Neither team play well. The Cavaliers are playing the second night in a row and have yet to settle their rotation. The Celtics are adjusting, an evening after returning from the long West coast trip. So their head-to-head now stand at 2-2. Watch highlight (NBA TV).
The Cavs use Ben Wallace to keep Kevin Garnett out of the post, but Garnett burns Wallace with series of jumpers in pick-n-rolls play.
With the Pistons losing, the Celtics are now leading by 3 games.
On a separate note, the Celtics have signed veteran P.J. Brown as free-agent, adding defence and strengh to their PF position.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Analysing Offense
As I get more chance to watch Celtics playing, I understand their offense game a bit better.
Celtics' offence is essentially driven by ball movement to get good looking shot. They keep thing simple and not trying to be fancy. Their playbook is pretty much based on this mind set.
When Rajon Rondo is on-court, he frequently pushes the ball up challenging the other team's defence still being setup. He uses his speed trying to beat his counterpart, and if he sees opportunity, slashing to the basket or drawing quick foul. If this first option does not arises, and if time allows, they will move the ball, or else they will setup their play.
Other than the familiar plays of Give-n-Go and Screen-n-Roll (classis motion offense), one of the variation they occassionally run is known as the Dribble-drive Pentration. For the setup, firstly, there is no screens in order to create spacing for drives, and secondly, the post man ran to the weak side of the lane (instead of the ball side), leaving the ball handler an open driving path to the basket.
According to SI's article, Dribble-drive is tailor-made for today's high school and college teams, which favor speed in the absence of classic back-to-the-basket big men, but it isn't for everyone. It requires quick, smart and talented guards who have a feel for the game (like Rondo). It requires agile big men who can shoot from the perimeter and race downcourt (like Garnett). It requires deep benches and three-point shooters who can punish sagging man-to-man defenses and the inevitable zones.
There are some other NBA team, such as the Nuggets, that runs similiar play.
Celtics' offence is essentially driven by ball movement to get good looking shot. They keep thing simple and not trying to be fancy. Their playbook is pretty much based on this mind set.
When Rajon Rondo is on-court, he frequently pushes the ball up challenging the other team's defence still being setup. He uses his speed trying to beat his counterpart, and if he sees opportunity, slashing to the basket or drawing quick foul. If this first option does not arises, and if time allows, they will move the ball, or else they will setup their play.
Other than the familiar plays of Give-n-Go and Screen-n-Roll (classis motion offense), one of the variation they occassionally run is known as the Dribble-drive Pentration. For the setup, firstly, there is no screens in order to create spacing for drives, and secondly, the post man ran to the weak side of the lane (instead of the ball side), leaving the ball handler an open driving path to the basket.
According to SI's article, Dribble-drive is tailor-made for today's high school and college teams, which favor speed in the absence of classic back-to-the-basket big men, but it isn't for everyone. It requires quick, smart and talented guards who have a feel for the game (like Rondo). It requires agile big men who can shoot from the perimeter and race downcourt (like Garnett). It requires deep benches and three-point shooters who can punish sagging man-to-man defenses and the inevitable zones.
There are some other NBA team, such as the Nuggets, that runs similiar play.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Celtics-Suns Game Highlight
Be warned, it is a pretty ugly game for both teams, with turnovers all over. Watch highlight (ESPN, NBA TV).
Playing against the re-juvenile Shaq, the Celtics have matched intensity and put in good effort in defending and clamping the passing lane (Suns have 10 turnovers before half-time). Even though everyone is having shooting funk, we are only down by 10 with 6 minutes left in the clock.
But the Celtics give up the balls way too many in the second half, losing the momentum and chances to come back.
This is the third straight for the West coast trip, all to the fast-pace shooting teams. The lead to the Pistons is trimmed down to 2 games.
Playing against the re-juvenile Shaq, the Celtics have matched intensity and put in good effort in defending and clamping the passing lane (Suns have 10 turnovers before half-time). Even though everyone is having shooting funk, we are only down by 10 with 6 minutes left in the clock.
But the Celtics give up the balls way too many in the second half, losing the momentum and chances to come back.
