THAT, is a little more like it. The Celtics snapped out of whatever funk they were in for the first month of the season and put a big, big hurt on Dwight Howard, Glen Davis and the rest of the Magic.
Wow. Just soak in that final score for a moment. Wow.
- 56 points allowed - that should help those silly team defensive rankings a bit, ya think?
- Apparently that's a record low for Orlando and ties a record low allowed by the Celtics.
- Celtics were without Rajon Rondo, Ray Allen, Keyon Dooling, Chris Wilcox, and Mickael Pietrus.
- Sasha Pavlovic started. Usually you'd think that would be cause for concern, but he held his own.
- Sounds like Jeff Green made an appearance in the locker room before the game. Might have been an inspirational lift.
- Oh Captain my Captain. It is sooooo good to see you back.
- Kevin Garnett posted a double double and frustrated Dwight Howard all night.
- Brandon Bass stepped up with a huge game off the bench.
- Meanwhile, after getting his tribute video and ovation, Big Baby shot 2-9 and finished with 6 points.
- Another day, another solid effort by Avery Bradley, who outplayed Jameer Nelson - Bradley is lookin' like a keeper folks.
- Sounds like Rondo should be able to play on Thursday - which is welcome news.
More of this please. Lots, lots more of this.
That...Felt...GREAT!!!
redbridge13 - January 23, 2012
Avery Bradley # I AM A CELTIC
So proud of the whole team… brought a tear to my eye
EF37 - January 23, 2012
Blow it up? or Blow it Out?
Master Po - January 23, 2012
I should post a picture of willow trees
Master Po - January 23, 2012
Great Win!
But let’s not jump the gun. However, we were down 5 players, so hopefully this could be the start of something good..
Any updates on the injuries?
Danyck - January 23, 2012
i was think same thing hopefully celtics are back to stay !!!!
EXER123 - January 23, 2012
DO YOU BELIEVE IN MAGIC?
Bradley and Pavlovic through Doc’s plays must sort,
In for Rondo and Ray, as our starting back court.
Just when you thought the Cs couldn’t seem older,
We learned that Pietrus has a sore left shoulder.
The Cs started out with plenty of hustle,
At first JO couldn’t handle Dwight’s muscle.
A tribute to Glen Davis, on the Jumbotron up high,
Baby blew kisses to the crowd, at least he didn’t cry!
Pierce blew past Richardson, Baby came in, on Bass,
KG found Moore with a beautiful pass.
First two free throws in the NBA by Moore,
Daniels had a clean block, in Q1 did not score.
But to start Q2, there was Marquis at the hoop,
Love the energy and spirit of this Cs group.
Admire offense and defense played by Bass,
Especially love him on the offensive glass.
First half Bradley and Sasha played great D,
The Magic weren’t able to score many a three.
Two threes in a row, a guy in blue did appear,
Who remembered the Magic have Nelson, Jameer?
A pile of players, scrambling for the ball madly,
In Q3 a jump ball created by Bradley.
Bradley was pounded, fouled hard by Dwight,
The Cs Number Zero “arrived” tonight!
JO took charges, by Q3 there were three,
He’ll soon need more than that wrap on his knee!
JO and Howard got into a scrape,
Dwight’s not much of a superman without a cape.
Tonight the Cs were down five men,
KG had a double double, he is playing again.
The young guys and the veterans all did their part,
Best defensive game of the year, they played with heart!
The Cs won—we can laugh at a funny sight,
KG passed the ball to Pierce’s head tonight!
Through loud applause the crowd did say,
“Welcome, Avery Bradley, to the NBA!”
mycelts - January 23, 2012
AWESOME!
Everything is just awesome right now.
Love your poems!
Life is good.
mmmmm - January 23, 2012
"awesome" is the word of the day!!
mycelts - January 23, 2012
I'll bet Doc Rivers reads your poems out loud to the team for INSPIRATION. Keep it up.
lygafe - January 24, 2012
Now thats !!
a freakin’ win !! thats how you win !!
Dantuts - January 23, 2012
WE'RE BACK BABY BANNER 18!!
Lololol
Celticsdude - January 23, 2012
BTW, please try to play JJ some more.
I don’t even know how this is possible with both Bass and Stiemsma playing so well, but the kid can play. He’s athletic and has a reliable mid range jumper. Sounds like something we could use!
