enough blood to be on CSI, and as much dramatic inspiration as a Rocky movie.

It is a shame that it all has to end on Saturday. But this has become it’s own Celtic story of overcoming odds and player growth. Kendrick Perkins, Glen Davis and of course, Rajon Rondo have all grown tremendously. This series has been invaluable for that.

Paul Pierce and Ray Allen have each shown what makes them all stars and future Hall of Famers. And we are grateful for that.

Now they need a win on Saturday to extend their inspiring play. Either way, Celtic fans will know that they gave everything they had to the cause.

Call it the Heart Attack Series. Danny Ainge’s was an omen. These two teams are setting off EKG machine alarms everywhere. Hospital cardiac units will surely ban watching the next game.

None of these games are ever really over. It is just ‘to be continued.’

I don’t remember when I’ve seen more clutch plays by both teams in a series long playoff match up. That might be because there has never been a series like this before. An NBA playoff record was set with the third overtime (one double OT) contest of this series.

With Paul Pierce leading the way, the undermanned (Garnett and Powe out) Celtics shot 5 of 6 in OT while holding the Bulls to 2 of 8 to gain yet another hard fought win. The Cs went 4-6 in free throws while the Bulls went 7-7 in OT. Three of those might have been a gift. More on that later.

Rondo, Perkins, Davis Come Up Big
The Celtics got huge games from Rajon Rondo who continues to carry the Celtics on his back, a monster game from Kendrick Perkins with 19 rebounds, 7 blocks, including a big one on Derrick Rose in OT, and 16 points on 7 of 13 shooting. Glen ‘Big Baby’ Davis came through with a large game and an efficient one with 21 points on 7 of 11 shooting, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and zero turnovers.

Pierce Orders Surf ‘N Turf
The final course was Pierce-seared Salmons as he carved up the Bulls for dessert.

Paul put on an incredible, yet methodically controlled show as he went 5 for 5 down the stretch and in overtime to deliver the win for the defending champions. He hit jumper, after jumper, after jumper, mostly over the Bulls’ John Salmons. Incredibly, rookie coach Vinny Del Negro let Salmons continue to guard Pierce one-on-one.

From Steve Bulpett’s article with the Boston Herald…

“Yeah, I thought about doubling him a lot,” said Bulls coach Vinny Del Negro. “But the problem is that the Celtics do such a good job and he fades away and he’s 6-8 and it’s his spot. We talked about coming with different players, but they’ve picked us apart a little bit with that on the glass. And he hits some tough fadeaway shots with hands in his face.

“That’s what great players do. They make big plays. He’s an All-Star player for a reason.”

The idea would be to double him before he gets to his spot. Garnett is out. Ray Allen is out. Pierce is the one guy on the court you don’t want shooting. The only other guy who was willing to shoot is Rondo.

Paul is better from the floor with a defender on him than he is shooting free throws, missing another one in the extra period. After missing two big free throws earlier in the series that could have tied or won games, Pierce made sure this miss wasn’t needed.

Miller Misses Twice
After Pierce’s last dagger, and the Celtics up two. the Celtics heavily defended the three point line on the inbound. Brad Miller took the inbound pass just inside the arc and headed for the basket and the tie.

The Celtics closed quickly and as Rondo swept at him, Miller took hard wrap to the mouth from a Rajon Rondo hand from behind, drawing blood and possibly knocking a tooth loose with two seconds left on the clock. After going to the sidelines to clear the blood, Brad Miller stepped up and missed his first foul shot.

He then tried to miss the second, to get the rebound, but created a turnover when it didn’t even hit the rim. Coach Del Negro is claiming that it was a flagrant foul, and is hoping that the league reviews it. Miller received stitches after the game.

The Bulls fouled Pierce on the Celtics inbounds and Paul missed his first free throw, setting up a similar situation. He did manage to intentionally hit the rim on his next attempt. The rebound came to Glen Davis as he went to the floor. Celtic ball. Game over. Finally.

NBA players have voted saying that Kobe Bryant is the one they most want taking the last shot. Honestly, I’ll take Paul Pierce or Ray Allen every time. Ray fouled out with about 5 minutes left in regulation with just 10 points in 26 plus minutes.

What makes these Celtics special is that they still have one of the clutchest players in the league with Paul Pierce.

Exhausted? After 50 plus minutes, not Paul Pierce. After he delivered the consecutive knock out blows, he was interviewed walking off the court and asked if he and his mates were exhausted after three overtime games. Reminiscent of baseball’s Chicago Cubs’ Ernie Banks saying, “Let’s play two today.” Pierce answered with a big smile…

“No way. This is fun, This is what the playoffs are all about. We could play 7 overtime games. But we want to end it in six.”

