CompLAcency

It’s back; Lakers, Celtics.

The historical rivalry returns to where it last took place. The Celtics return to the Staples Centre for the first time since that unforgettable Game 7 where the Lakers captured its 16^th championship, trailing only the Celtics’ 17 titles.

I make no secret of my unabashed love for the Celtics. However, I hold a high level of respect for the old-school Lakers of the 80s. Between 1980 and 1989, the Lakers or Celtics played in every NBA Finals (meeting three times) with the Lakers winning five titles and the Celtics winning three. In my opinion, there is no greater personal rivalry in sport than that of Magic Johnson and Larry Bird. Not only were they incredible basketballers but also they played with a high level of intensity every game, year-in, year-out. 

That’s what makes me despise these Kobe-led Lakers; their attitude that they can take games off without consequences. I resent their conceited ways, their smugness, and their cockiness.

The Lakers violate all beliefs for a sports purist of performing at your best every game.

What makes it even more bothersome is that not only is it acknowledged but players and fans accept it. Earlier this season on Christmas Day, in what was a nationally-televised match of significant proportions, the Lakers lost 96-80 to the Miami Heat. Inexcusably, they looked lethargic and sluggish. Ironically, Lamar Odom called his team “cocky”. ESPN LA journalist Ramona Shelburne states that the Lakers receive “a long leash from their fans”. Shelburne adds “the Lakers have been this kind of team for the better part of a decade, brilliant when they need to be, maddeningly blasé when they’re bored”.

This would never be tolerable for Celtics fans.

Despite making the NBA Finals, Celtics fans hold bitter feelings about the team’s mediocre effort towards the end of the regular season last year. Boston basketball is promoted on “working-class grit” of hustle and teamwork. It’s the antithesis to the Lakers’ “Hollywood Style” of glitz, glamour and showboating.

The thing that is most exasperating is that despite home losses to sub-.500 teams, including Memphis, Indiana, Phoenix, Milwaukee as well as Friday’s loss to Sacramento, it is inevitable that the Lakers will feature in this year’s NBA Finals. They’re too good when they want to be. Just watch how they will rise to the occasion tomorrow. Rivalries always bring out the best in you. It is what sport is all about.

Nevertheless, enjoy tomorrow’s game as one of the most storied rivalries in sport writes another intriguing subplot tomorrow. It will be fiercely competitive between the two most successful franchises in basketball. The old-school style of defense at all costs will have many salivating. Just to add fuel to fire, Shaq will return to LA, where he won three championship rings. This time he will be wearing Celtic-green.

Regardless of the outcome tomorrow, it will be minuscule to what-could-be in June.

There’s just one thing left to say;

BEAT LA!

Tryin' It Out

The life of a wannabe-baller can be pretty exhausting and very hectic. I’ll make no secret of it; I, like many others, like to emulate my favourite players when I play basketball whether it is Paul Pierce’s swagger, Kevin Garnett’s (KG) intensity, Ray Allen’s professionalism, Kendrick Perkins’ determination, Rondo’s confidence, Glen Davis’ laid back personality or Shaq’s fun-loving attitude.

Last week, my basketball club held try outs in selecting teams for this season. In between tryouts I was kept pretty busy by my routine of daily training and keeping a healthy regime including a diet that left me feeling somewhat like a horse.

I have to give my trainer, Tali, a massive shout out.  We’ve been training since April and to say that I feel significantly healthier and in better physical shape is a major understatement. Honestly, I was of the school-of-thought that a trainer was someone who would just try to keep you motivated by shouting inspirational messages (for example, “FAILING TO PREPARE IS PREPARING TO FAIL!!) while they instruct you to carry out an exercise that you would have been able to do own your own without the cost.

I was proven wrong after two weeks into training where I was shown that working hard might be hardly working in making progress. It’s not just a matter of training hard; you need to train smart.

It’s similar to buying a pair of shoes; sure you can get a nice looking pair of shoes. They look the part, act the part, hell; they even smell the part for a little while. At first they look great as you do your thing on Saturday night. But after a week, those shoes are going to become painful as they become uncomfortable and an inconvenience. You need a pair of shoes that enable you to undertake activities at your full potential. A pair that you can run in, turn in, side step in, jump in. A trainer helps you reach this.

I like to be well prepared for basketball so I like to make sure that I have plenty of energy by eating well throughout the day. Protein is essential. For breakfast, the standard four weetbix with honey, banana and sesame-seed powder hits everything that a morning breakfast should be. I’m a big believer in a good amount of carbohydrates in the form of pasta along with a lot of water and vegetables; my typical day includes a carrot, tomato and cucumber. Stay away from the sugars! Having protein after any workout is crucial in allowing the body to recover muscle and tissue.

