FYI - EPISODE #2 THE ASSOCIATION - BOSTON CELTICS ESPN TONIGHT @7PM

DVR reminder: The Association, Episode 2


Got a chance to catch an advanced look at Episode 2 of The Association: Boston Celtics, which airs Friday night on ESPN at 7 p.m. A few things to watch for:

* Of all the players featured, it might be rookie Luke Harangody that gets the most camera time. The second-round draft pick offers interesting commentary on breaking in with a veteran roster (and later on not being home for Christmas).

* The behind-the-scenes footage of Shaquille O'Neal watching the last-second win in Philadelphia on Rajon Rondo's lob to Kevin Garnett will bring smiles to the faces of Celtics' fans, especially his celebratory dance.

* Things get a little dusty when coach Doc Rivers takes in his daughter's final collegiate volleyball game and contrasts the experience of the Florida women's volleyball team losing in the NCAA tournament to the extended winning streak the Celtics are enjoying at the same time.

* Big Baby and carbo-loading; Watch for it.

* Maybe most fascinating is watching Rivers draw up the final plays against both the Sixers and Knicks (with Paul Pierce hitting the winner over Amare Stoudemire against New York). It's amazing how confident Rivers is in how the play will unfold and both times he's spot on.

If you missed Episode 1, hop HERE to get caught up. Episode 2 will be posted in this space after it airs. The remaining schedule for the five-part series: Episode 3: Feb. 25, 7 p.m.; Episode 4: March 16, 7 p.m.; Episode 5: April 15, 8 p.m.

Here's the official show preview blurb from ESPN and the NBA:

After the Celtics got off to a hot start in Episode 1, the next installment of "The Association" picks up with the team during a prolonged winning streak. Despite what seems like a revolving door of injuries, the team is finding ways to win and the Big 3 seem healthier and more productive than ever. Paul Pierce, team captain, injects life into the team through his leadership in a practice with only 8 players available. Rookie, Luke Harangody feels lucky to be on a team with so many future Hall of Famers, yet it can be a steep learning curve for him.

Boston stays on a roll, including last-second road wins in Philadelphia - featuring a memorable behind the scenes celebration by Shaquille O'Neal. At the same time, injured center Kendrick Perkins is more determined than ever to find his way back to being an anchor of the team, and his determination is seen in a midnight solo work out. After the Philly win, Doc Rivers takes a quick timeout to reconnect with his family by jetting off to Austin to visit his daughter, a star volleyball player at the University of Florida, play her last collegiate match.

In New York City to play the Knicks, the Celts are in the middle of a ten game win streak. Viewers get a behind the scenes look at the team in New York City, in hotel rooms and for a breakfast meeting, as well as a ride to the Garden four hours early with Ray Allen. The game is a hard fought victory for the Celtics, but it takes a toll.

As Christmas approaches, the team travels to Orlando, where viewers get an all-access pass to a spirited Christmas eve practice, as Celtics legend Sam Jones drops by for a visit. But on gameday, the rival Orlando Magic end the C's win streak at 14 - and it's up to Ray Allen's mom Flo to cheer up the troops with a memorable Christmas Day feast. The Celtics are like a family, but there's no substitute for the real thing. Rookie Luke Harangody misses his family, as he sits alone in his hotel room on the phone with his mom.


112288

thanks 1122

i truly enjoyed the first one and will sure watch this but i appreciate the heads up

Jeb,

Hope you're feeling better! Every Celtic win is a little dose of medicine for you!

112288

1128 is that the main ESPN or an offshoot channel?

ESPN MAIN CHANNEL

112288

Thanks 1122...by the way,
If you missed Episode 1, hop HERE to get caught up...
Hop where?

LACeltFan,

http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=5881133

I just watched it for the first time. It's really, really good. And, when Havlicek comes in to watch practices and explains a play to Doc, I'm quite certain it's the triple pick Ohio play with which Sam Jones won the playoff game that was the turning point in 1969. Havlicek even tells Doc how long it takes to run the play. I can't wait to see if they run it at some point this season. Wouldn't it be something if Ray.........oh never mind!

Sam

I am psyched about seeing these...will watch tonight for sure!
You were around Hondo, Sam, did it seem like he would go for 10 seconds between breaths...Its been mentioned here before that the guy never seemed to get winded...had the lungs of an elephant.
Maybe he was a pearl diver in a past life.

1128

I AM feeling much better and Celtics wins damn sure add some balm!

just watched it...epic good

LACelt,

All I can say is that John never breathed heavily around me.

Sam

Sam,
I will leave that one alone.

Here's the URL for installment 2 of "The Association." I had to nudge the time line slightly three times to jump start it, but it's worth the nudging. Great to see Sam Jones visiting the team in this episode and Havlicek visiting in the previous episode.

Sam

http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/celtics/post/_/id/4679877/the-association-episode-2