Desperate times call for desperate measures as Coach Kidd suffers spill

Brooklyn Nets coach Jason Kidd was lamenting his ninth loss in 11 games.

How could this happen?

 How could a team with arguably the best starting-five in the NBA (featuring Brook Lopez, Deron Williams, Joe Johnson as well veterans Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett), begin the season with a meagre four wins from 15 games?

 The Nets were a team touted as contenders; they were supposed to be a top seed in the Eastern conference standings as they went on to dethrone the defending champion Miami Heat.

 But the Nets find themselves languishing at the bottom of the Atlantic division with a 4-12 record. Brooklyn Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov has spent $102,211,009 million (well over the $58 million NBA salary cap) on salary for his star-studded lineup.

 Prokhorov has nothing to show for his lucrative investment.

As the pressure mounted on the rookie coach, Kidd resigned to desperation.

Down by two points, with 8 seconds remaining against the LA Lakers, and without any timeouts, Kidd ployed to delay the game by spilling a drink onto the court.

 The ploy was a desperate tactic to create a final play for his team.

But did it work? Nope.

 The Nets wound up losing its ninth game in 11 games, this time to the lowly Lakers, and Kidd was fined $50 000 for his deliberate act.

 But Kidd's act cost a lot more than $50 000 and wasn't just about another loss.

The coach's act signified a team that had so much promise this season is now unravelling.

It was a desperate act during a desperate time which displayed a lack of composure from the coach.

Kidd's poor act demonstrated a loss of confidence in a team that is quickly plummeting this season.

Kidd did a lot more than just spill his drink; he spilt his marbles too.

Reunion cancelled as Pierce and KG sit out with injury

Yesterday I was excited beyond belief.

I was ready for the last opportunity to reminisce and appreciate all the memories I had of Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce's time at the Celtics.

Paul Pierce was in Boston for his first 15 seasons in the NBA.

KG joined Pierce in 2007 where he transformed the culture of the team in his 6 year stint with the Celtics.

What did those 6 years for the Celtics mean to me?

Appart from reaching the Finals twice and winning a championship, it was an extremely meaningful period for my life on a personal level. 

We will get into all that mushy stuff another time.

I just wanted the opportunity to pay homage in person because who knows how much longer KG and Pierce will be playing?

I'd been holding onto this opportunity since I saw the schedule in Australia.

Hearing that KG and Pierce weren't playing was heartbreaking.

I have seen them play many times for the Celtics but I feel like I missed my last opportunity to enjoy watching KG and Pierce again.

Garnett and Pierce weren't even in Staples Center. Their absence in itself was just like the old days.

"I know when Kevin doesn't play he never comes to the game," Doc Rivers said. "Paul either for that matter. That's something we set up in Boston."

But how does that make me feel?

It's like Doc was mocking me, teasing me about the good ol' days.

Don't patronise me. Don't antagonise me.

Let me be.

Am I overreacting? Absolutely.

I'm mad and sad.

I know I'll get over it but in the mean time I'm going to reminisce on the good ol' days on youtube.

KG, Truth and Doc Reunite for first time since parting ways

Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Doc Rivers reunite for the first time time since leaving the Celtics.

You all know the story of how in 2008 KG joined Doc and Pierce to help bring the championship back to Boston for the first time since 1986.

In their time in Boston, Pierce endeared himself to Celtics fans like me, Doc helped Pierce mature into a man, and KG brought a whole dimension of dedication, passion and devotion to the Celtics.

It's surreal to see the three of them together but on different teams.

I don't know how much longer they will be playing. Pierce has one year remaining and KG has two but can call it a day after this year.

I hoped to attend this game since the schedule came out. Luckily for me I happen to be in LA and have tickets for the game as if it were destiny.

If I can get past how surreal it is, it will be very emotional for me.

Seeing them leave was hard to swallow.

It will still be hard for me to watch but I have to see them for one last time.

It's my last chance to see them in person and appreciate the memories I have of what they mean to the Celtics.

Iggy Pop salvages the day for the Warriors

Down by 14 in the fourth quarter in Golden State and a day after losing to the Clippers in LA, you would be forgiven for thinking the game was over for the Oklahoma City Thunder.

There was relentless energy between the two sides as they played to a 62-62 tie at halftime.

There were 16 lead changes, nine ties and countless breath taking shots. Neither team led by more than seven until the Warriors began to pull away late in the fourth quarter. 

It appeared the match was over for the Thunder.

To make things more difficult for the Thunder, Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook sat much of the fourth quarter due to foul trouble.

Somehow the Thunder clawed their way back. 

Or did the Warriors allow them to come back?

This writer felt the Warriors deserved to lose when Westbrook hit a three to take a 115-114 lead with 2.3 seconds remaining.

There's no way a home team should surrender a 14 point lead at home against a team that played the night before.