It is a good thing as the Celtic bench scoring drought continues with just 5 points from the (no) relief team.

Rondo Rampage Continues
Rajon Rondo continues his spectacular play. Johnny Rondo almost delivered his third triple double of the series, leading both teams in scoring with 28 points, 11 assists, adding 8 rebounds, with 2 steals while holding Derrick Rose to 14 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals but 6 turnovers, including a critical one on a misfired alley oop pass meant for Noah as regulation was winding down.

Controversial Three Point Attempt
Ben Gordon, who continues to show a knack for clutch shooting, was just 6 for 21. But, in Ray Allen-like fashion, hit two big shots near the end and managed to get a foul called on Tony Allen on a controversial three point shot on OT.

Two replay angles clearly show that Gordon stepped on the out of bounds line with one heel. That would negate any foul after that. The refs reviewed the play and decided to allow the free throws. Gordon hit all three free throws to send the game into overtime a record third time.

The Celtics battled back from 11 down, 77-66 with 9:28 left in the 4th period and again from 89-84 with 3:45 left with a 9-4 run to tie on a Perkins put back, Rondo lay-up, Pierce lay-up, and a Paul Pierce jumper with 10.5 seconds left in regulation.

OT Scoring
In the overtime, Perkins scores the first three Celtic points on a free throw and a lay-up. Rondo scores the next four Celtic points on a quick jump, lean back in, right handed driving lay-up, and two foul shots. The table is then set for Pierce’s clinic on “how-to-make-pressure-jumpshots”, as he calmly hits three in a row in the last 1:17, just like it was pre-game practice time.

Normally the 5th game is the pivotal game. Right now, these teams look so evenly matched I don’t know that anything was concluded in this game except the Celtics now go up 3-2 heading back to Chicago for game 6 on Thursday.

The Celtics only consolation is that Philadelphia is giving Orlando the same kind of trouble. Orlando won Tuesday;s game to go up 3-2 as well.

Numbers
With Garnett out, this was the Celtics second best defensive game of the series. They held the Bulls to .395 shooting and 93 points in regulation. They also matched the Bulls in fastbreak points with 14 apiece. The Cs destroyed the Bulls inside 54 points to 32. Also, highly important, the Celtics had only ten turnovers to the Bulls thirteen. That, as much as any play, was a key to the win.

It is all tied up at two wins apiece. Game five has always been considered the pivotal game in a close series like this one.

Tonight’s is no different. Can the Celtics lose this one and come back to win two in a row? They can, but the likelihood of that shrinks with the decimated frontline of the Celtics and erratic play of Paul Pierce.

One thing working in Boston’s favor is an injury…to Ben Gordon’s hamstring. He was called out on national TV by Mark Jackson for not fighting through picks, and now we may know why. Gordon is listed as day-to-day, but he says he is playing tonight.

Gordon’s defense has never been great, but it isn’t nearly as bad as some would have you believe. Remember those great defensive teams with Skiles? Well, Ben Gordon played on those those, as well.

Certainly, his current injury could be something that the Celtics exploit.

Of more concern is Paul Pierce. Is he hurt and keeping it quiet? Or is he just not playing smart? I lean toward the first possibility.

And Paul will get the calls here that he should have received in the last game. Rondo could use more rest. His defense was un-Rondo-like late in the last game. What happened to the great offensive combo of Stephon Marbury and Eddie House? They a need chance to show something, though I understand the problem the Celtics will have with Rose during those minutes.

The Celtics need a big game out of Big Baby – Glen Davis. You have the stage, big guy. Show them what you can do out there. Play solid defense and hit those shots that were just missing in the last game. Show Tyrus Thomas who the better player is.

Kendrick Perkins needs to stay on the floor. Doc has called out the officials on Perkin’s moving picks, admitting that Perkins moves, but pointing out Bull’s counterpart, Brad Miller’s similar transgressions. I guess Brad Miller will foul out with Kendrick now. Oh wait, they both fouled out last game anyway.

It has been mentioned that Kendrick should make nice with the refs a bit as well. I have to admit that KP is a player that never fouls – in his own mind. His interior defense is critical to the Celtics’s chances of winning.

I’m sure that the Celtics feel that they were within a few foul shots of sweeping the Bulls. Tonight would be the right time to show who the better team is.

