Despite a 6 point loss in Game 2, the Celts actually won the game when Ray Allen (+8), KG (+1), or Perkins (+1) were in the game. They broke even with Pierce in there. The problem, however, was the Boston bench. James Posey has been absolutely useless so far vs Detroit. In 29+ minutes of play over the first two games he is 2-9 shooting (1-6 on 3's) for 5 points. Most alarming is that the Celtics have lost by 19 points while Posey is playing. That means in 2 games the C's are +22 when Posey is on the bench and -19 when he is on the floor. This is not an isolated case either. Tony Allen has played only 5:09 in two games...and yet the Celtics have managed to be outscored by 12 points in that short span. Boston is +15 in the 91 minutes without TA, -12 in the 5 minutes with him. Big Baby didn't play in Game 1 when the Celtics won by 9, but played 6:37 in Game 2, during which time the Celts were outscored by 9 points. Even PJ Brown, who has been moderately productive, is -6 in the two games (+9 without him). Posey needs to step up his game, TA needs to not leave the bench and Baby needs to be yanked ASAP if he's not being productive (it's always very obvious with him). Doc needs to let Perk stay in the game longer, and give Leon more minutes. However Rivers works it out, he can't let James Posey and company be outscored by 11 points a game and expect the starters to be able to overcome that and win.
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Will Sam Cassell get any more action or is he all done?
Game 3 Prediction...
Celtics need to get out early and the bench needs to be able to break even when out there. The late defensive rotations are causing guys to get out late to contest shots and then being out of place if there are rebounds.
If they focus on defense first, letting Pierce carry the offensive load (he should be putting up 20+ shots per game) and Jesus is over his slump for good, the C's will win.
Since none of this seems too much to ask I'm predicting the Celtics win a much lower scoring Game 3: Boston 83-79. MVP: Pierce
Very interesting stats. Where do you find those? Are they readily available somewhere or do you figure them out? I am a big fan of the plus/minus in hockey and had no idea they had them in hoops.
What is Rondo's +/- for the series?
He looks horrible out there, but the stats might tell a different story.
I didn't think I would say this about him, but he needs to get some confidence. He needs to believe he can take and make the mid range jumper. I think Doc has got him all screwed up mentally. Doesn't look like the same player from the regular season.
On an unrelated topic...these 8:30 games are killing my kids. I know it is useless to complain about the late start time, but it would be nice if they could watch the end of a playoff game or two.
Even more unrelated, is there any rooting interest for RealBostonSportsFans in the Stanley Cup? Any Boston connections?
My favorite stat from the Stanley Cup so far...Chelios won his first Stanley Cup before Crosby was born.
this is a great breakdown of what is going on. the bench HAS to play better. I really don't see Sam playing much in this series - because he can't defend. Rip, Chauncy and/or Stuckey would LIGHT HIM UP. it's just such a bad matchup for Sam. I think Posey in particular needs to play a lot better.
and we haven't even seen Cassell yet! I expect Sam to play some big minutes in the next 2 games
jbs - i disagree. i just think sam's so deficient on defense. IF, IF the C's make it to the finals, and play the Lakers, I could see Sam in that series, as the Lakers are not strong at the point, and that would be more of an offensive series.
House has not been the weak-link off the bench, I don't know if Sam needs to be in. But the real key is for Rondo to play the majority of minutes anyway. I agree with WJ, I thought Rondo looked unconfident and it showed in his play. If he comes out confident and attacks they will be in good shape. I'm sticking to getting Pierce more shots regardless of who is running the point.
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WJ,
Rondo was +8 in Game 1 and -2 in Game 2, so +6 for the series so far. The C's playoff totals:
Garnett +122
R.Allen +122
Perkins +94
Pierce +71
Rondo +48
Cassell +25
Powe +12
House +11
T.Allen -11
Posey -25
Brown -33
Davis -41
As I said, more Perk!!!
Also Joe...Stanley Cup posting coming out tomorrow. I didn't forget about it.
It's fine to play Cassell, but why is he leaving him out there...he's clearly hurting the team BIG TIME! This is what I hate about Rivers most, not being able to change on the fly what isn't working. Very frustrating to watch. We now have Cassell, Brown, Posey and Davis out there....let's see if they can (finally) step up.
I liked seeing Cassell for a few minutes next time around Doc needs to use House for a few minutes.
Perkins good first half needs to keep that up and stay out of foul trouble.
Rondo still looks a lil hesitant to shoot on open looks but doing enough right now.
And i still think someone needs to rough up Rip a little..or alot..
i am excited about the first half. i agree, rip hamilton needs to get beaten up. but it's great to see all the different contributors. If the bench can play like this, the C's should take the game and the series. I still don't think Sam would have played if Ray or KG weren't in foul trouble - because Doc needed the offense.
GREAT WIN! ... and nice job by the bench too. Specifically James Posey had his best game of the series BY FAR. 12 pts, 4 reb and +4
Somehow PJ Brown was -8 in a 14 point win and Sam Cassell was -4 in 8 minutes...but Baby was solid, Posey was very good and TA didn't play. All solid. I'd still like to see Powe get a few more minutes, but Doc obviously likes Browns size against the Piston starters.
Doc is playing Brown because he owes his job to him.
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