CLEVELAND -- At the end of the third quarter, the Celtics had expended a great deal of energy to whittle a 16-point deficit (51-35) to 3 (51-48), but wound up allowing the Cavs&os; to control a 9-point lead, 59-50, at...
CLEVELAND --- After trailing by 16, 51-35, the Celtics reeled off 13 unanswered points, hitting 5 of 6 shots, including a pair of 3-pointers by Paul Pierce that ignited and capped the run and three consecutive jumpers by Kevin Garnett...
CLEVELAND --- Just how the Celtics didn&os;t want to open the second half; LeBron on fire. King James opened the second half by knocking down a key-top trey and following with a fadeaway jumper in the lane and a pair...
Behind a dizzying 17-2 run over the final 6:13 of the second quarter, the Cavaliers rallied from a 31-25 deficit to take a commanding 42-33 halftime lead when Delonte West converted a Paul Pierce midcourt turnover into a buzzer-beating 3-point...
CLEVELAND --- The Celtics appeared well on their way to expanding their 6-point lead (31-25) with 6:13 to go when -- not so fast, my friend -- the Cavs responded by scoring the next 5 in a row, getting a...
CLEVELAND --- Through the first three minutes of the second quarter, Eddie House helped lead a surge by Boston&os;s second-unit. After converting his first field goal to tie it at the end of the first, 18-18, House was credited with...
Eddie House knocked down his first basket of the playoffs with 32.4 seconds left in the first quarter of Game 6 to tie the game, 18-18. This followed a foul-inducing offensive put back by LeBron James that enabled the Cavs...
CLEvELAND -- Delonte West, who scored 5 of Cleveland&os;s first 9 points, drilled a 3-pointer to give the Cavs&os; an early 9-7 lead with 5:57 left in the first quarter. LeBron James is 0-for-2 from the field (5 for 26...
CLEVELAND -- Winless in five road games in these playoffs, the Celtics looked to close out this best-of-seven Eastern Conference semifinal series against the Cleveland Cavaliers by snapping their woeful road streak with a win tonight in Game 6 at...
Celtics forward Paul Pierce was itching to go during the pre-game media session. "I&os;m just anxious," Pierce said. "Just sitting at the hotel, the walls were closing in on me." The Celtics locker room overall, however, seemed pretty light. Despite...
INDEPENDENCE, Ohio - With his left arm gingerly tucked close to his side, Daniel Gibson spent some time after practice Thursday watching some of his teammates and coaches...
When LeBron James finally did what everyone feared and broke out of his series-long shooting slump in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference semifinals Wednesday night, it appeared...
INDEPENDENCE, Ohio - For the first time all season, the Cleveland Cavaliers are facing elimination. But they're not as nervous as you might think.
That's not...
Just before LeBron James exited TD Banknorth Garden, he vowed that no LeBron James team would be a desperate team.
The Cavaliers might not be a desperate team, but they...
Sunday at 3:30. The Garden. That's all we know.
We don't know if the Celtics will arise from their foreign funk, close the series out tonight in Cleveland and...
The Celtics took off for Cleveland yesterday afternoon a couple of hours earlier than they usually depart for a game the next night. And coach Doc Rivers swears it wasn't...
Through the first five games of the Eastern Conference semifinals, Ray Allen has found Cleveland counterpart Wally Szczerbiak more difficult to shake than a bad reputation.
...
BOSTON - Let's just state it simply: A team cannot win a road playoff game when it has lulls, when it loses its edge - even if it's only for a part of a game.
Give...
Danny Ainge was announced yesterday as NBA Executive of the Year, but the Celtics director of basketball operations had a more important things on his plate.
There was,...
Some fun links to pass the time till tipoff.
Hollinger: Put Me In Coach Award: Leon Powe, Celtics (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/playoffs2008/columns/story?columnist=hollinger_john page=Awards_080516 campaign=rss source=NBAHeadlines)
GTAS comics: Understanding home court advantage (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/blog/ball_dont_lie/post/GTAS-comics-Understanding-home-court-advantage?urn=nba,82873)
YouTube Classic: '86 Boston Celtics' 'music video' (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/blog/ball_dont_lie/post/YouTube-Classic-86-Boston-Celtics-music-vide?urn=nba,82888)
Mike Brown Has Maxed Out (http://www.filteringcraig.com/2008/05/16/mike-brown-has-maxed-out/)
WGS: Cavs/Celts Game 6 Preview (http://wickedgoodsports.com/celtics/celticscavs-game-6-preview/)
Gilroy: Celtics look to address road troubles tonight (http://www.itemlive.com/articles/2008/05/16/sports/sports04.txt)
AT
Boston Celtics (3-2) at Cleveland Cavaliers (2-3)
Round 2, Game #6
Friday, May 16
8:00 PM ET
TV: ESPN, CSN HD
Quicken Loans Arena
Chat (index.php?option=com_wrapper Itemid=240) l Game Thread (index.php?option=com_smf Itemid=64 topic=17848.0)
Cavaliers Blog: Cavalier Attitude (http://mvn.com/nba-cavaliers/)
Once again for the second series in a row, the Celtics will try to close
out an opponent in a game 6 on the road. The Celtics have yet to win on the
road in 5 tries and hopefully the 6th time is a charm. The momentum is in the
Celtics favor as they are coming off of one of their best efforts in the playoff
in game 5.