Celticsdude - January 23, 2012
I have no idea how this happened
missed the game. did Bradley look as good as people are saying? was the Bass/Baby matchup as lopsided as the stats say?
mc34 - January 23, 2012
Yes and yes
Bradley’s defense was awesome, but he looked far more comfortable on offense than I’ve seen him before. Brandon Bass played very well, but Davis was mostly a dud, as were the majority of the Magic.
redbridge13 - January 23, 2012
i thoudh baby did ok he got some shot to go down but bass was the man
EXER123 - January 23, 2012
he did a great job on jameer forcing a lot of turnovers.
it was great watching the celtics in form.
kheldar52077 - January 23, 2012
baby didnt have his shot but was hustling
pulled down 11 rebounds. notbad for a guy who cant jump over a sneaker
craziness@analltimehigh - January 24, 2012
THAT the BOSTON WE ALL LOVE
GO CELTICS wow sasha surprised me howard………… no promblem when we work like a team
EXER123 - January 23, 2012
NEVER GIVE UP
NEVER LOSE FAITH
paul7x5x - January 23, 2012
7tony2
yea i agree
7tony2 - January 23, 2012
Danny should be arrested for the robbery he commited this summer in Orlando
EF37 - January 23, 2012
+1000000000000000000
Bass is the man
celticsfan9 - January 23, 2012
+1
redbridge13 - January 23, 2012
+1
I was wondering what the Orlando fans were thinking as Bass was chopping them up tonight…
bblakes5 - January 23, 2012
Yup
Ainge deserves praise for this trade as it will not just help the C’s this year but possibly into the future also as the C’s can use Bass as they seek to rebuild.
fordescort - January 23, 2012
Tp for doc rivers
Tp for doc rivers playing the bench and rookies. Oops, he didn’t have any choice. Oh well, tp anyway.
greensince72 - January 23, 2012
Man, this team has multiple personalities
Awesome, awesome win. Was expecting the worst, and got the best. Let’s string a few of these together.
KY Celts fan - January 23, 2012 via mobile
+1
EXER123 - January 23, 2012
pretty much
I think I got whiplash watching this team zoom from pathetic to amazing in 5 seconds flat
Jeff Clark - January 23, 2012
7tony2
ditto
7tony2 - January 23, 2012
Wow. Had a meeting and only got to see th 4th quarter
What a shock and huge praise fo these guys tonight. Hats off to everyone. Honestly, I think they are in huge trouble with all these injuries and that the road ahead could be ugly. Looks to me like some of these injuries are going to be longer than expected – surprise – and Danny is going to have to get some oldies. I will celebrate this tonight and am happy for the team.
vinnie - January 23, 2012
Even in victory
You manage to find the black lining, amazing…
KJ33 - January 23, 2012 via mobile
lol
after every win, I scroll down the thread to find the first negative vinnie comment. It is a personal ritual, and never fails.
KGHurtYourFeelings - January 24, 2012
Rondo and Ray were hurting the team
trade them while you can
mc34 - January 23, 2012
lol no!!!!! with them it would of been a bigger blow out
EXER123 - January 23, 2012
jk
mc34 - January 23, 2012
we should howard why he should come to boston
EXER123 - January 23, 2012
showed my bad
EXER123 - January 23, 2012
But do we want him to come
and take max money for playing 2nd banana
Tenacious D - January 23, 2012
I know I'm in the minority, but I don't want him
34green - January 23, 2012
AH, I FEEL REFRESH!
:)
GreenRay20 - January 23, 2012
Wash, Rinse and Repeat
On Monday!
paul7x5x - January 23, 2012
I think its fair to say Bradley had more than a solid game
His defensive effort completely stopped any attempt the magic had at setting up their offense. He was the player of the game for me
Zak B - January 23, 2012 via mobile
+1
3gNVCsfan - January 23, 2012
Avery had a great game indeed...
It just proves what solid playing time and minutes can do to a players confidence and overall game performance.
fordescort - January 23, 2012
CELTIC PRIDE
Don’t stick a fork in them yet…too many proud guys on this team. They won’t go down without a fight. Bring that energy every night!
bblakes5 - January 23, 2012
7tony2
i agree
7tony2 - January 23, 2012
And Bass had an assist... crazy game :)
ole_gunar - January 23, 2012
Ha!
KY Celts fan - January 23, 2012 via mobile
+1
EXER123 - January 23, 2012
Lots of lessons tonight
- Rondo is not hurt badly at all, and should return soon. He was able to slap Bass’ hand using his injured hand, hard, TWICE, at the end of the first half.
- Avery Bradely has been greatly underrated around here, till now. He is, truly, a WORLD-CLASS DEFENDER, and that’s a huge asset for this team. He also hustles constantly, and his energy is infectious… all of which makes him an even more important asset. And his offense is starting to catch on too. Kid has a great future, hopefully with the Celtics.
- Pavlovic has also been underrated on these pages, for no good reason. The guy hustles, and is a pretty damn good bench player.
- Howard gave up pretty easily in this game. Just plain gave up. Are we sure we want this guy wearing green? I’m not.
Our guys seem to be finding their mojo, finally. The energy, the hustle, the DEFENSE…. all shaping up. This was a great blowout win, and I give a lot (tho certainly not all) of the credit to Avery’s infectious energy and amazing defensive prowess.
JR99 - January 23, 2012
good point on howard but i think it would be differencce once his part of just a historical franchise
EXER123 - January 23, 2012
You think?
Think he want to be the breeze. Put me where I can get a title, which is not like Kobe saing Im am PLAYING TO WIN right here on the spot.
