Celtics Central

The excitement is building. The number of press and media types has increased exponentially. Obviously, there’s palpably more tension than during the season.

Some pre-game encounters…

Tony Allen, you are just coming back, but you’ve had two very good games. How fit are you, with your legs at this point? Are you all the way back yet?

“I’m just an work-in-progress. I just trying to get back to where I want to be. I’m fortunate enough to get two games under my belt. Hopefully, I can just continue that throughout the playoffs.”

Your shot’s been dropping from the outside. That really wasn’t happening that much this season. Were you surprised or have you been working on that?

“I’ve been working on it. That’s how I work.”

How far ‘back’ are you right now?

“I don’t know. I’m not looking back, just looking forward.”

Luol Deng, like KG, will be spectating the entire post season. What runs through your mind after all the hard work you have put in during the year?

“It’s tough. But you just have to believe in the guys, have confidence in them and just do as much as you can on the sidelines, cheering for guys, telling them what to do out there. It’s unfortunate, but it’s something you have to live with.”

What do you foresee for this team next year?

“A lot. We’re a young team. We’re learning a lot. But we’re starting to put the pieces together. we had the trade addition, and those guys have come in and fitted well.”

There’s more, but I’ve got to get to my seat now.

After sending vibrations out last night to the media, preparing us for the growing possibility, Doc Rivers confirmed this morning that Kevin Garnett will not play soon, and probably not at all, in this year’s playoffs.

From Jackie McMullen on ESPN’s website….

“He’s not going to be ready. After watching him practice, there’s no way,” Rivers said on WEEI-AM. “The way I saw him move today, I don’t know if he’ll be ready.”

When asked to clarify, Rivers said there was a chance Garnett could be out for the rest of the season. Celtics spokesman Jeff Twiss said he could not elaborate on Rivers’ comments.

The Celtics begin the best-of-seven first round series against the Chicago Bulls on Saturday.

“We’re going to move on without him,” Rivers said.

As mentioned in my pre-game post here at CelticsCentral before last night’s final game against the Wizards, Doc had begun to suggest that as a real possibility.

It’s no fun for any of us. Obviously, you guys have to cover it, and as a staff, we have to really think of two game plans.

The possibilities of (KG not playing)..?

Oh yeah. You have to. You have to prepare yourself for the worst….and the best.

Surgery Not Ruled Out
Is this something that would need surgery at the end of the year, or would rest be enough?

I don’t know that. He(ck), half the league gets surgery at the end of the year now, so… But I don’t know that.

So, without a miraculous recovery, the Celtics are looking long term instead of chancing further damage to a 70% Kevin Garnett.

Older fans may remember Kevin McHale playing on a broken foot in one playoff, and never really being the same player after that.

Heartbreaking news to all, especially Garnett, who Doc said was mad at him, (for making the decision) and mad at the world. But then KG realized it was for the best.

So the Celtics will face the Chicago Bulls without their heart and soul, and defensive backbone. They may still have enough to get through a first round, but things get much more difficult after that.

When Perkins was asked, point blank, if the Celtics could beat Cleveland without Garnett, the honest, but normally positive Kendrick replied…

It’s hard to say.

It would require a Boston miracle of their own to take down a Cavalier juggernaut that has been every bit as impressive this season as the Celtics were last year.

So, year two, of the famed three year window of the aging Big Three, faces the one word all knew would be the one factor that could derail this C-Train as much as any competitor – Injury.

Another bail out? Keeping with the times, Eddie House levied a hefty three point tax on Washington, rescuing the Celtics. In this case, the deficit was turned into a surplus.

House ‘appropriations’ arrived late in the game to save the day.

House Ways and Means just took on a whole new meaning. Eddie House had the way, and it was definitely mean. With a nifty shooting barrage, Eddie was a heart breaking assassin, sending the Wizards home with their worst record… ever.

It was Fan Appreciation Night in Boston. The team and the fans gave it their all and both came away from what was suppose to be a meaningless game with an exciting win, great performances by many players, and a new Celtic three point record.

The injury laden Celtics finished the regular season with an amazing 62 wins. Ray Allen thought that it didn’t seem like 60 win season, at an earlier point.

Ray Allen…

It seemed like we were having a bad year, at some points. It seemed by the standards we set last year, that the things we were doing weren’t good enough.