When I arrive at basketball whether its practice, scrimmage or game day, I like to be well equipped. My sports bag includes several shirts and towels, as I make no secret that I like to sweat it out during play. Man, you ain’t workin’ if you haven’t got your sweat on! Along with a dozen shirts and towels, I have my shorts, headband, my KG kicks or sneakers, socks, basketball, plenty of water (occasionally a sports drink for marathon sessions), and my notorious and in my opinion, highly coveted Celtic-green IPod with headphones. I can’t stand earphones and that metallic sound they have. It’s just nasty, particularly if you like your beats like I do. My music library covers a lot of genres from folk and rhythm, reggae, rock and pop to jazz. My IPod is definitely predominately hip-hop though.

I like to get in my zone during warm-ups by listening to something that gets me a little amped up and juiced for when I’m on the court. The usual suspects are Gang Star, Public Enemy, Madvillain, Little Brother, NaS, The Roots, J-Dilla and occasionally Jay-Z and Wu-Tang. Sometimes, I like to tone it down a bit with a little R&B/Soul such as Marvin Gaye, The Spinners, James Brown or my favourite, Curtis Mayfield. It all depends on my demeanour for the game. Sometimes I feel like getting funky like Joakim Noah. Other times I’m a bit more determined and intense in feeling like cracking some heads ala KG. I realise they are bitter rivals but that’s what makes them so endearing in that they are so passionate and competitive for the game. As much us Celtic fans resent Joakim Noah, we would love him if he wore green.

In most of my trials I feel offense is wrongly favoured more than defense. For the most part my offensive play is slowly becoming more consistent. Some nights I’ll get twenty points, other nights I’ll stink out the joint by shooting 2-8 in scoring 4 points along with 4 turnovers. More importantly, on most nights I’m satisfied with my D with the occasional missed rebound or rotation. I always value my defense over offense any day of the week. Offense wins games but defense wins championships.

Sometimes things just don’t go your way and as the late and great coach John Wooden said “Don't let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.” One thing that should be consistent is effort. 90% of basketball is effort. I always run and hustle regardless of the situation. Running, communication, setting screens, diving for loose balls is hustle and shows your heart. You may not be having your best performance but hustle shows that you are willing to scrap for any of the pieces that will help your team.

Hustle is underrated. It doesn’t show in the box score but it is the most important aspect of any sport. It’s not only team building, it’s also character building.

Look at Kendrick Perkins, one of my favourite players. He gets no respect and is very underrated. Perk gets no recognition for how important and vital he is to the Celtics success. You want proof; just look at that game 7. Add myself to the school-of-thought that had Perk been there for game 7 Celtic Nation would be celebrating number 18. I’m still not ready to go into specifics but I know that if Perk was there, a half time lead of 6 would have been much greater if Perk had been there in cleaning the paint of easy layups and any loose rebounds.

What’s my point to this? I don’t really have one. I can just offer my view point that basketball has served as an inspiration to not only trying to improve my game but also my overall health. I’ve been motivated to exercise more, eat better and think positively.

As basketball legend Bill Walton offered, “Basketball is a glorious celebration of life, of health, of everything that’s good.” It’s just one of the many themes that sport can offer. I know I can never be KG or Perk but it’s a lot of fun trying to be.

In A League Of His Own

This game was termed as "The Clash of The Titans." It featured the Celtics and Spurs who possess the league's best regular season records. The best of the West meets the best of the East. A monumental matchup. Except Rajon Rondo wasn't playing. He played his own game.

Rondo accumulated a video-arcade-like stat line including 12 points on 6-10 shooting, 10 rebounds, 22 assists and 6 steals in a game-high 43 minutes of action. It was his 11th career triple-double and just his third game back after missing two weeks with an ankle injury.

The MVP-candidate also had some huge baskets as he sunk several mid-range jumpers.

"He did it all," Pierce said. "Rebounded. Assisted. Doc's kind of been on him about taking that shot there. And he steps up when he needs to and knocks down those shots confidently."

For a team that has built its reputation on defense, Rondo made the Spurs look pedestrian.

The crowd certainly knew it too as they chanted MVP.

What did Rondo think of his game? "It was easy," Rondo said of his big assists night. "Ray shot 13-for-16 form the field. Paul shot [7-for-10]. [Glen Davis] took 18 [shots and made 10]. Guys made shots today, so nothing special."

Rondo did it with a little help from Ray Allen who shot 13-16 for 31 points. He heated up early after shooting 5-6 in the first quarter for 11 points.

"If it was practice...I don't know if anyone in the league would hit 13 out of 16. He does it in a game," Spurs coach Popovich said. "I think he's pretty good."