The Celtics can win on the road. They were the best road team in the
regular season. They won big pressure games in Detroit, LA, and the Texas
Triangle and so we know they are capable of winning under pressure on the road.
Why they haven't been able to get it done in the playoffs is anyone's guess.
Hopefully they will build on the rebounding and defensive effort from...
Herald For Celtics, giant ‘Q’ remains (http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/basketball/celtics/view.bg?articleid=1094435 format=text)
Ray Allen’s play is offensive (http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/basketball/celtics/view.bg?articleid=1094437 format=text)
Doc Rivers puts focus on ending series (http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/basketball/celtics/view.bg?articleid=1094439 format=text)
Cavaliers feel right at home (http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/basketball/celtics/view.bg?articleid=1094440 format=text)
Cavaliers hanging loose in face of elimination (http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/basketball/celtics/view.bg?articleid=1094443 format=text)
Injured shoulder sidelines Cavaliers’ Daniel Gibson (http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/basketball/celtics/view.bg?articleid=1094481 format=text)
Chris Paul makes you want to watch NBA playoffs (http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/basketball/other_nba/view.bg?articleid=1094485 format=text)
Billups works out for Pistons (http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/basketball/other_nba/view.bg?articleid=1094469 format=text)
Points well taken (http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/basketball/celtics/view.bg?articleid=1094464 format=text)
LeBron James confident, but Cavaliers’ fans desperate (http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/basketball/celtics/view.bg?articleid=1094483 format=text)
Globe Eager Celtics ready to take flight (http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/articles/2008/05/16/eager_celtics_ready_to_take_flight?mode=PF)
Sounding extension chord (http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/articles/2008/05/16/sounding_extension_chord?mode=PF)
Gibson (shoulder) to miss 1-2 weeks (http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/articles/2008/05/16/gibson_shoulder_to_miss_1_2_weeks?mode=PF)
Read More (index.php?option=com_content task=view id=3118 Itemid=189)
Brian Winhorst writes: (http://www.ohiomm.com/blogs/cavs/2008/05/14/cavs-celtics-game-5/)
After the game, LeBron made a little proclamation: “A LeBron James team
is never desperate.” I sort of differ on that one, but his point is
fair. There’s no doubt that he has personal confidence going and if the
Cavs play they way they did at home in Games 3 and 4 on Friday then
there is a lot more interesting basketball left. But the Cavs now have
no room for error and this team makes a lot of mistakes even in the
best of times.
There you have it people. LeBron is officially starting to talk in the third person. A Jeff Clark blog is always going to enjoy that.
A Daily Babble Production
Hours after the Pistons had put the finishing touches on their conference semis match-up with the Orlando Magic this past Tuesday night, Columbia Missourian reporter Bill Powell had a question: Do you think the Pistons end up raising Rip's number to the rafters in light of what happened tonight?
'What happened' in Auburn Hills earlier this week was that Richard Hamilton broke Isiah Thomas' career Pistons playoff scoring record (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080514/SPORTS03/805140391/1051/SPORTS03). With a 31-point effort in his 110th playoff game, Hamilton reached 2,282 playoff points as a Piston, surpassing Zeke's mark of 2,261. On an intriguing parallel, Thomas took 111 games to reach his total. The pair also have remarkably similar shooting numbers. Thomas averaged 20.4 points per postseason game on 44.1 percent shooting, including 34.6 percent on threes. Hamilton has averaged 20.7 points per game on 43.9 percent shooting from the field and 34.3 percent shooting from deep.
All that said, whether Rip Hamilton will see his number 32 jersey raised to the rafters remains a mystery to me. I've never been entirely sure what constitutes grounds for jersey-raising, and there doesn't seem to be a universal set of qualifications either...
Guess who ended the Cassell/House debate?
From Steve Bulpett in Thursday's Herald: (http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/basketball/celtics/view.bg?articleid=1094188 format=text)
He’s not a member of the Big Three, the New Three or the Three Amigos. He’s not even 23.
But last night Rajon Rondo saved the Celtics season.
And he did it with a couple of 3’s.
The Celts were listing toward doom, down a dozen at the Garden as halftime neared. LeBron James had flown out of his funk with 23 points in the opening 20 minutes. Everything was going Cleveland’s way, even when Rondo wound up with the ball on the right wing with the shot clock waning. The guy the Cavaliers are essentially daring to shoot had no choice but to do so.
The shot that found only net with 2:42 left wasn’t just Rondo’s third trey of the playoffs, it was his third trey since March 8.
Then, as if to prove it wasn’t a fluke, the kid came down less than a minute later and pulled up for another 3-pointer. More net.
