Celtics (5-4) at Rockets (4-5) Game #10 11/16/15

[tarheelsxxiii]

I have the impression that, if you were the sort of person who believed that playoff experience built toughness, chemistry, and a winning culture, you might think that these last three games have had a lot to do with our not-tanking last year.

Probably.

And if you were the sort of person who's an unrelenting pessimist always looking for a caveat to the team's success,  you'd point out that the Wizards have looked pretty mediocre this year, the Thunder were missing Durant, without whom they are just OK, and the Rockets have probably quit on their coach and are the only team so far this season to lose to the Nets.

The same pessimist (I see the sarcasm) said we would struggle and/or lose to each of those teams but not surprising after we mop the floor with them, they suddenly find excuses for those teams. Those teams had those same "issues" before we got to them, but people still said we would lose the games or struggle to win any of them.

Dang, can't I even be self-deprecating?

Shak-fu'd.

[Kuberski33]

Seriously what got into Olynik?  He defends - and defends well!  Love the defense this team is playing.  Houston had no interest in competing the 2nd half and the C's just destroyed them.  Well done!

CBS said Kelly's defensive problems weren't because he wasn't capable it was because he didn't trust himself/his abilities. Said KO knows where to be and what to do but that he didn't trust that he was quick enough to do it. Second guessing like he does offensively. He's better on both ends when he just goes for it and let what will be just be.

Of course, eventually he should come back down to Earth but should be much better than he was before if he continues to be aggressive.

Defensively he just looks like a veteran NBA player all of a sudden. He'll never be the quickest guy in the world, but he is long and even if he's a little behind the play he can still contest.  What really impresses me though is he's got a little grit in his game now.  He's battling defensively and on the boards with a lot more  consistency, not giving up on plays - and good things are happening when he's on the court.

You can also see the added confidence on offense.  I think this is the guy Danny envisioned when he drafted KO.

[LatterDayCelticsfan]

Here in Nyahururu, Kenya. The power has been out since last night. I was following the game via live text till my phone quit on me with the Rockets 42-27 up and looking like running away with the game.

Imagine my relief finding out the final score at a cyber cafe with a back up generator.

[jpotter33]

So I was driving across the country to visit family tonight and missed the game. So how did everyone look? Looks like IT and Bradley had good scoring nights. Obviously Smart didn't have a great scoring night, but how'd he look other than that?

[Greenbean]

So I was driving across the country to visit family tonight and missed the game. So how did everyone look? Looks like IT and Bradley had good scoring nights. Obviously Smart didn't have a great scoring night, but how'd he look other than that?

Smart was plus 30 in the game. It was his defense that largely sparked the big run in the 2nd half (credit to amir, bradley, and crowder as well)

 While I was hoping for more consistent offense from him this year, the fact that he can so positively affect games while goig 1-11 is pretty encouraging.

[RockinRyA]

So I was driving across the country to visit family tonight and missed the game. So how did everyone look? Looks like IT and Bradley had good scoring nights. Obviously Smart didn't have a great scoring night, but how'd he look other than that?

Smart was plus 30 in the game. It was his defense that largely sparked the big run in the 2nd half (credit to amir, bradley, and crowder as well)

 While I was hoping for more consistent offense from him this year, the fact that he can so positively affect games while goig 1-11 is pretty encouraging.

There was a post on the Rockets blog about that by some poster to the effect of "Smart was 1/11 yet I didnt even notice" to which another said "Because he does other things really well"

That's what I love about Smart, He might not become that consistent scorer to become a bonafide superstar, but I still want him when we become contenders for all the other things he brings to the table. KG wouldve loved this guy.

[SHAQATTACK]

Seemed to me I saw good bit of empty seats at the Houston game.   Wonder if interest is waning .

Watching Harden play is some of the worst basketball ever.  He slow s the game down with the million trips to the foul line .   His play may also be detrimental to the flow of the rest of the team .

.  I liked his game in OKC .,  as a part of the overall game. But it gets really really boring and frustrating to watch his effort for long periods. 