Despite the offensive outburst, the Celtics held on to win by two points, 105-103. After 47 minutes of premium basketball, the Celtics nearly capitulated in the final minute. The Celtics had a lead of 105-96 with a minute of play left but a series of turnovers and missed free throws gave the Spurs a final chance. On the final play Ginobili attempted a three-pointer to win the game, but Pierce blocked the shot to seal the win for Boston.

Celtics coach Rivers stated "the fact that we shot 61% and won by two is scary. That shows they're a really good team."

Again, it was the Celtics' defense that won this game as they held the Spurs to 39% shooting in the fourth quarter while they shot 63% themselves.

Davis scored a season-high 23 points on 10-18 shooting while Pierce chipped in with 18 on shooting 7-10.

The resilient Spurs received contributions from Tony Parker and Tim Duncan who scored 18 points each and a combined 16-28 shooting.

The Celtics lead 77-72 at the start of the fourth quarter. Ginobilli scored 20 of his team-high 24 points in the fourth quarter as the Spurs gained a 92-90 lead with 4:50 to play. However the Celts went into their patent lockdown mode to close the game out.

"You knew it was gonna be a nip-tuck game," Pierce said. "You got two heavyweights battling."

The loss marks the first time the Spurs have lost consecutive games for the first time this season, while the win improves the Celtics record to 27-7 to maintain a half-game lead over Eastern conference rivals, the Miami Heat.

Contract Your Ego - The Plea Letter

“I take the game seriously because I’m trying to carry on the legacy that great players before me left. It’s all about competing, about trying to be the best. It’s also important to me to make the team I’m on now the best. I don’t want to go ring-chasing, as I call it; you know, going to a team that’s already pretty established and trying to win a ring with them. I want to play with the Cavs and build a champion.” ESPN The Magazine January 16 2006.

Dear “Chosen One”,

We are forgiving but this is getting out of hand. We wanted to help you but even you’re beyond our help now. How times have changed. You were once showered with love and adoration wherever you travelled. Now you face so much resent and are held in such disgust that gives one the impression that you are the sole reason for global warming.

We know you’re pretty good. At the young age of 18 you were drafted straight out of high school as the number one pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2003 NBA. You even signed a shoe contract with Nike before your debut. You’ve achieved so many accolades and received numerous awards; High-school State Champion, Triple Mr. Basketball of Ohio, All-Star, All-NBA, Rookie of the Year, back-to-back Most Valuable Player, Olympic Gold Medal winner.

In just your fourth season in the NBA you led the Cavs to their franchise-first NBA Finals after defeating Detroit in the Eastern Conference Finals in 6 games. You were against a 0-2 deficit and in Game 5 you recorded a franchise-record 48 points on 54.5% field goal shooting, to go with 9 rebounds and 7 assists. In addition, you scored 29 of Cleveland's last 30 points, including the team's final 25 points in a double-overtime victory. You concluded the night with a game-winning lay-up with 2 seconds left which left NBA analyst Marv Albert to describe your performance as "one of the greatest moments in postseason history," while color commentator Steve Kerr called it "Jordan-esque.”

You must hate the C’s. They bounced you and the Cavs twice out of the last three playoffs despite so much promise. In the 2007-08 playoffs you scored 45 points in the decisive seventh game. Except Paul Pierce’s 41 points led to a narrow Celtic victory. Then, after gaining the best regular season record for the second straight season, you were bounced again by the C’s who inflicted Cleveland their worst home playoff loss in team history 120-88.  It was the past playoff failures at the hands of the Celts that triggered all the “Summer Fallout” that capitulated in “The Decision”.

Recently, you came out and suggested that the NBA should consider contraction. You pointed out “the league was great (before). It wasn’t as watered down as it is (now).”

Now ask yourself this- “What should I do? Should I contract my overinflated ego?”

Who are you to decide who can or can’t play in the NBA as if you are paying player salaries out of your own pocket like you’re George Steinbrenner.

Who are you to even claim yourself as the “Chosen One”? It sure as hell wasn’t by us.

This is not the first nor is it likely to be the last time that you decide to voice your loud-mouthed opinion as if you’re the Reverend Al Sharpton offering salvation to all of the basketball-damned.