Tenacious D - January 23, 2012
I think Howard missed good ole Perk
He had probably looked forward to punking JO and KG all night long, but got a taste of something else :)
European NBA fan - January 23, 2012
Best Rondo moment of the night - the 'look of respect' when JJ slammed that dunk down.
mmmmm - January 23, 2012
Yeah, another good one
Looking forward to Rondo and Ray coming back. Now that it seems we do have a solid backup PG in Avery… who can also be inserted for defensive purposes as needed… things are starting to look up. And you gotta love the team spirit that seems to be growing right before our eyes.
JR99 - January 23, 2012
Avery as backup PG
It will be interesting to see how the rotations might change as a result of these few games with Rondo out and Avery Bradley playing point guard. Pierce is actually kind of playing point-forward for these games so Rondo’s role is being split between the two of them.
It seems to be an effective lineup so I hope they figure out some way to make it work with just bench players too. Marquis in the point-forward role instead of Pierce or maybe the point guard duties split with Dooling whenever he gets back. If it means getting Rondo some extra rest that’s always a good thing. Great to see Bradley playing more minutes.
BlackMass - January 23, 2012
Just gonna relax and take this win in..
And not worry about the future of the team.
:)
Pietrus & Cream - January 23, 2012 via mobile
Well? Are the rest ready to start believing again?
The green mamba - January 23, 2012 via mobile
we'll see on the return game at orlando
I am keeping my hopes up for another win.
kheldar52077 - January 23, 2012
That's going to be really tough to do.
But tonight has to be a huge confidence boost for the team. So I’m sure as heck not going to say that they can’t do it.
mmmmm - January 23, 2012
Very happy with the win, but does not change my outlook on where this team is headed
It was a great effort by the C’s and it was one of those flukes you see a couple of times a year, and even more during a year like this. Let’s see if they can repeat the effort Thursday night in Orlando. I am going to enjoy this win for the next few days, but with all of the injuries and the age of the key players, I still have no expectations for the rest of the year. You asked, so I answered. One game does not a season make.
vinnie - January 23, 2012
Expect Rondo back by Thursday
And if Ray is back too, and if Doc uses Avery wisely… a LOT more than he usually does… and they keep up this kind of energy…. sure, why not? What tonight proved was they DO have the potential to be great.
This was what was missing so far this season, the big difference between this year and 2010. Back then, they played poorly a lot, but showed definite signs of greatness too. Now that they’ve showed it this year, it’s just possible that they’ve got what it takes now too. We’ll see, soon enough.
JR99 - January 23, 2012
doc said dooling and wilcox will be back next game too
craziness@analltimehigh - January 24, 2012
Finally a freaking quality win
it has been awhile. I’ve missed you.
muckduck - January 23, 2012
Where are all the Blow It Up Dolls around here??????
still up in the willow tree? hahahaha
Master Po - January 23, 2012
+100000000000000000000000000000
EXER123 - January 23, 2012
It's one game
Great win. But maybe it will start something great
vgarcia890 - January 23, 2012
Here I am, Po!
clover - January 24, 2012
good to see the rookies play!!!
ZM15 - January 23, 2012
Jurassic 5 lol!
Who you calling old?
The green mamba - January 23, 2012 via mobile
Great win for the Green machine....
Game ball goes to the entire team as just about everybody played well tonight and helped contribute to the win.
The C’s set the tone in this game on both ends of the court by playing great team defense and once again attacking the paint on the offense end of the court.
It was great to see Bradley play so well, especially on the defensive end of the court.
I think the minutes he has seen with Rondo out have been just great to help with his confidence and development.
I thought Bass had a great game off the bench along with Daniels which was nice to see.
I thought JO, KG and Greg and the C’s help defenders all did a great job on Howard tonight on defense which knocked him off his offensive game.
The C’s energy level was dynamite tonight including KG’s which also played a key role to the win.
fordescort - January 23, 2012
Ubuntu... pure, unadulterated ubuntu
I wanna rage… like right now
EF37 - January 23, 2012
That was one of the best DEFENSIVE games I have seen in a long time.
Avery was just un-real. Every Magic possession took forever to get up court – the shot clock was routinely down to 10s and they’d still be outside the 3 pt line.
I really loved that Jermaine stuck up for Bradley after Howard smacked Avery down.
Doc did a great job of using both JO & The Steamer’s fouls to just keep physical on Howard all night.
Pierce and Garnett looked like … Pierce and Garnett!!!
Smooge’s defense also kicked up a notch – clearly he was inspired by Bradley’s style of pressure to keep it up. Doesn’t have quite the same quickness of feet and hands as Bradley to get the same TO results, but just making the effort to pressure on his man and keep that shot clock churning was great and kept the pressure constant.
And Sasha – wow, I had almost forgot how athletic he is. That dude can sky. He needs to be more aggressive more often.
mmmmm - January 23, 2012
Who's smooge?
muckduck - January 23, 2012
Etwaun..
Rany - January 23, 2012
+1
I agree Doc did a great job of using JO & The Steamer’s fouls on Howard all night.
I also thought when KG was defending Howard he did a great job also.