I don’t think anyone expected a Celtic team that missed Kevin Garnett for 25 games would win anywhere near sixty this season.

Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, and Kevin Garnett did not play nor suit up. Paul spoke to the fans before the contest began, thanking them for their support and getting them amped for ‘that’ time of year – the playoffs.

Speaking of the playoffs, the 76ers beat the LeBron-less Cavaliers, stopping the Cavs from tieing the NBA best home record, held by the 85-86 Celtics. The Bulls lost to the Raptors, which means that Boston will match up with Chicago in the first round on Saturday night in Boston.

Saving his best for the very end, Eddie House set the franchise record for three point shooting accuracy (.444%) for a season, beating Danny Ainge’s mark of .443. That wailing sound you hear is Danny. He might ask for a recount. He was last seen checking the tapes for feet touching the line.

Did you think it was possible?

Eddie House…

Yeah, I did the math. I was thinking 3 for 3 ties it, 4 for 5 I’ll have it, 5 for 7 I had it. When I was 4 for 7 (in the game), I knew I was like ‘ok, I gotta make two more outta two’. And I did and you know, I asked Mr Twiss on the sideline, where I’m at? And he said, “Don’t shoot no more”, and I asked Doc to get me out of the game. I haven’t even talked to Danny yet, but it feels good.

Doc Rivers…

Well, I was thinking there, if I let Danny keep the record, then I get another 2-3 year extension. And if I let Eddie get it, then I might be gone. But I took the gamble……No it was great. I was happy for him, because he earned it all year.

In a convoluted version of ubuntu, on a team where individual accomplishments are normally verboten, it must be said that:

1) The Celtics won the game. So it wasn’t done at the expense of team goals.
2) Eddie’s long distance barrage was actually needed and helped propel the Celtics into the lead.
3) It just goes to show, that no matter what they will admit to, players know their own stats in detail.
4) The team fed him the ball, making it a team effort. You are buying that, right?

Waiting until the final quarter of the final game of the year, this House explosion included five made three pointers on seven attempts in the last period. He was so good that the crowd got into it with chants of Ed-die! Ed-die!

House finished with 20 points, with a head shaking 17 in the last quarter. The Celtics were down 8 points as late as 7:10 left in the game.

Down 99-91, the Celtics ran off ten straight points, with House hitting a long jumper and two threes sandwiched around a Davis jump shot, to take the lead at 101-99.

From there, the unlikely combo of House, Glen Davis, Leon Powe, Tony Allen, Bill Walker, and Mikki Moore went to work finishing off the Wizards. Each contributed offensively as the Celtics stretched the lead that House built.

Wizard Caron Butler tried to prevent the loss with 15 fourth quarter points on a shooting display of his own. He was 5 of 6 shooting and 3 of 4 from the three point line, while amassing 39 points for the game.

Role Players Played Big Roles
Glen Davis hit a three pointer with the game clock running out to take game scoring honors with 21 points. Leon Powe had a great game, finishing with 18 points and 13 rebounds. Tony Allen had his second straight solid game with 15 points, including two 3 pointers, 3 assists, a block and a steal. Stephon Marbury started, dished 8 assists in 32 minutes, while adding 9 points in a solid performance.

It took a while for the Celtics to make a House call. He was just 1 for 3 shooting through 3 quarters and almost 20 minutes of playing time.

So the Celtics, uncertain of Kevin Garnett’s health, head into the playoffs on a high note, winning 8 of their last 10 games.

The normal pre-game press conference with Doc Rivers took on a more serious meaning, as everyone was trying to get Coach Rivers to read the tea leaves regarding the health of the team’s axis, Kevin Garnett.

Is Kevin Garnett going to play in the first playoff game?

I think so. I don’t know.

If he doesn’t have any injury, will he play?

Yeah, then he’ll play.

Will he go through preparation the next two days?

Yeah, he will. And if we don’t like what we see, he won’t (play). l was just saying on radio, we haven’t seen him play, so we don’t know how it’s going to turn out, and if we don’t like what see, he won’t.

What will you look for in two days?

Movement. I mean, it’s not that hard. He hasn’t played. You’re looking for movement, and not to get sore and just how good he looks.

Right now the plan is not to sit him out any of the playoffs, but we just don’t know.