It wasn’t the Decision to depart Cleveland and take your “talents” to South Beach in playing with close friends, Wade and Bosh, that led us to look at you with contempt. After the Cavs fired Mike Brown in trying to appease the Chosen One and his worship, you decided in all your wisdom (if any) to have a one-hour long “special” to publicly upset and disappoint your masses (this doesn’t suggest that we condone any violence resulting from your selfishness). Then to further rub salt into the wound, Tony Massarotti of the Boston Globe points out that you and “the Heat threw quite a party” with a wrestling-themed entrance “with confetti streaking down in what was a laughable bit of self-indulgence.” In attempting to defend your egocentric actions, you answered on CNN that race played a role in the backlash to your decision

There’s so much more; you ordered organizers to confiscate video tape of you being dunked on by Xavier University guard Jordan Crawford at your Skills Academy.

You reportedly, strongly considered playing in Europe for Olympiacos if offered a $50 million annual salary. Yeah, what a competitor you are to take all that money and play in Europe. Is it mind on the money or money on the mind Chosen One?

You changed your jersey number from 23 to 6 in respect to Jordan (who our main man was disguised as when he dropped 63 points against the ’86 Celtics) and failed to recognise the impact that Bill Russell had not only on sport but also on Civil Rights. Remember when you said that it’s important to know the history of the game in helping its evolution? You said that you realize that it’s past players who are the reason for where you are today.

This season you “unintentionally” bumped into Heat coach Erik Spoelstra during a timeout in a lose to Dallas. Was it also “unintentional” when you bumped into Cavs coach Mike Brown when you played for Cleveland?

When did you become such a self-centered spoilt-brat who protests every call and carries on with this kind of subversive behaviour? You have become an “egomaniacal, self-absorbed, narcissistic blowhard who calls himself the King” as Tony Massarotti states. Maybe it was after you felt betrayed and unable to trust anyone anymore when your high school coach Keith Dambrot betrayed the team when he left St. Vincent-St. Mary to coach at the University of Akron.

You were once a light-hearted character who played with zest and enthusiasm. We saw More Than A Game. We miss that LeBron. The LeBron that loved his team mates and coach both on and off the court. You were the Fab Five. They weren’t just teammates, they were life friends. Maybe they can help you now.

Your New Year’s resolution should be to be more humble and unassuming. Start by entering this year’s Dunk Contest in LA.

It was our idea that you do the dunk contest to appease your fans and gain some support. We are believers of free will and thought you would have come to the conclusion on your own to enter. You were scheduled to compete in your rookie year but injured your ankle. Think of it as fulfilling destiny. Don’t offer this nonsense and drivel about home court and it being a challenge. You don’t have to win. Just do it for the fans. Without them, you would not be able to make a living. Think of someone else for a change. What would you do without basketball?


Sincerely,


The Basketball Gods

PS. Happy 26^th Birthday. Last question to ask yourself; What should I Do? Should I grow up?

Stocking Treats

Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and a glorious Festivus for the rest of us! I hope everyone is having a blast with friends and family. I’m really looking forward to the line-up of games tomorrow (although it will be a little tricky watching from Uluru- where there’s a will, there’s a way!). There should be some doozies particularly that Knicks-Bulls game. For all the basketball punters, here is my gift to you; a couple of tips on tomorrow’s Christmas Day Games.

Just a disclaimer here: I’m not actually betting and if anyone losses on my tips, well, my bad. Just as you wouldn’t give me a cut of your winnings, don’t expect me to reimburse you either.

Bulls at Knicks

Who knows but I’m picking the Knicks to win this one in overtime. Expect this to be a fast paced game fuelled by MVP-candidates Amar'e Stoudemire and Derrick Rose. The Knicks and Bulls score 108 and 100 points per game respectively with the Knicks attempting a league-high of almost 25 3-pointers per game. Moreover, the Knicks concede 107ppg. Pick the Knicks to win in overtime with total points over 198.

Celtics at Magic

After last week’s blockbuster trade that saw Vince Carter, Rashard Lewis and Marcin Gortat depart Orlando for incomers Jason Richardson, Gilbert Arenas and the return of Hedo Turkoglu, this game could look extremely different from pervious clashes between the Magic and Celtics. Having faced each other in the playoffs for the last two years, the Magic is rebuilding on the fly. The Celtics will have the “O’Neal Brothers” playing together for the first time this year and should prove an effective tag team against Dwight Howard. I’m not sure how the Magic will matchup with the Celtics but I am confidant of the Celtics putting on the defensive clamps and winning comfortably. Having said that this could be the pick of the games. Celtics to win and total points fewer than 198.

