Well, it wasn't always pretty, but a W looks lovely to me. It was also relieving to see Paul Pierce look like The Truth again.
- Blatche had a fast start, but Kevin Garnett ended up getting the better of the matchup with 17 points on 7 of 10 shooting.
- John Wall can play. I was hoping that Avery Bradley would slow him down some, but no such luck.
- To his credit though, Bradley picked up the slack in terms of minutes after Ray Allen left the game with a jammed ankle, logging a team high 41 minutes. Ahh youth.
- Another day, another solid contribution from Mikael Pietrus and Brandon Bass. Those guys are the key to our bench.
- Transition defense left something to be desired. The Wizards had a lot of fast break looks.
Would have much rather gotten a comfortable win over these guys, but beggars can't be choosers at this point. No Rondo, no Dooling, no Ray Allen, and I'd say we're lucky things didn't go worse. Next!
(Go Pats!)
Great to see that the captain's still got it, but today's performance might also seal PP's trade fate...
GreenInNYC - January 22, 2012
Not entirely sure whether that means you think he's staying or going
But I feel like why on earth would we trade him when he can still play like that? What’s the point? Are we gonna be able to get someone in return who can do that for us? I think not!
34green - January 22, 2012
I don’t think it’s a question of whether Pierce is a great player and valuable to this team, because he’s certainly both of those things. The question is whether this team is worth keeping together for the rest of the season or if it’s time to rebuild while the team’s assets have their maximum value.
What PP did today could only serve to increase his trade value (at least in the short term) by demonstrating that he’s still got some great games in him. I don’t know what’s going to happen, but IF Danny was going to blow it up by trading Pierce, Pierce’s stock is as high now as it’s ever going to be, so now would be the time to do it.
GreenInNYC - January 22, 2012
It’s never a good time to trade Pierce.
forever_green - January 22, 2012 via mobile
+1
calc - January 23, 2012 via mobile
I condensed it for you in the previous post; no need to mention Washington-lol.
lygafe - January 22, 2012
Nothing on KG's rebound number?
It looked pretty sad to me.
Don’t forget, it was only the Wizards, the worst team in the business right now.
lepooo - January 22, 2012
Might be that the Wizards are bad
but they beat the Thunder and are one of the most athletic teams in the league. The good thing for us is that they barely share a brain, basketball-wise. So many bad jumpers in crunch time…
European NBA fan - January 22, 2012
Thanks for the recap, Jeff
At least now I’ll have something to discuss while I wait for the real game to come on later.
And, sure it was the Wizards, but NICE game by Pierce!
And people want to trade him. PFFT!!!
By the way: GO GIANTS!
KG's Knee - January 22, 2012
Go PATS!
jakeshuttlesworth - January 22, 2012
Pierce needed this game
34 points
10 assists
8 rebounds
3 steals
Hope Rays ok, although Pietrus has played quite well
EF37 - January 22, 2012
Blow it up
Yeah this guy needs to get traded.
The green mamba - January 22, 2012 via mobile
rec'd and your username is gross
YeahTommyB4ZGermansGetThere - January 22, 2012
If Rondo
plays like a smaller version of Pierce, he will be at top 10.
elvyn - January 23, 2012
@Pflanns says 3 of our 6 wins have come against the Wizards
And the other three against other terrible teams (NJ, Toronto, and someone else)
Celticsdude - January 22, 2012
beat me to it
Jeff Clark - January 22, 2012
Pistons
Pork n Beans - January 22, 2012
can we play the Wizards every game?
we’re undefeated against them this year!
Jeff Clark - January 22, 2012
+1 LOL!
elvyn - January 23, 2012
touchdown!
woops, wrong blog
LOL
Jeff Clark - January 22, 2012
Nice win for the C's...
Considering 2 of the big 4 were out for the game.
Pierce gets the game ball as he had a great all around game.
KG, Bass and Pietrius all had solid games also, especially on the offensive end of the court which also played a big role in the win.
Celtics did a much better job on the offensive end of the court today compared to previous games as there 100+ points today proved.
I think being more aggressive about getting in the paint on offense helped get the C’s offense back in groove today.
Bradley had a tough game offensively, but I think got some great, valuable and serious playing time today that will really help his growth and development.
I would of liked to see more of Moore today with Ray out though.
I did not like Doc going to KG as the backup center again tonight against McGee and am puzzled why especially with Wiclox out he did not play the Steamer again.
C’s did there job today …Lets all hope the Pats can do theirs !
fordescort - January 22, 2012
I want less of Moore
He’s not ready. No offense to him. I mean, the kid was picked in the 50’s in a terrible draft. But he has shown me nothing. He makes bad decisions, he can’t shoot at all, and isn’t as good on D as Avery is. Once Dooling is back, I don’t want to see Moore take the court unless its a blowout, unless he somehow passes the others in practice.
guy incognito - January 22, 2012
I think...
Moore is a very talented and promising young player.