This is the third straight for the West coast trip, all to the fast-pace shooting teams. The lead to the Pistons is trimmed down to 2 games.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Play-off Projection - Part II
The impact of latest trades make the play-off projection slightly more interesting.
Cavaliers' multi-players trade has drawn the most attention. John Hollinger and Chris Broussard of ESPN analyses it as an upgrade in long-range shooting and adding toughness to the team. The consensus is that this new Cavs is good enough to challenge the Conference champs spot. I still have doubt about their new roster match-up against to say the Pistons, and how quickly they can settle their rotation with less than 30 games before play-off. The Celtics will face them on Feb.27.
While this new Cavs does reinforce my previous prediction for the No.3 seed, they will not be able to overtake either the Celtics nor the Pistons.
Jack McCallum, the Sports journalist, predicts that the Pistons will eventually overtake the Celtics, with a more favorable schedule on the road. With only 3 games ahead and Kevin Garnett still not in good shape, I share this with concern.
Cavaliers' multi-players trade has drawn the most attention. John Hollinger and Chris Broussard of ESPN analyses it as an upgrade in long-range shooting and adding toughness to the team. The consensus is that this new Cavs is good enough to challenge the Conference champs spot. I still have doubt about their new roster match-up against to say the Pistons, and how quickly they can settle their rotation with less than 30 games before play-off. The Celtics will face them on Feb.27.
While this new Cavs does reinforce my previous prediction for the No.3 seed, they will not be able to overtake either the Celtics nor the Pistons.
Jack McCallum, the Sports journalist, predicts that the Pistons will eventually overtake the Celtics, with a more favorable schedule on the road. With only 3 games ahead and Kevin Garnett still not in good shape, I share this with concern.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Celtics-Warriors Game (Round 2) Highlight
Playing the second night of a back-to-back for both teams, the game is pretty even in many counts. In fact, the Celtics should have a slight advantage, with the absence of key player from the Warriors. But they could not stop Baron Davis, including his last-second 20-foot fadeaway game winner, and contain the rest of Warrior. Watch highlight (NBA TV, ESPN).
So the Celtics lost two in a row, both against the Western Conference. They are no longer the best team in scoring defence, surrounding 243 points in total over the two games.
For consolation, the Pistons have also lost their second straight.
So the Celtics lost two in a row, both against the Western Conference. They are no longer the best team in scoring defence, surrounding 243 points in total over the two games.
For consolation, the Pistons have also lost their second straight.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Celtics-Nuggets Game (Round 2) Highlight
Celtics' dominance against the Western Conference came to an end, on the night when Kevin Garnett returns from injury. He had 4 points on 2-of-7 shooting and 8 rebounds in 21 minutes. Watch highlight (ESPN).
The Nuggets show they has plenty of fire power. The score 124-118 is a season-high in points against the Celtics.
Another telling indicator is the free-throw stat. The Celtics has 28 FT attempts (19 made), while the Nuggets has 49 FT attempts (34 made). It is a disparity in terms of officiating.
The lost has little impact to the conference standing, as both the Pistons and Cavaliers also suffer defeat.
The Nuggets show they has plenty of fire power. The score 124-118 is a season-high in points against the Celtics.
Another telling indicator is the free-throw stat. The Celtics has 28 FT attempts (19 made), while the Nuggets has 49 FT attempts (34 made). It is a disparity in terms of officiating.
The lost has little impact to the conference standing, as both the Pistons and Cavaliers also suffer defeat.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Play-off Projection
With two more months to go before the post-season, let's project the possible play-off match-up for the Celtics.
Below is the current seeding of each team in the East, and their W-L records,
__1. Boston 41 - 9
__2. Detroit 39 - 13
__3. Orlando 33 - 21
__4. Cleveland 29 - 23
__5. Toronto 28 - 23
__6. Washington 25 - 27
__7. New Jersey 23 - 30
__8. Philadelphia 23 - 30
__-----------------------
__9. Atlanta 21 - 28
_10.Chicago 21 - 31
_11.Indiana 21 - 32
_12.Milwaukee 19 - 34
_13.Charlotte 19 - 34
_14.New York 15 - 37
_------------------------
_15.Miami 9 - 42
Celtics' first round match-up could be any team ranging from the Nets, currently No.7, to the Knicks, currently No.14. With several possible trade scenerios in working trying to beat the deadline, it could have major impact to number of teams (Nets, 76ers, Bulls, Knicks) and their chance for the last two play-off spots. The Hawks, currently No.9, have a very good chance to get in with the new addition of Mike Bibby.
