$55,000: dry cleaning not included

Posted by Ted McEnroe June 24, 2008 at 2:33 pm

Our friends over at WEEI are noting that their auction of Doc Rivers’ Gatorade-soaked (and autographed) shirt netted $55,000 for the The Shamrock Foundation.  An anonymous bidder put up $35,000 for the shirt. The additional money came from a $10,000 donation from Gatorade and a second anonymous donor, who also called in to pledge $10,000.

In addition, the Celtics brass is offering another $35,000 donation if the bidder agrees to loan out the shirt to the Green for events during the season.

(A side auction of the shirt I spilled Pepsi on while watching Game 6 got no bidders. And I’ll have to pay for my own dry cleaning, apparently.)

And they said the Celtics had no chance

Posted by Randolph Charlotin June 18, 2008 at 9:44 am

The Lakers vs. The Celtics. The Rivalry renewed. Overwhelmingly experts picked the Lakers to win the championship. And who could blame them? Just compare all the elements and it’s easy to understand why LA won the popular vote.

Just look at what they did in the playoffs. The Lakers cruised through the tougher Western Conference, sweeping Denver, convincingly defeated Utah 4-2, then crushing the defending champions San Antonio 4-1 in the Western Conference Finals. The Celtics needed seven games to dispatch the lowly Atlanta Hawks and seven more to eliminate a one-man team in Cleveland.

Style points mattered as well. LA had the best offense during the playoffs. They averaged well over 100 points because they were the best passing team in the playoffs. Boston’s offense was inconsistent at best. They had to rely on their defense to bail them out in every round. Somehow they advanced two rounds with a slumping Ray Allen. Known for his impeccable jumper as a Milwaukee Buck and Seattle Supersonic, Allen slumped through the playoffs. Two good games at the end of the Detroit series didn’t make up for three bad rounds.

How can anyone not like LA in this series? They have the league MVP leading the team. Kobe Bryant is the best closer in the league. Check that, best player in the world! The guy is so good he gave himself a nickname of Black Mamba, one of the deadliest snakes on the planet. He can take over games and win practically all by himself. There’s only one ball between Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Allen. Sure they shared during the regular season. But they’ve been the man before. Will they compete for the chance to be the hero?

Not that Kobeis alone. The Lakers pulled off the crime of the season when they acquired Pau Gasol from Memphis. Without him, LA probably doesn’t reach the Finals. There’s also the young and energetic bench. The self-titled Bench Mob has been instrumental in the Lakers’ success during the playoffs. All Boston has to offer is a collection of unwanted veterans, a second-year point guard and a offensively challenged foul-prone center.

And the ringmaster of this team is the owner of nine championship rings. He is the one and only Zen Master, Big Chief Triangle, head coach Phil Jackson. He matches his mind against Doc Rivers who never won a playoff series until this year. I repeat: Nine Championships to zero series wins pre-2007.

Well opinions don’t win games. Past accomplishments don’t ensure future success. Three stars are greater than one supernova. Looks aren’t everything as no one can see the toughness learned through experience.

The Lakers were the trendy pick. But trends come and go. The Celtics were based on a less than glamorous foundation of defense and team play, tried and true practices that often lead to success.

A lot of opinions changed when the Celtics came back from a 24-point deficit to win game four and took a commanding 3-1 lead. The players knew that meant nothing. Four wins made all the opinions worthless and made the Boston Celtics champions.

And that’s a fact.

Sweet Seventeen

Posted by David Green June 18, 2008 at 5:00 am

Where do you start? How do you even begin to talk about the Celtics’ domination on the parquet Tuesday night?

It was total. Unrelenting. Humiliating. And for Celtic fans, it was the most impressive and enjoyable 48 minutes in a long, long time.

A magical second quarter broke the Lakers’ spirit, meaning Game 6 would not feature yet another huge Finals comeback. How good was the 2nd? Try 11 assists on 11 baskets. An 11-0 run courtesy of supersubs James Posey and Eddie House. A 9-0 run going into halftime that turned a 14-point lead into 23… a run that “buried the [Lakers] emotionally,” according to Phil Jackson. You know what? The Zen Master was right.

The second half was a glorified victory lap for this team that brought glory back to Causeway Street after a 22-year hiatus that seemed decades longer. While L.A. couldn’t get anything going, the C’s got everything going. The Celtics had a Finals record 18 steals, including 6 from Rajon Rondo, whose pestering, aggressive defense set the tone early. The rebounding edge was 48-29 — including a 14-2 edge on the offensive glass, as L.A. couldn’t grab a single offensive rebound until the 4th quarter.

You could marvel at the stats of this one for ages. The 39-point margin of victory was the largest for a clincher in Finals history, and just a couple of points shy of the worst beating in any Finals contest. Ray Allen’s 7 threes tied another Finals record. (By the way, can anyone remember all the concern about Ray Ray’s struggles early in the playoffs? Yeah, didn’t think so.)

