So far, the only hole on his defense was against Al Jefferson, who is not necessarily just a post up player.  I think Perkins may have a little problem with centers that have multiple post moves on the base with the up fakes and all that stuff.  However, there really aren't that many centers out there with those kinds of skills, and Perk is so good at pushing the centers out of the post and making them uncomfortable that I don't think that ever becomes a problem.  Perkins has been incredible on the defense.

Also, we have to give some credit to Rasheed too.  He did a pretty good job on Howard last night too, pushing him out of the paint and getting some good block outs preventing those offensive boards.

I partially agree.  He did wonders last year in the playoffs.  But to be fair, let's remember he only played a hair over 20 minutes last night.  So we certainly have to give Rasheed some credit as well who played most of the rest of the minutes on Howard.   

Its true Perk owns Dwight. And Sheed punk'd him big time.

Bsically Perk used his strength to keep Dwight in ck and Sheed used his bb IQ...Rondo took Nelson out of the game completely.Great game plan!

Quote from: Jon on December 26, 2009, 01:10:39 PM

I partially agree.  He did wonders last year in the playoffs.  But to be fair, let's remember he only played a hair over 20 minutes last night.  So we certainly have to give Rasheed some credit as well who played most of the rest of the minutes on Howard.   

Sheed was awesome last night. Very efficient on offense, great shot selection (only two three point attempts too) and his defense was fantastic, not only one-on-one on howard but also with his help-defense, active hands, deflections, etc. and his rebounding was on point as well.
Not to take anything away from Perk, but I just get the feeling people don't fully acknowledge how good Sheed's performance actually was...
If he can give the Celts that type of game with consistency they will be a very hard team to beat.

And last but not least: Perk is just sensational this season. Should get consideration for most-improved player, but probably won't...

You're right.  Perk picked up 2 quick fouls, and overall played far fewer minutes than usual.  He always does a great job on Howard, but yesterday has to go to both he and Sheed.  If Perk went out in the first 5 minutes last year, the C's would have been in big, big trouble guarding Howard. 

The reasons for acquiring Sheed, especially for the playoffs, were eminently clear yesterday.  Now Perk can be aggressive early, and if the refs are calling it tight like yesterday, what a great replacement to have Sheed to come in and really not miss a beat against Howard.

As long as the Celtics are allowed to play the physical defense they played when they won the title, the defense of Perk (along with KG, Wallace and even Davis), they can push around just about any of the top teams (with Cleveland being the only team as physical)

As long as the Celtics are allowed to play the physical defense they played when they won the title, the defense of Perk (along with KG, Wallace and even Davis), they can push around just about any of the top teams (with Cleveland being the only team as physical)

That's one of the reasons I'm so glad for Sheed. Having another big who can defend the paint in case the refs are calling it tight is huge!