Celtics/Orlando

Rob Tatro · Post by **Rob Tatro** » Mon May 04, 2009 10:38 pm

Is it possible to be encouraged by a loss?

The Celtics definitely looked confounded on how to attack the defensive interior presence of Howard and company in the first half (ie. Perkin's failed sky hook away from the basket in the first half - when does he ever use that shot?) and it cost them as they were down what, 28 after the half?

They definitely turned things around in the second however and used the perimeter while dabbling on the interior to keep them honest and closed the gap to 3 towards to final moments of the game.

On paper, you'd say the Celt's are toast ... the fan in me says I don't think so ... no?

Bill Stewart · Post by **Bill Stewart** » Tue May 05, 2009 5:39 am

I'm with you, Rob. Although they had their chances to get it past -3, the comback was unbelievable. Scalabrine was great on D, and the press (which I don't think I've seen all season) was very disruptive to the Magic's offense. I would go with the press again, perhaps with Starbury in order to spell Rondo a bit. He was so dogged on D, I couldn't help feeling he was a bit winded on O.

Big Baby getting in foul trouble was tough as well. That jumper of his was effective in the first half, and they could have used it more in the second when they had a tough time penetrating.

If they can turn up the defensive intensity like that in game 2, the C's should escape with a split in Boston.

Bobby Direnzo · Post by **Bobby Direnzo** » Tue May 05, 2009 8:52 am

The press was working and I hope they start off early like how they played in the 2nd half because the 1st half wasn't as good as the second.

Steve Solbo · Post by **Steve Solbo** » Tue May 05, 2009 9:12 am

C's in 6.

Eric Kevorkian · Post by **Eric Kevorkian** » Tue May 05, 2009 9:24 am

Frustrating game...but they showed signs of improvement. Granted they were close within the final few minutes, but I think they lost that game with about 6 minutes to go. Orlando had a few late TO's and missed shots and the C's ran down the court and didn't do ANYTHING with their posessions...turned the ball over and made poor shot selections. Frustrating to watch, but they certainly gave us hope in the series. They showed they can handle Orlando, and dwight howard. Big Baby getting into early foul trouble didn't help down the stretch...

Drew Smith · Post by **Drew Smith** » Tue May 05, 2009 9:43 am

I think they did a great job keeping Howard contained considering no KG... The Cs looked really flat. Rondo played awful - he won't do that every game. As Rondo goes, so go the Cs...

Bill Stewart · Post by **Bill Stewart** » Thu May 07, 2009 6:58 am

I had no problem enjoying a stress-free blowout last night. Perk, Rondo and Eddie were unbelievable. So much for the "they're going to have to do it without a bench" observations after the Bulls series. Scal had another great game. Series may be tied 1-1, but Celts lead in quarters, 6-2. Rondo was quoted as saying he'll never come out flat like he did in game one again.

Mike Dussault · Post by **Mike Dussault** » Thu May 07, 2009 7:18 am

That is how you hold onto a 26 point lead. No comeback for Orlando last night. I never thought they would get back in it. Rondo with the 3x 2x was awesome, beating LB's playoff record.

Scott Selders · Post by **Scott Selders** » Thu May 07, 2009 8:14 am

Rondo showed up an hour before tip off for game 1. He was obviously not fully prepared with the flat performance. Yesterdays game was vintage Rondo.

Allen Smith · Post by **Allen Smith** » Thu May 07, 2009 4:07 pm

vintage? He is 23 years old

Eric Kevorkian · Post by **Eric Kevorkian** » Sun May 10, 2009 10:59 pm

Big Baby!? :?:

Todd Lapham · Post by **Todd Lapham** » Mon May 11, 2009 7:58 am

Kovo wrote:Big Baby!?

Nasty!

Bill Stewart · Post by **Bill Stewart** » Mon May 11, 2009 9:49 am

That 15-18 footer he developed proved to be a godsend this year. One key Garnett-less area they've managed to cover. Maybe he could share some pointers with Rondo on that shot?

Jim Bobka · Post by **Jim Bobka** » Mon May 11, 2009 10:59 am

Yeah, the Cs could benefit from a 15' jumper from Rondo; counting on his runner won't do it down the stretch.

