Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here… highlighting the big storyline. Because there's nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.
IMPROVED REBOUNDING
… By that measure the Celtics rank third in defensive rebounding, getting 77 percent of the available defensive rebounds. (The Bucks are a little bit better, while the Magic are far and away the best in the league at better than 81 percent). By comparison, the Celtics were right around league average last season, ranking 14th.
SHOOTING SMARTER, SHOOTING BETTER
The Celtics rank second in the NBA in field goal percentage at 49 percent, just a tick behind Atlanta. They are also fifth in 3-point percentage, making 41 percent of their shots.
The interesting thing for the Celtics is that they are taking noticeably fewer 3’s than they did last season when they averaged more than 17 attempts per night. This season they have taken only 13.4 per game, the lowest number in the league.
LIMITING TURNOVERS
They had an unsightly 54 turnovers in their first three games, but lately the trend has been improving. They had 61 in their last five games, which is just about where they need to be in order to be effective. Pierce has been better with the ball this season, but it’s been a team-wide effort.
BIG THREE IN SYNC
Pierce has taken 14.5 shots per game, Allen is at 14.4 and Garnett checks in with 13.3 attempts. That balance makes them very difficult to guard because defenses are forced to play them straight-up and all three have made a comfortable living feasting on single coverage.
WEEI – Breaking down Celtics hot start
Paul Flannery does a great job analyzing the positives from the Celtics 8-2 start. While the rebounding and turnover numbers get the most attention, I love the balance and offensive efficiency.
Four fewer three point bombs per game? Oh Rasheed…
And you gotta give Rajon Rondo huge credit for these offensive numbers. He makes sure all the guys get their touches… and get great looks.
On Page 2, why Marquis Daniels might miss tomorrow's game.
Adding to the roster depth woes, the C’s could be without Marquis Daniels against the Wizards. The backup swingman’s absence from practice was excused.
“Marquis has a family issue,” Rivers said. “He probably will not be here (today) and may not even be back by (tomorrow).” . . .
Herald – West in, Jermaine out
And the carosel continues… with Quisy the latest to step off. Even with Delonte back, Daniels' absence should mean more minutes for Von Wafer who is better suited to play the 3.
The rest of the links:
Globe – West raring to go | Better than you thought? | Herald – West ready to go | Shaq gives back | Baby gets Big break in children's book | CSNNE – Jermaine to miss two weeks | Shank on West, Jermaine | ESPN Boston – Perk finds inspiration in Welker | Delonte ready for debut | Cs top ESPN power rankings |
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