It has been a terrific series to watch with an overtime game, a double overtime game, and multiple clutch shots and astounding performances. More so for Bulls fans, but still. There is tremendous basketball being played out there.

Rajon Rondo officially joined the Big Four in this playoff series in my humble opinion. Welcome to the club. I hesitate to use the term lightly, but if you can say that “some gave all” Rondo would fit. He is largely carrying this team with a near triple double every game. The kid looks like Jason Kidd in that department, and plays better defense.

Ray Allen almost invoked God-like status with his clutch shooting in this series and even in the last game, only to find out that he is, in fact, a mortal.

All-in-all, the Celtics have not made excuses for all the injuries and lack of their defensive backbone, Kevin Garnett, and have played some terrific basketball. They made the mistake of letting the Bulls think they could play with them in the opening game. Like last year, against the young, talented Hawks, they now have to deal with that event.

I expect an excellent, well played game tonight out of the defending NBA champions this evening. Hopefully, they can stop the Bulls from doing the same.

Someone forgot to tell the Bulls that they are not supposed to play this well. The Celtics are supposed to be the clutch team.

Before I get to the individual highlights, stats, and personal duels (unintended or otherwise) that are playing out, there are a few things puzzling me about the Celtics in this game.

Switched Signals
The simple question is why is Rondo switching to a big and the Celtic bigs switching to Rose or Gordon? Rondo is often not fighting through picks effectively.

The Celtic bigs, Perkins and Davis, far too often, were caught guarding Rose or Gordon, and sometimes Hinrich on switches on the perimeter. Rondo would switch and guard Brad Miller or Noah, while the bigs were supposed to keep Rose or Gordon in front of them all the way to the hoop. There were either a number of bad switching decisions, or if that was the plan, it created mismatches that worked far more often to the Bulls favor.

Paul Pierce Questions
Paul Pierce is juking us. If not, tonight’s game plan was certainly puzzling. I’m guessing that he is nursing some semi-inhibiting malady, but covers it well and is playing politician. You can say that his numbers are about the same, but not the way he was getting them in this game.

Paul scored the last six Celtic points and led the game in scoring with 29 points, but had 6 critical turnovers, and shot 9 for 24. He also had 7 rebounds, 2 steals and an assist.

In the first half, he was met with major contact in the middle, but couldn’t get a foul called on a couple of drives. He took two foul shots in the half. Then he stopped driving almost altogether. John Salmons (recovering groin injury) or Kirk Hinrich guarded him the entire game. If Paul is really himself, doesn’t he make hamburger out of either Bull?

I can only call it a seeming lack of playoff level energy and his drives or lack there of. He did go to the line a Piercian nine times in this game. But some of those calls weren’t on drives.

In rewatching the game, when Paul got the ball in the second half, the Cs went to a spread offensive set for him to work with, often leaving him at the top with open lanes to the hoop staring him in face, and one-on-one coverage. Paul was consistently shooting straight up or fadeaway jumpshots throughout the second half and overtimes. This was done over guys he could breakdown with his size and bulk (Hinrich) or his quickness and guile (Salmons).

He opted almost every time for a jumper. More curious, the one time I remember him trying to attack the hoop was the one time he was in the paint, staring at triple coverage. He was stripped on the play. In fact Pierce has three big unforced turnovers, affecting the outcome of the game.

The second half saw no patented Pierce power drives. No spin moves, no dissected paths to the rim, no drives and kicks to open shooters or to weakside or back door cutters. Just Paul pulling up for a energy saving “J”.

Pierce was blocked three times, twice in the first half. John Salmons had three blocks in the game, two against Pierce. Salmons hasn’t blocked three shots in a game all season.

Thrilling Game
This wasn’t a great performance by the reigning champs. Ray and Paul made a number of clutch shots, yet each missed a critical free throw. But it was a tight, generally well played game and exciting to watch.

The Bulls, led by clutch shooting by rookie Derrick Rose and Ben Gordon (22 pts.) , and clutch foul shooting by John Salmons (20 pts.) at the end, got an impressive complete team effort from all seven players Coach Del Negro used. It took it all of that to win the game.

A Game of Duels
Rajon Rondo gave another jaw dropping triple double with 25 points on 9 of 18 shooting, 11 assists, and 11 rebounds. Rajon is cementing his imprint on this series and rising to true star status in the league.

His counterpart on the Bulls, Derrick Rose has been taking notes from the complete schooling Rondo gave him in games 2 and 3 and came to class prepared this time, missing a triple double of his own by a single assist with 23 points, 11 rebounds, and 9 assists.

