The team has really started to look, well, like the team at the beginning of the year and, dare I say, a bit like the championship team. This despite last night's loss to Utah. I have been among the doom and gloom camp the last 1-2 months, and even started a thread predicting that we would lose in 4-5 games in second round. (Feel free to call me out!!) Do I feel differently today? As Sarah Palin would say, "you betcha." The source of my new found faith and optimism?
1. The energy level of the team has picked up considerably the last week plus. On the boards, the defensive rotations (they are stepping into the passing lanes much better), and the offensive sets. Yes we are a little older than two years ago. But the demise of this team, based on age, may have been greatly exagerated, none more so than posters like yours truly.
2. Guys are starting to accept their roles, or redefine them better. Example 1: Perk. He seems to accept that he is never going to be an asset on offensive. He just simply lacks the athleticism to be that guy. He has re-focused on defense, shot blocking, and rebounding. This is the guy we want. Example 2: Glen (Don't Call me Big Baby) Davis. He recognizes a lack in this team, an energy guy, and has designated himself as that guy. Don't need to tell you how aggressive he has been on both ends, especially the boards. And he has replaced Posey as the guy most likely to risk his body to draw the offensive foul. He is not a flopper like Varajao. Glen has very quick feet and good basketball IQ in this respect. Love it.
3. The bench is really showing signs of being able to make runs in short spurts, which can spell the difference between winning and losing. This is led mostly by the possiblilities of the two new guys -- Nate and Finn -- who are capable of hitting several threes in a row, turning a 1 point lead into a 10 point lead in 90 seconds. Eddie who??
4. The return of Paul to health. Pierce is finally healthy again, and looks like th Paul of old, capable of creating a high percentage shot, and drawing a foul, whenever needed. Welcome back, Paul.
5. Ray is having a great year. Is it me, or is Ray having maybe his best all around year for the Celtics? Maybe not statistically. But, he seems much more consistent, and confident, from the 3, is more able to draw fouls where he is deadly, and is able and willing to go to the hole more. His age simple is not an issue.
6. We are going to get enough from KG to make us compete for the championship. Of the big 3, he has declined the most, partly from injury, maybe the miles as well. But I feel he still brings a deadly mid range jumper, and also still quarterbacks the defense with the same intensity. Even last night.
7. Sheed can be our PJ Brown plus. I figure if he can provide the same role PJ did, with a little added offensive prowess, that is enough for this team to compete for the title. I don't expect much more than that from him. With Nate and Fin on the second unit, both of whom are great 3 point guys, it lessens the need for Sheed (in his head, hopefully) to roam out there, where he can be a momentum killer. Stay low, bro.
8. The hunger is starting to return to these guys. You can see it. I know this is an odd time to make this post, after the loss last night, but I really feel very good about what I have seen of late.
Topic: Feeling Better Despite Utah loss (Read 3669 times)