Spurs (29-4) at Celtics (26-7) 1/5

[Tgro]

Nice measuring stick win!!!

Love those Celtics!!!! 

[slamtheking]

I can't believe how this game went.  I had the sinking feeling that the 3 and the end of the 3rd would make a difference as well as still feeling uncomfortable even when they were up big with less than 2 minutes.

great game until the last minute when the refs helped them self-destruct.

[Roy H.]

Every press conference, Doc mentions JO as one of the keys to the game.  I think that's great coaching, building his confidence even in games where his stats are mediocre.

(Also, JO *has* been great lately.  His defense is a difference maker.)

[Snakehead]

Every press conference, Doc mentions JO as one of the keys to the game.  I think that's great coaching, building his confidence even in games where his stats are mediocre.

(Also, JO *has* been great lately.  His defense is a difference maker.)

Yes I agree on both fronts.  I thought he played very hard tonight on defense and though he was a step slow at times, you can tell he is close.  Once he gets the defensive scheme down and gets in great shape he will be offering some really great help side defense.  Coming off our bench he will be a huge asset.

Also props to Quis for great defense tonight too.

[GreenFaith1819]

Did not see game due to class, but I am astounded that we beat SA with them being at full strength and us with 2/3 of our frontline out.

To SA's credit though - this was game 2 of a back to back.

In back of my mind, I was hesitant about our chances without KG, but so far our January has been impressive.

[EJPLAYA]

How does Ray shoot 13-16 from the floor and then miss 2 free throws that would clinch the game?! That is amazing! He's done that before though, although I don't think he was shooting that well.

[Roy H.]

Did not see game due to class, but I am astounded that we beat SA with them being at full strength and us with 2/3 of our frontline out.

To SA's credit though - this was game 2 of a back to back.

In back of my mind, I was hesitant about our chances without KG, but so far our January has been impressive.

The good news:  We won a back-and-forth game against a great opponent despite some questionable calls from the officiating, and we were missing KG

The bad news:  We shot 61% from the field, and held the Spurs to 45%.  Turnovers were even.  Despite that, we only won by 2 points.  

It was a great win, but we need to improve our rebounding if we're going to beat good teams consistently.  KG's and Perk's returns will be a big part of that.

[Edgar]

Did not see game due to class, but I am astounded that we beat SA with them being at full strength and us with 2/3 of our frontline out.

To SA's credit though - this was game 2 of a back to back.

In back of my mind, I was hesitant about our chances without KG, but so far our January has been impressive.

The good news:  We won a back-and-forth game against a great opponent despite some questionable calls from the officiating, and we were missing KG

The bad news:  We shot 61% from the field, and held the Spurs to 45%.  Turnovers were even.  Despite that, we only won by 2 points. 

It was a great win, but we need to improve our rebounding if we're going to beat good teams consistently.  KG's and Perk's returns will be a big part of that.

Again JO plays almost perfect rebounding and D tonight
and will help the other two a LOT


I am thinking a defensive lineup with JO and KG or Perk
and an offensive lineup with shaq and KG or BBD

sick

[JHTruth]

Every press conference, Doc mentions JO as one of the keys to the game.  I think that's great coaching, building his confidence even in games where his stats are mediocre.

(Also, JO *has* been great lately.  His defense is a difference maker.)

I agree. JO's protection of the rim has completely changed the complexion of the second unit. Where Semih and Baby was just a terrible defensive and rebounding combo, JO is helping a lot at the rim. On the other hand, Shaq is just nonexistent lately. I hope he picks it up soon..

[More Banners]

Every press conference, Doc mentions JO as one of the keys to the game.  I think that's great coaching, building his confidence even in games where his stats are mediocre.

Right on, Mr. H.  Ditto for positive comments he often makes about players not even playing (thinking of Nate last year when he was getting DNP-CD's):  "he's going to help us win games this year."  And two months later, we had Nate winning a playoff game for us.

This is a big part of what makes Doc one of the best.  TP for noticing.

[Bahku]

Can't believe 'Quis got by Ginobili without fouling him on that last play ... I thought for sure Manu was going to the line, but Daniels turned his body sideways and slipped through!

Great game by all, and an awesome win against the Spurs and the refs ... Rondo was huge, Pierce and Ray on fire, and Big Baby with another super contribution. Also loved what I saw from Jermaine tonite, too ... very encouraging stuff!

[greenpride32]

The NBA... where points shaving happens...

Anyone care to guess tonight's spread?  BOS -2.5

[Drucci]

Great, great win! The biggest one of the year I would say.

Ray was unstoppable (and on a game the guy can't miss he somehow misses the clutch two freebies he always makes... logic, everyone? ), Paul was huge in the 2nd half (and great on D), JO was good defensively, Shaq a non factor, and finally Nate and Baby came out of their slumps (although Nate almost cost us the game at the end with his careless passes).

And what can you say about Rondo, he is a genius, I mean, he had 20 assists in 3 quarters only (!!) and then got his triple double at the tail end of the game. 22 assists, 12 points, 10 rebounds and 6 steals, just wow. The great thing is that he didn't force anything, always made the good plays, and took his own shots when he needed to, drilling them in money time. If he can do that every game... we will be unguardable in the playoffs to close out games.

The refs non call on Ginobli grabbing Pierce with his two arms (!!) in the last seconds was horrendous and could have cost us the game.

And we won without KG, really nice!

[jarufu]

This was one of those games that I swore I wasn't going to look at the score until I got home after work and watched the game but couldn't resist coming in here to peek!

.. and I would just like to say .. Yahoo!!

Ray was unstoppable (and on a game the guy can't miss he somehow misses the clutch two freebies he always makes... logic, everyone? ),

Well this is clearly a symptom of moving fluid in the inner ear creating an imbalance when stationary for free throws.  Shooting in motion was obviously synchronised with kinetic forces and appropriately managed by Ray when shooting from the floor.  Ray needs to engage in a strict regime of ear-conditioning in order that the fluids return to appropriate stasis more promptly at the stripe.  Either that or the man was tired ... One or the other.  

[Rondo2287]

Im not sure there is anything I have enjoyed more than watching Ray Allen play basketball over the last couple years.  Last night was a thing of beauty.  Everything he did was so effortless, I loved every minute of it.