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RETRIEVING CONTENT...PLEASE WAIT
CBA Work Stoppage Might Be Blessing For Celtics
Saturday, January 30, 2010
by Lee Lauderdale 12:36 PM
It’s An Ill Wind That Blows No Good
As a certified, and probably certifiable, fan-atic who hemorrhages green, my frustration level has reached Pitino-era levels. Fortunately it is still short of John Y. Brown levels but that was a trauma of catastrophic proportions which had our storied franchise swapped for the Buffalo Braves. Swapped like baseball card or a bag of marbles. Traded in like a Pinto by invoking the lemon law. Dumped like a fading trophy wife or boy toy grown tiresome. No, thank goodness the frustration isn't that bad, yet.
However conjuring up those comparisons did bring back the helpless, sinking feelings of the demise of the 80's Celtics with the shortened careers of Bird and McHale who flat broke down under the load. Gave out in part due to the lack of emerging talent to lighten the load, Len Bias may you rest in peace and burn in basketball Hades. The writing was on the wall, the fall inevitable, and the ensuing death of Reggie Lewis just a final straw. The moving finger wrote, and moved on, into a void measured better in decades than seasons. And this current season of travail has all too many of the same feelings of misguided inertia leading down a dark path to an empty limbo.
By nature I'm a pretty positive guy. I don't assume there is an impending train whistle when I see a light at the end of a tunnel. I don't usually quail at the unknown in the dark; afraid the bogeyman is about to grab me. I rather enjoy it when the wife strands me in an airport, bus station, mall food court, or hardware store while she "just picks up a few things." Seldom do I fail to find some interesting feature be it animal, mineral, plant, or odd character with which to while away a few minutes or even hours.
This current predicament, however, has all the trappings of heading south, souring big time, going flat broke. Crashing back to Earth from the lofty heights of a championship with few assets, huge bills, and essentially nothing in the pipeline is a recipe for flat line seasons (and yes there is an "s" as in multiple) and lottery picks. Ainge made a calculated gamble to add Daniels on a one-year rental and Rasheed on a three-year retirement plan. I applauded his decision, appreciating both his shrewd acquisition of basketball acumen as well as the flexibility of the pieces added to shore up the Green weaknesses.
And yet events have conspired to sabotage his efforts to duplicate the 2008 run to the title. Role players dropped like flies, and for months not days or weeks. Garnett went down, again, and the enforced inactivity has left him with more bark than bite, at least until (or maybe if) he regains his strength and conditioning. Paul has been slowed. Whether by nagging injuries or time or both is still in question but definitely slowed. Ray Allen has remained healthy but has obviously lost a step and has become erratic on offense and an increasing liability on defense. The Big Three have gone from terrors on defense to being terrorized, at least by above average NBA athletes. Healthy and hitting on all cylinders this is still a dangerous squad which could compete for a title. Unfortunately it seems less and less likely that there will be a time when they are all healthy, or hitting on all cylinders.
The bright spot is the presence of Rondo and Perkins. As in baseball, strength up the middle is a critical ingredient and Danny did well to hold onto these two as he emptied the cupboard and traded the contents as well as the cabinet and picks to acquire Garnett and Ray Allen. Along with Pierce these two were about all that was left other than broken pottery. The bad news is that Ainge has been unable to add any long or even mid-term pieces of quality. Other than his strong up-the-middle two youngsters, Danny has a squad of expiring contracts and aging veterans (stars become just veterans with advancing age). Ainge has slightly more than two weeks to decide whether to fish (with a leaky boat, rusty equipment, and frayed lines) or cut bait (with $30M in expiring contracts and a series of aging stars any one of which might push some other contender over the proverbial top). My heart says the former but my head, more and more, says if you can't get there from here, chart a new course.
Ask yourself, if Danny blew it up tomorrow, just how upset would you really be?
If you are like me, the answer would be in three parts (unfortunately not three-part harmony). First, anguish over what might have been. Second, relief at the release from the seemingly unending series of injuries and signs on the wall that the ravages of time are robbing any chance of a miracle run. Finally a sense of anticipation that Ainge got out of the dog-chasing-his-tail frenzy while the getting was good and the pieces could be exchanged for new parts that might make the wait for relevance far shorter than the decade plus following the last fall.
Which brings me full circle to my title, which occurred to me as I contemplated the post-apocalypse reconstruction. Might the looming lockout and CBA (collective bargaining agreement) knockdown-drag-out come just at the time the Celtics are down and rebuilding? Could the turmoil actually make the job easier and our impatience more tolerable? Could blowing up the huge-contract-constructed team now actually make Danny's rebuilding under a new CBA more efficient and practical? Is there a silver lining to the angry skies of this injury-ravaged season?
I must admit that it feels like there will be a lot more about which to write hopefully with a change of course than to continue along this path that seems so strewn with rocks and reefs that threaten to tear the guts out of the good ship Celtic. There are only so many ways to write "cross your fingers and pray nothing else goes wrong." Things have gotten so bad that I've been reluctant to change my "lucky" underwear after any game in which no Celtic is injured. The really bad news is that I'm seldom stuck in dirty underwear for very long. Maybe it is all my fault; I should have chosen a lucky shirt instead.
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Comments from the Other Side - Hawks 1/29
by FLCeltsFan 10:46 AM
I like the Hawks...but the Celtics, in the playoffs, fully healthy, might still be the scariest team in the East.
He’s not the Kevin of old, he’s the old Kevin.
Damn, Bibby can't stay with Ray Allen
Celts are really at a crossroads. Do they continue playing tired legs in order to maintain homecourt advantage or do they rest those legs and hope that they can survive the playoffs, healthy but playing on the road? IOH, they are screwed either way.
I know this sounds weird, but will Boston be looking past us to their Laker game on Sunday? They were hyping it on SportsCenter and it made me wonder.
Highly doubt it. They know they're 0-3 vs us for the year, and this is their last chance to get a win vs us, and I'm sure they desperately want revenge. Plus, they lost a game they had no business losing last night, so they'll want to makeup for it tonight. I fully expect Boston to give Atlanta their best shot tonight.
Completely agree. A lot of what makes this Boston team what they are is their swagger. They are bullies and a lot of what allows bullies to do what they do is the psychological advantage they have over their victims. Right now all the momentum and confidence is on our side.
I'm hopeful that whomever is guarded by KG makes him move laterally to test his knee. I'd assume he's exploitable until he proves he can do it defensively on those wheels.
"That foul is offensine, Rasheed Wallace" I still like him. Greatest one game Hawk career ever
Kill the Celtics
JC the Boston Strangler!!!
Another Doc meltdown anyone?
I can’t believe how well the Hawks play the Celtics. Hope we see them in the post season.