It would have been easy for the Warriors to start self-victimising themselves.

But credit where credit is due, Andre Iguodala's baseline fadeaway as time expired to win the game was an incredible moment for a building championship franchise.

"That last timeout, it was pretty dark in that huddle," Warriors coach Mark Jackson said.  "You look up and you say, `How did they climb all the way back? How?' You start beating yourself up. That's when you have a moment. They looked at each other and realized there is still time left and we can execute because we work on it every day."

It is a special ability to look forward in trying to make the best of any opportunity. 

Lesser teams would have shrunk but the Warriors showed they are ready to grow towards championship aspirations. 

Zach Randolph leaves game to help delivery

Memphis Grizzlies power forward, Zach Randolph, played 8 minutes last night against the New Orleans Pelicans before leaving to witness his son's birth.

Memphis ended up losing 99-84 but that is far from the point. Randolph presented a greater message.

Even on a sporting level, Randolph's act to be by his fiancee's side for their son's birth serves as a stark reminder of the importance of family in the face of professional commitments and the pressures of work.

We all have certain responsibilities in our careers and work. As team leader, Randolph signed a four-year $66 million contract with Memphis.

Randolph's loving gesture reiterates that family comes first and nothing is more important (if you're lucky) than spending time with loved ones.

It makes little sense to sacrifice yourself to meet family finances when you're not around to enjoy it. Ultimately you're sacrificing the opportunity to be a family.

In the end, we are all replaced by our employers.

But family is irreplaceable.

This week's Fab Five

Here is this week's team of the week.


PG - Michael Carter Williams

 As the 11th selection of the 2013 NBA Draft, Carter-Williams is only the second rookie since Shaquille O'Neal in 1992 to receive the Conference Player of the Week award in their first week. Despite being labelled as a team tanking this season for a lottery pick, Carter-Williams guided the Philadelphia 76ers to a 3-1 record including upset wins over defending champions, the Miami Heat and NBA heavyweights, Chicago Bulls. The Syracuse Orangeman, Carter-WIlliams, averaged 20 points, 7.8 assists, 5 rebounds and 3.3 steals. In his NBA debut against the Heat Carter-Williams recorded 22 points, 12 assists, seven rebounds and nine steals- a record for a debut. Only time will tell if Carter-Williams if this was beginner's luck or if he is the real deal.


 PG - Chris Paul

 Chris Paul was so brilliant he takes the 2nd guard position on this week's Fab Five. Paul has led the Clippers to a 3-1 record with averages of 26.5 points, 13.3 assists and 3.8 steals. After losing their season opener to the lowly LA Lakers, the Clippers won their last three games against Golden State Warriors, Sacramento Kings and a 137-118 victory vs Houston Rockets.


 SF - Paul George

 The Indiana Pacers remain the only undefeated team with a 3-0 record. The Pacers were defeated by the eventual NBA champions, Miami Heat, in last season's Eastern Conference Finals in seven games. Paul George emerged as a superstar for the Pacers, who many tip to dethrone the Heat this year. George has begun his season right where he left off with averages of 25.7 points, 8.3 assists, 4.3 assists and 1.7 steals.


 PF - Kevin Love

 No one expected the Minnesota Timberwolves to jump to a 3-0 start for the second time in franchise history. Kevin Love was awarded the Western Conference Player of the Week after he powered the Wolves with league-best averages of 29.7 points and 14.7 rebounds. In the season opening 120-115 overtime victory against Orlando Magic, Love recorded 31 points, 17 rebounds and buried the game-tying three-pointer to force overtime.


 C - Anthony Davis

 In his second season, Anthony Davis is delivering on the potential many had envisioned for the rookie coming out Kentucky. Although it is early, Davis looks to have made the jump to superstardom this season. In 3 games for the New Orleans Pelicans, Davis has averaged 23.7 points, 12.3 rebounds and 4 blocks.

Dwayne Wades dishes relationship advice to help struggling Miami Heat (w/bonus Cooking Classes)

The Miami Heat are already facing early challenges as they hold a 2-2 record.

It's only four games into the season and there is hardly reason to panic but Dwayne Wade admitted there were some struggles with team chemistry.

"Let me give you an example," Wade said. "If you're in a relationship with a woman for a long time, you start getting comfortable. You stop doing the little things that you should do, that you did in the beginning. It's just like a relationship. We got a little comfortable. Now we have to get back on that edge a little bit."

The defending two-time champs opened the season with a dominant 107-95 victory over the Chicago Bulls.

The following night, they fell to the lowly Philadelphia 76ers and the Brooklyn Nets.

However, they bounced back against the Washington Wizards last night.

Team chemistry is vital to a team's success and Wade acknowledges an issue with Miami's team chemistry.

But if Wade wants to give a team chemistry analogy, who else is better to explain than Kevin Garnett.

