With this victory, the Celtics have beaten every team at least once this season. The last time that happens is in 1990-91. But the game alone is a statement game, avenging last weekend's loss in New Orleans.
Chris Paul paces the Hornets with 22 points and 10 assists. Rondo, who plays with sore right hamstring, gets 17 points and 4 assists.
Watch highlight (NBA TV, ESPN).
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Friday, March 28, 2008
Celtics-Suns Game (Round 2) Highlight
Having play against the Pistons and then the Celtics back-to-back, Steve Nash gives his verdict, "It's a toss-up ... Both terrific teams; two of the favorites, that's for sure."
O'Neal said, "Both those teams ... you have to play damn near perfect basketball, especially at their place."
Watch highlight (NBA TV, ESPN).
A day after Rajon Rondo have put a SportsCenter move on Steve Nash, Rondo spent the afternoon watching practice from the stationary bike. He has tweaked his right hamstring at some point during the third quarter.
Rondo is optimistic to play tomorrow, against Chris Paul and his Hornets.
O'Neal said, "Both those teams ... you have to play damn near perfect basketball, especially at their place."
Watch highlight (NBA TV, ESPN).
A day after Rajon Rondo have put a SportsCenter move on Steve Nash, Rondo spent the afternoon watching practice from the stationary bike. He has tweaked his right hamstring at some point during the third quarter.
Rondo is optimistic to play tomorrow, against Chris Paul and his Hornets.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Celtics-Hornets Game Highlight
Rondo (23 points, 7 assists and 2 steals) has equalled the performance of Chris Paul (19 points, 7 assists and 2 steals). But CP, who play only 29 minutes because of foul trouble, has won the game with a pair of clutch jumpers.
Watch highlight (ESPN).
(Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE/Getty Images)
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Celtics-Mavericks Game Highlight
The Celtics has become the first team to go 3-0 on-the-road against the Spurs, the Rockers and the Mavericks since the Sacramento Kings in November 2001.
The previous Celtics has achieved such accomplishment goes back to 1986-87, when the original Big Threes have played together.
Watch highlight and post-game comments (NBA TV).
Doc River's conclusion is that this is the closest thing to what the Celtics will face in the play-off, ie. winning game when they are struggle scoring. It is a valuable experience which is lacking for this team.
The previous Celtics has achieved such accomplishment goes back to 1986-87, when the original Big Threes have played together.
Watch highlight and post-game comments (NBA TV).
Doc River's conclusion is that this is the closest thing to what the Celtics will face in the play-off, ie. winning game when they are struggle scoring. It is a valuable experience which is lacking for this team.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Celtics-Spurs Game (Round 2) Highlight
The anticipated match-up could potentially be a preview of the playoff Final, featuring Garnett vs Duncan; Rondo vs Parker; Ray Allen vs Ginobili; Pierce vs Bowen and the Celtics' bench vs the Spurs' bench.
(Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
Trailing by 22 early in second quarter, Celtics' energy and defence help them to get back in the game. Sam Cassell gets 12 in that quarter and cut the margin to 10. Rondo then picks it up in the third quarter. He gets 12 of his 20 and close the gap to 2.
Cassell’s 3-pointer with 46 seconds left gives the Celtics the lead for good, and Rondo adds a huge offensive rebound and hit two free throws after Cassell’s 3.
As for the match-up of PGs, Rondo has edged out Tony Parker on both ends of the court. Still, Parker is able to make a uncontested layup in the final seconds to make it a 2 points game.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Celtics-Jazz Game (Round 2) Highlight
Everytime the NBA TV has the Celtics on, we lose. Some coincident.
Watch highlight (NBA TV, ESPN).
Watch highlight (NBA TV, ESPN).
(AP Photo/Winslow Townson)
Starting from this game and the next seven, Rondo is facing a bunch of marquee PGs. His first match-up is against Deron Williams. Using his size and strength, Williams pretty much get what he wants. 17 of his 32 points come from the FT line.
Frustrated by Williams, Rondo has an on-court verbal exchange with Paul Pierce who is on the bench.
With Ray Allen leaving game in the first quarter with an ankle injury, Doc Rivers run out of option for long range as the Celtics are only making 3 of 15.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Celtics-Pistons Game (Round 3) Highlight
With this win, the Celtics has become the first team to clinch a playoff spot. But more importantly, it gives them an effective 5 games cushion over the Pistons, including the homecourt tier-break.
Watch highlight (ESPN, NBA TV).
Celtics' struggle in defending Chauncey Billups continues. He scored 23 points, including 14-of-15 foul shots in the game. Rajon Rondo stays aggressive thoughout, perhaps too much on several occasions in which he attacks the basket without success. But Doc Rivers lets Rondo in the game to the end, and he is able to help increasing the lead. He draws a charging foul (and a technical) on Billups, that gives the Celtics an 82-77 lead. After a Pistons miss, Rondo gets the loose ball and throws it upcourt, where Pierce grabs it and put it in for an 85-77 lead.