Break out the Geritol Celtics need a nap.
Can we have games like this every night?
A flagrant foul on Josh Smith? These refs are complete idiots.
Does any team whine more than the Celts? Perk is a dirtbag and a whiney fairy. Refs need to make sure a fight doesn't break out, cuz **** is getting heated in Phillips.
The Rondo foul was correct, but I believe the foul on Perkins was wrong.
That flagrant took the air out the building. The refs stopped letting them play after that.
The Celtics are so cranky
That wasn't a flagrant. A makeup call for our last trip to Boston maybe?
Wonder if we get to whine and moan over the techs in this game like Boston did in their last one
The refs need to stop calling every time u look at Pierce a foul
Man I swear I wanna hit kg
Why kg didn't get a tech?
You can't T a superstar if it involves a bench player, I think it's a rule
The refs owned that quarter
Another case of Al not being a true center, if he was he would be abusing the 6-6 Big Baby Davis
Ray Ray with the acting factor
Who else heard Rasheed yell ball don't lie!! Lol
Is it just me Or do the Celtics have a sixth man out here? (the refs)
Wallace needs to check his jersey He forgets he's not a member of the Hawks anymore
Is there a reason why Boston consistently plays Rasheed(who pretty bad now a days)over Perkins in the clutch?
If this is actually a rivalry doesn't Boston have to win some of these?
What rivalry? We OWN these punks!
That's how I feel about Orlando. We got to beat them at least once this year
The Celtics are old and washed up. They got nothing left. Sweeping them doesn't mean all that much. We need to beat Orlando and Cleveland. They are the teams to beat in the East.
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Random Thoughts Following 2 Losses
by FLCeltsFan 10:44 AM
First of all, my 3 least favorite words are fast becoming "Sheed for Three." Those three words are usually followed by something like "And the Hawks have the rebound." Sheed is shooting 30% from beyond the arc and last night was 2-8. Yet he keeps on chucking up 3 pointers. He may have been a big threat from beyond the arc at one point but that hasn't been the case so far. Doc needs to realize this and use him inside more or as a decoy from outside. Pretty soon the defenses will realize that their chances are better just letting him shoot from out there and they will start doubling off of him.
This brings me to something else that is bothering me. Two games in a row Doc has kept Perk on the bench for the entire 4th quarter and has gone with Sheed down the stretch. In the Orlando game, Howard went off in the 4th quarter. Yes, Perk had 5 fouls, but he still had one more to use. If he fouls out, then go with Sheed but in the meantime, Perk would have made a difference in that 4th quarter. Sheed certainly wasn't getting the job done against the Hawks either.
And ... cue officiating rant now.... I know it's not just me, but lately the Celtics just can't get a break from the officials. The free throws in the Orlando game were 40-18 in favor of the Magic. Huh? And last night, the free throws were fairly even, but it's when the Celtics' fouls came. They got several quick fouls to start the third and by 3 minutes into the period, the Celtics were already in the penalty. And, Sheed got another T for yelling "And one!" The last "and one" technical was rescinded and maybe this one will be too. I can't get over how quick refs are to call T's on Sheed. I totally believe Donaghy's allegations that refs have wagers among themselves to see who can be the first to call one on him.
And it's not just me. Basketbawful is hardly a Celtics site and they had this to say about the Magic game:
Let me start off by saying that the Celtics could have -- and maybe should have -- won this game in a blowout had the three zebras not done everything in their power to keep the home team in the game. Orlando's 40-18 free throw advantage doesn't even begin to describe how crazy it was to see Dwight Howard earn a touch foul on one end and then watch Boston's perimeter players getting pushed and pulled around without a whistle on the other end. I have long since given up trying to understand the general inconsistency displayed by NBA officials. I honestly don't care what they decide to call a foul as long as whatever they decide on is called the same way for both teams. If Marcin Gortat gets the call for a hand in his back, then shouldn't Paul Pierce receive a whistle for running through a sea of hacking hands and into an oncoming chest bump on his way to the rim? Seriously, once the Celtics built that 16-point lead, I thought I was watching a game of NBA Live with computer assistance turned on. But, all that being said, the Celtics didn't help themselves either. KG really doesn't look 100% out there. I don't know if he is still having knee pain or if he is just so out of condition from sitting out the whole summer and then the 10 games this season, but he just doesn't look good, particularly on defense. 100% KG would have stopped Lewis on that last layup. Something just isn't right. And Sheed chucking up 3's doesn't help much either. They aren't playing team defense and worst of all, they aren't rebounding. Rebounding takes effort and desire. That's how the smallest guy on the court can out-rebound the big guys. Perk has been doing his job on the boards, but beyond that, I don't see anyone else putting out that effort.
The bench needs some help as well. Getting Marquis Daniels back will help a lot. That will free Eddie up to do what he does best and that is to set up and shoot the ball off the catch. It will also give us another player along with Tony who can drive to the basket. But, I don't know if that will fix all the problems but it will go a long way toward fixing a lot of them. There are rumors that the Celtics are looking to sign a veteran. Hopefully it's the right veteran and not another Marbury or Cassell, neither of whom really helped the team.
All that being said, I still think that the team can turn it around. It is going to take a change in their mindset. They need to get their focus back and they need to get back to playing team defense. Getting healthy is a top priority. It's obvious that KG isn't there yet. A big question is whether he will be healthy this season. If KG can get healthy and if the team can get their defensive focus back, I expect a run out of this team. I haven't given up on them yet.
And now the big game in this 3 game Hell week. The Fakers on Sunday. If the Celtics can pull out a win in this game, all will be forgiven. Maybe the other losses have all been to give the Fakers a false sense of security so they will take us for granted. It's a good theory, anyway.
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Fiddlin' and Diddlin' - Daily Links 1/29
Friday, January 29, 2010
by FLCeltsFan 10:00 AM
Herald Down 16, Orlando stuns Celtics
Celtics in Star-ring roles
Doc Rivers has shot to coach East
Sluggish Kevin Garnett: This one’s on me
Scouting report: Celtics at Hawks
Suns rally to beat Mavericks
LeBron James sure looks like an MVP repeat
Chris Bosh gives boost to Raptors
Globe Rondo stays motivated
Last-second basket lifts Magic over Celtics
Hawks thumbnails
Celtics’ lead magically vanishes in Orlando
CelticsBlog T-Mobile Trivia Challenge (Ticket Giveaway)
Airball
Worrying About Garnett, Again
Celtics Green Comments from the Other Side - Magic 1/28
Dimemag Big Baby’s New Nickname Is …
Five Guys We’d Like To See In The Three Point Shootout
Last Action Hero
Peachtree Hoops Josh Smith, All-Star Snub or: 2 more reasons to hate the Celtics
Al Horford really is that important
NBC Sports KG hobbles through poor game vs. Magic
Quick Take: Coaches got All-Star picks right — mostly
Gerald Laird's arrest involved NBA player's wife
Fanhouse Celtics Have Three All-Stars, but Fading Hopes
Orlando Pinstriped Spot Orlando Magic 96, Boston Celtics 94
Celtics.com Ford Keys to the Game: Celtics at Magic
Red's Army Your Morning Dump... Where KG has a long way to go
CSN-NE Magic 96, Celtics 94: Live Blog
Celtics let another one slip away
C's notes: KG's body is healthy, but not his game
Celtics Hub The Rebounding is a Crisis
Will Not Go Down Easy: C’s 94, Magic 96
Is Ray Allen Back? Is KG Still Hurt? Do They Make Horse Socks?
