Intensity, Passion and Defense: Fixing the Boston Celtics
A common question I hear being tossed around local radio stations and television networks is “Are the Celtics out?” In other words, can the C’s retain the dominance which they had previously held over the NBA, just a few weeks ago?
In a word: yes.
People forget that the Celtics are missing their defensive leader, Kevin Garnett. Atop his absence is Paul Pierce’s injury. Pierce is playing, but his knee still is not 100%, affecting his ability to drive to the basket. Apparent in his play, Paul Pierce’s 1st half performances have been regularly better than his second half performances, as he seems far less explosive in quarters 3 and 4.
This most likely occurs because his knee pains begin to kick in towards the end of games.
Also, fans are forgetting that for a stretch, Rajon Rondo, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Rasheed Wallace were all out for a few games in early January, contributing to their recent lack of success.
When Kevin Garnett returns on Friday, however, do not expect all problems to magically “disappear” for Boston. KG needs to strengthen his knee before returning to full strength.
The Celtics are a defensive-minded team, and have occasionally reverted to their mindset of “outscore the opponent” rather than “out defend them”. With Garnett back in the lineup, this should certainly change.
Yesterday, against the Mavericks, this problem was brought to the forefront. Dirk Nowitzki scored 37 points, compared to the average of 27 points he had scored against Boston in the big three era.
The main difference? Kevin Garnett was not defending the superstar.
If Dirk had scored even 32 points, this game would have been vastly different.
The Celtics have been lacking energy and strength down late in the 3rd and into the 4th quarter. Why?
Because they have little depth down low without KG, as Rasheed Wallace just returned from his injury.
The Celts have lost 5 games when leading by double-digits over the past few weeks. Guess what? It’s been a few weeks since KG and Pierce played together in the same game. With Garnett’s return should come intensity and a return to the defensive mindset.
In all, the Celtics have missed the defense of KG, and the health of some of their key players, again including Pierce, Rondo, Sheed and Garnett. Despite their recent losses and troubles closing games (like the Pats), Boston is nowhere near a bad position.
The team is still in second place in the Eastern conference, just 2.5 games behind the Cavalier, and with key players returning, should be returning to their normal, dominant selves.
Hopefully, by the time this team plays the Los Angeles Lakers, Pierce will be back at full health along with Rasheed Wallace, and Kevin Garnett’s defensive presence will be felt.
By this time next week, the only significant player the Celtics will need should be Marquis Daniels. With his return could pose even more danger for opposition.
Still burning about the end of the Pats’ season? Check out how they can contend for the Super Bowl next year here: How the Patriots can Contend for the SB Next Year.
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Comments
I wouldn’t say lackluster, as he was definitely trying.
I would say this, though, Ray had a bad game, however, Tommy Heinsohn says it best, “shooters shoot.” Ray Allen had an abysmal game, going 3-14.. missing layups, free throws and jumpshots. But, when push came to shove, he drilled a huge 3-pointer in OT which gave the celtics a lead and eventually the win.
Great article! In addition, the Celtics need to have Rasheed playing with fewer fouls.