The second round match-up will be very interesting in several aspects. Firstly, my projection is that the Cavaliers (currently No.4) will eventually overtake the Magics for the No.3 seeds. And if the Celtics can maintain their No.1 seed, they will have the advantage to avoid playing the Cavs and then the Pistons (currently No.2) in the next round, and take on a relatively weaker team instead.
Secondly, which relates to above, the Cavs currently has the best chance among the East to beat the Pistons in the play-off, as they have done it last year. I know that the Celtics like their chance too, but there is a number of uncertainty against them. One is the match-up with Chauncey Billups individually, and also with the Pistons' play-off experience. So, if the Celtics can maintain their lead over both teams and forcing them to face each other in the second round, there will be a chance for the Celtics to by-pass the Pistons all together. Even if the Pistons beat the Cavs, it should wear them down a little.
As a Celtics' fan, i will take that.
Below is the current seeding of each team in the East, and their W-L records,
__1. Boston 41 - 9
__2. Detroit 39 - 13
__3. Orlando 33 - 21
__4. Cleveland 29 - 23
__5. Toronto 28 - 23
__6. Washington 25 - 27
__7. New Jersey 23 - 30
__8. Philadelphia 23 - 30
__-----------------------
__9. Atlanta 21 - 28
_10.Chicago 21 - 31
_11.Indiana 21 - 32
_12.Milwaukee 19 - 34
_13.Charlotte 19 - 34
_14.New York 15 - 37
_------------------------
_15.Miami 9 - 42
Celtics' first round match-up could be any team ranging from the Nets, currently No.7, to the Knicks, currently No.14. With several possible trade scenerios in working trying to beat the deadline, it could have major impact to number of teams (Nets, 76ers, Bulls, Knicks) and their chance for the last two play-off spots. The Hawks, currently No.9, have a very good chance to get in with the new addition of Mike Bibby.
The second round match-up will be very interesting in several aspects. Firstly, my projection is that the Cavaliers (currently No.4) will eventually overtake the Magics for the No.3 seeds. And if the Celtics can maintain their No.1 seed, they will have the advantage to avoid playing the Cavs and then the Pistons (currently No.2) in the next round, and take on a relatively weaker team instead.
Secondly, which relates to above, the Cavs currently has the best chance among the East to beat the Pistons in the play-off, as they have done it last year. I know that the Celtics like their chance too, but there is a number of uncertainty against them. One is the match-up with Chauncey Billups individually, and also with the Pistons' play-off experience. So, if the Celtics can maintain their lead over both teams and forcing them to face each other in the second round, there will be a chance for the Celtics to by-pass the Pistons all together. Even if the Pistons beat the Cavs, it should wear them down a little.
As a Celtics' fan, i will take that.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Celtics-Knicks Game (Round 3) Highlight
Both teams play with more subdued, unlike their previous match-up. Watch highlight (NBA TV).
The Celtics' list of injury is piling up, adding Brian Scalabrine to a groin pull, and Glen Davis (twisted knee) joining in soon after.
Good thing is that they can now nurse injury over the All-Star weekend.
The Celtics' list of injury is piling up, adding Brian Scalabrine to a groin pull, and Glen Davis (twisted knee) joining in soon after.
Good thing is that they can now nurse injury over the All-Star weekend.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Celtics-Spurs Game Highlight
The winning record against the Western teams is still intact. Watch highlight (NBA TV).
Take a look at the defence stats, the Celtics kept the Spurs shooting at 44.3% overall, in which Tim Duncan is 10/20 and Manu Ginobili at 7/15. This is without the presence of Kevin Garnett and Kendrick Perkins.
