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Suns (31-27) at Celtics (43-15) 3/2
« on: March 01, 2011, 11:32:37 PM »

Offline FLCeltsFan

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Phoenix Suns (31-27) at Boston Celtics (43-15)
Wednesday, March 2
7:30 PM ET
Regular Season Game #59, Home Game #31
TV:  CSN-NE, TheScore, KUTP, NBA-LP 757
Radio:  WEEI, KTAR
TD Garden




Probable Starting Lineup
   
PG: Rajon Rondo 10.7 PPG 12.1 APG 2.3 SPG
SG:  Ray Allen 17.3 PPG 2.8 APG .452 3P%

C: Nenad Krstic 7.6 PPG 4.4 RPG 0.4 BPG
 
SF:   Paul Pierce 18.9 PPG 5.0 RPG 3.2 APG
PF:   Kevin Garnett 15.1 PPG 9.2 RPG 0.8 BPG

Boston Bench Mob
Glen Davis
Von Wafer
Avery Bradley
Jeff Green
Chris Johnson

Injured
Jermaine O'Neal (knee)  out
Delonte West (ankle)  day to day
Shaquille O'Neal (hip) day to day


Incoming
Troy Murphy





Probable Starting Lineup
 
PG:  Steve Nash  16.4 PPG  11.4 APG  0.7 SPG   
SG: Vince Carter   14.2 PPG  2.2 APG  .360 3P%

C: Robin Lopez   7.9 PPG  3.6 RPG  0.7 BPG
 
SF: Grant Hill  13.8 PPG  4.6 RPG 2.5 APG     
PF: Channing Frye  12.3 PPG 6.5 RPG  1.0 BPG 

Suns Reserves
Jared Dudley
Marcin Gortat
Zabian Dowdell
Hakim Warrick
Josh Childress
Mickael Pietrus
Aaron Brooks

Injuries
Ganai Lawal (knee)  out   

Team Connections
Grant Hill played for Doc Rivers in Orlando from 2000‐04
Von Wafer and Channing Frye were teammates in Portland during the 2007‐08 season
Shaquille O’Neal played for Phoenix during the 2008‐09 season and part of the 2007‐08 season.

Game Notes

The Celtics are home after a successful but difficult road trip.  They went 3-1 on the trip with the only loss an undermanned game in Denver after learning their teammates had been traded.   This will be the home crowd's first look at Jeff Green and Nenad Krstic and possibly Troy Murphy as well. 

The Suns have won 3 straight games vs the Celtics which is the longest active win streak against them by one opponent.  They are 4-3 against the Celtics in the Big 3 era, joining the Orlando Magic as the only teams with winning records against them since 2007. 

The Celtics lost the first game this season in Phoenix.  It was the second of a back to back set and they didn't get into their hotel until 4:30 in the morning that day.  Both teams had Tuesday off and both are coming off a win on Monday. 

While there isn't an actual rivalry between 'these two teams they will forever be linked by Game 5 of the 1976 Finals when Boston won a very memorable 3 overtime game in Boston 128-126.  It was an instant classic and will always come up in conversations on the best playoff games ever. 

The Celtics are still trying to work in the new players and come to grips with the loss of their teammates.   They are back home now and that should make it a little easier.   The first game home after a road trip is always tough, though.  The Celtics should be looking to avenge their earlier loss to the Suns and hopefully that extra motivation along with the home crowd boost should help the Celtics come out on top in this one. 

Key Matchups
  vs
Rajon Rondo vs Steve Nash
Rondo usually gets up for battles with the top PG's and now he gets a chance to show what he can do against  the 2 time MVP Steve Nash.  He should have a speed advantage over Nash, but he will have to work on the defensive end as Nash can burn you from anywhere on the floor if you give him a step.  Rondo needs to be aggressive and set the tempo for the game. 

  vs 
Kevin Garnett vs Channing Frye
In the first meeting between these two teams, Frye did a great acting job when KG hit him below the belt, falling to the floor in agony before jumping up a second later and going at KG.  For his efforts, KG was ejected from the game so this time it's personal.  I'm expecting KG to have an extra chip on his shoulder to win this one. 

Honorable Mention
Glen Davis vs Marcin Gortat
In the last game Gortat was the player of the game for the Suns with 19 points and 17 rebounds off the bench.   Big Baby has to work on defense to prevent Gortat from having another career game in this one. 

Keys to the Game
Defense - This is the key to every win this season and to a championship as well.   If they try to play defense in spurts in this game they will probably lose because the Suns can put points up in a hurry if you let down your guard.  The Celtics need to especially guard the perimeter as the Suns are a dangerous 3 point shooting team. 
 
Ball Movement -  The Celtics need to move the ball and find the open man in order to stretch the Suns weak defenses.  They also need to try to get the ball into the paint and not just settle for jumpers.  If they get the ball into the post they will be able to score, draw the foul or kick out for an open jumper.  Hero ball doesn't win games, team ball does. 

Crash the Boards
- The Celtics must make an effort to grab rebounds, especially on the offensive end, in this game.   By grabbing offensive rebounds it will prevent the Suns from getting out on the break.     Rebounding is mostly desire and effort and the team that wants it most will win the rebounding battle. 

Play 48 Minutes - The Celtics must play hard for 48 minutes.   They can't let up if they get a lead and they can't come out flat and play catch up the rest of the game.  The Celtics have to be the more aggressive team and attack from start to finish.   

