You have to respect Rondo for his heart

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

The Boston Celtics might not be able to overcome the much more athletic Miami Heat in the NBA playoffs, but there's no questioning the heart and desire of Rajon Rondo.

The ultra-quick point guard showed all basketball fans why he's one of the premier point guards in the league.

We all know he's got blazing speed, the ability penetrate the lane and dish or score, and we also know his jump shot is ugly and inconsistent at best.

But we all found out in Game 3 vs. the Heat how much he cares about winning and not letting his team and the fans down.

Rondo got tangled up with Dwayne Wade in Game 3 and came down on his arm and suffered a dislocated elbow.

It looked gross on every replay in America, and no one thought he was going to come back into the game.

But Rondo returned minutes later, virtually playing with one arm and gave the Celtics and their fans a gigantic lift.

Rondo played great and inspired basketball -- yes, with one good arm.

So if anyone wants to question how tough and how much heart Rondo has, you better re-think blasting this kid any other time through his career.

He's what is right about all sports. Rondo showed his true colors on the court and earned a boatload more respect for playing through the pain and putting his team first.

Respect is earned. Rondo's got my full respect now!

Here's What I Have To Say

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Here's a list of topics in the world of sports that I feel I need to spout off about. You can either agree or disagree with me, but please have an opinion, either way.

• Man, I hope 98.5 The Sports Hub's Gresh and Zo are right on the money -- like a Tom Brady pass -- when they say that pint-sized WR Wes Welker will be good to go in the Patriots' first day of training camp despite recovering from major knee surgery. If Welker can come back -- all signs point to him being way ahead of schedule in his recovery -- and avoid missing substantial time during the regular season (like the first 7 or so games), then this is outstanding news for Patriot Nation. But be cautious: Welker isn't 100 percent yet, and that knee could give out at any time. But thinking positively, the shaky WR corp just become a major strength again if Welker can be 75 percent of what he was last season. Imagine if he returns and is close to 100 percent?
• The Patriots better ink their franchise quarterback to a gigantic deal ...and fast. If any of these reports are correct, then Brady is getting frustrated that the Pats haven't given him a contact extension. What are the Pats waiting for? Are they seriously trying to play hardball with one of the best QBs in the league? Not to mention, Brady has given the franchise multiple Vince Lombardi trophies, and he deserves a new and deal. Don't mess around Robert Kraft or coach Bill Belichick. If Brady ends up walking next year and wears a different uniform, you two better expect to leave town in a hurry because this fan base will not let that careless behavior slide.
• What should the Boston Red Sox do with David Ortiz? Should the Sox let Big Papi walk after the season or give him a new contact? We're all interested in what Boston's brass will do. I know Ortiz is having a very good power numbers season (18 HRs, 60 RBIs), but how much longer can the 34-year-old keep proving people wrong? Just when you think Ortiz is done (like most of us did earlier in the season), he gets hot with the bat and we all forget about his previous struggles. I can see giving him a two-year deal but not in the range of $20 million (more like $15 million). But he's currently make $13 million and perhaps he thinks he's worth that much or even more? If Ortiz leaves, I wonder who the Sox are already targeting?
• One more homer and A-Rod will have 600 for his career. It's an incredible milestone, but should he be celebrated, ignored or booed? Yankee fans will cheer, but fans outside of the Big Apple probably won't because he admitted to cheating by using steroids. Clean or not, 600 homers is pretty darn impressive. I'll cheer but still remember how he cheated the game and lied about it.
• Former Celtics guard Tony Allen took a little jab at his former team on his way to Memphis, saying that he was "overshadowed" by guys like Paul Pierce and Ray Allen. Overshadowed? I'm choking on my water as I blog. We all know Tony Allen couldn't hold either Pierce or Ray Allen's jock on their worst day, but Tony Allen still needed to hype himself up because, honestly, no one in American really knows who he is. Does Tony Allen really think he's a premier player in the NBA? I'm still laughing. Celtics fans know Tony Allen is a lockdown defender, but he's got no offensive game -- well, shooting the ball anyway. When he touches the ball, you hope he passes it because he'll either throw up a brick, or drive the lane way out of control and chuck up a shot that nearly shatters the backboard. Tony Allen, good luck with the Grizzlies because you're going to need it. I bet you still can't even get a Tony Allen jersey in Memphis, and I bet people are still wondering who he is.

Change is on the way for Celtics

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

This terrible feeling that we Celtics fans have, well, it'll go away.

But it's going to take some time.

Losing in Game 7 of the NBA Finals just downright stings, especially when you blow a lead, can't rebound, can't hit a clutch shot and eventually lose to the hated Lakers.