Their replacement have played a solid game, by being physical defending Duncan and to avoid getting into foul trouble. In particular, Glen Davis has 8 rebounds (he also contributes 9 points and 3 steals). But it is his intangible play that is significant (read Steve Weinman's article). Tony Allen comes off the bench to help harass Ginobili into six turnovers.
Take a look at the defence stats, the Celtics kept the Spurs shooting at 44.3% overall, in which Tim Duncan is 10/20 and Manu Ginobili at 7/15. This is without the presence of Kevin Garnett and Kendrick Perkins.
Their replacement have played a solid game, by being physical defending Duncan and to avoid getting into foul trouble. In particular, Glen Davis has 8 rebounds (he also contributes 9 points and 3 steals). But it is his intangible play that is significant (read Steve Weinman's article). Tony Allen comes off the bench to help harass Ginobili into six turnovers.
(Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
Doc Rivers' strategy of running game works very well, relying on young legs helped the Celtics to take 18 fast-break points. Rondo has 12 rebounds and 11 assists (only 1 turnover).
"We could not win this game if the pace slowed down at all," Rivers said. "We're not going to win a half-court game against the Spurs because we didn't have a post presence."
Friday, February 8, 2008
Celtics-Clippers Game Highlight
The record shows that Celtics are un-defeated to the Western teams (they have yet to play the Spurs and the Suns). Watch highlight (NBA TV).
In respond to his 24 points, 8 assists, 4 steals and 5 rebounds performance, Rajon Rondo said, “I’ve been more aggressive, I believe, getting to the paint because KG is supposed to be establishing for other guys, so I wanted to be the guy getting into the paint.”
In respond to his 24 points, 8 assists, 4 steals and 5 rebounds performance, Rajon Rondo said, “I’ve been more aggressive, I believe, getting to the paint because KG is supposed to be establishing for other guys, so I wanted to be the guy getting into the paint.”
Rondo is paying his prize on one play, though, when he is hard fouled by Sam Cassell from behind and receives bloody nose.
(Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Celtics-Cavaliers Game (Round 3) Highlight
This game is more like the second match-up betweem the two, as Lebron James have missed the last one. Watch highlight (NBA TV, ESPN).
James can see that the Celts have the best record in the NBA, and he also believes they are at or near the top in another category. Asked if the C’s were among the most talkative teams, he said, “They’re up there. You’ve got them and the Pistons. Those are the two teams that talk, but they’ll back it up.”
On whether the talk is antagonistic, James said, “In a competitive way, but sometimes it can get annoying. But they back it up. Detroit, we all know that they get flying at the mouth sometimes, but they play great basketball. The same with the Celtics.”
The quietest team?
“Utah,” James said. “They just kick your (butt) and they don’t say nothing.”
James can see that the Celts have the best record in the NBA, and he also believes they are at or near the top in another category. Asked if the C’s were among the most talkative teams, he said, “They’re up there. You’ve got them and the Pistons. Those are the two teams that talk, but they’ll back it up.”
On whether the talk is antagonistic, James said, “In a competitive way, but sometimes it can get annoying. But they back it up. Detroit, we all know that they get flying at the mouth sometimes, but they play great basketball. The same with the Celtics.”
The quietest team?
“Utah,” James said. “They just kick your (butt) and they don’t say nothing.”
Friday, February 1, 2008
Celtics-Mavericks Game Highlight
Playing without Garnett, the Celtics could not stop Dirk Nowitzki, who scored 31. But they manage to limit the rest of the Mavericks' starters to 40 points, missing 22 of 35.
Rajon Rondo, who overcomes foul trouble, has 6 offence rebounds (12 in total), 14 points and 4 assists (but 3 turnovers). His last rebound and putback layup with 42 seconds left is huge.
Watch highlight (NBA TV, ESPN).
Rajon Rondo, who overcomes foul trouble, has 6 offence rebounds (12 in total), 14 points and 4 assists (but 3 turnovers). His last rebound and putback layup with 42 seconds left is huge.
Watch highlight (NBA TV, ESPN).
(Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
