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

[More Banners]

It looked to me like the C's really wanted to win the game.  There was some scrambling for loose balls, etc., though they didn't always go our way.  It happens.  

We were outscored in 3/4 quarters, and tied the other.  I'd say the old adage that if a team beats you, it's because they're better, applies today.  They're better.  They outscored us in the 1st half, when LeBra wasn't really looking to score, and then nobody could stop him in the 2nd half, when they blew it open for good.

Tie in the 3rd:  It's a game of runs.  We made a nice run to tie it, then they made a run, and finally we had no answer.

KG:  Looks okay, but didn't seem to have explosiveness.

Sheed:  Went on the box for 2 straight possessions in the early 4th, and came up empty.  We really needed a hoop there, and he didn't deliver.  We signed him to give a veteran lift at times like that.  Oops.

Rondo:  looked pretty good.

Ray/Paul:  looking more and more like average wing players these days.

BBD:  If he stays within himself, I like him as the nice backup role player he is.  Nice job today, overall.  Provided some nice energy, and some very nice fouls.  Need that in a backup big.

Finley/TA:  As inconsistent as TA is, he provides the intensity and defense our bench needs.  Finley didn't show enough today to beat him out for minutes, IMHO.  Not much hustle/energy from Fins today.

I'd say the C's are looking at an early playoff exit and major reconstructive surgery this offseason.  With a passer like Rondo, it'd be nice to have other guys that can catch the oops.  Danny's options are limited, but look for some high-risk moves to surround the vets we've got with some high-flying energy guys to look like the 1991-2 team.

[Tai]

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.

Heh, I'm good with this.

Hopefully, this means people won't suddenly *gasp* start saying things like "Omg why is Doc playing Ray/Pierce for 40 minutes?" like back when Doc actually did play a starter.

[Bahku]

The Cavs had 33 personal fouls called in their favor to our 19 ... that's a huge disparity ... our starting five scored 78 points, the bench, 15. Ouch.

[PLamb]

It looked to me like the C's really wanted to win the game.  There was some scrambling for loose balls, etc., though they didn't always go our way.  It happens.  

We were outscored in 3/4 quarters, and tied the other.  I'd say the old adage that if a team beats you, it's because they're better, applies today.  They're better.  They outscored us in the 1st half, when LeBra wasn't really looking to score, and then nobody could stop him in the 2nd half, when they blew it open for good.

Tie in the 3rd:  It's a game of runs.  We made a nice run to tie it, then they made a run, and finally we had no answer.

KG:  Looks okay, but didn't seem to have explosiveness.

Sheed:  Went on the box for 2 straight possessions in the early 4th, and came up empty.  We really needed a hoop there, and he didn't deliver.  We signed him to give a veteran lift at times like that.  Oops.

Rondo:  looked pretty good.

Ray/Paul:  looking more and more like average wing players these days.

BBD:  If he stays within himself, I like him as the nice backup role player he is.  Nice job today, overall.  Provided some nice energy, and some very nice fouls.  Need that in a backup big.

Finley/TA:  As inconsistent as TA is, he provides the intensity and defense our bench needs.  Finley didn't show enough today to beat him out for minutes, IMHO.  Not much hustle/energy from Fins today.

I'd say the C's are looking at an early playoff exit and major reconstructive surgery this offseason.  With a passer like Rondo, it'd be nice to have other guys that can catch the oops.  Danny's options are limited, but look for some high-risk moves to surround the vets we've got with some high-flying energy guys to look like the 1991-2 team.

Giving one for this analysis

Spot on

[celticinorlando]

effort was there today...just not as good as cleveland anymore

[hpantazo]

effort was there today...just not as good as cleveland anymore

the effort was there, but our timing is terrible. Our guys look like they don't practice much together. I think Doc is right about that.

[MaxwellSmart86]

You know,the HUGE free throw disparity really hurt----they were looking to call ANYTHING they could on the C's-While letting stuff go for the Cavs....If Rasheed had at least come to play---we woulda won, or if Doc would LET Nate play a little.

They beat us in Clev 2 years ago too...I aint worried too much...I would like to SLAP the ABC Ball Washers though.