More on KG and the Shard Shot
Loscy A tribute to the 2010 All-Star Rajon Rondo «
North Station Sports Reactions from Rondo, Pierce on All-Star Selection
Magic Drop Dagger On C's 96-94 1/28/10
Celtics Town The Boston Celtics’ ceiling: What is it, and will it ever be reached?
Celts-Magic: Another rematch of last season’s interesting playoff series
Maine vs. Erie Preview
Not So Fast: Celtics stunned 96-94
Hardwood Houdini Rajon Rondo and Paul Pierce to join Garnett in All Star Game
Celtics Making It A Theme
Lex Nihil Novi Danny Revisits the 1988 Christmas Party
KG Isn't as Bouncy
Celtics Forget to Flip the Switch
CelticsLife Celtics Blow Lead, Arguably Worst Loss of Season
Celtics/Magic Post Game Videos
Magic 96, Celtics 94 Highlights
Gino's Jungle Celtics Blow Another One
Celtics Stuff Live Gold Rarities Postgame: HELL WEEK Celtics v. Magic
Garnett's New Turnstile Defense
USA Today Hawks looking for fourth straight win over Celtics
Orlando Sentinel Rasheed Wallace: From the Pistons cradle to the Celtics retirement home
Magic vs. Celtics live blog
Magic Celtics notebook
Orlando Magic rally late to beat Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics contained Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard on Thursday for the first three quarters
Celtics Doc Rivers says this of Dwight Howard: “That guy hits more than anybody in the league”
Metro Garnett still Mr. Intensity
AJC Horford’s hard work pays off
Green Street Rondo, Pierce named to All-Star team
Fast break: Celtics-Magic
Fox News Magic, Celtics have problems to solve
NESN Live Blog: Celtics at Magic
Former Celtic Dee Brown Wonders What Happened to NBA’s Slam Dunk Contest
Paul Pierce, Rajon Rondo Named All-Star Reserves
Doc Rivers Livid Over Celtics' Execution Down the Stretch
Celtics Blow 16-Point Lead, Fall to Magic 96-94 on Late Layup
ESPN Boston Celtics veterans make uncharacteristic mistakes in crunch time of loss to Orlando Magic
Excitement for Rondo's first All-Star appearance
First impressions: Magic 96, Celtics 94 - Celtics Blog
Postgame notes: Magic vs. Celtics
KG doesn't mince words
Boston sports fans shouldn't expect a repeat of the 2000s in the decade ahead
Overtime Blog Celtics in trouble?
CT News Magic Catch Celtics: 96-94
Sports Daily Hawks aiming for season sweep of Celtics
Jockism How Does Reggie Miller Really Feel About Ray Allen?
Google Cavalier West's trial delayed until after April
My Fox Atlanta NBA Stephon Marbury Makes China Debut
Hoopsworld The Things to Know About The Next CBA
Yahoo Celtics hope to pass elite test - NBA
BS Comment Finally healthy, Boston back to winning
Mass Live Celtics buzz: Paul Pierce, Rajon Rondo are all-stars, another Kendrick Perkins-Dwight Howard matchup, and more
Slam Online Ron Artest’s Struggles With the Triangle
Arenas’ Suspension Not Enough
Rhymes with Hondo Viewing Alert
SI.com Andrew Bynum, Ron Artest�helping Lakers win with stingy defense
Complex Cry Baby: Glen Davis’ Biggest Fails
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Comments from the Other Side - Magic 1/28
by FLCeltsFan 9:30 AM
We need this one
OH HEY LOOKS GUYZ, DA CELTICS IS 5-5 IN THE LAST 10 TOO.
This game is over by the 3rd qtr bos leads and keeps lead. Nat TV + Magic = loss
This is a win...But if not the next time we meet is....
You know what's sad about TNT? I remember when Craig Sager was a relatively decent broadcaster/reporter with TBS. Because of the way he dresses now, I can't stand listening to him. May be the suits are just too loud.
I actually think we might pull this one out, but as we all know, this team is highly inconsistent. So there's no telling what Magic team shows up.
I hate 'em I hate 'em I hate 'em
Looking forward to watch the game! Well, besides Garnett's gangster attitude.
There arent many truly "Big Games" during an 82 game regular season but I do believe this is a "Big Game."
Magic win tonight guaranteed.
Funny that Dwight goes public about wanting more touches the night before he faces Kendrick Perkins, arguably the player who gives him the most trouble in the paint.
Kendrick Perkins gives me nightmares. If our guys don't hit Dwight on the break when he gets good postion I don't think he gets any easy shots.
VC always comes to play againt Pierce who will most likely flop his way to a decent game.
Rondo....he..he doesn't really scare me.
KG is kg...not too concerned about him either.
I think the bench will be a bigger factor. House usually kills us, Tony Allen, Wallace. We have to defend those guys well while at the same time, our bench needs to get back on track.
Don't feel good about this game at all, its on national TV and vs the Celtics.
I just hope Dwight scores in double figures and we can contain Rondo.
Wallace, Perkins, KG allowed to hack, smack, foul, and call it good defense on Dwight.
This guy at work saw Ray Allen Jogging down Orange Ave. Yesterday. I wish he would've tripped him...
My only prediction tonight is that if we get easily beaten, big moves will be made.
Vince is so slow.
KG and Ray Allen having a field day, and the refs giving the guys in white some slack...
Garnett flopped.
Its funny to see bostons bench jump up and cheer when Dwight gets a foul called against him
I love Barnes, but to call a tech on him was bull****. He didn't go at PP, he stood there, while pierce came to him. He didn't raise his arms or anything. Bull****.
Now I remember why I hate the Celtics so much..
Garnett is practicing for a career in acting when he's done in the NBA...
Why is it already looking like the Celtics are playing harder than us?
Because they are?
Hate that we get more excited for these games then our team does...ugh.
