Celtics (2-1) at Pistons (0-3) 11/2 Game 4

[threats13]

Ill be at the game tonight..I go to the University of Michigan and its the one time a year I can see my beloved Celtics other than the playoffs when Im home....SOOOOOO PUMPEDDDDD

[Jon]

Hopefully we can take care of business early tonight.  The C's really need to get in the habit of killing bad teams like they did in '08 to get the starters rest and give the bench more time to gel.  

This team is not going to be as good as 08', its just not going to happen.

Without even getting into whether that's true or not, that wasn't my point.  My point is that they need to start taking it to bad teams early.  Tonight they're playing a bad team.  They can't let them stick around.  

As for your other point, I think it's too early to tell.  Ray, Paul, and KG are clearly not what they were then, but Rondo's twice as good, Shaq is the best low post threat the C's have had since Kevin McHale was here, and this is the best bench the C's have had since the late '80s.  

There's certainly a shot that they could be better than the '08 team.  And even if they aren't, with that type of depth and a still-pretty-impressive Big Three, they should be able to blow out some bad teams.  

[jarufu]

TP. I might actually watch this game live as I have Wednesday off from work - it's my birthday 


Go Celtics!

A win for you on your birthday then!  Happy Birthday and a TP!

[Fafnir]

Hopefully we can take care of business early tonight.  The C's really need to get in the habit of killing bad teams like they did in '08 to get the starters rest and give the bench more time to gel.  

This team is not going to be as good as 08', its just not going to happen.

Without even getting into whether that's true or not, that wasn't my point.  My point is that they need to start taking it to bad teams early.  Tonight they're playing a bad team.  They can't let them stick around.  

Well my point is that the best indicator of how good a team is is how often they blow out bad teams (and good teams!). The reason the 07-08 Celtics blew out so many teams was that they were an all time team. Not that they were more focused on putting bad teams away.

You're right they could be better than the 07-08 team. But so far the returns of the last 3 games and the logical progression of athlete as they age argues against it. Benchs are luxuries in the NBA. The overall quality of a team is largely determined by its best 3/4 players.

[Meadowlark_Scal]

This will be good with JO starting, I hope he gives us a great game and builds up his game/confidence...! I'd like to see some of Erdin too...!!!!

[Meadowlark_Scal]

The pistons are talking about a new building...i hear there are many available out there in Detroit..!

[Meadowlark_Scal]

Wow, 16.7 assists avg for Rondo..if we could only get someone to rebound in those numbers...BESIDES Rondo and KG.....like a HELPER....Mr Helper...!

[Change]

The pistons are talking about a new building...i hear there are many available out there in Detroit..!

Cold Blooded

[Jon]

Hopefully we can take care of business early tonight.  The C's really need to get in the habit of killing bad teams like they did in '08 to get the starters rest and give the bench more time to gel.  

This team is not going to be as good as 08', its just not going to happen.

Without even getting into whether that's true or not, that wasn't my point.  My point is that they need to start taking it to bad teams early.  Tonight they're playing a bad team.  They can't let them stick around.  

Well my point is that the best indicator of how good a team is is how often they blow out bad teams (and good teams!). The reason the 07-08 Celtics blew out so many teams was that they were an all time team. Not that they were more focused on putting bad teams away.

You're right they could be better than the 07-08 team. But so far the returns of the last 3 games and the logical progression of athlete as they age argues against it. Benchs are luxuries in the NBA. The overall quality of a team is largely determined by its best 3/4 players.

I largely agree.  But two small points.

1) That '07-08 team blew out some good teams (the Suns come to mind, but I know there was more than that).  So even if this team isn't as good, it's still possible to blow out bad teams.

2) While the bench is a luxury, it can be an asset in blow outs.  Too often even in '07-08, the bench let teams get back into it.  If the starters can build a double digit lead now, the bench should (in theory) be able to expand on it.  It's clearly better than most of the (bench) opposition that it will face. 

[Change]

bob delaney has started early

[Cman]

The pistons are talking about a new building...i hear there are many available out there in Detroit..!

^^and THATs whats known as a zinger!
(altho a sad one)

[Meadowlark_Scal]

JO looking good..strong...!

[fairweatherfan]

Well, Jermaine looks much sharper...a couple of nice plays so far.  Now let's see if he can stick the J.

[Fafnir]

The Celtics are doing a good job of attacking the smaller Pistons.

[Meadowlark_Scal]

Okay...I'd be glad if Detroit area did better...maybe a few changes in the ruling party will help...and less money for cars..!