Celtics Reloaded: The Story of the 2009-2010 Boston Celtics

[blakjak12]

Rondo and Allen still do not seem to be consistently getting it done for you.

[rjsuperfly66]

Celtics (4-6) vs. Bucks (4-6)
November 15th, 2009
Bradley Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Starters
Rajon Rondo Point Guards Brandon Jennings

Ray Allen Shooting Guards Michael Redd

Paul Pierce Small Forwards Luc Mbah a Moute

Kevin Garnett Power Forwards Ersan Ilyasova

Rasheed Wallace (Perkins Out) Center Andrew Bogut

Bucks Wake Up Late, Prevent Celtics Comeback
Bob Ryan

Jennings had 34 huge points to keep the Bucks ahead in this one

In an exciting game, the Celtics would come back, only to have their effort fall painfully short in the last minute, as they would take a difficult loss on the road, 118-112.

A slow start hurt the Celtics at the beginning of this one. They dug themselves an early 7-2 hole, and had to work they way out early. Although the Celtics would come back from the deficit, foul trouble to Garnett and Rasheed Wallace early would lead to Doc Rivers bringing in Brian Scalabrine for important minutes in the post. However, the Celtics would fight back, taking their first lead at 15-14 with 5:14 remaining in the first off of a Ray Allen three. Despite the slow start, the Celtics would heat up, ending the quarter leading 28-16, behind Ray Allen's 9 points and Glen Davis' 8.

Despite the tough finish to the quarter, the Bucks would come out hot in the second and cut the Celtics lead to 2 with a 10-0 run over 1:34, and regain the lead, 31-30, with 9:16 remaining in the quarter. The teams would play back and forth for a while, with the Celtics finally tying the game at 37 with 5:45 remaining in the second quarter. The teams would again play competitively throughout the remainder of the quarter, with the Bucks playing harder towards the end of the quarter and opening up a 52-45 lead.

The Bucks started the second half like the ended the first, leaving the Celtics asking for answers with the Bucks up 63-47 with 9:55 left in the third. Everytime the Celtics seemed to cut into the lead, the Bucks would extend it back out to 16. However, with five minutes left in the quarter, the Celtics began to cut into that 16 point lead. With 1:26 left, the Celtics had cut the lead to 79-72. By the end of the quarter, the Celtics had pulled within 2, at 79-77, on a Pierce 3 with six seconds left.

The Celtics continued to put the pressure on the Bucks, but every time the Celtics had a chance to go ahead or make a big stop, Brandon Jennings would make a big play. With 7:24 remaining, the Bucks gained control again with a 93-85 lead. However, the Celtics would not go down without a fight, continually battling to trim the lead. With 6 minutes left, the Bucks held a 95-91 lead. With 4:55 left, the Bucks would take a timeout, holding on to a 100-95 lead in this offensive battle.

The Celtics would continue to work hard, waiting for a Milwaukee letdown to give them a chance. Two Paul Pierce free throws with 2:49 left would cut the Milwaukee lead to 104-103, keeping Boston in perfect position for the comeback. Boston would retake the lead with 2:06 left, when Kevin Garnett stole a post pass and pushed the ball to Rajon Rondo for a layup, 107-106. However, on the next possession Michael Redd would hit a runner to put Milwaukee back on top, 108-107 with 1:46 left. A Kevin Garnett layup with 1:35 left would put Boston back on top, 109-108, and this was certainly on its way to a wild finish. Kevin Garnett would tip a Brandon Jennings pass on the next Milwaukee possession, and Rajon Rondo would gain possession for the Celtics. Later in the possession, Rondo would hit Garnett from the top of the key for a jumper, extending the Celtics lead to 111-108 with 1:01 left. Andrew Bogut would hit a jumper with 54.6 left, closing the Celtics lead to 111-110, leading to what might have been the biggest possession of the game. Rondo would have his pass stolen and taken back for a layup by Brandon Jennings, putting Milwaukee back on top, 112-111, with 39.5 remaining in this one. On the next Celtics possession, Paul Pierce would be stripped by Michael Redd in the paint and Redd would put up the transition 3 to give the Bucks a 115-111 lead with 23.5 left in the fourth. Ray Allen would miss a layup, and Bogut would go to the line to ice the game. Unfortunately, he would miss one of two, giving the Celtics a chance down 5, but Pierce would be called for a charge, his third of the game, and that would end the game. After trading fouls, the Milwaukee Bucks would win this one, 118-112.