Doc said, “I don’t know.” as much as he could, to Kevin’s injury and condition. But the important thing I got from all the questions was that the team will be preparing to play without Kevin Garnett as well as play with him for the playoffs.

That is a huge admission. It is one that we hoped we wouldn’t hear, but knew that we might.

I think it was something in the back of everyone’s mind. Now it’s been verbalized by Ray Allen and Doc Rivers before tonight’s final regular season game against the Washington Wizards tonight.

Before Doc’s conference, Ray Allen said he and the team will help prepare the other bigs, in case they have to play larger roles in the play-offs. That means without KG. I’ll get exact quote for you when I can.

I’ll update this as I get time.

The Celtics avoided a ‘technical’ knock out, (they received 5 technical fouls – 2 from the coaches), thanks to Paul’s 13 third quarter points, Paul’s long range bombs, Tony Allen’s 18 points, and some fine fourth quarter bench play.

Ray Allen was suspended for this game. Kevin Garnett was held back. Paul Pierce said, “I’m playing.”

Paul Pierce didn’t hold back and fired away from downtown for a three point show, making 7 of 9 attempts to lead the Boston Green Machine to a win over the 76ers, their 61st of the season.

Pierce led all scorers with 31 points after talking his way back into the line up. Many of the threes were wide open. I guess they didn’t realize that Paul Pierce can hit that shot. I wonder where their scouting report came from.

Andre Iguodala led Phily with 25 points on 9 of 18 shooting while adding 7 assists.

Doc Rivers was going to keep the Big Three out of this game. Now Paul will rest on Wednesday’s finale at home against the Washington Wizards.

Tony Allen and Leon Powe started for the Celtics and this was Leon’s first game since March 17, twelve straight missed games. Leon looked good in 16 plus minutes scoring ten points, while grabbing 4 rebounds.

Tony Allen did even better, scoring 18 points on 8 of 14 shooting, while dishing out 5 assists, grabbing 4 rebounds, getting 3 steals, and a block with just 2 turnovers, while playing almost 40 minutes. Tony even hit a three point shot himself, his 4th of the season on 24 attempts. The team needed a game like this from Tony and Tony needed a game like this.

Rajon Rondo added 8 first quarter points, 11 on the game, with 2 assists, 7 rebounds, but 4 turnovers. He did an excellent job of harassing Andre Miller into two turnovers, and a few deflections in his 27 minutes.

Perkins Block Party Continues
Kendrick Perkins had a better defensive second half, and finished 6 points, 12 rebounds, and 4 blocked shots. Kendrick has now blocked 44 shots in the last 14 games for a beastly average of 3.14. Fear the Blockmaster Perk. He is playing tremendous defensive ball right now in Garnett’s absence.

Glen Davis was solid off the bench with 15 points on 7 of 13 shooting, with 5 boards and 2 steals in 34 minutes.

Though Marbury had three turnovers, he had 5 assists, and was generally good defensively as well, in 22 minutes.

Pierce: KG by Proxy
Just before half time, Pierce ‘went KG’ on the team in a time out huddle after they showed very little defensive energy for the entire half. The Sixers shot .632 in the first quarter and was at a lofty .561 for the half.

Pierce had 16 first half points, including 4 of 5 from the arc, but Boston clearly wasn’t going to be able to outscore the Philly fastbreakers if they gave up another 58 points in the second half.

Pierce’s tongue lashing apparently worked. The Celtics went out and held Philly to 40 second half points on 15 of 41 shooting for 36% shooting.

Paul hit the 31 points in just 31 minutes and was able to sit for most of the fourth quarter, as Glen Davis and Tony Allen combined to score half the Celtics’ 22 last period points.

But the score was tight for most of the fourth period.

The Sixers started the fourth up by 5 points at 83-78. The Celtics went on a 9-4 to start the quarter to tie it at 87 with 8:54 left in the game. The run was started by a Marbury three point shot, followed by Marbury assisted lay-ups by Mikki Moore and Tony Allen.

From there, there were five lead changes and four ties, as the two teams traded baskets. Paul Pierce re-entered the game with about 4 minutes left and made a 17 foot jump shot for what would be the winning points at 99-97 with about 2 minutes left.

The 76ers missed their last five shots and did not make a basket in the final 2:24 of the game. I guess all those technicals finally paid off.