X-Factors
Home Court and Focus
The Celtics are finally back home and hopefully the home crowd can give them a lift to overcome the let down after a road trip.  They have to focus and stay aggressive throughout the game.

Re: Suns (31-27) at Celtics (43-15) 3/2
« Reply #1 on: March 01, 2011, 11:35:01 PM »

Offline barefacedmonk

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Chance for KG to earn back Gentry's respect. :P
"An ounce of practice is worth more than tons of preaching." - M.K. Gandhi


Re: Suns (31-27) at Celtics (43-15) 3/2
« Reply #2 on: March 01, 2011, 11:37:34 PM »

Offline j804

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Chance for KG to earn back Gentry's respect. :P

I'll just let Alvin talk. He seems to do that well.

rofl
"7ft PG. Rondo leaves and GUESS WHAT? We got a BIGGER point guard!"-Tommy on Olynyk


Re: Suns (31-27) at Celtics (43-15) 3/2
« Reply #3 on: March 01, 2011, 11:39:18 PM »

Offline barefacedmonk

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Chance for KG to earn back Gentry's respect. :P

I'll just let Alvin talk. He seems to do that well.

rofl

 ;D ;D

Love Doc.
"An ounce of practice is worth more than tons of preaching." - M.K. Gandhi


Re: Suns (31-27) at Celtics (43-15) 3/2
« Reply #4 on: March 01, 2011, 11:44:48 PM »

Offline Megatron

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Phoenix and Dallas seem to have the C's number. Hope we can get this one, going to be extremely hard though, Suns know how to play defense against the Celtics and also have a potent offense.

Re: Suns (31-27) at Celtics (43-15) 3/2
« Reply #5 on: March 02, 2011, 12:09:22 AM »

Offline WeMadeIt17

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Celtics will win this game big tomorrow.

Re: Suns (31-27) at Celtics (43-15) 3/2
« Reply #6 on: March 02, 2011, 12:12:52 AM »

Offline Megatron

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Celtics will win this game big tomorrow.

I hope Jeff Green goes off big tommorow, I want him to show us what hes capable of, because he has all-star talent.

Re: Suns (31-27) at Celtics (43-15) 3/2
« Reply #7 on: March 02, 2011, 12:14:29 AM »

Offline ACF

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TP. Go Celtics!

Re: Suns (31-27) at Celtics (43-15) 3/2
« Reply #8 on: March 02, 2011, 12:29:46 AM »

Offline aporel#18

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Hopefully, tonight Shaq will show up after losing 15-20 lbs.

Go Celtics!!!

Re: Suns (31-27) at Celtics (43-15) 3/2
« Reply #9 on: March 02, 2011, 12:44:01 AM »

Offline WeMadeIt17

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Really do hope Jeff has a big game somewhere from 15 to 20 points and about 7 rebounds. I think he is going to be a big change in this team something I am seeing from these past two games and its defiantly for the better.

Re: Suns (31-27) at Celtics (43-15) 3/2
« Reply #10 on: March 02, 2011, 01:07:37 AM »

Offline Adelaide Celt

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Hopefully it will be a bit easier for Jeff in front of the home fans. I'm sure he'll get a great Boston welcome! 8)
NO AMOUNT OF PSYCHOLOGICAL MANIPULATION, HORMONAL OR SURGICAL MUTILATION WILL EVER CHANGE A PERSON'S GENDER

Re: Suns (31-27) at Celtics (43-15) 3/2
« Reply #11 on: March 02, 2011, 10:59:46 AM »

Offline jaser

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Can somebody help a Celtic fan in LA? :) The game (phx at bos) won't be televised on NBA league pass and NBA TV. A good and reliable live streaming will be my last resort. You guys know a live streaming link? It would really make my day. :)

I hope Shaq shows up and dominate this game. Go Celtics!!

Re: Suns (31-27) at Celtics (43-15) 3/2
« Reply #12 on: March 02, 2011, 11:03:38 AM »

Offline j804

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Chance for KG to earn back Gentry's respect. :P

I'll just let Alvin talk. He seems to do that well.

rofl

 ;D ;D

Love Doc.
Yup we should be motivated for this game (Doc included )  :P
"7ft PG. Rondo leaves and GUESS WHAT? We got a BIGGER point guard!"-Tommy on Olynyk


Re: Suns (31-27) at Celtics (43-15) 3/2
« Reply #13 on: March 02, 2011, 11:09:44 AM »

Offline FLCeltsFan

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Can somebody help a Celtic fan in LA? :) The game (phx at bos) won't be televised on NBA league pass and NBA TV. A good and reliable live streaming will be my last resort. You guys know a live streaming link? It would really make my day. :)

I hope Shaq shows up and dominate this game. Go Celtics!!

The game should be on League Pass.  DTV is showing it on Channel 757.

Re: Suns (31-27) at Celtics (43-15) 3/2
« Reply #14 on: March 02, 2011, 11:28:44 AM »

Offline jaser

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Can somebody help a Celtic fan in LA? :) The game (phx at bos) won't be televised on NBA league pass and NBA TV. A good and reliable live streaming will be my last resort. You guys know a live streaming link? It would really make my day. :)

I hope Shaq shows up and dominate this game. Go Celtics!!

The game should be on League Pass.  DTV is showing it on Channel 757.

I'm on Fios and it's not showing any Celtics game today. I hope they change the lineup of games later. Thanks for the help. ;)