We might as well just come down the floor and hand it to Boston.
Rasheed Wallace 4/4 10 pts in 6 min? Got to be ****ing kidding me.
That's sucked. Sheed has sucked all year but he's gonna be great tonight of course.
Rondo is one of the most overrated defenders in the league
I hate him. Even if he was on our team I would hate him.
He always has that crappy look on his face.
Three hundred UNO UNO pounds is about to go in
The Infamous " AND 1 " Technical
Wallace needs to just cut his hair. there's no reason why a millionaire should ever look that bummy.
Celtics D is ferocious right now.
F the Boston D. We're just retards.
The refs are owning us.
The National Boston Association...
Rashard should just retire from the nba he sucks.
Surprise surprise..Love how the refs are influenced by a doc rivers comment
And now it's makeup call time. God, I hate NBA refs.
Would have never guessed Rasheed would have a break out game against us
Rasheed totally botched his release on that too, but when you're a Magic Killer, the ball still finds its way into the bottom of the net.
Hey cheap foul on Perkins! Great!
Of course... Sheed launches a "Vince-3pt" and he actually makes it...
That was a break for us. That was either a foul on Pietrus or out on Pietrus. I'll take it though.
Dwight is the single worst perimeter defender in the history of the NBA
LOL at Ray Allen passing the ball to himself and not being called on traveling!
Glen Davis is just terrible
We're on course to pay Rashard $16,597.51 per point this regular season
Ray Allen is really Jesus. He can't miss.
We're shooting .09% from beyond the arc. that's gotta be a season's worst
Here we go again with this "illusion" of getting back into the game. But don't worry the Celtics will match it with a barrage of their own. We just suck too much.
Ray's having a good game because he watches us all the time on League Pass.
Boston's actually a scary bad defensive rebounding team.
How cool would it be for Tony Allen if every game was against us?
Why stop there? EVERY team in the NBA wishes they play the Magic every night.
Garnett looks old.
I can't reiterate how much I hate Eddie House.
So worried about Redick that they are fouling him 25 feet out
I haven't been excited in watching a game for a while, until tonight.
You just knew Pierce was gonna make it, it's against US!
They gave him a timeout...whatever. Ugh.
We're lucky they called that and not a foul. Vince jumped on his back.
Redick swishes an awful shot. Wow.
JJ is immune from all trade threads from now on
LMFAO at Boston!!! Boston defense SUCKS big time!!!
Wow that was bad... I must say Garnett didn't really play much D on that. Oh well lol
Quadruple team Ray Allen
Hahaha massive choke by Boston
Wow... We got lucky for a change.
Can't believe we just won this game. I am in total shock.
Thank god Sheed shot that. If they gave it to someone who can actually shoot, I'd hate to see what would have happened.
Rasheed had a wide open look. How can you airball something like that?
We got lucky that Rivers kept sheed in there instead of Perkins. that was the difference
Nice game winner by Rashard, but is there any way that happens with KG playing in that game. Wait, KG is number 5? Man has he fallen off.
How sweet was it that Wallace bricked that three at the end. That dude is so washed up.
I still enjoy watching Ray Allen coming off screens for the jumpshot. Him & maybe Allan Houston had/have such perfect forms doing this - thing of beauty as a basketball fan.
To see Paul Piercewhoclaimshewasfouled leave in defeat and dissapointment is one of the plasures of life.
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Celtics Looking to Begin Tough Stretch with a Win in Orlando
Thursday, January 28, 2010
by FLCeltsFan 3:15 PM
![[image]](http://images.footballfanatics.com/productImages/_224000/FF_224480_s.jpg) at ![[image]](http://images.footballfanatics.com/productImages/_224000/FF_224482_s.jpg)
Boston Celtics (28-13) at Orlando Magic (28-16)
Thursday, January 28
8:00 PM ET
Regular Season Game #42, Road Game #20
TV: TNT
Radio: WEEI, WDBO, ESPNR
Amway Arena
Referees: Greg Willard, Kevin Fehr, Leon Wood
The Celtics begin a crucial stretch of 3 games (Magic, Hawks, Lakers) tonight as they visit the Orlando Magic. There is a sub-plot to these games in that the Celtics begin this stretch 1.5 games in front of the Magic and 1 game in front of the Hawks in the standings. The team with the second best record in the East will send their coaches to the All Star Game. The Cavs are in the lead, but since Mike Brown coached the AS game last year, he is out of the running this season. So it comes down to Boston, Atlanta, and Orlando and for the most part, these three head to head games.
Both the Celtics and Magic are 5-5 in their last 10 games. The Celtics have won their last 2 and the Magic are coming off of a loss to the Grizzlies. Both teams last played on Monday. The Magic are a good home team with a 16-4 record, with one of those 4 losses coming at the hands of the Celtics on Christmas Day. The Celtics have been a good road team as well with a 16-6 record on the road.
The Celtics are finally getting close to full strength but are still missing a key player in Marquis Daniels. The Magic are at full strength as well. In their last meeting on Christmas Day, the Celtics pulled out a win without Paul Pierce as Tony Allen came through with 18 points and Perk held Dwight Howard to just 5 points. 5 Celtics scored in double figures and they will need another team effort to win this game.
With another tough game in Atlanta on Friday, the Celtics bench is going to have to come through for the team in order to allow the starters to get some rest so that they have something left for the next night.
Probable Starting Matchups
Point Guard
![[image]](http://www.sportsecyclopedia.com/nba/boston/RondoBos.jpg) vs ![[image]](http://www.sportsecyclopedia.com/nba/orlando/JNelsonOrl.jpg)
Rajon Rondo 14.2 PPG 9.7 APG 2.5 SPG
Jameer Nelson 11.8 PPG 4.8 APG 0.8 SPG
Shooting Guard
![[image]](http://www.sportsecyclopedia.com/nba/boston/RAllenBos.jpg) vs ![[image]](http://www.sportsecyclopedia.com/nba/nj/VinceNJ.jpg)
Ray Allen 15.9 PPG 2.9 APG .345 3P%
Vince Carter 16.4 PPG 3.0 APG .306 3P%
Small Forward
![[image]](http://www.sportsecyclopedia.com/nba/boston/PierceBos.jpg) vs ![[image]](http://www.sportsecyclopedia.com/nba/phoenix/BarnesPhx.jpg)
Paul Pierce 18.9 PPG 4,8 RPG 3.6 APG
Matt Barnes 8.7 PPG 5.8 RPG 1.7 APG
Power Forward
![[image]](http://www.sportsecyclopedia.com/nba/boston/KGBos.jpg) vs ![[image]](http://www.sportsecyclopedia.com/nba/orlando/RLewisOrl.jpg)
Keven Garnett 15.0 PPG 7.3 RPG 0.9 BPG
Rashard Lewis 14.7 PPG 4.9 RPG .5 BPG
Center
![[image]](http://www.sportsecyclopedia.com/nba/boston/KPerkinsBos.jpg) vs ![[image]](http://www.sportsecyclopedia.com/nba/orlando/DHowardOrl.jpg)
Kendrick Perkins 12.0 PPG 8.5 RPG 2.1 BPG
Dwight Howard 17.4 PPG 13.3 RPG 2.6 BPG
Key Matchups
![[image]](http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/.e1d/img/4.0/global/basketball/nba/players/3730.jpg) vs ![[image]](http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/.e1d/img/4.0/global/basketball/nba/players/3818.jpg)
Kendrick Perkins vs Dwight Howard
This is the key matchup between these two teams. Slowing down Dwight Howard and keeping him off of his favorite spots around the basket is key to slowing down the Magic. Perk is one of the few centers in the league who has been able to cover Howard one on one. The Celtics need Perk to contain Howard with single coverage as the Magic have so many outside threats, it is dangerous to double off of any of them.