This one was painful to witness, as the Celtics had the lead late in the game and just could not hold on. The loss of Kendrick Perkins was clearly a factor, because they could not prevent offensive rebounds, and also had to play Brian Scalabrine and Shelden Williams due to the lack of another post player when KG, Rasheed, and Big Baby Glen Davis all picked up two fouls in the first quarter.

Brandon Jennings was a beast in this one, scoring 34 points with 10 assists, and Michael Redd added 26 points of his own.

For the Green, Ray Allen had 27 points and Pierce added 25 in the loss. The Celtics will next face division leader, New York, at home on Tuesday.

Box Score For Starters

Celtics

Rondo - 8 Points (3/7), 12 Assists, 4 Rebounds
R. Allen - 27 points (11/18), 4 Assists, 2 Rebounds
Pierce - 25 Points (8/15), 2 Rebounds, 2 Assists
Garnett - 16 Points (6/13), 7 Rebounds, 3 Steals
Wallace - 19 Points (9/13), 4 Rebounds, 3 Blocks

Bucks

Jennings - 34 Points (12/19), 10 Assists, 1 Steal
Redd - 26 Points (9/15), 7 Assists, 1 Rebound
Mbah a Moute- 5 Points (1/9), 5 Rebounds, 4 Blocks
Ilyasova- 11 Points (4/8), 5 Rebounds, 3 Steals
Bogut - 18 Points (8/11), 14 Rebounds, 3 Blocks

[rjsuperfly66]

Michael Felger: Welcome back to Felger and Massarotti here on 98.5 The Sports Hub. Its 3:20, and it is Monday, November 17th, so it is now time for our weekly interview with Boston Celtics Head Coach Doc Rivers. How's it going coach?

Doc Rivers: It has been better, been worse, how are you guys?

Tony Massarotti: Well Doc, we are doing alright. What happened to the team last week, that the question people have wanted us to ask?

Doc: It was just a bad stretch of games. We are turning it around, trust me. Losing Kendrick hurt, but he could be back this week. Remember, despite our awful 0-4 start to the season, we are 4-3 since then, and were 4-1 with Perk in the lineup. We will get it back together, don't worry about it guys.

Felger: What makes the lose of Kendrick hurt so much?

Doc: Let's face it, when you lose a starter who is a dominant post defender, that is going to hurt your team. Not only will it hurt your post defense, but it will hurt your depth. When Perkins needed a breather, we could put Rasheed in. Now that Rasheed has to play in his absence, who is your backup center? Scalabrine? Shelden Williams? So there is a big two-fold loss with the injury of Perk, we are just happy he should return soon.

Massaroti: You mentioned the injury to Perkins. What is the extent of that injury?

Doc: Lucky for us, it only ended up being a strained MCL. He could play through it, but we decided that it was early in the season and we might as well let him rest and get healthy. Perkins really wanted to play against Denver, but we felt it was in the best interest of the team to let him sit.

Felger: Do you think he will play tomorrow against the division leading New York Knicks?

Doc: I'd say there is a 5% chance that Perk plays tomorrow night. Although he thinks he could play, his knee is still tender and a little swollen. Unless something miraculous happens, I would not expect him to be in the lineup tomorrow or for the remainder of this week.

Tony: Doc, how important is this game tomorrow against the Knicks?