With 19 seconds left, Pierce went to the ground to maintain possession of a stripped ball and clearly signaled for a time out, but was ignored as Samuel Dalembert then tied him up for a jump ball. Philly got the ensuing jump ball . Luckily Andre Iguodala missed a short jumper and Kendrick Perkins got the rebound.

With two seconds left, Edie House was fouled and made one of two free throws to make the final margin of victory. Iguodala missed a 36 footer as time expired to preserve the Celtics victory against their most likely first round playoff opponent.

Call this a stolen win, as a few more breaks the other way and Philly could have won this game. Instead they now have a 5 game losing streak going into Cleveland where the Cavs are shooting for tieing the all time NBA home record at 40-1 (held by the 85-6 Larry Bird Celtics).

The Celtic team and coaches appeared upset at the refereeing all night. But even TNT announcer Reggie Miller said that Joey Crawford had a quick whistle for Celtic Ts (but not for Philly fouls apparently). The slightest response by a Celtic resulted in a “T” it seemed.

Maybe Crawford is tired too as the season draws to a close.

After the Celtics play the Wizards tonight in Boston for Fan Appreciation Night, they open the playoffs at home on Saturday against the 7th seed, most likely these same Philadelphia 76ers.

Kevin Garnett is expected to play in that Saturday game.

I don’t really understand it all. The Atlanta Hawks just clinched the 4th seed in the play-offs. yet, Mike Woodson continues to receive very little respect among journalist types.

After last year, how important is home court?

Coach Mike Woodson….

It’s very important. I mean, it’s tough. I’ve been in this league a long time. It’s tough to steal a series. For us to push Boston to seven, that was a tough task last year, to do that. But they were the best team, clearly, in the league last year. And they proved it throughout the play-offs…I don’t want to have to go through that again…if we can stay away from it.

Coming into the stretch run, that was the goal for these Hawks, secure home court in the first round of the play-offs. Mission accomplished.

Yet, there is a murmur that Mike Woodson could be a ‘one and done’ coach. If he doesn’t make it out of the first round again, he’s gone, they suggest. And some seem to think that is a good idea ….and fair.

But I’m not sure why. I’m confused. Why? Conflicting facts, I guess you could say.

Coach Woodson was asked recently, (before they clinched the 4th seed) if he thought his performance might be judged by the team’s playoff performance…

Well, it shouldn’t be. I don’t look at it like that. The bottom line is…this team hadn’t been in the playoffs in…. I don’t know how many years. Look it up. It’s been a long time since this team has been in the playoffs. Last year, we made the run to get in the playoffs. (12-6 high kick sprint to end the year)

This year we’re in a position to secure first round at home. So I think there’s been progress. So this is not about me and my job. It’s about me having an opportunity to build a team. and…when I look at our team, we’re heading in the right direction. That, to me, is a positive.

Well said and fair enough.

Should Mike Woodson’s job be judged by the team’s playoff performance? It all depends on how good you think this Atlanta Hawk team should be. But this is what gets me.

I Called Them Woodson’s Wonders
After shocking the Celtics and pushing last season’s NBA Champs to 7 games, expectations were high for this team, right? Wrong. There were zero pre-season believers among the pundits.

I get the feeling that many who think Woodson should be fired if he doesn’t get the Hawks to the second round are the same pre-season pundits who said that this Hawks team would not improve on last year in a tougher Eastern Conference this season. You can’t have it both ways.

The Hawks were consensus picked by 25 ESPN writers for the same amount of wins as last season, which is 37. They influenced my own thinking, and I moved my own prediction downward to just a few win improvement, when I really thought they would reach about 45 wins. I let the crowd influence me.

The Hawks are 46-34 with two games left. A nine game improvement is solid improvement by anyone’s standards. How many here think Woodson should get Coach of the Year? …..crickets.

You won’t hear a single voice raised in support of Woodson for Coach of the Year. Not a single one. But you will hear rumors of his impending doom. And you will get head nods. Why?

In all honesty, I’m not suggesting that Woodson be considered for COTY either. But his team has done well. Maybe it is the 0-4 record against the Celtics this season. Maybe it is the team’s continuing road ineptitude. They are 16-24, a passable 4 game improvement from last season. That is hardly COTY credentials, one would agree.