In the blink of a statistical anomaly, the C’s pulled their one sneaker out of the playoff grave and were on their way to cutting their deficit to three points by the break.
Rondo's
threes were momentum...
Guess who ended the Cassell/House debate?
From Steve Bulpett in Thursday's Herald: (http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/basketball/celtics/view.bg?articleid=1094188 format=text)
He’s not a member of the Big Three, the New Three or the Three Amigos. He’s not even 23.
But last night Rajon Rondo saved the Celtics season.
And he did it with a couple of 3’s.
The Celts were listing toward doom, down a dozen at the Garden as halftime neared. LeBron James had flown out of his funk with 23 points in the opening 20 minutes. Everything was going Cleveland’s way, even when Rondo wound up with the ball on the right wing with the shot clock waning. The guy the Cavaliers are essentially daring to shoot had no choice but to do so.
The shot that found only net with 2:42 left wasn’t just Rondo’s third trey of the playoffs, it was his third trey since March 8.
Then, as if to prove it wasn’t a fluke, the kid came down less than a minute later and pulled up for another 3-pointer. More net.
In the blink of a statistical anomaly, the C’s pulled their one sneaker out of the playoff grave and were on their way to cutting their deficit to three points by the break....
ESPN reports: (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/playoffs2008/news/story?id=3397791)
INDEPENDENCE, Ohio -- Cavaliers point guard Daniel Gibson has a separated left shoulder and will miss Cleveland's Game 6 against the Boston Celtics.
Gibson, one of the Cavs' best perimeter shooters, left
in pain early in the fourth quarter Wednesday night following a
collision and did not return.
The team said an MRI revealed a first-degree separation and estimated he would miss one or two weeks.
Rondo, Pierce, Garnett and company once again took care of business on their home home court last night. However, that's just the first step and it doesn't do anything to clear up the questions about their record on the road.
The Celtics walked into the playoffs with the swagger of a team that had conquered the regular season and expected to do the same to the postseason. But something happened on the way to the Finals. At times you could describe the team's play as soft, timid, or even lost. These are not terms you hear associated with Championship teams. They need to fix that fast if they want to go down in history for the right reasons.
It isn't supposed to come easy in the playoffs. The stakes are higher, the teams are better, and everyone is fighting for their proverbial lives. But if you look back, the teams that win the title typically take care of business. The have an alpha-dog feel about them. Look at the Spurs; they have that swagger of we've been there before and we'll do...
Herald Home cooking again suits Celtics (http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/basketball/celtics/view.bg?articleid=1094186 format=text)
Rajon Rondo’s all grown up (http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/basketball/celtics/view.bg?articleid=1094188 format=text)
Glen Davis fills a Big role (http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/basketball/celtics/view.bg?articleid=1094190 format=text)
Cavaliers’ Delonte West keeps his eye on prize (http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/basketball/celtics/view.bg?articleid=1094192 format=text)
Big game small consolation for LeBron James (http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/basketball/celtics/view.bg?articleid=1094194 format=text)
Aggressive Kevin Garnett steps up game (http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/basketball/celtics/view.bg?articleid=1094197 format=text)
Pyro maniacs rejoice: Celtics say show will go on (http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/basketball/celtics/view.bg?articleid=1094196 format=text)
Ainge enjoys big day (http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/basketball/celtics/view.bg?articleid=1094198 format=text)
Globe Home security (http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/articles/2008/05/15/home_security?mode=PF)
Back here, they feel safe (http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/articles/2008/05/15/back_here_they_feel_safe?mode=PF)
In the third, James was given no quarter (http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/articles/2008/05/15/in_the_third_james_was_given_no_quarter?mode=PF)
They seemed to pass this test (http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/articles/2008/05/15/they_seemed_to_pass_this_test?mode=PF)
Rondo rose to occasion (http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/articles/2008/05/15/rondo_rose_to_occasion?mode=PF)
Ainge's honor is just a sidelight right now (http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/articles/2008/05/15/ainges_honor_is_just_a_sidelight_right_now?mode=PF)
Assorted posts in the Globe Celtics blog (http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/extras/celtics_blog/)...