Watching the Lakers celebrate, there's not much worse than that. That, and all those arrogant L.A. movie stars and pretenders thinking they are bigger than the show on the floor. Really, no need to wear sunglasses indoors.

It just makes me sick.

Well, expect there to be a lot of change in the offseason. The team we saw on the floor in the Finals, well, you won't see that team ever again.

You might see Ray Allen go, or Paul Pierce, or both. Who knows. Man, Ray Allen just couldn't hit a shot. I can't remember the last time -- probably never -- I wished that he wouldn't shoot the ball. He just couldn't find his range. I'm starting to think more and more about letting him walk.

Anyway, although the Celtics sure did put on a show -- how many out there actually gave this team a chance to even make the Finals? -- they failed to bring home the ultimate prize.

It pains me to say this, but the Lakers have a dynasty brewing while the Celtics are watching their franchise quickly fade away due to age. It's time for some new young blood, but at what cost?

And after listening to coach Doc Rivers' press conference, I'm banking that he's not returning to the bench.

So change is on the way, for sure.

And sometimes change is good. Sometimes it's bad. But in the Celtics' case, change is needed.

Boston Celtics proving age is only a number

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Just some random thoughts about the Boston Celtics, who are one win from clinching the NBA championship.

I guess age really is only a number. In sports terms, the Celtics are an old ballclub but there's got to be something said for heart, desire, teamwork and a will to succeed. The C's have all of that, and so much more.

Regardless of what happens is the final two playoffs games, how much longer will the Big 3 stay together? Sniper Ray Allen's contract is up, but do the C's retain him for say 2 years or do they let him walk in an attempt to get younger? It's a big decision, but I say re-up his contract for 2 more years and see if these guys can make another run at a title. Without Allen firing away on the outside next year, Boston will have big problems.

But one good thing is, regardless of the when KG, Pierce and Allen eventually leave Boston (either by choice or force), it's good knowing we have the point guard of the present and future in budding superstar Rajon Rondo. He's the real deal, and he's so much fun to watch.

Just watching this series vs. the Lakers, it goes to show how depth is so important. The C's have a bench and the Lakers don't. They have Kobe, Kobe, Kobe, and Gasol on occasion.

If the C's are lucky enough to win the championship, this title would rank right up their with the Patriots' title over the Rams. No one in their right mind would have picked the C's or the Pats to win anything. It surely would be another storybook ending. And a real shocker.

You can count on the Lakers getting the vast majority of the calls in Game 6, so expect a Game 7. You have to know David Stern wants it that way, too. Then the refs better let them play and swallow those whistles in Game 7.

Either way, the Celtics have been a joy to watch. They picked the right time to get healthy and that translated into getting hot.

Down goes, Miami, down goes Orlando, down goes Cleveland. Will the Lakers be next? Let's hope so.

BRING ON THE LAKERS!!!

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

No need to panic Celtics fans.

The Boston Celtics ARE NOT the Boston Bruins.

There's no choke in these C's.

Now, it's bring on those hated Lakers, if they can get by those pesky Suns.

But now the Celtics are back in the NBA Finals, for the second time in three years.

And this trip has been worth every single bump in the road.

Just think about the road to get here. Boston beat the Heat (with superstar Dwayne Wade), the Cavs (LeBron James) and now the Magic (Dwight Howard).

Nothing was handed to these guys, they earned every single win and deserve to have a chance to win another NBA championship.

Man, the Celtics were so frustrating during the regular season -- you can thank injuries for that -- but they are playing some great basketball right now. At the biggest time of the season, no less.

There's got to be something said for veteran leadership. The Big Three, despite showing their age at times, are still delivering and don't look old and slow at all right now. Now, add Rajon Rondo -- you can make a case that he's the biggest star on the team at this moment -- into that mix, and the Celtics are tough to stop with four legit scorers.

Great job little used guard Nate Robinson, who was a very good scorer with the Knicks. Robinson proved a spark that had the home crowd going into a frenzy. Robinson pumped in 13 points, including two 3-pointers, and the Celtics rode Robinson's coat tails and never looked back.

Yes, the C's have that knockout punch, unlike the Bruins.

Believe in the Boston Celtics. Hard to imagine they only need four more wins to win the NBA championship.

Bring on those Lakers. We want to beat the best the NBA has to offer.

Say it with me, "Beat L.A., Beat L.A."

Do you believe in the Celtics?

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Now is the time for the Celtics to start finding their groove as a team.

It's one thing to beat on the weak in the NBA, but this club needs to show they can beat the elite clubs.

If you have to play a 7-game playoff series against Cleveland, Orlando or even Atlanta, do you give the Celts the edge? No way.