Heat at Lakers

LeBron. Kobe. The league’s manufactured rivalry goes head-to-head for the first time this year. There are a lot of personalities in this game; however, the Heat will definitely be facing a tough task playing in LA. The Lakers are difficult matchup for the Heat who lack size. The Lakers have a plethora of size with Bynum, Gasol and Odom in the frontcourt. The Heat has Chris Bosh, Joel Anthony and Erick Dampier. Expect Gasol to have a big night. Compounding the situation is that Dwayne Wade may not play with a sore knee. Coming off a disappointing loss at home against which the Bucks that saw Kobe ejected, expect the Lakers to win a little comfortably. (Over 198 points)

Nuggets at Thunder

A tragic scenario spoilt what was a tantalising prospect in watching a Carmello-Durant duel. Sadly, Carmello Anthony’s sister died of a pre-existing medical condition and will miss tomorrow’s game. With home court, Oklahoma will win despite a resilient Denver. In an entertaining game, pick over 198 points to be scored.

Blazers at Warriors

This is one of those games that could be very exciting or very lacklustre. The resilient Blazers have a multitude of injuries including injuries to Brandon Roy, Marcus Camby, Joel Przybilla and Greg Oden (who is injured for the season). Playing at home, the Warriors are high-octane so definitely expect a lot of points with Monta Ellis leading the rush. As for the win, the Blazers won 96-95 when they played last Saturday. I’m narrowly tipping the Warriors.

The Truth Always Comes Out

When your team is facing adversity, you look to your captain to lead the way. Enter Paul Pierce; Celtic great, 13 year veteran, future hall-of-famer, NBA Champion and Finals MVP.  This year saw him join John Havlicek and Larry Bird as the third player to reach 20 000 points solely as a Celtic. The Truth has been nothing short of astounding. His exceptional play this week was capped off when he was awarded the Eastern Conference Player of the week. He has been playing like a Captain this week starting last Wednesday with his game winning shot with .4 seconds remaining against the Knicks in New York.

The Celtics have been paid "a visit by the Blue Shield" as Doc describes his team's injured status. The team was missing 3 of its centers (that's 21 feet of centers), its MVP-candidate point guard and their backup point guard. Pierce has put this team on his shoulders with some help from the Big Three.

Pierce has answered the call and has done everything that the team has asked of him. This week has seen him play primarily as the point forward. Apart from his high volume of scoring, he has been distributing the ball as play maker, finding steals, blocking shots, drawing fouls and taking charges in playing his typical strong defense. 

The Truth is in the middle of his latest groove that resembles his greatest hot streak of his career in the 2005-2006 season. In a five-week span, Pierce averaged 34 points per game and broke a Celtics record by scoring 30 points or more in 13 of 14 games.

After enduring the flu, which couldn't stop him from missing any game time, this week saw Pierce score 32 points along with 10 rebounds against the Knicks. He then recorded a double double of 15 points and 10 assists against the Hawks on Friday. The Truth backed it up with his  7th triple-double in his career against the Pacers. He had 18 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds as well as 4 steals.

  

What makes his latest feats even more remarkable is his story.  Raised in Inglewood, California, Pierce grew up as a Lakers fan before being drafted out of Kansas by the Celtics in 1998. Pierce was a promising young talent who rose to basketball fame during the 2002 Eastern Conference Finals against New Jersey when he scored 19 of his 29 points in the fourth quarter to lead a Celtics comeback from a 21 point deficit.

In September 2000, Pierce survived a violent nightclub stabbing. He was stabbed 11 times in the face, neck and back. It was so severe that wounds half an inch closer to his lung would have been fatal. "I think about it all the time", Pierce said in reminiscing the traumatic event. "You don't ever forget something like that. It changes you." Nevertheless, Pierce was the only Celtic to start all 82 games in the 2000-01 season.

Pierce has come a long way from the player that was labelled by ESPN columnist Bill Simmons as a "moody, selfish, me-first gunner with an attitude." Coach George Karl characterised Pierce as a selfish player in Team USA's failure at the 2002 World Championships. Pierce took extensive criticism that came to a climax after Game 6 of the 2005 playoffs against the Pacers. Pierce was ejected for a hard foul and taunted the Indiana crowd by swinging his jersey above his head. He then turned up to the press conference with his jaw bandaged. Boston Globe writer Bob Ryan called it as "a game that featured the single most unforgivable, untimely, stupid, and flat-out selfish on-court act in the history of the Celtics." Celtic Patriarch, Red Auerbach, called the captain's actions "embarrassing."

However, Pierce never backed away from his adversity. The Truth was motivated to improve both on and off the court. Pierce never asked to be traded. Pierce came out and said he wanted to retire a Celtic; a refreshing scene in a landscape that sees superstars seeking greener fields and leave their former teams high and dry.

Celtics General Manager Danny Ainge has always been a staunch supporter of Pierce and has refused to trade Pierce. "Paul was always a great player," Ainge says. "It's his spirit that changed. His enthusiasm is higher."

