4 Wins Away From Glory

Posted by Mike Giardi May 31, 2008 at 5:55 pm

Quick thoughts on what I just saw from the Celtics and questions I have on the series ahead.

1. Rajon Rondo is driving me nuts. His inconsistencies are not just game-to-game, but possession to possession. I’m on record as saying he’s the C’s most important player. He sets the tone defensively, and he’s responsible for getting this team moving offensively. But there have been too many times this postseason that the Green team is grinding to a halt in the halfcourt…and how can you put it on anyone else but Rondo? Take charge and finish this run off!

2. I’m an unabashed Kendrick Perkins fan. Man works like a kid forced to pay his way through college. Those lumbering legs never stop moving, and he made an indelible mark in the Pistons series. That 18-point, 16-rebound, 2 block performance in Game 5 goes to the head of his resume. but there are so many subtle things he does defensively. I’m assuming he gets Paul Gasol in the Finals. A difficult challenge, but if Perk is allowed to body Gasol, he could slow the Lakers gifted center (who’s really a power forward).

3. The C’s bench didn’t have big numbers in Game 6 versus Detroit. But their contribution was huge. I don’t want to get too simplistic on you, because are so many factors that go into winning, but when the bench plays well, the C’s have won in these playoffs.

3a. On that note, does Leon Powe reemerge in this series, or is it too late for him? They could use a little offense on the second unit, and if Cassell isn’t hitting jumpers, Powe seems to be the obvious choice.

4. If Phil Jackson pilots L.A. to a title, he’ll break Red Auerbach’s record of 10. Now there aren’t too many players on this current C’s team who got to spend any considerable time around Red, but man, they gotta do it for the old coach. You know he’s looking down, chomping on that stinky cigar, probably cursing at the refs. He is the Celtics. And it would be nice to deny a somewhat smarmy Jackson of that honor, even if he gets it eventually.

5. Do you just let Kobe get his, and focus on shutting down the solid supporting cast? I mean, I’m not suggesting you single Kobe up and let him torture you 1-on-1, because if you do that, he’ll beat Ray Allen and James Posey and whoever else tries to “D” him up off the dribble, and your big men will be in foul trouble from the word “go.” But if you devote too many resources to him, the Lakers have far more talent than LeBron had alongside. In other words, the Cavs took the C’s 7. If the C’s play the Lakers that way, they’ll get taken out.

6. Be prepared to hate Sasha Vujacic. The floppy-haired guard is a certifiable pain-in-the-butt. Also be prepared for me to butcher his name. Hey, you gotta know your strengths and weaknesses. That name will be on the negative side of the ledger.

7. Is it Thursday yet?