So is it finally time for the real season to begin? After the first 22 games were little more than a stroll through Boston Common, the Celtics are set to embark on what is said to be the first true test section of their schedule: vs. Orlando on December 23rd, at Utah and L.A. Lakers on back to back nights (December 29th and 30th), at Detroit (January 5th), then back to back games again, this time at New Jersey and at Washington (January 11th and 12th). The Utah/LA games will serve as the end of a four game West Coast swing, which is never an easy task for any NBA team.
On ESPN earlier last week, Bill Walton said that this was the time when the Celtics would show if they were truly one of the league's elite teams (which, according to Chauncey Billups after last night's game, is true). Their early schedule was pretty much a cakewalk, with only occasional challenges from Orlando and Toronto thrown in the mix.
20-3 is quite impressive, but the Celtics still need to prove that they can run with the big boys, and last night's game against Detroit was one of those tests. Even though they lost, the Celtics proved that they are a tough team, and had many chances to win that game. Paul Pierce's ill-advised jumper sealed the deal, as he had plenty of time to up-fake, drive to the net, or even kick the ball out to someone else. There were way too many offensive rebounds for the Pistons, something that a team cannot allow when it is trying to make a comeback. Also, too many stupid fouls (no, not Tony Allen's...everyone in the building was sold on Billups' up-fake) that occurred away from the play or on loose balls. These are all things that the Celtics can build upon, and they should come away from this game angry that they let it get away, not proud that they were able to "hang in there" against Detroit.
That said, last night's game had a great atmosphere, and was a lot of fun to watch. It felt like a playoff game, something that hasn't been seen in the Garden since the Pacers blew the Celtics out of the water a few years back. Ray Allen's clutch three-pointers were incredible, as was the sharpshooting of Billups, who abused Rajon Rondo down the stretch. Basketball was fun again in Boston last night, despite the loss.
Who knows, maybe we'll see some more Celtics-Pistons games down the road, say, in June?
Hey dprdot, strange how everyone in Detroit, Pheonix, San Antonio and Dallas think the Celtics loss last night eliminates them from the playoffs. 20-3 is still incredible and I don't care if they were playing high school teams. Tose 3 losses are by a combined nine (9) points to 3 very good basketball teams. But as far as the game goes, you are correct in the poor board work and indivdual play in the 4th quarter. If they had stayed with the game plan that Rivers had them on in the 1st half the result would have been different. But give Detroit credit this is what they do best. Still, good blog. Now here is a weird one. I to am originally from Dot and went to SU a very long time ago.
Never quote Bill Walton.
That turd spends more time looking for an insipid local fact to drop on the unsuspecting listeners than he does studying the player abilities. (typo)
"Yes, and speaking of dunks, didja know that in 1687, Boston drowned 48 suspected witches?" Shaddup Bill.
Last edited by slshusker on December 20th at 7:55 PM.
Boston was exposed plain and simple. Yes they are a pretty good team, but they are not ready to win in it all. They need time to mesh and to gel together as a team before they can be ready. The Pistons have all that and even though they let their lead slip away, they were relentless and that's why they won. It took late second heroics for Boston to "get" back in the game, then their 3 headed monster didn't know who to go with, why was Pierce taking the last shot when it was Ray Ray and KG in the 4th doing the damage. Boston aint ready....don't believe the media hype machine
I'm a 20 year old kid from Dorchester, MA, who one day hopes to be a sportswriter for a big time newspaper, and figure this is a good place to start. I'm in college at Suffolk in downtown Boston now, and it's awesome. I love all sports, with the Bruins and Red Sox being my favorite teams, thought I'm also a big Patriots and Celtics fan. I think it's ridiculous how no one in this town cares about the Bruins anymore. I like college sports too, no particular teams, especially any big bowl games and March Madness. I hate fairweather fans, especially everyone who jumped on the Sox bandwagon in 2004. The "pink hats" and "OMG Varitek's so hot!!" drive me crazy, just like anyone else who's a real baseball fan. Pick a team, know the players, stay loyal and be a real fan- in good times and in bad.
