Now What King James?

The Cleveland Cavaliers greatly underestimated the Boston Celtics because of the average basketball they played the second half of the season. The Celtics were a team that was mistaken for being too old and not talented enough. When in reality the team was just injured, incorporating new players, and lacked rhythm/chemistry. I knew this team would revive itself in the postseason and now with a healthy KG who knows how far this team could go. In my Welcome Back post,I described the unfair public perception of the Celtics, and spoke of their strong playoff performance to come.

When the Cavaliers realized that they had committed a grave miscalculation of their opponent they wilted under the pressure. When the going got tough and Lebron James could not dominate, they simply gave up on their season. Leborn tore off his Cavs jersey as soon as he was in the tunnel to the locker room, but not before he hugged and talked to many of the Celtics. Last year Lebron was heavily criticized for his premature exit from the handshaking/hugging ritual that normally takes place at the conclusion of a playoff series. He walked off the court without congratulating the Magic after his team's Conference Finals defeat. This time Lebron leaves the postseason a round earlier and must face the "now what" that lies in front of him. We have most likely seen Lebron James's final game as a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers.

It was proven once again that to win in the playoffs you need a true team and not a one man squad. As stated in my Go For the Jugular posting: "Lebron James was voted to his second consecutive MVP award this year, but I believe his role on the team is ultimately detrimental in the long run". A one man team never wins in the sport of basketball and the Celtics re-taught this lesson. A collective unit of team players and leaders will always beat out a one man superstar driven team. If Lebron wants to win his elusive championship he will need to become part of a team that plays as one.

Kenny Smith on TNT's Inside the NBA said it best after the game 5 victory: "The Celtics are like a leaky wall. Every time you plug up one hole another one leaks, and another one leaks..." He was ingeniously referring to the fact that you can slow Rajon Rondo, but then Ray Allen lands some cold blooded threes. You can double KG, but then Pierce drives to the basket or hits a clutch jumper. The Cavs learned this the hard way and in the end were no match for this true team.

I predicted the Celtics would win in five games over Miami. I said that the Celtics would beat the Cavs in six games, but how far can my prophecies go? What makes the Orlando Series so tough to predict is the fact that it is such an even match up. Rondo and Jameer Nelson are both all star point guards, Paul Pierce and Vince Carter are essentially the same player (wash), and Rashard Lewis VS. (former teammate) Ray Allen is another wash. The match up gets more interesting when you look at the Perkins/Garnett/Wallace VS. Dwight Howard battle to ensue. Also, each team has an effective bench which will help provide for another great series of playoff basketball.

Last year the Celtics took the Magic to a game seven with KG unable to play due to a knee injury. This time around we will not only have KG, but a healthy one who is playing top form basketball right now. This does bode well for Boston, but what does not bode well is that Orlando will be well rested and will not make the mistake of underestimating this team. The prediction on this upcoming series is going to take deeper analysis and thought, but will be given before the series begins.

Best on the Floor

Not only was Rajon Rondo the best Celtic on the court in Game 4, but he was clearly the most dominant player on the floor. Rondo is the best point guard in the NBA as far as I am concerned as he dominated an entire game that happened to also have Lebron James participating. Rondo is a hungry monster on the court right now,  one who is single-handedly willing his team to victory. His 29 points, 18 rebounds, 13 assists, and two steals were all part of a legendary performance that overshadowed even the league MVP. However, despite Rondo's historic brilliance Celtics fans should not yet be convinced on the victor of the series. Not until Paul Pierce breaks out of his shell will this team truly be ready to eliminate the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Rondo can dominate the tempo of the game and outplay Lebron all he wants it seems, but Pierce must convince us that he can return to his usual playoff form. If and when the Cavs personally assign James to cover Rondo it will be up to Pierce to carry the team. Carrying the team like he did in epic fashion two years ago with a 41 point performance (ousting the Cavs from the playoffs). With the hunger that KG, Allen, and Rondo are playing with, this team seems ready to achieve with a Paul Pierce return. If Pierce can revive his series performance and be the offensive force we all know he can be, the Celtics will win this series. 