As leader of the Sasha fan club I was happy to see him play well tonight and get the chance to knock of the rust and help the C’s on both the offensive and defensive ends of the court.
I especially liked the shot blocking he offered tonight.
I guess he must be getting some pointers from the Steamer…lol.
fordescort - January 23, 2012
KG on Howard
That highlight replay of KG defending Howard along the baseline – that is just beautiful. Text book.
mmmmm - January 23, 2012
Yes that was great defense by KG indeed...
I think his quickness on defense tonight (and pep he had tonight) really bothered Howard.
Though I would not prefer KG play alot at center (to keep stress off of him, open minutes for the Steamer etc.) I do think utilizing KG at center for spot duty at certain situations can play a role against some teams.
Throwing KG’s speed and quickness and his ability to spread the floor on offense at larger opposing centers can possibly be a weapon that the C’s can probably utilize at times this season as was the case tonight.
fordescort - January 23, 2012
And yeah - it was great to see Sasha starting to play with some confidence and aggression.
Man, is he athletic. He skied on those block attempts – and too bad he got called for that cheap ‘travel’ call before that dunk! That was nice.
mmmmm - January 23, 2012
7tony2
i agree
7tony2 - January 23, 2012
im not ready to say they are back
but a few more games like this might just change my mind
craziness@analltimehigh - January 24, 2012
Tonight should send a message to the entire team
Tonight is a PERFECT reminder of what the Celtics are capable of.
The C’s were severly shorthanded tonight and playing on the second night of a back to back. They had yet to bet a good team this season and Orlando definitely qualifies as such. Add to that Orlando was well rested and it seemed all the circumstances were against the Celtics tonight.
How did the Celtics win this game? Well to start with the energy level was fantastic. Sure Orlando played terribly but a big part of that was the relentess energy especially on the defensive end from the Celtics.
Hopefully no one will overreact to this one victory and make it more than what it is. As Mike Gorman pointed out during the broadcast, teams often can overcome injuries in the short term as other players step up to the challenge. Of course no one believes the available players tonight is the best Celtics lineup that could sustain this level of play BUT they proved a great point…
The litanny of excuses given to rationalize the poor play of Boston this season really aren’t valid. To watch a depleted and fatigued group come out tonight and dominate the playoff bound Magic after watching a healthier and more rested group struggle on many games this season is proof positive…
The Celtics are more than talented enough to contend this season and hopefully tonight will serve as the start of playing that way.
warnerjohn - January 23, 2012
didn't you just declare us DEAD?
Master Po - January 23, 2012
Just enjoy it, dude.
mmmmm - January 23, 2012
I will enjoy in my own way...and it was a great win tonight
Master Po - January 23, 2012
'Was not meant for you, Po.
mmmmm - January 23, 2012
my mistake ....too busy smiling to read closer
Master Po - January 23, 2012
Hard to un-squint the eyes when ya have a big grin! LOL!
mmmmm - January 23, 2012
Loved watching this game!
Was exactly what we needed and I’m glad to say I was completely wrong about the outcome of this game!
Jay-D21 - January 23, 2012
And i hate being wrong :P
Jay-D21 - January 23, 2012
+1 atleast u admit to it
EXER123 - January 23, 2012
Don't know if this has been mentioned but...
Bradley was just on NBATV and said he told Doc before the game that he was going to pressure Jameer full court the entire game….the entire game…and meant it.
He wanted to bring up the team’s energy.
Player of the game, IMO.
Tom Halzack - January 23, 2012
Mosdef
The green mamba - January 23, 2012 via mobile
Bradley said....
Jameer kept saying to him…“Don’t pick me up.”
Tom Halzack - January 23, 2012
Oh, yeah, like that was gonna stop him. Lol!
34green - January 23, 2012
I hope...
even when Rondo and Ray return, that Doc after seeing how much Bradley can help the C’s win games , will give him more minutes.
Id especially like to see a Rondo and Bradley defensive tandem more often and to see them defend with full court pressure just create havoc on the defensive end of the court.
fordescort - January 23, 2012
agree
ianboyextreme - January 23, 2012
agree as well fordescort...I think JJJ needs a shot at more PT
Master Po - January 23, 2012
Yes...
Id like to see JJ play more also.
Though it would be tough to find him minutes with KG and Bass who is playing so great in front of him, hopefully if the C’s start sitting KG on the multiple back to back games the C’s will face later this season, Doc will give JJ more then just garbage minutes.
fordescort - January 23, 2012
Agree on Jajuan
He can shoot, defend, block shots, rebound. He basically needs to put on 30lbs and he’ll be a force but I think he can still be a difference maker this season as well. Perfect for back to back games.
BlackMass - January 23, 2012
+1
mmmmm - January 23, 2012
Definitely.
Tommy agrees, giving AB the ‘Tommy Award’.