By the way, do you want to talk about home-court advantage? The Jungle earned its nickname in this series, especially compared to the disinterested crowd that sauntered into the Staples Center. I was there for Game 3, and I was embarassed by the atmosphere. The crowd made more noise when Hugh Hefner was shown on the Jumbotron than when some guy named Earvin Johnson made an appearance. On Tuesday, the place was rockin’ from the opening introductions, and it never let up until the last piece of confetti finally touched down on the parquet. The official attendance was 18,624 but it felt like thousands more.

The scene in the locker room afterwards was one of total jubilation. I’ll admit it; my job has many perks, but nothing I’ve experienced to this point compares with being in the middle of the madness Tuesday night. Even now, as I’m watching the trophy presentation on the ESPN replay at 4:49 a.m., I’m still at a loss for words. While it felt amazing to watch the Sox and Patriots spray champagne after their championships, the sting of having champagne and beer sprayed in your eyes as it’s happening is a much better experience.

Now it’s time for yet another parade in Titletown. I’m guessing a few people might call out sick on Thursday to watch the Celtics roll through the city on the Duck Boats that Doc took the new Big 3 on way back at the start of the year. Doc told them that’s how Boston celebrates champions… now they’ll get to see exactly what it’s like.

Help Me Rondo

Posted by Mike Giardi June 9, 2008 at 5:19 pm

16 assists. 2 turnovers. If that wasn’t the very definition of what you want from a point guard, than I don’t know what is. Rajon Rondo didn’t shoot very often - reluctantly hoisting up just 4 shots - but he was, arguably, the reason the Celtics built up a 24-point 4th Quarter lead. It was a Jason Kidd type performance, except from a man much smaller than the aberation that is the Mavs floor general.

But I’m not here to toast Rondo. I treat point guards exactly the way Doc Rivers does. And if the second-year playmaker from Kentucky deserves praise for getting the C’s way out in front, he also deserves criticism for not seizing the leadership mantle and preventing the Lakers from making a nearly miraculous comeback. I mean, run the offense! Almost that entire final quarter was spent pounding the ball on the perimeter and watching the shot clock and the game clock. That took the C’s out of an incredible offensive flow.

It also sucked some of the energy out of the Green Team at the other end, and the next thing you know, Vladimir Radmanovic is the next coming of Larry Bird, dropping in 3’s like they were uncontested layups. To say it got uncomfortable in the Garden would be an understatement. There was a nervous buzz, a “this can’t really be happening” feel. Point the finger at the player with the rock in his hands.

I’ll tell you what, I would not want to be Rondo today and in tomorrow’s walk-through. That film session probably caused some bruises…physical and mental. One example of “here’s how you did it right,” followed by two of, “and this is what you did wrong.” Rondo has proven confident enough to handle it, and handle the responsibility of running a team that features three All-Stars. All he needs to do now is do it well two more times - simply by running the offense -and he’ll likely be feeling pretty good as that parade trickles down Boylston Street…

Big Papi and Big Hoops

Posted by Mike Giardi June 3, 2008 at 7:15 pm

Before I get on to the Celtics, let me just say that the David Ortiz injury worries me, but I won’t get panicky unless the wrist won’t get right. Right away you worry about Manny. Unless J.D. Drew and Mike Lowell and Chris Carter (no, not that one. He spells it Cris…and he’’s an idiot) rake, there is absolutely no reason to ever throw Manny a strike again. And the Sox slugger is such a patient hitter, he’ll take walks. I say if Ortiz misses a month, Manny will take between 35 and 40 base on balls during this stretch. Its great for the OBP, but dudes below him better swing big bats or you might be talking about a couple of walks per game.

The only reason I don’t get crazy is because the Sox are better built to manufacture runs then they’ve ever been in my lifetime, even more so if Coco could get on base every once in a blue moon. Jacoby Elllsbury has a chance to be a very special player, and I wasn’t convinced that would be the case 7 or 8 months ago.

As for the Celtics, another busy day at the team’s practice facility in Waltham. Ray Allen and Paul Pierce held court for a second day, basically repeating their takes from a day ago. I get the feeling that Ray may have a good series now that his confidence has been restored. Of course, I reserve the right to change my mind if Kobe tortures him for 40. Hey, I may be dumb, but I’m not stupid.

Other bits and pieces…Kendrick Perkins thinks that Rasheed Wallace and Antonio McDyess got him well prepared for Pau Gasol. In fact, I think Perk thinks this will be an easier task. You know what? I think he’s right.