It pains me to say this, but I don't see the Celts beating the Cavs or Magic in a playoff series. The Hawks, perhaps, but that young and athletic team could very easily send the C's packing.

So what's wrong with Boston?

Age has to be a factor with this club, but injuries are the biggest concern.

I honestly feel like Kevin Garnett makes this team go. When he's on, the C's are a machine. When he's missing or hobbling around because of that bum knee, the C's struggle. He's the heartbeat of the C's, bottom line.

Garnett needs to get healthy. You can't make me drink that silly juice about KG being completely healthy. There's no way in hell he's 100 percent. He gimps around the court at times, and he's always tugging at the knee brace. No way he's even close to the force on offense and defense that he was a couple years ago. Perhaps his elite days are a thing of the past? It's sad if that's the case.

Ray Allen can still flat-out shoot the ball from long range, and Paul Pierce can take over a game when he needs to. Pierce is a big-game player; he'll elevate his game in the playoffs and take every crucial shot this team needs him to take.

But it just can't be Pierce and Allen, and occasionally KG, pulling all the weight.

All good teams have other players that deliver.

Rajon Rondo is a silky-smooth point guard, but he scares me every time he shoots. Granted, he's gotten better with the jumper, but he's not even close to being a weapon on the outside. Drive, drive, drive to the bucket Rajon, and keep dishing out the assists.

Nate Robinson is a spark plug off the bench with that second unit. He was a nice pickup. Rasheed Wallace, despite shooting way too many 3s, isn't a problem with me, either. He's got his fair share of haters, but I think Wallace is the type of veteran that knows his intensity and game need to be cranked up a lot more in the postseason.

Kendrick Perkins, start cleaning up your game and please be more consistent.

This whole team needs to get focused on the home stretch of games, and be clicking when the playoffs begin.

It's going to take a full team effort to really do damage in the playoffs.

Is this team the best? No, but if they can get hot, look out. They have the guns to win it all, but they've also shown throughout the year they are not consistent enough to be considered a favorite.

But don't be that guy that counts them out just yet!

Celtics look like the real deal

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Great start to hopefully another memorable season for the Boston Celtics.

In the season opener in Cleveland, a team slated to compete for the world championship, Boston showed will, toughness and poise under pressure late in the game to claim a 95-89 victory over LeBron James and the Cavaliers.

When you think of Paul Pierce, you have to think about a clutch performer in crunch time. Pierce, who carried the Celtics late in games in the playoffs two years ago and right to the championship, delivered once again last night.

Pierce didn't have a great night overall (23 points on 6-of-13 shooting, 11 rebounds), but late in the game "The Truth" canned two jump shots and then two free throws, including scoring 10 points in the last four minutes, to propel the C's.

Is it a surprise that Boston goes to Pierce when games are on the line? And you think the Cavs would have figured that out, but I guess not.

Also, how nice was it to see Kevin Garnett back on the court after knee surgery derailed his season last year. Garnett is so intense, he plays defense and can change games in the paint offensively and defensively. While he only had 13 points and 10 rebounds, we all know KG is shaking off rust and it's going to take some time to be in midseason form. But a double-double is just fine with me, carry on KG you the man!

Ray Allen had 16 points and was 4 of 5 from 3-point range, and point guard Rajon Rondo had 8 points, 10 assists and 6 rebounds.

I like Rondo, but with those numbers it's hard to believe the Celtics will pony up approximately $11-12 million per season to keep him in the green after his contract is up after the year.

How many C's fans hated Rasheed Wallace for so many years (everyone raise their hands)? But now how many like him (put those hands up again). Wallace's debut with the C's was a success. He's physical down low, loves playing defense and can score from anywhere on the floor. Wallace had 12 points and canned three treys in 24 minutes off the bench. No doubt he's got to be one of, if not, the best sixth men in the league.

Although James got his complimentary 38 points, every other Cleveland player was held in check, including Shaquille O'Neal who had 10 points and 10 rebounds.

At least for one night, all signs point to the Celtics being able to contend for another NBA championship.

But we all know Boston will have to stay relatively healthy in order to rise to the top.

Turkoglu makes sense, but do the Celtics have the cents?

By Brendan Hall
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Making the rounds on the airwaves and blogs this morning is the news that Orlando Magic forward Hedo Turkoglu will opt out of his contract and become a free agent on July 1. That's nothing but music to the ears of Celtics fans, who would no doubt love to have a quintessential Celtic-killer in Celtics colors next season.

Believe me, I'm all for it -- in the tradition of Wes Welker, if you can't beat 'em, sign 'em. Having a guy like Turkoglu in your arsenal is win-win. This is a guy who can fill multiple spots in the frontcourt, can create plays on the wing, and has a deadly shot from long range. You can also run an offensive set through him -- can you imagine Rajon Rondo and Turkoglu in transition together? You could honestly run a secondary break.

