Post-game Thread: Celtics @ Thunder, 11/07/2010

[Sam]

Another rung in the ladder hopefully leading to contention. I would ordinarily say the key to the game was veteran savvy versus youthful enthusiasm; but it was the more youthful Celtics brigade (plus Ray) that really brought victory to the Celts. Jermaine continues to look more comfortable in all phases of the game; and I continue to believe he's a better fit to play with the starters than Shaq; and I also expect Jermaine may be a more constant participant than Shaq, with Shaq and Semih sharing center duties for the bench.

In my eyes, Glen Davis and Rondo are neck-and-neck for MVP of the team. Because he plays so many minutes. my nod goes to Rondo by a nose (or, in his case, a couple of feet), with Glen as MVP-B and 6th Man of the Year. Every year with the Celtics, Davis has improved in one or more ways (as Cousy made it a point to do throughout his career). So far this year, I count at least six areas of improvement:

1. Becoming a "take charge" guy (what a knack he has for being in the right place with feet set just in the nick of time)

2. Not getting his shots blocked by keeping his body between defenders and the ball

3. Free throw shooting

4. Filling lanes

5. The now-deadly jumper that has become a back-breaker for opponents' momentum

6. Being equally at home in playing with the starters or the bench

Enough of my viewpoint. It's still a work in progress, but handily beating a young, widely heralded team, in their back yard is certainly a positive sign.

Enjoy the post-game thread.

Sam

[Sam]

Sinus,

I'm taking the liberty of re-posting your message to this thread. I guess our post-game musings crossed "in the mail."

Sam

Posted by Sinus:

I watched the game on the web and picture quality was poor: I wasn't even sure who was guarding KD - PP? Rolling Eyes
I figured out that RR did a pretty good job on Westbrook along with 2x2. I saw that SE put his heart into the game and it paid off.
Also, I saw Nate guarding KD: 1 ft and 50lb were compensated by pure hustle.
The only thing I didn't like was RA anchoring the second unit and running high minutes. But I guess it's going to be that way until DW comes back and jells with the guys.

AK

[tjmakz]

Very similar start this year from last year through 7 games:
2009: 6-1
2010: 6-1
2009: 100.3 ppg
2010: 99.4 ppg
2009: No Celtics player scored 30 points in a game yet
2010: No Celtics player scored 30 points in a game yet

Besides the regulars who we expect to play well, Boston's bench has been great so far this year. Even Daniels is quieting down the talk for a true back up for PP. KG and PP look MUCH healthier then they have in quite some time.

[dboss]

The Boston Celtics went into OKC and came away with a 92-83 victory over the brash young Thunder.

Kevin Durant led all scorers with 34 points on 11-22 from the field to go along with 6 boards, 3 assists and 2 steals. Kristic added 13 points and 8 rebounds and Westbrook struggled to score 16 points on 6-16 shooting and his 10 assists were pretty much negated with his 8 turnovers. That was pretty much it for the Thunder.

Westbrook does not look like he is capable of running an offense when the other team actually plays defense.

Once again Rajon Rondo played what is now his usual game scoring 10 points with 10 assists, 5 rebounds and 3 steals. He continues to set the tempo for this team and Doc continues to encourage him to push the ball.

PP struggled shooting 6-14, and a game after I praised him for his unselfish play, he slipped back a little into that old PP that I do not like, demanding the ball so that he could dribble it up the court and go one on one.

Everyone else seems to get it. Give Rondo the ball and move and he will find you if you are open and if you are in a sweet spot to maximize your scoring potential.

Ray Allen shot well scoring 19 and he also had 5 boards.

JON finally got on the glass hauling down 9 rebounds and his defensive presence was also in play last night.

My game ball goes to Semi Erden. He only played 14 minutes but he rebounded the ball, played defense and manage to score 9 points in limited action. His contribution to the second unit was very strong.

Baby, Nate and Quis all played well as the Celtics bench outscored the Thunder 33-12. The bench played deep into the 4th qtr. This is the type of contribution that is needed especially on back to back games

dboss

[jeb]

fellas it seems to me that BBD is quite a bit quicker to the rim this year. He is getting right by defenders and finishing.

I also think Quis's play has been well rounded and solid as sears.

When West gets back the starters are really going to get some rest.

the turk continues to play smart position basketball.

High marks all around.

[Sam]

Dboss, I wonder if Pierce's occasionally bringing the ball up might be specifically designed to take some of the load off Rondo, and especially his feet. I'm a little concerned about the possible long-term consequences of his plantar fascitis.

Sam

[dboss]

Sam

Quite possible 'the Rondo foot issue" played a role.

But I felt like PP was forcing things a bit and not playing within the offense. He was 6-14 with 2 rebounds and NO assists. Maybe his foot was bothering him as well. lol

dboss

[worcester]

Sam - plantar fascitis is so easy to treat with proper stretching exercises. Any way to put Rondo in contact with the therapist who works with me?

[Sam]

Worcester,

You can always call email Wyc at:

wyc@celtics.com

It's proably better than trying a phone call.

Sam

[worcester]

Will do. Thanks!

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