Heinsohn put it spot on: Bradley was a ‘weapon on defense’ tonight. Amazing that a guy can score just 6 points yet be such a wrecking crew on defense that he so clearly was the player of the game.
mmmmm - January 23, 2012
saw that Tom.....the kid has spark.... I underestimated him
Master Po - January 23, 2012
The whole team played really tenacious....
defense, but Bradley was the ‘Red Bull’ that got and kept it going. This, most likely, was a watershed game for Avery.
As Tommy said, he is finding that he does belong in this league. So glad I got to see the whole game this time.
Tom Halzack - January 23, 2012
that quote by Tommy I thought was spot on....
Master Po - January 23, 2012
and I want raise my hand that I simply underestimated Bradley's heart and ability... I was wrong
Master Po - January 23, 2012
hey, nobody's perfect...
I’m still waiting for Baby to have his break out game. lol
Tom Halzack - January 23, 2012
he did 2010 shrek donky rember?
EXER123 - January 24, 2012
True
It’s fun to hate on him now but that is a fond memory!
jakeshuttlesworth - January 24, 2012 via mobile
I was pretty much kidding
Baby has had a slew of solid games but….
I wouldn’t beat myself up too much about underestimating Bradley. He just seemed a bit clueless until he started showing signs of life after Danny began taking him under his wing.
His place in the league is still not truly established, but if he makes it, we just saw how and why that will happen.
Tom Halzack - January 24, 2012
I'm
right there with you Po. I don’t know if we were wrong, but it finally looks like at least we might be. I sure hope so anyway
KGHurtYourFeelings - January 24, 2012
I did not think
That tonight was going to be the first night I was genuinely excited about the Celtics. I expected the worst and was definitely impressed.
I don’t know what, if anything, it means, but I’m not going to worry too much about prognostication yet, and enjoy it for what it was.
Also, I have never had any faith in Avery Bradley, and he might be proving me wrong. I don’t think he’s ever going to be an allstar, but he may be an NBA player after all. It’s a small sample, but for the first time, I have at least a little hope.
THere was definitely a lot to like, and maybe this gets them rolling a little bit.
Pierce definitely looks like he’s rounding into form.
KGHurtYourFeelings - January 23, 2012
Jermaine standing up...
to Howard…..key moment as well. Set a tone that he wasn’t going to trash the Cs.
Tom Halzack - January 23, 2012
+1
fordescort - January 23, 2012
JO proved me wrong tonight....wonder how bad Pietrius is hurt? any word?
Master Po - January 23, 2012
Supposedly having an MRI on his shoulder tomorrow
but you know — he is day-to-day
vinnie - January 23, 2012
If the C's say hes day to day...
I am worried…lol.
fordescort - January 23, 2012
Yeah, I loved that he put that finger in Dwight's face. JO was _serious_.
The Grin™ wasn’t going to be tolerated.
mmmmm - January 23, 2012
Did you
see Dwight backing away? He didn’t want none.
KGHurtYourFeelings - January 23, 2012
JO doesn't seem tough but he was certainly ready to throw down it seemed
Master Po - January 23, 2012
yup
fordescort - January 23, 2012
Honestly...
JO is so laid back, I didn’t think he had that in him anymore. Great to see that anger at such a dominant player. Loved it.
Tom Halzack - January 23, 2012
I don't know,
If i was just looking at the 2 of them, DH def looks like he’s tougher, but he seems just a little to…jolly for me. Just a little too sweet.
I don’t want my giant, physically dominant big man smiling all the time. I want him mean-mugging and tossing people.
Now, I like HOward’s game, but I don’t think he’s a fighter. NOt that that necessarily matters on the ball court, but if I were Van Gundy, I’d tell him to quit grinning all the time.
KGHurtYourFeelings - January 23, 2012
I am sure part of the time he is grinning at the fact that no matter what kind of expensive suit Van Gundy wears it still fits him like he just walked out of Sears
Master Po - January 23, 2012
That's a good point.
mmmmm - January 23, 2012
...and those glasses... yikes...
jyrecelts - January 23, 2012
doesn't seem tough?
Have you seen him take on people when the Detroit-Indiana brawl happened?
staticcc - January 24, 2012
Yup, the scrum was good in a sense,
I’d like to think some of that dust up was JO standinding up for the honey badger because Howard postured a bit after sending him (Avery) to the ground.
Jon Niednagel - January 23, 2012 via mobile
That's EXACTLY what it was about.
mmmmm - January 23, 2012
Another reminder to Howard
that the Magic will never win a title; could Boston intrigue him?
gocanes1 - January 23, 2012
No!
Master Po - January 23, 2012
why so emphatic?
we should have enough salary cap room + IF we can convince Ray, KG to re-sign at vet min, keep Bass, Pietrus, bring back Jeff G cheaply, that roster is a powerful lure.
gocanes1 - January 23, 2012
Not trying to be rude. I am just sick of hearing about Duh_wight Howard.... tired of him and he does not want to be a Celtic
that seems obvious
Master Po - January 23, 2012
I inderstand the subject has been beaten into the ground
however he does talk with Bill Russell quite often
gocanes1 - January 23, 2012
good point....
Master Po - January 23, 2012
This game ...