"I've been coming over to help and (was willing) to give up a three by Rondo. He hadn't made too many in this series." The Cavaliers lost a point guard in Game 5. The Celtics relocated one. Cleveland, down 3-2 in the best-of-seven series, will be without Daniel "Boobie" Gibson in Game 6 tonight at 8 at Quicken Loans Arena. via The Chronicle Telegram
Daniel Gibson leaves the game Thursday night after injuring his shoulder. The Cavaliers will be without Daniel Gibson when they face the Boston Celtics in Game 6 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series ... via Cleveland.com
"When you play with Jason Kidd, you have to open it up" Rick Carlisle is ready to let Jason Kidd and the Dallas Mavericks run. And run. And run some more. via Houston Chronicle
"It's good to get this over with" The Detroit Pistons made just enough shots and stops to advance to the Eastern Conference finals for a sixth straight year. via Battle Creek Enquirer
"If LeBron James needs to knock someone down to get to the basket, he will be allowed to do so." The visiting side has been getting creamed in the second round of the NBA playoffs. via Canada.com
The elusive NBA championship isn't bestowed upon everyone. Each year only a selective few are able to be crown champions and win the award. via Associated Content
"There are two-step players and there are three-step players." Winning on the road is not easy in basketball. Not in college, not in high school, not on someone else's playground. via ScrippsNews
Boston Celtics forward Kevin Garnett, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, and NBA MVP Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers highlight the 2007-08 NBA All-Defensive Teams. via Kutv.com
Kevin Garnett had 26 points and 16 rebounds, Rajon Rondo added 20 points and 13 assists, and the Boston Celtics beat the Cleveland Cavaliers, 96-89, on Wednesday night to move within a win of the Eastern Conference finals.
LeBron James scored 21 points, jamming in a powerhouse dunk over a defenseless Kevin Garnett in the final two minutes, as the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the homesick Celtics 88-77 in Game 4 on Monday night to tie the best-of-seven series at 2-2.
Ray Allen broke out of a seven-quarter scoring drought with 16 points to help the Celtics beat the Cavaliers 89-73 on Thursday to take a 2-0 eries lead.
LeBron James says he won't miss baskets like he did in the series opener between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Boston Celtics. Neither, James believes, will Paul Pierce or Ray Allen.
Kevin Garnett scored 28 points and LeBron James couldn't make a basket down the stretch as the Boston Celtics eked out a 76-72 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday night in the opener of the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Hawks forward Marvin Williams isn't sure he'll be able to play Sunday in Game 7 of Atlanta's first-round playoff series against the Boston Celtics after spraining his left knee.
Hawks forward Marvin Williams isn't sure he'll be able to play Sunday in Game 7 of Atlanta's first-round playoff series against the Boston Celtics after spraining his left knee.
The Boston Celtics played hard all season for home-court advantage in the playoffs. They just didn't expect to need it this soon. The Celtics are back in Boston and hoping to finish off the pesky Atlanta Hawks on Sunday in Game 7.
Hawks forward Marvin Williams isn't sure he'll be able to play Sunday in Game 7 of Atlanta's first-round playoff series against the Boston Celtics after spraining his left knee.
The Hawks forced an improbable Game 7 with the Boston Celtics as Joe Johnson hit a crucial 3-pointer with 1:07 remaining and Atlanta held on for a 103-100 victory Friday night.
I don't know what to say. Following this team has left me drained and completely spent. And yes I know how pathetic that sounds. Trust me. I know. I'm just looking for the Celtics to go 8 deep, share the ball on offense and bring their top defensive game. Hey I get it. Cleveland is at home and "A LeBron James team is never desperate." Boston needs this one. And Kevin Garnett does too. Closing with a picture...NOW!
via www.nba.com
As a side note I'm putting the over/under of Perkins scowls at 9.5.
In the post-2002 Boston Sports Era, we&os;ve been trained to think positively. The 2003 Red Sox did their best to put us into our old way of thinking. The 2004 Sox did but then proved otherwise. Since then, we&os;ve...
I&os;ve tried to completely avoid situations like this in the past. I&os;ve had plenty of luck in avoiding the ridiculous amount of time, energy and coverage spent on the Roger Clemens downfall, Barry Bonds&os; never-ending melodrama and the many events...
Home teams are 20-1 in the 2nd round of the playoffs… so the Celtics aren't alone in having issues away from home. The Garbage Time All-Stars have tackled that in their usual Friday NBA Comic on Ball Don't Lie . I'm a Tim Duncan fan… but the shot they take at him is hysterical. Also included in the comic: LeBron and his Momma.
Speaking of LeBron… did anyone catch his post game comments from Game 5? BostonSportz did. I'd say Bron Bron is a little impressed with himself.