But it's not that simple. The Celtics are going to have to clear some serious room for this guy.

With some help from HoopsHype.com, here's how the salaries break down next season...

-- Paul Pierce, Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett are on the books next year for more than $55 million combined. Garnett is signed through 2011-12, Ray Allen comes off the books in 2010, and Pierce has a player option for 10-11.

-- Kendrick Perkins is on for $4.5 million, while Brian Scalabrine and Tony Allen are on for 3.4 and 2.5, respectively. All three come off the books in 2010.

-- Eddie House has a player option for 2.8 million. Rajon Rondo is on for 2.6, with a qualifying offer of 3.7 for 10-11.

-- J.R. Giddens is on for 1 million, while Bill Walker is on for 730,000. Both have team options for 10-11 and 11-12.

-- With Stephon Marbury, Leon Powe, Glen Davis and Mikki Moore all entering free agency, that brings the payroll to $73 million.

Turkoglu's option was set to pay him $7.3 million next season. I predict he's going to want somewhere in the 10-millon-a-year range at least.

Let's assume the Celtics aren't braindead and decide to part ways with Marbury and Moore. Should the Celtics go after Turkoglu, either Davis or Powe now becomes expendable. The question is, is it worth it? Davis had a breakthrough season, enough that he should command starter value on his contract. Powe showed alot of promise before his season-ending knee injury. Scalabrine isn't going anywhere, because he will draw minimal trade value.

If you stick with Davis, and land Turkoglu, you could be looking at a payroll of close to $90 million, which is Knicks-like in luxury tax damage. Powe might be more cost-efficient, but at this point, what's the difference between five and 10 million? And aren't the Celtics one of the five most lucrative franchises in the league? If there's any franchise out there that defines "recession-proof" in this city, it's the C's. If you disagree, you haven't been to a game since 2007.

Seven bona fide starters on your roster? Sounds good to me.

Report card time for Celtics

By Brendan Hall
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

This Boston Celtics season was supposed to be a season of repeated excellence. For the most part, they didn’t seem to lose a step, winning a franchise record 19 straight games at one point and finishing the regular season 62-20.

What it morphed into almost overnight was a campaign of survival, what with the loss of Kevin Garnett over the last three months and the sudden knee injury of Leon Powe. This was a year where the young guys, namely Glen Davis and Kendrick Perkins, grew up in so many ways.

Now that the emotions of that game seven loss have sunken in, it’s time to look into the reality of what lies ahead this offseason.

There will be many questions for the Celtics this summer, and I expect most of them to regard the health of Kevin Garnett. Was his breakdown over the last three months a sign of things to come?

The other question is going to be how they’re going to manage the salaries of their Big Three of Garnett, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce and keep all their ducks in a row. The three are on the books for more than $53 million for the 09-10 season; Leon Powe, Glen Davis, Mikki Moore and Stephon Marbury are all free agents, with the former two likely to demand at least seven-figure salaries. And in a perfect world, Rajon Rondo, who has a $3 million offer for the 10-11 season, would be signed to an extension.

Danny Ainge’s mid-season gambles on Moore and Marbury didn’t pay off quite as well as expected, and Garnett’s absence magnified this. Just what is their future with the organization?

That’s just a few of the questions. For now, though, let’s hand out some grades of the 2008-09 season.


Kevin Garnett: A-minus
I’m deducting some points here because he wasn’t available for the playoffs, but his impact is still too powerful to ignore – even in a double-breasted suit. Garnett, more than any other addition over the last two seasons, changed the fortunes of this franchise forever; he breathed a fresh air of life into a program that was wilting. This is a guy who is as intense in January as he is in May, a guy who sets an example in both the locker room and on the court. Just battling with Glen Davis every day in practice has turned Big Baby into a super-sub who will now have the power to demand some vet money.

But now there are whispers about his age (32) catching up to him, and whether he’s able to go a full season. His $19 million due in 09-10 and $21 million in 10-10 will put the C’s in a grind if he can’t go, and could set them back down the road.
Would I do it again, though? In a heartbeat.

Ray Allen: A
Statistically, Allen had a much better season, improving his field goal percentage by five (48.0) and pushing his three-point percentage into the 40’s (41.0), making 95.2 percent of his free throws and pushing his points per game up a full point (18.2). Yeah, he might have had a cold stretch here and there, but shooters respond. You’d be hard-pressed to find somebody in this town willing to argue that Allen is not one of the league’s best catch-and-shoot guys coming off screens. When they need him to step up, he’s always willing to take the shot.