If you are a Cleveland Cavaliers fan you must be wondering when will and why hasn't Lebron James been covering Rondo? James was asked about the possibility of this exact scenario and had this to say: "...Rondo is definitely dominating the series at the point guard position...I don't have a problem taking Rondo or guarding Rondo…if the coaching staff or the guys want me to do it, I will". This is Lebron addressing the need to hinder Rondo to win the series. Also hinting to his Coach that to win this series Rondo must be slowed by James himself. Rajon is the second best player in the series, but in this game he was best on the floor.

Rajon Rondo is Lebron James in a smaller body and must be respected this way if the Cavs are to have any chance against him. James is 6'8 250 pounds and Rondo is listed at 6'1 171 pounds, but they are the exact same type of player. The scouting report on King James is that he is a "walking triple double" who is a threat for double figures in points, rebounds, and assists every night. A player who isn't thought to be a great shooter and is often challenged by teams' to beat you with his jump shot. Turning Lebron into a jump shooter is the only hope to beat him. He otherwise will dominate attacking the basket and drawing fouls left and right. When his shots are falling he is impossible to defend because he can score in any way he wants to.

Rondo is also a walking triple double who is dared to shoot jump shots and when his shots are falling and is attacking the basket at will, also makes him impossible to defend. If Rondo were Lebron's size he would be just as talented, but at just over six feet tall he is not a threat to block shots. LBJ's advantage over Rondo is his shot blocking ability, where as Rondo's claim to fame is stealing the basketball. Rondo is Lebron James in a smaller body, then by all means let the best guard the best. This series will come down to the will of Rondo VS. the will of Lebron, and who's supporting cast steps forward.

Excellent win for the Celtics and a great series to come as we look ahead to Tuesday night in Cleveland. As a fan I do not care if the Celtics win or lose this series, but I care about seeing the effort and the heart we all saw in Game 4. Bring on Lebron James to cover Rajon Rondo and free up Pierce at the small forward position. Without the 6'8 250 pound frame of the MVP shadowing him "The Truth" will dominate once again. It has come down to a pick your poison scenario for the Cavaliers. The Cavs must decide if they really want to leave Pierce covered by Anthony Parker or Delonte West. Doc Rivers said it best in his pregame speech to his team before Game 4: "...when we play our game, and when we are focused for 48 minutes we beat everyone". In Game 6 of the 2008 NBA Finals when the Lakers were defeated in Boston by 39 points they learned all about what Doc knows so well. 

Celtic Meltdown

Did my going for the Jugular message backfire on the Celtics? They could not have played a worse game, nor could they have personified the complete opposite of what was needed any better. The Celtics were out rebounded 45-30 and outscored 124-95. The worst home playoff loss in Celtic post season history and was topped by the worst defense I've seen since the inception of the new Big Three. Now you've given Lebron and his teammates new life not only for Sunday's game, but for the series. If the Celtics do not win on Sunday they have a zero percent chance of advancing to the Conference Finals.

Lebron set the tone in the blowout win with twenty one points in the first quarter and his teammates joined him in the onslaught. The Celtics closest deficit in the second half was twenty and they did not outscore the Cavs in ANY one of the game's four quarters. It seemed that only Rajon Rondo and Kevin Garnett knew it was the most important game of the season thus far. Paul Pierce continued his disappearance act (4-15 shooting) and Ray Allen had seven points as he only took ONE THREE POINT SHOT. How does the greatest shooter in NBA history assert himself with one three pointer taken? What is going on with Paul Pierce? Is he injured? just in a major funk? Game 4 will tell more.

The only bright spot of the game was that Nate Robinson was actually allowed to play and looked aggressive, but was 3-10 from the floor. He did hit 2/4 of his threes, 3/4 from the line and had eleven points in thirteen minutes. Yes this is a low percentage, but to put up 10 shots in 13 minutes is the type of "attack mode" they want to have Nate in. WHY DID THE CELTICS TRADE EDDIE HOUSE for Nate Robinson to be an overpaid cheerleader on the sidelines? 