Really showed what the C’s can do – I’ve felt like they’re much deeper than given credit for, and the bench could do more than Doc has allowed them to. I’d like to think they could play (nearly) this well every night, if given the chance. If you think about it, Daniels used to start in IN and I think Pavlovic and Dooling have both started some in the past, too. Bass and Pietrus could start on a lot of teams. This should be solid depth. Lets hope this is the beginning of a trend.
On a related note, anyone else had the idea to start Pavlovic or Daniels and let Ray come off the bench and just shoot 3’s for 20 minutes per game? Both those guys are bigger, stronger better jumpers and quicker than Ray at this point and I think the added athleticism would allow for some better matchups.
Steve_M - January 23, 2012
Good point about the bench ...
Bass is solid, and we know that Pietrus is as well; Pavlovic and Daniels looked good tonight, so hopefully that gives them some confidence and momentum; and Bradley was great on defense, and on offense showed some flashes of his quickness, which could prove quite useful if he keeps being aggressive.
I was impressed with the first quarter, then wasn’t able to check in again until near the end of the third; I was dumbstruck, and happily so. Great effort by everyone tonight. Could it be that Pierce and KG are rounding into game shape? If so, look out, everyone else.
Very encouraging win.
rocknrollforyoursoul - January 23, 2012
THAT WAS EXCEPTIONAL
-Avery Bradley is a dynamo/force/complete stopper on defense. I love him and his play. Love his constant energy.
-Pavlovic has crazy athleticism and its good to know he can ball like that.
-Great game from Marquis Daniels passing the ball and getting steals, great game for Bass, great game for Paul and KG
-Loved seeing Jajuan hit that fade away and posterize von wafer
I love this! lets keep it up guys we are back!
ianboyextreme - January 23, 2012
Quisy was very "on" tonite wasn't he/
jyrecelts - January 23, 2012
his shooting touch still has to come around. I had been wondering why everyone liked him so much but Im starting to get it with his passing ability and ability to strip people. Hes very heads up.
ianboyextreme - January 23, 2012
he's great atoning without the ball
But has had a lot of trouble finishing around the basket this year. Best game of the year by far for him
McHaleinthepost - January 23, 2012 via iPhone app
great at "moving" without the ball--stupid iPhone
McHaleinthepost - January 23, 2012 via iPhone app
He may have just been rusty/lacking confidence ...
but he needs to stick with the cutting, slashing, off-the-ball movement on offense; he’s really quite good at it; and his defense is usually solid.
rocknrollforyoursoul - January 23, 2012
Yeah, I agree.
Daniels still has that uncanny ability to get deep in the paint when you least expect it. Unfortunately he’s been missing the bunny layups down there at an absurd rate. Ya gotta think that eventually that some of those bunnies are gonna start to go back down the hole again.
mmmmm - January 24, 2012
A Sports Dialogue
Nuke “wining is great man”
Crash “your fastball was all over the place and our curve was hanging”
Nuke “cant ou enjo the moment”
Crash " the moments over"
…so its safe to say 2-13 from downtown and .423 overall was not world beating. But the C’s kept them from getting a rhythm and that 10-10 on the last 2 frames was sweet sweet. Next!
Tenacious D - January 23, 2012
Doc Rivers says the Celtics — the veteran-laden, hard-working, defend-until-you-weep-in-submission Celtics – came into camp out of shape.
maybe we’re gettin’ there, eh?
jyrecelts - January 23, 2012
I sure hope so
nanaluvsball - January 23, 2012 via Android app
Meanwhile, after getting his tribute video and ovation, Big Baby shot 2-9 and finished with 6 points.
and 11 rebounds-glad we won but still can’t hate baby
calc - January 23, 2012
loved that big-baby-falling-out-of-bounds-Bass-defense!!!
…and we got the teal and a dunk off that… awesome…
jyrecelts - January 23, 2012
aggressive from the first second to the last second with no letups. the first and only game they played properly all year. the kid, ie bradley really set the tone and was the leader. paul really got his shots thru the early 3rd period and began to coast which i don’t like to see ( the coasting and sloppy passes ). jo did the right thing for the team taking on howard and that showed me a lot. it’s a start and the way for this team to do anything right this season tough. hockey player mentality and hustle. i love ray but he would not have played the nasty d that sash showed. this was red auerbach nasty. and bradley pushed the ball and penetrated. nasty.
nazzbo - January 23, 2012
Red Auerbach nasty. I like.
ianboyextreme - January 23, 2012
have to hand it to him, Sasha....
played a gritty game and hard fouled DW out if 2 dunks. Smart and needed. Jeez, I loved seeing this game.
Glad I got to join in with everyone tonight. I’m usually watching rewinds later.
Tom Halzack - January 23, 2012
Agreed about JO and Sasha
And I don’t know if you guys are noticing, but JO’s done quite well these last four or five games; his rebound totals have been solid (9 tonight) and he’s playing really good defense — not just blocks and charges (though there are those), but also his positioning and shot challenging.
