Get Me Back to Boston

Posted by Mike Giardi June 16, 2008 at 10:20 pm

A travel nightmare today may prove costly to the Celtics tomorrow. If you’ve been watching us at all this evening, you know that the C’s charter had mechanical issues out in Los Angeles. So instead of being in the comforts of their own homes early this afternoon, the Green Team was still stuck on the West Coast. Word is they weren’t leaving until after 5:30…and that was on a 757 that had to be flown to them! That’s a shot somewhere south of the equator.

Now I know what you’re thinking. These guys don’t travel the same way we do. They don’t have to go through long security lines and sit in uncomfortable seats in some over-packed terminal. I agree. What they do and what we do are not even comparable. But a long day of waiting, especially a long day of waiting when you know what lies ahead - and what you have left to accomplishment - makes this a potentially harmful day for the C’s.

Making matters even worse, everything I can garner from this Kendrick Perkins injury situation is that even if he does play in Game 6, he won’t be able to play like Perk can; which is to say, physical. The job he had done defensively really came to light last night in his absence. The big fella may not look like he’s a force, but on that end of the floor, he really is. Just ask Kevin Garnett how much he missed Perk.

Collins: Lakers still breathing…barely

Posted by Chris Collins June 16, 2008 at 1:49 am

The Los Angeles Lakers beat the Boston Celtics 103-98 Sunday, forcing the series back to Boston for a crucial Game 6. NECN’s Chris Collins says that it was Paul Pierce’s heroics that kept the Celtics in the game, but the absence of Kendrick Perkins that hurt them.

Collins recaps Game 5 from the Staples Center and previews the homecoming in Boston.

Concerns Going Into Game 2

Posted by Mike Giardi June 8, 2008 at 4:01 pm

I am mere minutes away from departing Team NECN headquarters to make my way to the Garden for tonight’s Game 2 of the NBA’s Finals between your Boston Celtics and the L.A. Lakers. As I’ve mentioned in each of the past couple days, the first concern here is Paul Pierce’s right knee strain. I guess we should all feel better about his health considering PP and Sam Cassell had what was described as a spirited game of 1-on-1 at the C’s shootaround this morning/afternoon. I’ll be real interested to see his lateral movement/quickness on cuts and defensively. I also will be watching very carefully to see how Pierce explodes to the basket.

My 2nd area of concern..the health of one Kendrick Perkins. He wasn’t allowed to do jack squat this morning, and high ankle sprains are never good. Perk didn’t put up any kind of numbers Thursday night, but he did a good job defensively before getting hurt. Pau Gasol didn’t get an offensive board until midway through the 4th quarter. Is it any coincidence that Perk was out of the game at that point? I think not. If he can’t go, or can’t play for very long, that puts an extra burden on P.J. Brown and company. I’m not sure they can handle those kind of minutes.

Lastly, and simply, I wonder about Kobe. The C’s defense may not have gotten enough credit for how they played in Game 1, but Kobe is an assasin. I don’t think there’s any way he doesn’t bounce back in this game, big time. Now does he do it at the expense of his teammates, or can he still manage to go off and get everyone else involved?

Enjoy the game.

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….

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?

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.

Suffocating

Posted by Mike Giardi May 9, 2008 at 9:05 am

Here we go again. The Celtics were on the verge of becoming choking dogs a week ago. This morning, they’re halfway home to a Round 2 win over Cleveland, and all is right in the world of fandom (yes, I’m making up words) and media.

I can understand the positivity. After a slow start, the C’s dominated the Cavs, allowing me to flip back to the Sox game at various points. The team defense - the thing that allowed the Celts to win 66 games in the regular season - has been terrific in the first two games of this series.