Curious Case of the (Highly Regarded) Jazz
‘Highly regarded’ Jerry Sloan’s ‘highly regarded’ Jazz, at 15-25 away from Utah, are road ‘worriors’ and no better in that important category for judging a contending team. Yet, Sloan’s team, with 2 more wins, is considered a highly dangerous playoff match up. I find that to be a curious defect of the ‘highly talented’ Jazz. Sloan’s ‘highly regarded’ career credentials will shield criticism.

Please understand, I’m not putting Woodson in Sloan’s category. The resumes, styles, and career accomplishments simply don’t compare. But neither can get their team to play well on the road.

New Executive Vice President and GM Rick Sund came in to replace the departed Billy King last season (King quit, it is said because the Hawks wouldn’t fire Woodson). Sund looked the situation over and decided that Woodson deserved a little more time, despite reputed friction with both Joshes. Sund re-signed Mike Woodson to a two year renewal, hardly a ringing endorsement. The Sword of Damacles, you might say.

When queried, one Woodson skeptic, fellow CelticsStuffLive host Jon Duke, said it is Woodson’s inability to get the most out of Josh Smith that lowers the grade on the Atlanta coach’s report card.

My guess is that besides Woodson’s professional, but humble persona, (his pre and post game press conferences are the most unpretentious and casual I’ve experienced), his ongoing drama with Josh Smith does have something to do with it. It throws a negative spin Woodson’s way. Shouldn’t that spin go the other way, as well?

I have spoken with both player and coach and both come across as articulate and respectful people. But I don’t have to coach or be coached by either. Smith missed 12 games with a sprained left ankle, and has played hurt this season.

But there was a public blow up between Smith and Woodson this season. Friction has existed exist between them for five years, as has been reported. Again, is that Woodson’s fault? The same people who find fault with Woodson have to agree that Josh Smith’s game lacks discipline. Josh could be more team oriented and could play smarter. Smith is an athletic freak and very talented player. But, why is he still shooting three point shots with a 26.9% career average (29% this year) from there?

When Smith first signed that contract with Memphis, the Hawks’ fan boards were completely mixed on Smith. I was surprised how many thought it was good riddance to a not very smart, yet selfish player.

If Woodson is to be faulted, it is for not being tough enough on Smith. Smith has a bit of Zach Randolph, or perhaps Rasheed Wallace in him and thinks he is a distance shooter. End that experiment. Get him playing on around the blocks more. He is averaging 7.4 rebounds and could easily be around 9 or more boards a game. Horford needs the help. The injuries may be affecting his numbers this season, in fairness to Smith.

Other Injuries and Obstacles
Out-of-position center Al Horford missed 14 games to injury (bone bruise/right knee). SF Marvin Williams missed 16 straight games (lower back) and 20 overall. Point guard Mike Bibby has no true back-up to spell him.

Woodson…

It’s been tough, but hey, everybody’s banged up this time of year, so its not a reason for us to sit here and complain. I mean, it’s what it is and we just got to continue to play. You know guys have stepped up this year. We’ve had injuries all year. Al was out. Josh was out. We just had guys step up and play to help us win. That’s what we have to do these last games.

The Hawks bolted out of the gate with six straight wins only to get their first loss at the hands of the Celtics.Then they went into a bit of a funk and lost 4 in a row. They pulled out of it and are closing in on a solid season by anyone’s standards.

High Profile Off Season
The Hawks had a ‘media rich’ off season, losing consummate role player Josh Childress to a generous contract ($20 mil over three years – tax free) from Greece (Olympiacos), no less. Contrary to every agent’s greed induced raving, that this will change negotiating permanently, no other American born player followed.

The Hawks recovered nicely by signing Maurice Evans, and Flip Murray to try to replace what Childress brought to the table. Some said that Atlanta couldn’t draw free agents. But frankly, those two players do not replace Josh Childress, who was one of the best sixth men in the league.

So, doesn’t that mean that Mike Woodson has done a solid job of improving a team that has theoretically lost important, make that critical, talent? And hasn’t he done it with three somewhat lengthy injuries to three different starters?

With negotiations at a standstill between Josh Smith and the Hawks, Memphis signed Smith to a $58 million, 5 year contract. The Hawks learned their lesson from Childress and immediately matched, sending what they thought was a strong message that they wanted Smith to stay.