"Life has so many hurdles. Some of them I've hopped over, and some of them I've tripped over," Pierce acknowledged after being awarded Finals MVP of the 2008 Finals. "The key is to get back up and finish the race.'

What's important is, as captain, the Truth is trying his hardest to be the best teammate. "I always try to be the best overall player I can be." That goes for both on and off the court where he is very involved in the community. Pierce may be the most proactive player in his Truth On Health Campaign in educating youth on good health and an active lifestyle.

"Paul isn't perfect," Ainge said. "He's going to make mistakes." Pierce may not be perfect but in the hearts of many basketball fans, he's very close. And that's nothing but....

Your Starting Lineup...

Hey everyone. I hope you've been enjoying the blog as much as I have been writing it. As you most probably noticed it's a basketball blog. However, I thought an introduction right about now would be appropriate in letting everyone know my steez (steez is hip-hop lingo meaning story. For those of you who don't know Gang Starr, go enlighten yourselves right now).

To say I am a bit of a basketball fanatic is a bit of understatement. If I'm not playing, watching, adjusting my Fantasy Basketball lineup or writing about basketball every day, then I am debating and discussing basketball with friends and family while PS3ing any of the Basketball games.

Who do I follow you ask? If it isn't obvious, I am a massive Celtics fan living in Sydney, Australia. I have been a Celtics fan for as long as I can remember. My earliest basketball recollection is listening to my cousins debate as to whether Bird, Magic or Jordan was best in their prime. From that moment on, I was one of the many basketball lovers who collected basketball cards and tried to reenact the NBA Top 10 list from NBA Action from that week. I even impersonated the voice while embarrassingly trying to make 360 reverse lay-ups.

I watched my first Celtics game during the Antoine Walker and Rick Pitino Era. When the C's drafted  Paul Pierce, he instantly became my favourite player. I was hooked. From that day, it was rare that I wasn't on the net watching highlights or reading reports and admiring Pierce's statistics. I would look forward to going on holiday to the States just so I could watch Celtics games on TV.

I have been to Celtic games in Boston annually since I was in Year Ten in 2002 when I saw Antoine and Pierce defeat the Orlando Magic and Tracy McGrady. It was tough going being a Celtic fan in high school especially when Lakers and Spurs fans surround you. Needless to say the Big Three V2 coming together to win the 2008 Finals was nothing short of a dream.

However, the dream was overshadowed by the nightmare of last year's finals where the Celtics lost in 7 games. Depending on how you look at it, I was fortunate enough to be at all 7 games. I was even featured in the Boston Herald after the Celtics won game 5 to lead the series 3-2 (look above). Despite the loss, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. That doesn't mean that there isn't a large void in my basketball life. It's time for the Celtics to right the basketball world....

Until then, I will be passing on the messages of basketball. There's plenty to expect including the occasional exclusive sneak glimpse of the letters of the Basketball Gods as well as the occasional hip-hop reference. For those who need your basketball fix more frequently follow me on twitter where I tweet random basketball thoughts and opinions as well as other absurdity.

Finally, thanks peeps for all your love and support. I really do appreciate it.

As I tell my friend, it's not an obsession; Celtic Basketball is a way of life...

Why You Gotta Go My Mello My Man?

Many people would understand if the speculation would become too much of a distraction. Not for Carmello Anthony who faces intense scrutiny regarding what seems to be an imminent trade from the Nuggets. 

First, it was rumours claiming that Mello would not sign an extension unless he was traded to the Knicks.  The Nuggets offered Mello a 3 year $65 million extension prior to the start of the season that has been left on the table. Then, it was rumoured that he was going to land in New Jersey in light of their recent 3-team trade with the Rockets and Lakers.  “Who? I haven’t heard that one. Am I? I don’t know, dawg. This is new,” Mello responded when a reporter relayed a report that he would be headed to New Jersey on Wednesday. “I haven’t heard that. I’m officially saying I know nothing about it.”

Surely this is all becoming a slight distraction? “I’ve got a game here Thursday night against San Antonio and that’s what I’m focused on, “ Mello said. “All that other stuff, I’m not even paying attention to right now.”

Facing Eastern Conference contenders, Orlando Magic, at home last night, Mello recorded 35 points on a very efficient 14-21 along with 11 rebounds. If not for some late game lapses, this game could very possibly have been a rematch of the 2009 Finals where the Lakers eliminated the Nuggets in the Conference Finals 4-2 before defeating the Magic in the finals. Need I remind anyone of Ariza’s steal at half court in Game One in LA? That would’ve given the Nuggets a 2-0 advantage in taking the series to Denver. 

That’s what makes it so hard to understand. My Mello my man is so close. He was there. He had it. He possibly still has it there. Somewhere in this Nuggets team is the capability to reach the conference finals again and give this year’s Lakers team a real shake. 

