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.
Paul Pierce played like a man possessed in the first half, scoring at
will and piling up 22 points. And even though Orlando was able to keep
Pierce in check during the second half, Rajon Rondo emerged in the third
and fourth quarters. However, it can’t be understated how important
Howard’s presence on defense is because when Marcin Gortat
was in the game, Rondo did whatever he wanted offensively. Clearly not
deterred, Rondo attacked the basket many times against Gortat and
scored. When Howard was in the game, Rondo was forced to operate around
the perimeter but it didn’t seem to matter, as he was able to make a few
jumpers at crucial junctures of the game. There were times, though,
when Rondo was able to get out in transition and score when Howard was
trailing him. Needless to say, Rondo is a smart player.
will and piling up 22 points. And even though Orlando was able to keep
Pierce in check during the second half, Rajon Rondo emerged in the third
and fourth quarters. However, it can’t be understated how important
Howard’s presence on defense is because when Marcin Gortat
was in the game, Rondo did whatever he wanted offensively. Clearly not
deterred, Rondo attacked the basket many times against Gortat and
scored. When Howard was in the game, Rondo was forced to operate around
the perimeter but it didn’t seem to matter, as he was able to make a few
jumpers at crucial junctures of the game. There were times, though,
when Rondo was able to get out in transition and score when Howard was
trailing him. Needless to say, Rondo is a smart player.
On the other end, Orlando was simply a step slow. Yes, it held the
Celtics to just below their average efficiency, and yes, it forced some
turnovers. However, the Magic moved sluggishly on defense. Matt Barnes
and Mickael Pietrus too often allowed Pierce to catch the ball in his
comfort zone–really anywhere from 15 to 18 feet from the basket, but
especially on the right side, elbow extended–and he made them pay by
sinking some signature stepback jumpers. He also drew fouls, some more
legitimate than others, to work his way to the line. That is his game.
Celtics to just below their average efficiency, and yes, it forced some
turnovers. However, the Magic moved sluggishly on defense. Matt Barnes
and Mickael Pietrus too often allowed Pierce to catch the ball in his
comfort zone–really anywhere from 15 to 18 feet from the basket, but
especially on the right side, elbow extended–and he made them pay by
sinking some signature stepback jumpers. He also drew fouls, some more
legitimate than others, to work his way to the line. That is his game.
After haunting Cavs fans in the second round, Rondo has danced his way into the heads of the Magic faithful
As for Pierce, the Magic should have seen this coming. I guess they thought Barnes and Pietrus (two solid defenders) would be able to do something, anything.
On Page 2, some fun at the expense of JJ Reddick, Vince Carter and Rashard Lewis.
No, this series isn't over, but the Magic now find themselves in a deep,
dank, dark hole with the Celtics shoveling dirt on top of their heads.
How deep, dark and dank is the hole? Well, let me put it to you this
way: The Celtics are 32-0 all-time when going up 2-0 in a best-of-seven
series.
By the way, has anybody seen Rashard Lewiss? I'm not going to mention
his contract — $118 million$118 million$118million$118 million! — but
he hit only 2 of 10 shots and scored 6 points in Game 1 and followed
that up with a 2-of-6, 5-point performance in Game 2. The only way the
Magic will ever justify Lewis's salary is with a championship and right
now that seems about as likely as Stan Van Gundy on the cover of GQ.
dank, dark hole with the Celtics shoveling dirt on top of their heads.
How deep, dark and dank is the hole? Well, let me put it to you this
way: The Celtics are 32-0 all-time when going up 2-0 in a best-of-seven
series.
By the way, has anybody seen Rashard Lewiss? I'm not going to mention
his contract — $118 million$118 million$118million$118 million! — but
he hit only 2 of 10 shots and scored 6 points in Game 1 and followed
that up with a 2-of-6, 5-point performance in Game 2. The only way the
Magic will ever justify Lewis's salary is with a championship and right
now that seems about as likely as Stan Van Gundy on the cover of GQ.
Orlando Sentinel – Celtics Showing They're Better
As for Carter and Redick? Barring a miraculous comeback to win this
series, their gaffes will go down as one of the most glaring in Magic
history. Carter's reputation for not delivering in the clutch worsened
tonight, and I expect several national, mainstream media columnists to
paste him in the papers and on the internet tomorrow for failing to come
through.
series, their gaffes will go down as one of the most glaring in Magic
history. Carter's reputation for not delivering in the clutch worsened
tonight, and I expect several national, mainstream media columnists to
paste him in the papers and on the internet tomorrow for failing to come
through.
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