Paul Pierce: A-minus
Like Allen, the captain saw an increase in points per game and had a three-point percentage hovering around 40. And like Allen, he has been willing to step up and call for the ball in the crunch. This postseason, though, watching him in the crunch was scary at times – the ole’ gather, hesitate, get trapped and throw up a terrible shot from a bad shot, then pray it goes in. Hey, when you’ve toiled in this organization since the 90’s, I guess you can get away with that.


Rajon Rondo: A-plus
Will everyone please stop with the “he is not an elite point guard” arguments and just appreciate the poetry in motion? Best point guard this franchise has had since DJ; if he stays a Celtic long-term, we’ll be hearing more comparisons to DJ, Cousy and Archibald.

Kendrick Perkins: B-plus
Interesting tidbit about the Celtics’ centers: there have been four starting centers on their 17 championship teams. Russell, Cowens, Parish and….Perkins. Sign of the times, no?

In an era where the true center is a lost art, Perkins provided the smackdown this year. He was the team’s most physical player, but sometimes that was a bad thing. He seems to always get in foul trouble, and needs to do a better job of setting screens. Still, Perkins provides that power-punch that all elite teams try to throw around.

Glen Davis: A
The evolution of an undersized, doughy-looking, bubbly, awkward, baby-faced kid into a bona fide starter who can come through in the clutch has been an absolute joy. The game-winning shot he made in game five was one of the defining moments of the season, and announced his arrival to the league. Somehow, some way, I expect the Celtics to throw some veteran money at him while maintaining the salary cap. That’ll be tricky, but it’ll happen.

Leon Powe: B
Had he been available for the second round, I would not be writing this column. Instead, I’d be musing about how much the media hypes LeBron and hates gritty defensive teams. Much like Big Baby, Powe has given the Celtics a better return than expected. Signing him long-term should be a priority.

Eddie House: B-minus
The 3-point specialist set a franchise record in three-point percentage this season and has given us countless hours of the ever-gangstafying Eddie House Face, and made some good defensive rotations when need be. But the guy is not a capable backup point guard, and his final performance of the season was shocking: 16 minutes, 1-3 fg, 0-1 3pt, 2 pts. WHAT?


Stephon Marbury: C
Jury’s still out on whether this guy is going to be part of the organization moving forward, but I might give him another chance – as long as the money’s not guaranteed, similar to how things played out this year and how the Darius Miles situation was handled. Starbury is a known lunatic, but he demonstrated maturity in his reserve role, and to his credit didn’t totally kill the team’s resolve. There were both good and bad stretches for the man, but like a rubik’s cube it’s hard to get a good read on this guy.

Brian Scalabrine: C
Hate to admit it, but for a guy who continually demonstrates the defensive awareness of an oblivious college student crossing Boylston Street with his iPod, he had a pretty decent postseason. Never in my wildest dreams did I envision this guy averaging 30 minutes and not completely killing the team’s mojo. And for that, he remains academically eligible.

Mikki Moore: D
After reaching out to seemingly every guy on the planet over 6-foot-10, from Dikembe Mutombo to Kevin Nash and The Undertaker, Danny Ainge settled on this 7-foot journeyman as the new P.J. Brown. Only, he was anything but. Brown was a long, lean guy in incredible shape for a 39-year-old, who could make key defensive stops in the fourth quarter. Moore was a fish out of water who was often caught out of position. The only thing he really did well was foul.

Incompletes: Tony Allen, J.R. Giddens, Bill Walker, Gabe Pruitt

Keys for the Celtics in Game 7

By Brendan Hall
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

If you're superstitious, you have to love Patrick Ewing's declaration yesterday on ESPN Radio in Washington, D.C., that the Magic will win tomorrow night's Game 7.

He's biased, of course, being an assistant with Orlando and all. But you had to appreciate the retort to the media by his former Knicks teammate, Doc Rivers: "Patrick Ewing did that? We feel great. We feel great about that. I've been on those Knicks teams where he had some predictions. But you know what I've always said about predictions, what else are you going to say? Are you going to say no? But the Patrick prediction makes me feel better."

Of course, we all said the same thing back in 2005 when the Indiana Pacers blew the C's off the door hinges in Game 7 of the first round, effectively ending the game before halftime. No way the Celtics lose this one. We've got these chuckleheads right where we want them. Although this Celtics nucleus is about 10 times more equipped against a breakdown like that, the possibility still lurks.