The rockets are a really poorly oiled machine and aweful to watch for me .  Must drive McHale nuts.

I think Mickey could make more impact than Howard at this point.  Howard looks very slow and no lift.

[Nails]

It is just great to see the Celts laying the wood on the league again. And doing it in a completely different fashion than when we had KG, P2 and Ray. These team is all hustle and grit. The only thing I would like to see is that all players who can create their own shot are out on the court at the end of a tight game. I would say that is IT, Marcus and ET.

[SHAQATTACK]

Re watched last quarter

Zeller should be sat on the end of the bench .....and moth balled and traded.

He has went from ok to worthless.  Lazy , won't box out, no fight.....what a train wreck.

[fairweatherfan]

I have the impression that, if you were the sort of person who believed that playoff experience built toughness, chemistry, and a winning culture, you might think that these last three games have had a lot to do with our not-tanking last year.

Probably.

And if you were the sort of person who's an unrelenting pessimist always looking for a caveat to the team's success,  you'd point out that the Wizards have looked pretty mediocre this year, the Thunder were missing Durant, without whom they are just OK, and the Rockets have probably quit on their coach and are the only team so far this season to lose to the Nets.

The Wizards were the start of this mini-run.  Three games ago was the Hawks.  Gotta update the caveats.

[PhoSita]

I have the impression that, if you were the sort of person who believed that playoff experience built toughness, chemistry, and a winning culture, you might think that these last three games have had a lot to do with our not-tanking last year.

Probably.

And if you were the sort of person who's an unrelenting pessimist always looking for a caveat to the team's success,  you'd point out that the Wizards have looked pretty mediocre this year, the Thunder were missing Durant, without whom they are just OK, and the Rockets have probably quit on their coach and are the only team so far this season to lose to the Nets.

The Wizards were the start of this mini-run.  Three games ago was the Hawks.  Gotta update the caveats.

I got no caveats for the Hawks!  Good win.

For real, though, I'm worried about the Wizards, and I think McHale is gonna get fired.

[TheFlex]

I have the impression that, if you were the sort of person who believed that playoff experience built toughness, chemistry, and a winning culture, you might think that these last three games have had a lot to do with our not-tanking last year.

Probably.

And if you were the sort of person who's an unrelenting pessimist always looking for a caveat to the team's success,  you'd point out that the Wizards have looked pretty mediocre this year, the Thunder were missing Durant, without whom they are just OK, and the Rockets have probably quit on their coach and are the only team so far this season to lose to the Nets.

The Wizards were the start of this mini-run.  Three games ago was the Hawks.  Gotta update the caveats.

I got no caveats for the Hawks!  Good win.

For real, though, I'm worried about the Wizards, and I think McHale Wittman is gonna get fired.

McHale might get fired, too.

[PhoSita]

Basically, I been like



"I am not impress."

After the last few games, gotta say,



"Alright, I'm impressed."

[PhoSita]

I have the impression that, if you were the sort of person who believed that playoff experience built toughness, chemistry, and a winning culture, you might think that these last three games have had a lot to do with our not-tanking last year.

Probably.

And if you were the sort of person who's an unrelenting pessimist always looking for a caveat to the team's success,  you'd point out that the Wizards have looked pretty mediocre this year, the Thunder were missing Durant, without whom they are just OK, and the Rockets have probably quit on their coach and are the only team so far this season to lose to the Nets.

The Wizards were the start of this mini-run.  Three games ago was the Hawks.  Gotta update the caveats.

I got no caveats for the Hawks!  Good win.

For real, though, I'm worried about the Wizards, and I think McHale Wittman is gonna get fired.

McHale might get fired, too.

I'm not sure about Wittman getting fired.  Those were two separate statements.

After hearing Mike say, "This is some of the worst body language I've seen from a professional team in a long time," I had no doubt McHale was a goner.

[kozlodoev]

Basically, I been like



"I am not impress."

After the last few games, gotta say,



"Alright, I'm impressed."

Pretty much. Although once the league figures the defense out, we'll stop forcing 19 TOs a game. I wonder how that's going to go.