Kendrick Perkins and Joakim Noah seems to have a thing going. Perkins added 15 points (11 in the first half, 9 boards, 6 turnovers, and 3 blocks to Noah’s equally active defense, and 12 points and 10 rebounds.

Ray Allen and Ben Gordon continued their duel, as Ray won the individual battle with 28 points and made a game tieing three pointer (96-96) with 9.8 seconds left in regulation . Ben Gordon hit two huge shots including three pointer himself.

The Celtics bench got mixed grades, with Brian Scalabrine, Eddie House and Mikki Moore getting passing grades. While Scalabrine and Moore generally played good D, Marbury continues to have trouble in short minutes (5). The Bulls bench outscored the Cs by 30-11.

The intention was to win this game, deflate the Bulls, get any ideas of equality out of the Bulls’ heads and shorten the series. Instead, it turned into a contest of execution and the series into a fight.

Glen Davis hit two big foul shots to tie late in the game, but generally had a tough shooting day, just missing a number of lay ups, and going 4 for 16 on the day, with 11 rebounds.

The Bulls played a tough and poised game, winning on John Salmons four clutch foul shots in the final 27 seconds of the second overtime. Salmons played some solid defense, had 3 steals, 3 blocks, went 9 for 9 from the line including the game winning points.

Tyrus Thomas, Noah and Salmons each had three blocks. Tyrus added two steals, while Hinrich played effective defense and had 3 steals.

Kendrick Perkins added 9 boards, but had too many offensive fouls and 6 turnovers and he and Brain Scalabrine both fouled out late in the game, forcing the Celtics to go with Davis at center and a small line up in the extra periods.

Brad Miller received a technical foul and was almost ejected for pushing on and kind of striking Glen Davis when Glen fouled him under the hoop.

Some were saying before the playoffs started that Glen Davis was one who needed to prove himself.

Myself, I thought this was Rondo’s proving grounds. Everyone thinks Rondo is the cat’s pajamas. Prove it. For all of Rondo’s previous outstanding play, he had never had to carry an NBA team under pressure circumstances before, like say…the play-offs.

I thought he could do it. This was absolutely the time to give us Rondo Unchained. I’ve watched him play enough and talked to him enough to know he is as determined a young player as you can come across. I was on the Rajon Rondo train, but I’ll admit, I wasn’t the engineer up front.

I could see his potential for greatness, but I also saw the flaws, mistakes, and continuing development playing with three guys who can cover a myriad of errors and command a huge amount of attention themselves.

For example, getting caught on head down frenetic drives into the middle with absolutely no opening. Paul Pierce sees what is happening and floats to a spot at the sideline arc where Rondo can see him and pass the ball before it becomes a turnover. Pass and boom, a three pointer by Pierce shows up as an assist for Rondo. It should have been an assist by Pierce. But he can’t get an assist on a shot he takes. It doesn’t work that way.

Rondo has come a long way this season. He has stepped up to assume real leadership and has taken on all of the top point guards in the league. Like the challenger working his way up to a championship fight, Rondo has fought all the resume building fights he had to fight. His record is near perfect. He deserves a shot at the title.

He finished the regular season as the Celtics’ 4th leading scorer with 11.9 points, 6th in the NBA in assists at 8.2, 2nd in field goal percentage (50.5) by point guards, 4th in all guards, 5th in the NBA in steals (1.9), 3rd in the NBA in rebounds (5.2) by point guards. Only Chris Paul, Tony Parker, and perhaps Deron Williams has truly outshined him on the court. None are the defender that Rondo is.

With the decimated Celtic front court, led by the absence of the injured Kevin Garnett, this post season was finally the true litmus test of the 3rd year point guard that many have labeled as a top 5 guard.

Could he carry a heavy load in helping the Celtics win without Kevin Garnett and others?

After three games against Chicago, Rondo is looking very, very good. Inspirational, in fact. He has put up huge numbers and done it all with a sprained ankle.

The question coming out of the Bulls’ camp is, “How do you stop Rondo?” Derrick Rose, Ben Gordon, and Kirk Hinrich appear overmatched at this point. They simply cannot stay in front of the speedster. Interior bigs who can rotate over to seal off the relentlessly attacking guard have been too late.

Instead of using the circumstances and his injury as an excuse, he has used them as a springboard to greatness. If he continues this through out the playoffs, the size of his new contract goes through the roof.

Almost Averaging a Triple Double
When the team needed a defensive play, Rondo was there making a steal. When they have needed scoring, he has given them scoring at an eye opening level. Rajon is currently leading the Celtics, averaging 22.7 points per game, while averaging 10.7 rebounds, 9.7 assists, 4 steals. Yes, that is 22.7 points a game. From a guy who can’t shoot a jumpshot or hit foul shots – so it was thought.