It must be difficult for someone who has achieved so much in his basketball career to feel like they are playing on such a mediocre team right now. In his one season at Syracuse University, Carmello Anthony averaged 22.1 points and 10 rebounds in lead the Orangemen to their first ever NCAA tournament title in 2003. His 33- point effort against the University of Texas in the Final Four was an NCAA tournament record for most points by a freshman and he later earned the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player Award. Carmello had originally intended to play at Syracuse for two or three seasons but declared himself eligible for the 2003 NBA draft after he felt that he had accomplished all of his goals. 

In his first season the Nuggets finished with a record of 43-39 and made the playoffs as an eight seed. The previous season they finished with a 17-65 record. It was the worst record in the NBA.

But my Mello my man why would you go to an Eastern Conference that is so top heavy with finals contenders that it feels like an arms race at times? 

My Mello my man, where else can you relax defensively for the first three quarters of a game? I guess in New York but they don’t even know what defense even is to try it in the fourth quarter. Those guys are on serious cruise control.

My mellow my man, where else can you be the man? They love you here. In Denver you are revelled as an offensive prowess. Mello can indubitably score at will. He may be the best individual scorer in the NBA right now. Mello tied an NBA record when he scored 33 points in the 3rd quarter of a home win over the Timberwolves in December 2008. He finished the game with 45 points on 12-15 shooting, 11 rebounds, 3 assists and 4 steals.

Mello, you are the Nuggets’ primary option. You take 19 shots per game with the offense catered specifically for you by Coach George Karl. Your team wants you to be selfish in helping the team win games. Take 30 shots. Go ahead take 50 shots. The more the better. Regardless of whether the shot is successful, Coach Karl and your teammates will encourage you to take another 100 shots. 

During the 2008 season, the Nuggets traded Allen Iverson for Chauncey Billups. Many were critical of the trade questioning why the Nuggets would trade Iverson’s expiring contract for Billups lucrative contract. Coach Karl knew that Billups would be more of a compliment to Carmello’s game, as Iverson and Carmello were players that demanded the ball. 

My Mello my man, you are the man. As much as the situation mirrors what LeBron experienced in free agency, this Nuggets team has more pieces in place to contend for a title. The Nuggets is well coached by the seasoned George Karl and have a team with a lot of young talent in the backcourt with Ty Lawson, JR Smith and Afflalo. There’s also a solid frontcourt of Nene and Al Harrington with the Birdman, Chris Anderson, to return from injury soon.

My Mello my man, you shouldn’t have to go anywhere. People should be lining up to come join you and Coach Karl in Denver. Wanted: bigs who play D. 

Bobcat Got The Tongue?

Late Saturday night found angry owner of the Charlotte Bobcats Michael Jordan charging into the locker room for a postgame tongue-lashing of his lackluster team. "I didn't say anything. Michael had a lot to say”, said Bobcats coach Larry Brown. Jordan had planned to address the team’s season form on Monday, but addressed the team after witnessing the team's poor night.

It was definitely not pretty but it was consecutive win number ten for the Celtics and it was in a 93-62 blowout victory over the Charlotte Bobcats. The Celts gave a good old-fashioned beating who were locked in with their team trademark defense. “Defensively, we were just talkative”, said Kevin Garnett. “The communication was loud, it was constant.” 

What is more impressive is that this team is winning with a multitude of injuries which has forced them into giving the 3rd string centre, Turkish rookie, Semih Erden significant playing time. 

“They’ll talk a lot about him in Turkey tonight,” Allen said. “He deserves the credit because he played well for us.” 

Although looking shaky in the low post on defence, you have got to give Semih his props as he continues to play hard despite requiring surgery on his severely injured shoulder. Semih recorded ten points and seven rebounds along with four blocks. He had the highest plus/minus of +34.

This wasn’t a game note worthy for its offense as the Bobcats and Celtics struggled in the first half with shooting percentages of 39% and 38% respectively. Pierce and Allen struggled in the first half with Pierce shooting 1/6 and finished 1-9. Allen finished 4-11 but scored 16 points with 6-6 in free throws.   

Doc has always preached defense particularly on offensive nights like this and it was the inspired play of Garnett along with the bench mobsters, Marquis Daniels and Glen “Growing Boy” Davis that lead to the lopsided victory. 

“That’s all we talked about this morning,” Rivers said. “We made a point about it (team defense). We’ve talked about our slippage over the last three or four games”.

Garnett recorded his 18th double-double of the season with 13 points and 11 rebounds in just 23 minutes.