Which is why the following needs to happen tomorrow night:

Don't walk...RUN

Despite the great play from Glen Davis, Kendrick Perkins and even Brian Scalabrine (seriously), the Celtics' frontcourt is still overmatched without the presence of either Kevin Garnett or Leon Powe. Simply put, Rashard Lewis has great range for a power forward, and Dwight Howard is simply a freak of nature.

At every other level, you have seen overmatched teams find success playing at an uptempo pace. Charlestown High won four straight state titles doing nothing but running and pressing. In this year's tournament, Missouri flew under everyone's radar and made it all the way to the Elite Eight running Mike Anderson's "Fastest 40 Minutes" style of play (or alternately, if you prefer, "40 Minutes of Hell").

Whenever the Celtics have run in this series, they've found success. Rajon Rondo has proven as much, averaging double-digits in assists and rebounds. The Celtics should be running for the first five minutes of the second and fourth quarters to keep them off-guard. Rondo is a running point guard, give him the ball and let him do his thing.

Keep Big Baby out of foul trouble...

Doc Rivers said that if Glen Davis gets a foul in the first quarter, he'll sit him. This means Brian Scalabrine will probably enter the game in the first quarter. Listen, I've been hard on Scal during the playoffs, and granted he is the funniest and most affable guy in the C's locker room. But the man is just terrible at perimeter defense. You bring him out to the top of the key with his arms flailing, and he's about as effective as a tip jar at a tollbooth. He's probably a little better than me in my pickup games in Dorchester.

Inevitably, Big Baby is going to get a foul in the first quarter -- and probably a terrible call at that, because they're probably going to use the Inter-High officiating crew again. Kendrick Perkins is going to push the envelope and have four fouls in the third, because he's always a brawler at heart. And with that in mind, the Celtics just cannot afford to have their two best forwards on the bench in foul trouble. Baby needs to play smart, and know when and when not to make contact. Given that the officiating in the playoffs has been about as consistent as a Sonic Youth track, that's going to be pretty difficult. But it has to be done.

...but at the same time, why not Hack-A-Dwight?

To borrow from Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi, "You've heard of Hack-A-Shaq? How about Plight of Dwight?"

Like all centers with big hands, Dwight Howard is not exactly the world's best foul shooter. He is a career 58 percent free throw shooter, and has been a little better than 60 percent in this year's playoffs. In Game 2, the Celtics won 112-94 and Dwight went 2 for 8 from the stripe. In Game 6, an 83-75 Magic win, Dwight was just 5 for 12.

While I'm not exactly shedding a tear at the lack of minutes for Mikki Moore, you could employ him with a primary duty of double-teaming Howard and drawing contact. Howard will not shy from contact, but the chances of him missing at the free-throw line are pretty even.

Create shots for Ray Allen

Simply put, more than any other player on the roster, the Celtics DO NOT win when Allen goes cold from the field. Rivers felt after today's practice that Allen was due for a breakout night, and history has been on his side in the 2009 postseason.

A look inside the numbers

Conference Quarterfinals vs. Chicago
Game 1: 1-12 fg, 0-6 3pt, 4 pts
Game 2: 9-18 fg, 6-6 3pt, 30 pts
Game 5: 3-8 fg, 2-4 3pt, 10 pts
Game 6: 18-32 fg, 9-18 3pt, 51 pts

Conference Semifinals vs. Orlando
Game 1: 2-12 fg, 1-7 3pt, 10 pts
Game 2: 7-15 fg, 2-7 3pt, 22 pts
Game 3: 3-13 fg, 0-5 3pt, 8 pts
Game 4: 6-13 fg, 0-5 3pt, 12 pts
Game 5: 3-11 fg, 2-5 3pt, 13 pts
Game 6: 2-11 fg, 0-7 3pt, 5 pts

Good shooters don't stay cold this long. Make Allen your first option in half-court sets, whether they're anticipating it or not. He has the quickest release in the league -- give him a fraction of a second, and he'll make it happen.

Turkoglu channels his inner Andrew Toney, forces Game 7

By Brendan Hall
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Text message tonight from my good friend Brian Comeau, who works at the Hotel Commonwealth, two hours before tonight's tipoff:

"Have the Celtics and Bruins ever advanced to the next round on the same night?"

Spoke too soon...and to answer the question, not in our lifetime.

The Celtics will be playing what has got to feel like the 17th Game 7 after tonight's 83-75 loss to the Orlando Magic.

Dwight Howard's 23 points and 22 rebounds will be the biggest headline in tomorrow's papers, because of the way he went out and backed up his comments after calling out the coaching, but please heed the sweet stroke of Hedo Turkoglu. The big man lives for these dagger moments against the Celtics, and tonight he got his. Forget that he only had seven points. His wide-open 3-pointer from near the top of the arc made it a six-point game for Orlando with a minute to go. And while that's an eternity, this one had that "aw, crap" feeling. Beat the traffic, and let's hope for a win in Game 7.