It seemed to confuse Josh, as it was reported that he wondered why they didn’t make that offer right away, if they really wanted him. It was said he wanted to play for another coach.

Does Josh does need another coach? One who is tougher on him? How about listening to the one he has. After spending valuable time as an assistant coach with Larry Brown’s NBA champion Pistons, this is Mike Woodson’s first head coaching job. His team has improved its record for the fourth straight year.

As he would say, they are “heading in the right direction. That’s a positive.” So why is he not getting more respect and praise?

Unfairly or not, in the end, the media will judge Mike Woodson by the team’s playoff performance. A first round exit will further convince many that another coach might be in order.

The bigger question is, will Atlanta GM Rick Sund? And is his ability or inability to elevate $58 million dollar man, Josh Smith’s game viewed as a key piece in that decision?

The Cavaliers buried the Celtics 31-9 in the first quarter. Unable to enact their own miraculous resurrection on this Easter Sunday, they would stay buried for the rest of the game.
　

Now 39-1 at home, the Cavaliers can tie the NBA home record, held by the 85-86 Celtics, with a victory against the 76ers on Wednesday.
　

Led by Lebron James’ 29 points in 30 minutes, the Cavaliers out played the Celtics in every
important aspect of the game. They out rebounded the Cs by 46-28, they shot .551 from the field to the Celtics’ .358. They shot .625 (10-16) from the three point line, to the Celtics .278 (5-18). The Cavs played like they wanted it, the Celtics couldn’t get untracked or match their energy.

Paul Pierce led the Celtics with 14 points, followed by Glen Davis with 12, Rajon Rondo led with 6 assists, while Kendrick Perkins led with 6 rebounds – save Rondo’s six assists, all were meager efforts.

The question is what the implication of this game is for any future match up between the two clubs. The danger could be to weight it too much or to weight it too little.

The big picture, plain and simple, is that the Celtics came out flat. A bit more disturbing is that, except for brief period in the second quarter, when they ran off 14 straight points, the Men in Green remained flat for the balance of the game. I thought it would have been a great game to send a message to the Cavaliers. Instead, they were on the receiving end.

After reviewing much of the game afterwards, (I had to see what really happened), including many plays multiple times, some obvious things became even more obvious.

The main observations:

1. The Celtics did not play energetic defense. (I know. It took a team of scientists and multiple video breakdowns for me to figure that out. My next revelation? Trees give shade.)

2. The entire team missed shots they would normally make.

3. Cleveland played with more energy all night. Their defense was very, very good. But the Cavalier defense was not 76 points good – not by a long shot. I saw a number of missed opportunities, and as mentioned, shots with decent looks that would normally drop, bounced out.

4. They have to play James tougher than they did. Pierce looked tired, or at least drained from a long season where he has had to do more than he thought he would. Tony Allen, at this point, did not look any better. Yikes! They even used Marbury on James for awhile. Marbury!

5. Three point shooters were given too much room. Boobie Gibson particularly, should have been made to pass or move off the line. More than one defender did not do that.

6. At least twice, Marbury neglected an open Eddie House on the weak side, as Stephon drove once and passed to Rondo once – resulting in zero points. In fairness, House was having a 2 for 6 shooting night from the arc. But in light of his performance this season, I would find him when he is that open.

7. There was more, but that should give you an idea how this game went.

Points in the paint was about even at 34-30 (Cavs), and Lebron won’t be hitting three pointers like he did tonight (5-8), most of the time.

Things got testy when Ray Allen was thrown to the ground by Anderson Verajeo when they got locked up positioning for a rebound. Allen then elbowed Verajeo in the groin from a sitting position, resulting in double technicals.

No one could find the range for the Celtics and Rondo was missing his lay-ups, though they were the kind he has made before. It wasn’t a case of his being locked out of the middle by Cleveland’s size, as one might think.

It should be noted that Zydrunas Ilguaskas gives Perkins trouble. The good thing is that is it usually limited to the first quarter or first half. They will establish him early and then move on to other options.

A Wally Szczerbiak block of a Bill Walker shot attempt got the Cavaliers off the bench in wild celebration, as they thoroughly enjoyed putting this beating on the Celtics.