![[image]](http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/.e1d/img/4.0/global/basketball/nba/players/3007.jpg) vs ![[image]](http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/.e1d/img/4.0/global/basketball/nba/players/3275.jpg)
Kevin Garnett vs Rashard Lewis
Another key matchup between these two teams is at the power forward spot. KG and Lewis both have the ability to play on the perimeter as well as taking the ball inside. If Perk does his job on Howard, the Magic will turn to Lewis for more of it's offense and so the Celtics will need KG to be on his game on the defensive end to keep Lewis from putting up big numbers.
![[image]](http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/.e1d/img/4.0/global/basketball/nba/players/4149.jpg) vs ![[image]](http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/.e1d/img/4.0/global/basketball/nba/players/3837.jpg)
Rajon Rondo vs Jameer Nelson
Rondo sets the tone for the Celtics on both ends of the court. With Nelson back in the lineup, it will be a tough matchup for Rondo. He needs to come in focused and stay aggressive on offense while keeping Nelson from getting into his comfort zone.
Keys to the Game
Focus - The Celtics' focus has waivered at times and when it happens at the start of games, they fall into a hole that they spend the rest of the game digging out of. When it happens in the middle of games, they give up leads and allow other teams to go on a run. But, when the Celtics put their mind to it and focus especially on the defensive end, they can shut down any team in the league and win going away. The Celtics need to come out focused and keep their focus for 48 minutes.
Defense - Defense is the key to winning. Period. The Celtics have shown that they have the capability of shutting down teams and when they play tough defense, the offense runs more smoothly. But when they falter on defense, it seems as though their game suffers on both ends. Perk's defense inside will be especially important in this game to keep Howard from having a big game.
Rebound - Dwight Howard can take over a game on rebounds and putbacks alone if the Celtics don't box him out and crash the boards as a team. The Celtics have been giving up a lot of rebounds in recent games. They have to commit as a team to crashing the boards. Rebounding takes effort and desire and the Celtics must show both if they want to win this game.
Ball Movement - The Celtics need to move the ball and find the open man. When they have their passing game going, they are hard to beat. If they resort to too much dribbling and too many iso's, it will allow the Magic defenses to set up and the Celtics will struggle to score.
X-Factors
Focus and Bench Play
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The NBA is Bad at Keeping Secrets - All Stars Leaked
by FLCeltsFan 2:54 PM
The NBA has been building up to tonight's big announcement of the All Star Reserves. Tune in before the Celtics/Magic game to find out who were selected as reserves. There is only one problem with that marketing... The names of the reserves are all over the internet right now. In case you missed the names at any one of the dozens of sites announcing the scoop, Here are this year's reserves as chosen by the coaches:
Eastern Conference
Rajon Rondo (Celtics)
Derrick Rose (Bulls)
Paul Pierce (Celtics)
Chris Bosh (Raptors)
Gerald Wallace (Bobcats)
Joe Johnson (Hawks)
Al Horford (Hawks)
Western Conference
Deron Williams (Jazz)
Chris Paul (Hornets)
Pau Gasol (Fakers)
Kevin Durant (Thunder)
Dirk Nowitski (Mavericks)
Zach Randolph (Grizzlies)
Brandon Roy (Blazers)
Now, if the NBA isn't pulling one over on everyone and leaking the wrong information just to teach everyone a lesson, every one of these players is from a team with a .500 or better record. Three all stars will be making their debut in the yearly classic: Rajon Rondo, Derrick Rose and Deron Williams.
I'm happy to see Paul Pierce and Rajon Rondo make the team. Both very much deserve to be there. I'm ok with Ray not making it because even though he has been solid for the Celtics this season and the most reliable, leading the team in minutes played, he has struggled with his shot.
I do think this was a snub of Perk though. I would take Perk over Horford every time. Perk has been having a great season. Both players have appeared in all of their teams' games. Horford has a slight edge in some stats while Perk has the edge in others. Perk: 12.0 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 2.1 blocks, 63% FG%. Horford: 13.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.3 blocks, 57.5% FG%
But the thing that sets Perk apart from every center in the East, aside from Dwight Howard, is his defense. You can't go just by stats to determine a player's worth. Perk may not get the points on the team, but when a player scores, chances are that Perk set the screen to get them open. Perk may not get the rebound, but chances are that he used his muscles and size to box out the opponent so that a teammate could get it. I guess at least I can take some solace in the fact that it was Horford and not Noah who made the team over Perk.
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Fiddlin' and Diddlin' - Daily Links 1/28
by FLCeltsFan 10:59 AM
Herald Accountability? Doc Rivers runs to it
Magic still Green from Xmas
Season’s over for gun pair
With Arenas case, NBA’s Stern could be walking tightrope on 2nd Amendment rights
Globe Globe 10.0: Grade the first half of the season
NBA suspends Arenas, Crittenton for rest of season
Celtics cool with Icing during games
Bold McDonald
Magic thumbnails
Star turn for Celtics’ Rondo?
CelticsBlog The Undeniable Tony Allen
Rondo Will Be An All Star
Stopping Dwight Howard
Celtics Green KG, Pinballs, and Spacing
Crafty Balky 2010 NBA All-Troublemaker Team
Basketbawful Worst of the Night
WEEI celtics - Picking the All-Stars
Doc on D&C: Don't expect trades
Doc Rivers, Celtics Head Coach on WEEI
Gather.com Celtics Scalabrine agrees to spray tan
Red's Army More time for Bill Walker?