I'd be impressed if the Celtics could add a line to this shirt (via the AndOne blog)
Filed under: Celtics, Cavaliers, Eastern, NBA Playoffs, Boston, ClevelandIn another of our continuing series, five things to keep an eye out for tonight in the Celtics-Cavs Eastern Conference Semifinals Game 6 this evening.Nowhere To Go But Up. Or ... Home: Demolished in Game 4. Daniel Gibson out. Unable to get LeBron hot. Rajon Rondo shaking off doldrums. Kevin Garnett. There's a mountain of stuff lined up against Cleveland tonight. They are at home, but as much as it's been a saving grace for teams so far in the playoffs, that's got to end at some point. I hate using cliches, but they're unavoidable in this situation. The Cavaliers are in a position to bond together, give 110%, rise to meet the challenge, and let the hometown crowd buoy them to a Game 7 in Boston. It's not quite that simple though. Delonte's Inferno: Okay, Delonte West. You're up. Gibson is down, you've been great at home, and this team needs a shooter like nothing else. If the Cavaliers are going to push this thing back to Boston against all odds, they need West to do three things. Create, contain, and close. He's got to spark the offense. He's done a better job of that than even Gibson has done, and has done well both in transition and in the half court set of finding the open man and making the right decision. He's got to contain Rajon Rondo and send him back to his dreadful pre-Game 5 ways, and he's got close out by knocking down and defending three point shots.3. Death By Efficiency: Interesting twist. LeBron James doesn't have to be huge. He just has to be efficient. Even though James had 35 in Game 5, it was useless. He also was only 12 of 25 from the field, had only 3 rebounds, 5 assists, and had 4 turnovers. So maybe the key for the Cavs isn't for LeBron to go off and score a bazillion points. He needs to break 25, no doubt about that, especially with Gibson out. But he needs to be more active in all stages in the game, getting rebounds, creating open shots for Z on the baseline and West on the perimeter, and playing hard enough to exhaust Paul Pierce. Cleveland doesn't need a bigger King, it needs a smarter, more efficient L-Train (worst nickname, ever). 4. Back To What Doc Knows: The best thing Doc Rivers can do tonight? Stay out of the way. In Game 5, 4 out of 5 starters (Perkins being the predictable exception) played 40 minutes or more. Essentially, the same problem with Doc Rivers is the same problem it's always been. He's a bad coach. Okay, but more specifically, the man couldn't manage a lineup to save his soul. So the best option for him is just to ride his starters. Would it be nice to rest the big guns for later on? Yes. But they need to close this out so there's not a Game 7. They need to kill Cleveland while it's weak and doubting itself. Otherwise Game 7 is going to be just more intensity and physical strain. 5. MIA: Ray Allen and Zydrunas Ilgauskus. So much for veteran leadership and scoring. Both players were absent for Game 5, and Allen's been a dud for the entire playoffs. This is an elimination game. Both teams need everything their players have. The Cavs cannot win with Zydrunas Ilgauskus in single digits. It's a simple formula. For the Celtics, they don't need Allen to shoot a lot, just hit the few he takes. But that's not really his style, any more than Z's style is no longer attacking in the post. Both players need a renaissance tonight. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Herald For Celtics, giant 'Q' remainsRay Allen's play is offensive Doc Rivers puts focus on ending seriesFL's Take: The Celtics definitely need to end the series tonight. They can win a championship without winning on the road, but their character will always be questioned. Cavaliers feel right at home Cavaliers hanging loose in face of eliminationInjured shoulder sidelines Cavaliers' Daniel GibsonChris Paul makes you want to watch NBA playoffsBillups works out for PistonsFL's Take: This is another reason the Celtics need to win tonight. The longer the series goes, the more rested and healthy the Pistons will be. Points well takenLeBron James confident, but Cavaliers' fans desperateGlobe Eager Celtics ready to take flightSounding extension chordGibson (shoulder) to miss 1-2 weeks MetroWest Daily Can the C's close it out tonight? FL's Take: They can if they play their game. If they play the kind of defense they play at home and move the ball like they do at home they will win. CelticsBlog New record offers chance to praise deserving PistonCeltics Stuff Live post game show tonight LOY's Place Celtics look to close out series on the road Here we go againItem Live Celtics look to address road troubles tonight Sports Nut Dispatch from the new GardenIndy Cornrows Kevin Garnett working for Championship swagger Five Tool Tool Celtics- Cavs: Like watching digestion Section F Sports Rondo to the rescueNBA Roundtable Back up guards strugglingThe Sports Beat Big second half saves seasonThe Score Hey Doc... Rondo's the right oneSports of Boston Celtics four point play SI.com Cavaliers lose sharp shooting Gibson for game 6Billups on track for East finals BostonSportZ How can anyone be a LeBron fan after this?HoopsAddict How to stop LeBron James on the breakAnd One Something's in the air SouthCoast Today Rondo proves himself on big stageFL's Take: Rondo has proved he can play. Doc needs to stop with the Sam Cassell nonsense and let Rondo play. He is young and healthy and there is no reason he shouldn't play at least 40 minutes per game. He needs to be out there for the entire 4th quarter. Red's Army Finish them Connecticut Post Jonny Rondo W-I-PHardwood Paroxysm Danny Ainge wins award for being the luckiest GM in the league Word Acre Where have you gone David Thirdkill?Fox Sports Danny Ainge Exec of the Year... Are you kidding? BSO Memo to Doc RiversPlain Dealer Where there's smoke, there's not always ire Determined Cavs stressing the positive for Game 6 Thoughts on Game 5: This one's on Mike BrownOffense has big blind spot: What happened to Z? ESPN Barkley faces felony if he doesn't play back $400KBoston Blood Sox 5 Reasons the Celtics must win tonightBleacher Report Celtics' Garnett bursts into flames following Game 5 winNBA Roundtable Should Eddie House play?In The Pines A neophyte's theory on why the Celtics are inconsistent in the playoffsCourtside View On the road again in search of game 6 closeoutParquet Pride Rondo puts the swagger back in the CelticsMetro C's head back to Cleveland looking to break road hexReturn to basics Worcester Telegram Celts look to finish CavsHoopsworld James, Cavs look to survive elimination in game 6Boston Daily In praise of Paul PierceBloomberg Boston Celtics giant falls short of greatThe Gazette Celtics crave elusive road victory[Discuss this topic on the Celtics Green Forums!]