Sam Cassell thinks there’s very little pressure on Rajon Rondo. He said it was similar to his situation in his rookie season with Houston, when he didn’t have any plays designed for him, and didn’t need to carry the offense. Cassell noted he had Hakeem and Clyde Drexler - 2 Hall of Famers - and Rondo plays with 3 future HOf’ers. The late-season acquisition also noted that nothing prepares you for the NBA Finals. The atmosphere is “crazy.”

James Posey wouldn’t reveal just how much time he’ll get matching up with Kobe (see my one-on-one interview with him on NECN.com), but says that its all about “team defense,” again a theme that has been very prevalent these last couple days (and all season, of course). It will be crucial for the C’s to make sure Kobe has to work defensively as well, something they did a nice job with in the two regular season meetings.

Doc Rivers is a huge fan of Derek Fisher, citing his character and basketball smarts. The C’s tried to get Fish this offseason, but he was no dummy, sticking to his West Coast roots and Kobe. Can’t blame a guy for that.

Paul Pierce thinks Kobe has great trust not just in Gasol, but all his teammates, and Doc feels like Phil Jackson has loaded up on shooters when those two are on the floor, making life easier for both, and Lamar Odom.

More tomorrow….

They’re Learning

Posted by Randolph Charlotin May 31, 2008 at 10:11 am

Do you remember Doc Rivers saying it could be a good thing that the Celtics played in two series that were extended to game sevens? His words were, “Going through this thing twice has to be a positive to our team. It Just has to be.”

How many thought it was a load of bull? It sounded like a coach trying to spin a positive out of disappointment.

I did. I saw no good out of the best team in the East being extended to a seventh game by two teams clearly inferior to the Celtics. For goodness sakes, Atlanta barely made it to the playoffs. And Cleveland is a one-man team. And it took the Celts seven games to beat both of them? And Doc is calling it a positive? Come on!

Looks like Rivers was right. This team wasn’t playoff tested over the years. They are basically picking things up along the way when the expectations for this club are sky high. Finishing with the league’s best record and being rated as the top defense can do that, even for a unproven playoff team.

It hasn’t been an efficient playoff run, but the results are as desired. How they did it shows that Boston is learning from their playoff experiences. What they learned so far:

Resiliency: Rivers showed Muhammad Ali fights to the players to get across the message of always moving forward even when absorbing a lot of punishment. They took the best punches from the Hawks, Cavaliers and Pistons, but in the end Boston fought back and put them away.

Road worries: Boston was win-less on the road in the first two rounds of the playoffs, a 0-6 record in Atlanta and Cleveland. Whether it was not having equal intensity or failures to secure wins in crunch time, the Celtics played like a different team away from home and allowed leads to slip through their fingers.

They put an end to that problem against Detroit. When Boston had to win on the road after losing game two at home, they took it to the Pistons and won convincingly. It was a skill they displayed again in game six at the Palace. The 10-point fourth quarter hole meant nothing as they executed offensively and locked down the Pistons. In the Conference Finals Boston reversed their road trend and won two out of three.

Finishing touch: Because the Celts couldn’t win on the road in the first two series, they couldn’t finish off their opponents, even when they were on the ropes. Against Atlanta and Cleveland, Boston was up 3-2 with a chance to take them out of their misery on the road. Both times Boston came up short.

It looked like it would be the same story against Detroit, but the Celtics re-wrote the ending. A second half lead became a fourth quarter deficit. But instead of folding up the tent, the Celtics rallied a final time and put away the Pistons in six games.

Boston gets high grades for showing rapid application of the hard lessons learned from the playoffs. It’s easy to think they are prepared for the Los Angeles Lakers because the Celts already beat L.A. both times during the regular season.

Not quite. This isn’t the same Lakers team. They raised their level of play during the playoffs. The Lakers hadn’t traded for Pau Gasol yet. He’s not the same player as Andrew Bynum.

Boston will have to do their research for the Lakers, but will learn the most about their opponent by playing them. Based on the first three rounds, the Celtics are ready for the Finals exam.

Adjust the Bass and let the Alpine Blast…

Posted by Mike Giardi May 25, 2008 at 11:37 am

23 points from the Celtics bench. Another 12 and 10 from Kendrick. My call to the bench boys was answered last night and, not surprisingly, the Celts are now at the wheel of that shiny Cadillac Escalade with the $50,000 rims. Or if you prefer, a big ole Benz. Me, I’ll take the family truckster, but that’s how I roll.

Anyway, hard to believe that was the same team we saw get abused by the Pistons on the previously pristine Garden floor, but I checked the tape, and the faces were the same. It was just the performances that changed.  The C’s supporting cast has been a question  mark in the second season, alternately shying away from, then embracing key moments. Last night, Posey, Cassell, P.J. and Big Baby hugged it out, and now the Green team has recaptured home court advantage.