Your KG Face of the Day
Your Morning Dump... Where it's all about the post defense
Green Street Rivers on trade talk
NBA suspends Arenas, Crittenton for season
NBA Power Rankings, 1/28
Rivers on D&C: Can’t change trash-talking
Danny Ainge on the Big Show
CSN-NE C's look to bottle up Magic
Taking the stage
Celtics by the numbers
Celtics Hub Doc on Defensive Rebounding Problems
A Word on Hometown Discounts & Does Ray Want More Rest?
“Win Every Game Before the All-Star Break”
Orlando Sentinel The aging Boston Celtics don't think their window of opportunity for an NBA title has closed
Orlando Magic notes: Stan Van Gundy cares about the quality of 3-pointers, not the quantity
Game preview: Boston Celtics at Orlando Magic
Practice report: Orlando Magic seek better ball movement, better choices on 3s
NESN Dana Barros: Tough Stretch Ahead for Celtics (Video)
Kobe Bryant Puppet Ad Inspires Lyrics Celebrating Celtics
Celtics' Stars Rasheed Wallace, Paul Pierce Give Acting a Shot in Roxbury #Video#
North Station Sports NBA Trade Rumors, Injuries and the Nostalgia of Championships Past
Boston Celtics: Does Anyone Realize How Good Rondo is?
Listen to 'Yours Truly' on 4 Sport Boston's Live Podcast Tonight.
Celtics Town Midseason NBA Awards
Throwing some dimes: Is Tony Allen (gasp) reliable?Throwing some dimes: Is Tony Allen (gasp) reliable?
Morning Walkthrough: No better low-post defensive team than Boston
Fan Blog: Kevin Garnett: The Messiah
Hardwood Houdini Daily Poll – The Boston Celtics and The NBA All Star Game
Lex Nihil Novi Put-Up or Shut-Up Time for 1983-84 C's
Bird Brings Home Game 7 Win
Celtics to Face Bucks in ECFs
Bucks have Big 3 of there Own
Celtics to Test "Flip the Switch" Mentality against Magic, Hawks, and Lakers
CelticsLife Big Baby should concentrate on his game not his nickname
Could Monta be had without moving Ray?
The wrathful sloth, episode one: NBA Leaguepass Broadband
Rivers on what the return of Daniels will add to the Celtics
PBN All-Star reserve announcements will break hearts around NBA
Bleacher Report Dwight Howard Should Be a Key Factor in an Important Week for Orlando Magic
Five Trade Proposals the Boston Celtics Should Consider
The Boston Celtics' Future without Ray Allen
Howard the Dunk Orlando Magic News & Notes: Magic-Celtics, Robbins Says Povtak Made a “Leap”
MetroWest Daily Celtics set for crucial trio of games
Celtics Stuff Live Les Links Vertes
Gang Green 3-14
Examining the Truth About Big Baby
ESPN An All-Star mailbag
Daniels the new Posey?
How does the Defensive Player of the Year rank Perk?
Portland Trail Blazers' Greg Oden apologizes for nude photos online
Doc Rivers and the Boston Celtics face a challenging three-game stretch
CBA Negotiations Could Get Ugly
Celtics stars Rasheed Wallace, Paul Pierce ready for Broadway
Celtics mailbag: an All-Star collection
Covers.com What bettors need to know: NBA doubleheader on TNT
Dueling Couches Ray Allen Is Pretty Awesome
ProJo Doc Rivers: Sly Williams was the craziest
Rivers believes that the Celtics won't make a move before the trade deadline
4 Sport Boston Celtics Scheduled for Major Test
Roto-Evil Midseason Awards: All-Injury Teams
Le Basketbawl NBA Second Quarter Report Card
isportsweb Kevin Garnett THE IMPACT!
Miami Herald You can skip Thursday night; here are your All-Star reserves
CBS Sports Celtics-Magic Preview
NBA.com Celtics 2010 Midseason Report Card
Lines-Maker NBA Betting: Magic Host Celtics in Eastern Showdown
Online Basketball Betting NBA Trade Rumors: Does the Boston Celtics’ Past Hurt Their Future?
Hoopsworld Bulls Need Deal to Make 2010 Run
Dimemag Al Jefferson Addresses Trade Rumors And The Alleged Tension With Kevin Love
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KG, Pinballs, and Spacing
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
by Lee Lauderdale 2:08 PM
"Sure Plays A Mean Pinball"
Garnett's return would not seem to get a glowing endorsement from the overtime squeaker over a depleted 2nd tier team, and a rally and hold on victory over an out-of-the-playoffs who are a distant second in their home town of L.A. Yet there were signs aplenty that the trend has been reversed and is moving in the right direction. Best of all, the things that grabbed me prompted additional observations, which led to more revelations, each better than the last. Most impressive was the fact that all put together they yielded a sum greater than the parts--and that is the Celtics' way!
First came the grit. This was not a well-oiled machine plowing through the opposition. Nothing seemed to come easily. Yet there they were, grinding and clawing, fighting what seemed to be an uphill battle but making headway just the same. The shots weren't falling, the cogs slipped and turnovers spewed out the leaky fittings, and they were underpowered with cylinders misfiring, shots flat, and leaps rendered as mild hops. In spite of all this inefficient churning, they played with a grim determination--a welcome change from the petulant pique of the previous two weeks. Miscues led to a bunker mentality as they dug in rather than becoming distracted with an emotional rant. Somehow, someway, get 'er done.
Then came the occasional flash, or perhaps flashback, as on offense the ball moved, players moved, the floor opened, cutters were left open, shots were less contested. At the other end rotations were crisper, help more readily available, and the paint more hotly contested. The Celts weren't back, at least not all the way, but you could see that they remembered the way it was, and they wanted to regain that cutting edge. Occasionally it came together and the ball moved like a frantic pinball machine, and the opponents' defense fell further and further behind the flashing ball.
My favorite play Monday night was Garnett receiving a pass, the 6th or 8th of the possession, as he cut across the lane. He had the shot but never even faked. The ball only seemed to touch his hands before it was on its way to Rondo cutting along the baseline and the end of the chain of defensive rotations for which there was nothing left. Rajon completed his lay-up drill and the uncontested one-foot shot was an even higher percentage option than the mostly open 6-footer KG passed up. Everyone had touched the ball, some twice, resulting in an uncontested bunny--and that's the way you play Celtic ball.
As I reflected on that play it occurred to me that the beauty lay in, well in addition to the unselfish passes, the spacing that left defenders just a bit to far away to complete rotations and the speed with which the ball moved. Admittedly the Gang Green, as constructed, are often out-jumped, out-run, or out-athletic-ed; but when all are available and healthy they are seldom out-played. They will never be the darlings of the ESPN highlight reel. When was the last time you saw highlights of multiple passes or rebounds taken at chest level because opponents were boxed out of position? Nah the ESPN beer-fest fans don't have the attention span for clips taking more than three seconds, nor does the "rest of the story" leave enough camera time for the product in the commercial.