Did you guys see Sasha’s reverse up and under? Didn’t know he had it in him. Hey, he’s got good length and plays pretty good defense, and a game like tonight’s could be just what he needs to start clicking regularly on offense.
rocknrollforyoursoul - January 23, 2012
Sasha smoked Richardson on that move. lol
Tom Halzack - January 23, 2012
I would like to believe these are the real Celtics and we can expect more of this
I don’t know who those imposters were!
34green - January 23, 2012
There will be no trading of Paul Pierce..
..Thank you very much
BlackMass - January 23, 2012
7tony2
i agree
7tony2 - January 23, 2012
Bravo to Tim Thomas !!
gocanes1 - January 23, 2012
Total disrespect for the office of the president, regardless of who holds it.
vinnie - January 23, 2012
+1
fordescort - January 23, 2012
Yep.
‘Love Tim-Tom as a goalie and for all he’s done on the ice, but that was disrespectful to the office.
I usually can’t stand Michael Felger, but he is right tonight when complains that this is just another case of something being needlessly politicized.
This should have been a celebration of the Bruin’s championship. Thomas turned it into politics.
mmmmm - January 23, 2012
WHERE
… Where the bleep did that come from :O
O_O
Kiorrik - January 23, 2012
Best game of the year so far
They were on all the loose balls played suffocating defense and guys stepped up. They were aggressive and confident. JO guaded Howard well. This is the most confident I’ve ever seen Avery Bradley. He can be an impact player.
Marquis finally found a rhythm. Even Sasha Pavolvic was making plays. It was a full team effort, great win.
p-peazy - January 23, 2012
WOW!!
WHAT A GAME..FINALLY SOME HEART AND CONFIDENCE..MAKE NO MISTAKE THIS WAS THE BOSTON CELTICS PLAYING TONIGHT!!..WHAT A GAME INDEED!!
seze70 - January 23, 2012
sasha wtf ?
wow what got into pavlovic and bradley tonight where the hell was this shutdown defense all season. i must say i thought we were going to get blown out being with ray and rondo and pietrus not playing JO should have slapped howard right in his puss. heihnson said we have a weapon on defense and his name is bradley lol lol gotta love tommy great win now lets go down to orlando and get the home and home sweep thursday night
lohaus#54 - January 23, 2012
Woah!! is that the real score?!?!
mjtig - January 23, 2012
I don’t know why y’all kept pounding on Sasha, but I knew all along that he’s capable of playing like this. You guys must have missed his Cleveland days.
P2 - January 23, 2012 via mobile
What Sasha showed tonight is not news...
its skills he has always had and showed through out his NBA career, especially in Cleveland as you say.
He just needs more playing time to allow us to see those skills.
fordescort - January 23, 2012
Sasha is what he is -- a 11th or 12th player on the bench
He played well tonight and I give him credit, but he won’t do it consistently over a period of time. That is why he is where he is right now in the NBA.
vinnie - January 23, 2012
I think ...
as most players if you do not get regular minutes your game suffers from inconsistency as has been the case with Sasha at times with the C’s.
I think if Sasha were to get the chance to play regular minutes as he did tonight he would show us alot more nights as he did tonight, where he played well.
But for now I think he is a especially for a min vet contract a perfect 4th string wing that can provide decent scoring, defense and tough physical coming off the bench and some insurance depth.
fordescort - January 23, 2012
LMAO
Just read this tweet from Jessica Camerato :
European NBA fan - January 23, 2012
LOL
fordescort - January 23, 2012
ROFL
mjtig - January 23, 2012
Lol
Now THAT’S funny!
JR99 - January 24, 2012
Hahahahahaha!
Pork n Beans - January 24, 2012
That really got an early morning laugh from me.
lygafe - January 24, 2012
Why didnt Pietrius play?Whats his problem?
Dantenina - January 23, 2012
Shoulder injury
fordescort - January 23, 2012
How? I wonder..guess we will find out
Master Po - January 23, 2012
Po -- supposed to have an MRI tomorrow
The whole injury thing with the Celtics is weird. Other than Portland, I cannot think of another team that has had so many injuries over the course of several years. Why?
vinnie - January 23, 2012
Not sure...
if it was a acute injury last night that is causing the issue, because I did not recall him injuring it last night anywhere.
I did read elsewhere today that his shoulder simply “flared” up last night , so maybe its a just a chronic shoulder problem that has reappeared.
Hopefully as Vinnie says the MRI he will have tomorrow will show it is not anything seriously wrong with his shoulder, since Pietrius so far has played well and looks to be a key player of the bench for the C’s.
fordescort - January 23, 2012
lol
spaghetti and pancake
ELLAYGREEN - January 23, 2012
Very happy that we have bass and not Davis
They’ve got several more years of erratic jump shots and weak rebounding stats to look forward to
McHaleinthepost - January 23, 2012 via iPhone app
How MUST SEE is thurs game gonna be??
See this is the KG we need…not taking 10 outside jumpers that dont go in. Get down low, post up, play D, be the defensive anchor. Stop making bad passes.