Doc: It is hard to say, basically because it is so early in the season. The Knicks have an early two game lead on us in the division. Naturally, we do not want to fall further behind, but we should not play with desperation, just because the season is a race, not a sprint. We feel that by the end of things we should be able to turn this around. We want to win tomorrow the same as we would want to win any game.

Felger: Have you talked to GM Danny Ainge about making any possible moves to get additional bench depth?

Doc: Yes, but I can't really get into that here. All I can tell you is that if we were to make a move, it would likely be for a 9-10 "utility" man who could play multiple positions in case of injury or foul trouble. Barring an ideal trade, none of our superstars will be moved this season.

Tony: How do you assess the team to this point of the season?

Doc: Look guys, I feel I already answered that. We just have to play more consistently, but we have the pieces in place to win.

Felger: Doc, we will let you go, but best of luck tomorrow against New York!

Doc: Talk to you soon guys.

[blakjak12]

Good luck against NY.

[Buckeye]

Ouch

[rjsuperfly66]

Celtics (4-7) vs. Knicks (6-4)
November 18th, 2009
TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts

Starters
Rajon Rondo Point Guards Toney Douglas

Ray Allen Shooting Guards Tracy McGrady

Paul Pierce Small Forwards Wilson Chandler

Kevin Garnett Power Forwards Al Harrington

Rasheed Wallace (Perkins Out) Center David Lee

Celtics Trump Knicks
Bob Ryan

Garnett had a huge game in the Celtics win

In a game among two teams likely competing for the Atlantic Division crown this season, the Celtics made the plays when they had to and held home court, defeating the Knicks, 96-91, on Tuesday night.

Knowing the importance of this early season divisional matchup, both teams came out strong. However, it was the Celtics playing better early on, holding a 13-9 lead with 6:53 remaining in the quarter. The Celtics would open up a 23-14 lead with two minutes remaining in the quarter, but New York would end the quarter on a 7-0 run to cut the Celtics lead to 23-21 at the end of one quarter.

Both teams would play the second quarter closely contested, as most of the quarter was back and forth full of lead changes. However, it was New York which opened up a little bit of a lead late in the quarter, and they were able to hold the slight edge, 48-47, at halftime. David Lee had 12 points for the Knicks at the half, while Kevin Garnett led the Celtics with 15 points.

This quarter would be played no different from the others, close throughout. With 5:44 left, the Knicks used a timeout, down 62-59 after the Celtics scored six unanswered points to storm ahead. This would easily be the Celtics biggest closest challenge of this season, holding on to a 74-70 lead entering the fourth quarter.

Again, the fourth quarter would be played like the rest of the game, with neither team able to gain a huge advantage and some breathing room. With 4:19 left, the Celtics held on to a slim 89-85 lead, but there was still plenty of time left in the game. However, neither team would score over the next two and a half minutes, as the Celtics would hold that same 89-85 lead with 1:51 left in the game. The Celtics would play smart the rest of the way, making no mistakes, and taking the win at home, 96-91.

This was the Celtics first loss since the injury to Kendrick Perkins, and it was certainly a confidence booster. The Celtics shot 47% from three, and played hard for a full 48 minutes, something they had been missing in recent losses.

Tracy McGrady led the Knicks tonight with 19 points and 6 assists, while David Lee had 14 points with 8 rebounds and 5 blocks.

For the Celtics, Kevin Garnett led the charge with 23 points and 6 rebounds, while Pierce and Allen each added 18 points in the win. The Celtics next play Thursday at home against Detroit, who beat the Celtics 97-75 a little over a week ago.