Eric Kevorkian · Post by **Eric Kevorkian** » Mon May 11, 2009 11:35 am

He had it earlier in the year, and looked as though it would be a consistent shot he would have, and make. Not sure what happened though...

Drew Smith · Post by **Drew Smith** » Mon May 11, 2009 11:54 am

Kovo wrote:Big Baby!?

I cursed him at least five times during the game for missing shots. Unbelievable.

Eric Kevorkian · Post by **Eric Kevorkian** » Tue May 12, 2009 9:46 am

Ernest Provetti. That's the father of the kid that big baby "pushed" after he hit the shot. Ernest took it upon himself to send a notice to the league complaining about what had happened, and expecting some sort of repurcussion. His facebook page is out there....feel free to send him a nice little message like i did :twisted:

Todd Eddy · Post by **Todd Eddy** » Tue May 12, 2009 10:36 pm

Crazy finish, once again. Wow.

Bill Stewart · Post by **Bill Stewart** » Wed May 13, 2009 6:14 am

No kidding. They were so flat on both ends of the court, I wasn't even pissed down 14 with eight and change, just hoping they'd shpw some life in game 6. I guess that means I gave up...what a bastard. Rafer Alston hitting the threes had me feeling like the C's had gotten lucky for a couple games while the Magic were in a 3-pointer cold spell.

These 12 games have had it all. What, only 3 games that weren't down to the wire? And Marbury stepping up to break them out of the offensive funk--who'da thunk it? Doc made the right call going back to the starters after that and we finally saw the best Celts D of the night.

I really want them to pull off the upset Thursday night in Orlando. Hold the puppy's head under water.

Actually I just want Solbo's "C's in 6" prediction to ring ture.

Jim Bobka · Post by **Jim Bobka** » Wed May 13, 2009 8:02 am

It seemed the Magic couldn't miss and the Celts were flat ....until the end. Then it looked like everything turned around.

Breath holding moment when they gave us the call on the ball 'grazing' the basket, it looked like all net to me.

Eric Kevorkian · Post by **Eric Kevorkian** » Wed May 13, 2009 11:07 am

You could see the rotation of the ball change. I'm surprised the announcers didn't make a note of that.

Jim Bobka · Post by **Jim Bobka** » Wed May 13, 2009 11:40 am

No I couldn't; good point though, your eyes must be younger than mine.

Todd Lapham · Post by **Todd Lapham** » Wed May 13, 2009 11:48 am

I couldn't see it either. Still the right call though. 8-)

Eric Kevorkian · Post by **Eric Kevorkian** » Wed May 13, 2009 12:07 pm

At first sight...it did look like an airball and was amazed they even WENT to the replay. The birds eye view gives the best angle. The rotation of the ball speeds up after it grazes the rim.

Jeni Desrosiers · Post by **Jeni Desrosiers** » Wed May 13, 2009 12:15 pm

I thought it was only noticeable by the way the ball went straight down after making contact with the rim.. the ball would have stayed arch ish if it hadnt hit anything. wouldn't it?

Matt DeAngelis · Post by **Matt DeAngelis** » Wed May 13, 2009 12:24 pm

Jeni wrote:arch ish

Is that the scientific term used to describe the ball's trajectory? :lol:

Jeni Desrosiers · Post by **Jeni Desrosiers** » Wed May 13, 2009 12:40 pm

HAHA! I believe it is.

Jim Bobka · Post by **Jim Bobka** » Wed May 13, 2009 12:43 pm

I thought it was when you were acting like Jughead's buddy.....

Matt DeAngelis · Post by **Matt DeAngelis** » Wed May 13, 2009 12:52 pm

Jim Bobka wrote:I thought it was when you were acting like Jughead's buddy.....

Todd Lapham · Post by **Todd Lapham** » Wed May 13, 2009 9:32 pm

Kovo wrote:At first sight...it did look like an airball and was amazed they even WENT to the replay. The birds eye view gives the best angle. The rotation of the ball speeds up after it grazes the rim.

I think it was after it grazed the NET, but whatever still made the right call...Let's go Boston!!!!