Celtics slump to 0-3

Celtics Lose Season Opener

Ticket to Ride

One thing I already miss with my whole heart is Kevin Garnett’s press interviews. Most interviews are plagued with sporting clichés such as “We came to play tonight,” “We have to get on the same page,” and “It could have gone either way,”

But one thing about KG- he is anything but typical. Just like him, his responses were raw, honest and emotional with the occasional swear word.

I already miss KG’s analogies such as comparing developing team chemistry to cooking tortillas or feeling excitement like driving with your head out of the window.

I had always heard about the myth of KG’s intensity before he arrived to Boston.

But I learned there is so much more to KG.

His intensity is just one characteristic of what makes him so special as a basketball player and human being. It’s his honesty that makes him so endearing to basketball purists.

I can already hear the haters. “KG is dirty,” “Garnett takes cheap shots,” “He’s all talk and can’t back it up.”

I can’t disagree with you. Yes, KG does talk a lot of smack and trash. And yes, KG has had a few objectionable moments. But, like the rest of us who have all had our moments, I’m sure he has regrets for his actions. It’s hard to believe but KG is human like all of us.

But one thing you cannot deny is his honesty. And being honest is allowing yourself to be honest with your emotions.

KG is certainly emotional. Any emotion he shares is 100% pure. If he’s excited, you’ll see him pounding his chest. If he’s happy, you’ll see him laughing with his team. If he’s overwhelmed, you’ll see him crying in interviews. If he’s disappointed, you’ll see him stressed with reporters. If he feels let down, you’ll see him pout and ignore former teammates.

So what? KG is emotional and it can lead to some predicaments at times. But he is just human- just like the rest of us.

It takes strength to be honest with your emotions whether it hurts or not. There are no positive or negative emotions- it is what it is. Whoever said there aren’t disappointments in life is just fooling themselves. Ultimately, if we try to deny our emotions, we will not be able to enjoy moments of happiness either.

It’s a privilege to not only witness KG’s basketball talent, but his ability to embrace the moment is what makes him special. 

The Truth is out there in hearts and minds

So it is official- Paul Pierce is no longer a Celtic. Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Jason Terry were formally introduced to the Brooklyn Nets today. 

Whoever says that you need to get over things in life doesn't know what they're talking about. You don't ever get over things but you learn to cope. Ok, ok. I know it all sounds a little dramatic. In the end, everyone is still alive and it is just sport after all. But you cannot deny that there is a real significance to certain events, and this feels like one of those moments. 

I hate trades. Wait, no I don't.

I hate trading Paul Pierce.

Trading Pierce was sacrilege - and that’s without considering Kevin Garnett as well.

I believe Tim Duncan will be the last player to ever play for one team.

I hate how the NBA makes players feel like commodities.

General managers are stockbrokers. They buy (sign) and sell (amnesty or release) players. They assess the market for the value of their stocks (players) and trade.

The Celtics are different. They treated players like humans. They’ve retired all their greats. Bird, McHale, Russell, Cousy, Havlicek, Heinsohn. That was Red Auerbach’s legacy of loyalty. The way the team humanises its players is what makes the Celtics so endearing.

Pierce is one of the all time greatest Celtics. He only won one ring but he carried an irrelevant overmatched team for years in the NBA.

But it was his personal growth that more special to witness than anything to watch. After a near fatal stabbing in 2000, Pierce was once labeled as self-centered and egotistical in declaring himself as “the classic case of a great player on a bad team.” Pierce matured into an encouraging and dependable leader of the Celtics.

Pierce should have retired a Celtic. Pierce stayed loyal to the Celtics and never asked to be traded. He should have been afforded the same luxury.

Pierce was to the Celtics what Kobe is to the Lakers. The Truth was our anti-Kobe. The Truth stood for loyalty and being a good team player that sacrificed for the greater good of the team. Whereas Kobe loves standing on his soapbox disparaging team mates and making self-proclamations on second comings and greatness.

It’s why I hate trades. Well, that’s not true. That would be hypercritical. The Celtics acquired KG and Ray by trade. 

Honestly, I’m emotional about Paul leaving. I grew up watching him not only as a player but I looked up to him as an individual who overcame so much adversity in his life both on and off the court. After being stabbed 11 times in the face, neck and back, he is lucky to be alive. 

(This article about Paul Pierce was one of the first articles I wrote and it is one of my favourites - The Truth Always Comes Out)

But then again, maybe this is the send off he deserves. I would love nothing more to see him dethrone the Heat. Even in a Nets uniform.

I can even hear myself chanting now.

"Brooooooooklyyyyyn, Brooooooooklyyyyyn". 

But what do all of you think of the trade? Am I wrong? Or did the Celtics and Danny Ainge get this right? Leave comments and please follow on twitter @joelmoss9