Celtics (0-0) at Hawks (0-0) Game 1 4/29

[clover]

KG, PP, RR and AB have all taken at least 9 shots, while the rest of the team have taken 3 shots combined.

[alajet]

Pathetic first half. Still clinging to the game. Sort of.

Bradley clanging shots that Ray would've hit...

you mean COULD'VE hit.  Ray was no guarantee by any stretch.  he was just as prone to a night of bricklaying as the rest of them.  AND Ray wouldn't be cutting to the basket for scores like Bradley has.

The play by Garnett is something Ray played for years before even Bradley arrived. That's their special play.

[slamtheking]

Not excusing the way the guys are playing tonight, but this game here is clear proof as to how important Ray is to this team. People would do well not to forget what we are seeing here. Ray Allen's experience and what he brings to this team is not so easily replaced.

Ray defends heinrich far better than what we saw at the start of this game, which would have likely cut down on the three pointers hit so far. Bradley is great defensively, but also undersized, hence teams get away with more against him out on the perimeter. Not only that, I think with Ray on the court, and with the threat of his three point shot, the Celtics would possibly be leading this thing right now, or not be down by as much.

Ray in his prime was the primary reason it took seven games for the C's to get by the Hawks the year they won it all.  The other two of the Big Three are stinking it up tonight.  You can't just assume that Ray would be playing great--even if he hadn't been out for weeks and would likely be rusty were he playing.

I assume nothing. Ray is super consistent at hitting big, much needed shots for this team. He doesn't need a ton of points, or a ton of athleticism. Ray hitting some threes for us, especially wide open threes, is a pretty [dang] safe bet.

Ray is this team's best three point shooter. And people better believe the Celtics could really use some of that right about now.

face it, they could use anyone hitting shots right about now.   

[mainevent]

Obviously the rest hasn't helped. I'm not at all worried because we can definitely come back but it starts at the defensive side of the ball. Bradley first playoff game...I'll give him a pass. Hopefully we'll realize the importance of getting this first game and come out in the 3rd and play ball.

[letsgoblue86]

Josh Smith has 11 boards in the first half?!  That is absurd.

[thestackshow]

I feel great about this game. Great start to the test and lets see if Bradley and Steimsma can maintain their composure. This was the biggest questionmark going into the playoffs. Could our new pieces rise to the challenge, they look like they are.

We will come back to win this game.

[slamtheking]

Pathetic first half. Still clinging to the game. Sort of.

Bradley clanging shots that Ray would've hit...

you mean COULD'VE hit.  Ray was no guarantee by any stretch.  he was just as prone to a night of bricklaying as the rest of them.  AND Ray wouldn't be cutting to the basket for scores like Bradley has.

The play by Garnett is something Ray played for years before even Bradley arrived. That's their special play.

may be, but still no guarantee Ray hits it.  He's had plenty of off nights, especially in the playoffs.  The C's are a better team with him but he would not have them in the lead if he was playing.

[clover]

Not excusing the way the guys are playing tonight, but this game here is clear proof as to how important Ray is to this team. People would do well not to forget what we are seeing here. Ray Allen's experience and what he brings to this team is not so easily replaced.

Ray defends heinrich far better than what we saw at the start of this game, which would have likely cut down on the three pointers hit so far. Bradley is great defensively, but also undersized, hence teams get away with more against him out on the perimeter. Not only that, I think with Ray on the court, and with the threat of his three point shot, the Celtics would possibly be leading this thing right now, or not be down by as much.

Ray in his prime was the primary reason it took seven games for the C's to get by the Hawks the year they won it all.  The other two of the Big Three are stinking it up tonight.  You can't just assume that Ray would be playing great--even if he hadn't been out for weeks and would likely be rusty were he playing.

I assume nothing. Ray is super consistent at hitting big, much needed shots for this team. He doesn't need a ton of points, or a ton of athleticism. Ray hitting some threes for us, especially wide open threes, is a pretty [dang] safe bet.

Ray is this team's best three point shooter. And people better believe the Celtics could really use some of that right about now.

Do you not remember the rest of the team having to carry Ray through the first two series the one year they won it all?  Ray can get in the a shooting funk in prime time with the best of them.

[Andrew Celtic Nation]

I still don't think we can turn it around enough to win this one, however I do think they will come out harder in game 2 because of it.

[bucknersrevenge]

Anyone care to tell me that Josh Smith cant stick a few jumpshots when he needs to? He hit a couple of momentum -breaking rainbow jumpers in the game today. Kid is a helluva player. When he stays within himself and he's doing that a lot more this year then in past years.

[alajet]

Pathetic first half. Still clinging to the game. Sort of.

Bradley clanging shots that Ray would've hit...

you mean COULD'VE hit.  Ray was no guarantee by any stretch.  he was just as prone to a night of bricklaying as the rest of them.  AND Ray wouldn't be cutting to the basket for scores like Bradley has.

The play by Garnett is something Ray played for years before even Bradley arrived. That's their special play.

may be, but still no guarantee Ray hits it.  He's had plenty of off nights, especially in the playoffs.  The C's are a better team with him but he would not have them in the lead if he was playing.

Of course there is no guarantee. You can even miss dunks as a basketball player. That doesn't change the fact that he is our best shooter, though.

[mainevent]

It's not surprising that those that have been riding Avery's band wagon over the past month have quickly turned on him lol. Wow, it don't take long in this forum!   Also, what happened to all those that was lauding "the steal" of Brandon Bass? One bad half makes him extinct as well huh? Reading these posts are hilarious!

[Meadowlark_Scal]

Well, the rest has't helped..YET..but it will...ppp, kg...brad.....will get it going..get sasha an d peitrus a few shots....we can win this.......bass needs to get to the other side when kg is shooting....bass needs to get a rebound...show some power..to himself....an O rebound would be nice......he might turn the corner..!

[hpantazo]

It's not surprising that those that have been riding Avery's band wagon over the past month have quickly turned on him lol. Wow, it don't take long in this forum!   Also, what happened to all those that was lauding "the steal" of Brandon Bass? One bad half makes him extinct as well huh? Reading these posts are hilarious!

I said a week ago that people were going overboard on Bradley and we have to see what he can do in the playoffs and I got slammed. People kept calling him the next Derrick Rose/Westbrook. Not even close imo

[thestackshow]

Stop with the Ray Allen crying.

In 2008 when Allen was still in his prime he was a complete no show for 2 straight playoff series including the Hawks, so stop.