At the moment though he can’t defend as well as Bradley, I think he has shown so far this year he is a better ball handler, passer and shooter compared to Bradley who needs work on those aspects of his game at the moment.
I just think that in a game where both Ray and Rondo were out Moore should of gotten more then 8 minutes.
Just my 2 cents though.
fordescort - January 22, 2012
I don't think Moore has demonstrated superior shooting
He is shooting at a 25% clip for the season (Bradley is at 37.5).
jakeshuttlesworth - January 22, 2012
I assume...
the shooting % favors Bradley at the moment because he has been getting more minutes this year compared to Moore, which has allowed him to get a better offensive rhythm and groove to his jumper.
So I think since Moore has been getting erratic minutes so far this year where its tough to get into the flow of a game on offense, its not fair to compare his shooting % to Avery’s.
I think a better way to compare the 2 players shooting % is to look back over a longer time period in the past when the 2 players played in college and the D league and were getting regular minutes.
If you do that you will actually see both players are good shooters and have almost identical shooting %’s.
Moore over his college career averaged 43% overall from the floor and 37% from 3 point land.
Bradley over his college career and his D league stint last year averaged 44% overall from the field and 37% also from 3 point land.
I think the C’s are lucky to have both players who look to be promising and who have alot of upside that the C’s can utilize as they seek to rebuild in the future.
fordescort - January 22, 2012
Sorry I forgot to add...
The reason I mentioned above I think Moore is a better shooter then Avery, is not based on shooting %, but based on so far from what we have seen this year, I think Moore seams to have a more fluid, reliable and deeper range jumper then Avery.
fordescort - January 22, 2012
I agree.
Moore just looks more confident when he shoots.
Pork n Beans - January 22, 2012
Yeah
I think Moore has the better looking jumpshot, I am just not sure he has the athleticism to stay in the league long. It’s not as if Moore is a lights out shooter.
At least Bradley has his defense and athleticism. Gives him a bit of time to find his game on offense.
KG's Knee - January 22, 2012
Bradley was horrendous on offense. I just don't see him ever being a regular in this league.
vinnie - January 22, 2012
So I take it no one's watching the Bruins right now?
B’s sure are looking good right now
3-1 1st intermission lead & Lucic already got in a fight!
KG's Knee - January 22, 2012
Yikes!
3-1 1st period lead turns into a 4-3 deficit to start the 3rd period.
Come on guys, shouldn’t have let down like that. Better bring it in the 3rd.
KG's Knee - January 22, 2012
Now that's how to answer back!
Nice, 2 quick goals to start the 3rd. Just gotta keep it up for the last 15 min
KG's Knee - January 22, 2012
OT
Ughh
KG's Knee - January 22, 2012
Yeah!
Shootout victory-Seguin with the winner.
Bruins back to the top of the Eastern Conf. standings!
KG's Knee - January 22, 2012
So I saw the last of the game.
Pierce looked great closing it out.. as usual. Back to his normal self. (Hopefully)
I did not see Ray’s injury. Does it look bad? Like really bad?
StarzNBarz - January 22, 2012
I don't know
He was able to limp off under his own power.
They’re calling it a “jammed” ankle (whatever that means), not a sprain.
KG's Knee - January 22, 2012
so....
you still want the cap’n traded? patience is a virtue, the best always comes to those who wait..when you are down,the only way is up baby….
greenlion - January 22, 2012
No way! Never did!
34green - January 22, 2012
When Pierce plays well, the C's play well.
That’s the pattern I’m seeing, especially when it comes to Garnett. It’s like a psychological thing or something.
By the way, hello to all! I’m a relatively new member, but longtime reader and fan of Celticsblog. It’s been brutal watching the Celtics this season, but coming here helps ease the pain. Go C’s!
Pork n Beans - January 22, 2012
Welcome!
Although I’m not sure how much coming here will really ease your pain.
There has been quite a bit of “doom and gloom” talk around here lately.
KG's Knee - January 22, 2012
Agreed
I guess people have their reasons though, even if the C’s end up doing nothing except trading or whatever, the future is still pretty bright if they can make splashes in the draft, trades and free agency so I’m not too bothered.
Hammerhead7 - January 22, 2012
Thanks!
And I have noticed the fair share of “doom and gloom” haha. Like Jeff and a few of the others though, I’m gonna try to stay optimistic. I don’t know for sure if the Celtics will make the playoffs, but I’m just gonna enjoy what’s most likely The Big Three’s last season together.
Pork n Beans - January 22, 2012
Bass is a BEAST
Keep shooting big fella!
jakeshuttlesworth - January 22, 2012
Great win but this team is going nowhere fast...
…we’ll get killed tomorrow by the Magic. The silver lining is with all these injuries to the starting backcourt, Rivers has no choice but is forced to play the other bench guys rather than use the starters as a security blanket. In the long run if we’re still in contention for the playoffs, it would mean a deeper bench for the post season.
yakyakyak - January 22, 2012
why am I not so proud about this W...
yeah we won against the freakin Wizards, but it was an ugly win.