Herald For Celtics, giant 'Q' remains
Ray Allen's play is offensive
Doc Rivers puts focus on ending series
Cavaliers feel right at home
Cavaliers hanging loose in face of elimination
Injured shoulder sidelines Cavaliers' Daniel Gibson
Chris Paul makes you want to watch NBA playoffs
Billups works out for Pistons
Points well taken
LeBron James confident, but Cavaliers' fans desperate
Globe Eager Celtics ready to take flight
Sounding extension chord
Gibson (shoulder) to miss 1-2 weeks
MetroWest Daily Can the C's close it out tonight?
CelticsBlog New record offers chance to praise deserving Piston
Celtics Stuff Live post game show tonight
LOY's Place Celtics look to close out series on the road
Here we go again
Item Live Celtics look to address road troubles tonight
Sports Nut Dispatch from the new Garden
Indy Cornrows Kevin Garnett working for Championship swagger
Five Tool Tool Celtics- Cavs: Like watching digestion
Section F Sports Rondo to the rescue
NBA Roundtable Back up guards struggling
The Sports Beat Big second half saves season
The Score Hey Doc… Rondo's the right one
Sports of Boston Celtics four point play
SI.com Cavaliers loose sharp shooting Gibson for game 6
Billups on track for East finals
BostonSportZ How can anyone be a LeBron fan after this?
HoopsAddict How to stop LeBron James on the break
And One Something's in the air
SouthCoast Today Rondo proves himself on big stage
Red's Army Finish them
Connecticut Post Jonny Rondo W-I-P
Hardwood Paroxysm Danny Ainge wins award for being the luckiest GM in the league
Word Acre Where have you gone David Thirdkill?
Fox Sports Danny Ainge Exec of the Year… Are you kidding?
BSO Memo to Doc Rivers
Plain Dealer Where there's smoke, there's not always ire
Determined Cavs stressing the positive for Game 6
Thoughts on Game 5: This one's on Mike Brown
Offense has big blind spot: What happened to Z?
ESPN Barkley faces felony if he doesn't play back $400K
Boston Blood Sox 5 Reasons the Celtics must win tonight
Bleacher Report Celtics' Garnett bursts into flames following Game 5 win
NBA Roundtable Should Eddie House play?
In The Pines A neophyte's theory on why the Celtics are inconsistent in the playoffs
Courtside View On the road again in search of game 6 closeout
Parquet Pride Rondo puts the swagger back in the Celtics
Metro C's head back to Cleveland looking to break road hex
Return to basics
Worcester Telegram Celts look to finish Cavs
Hoopsworld James, Cavs look to survive elimination in game 6
Boston Daily In praise of Paul Pierce
Bloomberg Boston Celtics giant falls short of great
The Gazette Celtics crave elusive road victory
The Celtics are once again up 3-2 in a playoff series. In the first series, the Celtics were expected to sweep the lowly Hawks and they appeared to be doing just that as they won the first two games at home by an average of 21 points. Then, they went on the road and inexplicably the Celtics went flat, allowing the Hawks to gain confidence and tie the game at 2 apiece. In Game 5, the Celtics once again were dominant and we all thought they had turned the corner and would go back to Atlanta and close out the series but again, the Celtics couldn't win on the road. It took a 7th game at home where they blew out the Hawks by over 30 points to get tot he second round. Bring on the Cavs. Once again in the second round, the Celtics won the first two games at home. The first game was way too close for Celtics' fans liking, but the second game they went back to being dominant. Then came the road and again, in game 3, the Celtics were blown out. In game 4, the Celtics had a chance to win, but seemed to stop playing in the 4th quarter, allowing the Cavs to bring the series back to Boston tied 2-2. Once again, the home court allowed the Celtics to win big in game 5 with impressive defense. We have been here before. We are going into game 6 with the Celtics up 3-2 and a chance to close out the series. We all expected them to break out of their road slump in their game 6 against the Hawks but it didn't happen. There are a lot of people now doubting this team. Great teams win on the road. The Pistons did it in this round and are just sitting around and getting rested before the start of the EC finals. Can the Celtics break out and finally win on the road and close this series out now? I think they can and will. The Celtics certainly know how to win on the road. They won big playoff like games on the road in the regular season. They won a big game in Detroit giving them the season series against the Pistons. They won the 3 big games on the road in Texas. The Rockets game was especially a tough one to win and the home team was on a 22 game win streak and the Celtics were playing the 4th game of a 5 game road trip. The were one of only 4 teams to beat the Jazz on their home court all season. They won on the Lakers' home court. And they won all those games with their stifling defense and effective ball movement, the same defense and ball movement we have seen them play at home in the playoffs. Yet, so far in the playoffs, that defense and ball movement has not been seen on the road. The bottom line is that it comes down to focus and mental toughness. They know what to do and are fully capable of doing it. They have been questioned as a team and although the 4 teams in the second round are a combined 20-1 on the road, it is the Celtics that have faced the most criticism because they are the only team that failed to win on the road in the first round. The fact is that the Celtics don't have to win on the road. They can win a championship without ever winning a road game, thanks to the fact that they played every game in the regular season like it was the playoffs. Even though they could win the championship without a road win, they need to win one on the road simply to put the questions about their heart and toughness to rest. If they don't win a road game, there will always be an asterisk on this team because of it. Hopefully, the Celtics will forget that they don't need to win on the road and come out and play tonight like it is game 7 and finally put to rest all the questions. I do know one thing, if the Celtics play their game with the tough defense they have played all season and the ball movement that makes them so hard to defend against, they will get a win tonight. The ball is in their court, so to speak. [Discuss this topic on the Celtics Green Forums!]
