Celtics Stole the Ball!
Finally. Three and a half to four full quarters of the stiffling defense that gave them 66 regular season wins.
Finally. All three amigos playing well in the same game.
Finally. Huge contribution from Rondo after everybody wondering if they would have to close it out with House/Cassell down the stretch.
Defense wins in all four major sports (yes I'm including hockey as a major sport). The Celtics have the best defense since the Pistons' days back in the early 90's. Possibly the best team defense ever.
Who knew Pierce could be a stopper before these playoffs began? Not me. Amazing.
I thought Perkins would have an impact and he did. He didn't score much, didn't show up on the stat sheet much, but he had a few tough rebounds, put a heavy body on the bigs from LA and had a significant block in the 2nd quarter during the big first run. Having him in the rotation improved the play of PJ and Powe as expected. We even got to see Big Baby go end to end for a dunk in the 4th. Very cool.
18 steals is amazing. The Lakers had to wonder if there were 7 Celtics on the court at all times. Anytime the Lakers would go in the air to pass, the Celtics blocked all the passing lanes. Was truly enjoyable to watch a defensive game of beauty. It all started with Rondo's defense. This guy could get scary good if he develops offense to go with his athletic skills.
Garnett didn't go out with a whimper but with a bang. He made foul shots, he made jumpers, he rebounded, he passed well, he did his best MJ hang in the air (did he come down before shooting?) longer than the defense for a 3 point play move. Best case scenario to remove the lingering doubts. He did what he needed to in a big game.
Ray Ray's shooting was so dismall in the Atlanta and Cleveland series there was serious doubt whether they could win without his scoring. Talk about big time shooting, all series he drained open and contested 3's. The aggressive move that got him a trip to the locker room was his way of keeping the defense honest.
Pierce didn't score big last night. Didn't need to. He missed a bunch of shots early but made up for it with passing. Clearly the MVP of the series and deserves all the adulation he is getting. Repeat next year and join the Parthenon of Celtic greats.
Doc Rivers - much has been written and said about him out-coaching Phil Jackson this series. Was it even close? Those "wired" segments on tv showed Phil offering less than inspiring speeches for the camera while Doc was constantly pulling at the hearts of the Celtics and correcting any malaise that slipped in. I was one of those that was not a huge fan of Doc's prior to these playoffs. He did have some odd choices in the earlier rounds but all is forgiven now. He was brilliant during the finals.
Kobe - wow, imagine being the best in the world/planet and believing it and hearing it all the time...now imagine not being good enough to lead your team (picked by most everybody to win) to victory. I admit, I am a Kobe hater. Has little to do with his legal troubles in the past. Has little to do with the claims (of others) of being MJ's equal. I "hate" Kobe for what he is relative to why I have disliked the NBA the last 10+ years. He is the poster child of a spoiled, incredibly talented athlete that is from the "I" generation. How in the world does he not DEMAND the ball every time down the court in the third quarter? Defense too intense? Guess what, you just smashed the comparisions to MJ. Name a team that ever took MJ out of a game or series, ever? Prediction, Lakers don't make it to the finals next year. Bynum? Yep, very nice talent, never played a game that mattered in his life. The western conference is tough, other teams will be ready to get to the finals too.
22 years is a long time, next year is not out of the question to repeat. Intensity is the key (and resigning Posey). I think there is a good chance to get to the finals again in the East and with KG and company, perhaps they rule the basketball world again next year.
Finally. The end (hopefully/rightfully) of Kobe/MJ comparisions. Forever (please?).
Go Celtics!
photos from AP, espn, boston globe and other sources
In response to: Celtics Stole the Ball!
ReplyDeleteComment from: bosfan [Visitor]
Did I say 9 points? I meant to say 39! Wow
what a game, it was great to see it take
take place in Boston.
I agree with you about Phil's lack luster
speeches, I thought his entire demeanor
throughout the series lacked any inspiration
or confidence his team could crack Boston's
defense. Post game he even admitted to a
degree that he was surprised to be where he
was this season.
I heard on the ride in today that the Lakers
are a 2-1 favorite to win in 09' the Celtics
are 4-1, who's making these odds?
Should be great to see how the 09 season
plays out, I hope you're wrong about them
not playing with the same intensity. Do you
think Garnett will let them?
In response to: Celtics Stole the Ball!
ReplyDeleteComment from: blmeanie [Visitor]
I think Pierce would be the one I'd worry about. I wish I had heard one of them say "this is great, we're gonna get another next year" during the interviews etc. but that is more suitable to the speeches made parade day. Maybe Pierce will say something to that effect.
Evidently by beating San Antonio this year, and getting Bynum back makes them the prohibitive favorites next year.
I honestly like the Celtics if Rondo improves and Posey gets signed, the experience will help them tremendously.
In response to: Celtics Stole the Ball!
ReplyDeleteComment from: bosfan [Visitor]
Changing gears a bit here...I'm glad the Sox
are coming home for a stretch during this
inter-league play.
I was never a big fan of pitchers hitting
mainly because they are so poor at it as a
whole. As I stated before in a previous post,
I enjoy watching and routing for the best and
the DH is far more interseting not to mention
talent at the plate. I just can't imagin going
through 162 games night in night out having
to watch Bartolo Colon hack at what ever the
first three pitches are. Wouldn't you rather
see Ortiz or Manny in there place. (game on
the line two outs bottom of the 9th and your
team is down by one, and up comes Chien-Ming
Wang, not a scenario that would bring any
excitement or hope for your team.)
I'm sure the Sox and the Yankees would love
to have both there starters back instead of
on the DL.
Now I know you are looked at as more of a true fan of the game playing the way it's always been.
Or a even more of a deeper thinker, and the
strategy involved is exciting, come on, give
me the better player and you will have more
great moments and a far more interesting game.
Thank god this inter-league stuff is short
and half the games are at home, it's just
not the same or as good without the DH!!
As long as they continue with this, why not
mix it up and show the fans on each side
there brand of ball, play American League
style over in Arizona and vice versa.
In response to: Celtics Stole the Ball!
ReplyDeleteComment from: blmeanie [Visitor]
I have been quoted as saying I prefer the NL style but regardless of which style, I think it should be the same in both leagues.
What if the NFL had the AFC play with 12 defensive players on the field and the NFC with the traditional 11.
In response to: Celtics Stole the Ball!
ReplyDeleteComment from: bosfan [Visitor]
I agree, AL.
In response to: Celtics Stole the Ball!
ReplyDeleteComment from: blmeanie [Visitor]
why are you calling me Al?
In response to: Celtics Stole the Ball!
ReplyDeleteComment from: bosfan [Visitor]
I can call you Betty.
In response to: Celtics Stole the Ball!
ReplyDeleteComment from: blmeanie [Visitor]
you didn't go to the parade I take it?
In response to: Celtics Stole the Ball!
ReplyDeleteComment from: bosfan [Visitor]
No