If House were still here he would be playing in this series. He was a contributor in the postseason last year and the championship effort two seasons ago. Robinson was the supposed "upgrade" of Eddie House, but has been kept off the court. I agree he is an upgrade in terms of overall talent being able to attack the basket and shoot threes, but if he does not play than its a downgrade obviously. The only major complaint I have about Robinson's performance is that on certain break away plays he was trying to lay the ball in and missed. YOU'RE A THREE TIME SLAM DUNK CHAMPION AND YOU'RE MISSING OPEN LAYUPS? He was aggressive shooting the ball and trying his best on defense, but he must attack the basket and use that jumping ability he has showcased throughout his carreer (espececially when leaping over Dwight Howard in the 08' dunk contest).  

Perhaps being angry about this makes no sense if Nate won't even be playing (unless its a blowout). Doc Rivers will never read this blog nor will he give Nate Robinson the 10-15 minutes per game that he should. When you are down by nineteen at the end of the first quarter why not put in the new Mr. Instant Offense (Robinson) like you did when WE HAD EDDIE HOUSE. Down by nineteen at the end of one bring in Rondo, Robinson, Ray Allen, Finley/Pierce and Wallace which would create all kinds of floor spacing issues for the Cavs. If you are already getting blown out at least fire up some three pointers and see if you can't change the momentum of the game before it gets out of hand. Whatever you do at least get Ray Allen more than ONE THREE ATTEMPT.

The Cavaliers responded to an uncharacteristic angry rant by head Coach Mike Brown and came to Boston and churned out a complete thrashing of the Celtics. Now Doc Rivers must chew out his own team, call them out, call himself out, and then get down to business. You can't win this series with  just only KG and Rondo showing playoff intensity. Game 4 is a desperation contest for the Celtics and they'd better show more heart and pride on the defensive end. I fully expect a strong performance from the home team on Sunday and if they don't win the series is over.

Go For the Jugular

I said that the Celtics would win in six games or that the Cavaliers would win in seven with the home-court advantage. They had to win one of the first two games in Cleveland and they were able to accomplish that very goal. Now with the series tied 1-1 the Celtics begin a two game home stand in which they hope to take a 3-1 series lead; positioning them to be able to close out the series at home in Game 6.

Rondo has been the best player for the Celtics this series and was the best player on the floor in Game 2. Boston will need their all star point guard to continue playing at a high level if they want to bury the Cavs in a 3-1 hole. Cleveland has had no answer for Rondo's speed, quickness, and decision making with the ball. Perhaps we will see Lebron James cover Rondo at times during the game because I'm not sure who else can contain him.

Lebron James was voted to his second consecutive MVP award this year, but I believe his role on the team is ultimately detrimental in the long run. Yes, this sounds truly asinine, but as you saw in Game 2 when Lebron is not playing at his peak level his teammates seem lost. They seem surprised when he passed to them and they were confused when he was tentative until the fourth quarter. This could be Lebron's elbow injury, lack of trust in teammates, fear of the Celtics, (who he has yet to beat in the post season) or any number of issues. The bottom line is that when James does not dominate the game his teammates seem to no longer understand their roles. It will take Lebron's team to beat the Celtics and not "King James" himself. 

With Rasheed Wallace finally on board for the post season run, KG being aggressive on offense (with his twenty shots last game), Rondo dominating as field general, and Ray Allen's hot shooting the Celtics have a great chance to win these games at home. In addition to the sustained play of these men I just mentioned, they will also need to involve Pierce offensively and the other role players must continue their strong play.

You cannot give Lebron James any second chances, you must assert yourself at home and send a message to the Cavaliers that the road to the finals still goes through Boston. Do not let Lebron gain any momentum, put your foot on the pedal and in the words of Vince Carter go for the Jugular.