It was even close at the halfway mark of the 4th that it could have gone either way, we should have been blowin them out.
I am still on the fence with this team I am in no way seeing this team string together a winning streak of more than 3. Heck our next game would be another L.
bopna - January 22, 2012
+1
Glad we got a W, but im not impressed
Kgwillkillyou - January 22, 2012 via mobile
Super Bowl here we come...
Good job Pats !
fordescort - January 22, 2012
Wow
what a way for the Ravens to lose the game when they had it won practically won and missed the catch in the end zone and then almost tied the game and missed the field goal attempt.
fordescort - January 22, 2012
Actually, it was a clean catch in the end zone
But our guy was able to knock it right out of his hands at the last possible moment to avoid possession.
JR99 - January 22, 2012
Yep, the game ball should go to Sterling Moore.
Pork n Beans - January 22, 2012
Rondo's hand is "sore", Ray's ankle is "jammed"
How many other meaningless adjectives can you come up with?
Come on already, Celtics. Enough with the bullcrap. If Rondo had fractured his hand, it would still be “sore.” If Ray tore a ligament, it would still be “jammed.” What with all the stupid word games about players’ condition? I believe we’ve had more than enough of that over the past 4 years.
Meanwhile… we have quite a serious problem at guard position. Moore is almost useless, Bradley’s offense still woeful. With Rondo and Ray out, there’s nobody left.
At least they came out with lots of energy and apparent urgency today. Big difference from recent games. Hopefully the start of something better. But with no adequate starting guards…. hard to see this team succeeding.
JR99 - January 22, 2012
This
vinnie - January 22, 2012
UP AGAINST THE WALL....
Q1 the Cs did well moving the ball,
Very good, on the floor, north-south is Wall.
No Rondo again, his wrist is just sore,
Bradley started as the point guard on the floor.
Two charges taken—by JO and KG,
Ray getting shots (finally), RAY ALLEN FOR THREE!
With three, Pietrus off the bench, into our hearts,
(Said Tommy)—he’ll be loved around these parts!
Wiz has Crawford’s good offense, Rashard Lewis has dough,
Nick Young taking shots is anything but slow.
Ray got picked off, seemed to land in pain,
Let’s hope he doesn’t have some kind of sprain.
Doc to ref, paraphrase: there was a foul, don’t say no,
Just say you didn’t see it so you had to let it go!
We saw Javale McGee’s Mom, she’s quite a gal,
She was in the WNBA, and with Cheryl Miller at So. Cal.
Bradley’s trying to create offense, expectations are immense,
But you have to love to watch him when he plays defense.
Q3, with a jammed left ankle, there is no Ray,
Pietrus in for him, he has a sense of humor, he can play!
KG gets it going, hitting shot after shot,
Bradley’s getting experience, we can see what he’s got.
Good news for Marquis at the offensive end,
He finally scored, tho’ on a goal tend!
Sasha came in at the end of Q3,
For over two weeks not a minute did he see.
Daniels, Moore, Bass, KG, Sasha on the floor,
That’s the way the Cs started Q4.
Three minutes in, Wiz alley-oop, it’s a tie,
Pierce came in, took over, The Truth, our guy!
The Cs held on, this is an important stage,
Great when Pierce scores his number which is also his age!!
lovemyceltics.blogspot.com
mycelts - January 22, 2012
You are amazing! the last stanza is some craft!
I love poetry and I love basketball. Don’t let the big bucks spoil your talent. Also, you featured Avery Bradley the cutie in this one. I loved watching him play even when he was owned by Wall and made turnovers. I wonder if in a few years when they both have experience Bradley will break into the spotlight and challenge big draft picks like Wall.
YeahTommyB4ZGermansGetThere - January 22, 2012
That was awesome.
And you made me laugh out loud with this one:
“Good news for Marquis at the offensive end,
He finally scored, tho’ on a goal tend!”
Pork n Beans - January 22, 2012
Thanks. Gotta admit, I laughed out loud, too!
mycelts - January 22, 2012
Paul Pierce = Celtic
Master Po - January 22, 2012
+1
I’v said it before, you’ve said it again.
Forever it is the truth.
forever_green - January 23, 2012 via mobile
Know what you mean,
He should stay in Green!
mycelts - January 22, 2012
Nice. They beat a team that has won 2 games
As far as the injuries go, Dooling has missed six games with his minor, day-to-day injury; Rondo has missed 2 games with his minor, day- to-day wrist injury; I can’t even remember how long Wilcox has been out since he has been injured almost the whole season, and who knows how many games Ray will miss with what I am sure will be his minor, day-to-day ankle injury. Danny would be a good editor at Pravda.
vinnie - January 22, 2012
wow nice steamer got a hole 46 second WOW nice job Doc
EXER123 - January 23, 2012
+1
Its puzzling that a team that is so thin at center and that lacks a legit one, Doc does not want to play Greg more often.
fordescort - January 23, 2012
now if only we could just play the wizards the rest of the season........
japsuki - January 23, 2012
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