Now that I think about it, I want to put Tommy through telestrator school. Now that John Madden has put down the marker for MNF, we need a new denizen of the X's and O's--for the Celtics' broadcasts. I know he has the knowledge and I think that with help Celtics' fans are sophisticated enough to follow the machinations of Doc's one-play/10-options offense. Maybe he could raise the collective basketball knowledge base enough for them to recognize ESPN for the collage-shallow presentation that it is.
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Fiddlin' and Diddlin' - Daily Links 1/27
by FLCeltsFan 10:18 AM
Herald Ray Allen wants to stay a Celtic
Baby names
On road to recovery, Lakers win
Lakers’ Pau Gasol keeps his priorities on winning teamwork
Celtics show their class with kiddos
Globe First option for Allen is to stay in Boston with Celtics
Random Thoughts Before Some Big Games
This is where the elite meet
CelticsBlog Deeeee-troit Baaaaasketball (In Boston?)
Ray Wants To Stay
Celtics Green Random Thoughts Before Some Big Games
Red's Army Your KG Face of the Day
Red's Army 4th Birthday Bash in TWO DAYS!
Marquis back sooner rather than later?
Is that all you got, Greg?
Your Morning Dump... Where Ray will do just about anything to stay
Perkisabeast “It’s all about the kids”
Courtside View Monday practice update: Ray Allen wants to retire a Boston Celtic
CSN-NE The Big Three . . . games, that is
Celtics Hub An Updated Look at Ray Allen’s Shooting Woes
Let the Kirk Hinrich/John Salmons Rumors Begin!
NESN Celtics' Players Encourage Rogers Middle School Students to Stay in School
Celtics Feel Effects of Marquis Daniels' Absence From Lineup
Celtics Town My Western Conference All-Star Reserves
Hardwood Houdini Ray Allen Hitting Mid-Season Blues
Lex Nihil Novi Knicks Take Game 3
King Scores 43 as Knicks Even Series
Celtics Mug Knicks, Take 3-2 Series Lead
CelticsLife The real question is, who is the better fit?
Have no fear, the return of Scalabrine is near
Doc: Team doesn't need to make moves
Caption 3
In case you were wondering how he'd look on the C's
Celtics Stuff Live Uno Plus Uno = Big Baby
ESPN Tuesday's practice report
Baby names
Green Street How Rondo is like Brett Favre
Glen Davis: Don’t play if you’re not a competitor
Scal cleared to play, Marquis begins drills
Universe BYU Ainge returns to Utah County as NBA D-League coach
ProJo Ray Allen wants to retire as a Celtic
Celtics believe that Garnett is a difference maker
Williams fighting for minutes
Celtics Journal: Garnett to start All-Star game, others may go
Enterprise Allen hoping to be back with Celtics next season
Random Thoughts This Doesn't Make Sense to Me
Bleacher Report Potential NBA Trade: Cavaliers' Zydrunas Ilgauskas for Bulls' Kirk Hinrich
Are the Atlanta Hawks Stuck In Reverse?
After a Long Wait the Los Angeles Clippers Debut a Round One Draft Pick
Indy Posted Top 10 NBA Draft Busts in the Past 10 Years
Item Live Celtics start key stretch of schedule on Thursday
Hoopsvibe Overdribbling All-Star Reserves: Eastern Conference
Metrowest Daily Allen hopes to stay with C's
Mercury News Monta Ellis is not an All-Star and the Warriors should know that
ESPN Kahn won't trade Al Jefferson, unless ...
Examiner Playoff-bound train rolls on despite Cavaliers injuries
The Grio Candace Parker, women's basketball's main attraction
SI.com Chris Bosh,�Gilbert Arenas�among key figures in NBA's second half
Yahoo Celtics' Allen getting two-year extension?
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Random Thoughts Before Some Big Games
by FLCeltsFan 9:54 AM
The next few games are going to be huge for the Celtics. First up the Magic. The Celtics handled them easily in Orlando on Christmas day, even without Paul Pierce. But that could work against us because the Magic will be motivated to avenge that loss and the Celtics may be looking past the Magic to the Hawks. Hopefully they won't lose focus and will take these games one at a time. Then, in the second of back to back games we face the dreaded Hawks. The Hawks beat the Celtics twice last month. The Celtics need to have revenge on their minds in this one. But, in the second of back to backs after facing a tough Magic team the night before, who knows how they will respond. And then there is Sunday's game. Celtics fans have had this circled since the schedule came out. If we went 2 and 80 for a season, I would consider the season a success if the Celtics two wins came against the Fakers. I really hate them that much. The Fakers haven't been doing so well since they had to leave the confines of the Staples center for a road trip. They have lost 6 of their last 8 on the road. Let's hope they are road weary and the Celtics are focused. This is ONE game I really, really want to win!
With the trade deadline coming up, we can expect the trade rumors to begin in full force. The Monta Ellis for Ray Allen is just the first of many, I'm sure. Monta Ellis is a very good player. He is much younger than Ray. But, I just don't like him for this team as it is built. Ellis plays best with the ball in his hands. If he is in the starting lineup, replacing Ray, that takes the ball out of Rondo's hands, which isn't a good thing. I don't see Ellis being happy coming off the bench. I just think he will screw up the chemistry on this team and chemistry is very important when you want to win a championship.
Besides, Ray has said that he will do just about anything to stay in Boston. He is willing to take a big pay cut and he is willing to come off the bench. Ray is a classy guy all the way and I think he deserves the chance to retire as a Celtic. There is still no player in this league I'd rather taking a shot in crunch time than Ray Allen. I don't care if he missed every other shot in the game. When the game is on the line, Ray Allen is the definition of clutch.
I love Perk. I have loved Perk since his first year in the league. He is finally getting the recognition that he deserves as one of the top defensive centers in the NBA. If you look at the box score from the Clippers game, you'll see that Perk had 15 rebounds and 2 blocks. But, if you watched the game, you would realize that a couple of those rebounds and one of the blocks came at the end of the game to preserve that win. Perk is a winner, plain ans simple. I really hope that Danny works out an extension for him before his current deal expires. There are a lot of teams out there who would love to have Perk on their teams and if he is a free agent, I will guarantee that he will get big money. Just look at all the bloated contracts of bigs out there who are nowhere near as good as Perk. We've had him for bargain basement price so far and hopefully Danny will reward his hard work and loyalty to this team by paying him what he is worth.