He has made 2 of 4 three pointers and has hit some pressure foul shots, making 75% (12-16) in the playoffs, after only making 64.2% during the season.

Rondi is playing hard and with incredible energy on most every play. After a first game 36 point explosion by Derrick Rose, Rondo has helped keep him to 10, and 9 points on 9 of 25 shooting combined (36%), and 7, then 2 assists.

There is no one on the Celtics playing harder than Rondo nor with more spectacular results. And he’s done it all on a one deflated tire. He won’t tell you that. He will say it’s fine. It’s only the bottom of my foot. They taped it too tight.

Rondo is a gamer. Rondo will deal with the pain and swelling later. There is another game and another challenge. When the bell rings to start the fight, Rondo will tape up his ankle and be there.

I said that this Rondo Unchained, but doing it on a less than healthy wheel means he’s lost a little engine pressure in one cylinder. Seeing Rondo unleashed with a full blown engine operating at maximum capacity could be even better, believe it or not.

But make no mistake, stardom is occuring as we watch.

Kevin Henkin, Celtics Stuff Live’s comedic insight’s keep everyone informed,,,and entertained.
He swears he’s not a writer for the Jon Stewart Show. Well, he should be. Jon, are you paying attention here?

His blend of wit, sarcasm, and game knowledge always make for a worthwhile read. Young Mr. Henkin generously offers his responses to my true or false 12 question questionnaire. (Don’t you even hate the word questionnaire? Sounds too much like middle school. Or applying for college …or something….ummm, where was I?) Oh yeah…..

Besides his opinion pieces and terrific game time ‘rolling observations’ on CSL, at Comcast Sports Net New England, Kevin also writes for BSMW (Boston Sports Media Watch). Please check him out when you can.

Here are Kevin’s answers with comment to the Dirty Dozen….

Q&A for Kevin

1) The Celtic’s season so far is better than expected. T or F

False. Okay, readers. Raise your hands if at the beginning of the season, you had full confidence that the Celtics would at least be a shoo-in for the Eastern Conference Finals and also a fair level of confidence for further progress beyond that. Yup, me too. Now we’re left with a roster devasted by injuries that have left Boston’s chances of repeating sadly in tatters, right along with my expectations for the season.

2) Garnett’s injury and subsequent Celtic play shows that he is the true MVP of this team. T or F

True. Actually, it wasn’t the injury or the team’s performance that convinced me. Since his arrival, I’ve always believed that Garnett was the MVP of this team. What he does, on defense, on offense, on the glass, in the locker room, on the floor with his communication…it’s impossible to replace and has a value of such magnitude that is difficult to quantify. Nonetheless, KG is truly the straw that stirs the green Kool-Aid of the Boston Celtics.

3) Rajon Rondo is a bona fide member of the Big Four. T or F

Um….True AND False.

True in the sense that Rondo has become equal in importance to his more heralded veteran counterparts (although some of that importance is derived from the fact that he plays starting point guard). Regardless, Rondo is the engine and the engineer of the team offense and this season has submitted eye-popping performances with far greater frequency.

False in the sense that much of the hullabaloo surrounding the latest incarnation of “The Big Three” of Pierce, Garnett and Allen is the fact that all three of them are considered to be locks as first ballot Hall of Famers. As much as I love Rondo’s game and envision and even greater upside, he’s simply not on that level yet.

4) Tom Thibodeau’s ‘genius’ is directly proportional to the players playing. T or F

False. I think most of us can agree that Banner 17 was accomplished largely because of the Boston TEAM defense, the effectiveness of which was built upon the foundation of Thibodeau’s strategy and philosophy. Having such a foundation in place, along with players like Garnett and Posey to lead the way, was necessary to sell such a hard-core defense-first philosophy on the likes of Paul Pierce, Ray Allen and other players on the Celtics roster who had never submitted an equal level of effort away from offense.

5) The Celtics broke too fast from the gate. Garnett went too hard too soon. Doc River’s should have held the Celtics and KG back a bit early in the year. T of F

False. Honestly, I don’t think that question would even occur to anyone unless Garnett suffered the knee injury. Also, unlike last season, the Celtics were under a far greater level of pressure to pile up regular season wins in their attempt to surpass Cleveland and Los Angeles for the rights to the immensely important home court advantage in the playoffs. Therefore, even in hindsight, I don’t fault the approach of the team with regards to minutes or the handling of the veteran players.

