Gant
03-21-2009, 09:14 AM
I have a few thoughts on this game as a Celtics fan:
1) Uncharacteristic
The Spurs are the best shooting 3 point team in the league but had an off night. The Celtics are the highest turnover team in the league but held on to the ball.
2) Defenders
Bowen and Perkins both had great nights defensively. Bowen was terrific, and Perkins managed to play the entire game without a foul. I don't believe that's ever happened before.
3) New Guys
Boston is trying to slowly work two new players into their lineup.
Mikki Moore had a pretty good game. He's rebounding better than expected (his rep was pretty low in this regard).
Marbury with a year layoff is very gradually getting his legs back. The funny thing is he's deferring too much when everyone feared he'd be ball hogging. When his shot starts falling he'll be a huge addition. The Celtics really need him since their offense stagnates when Rondo sits (similar to the Spurs when Parker isn't playing).
Likewise Gooden is adapting to the Spurs. He can help. He's strong on the boards and can stretch the defense with his baseline jumper.
4) Points
Wonderful game by Parker except for the inexplicable ending. He was magnificent in the first quarter.
Rondo looked like he is still a little bothered by the ankle as his lateral movement and explosiveness weren't up to par. He had a good distribution game though.
(Duncan looked like he was going through the same thing physically only moreso.)
5) Pierce
Pierce got smothered by Bowen and the Spurs defense but rebounded very well. I was impressed that he passed the ball to Davis at the end instead of forcing it up. Big Baby has been working on that jumper all season and it's starting to fall for him now.
6) Garnett
The big news for Boston is Garnett played and moved fluidly. The fact that he hit his shots in the second half is gravy. The big battle is getting him back at full speed after the knee injury.
The Spurs are obviously in the same situation needing Manu back.
7) Banged Up
Both teams must have health for the playoffs. They are in very similar situations and are desperately trying to go into the playoffs at full speed. Each club is capable of taking the title if that happens.
Like the Spurs the Celtics have been destroyed by injuries over the last month. They lost all four of their power forwards recently and were playing small forwards at the 4. They were playing pretty well without Garnett until they lost Rondo, Powe and Baby all at the same time.
8) Team Defense
Very strong for both teams. Boston took a few games off on D recently. Having Garnett back even just standing on the sidelines made a big difference.
9) Coaches
Doc could learn a thing from Pop (and maybe has, holding KG to 7 minutes per half) about resting his main guys. I love the way the Spurs manage their minutes in the regular season.
!0) See You In June I Hope
Best of luck to the Spurs. I hope you stomp LA and meet the Celtics in the Finals!
1) Uncharacteristic
The Spurs are the best shooting 3 point team in the league but had an off night. The Celtics are the highest turnover team in the league but held on to the ball.
2) Defenders
Bowen and Perkins both had great nights defensively. Bowen was terrific, and Perkins managed to play the entire game without a foul. I don't believe that's ever happened before.
3) New Guys
Boston is trying to slowly work two new players into their lineup.
Mikki Moore had a pretty good game. He's rebounding better than expected (his rep was pretty low in this regard).
Marbury with a year layoff is very gradually getting his legs back. The funny thing is he's deferring too much when everyone feared he'd be ball hogging. When his shot starts falling he'll be a huge addition. The Celtics really need him since their offense stagnates when Rondo sits (similar to the Spurs when Parker isn't playing).
Likewise Gooden is adapting to the Spurs. He can help. He's strong on the boards and can stretch the defense with his baseline jumper.
4) Points
Wonderful game by Parker except for the inexplicable ending. He was magnificent in the first quarter.
Rondo looked like he is still a little bothered by the ankle as his lateral movement and explosiveness weren't up to par. He had a good distribution game though.
(Duncan looked like he was going through the same thing physically only moreso.)
5) Pierce
Pierce got smothered by Bowen and the Spurs defense but rebounded very well. I was impressed that he passed the ball to Davis at the end instead of forcing it up. Big Baby has been working on that jumper all season and it's starting to fall for him now.
6) Garnett
The big news for Boston is Garnett played and moved fluidly. The fact that he hit his shots in the second half is gravy. The big battle is getting him back at full speed after the knee injury.
The Spurs are obviously in the same situation needing Manu back.
7) Banged Up
Both teams must have health for the playoffs. They are in very similar situations and are desperately trying to go into the playoffs at full speed. Each club is capable of taking the title if that happens.
Like the Spurs the Celtics have been destroyed by injuries over the last month. They lost all four of their power forwards recently and were playing small forwards at the 4. They were playing pretty well without Garnett until they lost Rondo, Powe and Baby all at the same time.
8) Team Defense
Very strong for both teams. Boston took a few games off on D recently. Having Garnett back even just standing on the sidelines made a big difference.
9) Coaches
Doc could learn a thing from Pop (and maybe has, holding KG to 7 minutes per half) about resting his main guys. I love the way the Spurs manage their minutes in the regular season.
!0) See You In June I Hope
Best of luck to the Spurs. I hope you stomp LA and meet the Celtics in the Finals!