This game makes me think the NBA champion for 2009 will come out of the east. The Cavaliers must be considered to have the edge. They are playing championship caliber basketball.

But after having serious concerns about the Celtics after first seeing this beat down, a second look clearly shows that these were not the Celtics we know.

My Biggest concern….

Are Paul and Ray too run down after carrying the load for much of the season? It is not just the minutes. Granted, Rondo, Perkins, House and Davis have stepped it up. But it has rested on those two stars’ shoulders to bring this team home, as much, or more than last year, because of the somewhat subdued year of Kevin Garnett, perhaps due to Garnett’s injuries. Pierce, in particular, seems a bit worn out to me, regardless of what anyone may say.

Getting Marbury performing at a high level could be the jolt in the arm this team needs. But he must continue to make smart decisions with the ball.

They will definitely need Leon Powe, as well. He brings a dimension that no one else on the team brings to the Celtic inside game and to their rebounding.

No KG, no repeat.

6th Straight Win
Paul Pierce led a classic Celtic team effort with 28 points on 10 of 16 shooting, with Glen Davis adding 22 points, Ray Allen 21 points, Rajon Rondo almost triple doubling with 12 assists, 10 rebounds, 7 points, Kendrick Perkins playing exceptional defense, and Marbury chipping in 8 big points. A team effort, it was.

Dwyane Wade led the Heat with 31 points, 11 in the fourth quarter, as the Heat caught the Celtics, after being down most of the game. Rookie Michael Beasley added 23 points in a starting role.

Sixty Wins
For the second straight year the Boston Celtics have won at least 60 games, by beating the visiting Miami Heat who are trying to hold onto their play-off seeding (5th). The Celtics are 60-19, with three games left in the encore year to their championship season. The 76ers lost to Cleveland to remain a game behind the Heat.

The Celtics are in a close race for the second seed in the east with the Orlando Magic. Coupled with the Magic’s loss to the Knicks last night, the Cs open a two game lead with three games to play for each team. Home court will be a huge bonus come play-off time, though I believe the Celtics can beat Orlando without home court advantage.

Considering all the injuries, especially the amount of games that Kevin Garnett has missed, that is a remarkable accomplishment for Doc Rivers and the team.

Marbury Coming Alive
More important, tonight’s game was a good step forward for Stephon Marbury, who is starting to find his shot. His eight points were the type of shots that Marbury can hit with regularity once he gets his rhythm going. It has taken a while, but he is looking better and better. He is going to be trouble for opponents in the play-offs, and could be that X-factor who tips the balance of a few games for the Celtics in the playoffs.

Celtics Lose Then Regain Lead
After the Celtics open the fourth quarter at 79-74, the Heat took the lead 88-87 on a 14-8 run with 5:12 left on a Dwyane Wade three pointer. After multiple ties and lead changes, Pierce put the Celtics ahead, 97-95, with two free throws with 1:37 left. The Heat would only score once more, going 1 for 7 shooting, as the Celtics slowly pulled away.

Perkins had a huge block of Jermaine O’Neal on a lay-up attempt with the Celtics up 99-95 with 49 seconds left. Kendrick is playing as fine of defense as he ever has, and should be a lock for the All Defensive 2nd Team in the East. He had three blocks

Pierce – The Closer
Paul Pierce had all 9 of his points in the last four minutes to close out the win. Ray Allen added 7 more in the critical quarter, including four straight foul shots in the final seconds.

The Celtics held Miami to 8 of 23 (35%) shooting in the fourth after the Heat shot .517 (31-60) through three quarters

Big Baby Emerging
Glen Davis made two big shots in crunch time. He broke a tie at 88 with a difficult lay-up with about four and half minutes left. He also hit a jumper to make it 99-95. That is huge, as one of the questions to be answered is, ‘Can Davis hit pressure shots come play-off time?’ Signs are starting to point to yes.

He added two steals, including one from Chris Quinn the Heat point guard, and shot 8 of 17, often rebounding his own misses to put them back up.

The Heat were short handed, with forward/center Udonis Haslem out, while the KG-less Cs outrebounded them 44-38.

Coupled the Orlando loss, this just about wraps up second place in the East for the injury bitten Celtics. That should work wonders for their mindset heading into the second season.

Next up: Cleveland away on Sunday