6) Paul Pierce is worn down. T or F

True. Or, I should say, he sure looks like he is. In his defense, he’s been the focal point of the Chicago defense, frequently swarmed upon by help defenders when he’s received the ball. Regardless, he’s also taken some plays off and has looked particularly fatigued at the end of the games. If fatigue is indeed the issue, the obvious hope is that the increased number of days in between games will inject some extra life back into his legs.

7) Ray Allen is just a glorified jump shooter. T of F

False. To me, much of Allen’s success comes from his ability to move without the ball so that he’s in the right spot to make those shots. He also offers better than average playmaking instincts and generally finishes well at the basket, not just because of his deft touch with the ball but also because of his high basketball IQ that enables him to spot openings at the hoop. Lastly, Allen’s shooting deserves whatever glory is shined upon it. He is the Reggie Miller of his generation, complete with the full resume of assorted game-winning daggers.

Glen Davis will get richer, but not with the Celtics next season. T or F

True (richer) and False (expect him back in Boston). The Powe injury, to me, seals the deal. Davis has become a pretty good player despite his well-noted faults and also represents a classic case of “The Devil You Know”. Think of how much work Clifford Ray has invested in the young big. Think of exactly how far Davis has come in the two years under the tutelage or Ray and also Doc Rivers. Why allow another team to benefit from all that investment? Plus, who understands the upside and potential of Davis better that the Celtics’s coaching staff and front office? Lastly, the fact that Davis followed instructions last off-season by losing a little weight and developing a mid-range jumper speaks to his commitment to getting better, which is not always evident in young players.

9) The Celtic bench is over rated. T or F

Unfortunately true. Too many expectations on individual players have fallen far short: Tony Allen, who was supposed to step in to help replace the void left by James Posey, has been inconsistent/ineffective/yet again riddled by injuries. Again. Stephon Marbury, who still hasn’t become the weapon that we all know he could be. Mikki Moore, the human foul machine who still struggles far too often on both ends of the floor and has yet to establish his mid-range jumper as a consistent factor in play. Only Eddie House (at last free from ball-handling duties) has lived up to what he could be at this point by creating such havoc from behind the arc.

10) The Celtics should have kept Sam Cassell, instead of Marbury. T or F

False. Marbury’s far greater upside made the move to replace Cassell worth the risk. It would have been nice to have seen with our own eyes, however, what Cassell had left in the tank this year.

11) The Celtics should have signed Posey. T or F

Too True. Yes, his contract offered by New Orleans was excessive, both in terms of money and years. That said, allowing him to walk was unwise and in the wake of constant injuries this season has proven to be borderline disastrous.

To me, losing Posey is akin to purchasing a Ferrari (Pierce, Garnett and Allen) and then filling up the tank with cheap gas, blowing off oil changes and sticking cheap, bald tires on the rims. Why by a high performance machine if you can’t invest in making it run to its fullest potential? Posey wasn’t part of “The Big Three” but he nonetheless represented the heart and soul of Ubuntu. He was also the anchor of the bench unit, the ineffectiveness of which has plagued the team all season long. Lastly, he was the second most important defensive player on the team behind Garnett, which is no small thing.

Actually, one final point: Losing “Big Game James” was the opposite of keeping up with the Joneses. The Cavaliers and Lakers both improved on their Spring 2008 rosters while the Celtics lost a key member of their rotation and otherwise remained standing pat. So yes, the Celtics most definitely should have ponied up the cash and the contract and kept Posey in green and white where he belonged.

12) The firing of ‘Lucky’ was an omen. T or F

Absolutely true. Lucky’s firing represents a very bad omen for professional sports mascots who don’t show up for required team promotional appearances. You hear that, Wally?!?!? Stay in line or the same thing can happen to you, you fuzzy green Elmo ripoff!

There you have it. Thanks Kevin for those insightful responses. Agree or disagree?

I like your Posey analogy with the gas. That one will be debated for a while, I think. I tend to agree with your thinking. At the time, I was ever hopeful that Tony Allen would make that decision easier.

Thanks again Kevin! Be sure to catch the Kevin’s writing on Celtics Stuff Live.

Rajon Rondo had to be carried out of the arena by fellow players after playing perhaps one of the gutsiest playoff performances in a gutsy series that few will know about. Why? he just doesn’t make a big deal about it.

Celtics Win 107-86
The Celtics re-established their dominance, crushing the Bulls on Chicago’s own court by running the lead up to a mind numbing 34 second half points. It was the 4th lowest total of the Bulls entire season. Twice at the hands of the Celtics. The Celtics held them to 80 points in their second game of the year.