Both Kevin Garnett (31 points) and Kendrick Perkins (20 rebounds) have a big game.
Watch highlight (ESPN, NBA TV).
Celtics' struggle in defending Chauncey Billups continues. He scored 23 points, including 14-of-15 foul shots in the game. Rajon Rondo stays aggressive thoughout, perhaps too much on several occasions in which he attacks the basket without success. But Doc Rivers lets Rondo in the game to the end, and he is able to help increasing the lead. He draws a charging foul (and a technical) on Billups, that gives the Celtics an 82-77 lead. After a Pistons miss, Rondo gets the loose ball and throws it upcourt, where Pierce grabs it and put it in for an 85-77 lead.
Both Kevin Garnett (31 points) and Kendrick Perkins (20 rebounds) have a big game.
(Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Impact of Sam Cassell
Cassell's knack is hitting big shot. Celtics will need him when they struggle, especially in the final minutes of a close game. His size provides better match-up against bigger, more physical guards like Chauncey Billups. While he may be slow to guard quicker guards, the front line could protect him. With his relationship with Garnett back in Minnesota and with Ray Allen back in Milwaukee, he should fit-in quite nicely.
Bill Simmons thinks that Cassell is unique. "Sam casting his shadow over everyone and everything. There's nobody in the league quite like him. He knows everyone on every team, every referee, every coach ... He's constantly working the crowd, the officials, even other players. He's always up to something ... Sometimes he dribbles upcourt, notices a defender innocently running back to the other end, then lurches into the guy and flops to the floor (always drawing a foul)."
There is, however, some reservation. "Cassell's arrival could ruin Rajon Rondo's confidence, which is in the process of being battered by Doc Rivers' penchant for yanking his minutes around." It will be interesting to see how Rondo handles it.
The best-case scenario would be the Rondo-Cassell tandem working like Tony Parker and Speedy Claxton of the 2003 Spurs. Remember the '03 Spurs -- they had Duncan in his prime, Robinson at the end of his career, a not-quite-ready Manu Ginobili, a hit-or-miss second-year point guard (Parker) and a bunch of role players. Claxton's ability to right the ship during Parker's off-nights plays a significant role in winning the championship.
Bill Simmons thinks that Cassell is unique. "Sam casting his shadow over everyone and everything. There's nobody in the league quite like him. He knows everyone on every team, every referee, every coach ... He's constantly working the crowd, the officials, even other players. He's always up to something ... Sometimes he dribbles upcourt, notices a defender innocently running back to the other end, then lurches into the guy and flops to the floor (always drawing a foul)."
There is, however, some reservation. "Cassell's arrival could ruin Rajon Rondo's confidence, which is in the process of being battered by Doc Rivers' penchant for yanking his minutes around." It will be interesting to see how Rondo handles it.
The best-case scenario would be the Rondo-Cassell tandem working like Tony Parker and Speedy Claxton of the 2003 Spurs. Remember the '03 Spurs -- they had Duncan in his prime, Robinson at the end of his career, a not-quite-ready Manu Ginobili, a hit-or-miss second-year point guard (Parker) and a bunch of role players. Claxton's ability to right the ship during Parker's off-nights plays a significant role in winning the championship.
Monday, March 3, 2008
Celtics On The Road (Video)
Before the season starts, Celtics have the opportunity to travel around Europe as part of the NBA Europe Tour. They have made use of this opportunity to develope their bonding and building team chemisty. On hindsight, we know how well they gel and jump start the season.
Here is a video (part one) about their philosophy playing on the road. If you have problem playing it, try launching it with external media player.
Here is part two.
Here is a video (part one) about their philosophy playing on the road. If you have problem playing it, try launching it with external media player.
Here is part two.
Celtics-Hawks Game (Round 2) Highlight
The Hawks could possibly be Celtics' first round playoff opponent (playoff projection). Watch highlight (NBA TV, ESPN).
The most encouraging is to see how well Kevin Garnett plays, an good indication of his recovery from the abdominal strain.
Garnett has 20 points and 16 rebounds in 35 minutes, blocking no shots but altering several Hawk forays to the hoop. He is the anchor of a defense that held the visitors to 39.5 percent shooting.
The most encouraging is to see how well Kevin Garnett plays, an good indication of his recovery from the abdominal strain.
Garnett has 20 points and 16 rebounds in 35 minutes, blocking no shots but altering several Hawk forays to the hoop. He is the anchor of a defense that held the visitors to 39.5 percent shooting.
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