Mr.Bottomtooth
05-26-2008, 07:01 PM
Sam Cassell won’t go down sitting
By Tony Massarotti
Monday, May 26, 2008
BIRMINGHAM, Mich. - Clearly, these are somewhat turbulent times for Sam Cassell, whose contributions to the Celtics [team stats] this postseason fittingly have traveled along the arc of his jump shot.
In the end, he’s been hit-or-miss.
In Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals Saturday, Cassell was a little of both, getting off to an atrocious start before hitting a pair of key jumpers in the Celtics’ 94-80 win over Detroit.
The point guard’s stint got off to such a rocky start that Paul Pierce [stats] seemed to be openly chastising him on the floor at one point. Cassell responded by helping spark a 10-0 run to close the first quarter that turned a 17-15 deficit into a 25-17 advantage.
Prior to the appearance, Cassell had gone four straight games without playing via the dreaded DNP-coach’s decision.
“It’s very frustrating,” Cassell said yesterday when asked if the lack of playing time was difficult to deal with.
“This is my first year (in the NBA) that I sat out in a playoff game,” Cassell said. “I didn’t get any playing time in four games. That’s my first time ever. It boggles not just me but anyone around, like, ‘Why’s he not playing?’ I’m not discouraged, but it’s tough, ain’t no lie. It was tough because I know I can play.
“All of this is brand new for me. I’ve never been in this situation before. I understand (it), and it’s a role that it takes time to get comfortable with. I’m not complaining about it, but it just takes time to get comfortable in the role.”
Prior to Game 3, Cassell had missed his final 17 field goal attempts of the semifinal series against Cleveland, leading coach Doc Rivers to use Eddie House off the bench in Games 6 and 7. House provided a spark in both contests but has struggled so far against Detroit.
Of course, the primary reason the Celtics brought in Cassell was as an insurance policy for second-year point guard Rajon Rondo [stats]. Though the team’s offense runs far better with Rondo on the floor, Cassell had great value to the second unit - particularly in Games 1 and 2 of the Cleveland series - when he was making his shots.
“I’ve made a couple of ’em in my career - big ones. I’ve missed some big ones, too,” Cassell said matter-of-factly. “I don’t ever get too high or too low in this game. Basketball - it’s a very unique game. It’s about confidence. If I score 30 points or four points, I don’t get too high or too low from it. I take it for what it is.”
On Saturday, his five points meant a great deal.
http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/basketball/celtics/view/2008_05_26_Sam_Cassell_won_t_go_down_sitting/srvc=sports&position=recent
By Tony Massarotti
Monday, May 26, 2008
BIRMINGHAM, Mich. - Clearly, these are somewhat turbulent times for Sam Cassell, whose contributions to the Celtics [team stats] this postseason fittingly have traveled along the arc of his jump shot.
In the end, he’s been hit-or-miss.
In Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals Saturday, Cassell was a little of both, getting off to an atrocious start before hitting a pair of key jumpers in the Celtics’ 94-80 win over Detroit.
The point guard’s stint got off to such a rocky start that Paul Pierce [stats] seemed to be openly chastising him on the floor at one point. Cassell responded by helping spark a 10-0 run to close the first quarter that turned a 17-15 deficit into a 25-17 advantage.
Prior to the appearance, Cassell had gone four straight games without playing via the dreaded DNP-coach’s decision.
“It’s very frustrating,” Cassell said yesterday when asked if the lack of playing time was difficult to deal with.
“This is my first year (in the NBA) that I sat out in a playoff game,” Cassell said. “I didn’t get any playing time in four games. That’s my first time ever. It boggles not just me but anyone around, like, ‘Why’s he not playing?’ I’m not discouraged, but it’s tough, ain’t no lie. It was tough because I know I can play.
“All of this is brand new for me. I’ve never been in this situation before. I understand (it), and it’s a role that it takes time to get comfortable with. I’m not complaining about it, but it just takes time to get comfortable in the role.”
Prior to Game 3, Cassell had missed his final 17 field goal attempts of the semifinal series against Cleveland, leading coach Doc Rivers to use Eddie House off the bench in Games 6 and 7. House provided a spark in both contests but has struggled so far against Detroit.
Of course, the primary reason the Celtics brought in Cassell was as an insurance policy for second-year point guard Rajon Rondo [stats]. Though the team’s offense runs far better with Rondo on the floor, Cassell had great value to the second unit - particularly in Games 1 and 2 of the Cleveland series - when he was making his shots.
“I’ve made a couple of ’em in my career - big ones. I’ve missed some big ones, too,” Cassell said matter-of-factly. “I don’t ever get too high or too low in this game. Basketball - it’s a very unique game. It’s about confidence. If I score 30 points or four points, I don’t get too high or too low from it. I take it for what it is.”
On Saturday, his five points meant a great deal.
http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/basketball/celtics/view/2008_05_26_Sam_Cassell_won_t_go_down_sitting/srvc=sports&position=recent