Matt Moore ponders the possibility of both the Celtics and Lakers making one last run.
The Lakers, Celtics, and a window propped open - CBSSports.com
This season is about survival, it's about simply managing to get through this brutal, compact season, avoid long-term injuries and make it into the dance, so to speak. Once that happens, the game changes. The pace slows down, where the Celtics are more comfortable. The Lakers' length and size become dramatically different in terms of impact. Kobe Bryant's efficiency becomes less important because all efficiency is impacted by the style of play. Pau Gasol's versatility becomes an asset. The Celtics' savvy in drawing and avoiding fouls frustrates teams. Does that mean that either will be representing their conference in the Finals? Not necessarily. But it does mean that dealing with them will not be easy. The Heat may have dismissed the Celtics last season, but there's no reason to think the Celtics can't turn a few more opportunities into wins. The Lakers were trounced by a Mavs team that no longer exists. In fact, the Lakers could very well be a different team in a matter of weeks.
Stranger things have happened - especially in an odd year. Both teams looked tired and off the mark last night, so it is kind of hard to picture right now.
In fact, Adrian Wojnarowski disagrees. He thinks both eras are over.
Latest chapter of Lakers-Celtics rivalry nears end - NBA - Yahoo! Sports
They were dancing the dance one more time Thursday night, and deep down they all know this generation’s rivalry is coming to a close. The Lakers escaped 88-87 and Bryant, Gasol and Andrew Bynum had the big blocks, big baskets and big boards to beat Boston. All over again, Lakers-Celtics has been compelling theater, a link to the league’s yesteryear and it won’t be long until these games have little ramification on the NBA again. When Bryant comes back to Boston next season, Garnett and Allen likely won’t be here. When Bryant comes back to Boston, Gasol probably won’t be with him. Change is coming, because these teams are no longer constructed, constituted, for the championship chase.
0 recs | 13 comments
Not if they play like they did on Thursday night
Those two teams haven’t got a shot. But… (as posted elsewhere)…..
I still hold to the notion that BAD GAMES DON’T COUNT… not in the bigger picture of our trying to determine just how good the Celtics can be. In that endeavor — the one where we are trying to determine this team’s ceiling — only great games count. As I’ve said before, stinkers like this Lakers game can’t touch the ceiling, they can only lower the floor. Consider the floor lowered.
But we can still look forward to raising the ceiling. Hopefully, sometime soon. Bad games can do that sometimes.
JR99 - February 10, 2012
The Celtics need a new game plan or more size
To combat a team with length or size. I think that the teams with the best records right now in this unusual season won’t necessarily be the most successful playoff teams, which works for us. But as in 2010, we’ll need either a strategy from Doc, further developed chemistry or a new addition from Danny to dispose the Lakers. Otherwise the Celtics and Lakers are a 50 50 dice toss in a series because these wins come down to chance plays on every single possession, it’s that close.
p-peazy - February 10, 2012
You need to add a third option - neither
Becsuse that is the real answer, neither team is going anywhere
vinnie - February 10, 2012
The fact that the Celtics have 3 "quality" wins through 25 games says it all
vinnie - February 10, 2012
Celtics Have a Better Shot
They actually have a LOT of the pieces but just need a legit center (sorry J.O., you are limited)
Lakers on the other hand are one typical-big-man-type-injury away from near irrelevance
DJKAHN - February 10, 2012
We’re also a Big Four injury away from irrelevance, so…
muckduck - February 10, 2012
I need to be blunt.
These guys ran out of juice. World Piece nullified Paul Pierce, just wore him out.
KJ didn’t have it. He doesn’t have the strength or stamina
JO is like a big Gumby. Sometimes he’s just lucky to be in the right place, until he gets another owie.
Bench was ineffective
Ray was just running around like that kid in the playground who is hyperactive until someone bigger than him stomps on his foot
Rondo is going to run into a truck coming down the lane one of these days, and it’s all over
The plays are all the same. When the team was faster, the passes would give people that split second to get a good shot off. Now they are a half step slower, and anyone watching any film, will know how to break it up.
johnnymost - February 10, 2012
Not with their current coaches
Mike Brown and Doc are well liked by their players but when it comes down to getting farther than the talent can take you (read: Belichek) they will both be knocked out. Witness Doc going to the totally predictable “put the ball in Pierce’s hand” at end of regulation and OT. I love Pierce but that strategy hasn’t been getting a shot off 50% of the time let alone scoring the ball. Artest gives Pierce fits, so Doc plays to the Laker’s strength.
A second point, Doc isn’t going to gamble and lose. A gamble would be to throw Stiemsma’s body against Bynum and/or Gasol. Their bigs killed our bigs. He’ll do his losing “by the book”. That is safer. He’s got long term contract security so it isn’t that. He just doesn’t have “think outside the box” competency. So, my reality check is that if we get the 6th seed we’ll make round two. The fan in me says they could be firing on all cylinders come the playoffs and who knows. But I don’t believe in Doc as a coach that can add the X factor to his players skill.
Wildblu1 - February 10, 2012
a run??
How about a trade,Rondo & Gasol but a 3rd team ends up with us getting DWill or maybe even Howard in a huge deal.Something has to happen with Howard.Otherwise we hope Kaman gets released and we stand pat till summer time
Motown - February 10, 2012
negativity all over the place....
i’m just enjoying this, probably, one last run, at least my memories of this group would last me a lifetime…win or lose, what they did 2008 would always be in me, because i’m a real fan, who still believe..
greenlion - February 10, 2012
I just love the Celtics.
revived0103 - February 10, 2012
As much as I hate the lakers and love the celtics
From what it looks now, the Lakers are only a couple pieces away from being a serious contender again. Their bigs are still good – Gasol is still in his prime while Bynum is still young (as long as he can stay healthy). Kobe is declining but still good enough to be at least the 2nd option on a championship team. Give them a better bench and an above average PG they will be good again. Such players can be obtained when the right time comes.
The core players of the Celtics are no longer themselves. Pierce is still playing at high level, but shows inconsistency from time to time. KG is still a big impact on the D end, but his offense game has declined so much that one can hardly feel his presence in the post. Ray Allen too, still has it but inconsistent from time to time. Rondo is the only player on this team who is still the same as, if not better than, who was a couple years ago. Yet he still can’t shoot (there are improvements, but not enough to make his a respected shooter).
We have added a couple great bench players in Bass, Wilcox, Pietrus and our young guys are starting to pick it up. However, in the NBA game, the most crucial thing imo is your core players. Other parts are easier to fix.
Our hope lies in the summer, and we shall see if and how ainge can seize the chance and bring this team a bright future.
Karasu - February 10, 2012
I agree that we are now involved in the new build, and I enjoy every phase of the wax and wane of the seasons. However, I am not in the delusion that the 2012 Celtics will win a championship. I will still enjoy watching the games.
johnnymost - February 10, 2012
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