I often wonder what opposing teams, their beat reporters and bloggers are saying about the Celtics after playing the Celtics. Here's a dose of 'enemy chatter' from Orlando.
The Magic never gave up and displayed the type of mental toughness that’s been missing from the team. Yes, Boston was without the services of Rajon Rondo and Kendrick Perkins, two key cogs in their starting lineup. But it would be an insult to Orlando’s effort to shortchange the importance of their victory, given that this a roster that’s still trying to get to know each other.
For Orlando to defeat a team of Boston's caliber with Dwight Howard scoring just 6 points attests to their resolve, on some level, I believe. I understand that if Nelson misses those three-pointers, or if Celtics point guard Nate Robinson shot better tan 2-of-15, then the tone of the conversation shifts and we're instead talking about how the Celtics are still in the Magic's heads, or something. I get that. But I think, and I get the impression most Magic fans would agree with me, that last year's squad would not have pulled this game out.
It didn't take long for Magic fans to declare their new look team "mentally tougher" than last year's squad. Hell… any team will improve its mental toughness the moment Vince Carter is shipped out of town.
I will give them credit for making clutch plays in the final 3 minutes of yesterday's game. But even with the lead bouncing from 6 to 9 points, I never felt the Celtics were in command of this game.
I get it… Magic fans are desperate for affirmation of their new team's status as a contender.
What's laughable… is the notion that not having a superstar point guard is equal to new players getting accustomed to one another.
On Page 2, the reaction I got on Twitter after reminding Magic fans Rajon Rondo was on the bench.
You're right about no Rondo. What about, 4 new guys, hardly any practice? Perspective is needed!
No practice together. Shut up.
ah, so rondo is what makes the celtics clutch and tough. Good to know (weird, didn't hear that one until they lost)
There must be a rash of short memory disease in Orlando.
How about Rajon Rondo's 12.8 ppg, 8.5 rpg and 7.5 apg vs the Magic in the regular season last year? Or the 14 ppg and 8 apg in last year's playoff series?
Maybe this 5 minute highlight clip from Game 3 will slap some sense into them:
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2EguK4xj0c&w=440&h=385]
And I didn't even mention Perk and Delonte West.
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