Celtics (41-23) at Cavs (51-15) 3/14

[Bahku]

There are as many excuses made here against the Celtics as there are FOR them ... I just don't get that. Realistically the Celtics sucked today, because they played as badly as they have all year ... but don't tell me the Cavs won because they're so incredibly BETTER ... that's the propaganda the press wants us to buy into, and not the reality. When the C's are at their best, they can beat anyone. Peace out ... bash away.

[RMO]

When was the last time we won a game on Sunday afternoon?

I asked myself that very same question.

[Rashi]

When was the last time we won a game on Sunday afternoon?

LOL and that too on nationally televised telecast?

In the beginning friday games were unlucky for us...and now Saturday games on ABC are unlucky.

[RJ87]

There are as many excuses made here against the Celtics as there are FOR them ... I just don't get that. Realistically the Celtics sucked today, because they played as badly as they have all year ... but don't tell me the Cavs won because they're so incredibly BETTER ... that's the propaganda the press wants us to buy into, and not the reality. When the C's are at their best, they can beat anyone. Peace out ... bash away.

True about the propaganda - everyone is ready to crown them, just like last year, and we saw how it worked out. Same thing with LA 2 years ago, I don't make assumptions about ANY team, not even the Celtics, you gotta let everything play out.

[Who]

Not calling Cleveland great.

But all this nonsense about "belief" is really funny at the pro level. It's high school stuff.

Cleveland is on another level compared to this Celtics team. Period. We cannot compete with them, and we don't, quite frankly.

You can rationalize this away all you want, but the Cavaliers are a FAR better club than the Celtics. Younger, more athletic, better shooters, far better on the defensive end, made a significantly better move at the deadline.

It's not close. Nor will it be.

Sorry, just don't agree at all ... when this Celtics team is healthy and playing their best ball, they can compete and BEAT any team in the NBA, including this inflated Cavs team, who, without LeBron, would be average at best. As I said, don't confuse the Celtics playing poorly with Cleveland greatness.

Totally, totally disagree with you, frankly as strongly as I've ever disagreed with any single post on this board. There's a broad gulf between these two teams - in age, in athleticism, in shooting, in defense, on the bench - and it cannot be bridged. The Celtics as constructed are done as a title contender

I agree that when Cleveland has Shaq + Ilgauskas back there will be clear and large separation between the two sides.

I also feel that there may be clear separation with this current lineup in a month or two's time when they've better learned how to play against one another.

But against this current lineup with their mixed form since the trade ... I do not think there is a clear advantage for the Cavaliers.

I think the Cavs were there for the taking today and that a good performance from the Celtics would have gotten the job done.

[barefacedmonk]

Don't mean to sound like a broken record but I'll be back tomorrow cheering them on. No point in giving up...its not going to lessen the pain and disappointment of this loss.....untill then I have CB to keep me entertained. Let the team bashing begin.  

[RMO]

There are as many excuses made here against the Celtics as there are FOR them ... I just don't get that. Realistically the Celtics sucked today, because they played as badly as they have all year ... but don't tell me the Cavs won because they're so incredibly BETTER ... that's the propaganda the press wants us to buy into, and not the reality. When the C's are at their best, they can beat anyone. Peace out ... bash away.

How many times does this team have to not play up to their limit before we realize that their limit may not be as high as we think/hope it is?

[tenn_smoothie]

When was the last time we won a game on Sunday afternoon?

a regular season tv game ?  maybe back in 1987 we might have won on a sunday afternoon, maybe mchale had a big game before he broke his foot and we beat the sixers on easter, possibly. feels like that anyway.

[RJ87]

Did Donny M. just say something hysterical??

"LeBron James got his eye RIPPED out of his socket. Just ripped out... Then he healed up like Wolverine and is shooting free throws. Now THAT'S superpowers."

[Who]

I hated that lineup to start the 4th.  With Lebron on the bench why not let Ray or Pierce play with the second unit?  I'm so sick of resting the starters all at the same time.  One thing I remember about the Jordan Bulls is that either Jordan or Pippen were ALWAYS on the court (except in blow outs).  We've got three superstars and a meaningful minute should not pass where at least one of them is not on the floor.

That's Doc Rivers for ya....

This has been hugely frustrating. Please, oh please, keep at least 2 of the Big Three + Rondo on the court at all times.

[Donoghus]

I hated that lineup to start the 4th.  With Lebron on the bench why not let Ray or Pierce play with the second unit?  I'm so sick of resting the starters all at the same time.  One thing I remember about the Jordan Bulls is that either Jordan or Pippen were ALWAYS on the court (except in blow outs).  We've got three superstars and a meaningful minute should not pass where at least one of them is not on the floor.

That's Doc Rivers for ya....

This has been hugely frustrating. Please, oh please, keep at least 2 of the Big Three + Rondo on the court at all times.

Yeah, I really hope that's the plan down the road.  Shorten things up and more mix & match with starters and subs.

[Who]

I hated that lineup to start the 4th.  With Lebron on the bench why not let Ray or Pierce play with the second unit?  I'm so sick of resting the starters all at the same time.  One thing I remember about the Jordan Bulls is that either Jordan or Pippen were ALWAYS on the court (except in blow outs).  We've got three superstars and a meaningful minute should not pass where at least one of them is not on the floor.

That's Doc Rivers for ya....

This has been hugely frustrating. Please, oh please, keep at least 2 of the Big Three + Rondo on the court at all times.

Yeah, I really hope that's the plan down the road.  Shorten things up and more mix & match with starters and subs.

I fully expect Doc to do this come playoff time. That's the only reason this doesn't drive me completely nuts ...

But jeez, it would be so much better if he made that adjustment now.

[barefacedmonk]

...yea those pictures sum up how I feel at the moment.

[tenn_smoothie]

it might not be the Celtics year - but i still am not a believer in the cavaliers - seems i remember that they looked unbeatable last season as well and then they folded like an oily beach chair in the playoffs.

i know they've made some personnel moves to shore up their weaknesses, but until they do it when it counts, i will not be a believer.

meanwhile, i think ultimately orlando hurt themselves by essentially trading hedo for vince carter. they should have kept their group intact and made some additions to shore up their team.

[RJ87]

it might not be the Celtics year - but i still am not a believer in the cavaliers - seems i remember that they looked unbeatable last season as well and then they folded like an oily beach chair in the playoffs.

i know they've made some personnel moves to shore up their weaknesses, but until they do it when it counts, i will not be a believer.

meanwhile, i think ultimately orlando hurt themselves by essentially trading hedo for vince carter. they should have kept their group intact and made some additions to shore up their team.

Agree on both counts, especially about Hedo and Orlando... They gave Rashard Lewis - basically a 3 pt specialist - a ridiculous contract, but couldn't give a reasonable contract to Hedo? IMO, in the longrun, VC over Hedo is a downgrade for that team.

As far as Cleveland, what they do in the regular doesn't matter - they need to show up in the playoffs... I'll definitely be interested to see how they play down the stretch, especially Mo Williams cuz he's their x-factor.

Basically, I'm rootin for Denver out west... If the C's can't bring it home, I'm all about keeping it away from the Lakers.