Strong performances by Rajon Rondo and Paul Pierce led the way.

They literally stole the show with 16 steals (two off the record), 6 by Glen Davis and 5 by Rajon Rondo. They also outblocked the shot blocking Bulls by 10 to 4, led by Glen Davis’ three. Derrick Rose was a non factor again with 9 points, 7 turnovers and just two assists. The Bulls had 22 turnovers.

Rajon being carried off at the end reminded me a little bit of the movie.

Rajon the quiet, cold blooded Sundance Kid. Paul as Butch Cassidy, the talkative leader with all the ideas. They led this assault with the help of Gang Green.

In a brazen daylight train robbery, the two steely eyed desperados out shot, and out rode the Bulls as the Celtics literally stole the game right out from under their noses.

Winning at one point by 34, Sundance says to Butch, “Use enough dynamite there, Butch?”

But seeing Rondo carried out of the arena also brought thoughts of the final scene, where Butch is putting Sundance’s gun in his blood soaked, bandaged hand. Will two more days off (thank you David Stern) be enough time to reload?

A rested Paul Pierce was the first quarter sharp shooter with 13 first quarter points on 6 of 7 shooting in only 8 minutes and led all scorers with 24 points, finishing 9 of 15 shooting, with 4 three pointers. Like the banks, the Bulls, especially John Salmons, recovering from a groin injury, were ‘easy, ripe and luscious’. Pierce was easily able to get separation from him.

Rondo – A Gamer
In an inspirational display of determination and overflowing testosterone, Rondo added 20 points with 11 rebounds, 6 assists, and 5 steals on a heavily taped and swollen ankle. Astonishing under the circumstances, even more as he was beating Bulls players to the hoop on drives and on fast breaks.

Davis Goes ‘Kirilenko’ on Bulls
Glen Davis filled the stat sheet as he never has before. The player known as Big Baby is growing before our eyes and added 14 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, 6 steals, and 3 blocked shots. Not a basketball player? Says who?

Ray Allen added 18 points on 6 of 12 shooting, 3 of 4 from the three point line, with two steals but no rebounds or assists in 35 minutes.

Marbury Lives
Stephon Marbury had his first good game off the bench with 13 points (4-10) in 24 minutes, 5 assists, and 3 rebounds and a gash or cut above his left eye from mixing it up underneath.

Mikki Moore joined the party with three blocks in 20 minutes and the best defense he has played so far.

They looked like the old Celtics – almost. You know. The ones from earlier in the year that had Kevin Garnett on the team. They were nearly that good, as they held the Bulls to their lowest output of the series and .375% shooting. The Bulls did out rebound them 45-37, and grabbed fifteen offensive boards to the Celtics’ eight.

An unruffled, even non-chalant Truth has been saying all along that he would figure things out, as the series wore on. Tonight was the night.

Even this outstanding performance was extra efficient with little wasted energy. Paul Pierce did his damage in just 27 plus minutes. But in Un-Truth like fashion, he grabbed but a single rebound and had no assists.

I’d say the questions remain about Pierce’s physical/mental state. Yet, he seemed to move fairly well, though he kept his game compact, smartly avoiding the middle. He did most of his damage from mid-range and beyond the three point line (4-8). The Bulls were packing it in on him inside. He often found room further out, as John Salmons couldn’t get around the picks, or as Pierce faked the drive and stepped back for the jumper.

The starters established a big enough lead to hand the game over to the second line players. No one played more than 39 minutes and that was Davis.

Rondo hurt his ankle during the regular season, and re-injured it on a play with 5 minutes left in the second game. Still swollen, he said to just tape it up. “I’m playing.” Play he did, leading the Celtics to victory and further cementing his place as part of the Big Four.

I said before the playoffs began, that the biggest spotlight is on Rondo. All the talk about how good he is, comes down to now. Kevin Garnett is out and if the Celtics were to go anywhere, Rondo would have to shoulder a big scoring burden every game. Prove you are as good as you think you are. Rondo has made that leap. He is shouldering as much or more as any of the Big Three would. Rondo is playing his heart out.

The game was virtually over by half time, with Pierce scoring 18 first half points, and Rajon Rondo adding 16. The Celtics were up by 22 at 59-37 while shooting .511 to the Bulls .324. The Cs were 6 of 8 from the arc, had ten steals and only four turnovers themselves.