In particular, I appreciate how Doc has this team defending LeBron. He’s letting Cleveland’s version of the “Big Z” beat ‘em, but making the King work hard for everything. Kendrick Perkins is essentially playing a one-man zone, waiting for LeBron to come into the lane. They’ve run Kevin Garnett at him over and over (there isn’t a more active big man than KG). And if Garnett is on the wrong side of the floor, its somebody else. Powe. P.J. Brown. The team trainer. Greg Dickerson. I mean, SOMEBODY is always running at the league’s top scorer. Combine that with very good on the ball defense from either Paul Pierce and James Posey, the two men with the daunting task of containing LBJ, and you can understand why the C’s have been so successful in this series.

Of course, what makes it tougher is that LeBron couldn’t toss a rock into the ocean if he was on a boat in the middle of the Atlantic (its an oldie, but goodie). Every jumper is long, he’s settling for deep 3’s and when he does go to the hoop, the greatest finisher on the planet (Kobe is #2) can’t convert a twisting layup. I don’t expect this to last. But I didn’t expect LeBron to lay an egg on Wednesday and again last night. The weight of the world…or at least Cleveland…will be on his shoulders Saturday.

My one caution: the C’s were at this same point with the Hawks after two games. In fact, the Green team was more impressive in that series than they have been in this one. Then the C’s went to Atlanta and got tight and made a short set last the full 7. So let’s not go making plans for the Eastern Conference finals until we see how the next 48 hours turn out.

Powe and Perkins react to Celtics win

Posted by NECN - Sports May 7, 2008 at 6:21 am

(NECN) - The Celtics have grabbed a one game to none lead over the Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference semi-finals.

But this was not a game for the stars.

Paul Pierce scored just four points and Ray Allen was held scoreless. Lebron James scored just 12 points on 2-8 shooting.

Two of the big men in the middle, Leon Powe and Kendrick Perkins spoke after the game about stopping Lebron.

C’s Suspensions Looming?

Posted by Mike Giardi April 29, 2008 at 11:06 am

This will be hard for Celtics fans to swallow, but so be it. Kevin Garnett and Kendrick Perkins should be suspended for their actions in last night’s Game 4 loss. The Perkins thing is a no-brainer. He left the bench. That’s an NBA no-no. So he should expect to be in a suit tomorrow night when the series resumes at the Garden.

As for “The Big Ticket,” it is difficult to determine intent. If Garnett thought he was being restrained by a teammate, then fighting out of the hold is understandable. But that doesn’t get him off the hook. You can’t do that to a ref. Period. End of story. And KG knows that. As a leader, as a “do as I do, do as I say,” player, Garnett allowed his emotions get the better of him, and there can be no excuse for even putting himself in that situation.

Now take a look at the bigger pitcure. The C’s have allowed the Hawks to get under their skin, and have made this a series. Anyone else surprised? Shocked? Hard to predict this, that’s for sure. Tomorrow night, you’d expect the Green Teamers to respond - whether or not they’re missing two starters from the lineup - but then again, you thought that would happen last night. To say this is disappointing would be an understatement. The C’s are now faced with adversity, maybe for the first time all season. Quite frankly, its too soon for this.

Dear Mr. Bibby: The numbers don’t lie

Posted by Ted McEnroe April 22, 2008 at 5:57 pm

So, Mike Bibby called the Celtics fans “fair weather” today. Now I’m not saying that TD Banknorth Garden was a rocking place last season when the Celtics were 24-58, and had some games that, to put it frankly, stunk up the joint.

But y’all down in Atlanta can now get a little math lesson. Let’s look at the NBA attendance.

This year, the Celtics averaged 18,624 fans a game - 100% of capacity. You know that the hard way if you tried to get tickets late in the year.

The Hawks averaged 16,843. That’s 86 % of their capacity.

But hey, the Green are kings this year. What about last year when the weather at the Garden was decidedly “wicked bad?”

The Green were 24-58. Worst in the Eastern Conference. But they averaged 16,843 per game, about 86 percent of capacity.

The Hawks? 6 games better at 30-52. But more than a thousand fans worse, at 15,594 - 78 percent of capacity.

No doubt Bibby will hear what 18,624 sounds like tomorrow night.