“Second half, I thought we blew the game wide open with just out defense,” Garnett said. “I thought it lead to some easy baskets and some flow. The rest is history”.

Doc has placed Davis as the leader of the second unit in giving much needed continuity between the starters and the bench. He is picking up the pieces and his energy is astounding in setting screens, rebounding, taking charges (he leads the league at 27) passing as well as shooting. He recorded 16 points and 7 rebounds.

Marquis scored 10 points, shooting 2-3 3pts with 6 rebounds as well keeping his hands active in gaining 3 steals. “(We’re) just coming out, taking care of business and playing good Celtics basketball”, Marquis said.

Marquis and Davis triggered an 8-0 run at the end of the first quarter. Davis scored 9 points in the second quarter to hold the lead. The starters pushed the lead out to 17 in the third quarter on the back of Garnett’s strong play. 

For the Bobcats, saying it was a miserable night is an understatement. The lone highlight was Nazr Mohammed’s strong low post play of 14 points, 2 steals and 2 blocks as well as disrupting many more plays that weren’t recorded in the statistics.

However, when your 2 all stars score 21 points on 8-27 shooting and are as lifeless as a dead gold fish, what chance do you have, if any, of beating a contending team?

Hopefully Jordan’s talk is as inspiring as his game.

The Apology Letter

Dear Philly,


We’re sorry. You didn’t deserve to lose this game at home and have your home streak snapped at 5 games. We know it was your first national television appearance for the year (and we know for how long for that matter). We know you played harder, faster and with more energy and focus. We should’ve let you win in front of your home crowd albeit half of them were Celts fans.


As coach Doug Collins dishearteningly said “What a heartbreaking loss. It was just a shame. It would have been an incredible win for us here tonight.”


It was a game where the margin was never larger than 8 points. Meeks was possessed shooting 6-9 for 19 points with 4-4 from 3pt territory. Iggy had his usual stat line of 14 points and 11 assists with 2 steals. We even let Young and Williams, 2 of your bench players, score a combined 32 points on 12-21 with Williams hitting 4-5 3pts. You outrebounded the Celtics 39 to 33 and obtained 15 offensive rebounds with Brand pulling down 8 of those in his rebound total of 14 and ran for 22 points in transition. You only had 11 turnovers for the entire game against a premiere defense that had 15 turnovers.


But what can we do when the team you’re facing is destined for bigger things. This Celtics team is hell-bent on getting back to where it must’ve felt like hell this past offseason. They want that ring and they are willing to go back through the ring of fire.


Never mind that this was a team playing the second game of a back-to-back and at times this resembled a muck-up game between teachers and students with the 76ers average of 23 as opposed to the Celtics’ average age of 28 with 5 players over 30 with Shaq turning 39 in March. Never mind that the Celtics are injury plagued with four of their players out, three of which are centres. Never mind that those who are playing are also carrying injuries. Rondo FedEx continues to deliver with a double double of 19 points and 14 assists despite hobbling around on the court. Ray “Jesus” Allen, their most reliable player for the night was also the oldest player at 35. He shot 23 points on 7-10 shooting along with a perfect 7-7 in free throws. This guy doesn’t understand the concept of aging. Even their captain Paul Pierce is ill.


“It was a gutsy win,” Pierce said. “It didn’t seem like we had it all night. We couldn’t get really consistent momentum in the game or get a consistent flow. But good teams find a way to win. There was good execution down the stretch.”


This was the game that Doc forewarned that his team would steal when they had no right when we punished them for not playing the entire game and simply trying to turn it on for the last quarters of the Durant-less Thunder and Toronto games in November. Garnett even acknowledged it in his usual trash talking sense after his huge lay in with 1 second left gave the C's the win at 102-101. “Rajon threw a perfect pass and I just banked it,” Garnett said. “The crazy part about all that is that I messed that play up so many times in practice. It’s only right that the basketball gods gave it to me tonight. It was a good win for us, a grind-out win. This team has been playing unbelievably.”


We know. We shouldn’t have listened to KG. But he plays so hard every night and is so intense that he even intimidates us and we give in to his will. We really are sorry. If it’s any consolation, if you continue to play that hard every night, than we will more than likely reward you. Think of it this way, the way the Celtics need to bring it the entire game, you need to bring it every night. Even though you are not at that level, you have to play hard every night. It could’ve been worse. We could have let you lose by 20 on national television and not even let it build into an absorbing contest.


Sincerely,


The Basketball Gods.


PS. Although they say that 90% of basketball is effort, there is still the other 10%. If you think that in appeasing us know it is essential to play pick and roll defense. We know that Elton Brand is trying awfully hard but he was awful defensively giving up lay ups rather than rotate to protect the cup.