It was a dominating performance by the team. Captain Pierce swore would they do just that. If there were questions whether this team could play that way without Garnett against the young, talented Bulls, they were answered emphatically tonight.

Former Mates Davis and Thomas Get Physical
The Bulls were led in scoring by Ben Gordon with a mere fifteen. If there was any competition between former college alumni on this night, it was between Glen ‘Big Baby’ Davis and Tyrus ‘The Real Big Baby’ Thomas.

Glen fouled Thomas on a lay up attempt and wrapped him up a bit. Tyrus shoved Glen with a jolt and turned away. Thomas received a technical foul, as Davis stood there surprised by his former team mate’s disrespectful shove.

A game like this should be a momentum changer. It regains the lost home court advantage and could rupture the confidence of the young Bulls team. Pierce, after the game, sounded like he wants to sweep the Bulls at their home on Sunday.

Let’s hope they didn’t use up all their dynamite and that Sundance has reloaded.

Kendrick Perkins is averaging 15 points a game on 70% shooting, 10 rebounds and two blocks per game, to go with being the best defender on the team. When Perkins is on the floor the Celtics have been up +4, and +12.

Glen Davis has a great opportunity to make a name for himself. Kevin Garnett is out. Leon Powe is out. Brian Scalabrine is going to play, but who knows how well. Scal’s game should be rusty. Mikki Moore is the only other option and he’s been having big trouble in the playoffs so far.

Spotlight on Glen
That leaves Glen Davis standing in the spotlight. Glen casts a big shadow, but ironically he is standing in NBA giant Kevin Garnett’s shadow.

He has performed better and better. He has the best plus-minus on the team by far. The Celtics are at a total +27 when Glen is on the floor. No one else is even close. We all know that plus-minus doesn’t tell everything, but when it’s that much better than the next best, it tells you something. The team is playing very well when Glen is in the game.

Glen had a career best 26 points to go with 9 boards in the last game and is coming close to that ‘bust out’ game. You know, that game where everything goes right. No better time than now. If Glen can defend a bit better and hit the boards as he did last game, it helps the Celtics’ chances immensely. It is getting easier and easier for him to score. You can see it happening.

I must note again that Glen Davis has become the best pick setter on the Celtics, by far. Dude is a wide wall to get around. He must continue to do that.

Here is Doc River’s from Scott Souza’s article in the Metro West Daily…

“Perk and (Davis) were phenomenal,” Rivers said. “Not just with their points, but with their picks. They got their guys open. They got to loose balls. They made the dirty plays – the clean, dirty plays. That was sensational too. That’s the type of effort we’re going to need out of them.”

Beyond that, how is Doc going to play it tonight against the Bulls in Chicago?

Big or Small?
Will he go to Mikki Moore more? Mikki has a great shot but has had little time to use it. Mikki has had big time troubles in the playoffs so far.

It’s been announced that Brian Scalabrine will play for the first time since February 23, a period of exactly two months and 26 games. How much can you expect from a guy who hasn’t even been able to play any ball in his down time? Brian will play with a padded head band to brace against another concussion.

I’m guessing that Doc will try to go small with either Tony Allen or Bill Walker. That would move Pierce to the power forward position for at least a brief while.

On offense for the Cs, that would cause the Bulls to bring shot blocker Tyrus Thomas out to contest Paul’s dangerous shooting, or Joakim Noah, if Brad Miller’s in the game. Either way, it’s a good thing, as it keeps either player away from the basket to stop a driver. And Pierce works his picks well to get open.

Defensively, Paul can play physical enough and is quick enough to stay with Tyrus Thomas, who likes to be a jump shooter anyway. He is strong enough and quick enough for Brad Miller or Noah, to cause them problems on the shot, though it’s unlikely that he can keep them off the boards. Paul rebounds well for his size, though.

That puts Tony Allen on whoever needs it most, Ben Gordon or John Salmons. If Walker actually gets his number called, he would take the small forward or possibly Tyrus.

It’s also possible that Doc goes really small with Stephon Marbury or Eddie House, in order to get more offense going, but offense isn’t the Celtics’ problem. Defense is. Tony Allen makes the most sense.

We will have to see how Doc plays this. The Bulls have the 5th best home record (28-13, tied with Miami) in the Eastern Conference behind Cleveland, Boston, Orlando, and Atlanta. The Bulls are 14-2 at home to close the season.

As mentioned a million times already, the pressure is off the Bulls. It is on the Celtics.

We continue to gauge how good the role players are on the team, and how good Ray, Paul and Rondo are. So far, the bench has been MIA. Now would be an excellent time for the bench to show up.