Sarcazmo's Funhouse - January 24, 2012
KG is now worth more as a 12 ppg score rather than trying to get 20. Is this win fools gold??? We shall see. If we win on thurs at Orlando, that might be enough to stave off the trade talk for now.
Sarcazmo's Funhouse - January 24, 2012
I would argue that tonight's game was enough
…to significantly stave off (at least some of) the trade talk.
This game was the first indication we’ve had this whole season that the Celtics have greatness in them. Now it’s at least possible to say “They’ll turn it on for the playoffs.” Before tonight, it would have been ridiculous. Now it’s feasible / possible / no longer out-of-the-question.
So there’s no need to run and push through some crazy trades, messing with the core. If they wanna get rid of Wilcox (useless due to constant injury) or even Moore (whose talents are fairly pedestrian)…. fine, no problem. But the far-out talk about moving the core…. I think that goes quite a bit further out after tonight.
JR99 - January 24, 2012
what do you mean i think this should fuel the flames of trade talks
trade dooling allen and rondo we clearly play better without them.
mostly sarcastic but hey if the lakers offer bynum for rondo and allen do it
JuJuan some moore - January 24, 2012
Now, THESE are more like the Celtics I know and love!
They were efficient and just looked more in sync with each other on offense. And they were absolutely smothering on defense. Sasha and Avery especially wowed me tonight and showed me what Danny and Doc always saw in them. Also, how awesome was it to see that toughness from KG and Jermaine again?!
Pork n Beans - January 24, 2012
Pre-season warmup should now officially be considered over. The season has begun.
lygafe - January 24, 2012
Elderley Respect
I thought working at a retirement home was fun. Go Green and learn from your elders!
west coast celtic - January 24, 2012
So glad I decided to DVR this game
I wasn’t going to. Honestly I figured it’d be a blow out. Just not in favor of the C’s.
Trade Pierce? Hahahahahahahahahaha! Yeah right.
Bradley, boy was I wrong about him. I knew he could defend, but this was an All-NBA 1st team performance. Dude belongs. One way or another, he needs to get minutes.
Nice showing by KG. I still think he’s close to done, but maybe with enough rest we can get him to give one last all-in effort in the playoffs.
I am just going to enjoy the win, more than anything. At least it shows they can still do it on occasion. Let’s hope Danny just let’s them ride it out.
Remember, ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!!!
KG's Knee - January 24, 2012 via mobile
Not gonna go overboard and say this win proves they are still a legit title contender
But it definitely proved that when the Boston Celtics are on their game and playing the defense we are used to seeing the past couple of years, we can beat ANYONE. This is one of the best defensive games I’ve seen them play since the Perk trade. I haven’t seen them play that tough team defense when everyone has each other back and are talking constantly. Seeing Bradley out there really reminded me of a young Rondo on defense when he used to be that little pest who just seemed like hed do anything for you, just to get that ball. I’m talking about stuf like the steal on Jason Williams and just out hustling him to get the ball and then throwing it up for the layup. I understand Rondo obviously cant be putting 110% into defense anymore because he has so much more pressure on him now on the offense side of the ball but I really hope Doc sees this game and realizes what Avery did for this ball club and starts reducing Rajon’s minutes so maybe he has more energy to go 110% on defense. Because honestly folks if we ever do want to win a championship we need to go back to our 2008 team and realize it was our defense because we are not a scoring team
OFWG1554 - January 24, 2012 via mobile
Tak about overreaction
I enjoyed the victory like all you of you guys, but let’s not jump the gun here jesus. All of you guys are talking about how great Avery played and rightfully so, but I loved the way Sasha played more than anybody. The guy hasn’t seen any action in what, 3 weeks? and to start & contribute like that… you gotta give props for that.
In all, great victory. HOWEVER, it would not surprise me whatsoever if we lose vs them on Thursday with Rayray and Rondo back in the line up. You just can’t take much from one game. As great as Our D was, you can’t expect the Magic to score in the 50’s again and you really can’t bank on Jameer being ‘flustered’ by Avery again. Also, they probably won’t miss that many 3’s either.
TheBigFive - January 24, 2012
Cant please everybody
Man, Dwayne Wade, Dwight Howard and Kobe Bryant can see it. Stan Van Gundy even commented after the game on it. Why cant some of our own fans see it. Boston is a legit contender. Sheesh.
The green mamba - January 24, 2012 via mobile
So
The team that the Celtics usually struggled against back in those playoff days…they managed to blow them out this time? I love, I love!
SparzWizard - January 24, 2012
What a great game!
Second of a back to back, against a winning team, great defense, efficient offense….now if this was played on the road….all weaknesses were debunked. At least for one game.
Want to see the same result versus the Bulls and Heat!
LarryBird33 - January 24, 2012
Speed kills!
Avery Bradley is just 21 years old and between Bradley and Rondo we have SPEED! Bradley will become a better scorer with more playing time as he gains confidence.
Celtics9Lakers2 - January 24, 2012
You must Login with your SB Nation account and be a member of CelticsBlog to post a comment.