Big Baby sure knows how to get the headlines. Everywhere I look, there are articles about Big Baby wanting to change his nickname to Uno Uno. Personally, I think he will never shed the Big Baby name. He's been Big Baby for too long for people to suddenly start calling him something different. First he tried to change to "Ticket Stub" and that didn't take. Now he is trying again. I don't think this will work either. I love Larry Johnson's cartoons on WEEI.com. The one above of Big Baby is no exception.
This is a scary week coming up. Hopefully with KG back, the team will be focused. Defense is going to be the key to these games. If they regain their defensive focus, I say we win all 3 games. Maybe it's the koolaid, but I expect them to get back on track and go on a monstrous run.
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Fiddlin' and Diddlin' - Daily Links 1/26
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
by FLCeltsFan 2:49 PM
Herald Kevin Garnett’s got C’s back
Condensation creates slippery situation for Celtics
Happy returns: Craig Smith shines for Clips
Celtics content, but won’t rule anything out
Kendrick Perkins, Rajon Rondo make amends
LeBron James hits foul shots to lift Cavs
Big Baby wants a new nickname
Lakers hailed by chief: Obama welcomes NBA champs
Don Nelson laughs off talk of Warriors-Celtics deal
Globe Celtics at halfway mark
Davis: Call me 'Uno-Uno'
Celtics starters put Clippers to bed
Garden’s slippery conditions court disaster
Passing grade for Garnett
A Ticket to ride
CelticsBlog Celtics Avoid Sweep
Celtics start new streak with win over Clippers
Ray For Ellis? Pros and Cons
Uncertainty Still Looms for the Celtics
Glen Davis Needs Your Help
Celtics Green Celtics Family Providing HOPE for Haiti
Comments from the Other Side - Clippers 1/25
Celtics.com Ford Keys to the Game: Clippers at Celtics
Red's Army Your Morning Dump... KG's Effect on Offense & Defense
Enemy Chatter: Perk is very cerebral with his physicality
Attack the gaps to beat the zone
Perkisabeast Perk and Rondo to the rescue, C’s beat Clips
Green Street Celtics react to Grizzlies unexpected streak
Celtics Hub It’s Going to Be a Long Three Weeks
Enough: C’s 95, Clips 89
The C’s Need a Better Match(up) Maker
North Station Sports Deepest Apoligies from the CelticsLNShow!
C's Avenge Loss To Clips 95-89 1/25/10
The premature birth of "Uno Uno"
Celtics Town Giddens returns after (very) brief layoff
Highlight Reel: Like uncle, like son
Ray wants to stay
Kevin Garnett leads Celtics back from Land of Lollygagging
Hardwood Houdini Rajon Rondo: The Most Important Piece Of The Puzzle Part 2
Daily Poll – Celtics and the Road that Finishes With the Lakers
Kevin Garnett And His Return – With Shot Chart
Celtics Clip Baron Davis’ Clippers
Lex Nihil Novi Celtics Sneak Past Clips
Rory Sparrow and Marvin Webster were Almost Celtics (83-84)
Good Thing Red Kept McHale in Boston (83-84)
The King Scores a Mere 13 (83-84)
Hubie Didn't Like Strip Show before Half (83-84)
Bird Shows Bernard Who's King (83-84)
Ray Allen, Monta Ellis, and the 1988 Christmas Party
CelticsLife Celtics Survive Clippers & Wet Floor
Celtics 95, Clippers 89 Highlights
Celtics/Clippers Post Game Videos
I'd do this deal, would you?
Gino's Jungle Daily Dip!
ESPN First impressions: Celtics 95, Clippers 89
Sweat it out: Wet floor delays game
Postgame notes: Rondo gets vocal
Prep work
Seldom Shelden
Boston Celtics ease into tough stretch with routine win over Los Angeles Clippers
ProJo Nelson laughs off Ray-Allen-to-the-Warriors talk
Celtics Journal: Davis looks to shed ‘Big Baby’ tag
Celts keep it rolling, beat Clippers, 95-89
NBA Basketball Power Rankings
Fox Sports Daily Dribbles: Superstars on the move?
Metro Celtics’ Davis: I’m done with being ‘Big Baby’
LA Times Celtics put a damper on Clippers' upset bid, 95-89
Star Tribune Trade rumors don't bother Big Al
CSN-NE Celtics hold on to beat the Clippers
Celtics 95, Clippers 89: Live BlogCeltics hold on to beat the Clippers
Rich Levine: A worthy two-game winning streak
Celtics notes: Slick floor made for tough sledding
Davis: Call me Uno Uno
Warriors may offer Ellis for Ray Allen
Green Street Doc: ‘Slight’ chance Daniels returns before break
Doc on Davis: ‘He’s not a bad kid’
Fast Break: Celtics-Clippers
About those wet spots
Mr. Smith comes back to Boston
No more ‘Big Baby’
Examiner Celtics defeat the Clippers, amist a slippery floor
Mass Live Celtics buzz: Kevin Garnett's roster impact, team rebounding, and more
WEEI celtics - The Three-Pointer: After win, Celtics look to keep growing
Five questions for the Celtics
Patriot Ledger Celtics getting close to where they want to be
Celtics slip past Clippers on wet floor at TD Garden
Glen Davis ready to shed Big Baby nickname
Inside Boston Sports Celtics Beat Clippers
LeBrown's Town Cavs and a Potential February Makeover
Telegram Time to quiet ‘Baby’ talk
NESN How Many Celtics Will Make Eastern Conference All-Star Team?
Celtics' Glen Davis Hoping to Put 'Big Baby' Nickname to Bed
Report: Warriors Would Trade Monta Ellis for Ray Allen
Healthy Again, Celtics Starters Steadily Regaining Momentum
Celtics Game Almost Postponed Due to Wet Floor
Celtics Hold Off Clippers 95-89 to Earn Second Straight Win
Wizards' Javaris Crittenton Charged With Weapons Possesion
CT News Garnett Revives Celtics Defense, Beat Clippers 95-89
Hoopsworld NBA Power Rankings
Telegram Celts slide by Clippers, 95-89
Ridiculous Upside Maine Red Claws 107, Utah Flash 84
Deseret News Austin Ainge loves coaching
USA Today Glen 'Big Baby' Davis wants to drop nickname
Golden State of Mind RUMOR: Monta Ellis to Boston Celtics, Ray Allen to Golden State Warriors
Yawkey Talkies 5 questions for the second half of the Celtics season
LA Times Bleacher Report: Four reasons the Lakers should trade Andrew Bynum
SI.com Cavaliers, Nuggets take top spots in NBA Power Rankings
Readers upset over Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh award snubs
Bleacher Report The Most Underrated Player in the NBA
Slam Online Are Refs Really Villains?
PR Newswire Paul Pierce Partners with Switch2Health to Inspire Youth to Lead Healthier Lifestyles
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