You knew it was going to be different in the opening quarter. Both Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen got hit with two quick fouls, and Doc had no choice but to rely on these guys. But unlike in Game 2, the bench responded quickly and productively. They helped answer a 13-0 run by Detroit with a 10-0 whitewashing themselves. Posey dropped in a  big 3 from the corner, then Cassell got an open look at the top of the key and softly coaxed it in. That didn’t happen Thursday, especially for Cassell, who was rooted to the floor with that awkward looking wrap engulfing his back and logged yet another DNP-CD.

Perkins deserves credit as well. “Molasses” may not be the most fluid athlete we’ve ever laid eyes on, but he’s a decent shooter, and we know he can rebound and supply a defensive presence in the paint. At least, we’ve seen him do those things for stretches during the regular season and even in the playoffs.

Last night was arguably his best performance in May. Perk went 6-of-7 from the floor, had 10 boards and made life difficult for anyone who dared venture into the paint. I’d like to see him do it again Monday, but I have to remind myself that the big fella is still young in experience, despite having several seasons of NBA life under his belt.

So now what lies ahead? A chance to stagger Detroit by taking another one at the Palace. As Paul Pierce and Garnett said following last night’s victory  - and I’m paraphrasing - why come here for just one win? That’s the right sentiment, now let’s see if the Green team and its bench boys deliver the same kind of 1-2 punch.

Video: It’s home court advantage, but no guarantees

Posted by Laura Behnke May 22, 2008 at 6:31 pm

The Celtics are enjoying quite a run at home this postseason. They’re 9-0 at the Garden heading into tonight’s Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals. But the Celtics don’t seem to think that amounts to all that much heading into tonight’s game.

1st Quarter Thoughts…

Posted by Mike Giardi May 18, 2008 at 4:20 pm

Love how aggressive Paul Pierce was in that opening quarter. He needs to be the guy today. So far, he has, with 9 points. At its not just at one end. PP really hounding LeBron defensively. Quite frankly, he’s done a damn good job at it all season.

- Doc Rivers harped on rebounding before the series started. He’s harped on it before and after every game of this series. When the C’s do it, they win. When they don’t, they lose. Simple as that. Today, great work in the first 12 minutes, especially a) limiting the Cavs work on the offensive glass while b) conversely, doing a terrific job on second-chance opportunities themselves. Nice to see Leon Powe get a chance to play today. Thought Doc made a mistake in Game 6 keeping Powe rooted to the bench. Doesn’t seem to be the case this afternoon.

- Lastly, the Cavs supporting cast is not in the flow. Big Z is throwing up an oh-fer, Wally hasn’t been strong enough looking for his shot and, quite frankly, Damon Jones is no Boobie Gibson, and that’s scary for the Cavs.

Hey Doc…Rondo’s the Right One!

Posted by Mike Giardi May 14, 2008 at 1:36 pm

Heading into Game 4, Rajon Rondo said he would take more offensive responsibility, pushing the ball in transition, being aggressive in half-court sets. I guess, in taking 14 shots and scoring 15 points, you could argue that the C’s point guard did just that. But I would argue the exact opposite. I would argue that the Rondo we saw on the floor Monday night is the same shell-of-his-former-self we’ve watched since halftime of the opener against Cleveland, and that should have fans of this team saying, “uh oh,” over and over again.

Where did the Rondo, who emerged as one of the brightest young point guard in the league, go? The defensive menace who held his own against the likes of Chris Paul, Tony Parker and Jason Kidd (I’m omitting Jazz frontman Deron Williams, who absolutely crushed the smaller Rondo). The explosive offensive threat who scorched Jameer Nelson of Orlando and Denver’s Allen Iverson, and shamed poor Raymond Felton into retirement (I’m making that up, but Felton should have called it quits after Rondo torched him)?

That Rondo has been jerked around by a Head Coach who should know better. He should know - after 82 regular season games and 11 in the postseason - that his best chance to win is to let Rondo have the ball in his hands. He’s smarter than just about any Celtic on the floor, and whatever he lacks in experience, Rondo makes up for with his freakish speed and arms of a 7-footer. At this point in the year, Rondo has earned his playing time.

Sam Cassell, on the other hand, has earned an 8-minute cameo at PG (end of opening quarter into the second and again at the end of the 3rd), and maybe, in light of Ray Allen’s disappearance, another 15 at the two. But I am so sick of him jacking up shots with double digits on the shot clock. I’m sick of the offense coming to a standstill when he’s pounding the ball into the floor. That’s not how the C’s won 66 games in the regular season. Yes, you’ll need Cassell at a later time in these playoffs. But there may not be a later time in the playoffs unless order is restored and Rondo gets the keys to this offense again. Its the right thing to do, and a former point guard named Doc should understand that better than anyone.

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