Taking Stock: C’s – Knicks Game 1

Taking stock
After each game, we'll be taking stock in each players… and maybe coach's… performance.  If we like what we see, we're buyin'.  If we don't, we're sellin'.  Or maybe we'll just hold onto our stock until we see more next game

Buy Jermaine O'Neal:  I touched on this in the dump, but he's doing exactly what the C's need.  Just patrol the paint, protect the basket, and rebound.  He shot 6-6 last night because he wasn't looking for his offense.  If he was, he'd have been 4-12. 

Ray Allen:  The only member of the Big 4 to shoot better than 37.5%, Ray finally found his shooting touch.  After the game, he'd say shooting is all about rhythm.  He found his last night.  Just in time.  Now to keep it that way

KG/Pierce/Rondo:  I'm putting them all together because even though they shot a combined 16-44, they all did other things to help the team win.  KG had 13 rebounds… five of them were offensive.  Rondo had nine assists and nine rebounds… three of THOSE were offensive.  And Paul Pierce played solid D on Carmelo, hit clutch shots down the stretch then made the pass to Ray… trusting his teammate and getting the win.

Sell Ray Allen/Celtics Bench post 3:  You know, for a veteran team, the Celtics really lost their composure after Ray hit that shot.  Ray and Delonte were celebrating while the Knicks, who had no timeouts, were bringing the ball up the floor.  THEN, Doc and Lawrence Frank were both screaming to give the foul… which Ray was going to do as Melo launched the 3.  Luckily he pulled back in time.  Toss Rajon Rondo into that mix too.  He had a chance to foul but didn't.  As Doc said… they got away with one there.

Hold Jeff Green:  He played very well defensively and helped keep Carmelo Anthony in check while Pierce got a little rest.  Offensively, we need to see a little more… though he did make a couple of jumpers.  Again, though… no rebounds in 17 minutes won't cut it. 

Glen Davis: He actually played pretty well for a guy who shot 1-8.  He was a team high +13.  I want to see more from Baby, though.  If you're gonna trash talk Amar'e Stoudemire… back it up and stop him.  Is that asking too much of Big Baby?  Not when you run your yap and say its not that hard to guard someone.  Baby set the bar pretty high.  Now either shut up and play… or back up your words.

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