One thing we know… basketball will be played in Boston on Sunday. The only thing we need to figure out is if we'll be playing Cleveland… or Detroit. The Celtics fans I've been talking to are feeling confident about tonight. Part of it is because we've seen Rondo step up… Paul Pierce go to the hole… KG get aggressive… and Boobie Gibson go down (which will immediately become an excuse for some of the Cavs fans that have been talking trash here).
I REALLY would like to see the real Celtics show up tonight. Let's cut this “can't win on the road” crap… let's not let Chauncey Billups fully heal… let's send a message to the people who thing the Celtics can't win it all now. Enough already.
I think the first order of business for the C's tonight should be running some sets for Ray Allen early. Let's see if we can get him hot. Run him off some picks… let him curl to the middle… and get him a few 15 footers. If Ray can come out and knock down some easy J's… then we can move him back out and force Cleveland to adjust. Then we can get it to KG… or let Pierce drive… or have Rondo do what he does. They've done all those things without Ray… but man… won't it be nice to see that offense humming along with Ray Allen splashing jumpers like he used to?
Herald: Allen's play has been offensive | Which team will show? | Doc puts focus on ending series | Cavs feel right at home | Point well taken | Cavs hang loose | Globe: Celtics ready to take flight | Cavs sound extension chord | Notebook: House would have come in for Rondo | Souza: Can C's close it out? | Plain Dealer: Where there's smoke, there's not always ire | Det News: Billups will be ready | SI: Another home team wins… Spurs force game 7 | Barkley's $400k ‘Mistake'
Filed under: Celtics, NBA Playoffs, NBA Videos, Boston, The Word, FanHouse TVElie Seckbach, the Embedded NBA Correspondent, brings his exclusive NBA reporting to FanHouse. Check back here regularly for more videos. In this video we talk to NBA star Paul Pierce about the Celtics, his young teammates and more. Around 1:12 into the video Paul tells us about some of his limits.AOL Video link. Youtube link. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
With 3:41 to go in the first half the Celtics trailed the Cavaliers 43-29 and LeBron James was lighting up the TD Banknorth Garden. Boston worked the ball around until Rajon Rondo assisted on a Kevin Garnett jumper that cut the deficit to 12. After a Zyrdunas Ilgauskas air ball Paul Pierce pushed the ball before dishing to Kendrick Perkins. From there it went Perk to Rondo to Pierce to KG to Pierce and back to KG. Garnett drove, drew the double and found a wide open Rondo. The former Kentucky Wildcat nailed a three. 9 point Cavaliers lead. The Cavs did not capitalize on an offensive rebound, turning the ball over instead. Once again Pierce pushed the tempo. This time he found Ray Allen on the wing. Allen immediately kicked it to Rondo in the opposite corner. He measured the shot and let another three pointer fly. Once again he found nothing but net. Now the crowd was rocking and the C’s were in striking distance. On the opposite end of the court Rondo ran around like a mad man. Cleveland buckled under the pressure, turned it over yet again and was forced to foul Pierce on the break. He hit both freebies to bring the Celtics within 4. Just when it looked like nothing could go wrong Delonte West nailed a three. KG answered with a jumper. 5-point game. After a ill-fated LeBron James fall away jumper missed the mark Boston had the ball with 20 seconds to go. Pierce went to work on West to cut the margin to 3 at the half. All things considered that wasn’t too bad. Rondo finished with 20 points, 13 assists, 2 rebounds, 2 steals, 2 blocks and only 1 turnover in 42 minutes of playing time. Some of those baskets were floaters in the lane and one of those assists set up KG for a nice dunk. But I loved the first half three pointers. After all that has been said about his shooting ability it was great to see him knock a few down and kick start Boston's comeback. And he really was the energizer bunny on defense. There's a reason Celtics fans love this guy.