As for Dwight, this is how an All-NBA First Teamer is supposed to respond. That's the difference between superstars like Howard and above-average guys like Gilbert Arenas. When you chirp, you've got to back it up. Does it prove anything from a coach's standpoint? I beg to differ. Rafer "Skip to my Lou" Alston and Rashard Lewis were in there at the end to close it out. I think ultimately the legacy of Howard's Game 5 comments will be that he shook up what had become complacent. The Magic were playing loose tonight.

Tonight was a low-scoring, defensive affair; the kind of game you can't play with your best player sitting on the sidelines. As athletic as the Magic starting five is, the Celtics can run the floor better. Running a break, I'll take Rajon Rondo over Alston any day of the week.

Ray Allen's five points on 2 of 11 shooting -- including 0 for 7 -- is startling. I fully expect him to recover in Game 7.

It all ends Sunday night. Let's hope none of us get any jinx-worthy text messages.

All-NBA Team Released

By Brendan Hall
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

The NBA released its All-NBA Teams today, and they are as follows:

First Team
Dwyane Wade
Kobe Bryant
Dwight Howard
Dirk Nowitzki
LeBron James

Second Team
Brandon Roy
Chris Paul
Tim Duncan
Paul Pierce
Yao Ming

Third Team
Chauncey Billups
Tony Parker
Carmelo Anthony
Pau Gasol
Shaquille O'Neal

Interesting switcheroo here, as there's usually a spot reserved for Tim Duncan on the First Team. The Spurs didn't live up to expectations this season, and without Ginobili they lost some of that toughness that made them a treat to watch. Nowitzki gets the nod, even though he was only in the top five in one major category (points per game) and top 10 in two others (free throw percentage, defensive rebounds). I will say that he doesn't crumble in the post like he used to, and that he's generally one of the league's better shooters, and I'll give him the benefit of the doubt because there was alot of parity after the top four on the First Team. Dirk's spot could have easily been Yao's, or Chris Paul's, or Carmelo's, Gasol's.

I would have liked to have seen Billups on the Second Team. Billups' arrival in Denver did more to transform the team than you think. Before he came, the Nuggets were one of the team's most talented yet dysfunctional lineups. Billups weathered the storm, just like he did in Detroit, and the team became one of the league's best defensive lineups. Alot of teams in the league have flash; few have true grit.

Nice to see Shaq back in a spot where he used to be permanently fixtured. I'm telling you, there is something Phoenix's training staff is doing to their players that so many players are able to revive their careers (and no, I don't think it's steroids).

I'm fine with Garnett, Allen and Rondo not making it, but I'm surprised at how low they were on the balloting. With that in mind, here's my All-Snub Team:

Chris Bosh
Devin Harris
Ben Gordon
Joe Johnson
David West

Celtics squeeze another one out, officially most fun team to watch this month

By Brendan Hall
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

The late rapper Mac Dre once mused, "Get in where you fit. And if you don't fit, squeeze."

After last night's 92-88 comeback victory over Orlando, I think that's the best way we can sum up this year's Celtics squad. Not exactly healthy, not exactly deep, but man oh man can these fellas grind it out.

It takes resolve, focus, and toughness to rally from a 14-point deficit with nine minutes to go. After the way things ended in game four, you had the feeling the Magic were going to pull out some new schemes to slow Rondo and Co. down. For the most part, they were successful.

Over the last five minutes, though, things seemed to unravel. I'd like to take Dwight Howard's side and say there was no reason for Stan Van Gundy to sub in Rafer Alston and Rashard Lewis for Anthony Johnson and Tony Battie, but I can't. Why? Because when you build a lead like that with reserves, it's time to put your hottest five on the floor and throw a nail in the coffin.

(Not surprised, by the way, that somebody in that locker room has a problem with Van Gundy)

Really, this is more about the Celtics' resolve than Dwight Howard's choke down the stretch. The C's made big play after big play; the biggest? There's a ton to choose from, but I'm going with Rajon Rondo's rebound, followed by a toss off a Magic player's knee, with 10 seconds to go. The man only coupled his nine rebounds with six points and five assists, but I'm giving him the game ball.

True story...watched the game with a nice group of ladies at a pub near my house, and when Rondo makes that play, THE girl I'm with (emphasis on THE) yells, "Five Tommy Points!" Folks, keeper is spelled K-E-E-P-E-R.

This one's over. Bring on Cleveland, its gray skies, its lake that catches fire once a year, and its cheesy chalk dust.