Welcome Back

Now all of the fair weather Celtics fans will come back to root this team on as they see that the playoffs is a different animal. I don't understand why everyone abandoned ship just because of a 50 win season and a fourth seed. It was easy to see that this team would come alive in the postseason despite all of the shots taken at them: "too old" "too slow" "they suck". These are some of the many things I heard from all places on the Internet and in real life. I knew that this team just needed to work out the inner chemistry issues, get a little bit healthier, and rally together in the postseason. I will say that they should not have laid down so easy at the end of the season as they abandoned any attempt at the three spot in the Eastern Conference. Yet I understand why they thought it was okay to coast to the end of the season.

This is a team of prideful playoff tested veterans (Finley, Garnett, R. Allen, Pierce, Wallace) up and coming stars (Rondo, Davis, Perkins) and plenty of young talent (Robinson, T. Allen, Daniels). A perfect mix of players creating a team as deep as any in the NBA, but in my mind depth and talent were never the questions surrounding this team. The question is can talent on paper translate to a desire to win and a commitment to selfless basketball. Team defense, ball movement, and a true team effort were what won it all in 2007. As Paul Pierce said "when we are healthy we are the most talented team in league". This is why they laid down at the end of the year, because despite what the entire sports world tells them, the Celtics are not afraid of Cleveland.

Now it is time for Pierce and the Boston Celtics to show us what this team is truly made of. This is only the first round of the playoffs against a weak opponent, and to win at the next level against the Cavaliers the C's will need everyone from Shelden Williams to Rajon Rondo to play at a high level.

Celtics In 5

So glad the postseason is here because I am beyond sick and tired of hearing people say that the Celtics are too old. That is just something people say because it is easy and because they don't understand this team. It is team chemistry issues with all the moving parts and the lack of established rhythm with injuries.  This team has not found itself and has not gelled all season long, aside from the impressive start to the season. Finally people can stop talking about the Celtics being too old and start talking about how they are going to stomp out Miami in five games.

Title Run

The regular season has finally come to it's bitter end for the Boston Celtics who limped to the finish line. Interesting how a 50 win season is considered a poor output for an NBA team, but the beauty of the postseason is a fresh start. I honestly consider this regular season a successful one for the Celtics who battled injuries and had to incorporate a whole host of new members to the team. Yet for this season to be a true success this team must reach the Conference Finals or The Finals. That is a measure of success to me the fan, but not for the team. Success can only be achieved in the heart's of the big three and Danny Ainge by hoisting an eighteenth championship banner.

This franchise was mired in defeat and devastated by the death of Celtic patriarch Red Auerbach when General Manager Danny Ainge took matters into his own hands. Sensing the desperation Ainge made an all or nothing move (before Paul Pierce would be forced into demanding a trade). Enter the new big three and enter championship number seventeen in Boston.

I respect Ainge as GM because of his confidence, desire to win, and most of all a sense of urgency. Danny has no qualms about doing whatever it takes to improve his team and knows he is in control of the best franchise in NBA history. Yet since the flashy acquisition of Ray Allen, KG and banner 17 the Celtics have failed to make it out of the playoff semi-finals. Ainge added Marbury and Moore last season to bolster the team, but with KG being out for the postseason, the C's fell one game short of the conference finals. This season Ainge added Nate Robinson, Michael Finley, Marquis Daniels, Rasheed Wallace, and Shelden Williams to the roster. The playoff result is obviously unknown as of this time, but we will soon see if Ainge's willingness and commitment to adding new personnel pays off. Was the 2007 championship season a fluke of luck, or does Ainge have the  keen sense for talent and team composition (I've credited him for).

This past summer the Big Three and Doc Rivers personally went to the home of Rasheed Wallace to persuade him to join the Celtics. This action was taken to make another run at the NBA Finals with the big three's championship window closing fast. Was this a desperate move? Perhaps it was a desperation move when Danny traded away most of his young players for what would become a championship team. Perhaps it was a move of desperation to go out and lure Wallace to Boston, but if they win it all desperation will be forgotten. If they don't win the NBA Finals, all eyes will be on these four men...Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, and Rasheed Wallace.