via members.cox.net
AT Once again for the second series in a row, the Celtics will try to close out an opponent in a game 6 on the road. The Celtics have yet to win on the road in 5 tries and hopefully the 6th time is a charm. The momentum is in the Celtics favor as they are coming off of one of their best efforts in the playoff in game 5. The Celtics can win on the road. They were the best road team in the regular season. They won big pressure games in Detroit, LA, and the Texas Triangle and so we know they are capable of winning under pressure on the road. Why they haven't been able to get it done in the playoffs is anyone's guess. Hopefully they will build on the rebounding and defensive effort from game 5 to get a win in this game as well. Rondo's play was key to game 5 and will once again be needed if the Celtics want to win this game on the road. Unfortunately, in past games on the road, Rondo has struggled. Hopefully he has turned the corner and will come out with a strong game in this one as well. Hopefully, Doc will either play Eddie House or play Sam Cassell sparingly when Rondo is resting as Sam has struggled in this series. The Celtics need to close this series out tonight as the Pistons are just sitting at home and resting and getting healthy as they wait for the winner of this series. The Pistons are the only team in the second round to win on the road and although the Celtics could win the championship without winning on the road, the great teams do win on the road and the Celtics need to prove that they are one of the great teams with a win here. Probable Starting Matchups PG: Rajon Rondo vs Delonte West SG: Ray Allen vs Wally Szczerbiak SF: Paul Pierce vs LeBron JamesPF: Kevin Garnett vs Ben Wallace C: Kendrick Perkins vs Zydrunas Ilgauskas Sixth Man: James Posey vs Anderson Varejao Injuries: Scott Pollard, Ankle, out Eric Snow, ankle, out Daniel Gibson, shoulder, out Key Matchups Rajon Rondo vs Delonte West In game 5, Rondo played circles around Delonte and was a big reason for the Celtics win. They will need him to come out just as aggressively in this game and Doc should stick with Rondo for most of the game. Paul Pierce vs LeBron James LeBron broke out in the first half in game 5 for 23 but scored just 12 in the second half. The Celtics did a good job of defending him while still not ignoring his teammates. The Celtics will need to try to keep LeBron from taking over the game but also they will need to pay attention to his teammates who have proven that they also can beat them. Expect to see Pierce on LeBron with single coverage at times and at other times, they may double him, depending who is hot. Honorable MentionRay Allen vs Wally SzczerbiakRay still hasn't broken out of his shooting slump but has done other things to help the team such as that rebound late in game 5 to preserve the win. He also did a better job of defending Wally and keeping him from getting his shot off. It would be nice to see Ray go off offensively to make Wally have to expend some energy on defense. We will need points from Ray to pull this one out on the road. Keys to the GamePlay 48 minutes The Celtics have stumbled out of the gate in the last couple of games. At home they were able to get back into it and pull away, but on the road, they haven't been able to overcome the pit that they found themselves in. Also, the Celtics have stumbled in the 4th quarter, allowing the Cavs to get back in games. They need to come out strong and play aggressively for 48 minutes if they want to win this. Rebound When the Celtics out rebound the Cavs, they win. It is as simple as that. Because rebounding is an indication of effort, When the Celtics are putting out the effort they need to win, they will also be going after the rebounds. They can not allow the Cavs to get 2nd and 3rd chance baskets if they want to win this. Ball Movement When the Celtics move the ball and find the open man, their offense is hard to stop. When they bog down with each player looking for his shot, then the offense literally stops and they can't score. The way to beat the Cavs defense is to move the ball as they did in the 3rd quarter of game 5. Rondo did an excellent job of keeping the ball moving and setting up the offense in game 5 and he needs to continue to play that way in this game. Be Aggressive The Celtics can't settle for quick jumpers. They have to be aggressive and take the ball to the hoop to either get a high percentage shot or to draw the foul. The Cavs have been shooting twice as many free throws as the Celtics and it is hard to win in that situation. The Celtics need to be more aggressive on offense and get the Cavs in foul trouble. They also have to be aggressive in going after loose balls and rebounds. In games 3 and 4, it seemed as though the Celtics were sluggish and letting the Cavs beat them to loose balls and rebounds. They have to be more aggressive in this one if they want to win this. Defense At home, the Celtics play a suffocating team defense but on the road, they have allowed the Cavs to shoot close to 50% and the defense hasn't been anywhere to be seen on the road. The Celtics have to focus and play the same kind of defense on the road as they do at home. X-FactorFocus and Intensity The Celtics need to maintain their focus on both ends of the court to close this series out here. They need to keep their defensive focus to get stops and they have to keep their offensive focus to move the ball and find the open man. They also have to come out with intensity and play with intensity throughout the game. If they lose focus, they will have to play a game 7 while the Pistons are resting up. [Discuss this topic on the Celtics Green Forums!]
APDelonte West tried but couldn&os;t catch up to Rajon Rondo in Game 5. Maybe this was the way it had to be, but a 22-year-old got these veteran Celtics back on track. Sure, Paul Pierce (29 points) and Kevin Garnett...
Globe and Boston.com
All things considered, coulda been worse