Box Score For Starters

Celtics

Rondo - 2 Points (1/4), 9 Assists, 8 Rebounds
R. Allen - 18 points (8/10), 3 Rebounds, 3 Assists
Pierce - 18 Points (6/18), 3 Rebounds, 3 Assists
Garnett - 23 Points (11/17), 6 Rebounds, 2 Assists
Wallace - 10 Points (3/12), 3 Rebounds, 3 Blocks

Knicks

Douglas - 9 Points (4/9), 6 Assists, 2 Rebounds
McGrady - 19 Points (8/11), 6 Assists, 3 Rebounds
Chandler - 12 Points (5/7), 2 Rebounds, 2 Blocks
Harrington - 13 Points (6/8), 4 Rebounds, 3 Blocks
Lee - 2 Points (0/2), 3 Rebounds, 2 Assists

[rjsuperfly66]

Celtics (5-7) vs. Pistons (4-7)
November 20th, 2009
TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts

Starters
Rajon Rondo Point Guards Rodney Stuckey

Ray Allen Shooting Guards Ben Gordon

Paul Pierce Small Forwards Tayshaun Prince

Kevin Garnett Power Forwards Charlie Villanueva

Rasheed Wallace (Perkins Out) Center Ben Wallace

Pistons Outplay Celtics from Start to Finish
Bob Ryan

Paul Pierce led the Celtics with 16 points tonight.

In another big home game, the Celtics needed a complete team effort to dismiss the Detroit Pistons from the Garden, 86-79, on Thursday night.

Like the last game, this game was very close early on, with neither team holding more than a two point lead. However, it was the Pistons who would hold a 12-11 lead early on with 6:03 remaining in the quarter. However, this remainder of this quarter would be low-scoring, but it would be the Celtics who held a 21-20 lead at the end of one quarter.

The second quarter would be played much like the first. Early on, it appeared that the Celtics would be poised to make a run, but they could never create enough separation, only opening up a 4 point lead. The teams would play even throughout the remainder of the second quarter, and the game would be tied at 41 at halftime. Charlie Villanueva led the Pistons with 12 points at halftime, while Paul Pierce and Ray Allen each had 8 points for the Celtics.

The Pistons would be the hotter team to open up the second half, scoring six straight points to open the half on way to a 54-48 advantage with 6:59 remaining in the quarter. At one point late in the third quarter the Celtics would cut the Pistons lead to 4, but Detroit would extend it back out to 7, and hold a 68-61 lead after three quarters.

The Celtics would start the fourth quarter on a 11-3 run, capped by a Marquis Daniels three pointer from the right corner to give the Celtics a 72-71 lead with 7:09 remaining in the fourth quarter. The teams would again play back and forth like much of the first half, and after a Jason Maxiell foul with 2:50 left in the game, the Celtics would hold a slim 76-75 lead. However, the Celtics would outscore Detroit 10-4 over those last three minutes, and get the big win in Boston, 86-79.

This was another close challenge that the Celtics had to work hard to get by. Unlike most games this season, where either the Celtics or their opponent would win in a blowout fashion, the Celtics have had to work in the past few games, and it has certainly shown their integrity, as the Celtics worked hard and outscored Detroit 25-11 in the fourth quarter.

Rodney Stuckey led the Pistons with 17 points, but only played 17 minutes due to foul trouble.

The Celtics had nine players score over five points, and were led by the 16 points of Paul Pierce. The Celtics will play the 5-5 Minnesota Timberwolves in Minnesota tomorrow night.

Box Score For Starters

Celtics

Rondo - 7 Points (3/9), 5 Assists, 5 Rebounds
R. Allen - 14 points (4/8), 2 Rebounds, 2 Assists
Pierce - 16 Points (5/14), 3 Rebounds, 1 Assist
Garnett - 14 Points (4/9), 2 Rebounds, 2 Steals
Wallace - 6 Points (2/4), 1 Block

Pistons

Stuckey - 17 Points (7/9), 3 Assists, 2 Rebounds
Gordon - 13 Points (4/11), 4 Rebounds, 3 Steals
Prince - 13 Points (4/11), 6 Rebounds, 2 Assists
Villanueva - 12 Points (5/10), 7 Rebounds, 1 Block
Wallace - 4 Points (1/1), 8 Rebounds, 3 Blocks

[blakjak12]

Darn those Pistons!