A few more thoughts rolling off the tongue here:

-- Second game ball: Doc Rivers. Why? Mikki Moore and Tony Allen played a combined ZERO minutes.

-- Rut-roh, Tim Floyd. Still no word on whether the NCAA is going to drop the ban-hammer on USC football, though, and that's a crying shame.

-- Kenyon Martin's mother is understandably upset at Marc Cuban for his less-than-choice words to her Saturday night, but to grill Cuban for not apologizing sooner? Come on now, we're acting like this is the first time Martin's been called a "thug". Ever. Have we forgotten the whole "fan intimidation" debacle from two seasons ago THAT quickly?

Not saying, but just saying...

-- Lakers by 40? So what. I'm sticking by my pick. Rockets in 7. Trust me.

-- Forgive my shamelessness, but the Eddie House Face has allegedly caught on in Canton, West Barnstable and Merrimac, N.H. How do I know? BlackBerry Messenger, that's how.

-- P.S. on the shamelessness, yesterday afternoon was a historic day in my basketball career. Not since the 92-93 Westminster Biddy League season have I been this hot. Yesterday in my weekly pickup game in Dorchester, I nailed FOUR straight turnarounds, then I rebounded a fifth and sank it from the baseline (backboard angle, too). I don't know what came over me yesterday -- Vitamin Water, Thermo-Burst, or finally getting Julian Benbow to come out for a game -- but I've officially turned over a new leaf.

Dan Farrell 3-on-3 Tournament, you're next.

Glen Davis is a ragebag, but neither an animal nor lunatic

By Brendan Hall
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Release the hounds.

The father of the kid that got pushed aside by Glen Davis after hitting yesterday's game-winning shot is demanding an apology from the player, according to a blog post on the Orlando Sentinel.

According to the Sentinel, a front-row season ticket holder by the name of Ernest Provetti wrote an email to the NBA today demanding an apology from Davis, saying that he went way overboard and "embarrassed" his son.

Among the more colorful language from Mr. Provetti:

-- "The NBA makes it clear to not cross the sideline. If I cross that line, the NBA will take away my tickets. It's a double standard."

-- Davis acted like a "raging animal with no regard for fans' personal safety."

-- "How do you like to be a 12-year-old and see a raging lunatic coming at you?"

Readers have been quick to rake this guy over the coals for his overreaction. When I started writing this, there were 118 comments about the Sentinel's blog entry, mostly negative against Provetti.

I can understand the guy's anger. I'm only 24, and thus have no idea what it's like to raise a kid, but I'd be pretty pissed off if my son was getting goofed on by the SportsCenter dweebs for something he had no control over (by the way Tim Legler, you're still a hack). But what I don't understand is A) why so much anger is directed at Big Baby, and B) why he had to use such potentially-racist language in scolding him.

Thankfully, about 10 minutes after I started writing this, the dude officially backed off, saying he "reacted emotionally."

People, when you trip over a rock, it's your own fault. Stop looking for a handout and violin music every time something doesn't go your own way. Think rationally, not passionately. Please.

Big Shot Big Baby

By Brendan Hall
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Robert Horry, step aside please.

In case you were pre-occupied with Bruins and Red Sox television coverage, here's what happened in a nutshell in tonight's Celtics-Magic game four:

Baby. Went. Off.

More specifically, Mr. Glen Davis had 21 points tonight, including five of the Celtics' last six points, in a 95-94 thriller to even the series at 2-2. That includes one heck of a game-winner.

The play was perfectly executed, and Davis made it look surprisingly easy. One of those plays that makes the defense think "in hindsight, how did we not see this coming?" Understandable that, with Paul Pierce taking the inbound, they'd sag to Pierce's side for a double-team, leaving Davis wide open on the left wing -- I'd rather have the ball in Baby's hands than Pierce if I'm Orlando. But Davis made them pay, swishing an 18-footer to send Doc Rivers into a happy-fit.

It's clear after this series, win or lose, that the C's can defend as good as anyone in the league (why isn't Tom Thibodeau fielding more interest from teams with coaching vacancies? Kings anybody?) But from herein, don't expect the Magic to take Baby lightly. He is giving Rashard Lewis and Dwight Howard a hard time, despite what their stats show; look for them to make some adjustments on him next time out.

Not going to make any Hall-of-Famer comparisons here (because I might be crazy, but I ain't stupid), but does Baby remind anyone else of Dave Cowens? Before you start laughing consider both players' makeup: undersized, goofy, throws in a flashy post move every now and then, out-hustles and frustrates the crap out of his opponents. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar always says that Cowens and Wilt were the only two players in his career that were a huge pain.

(EDITOR'S NOTE: Cowens and I share the same nickname: "Big Red")

Not saying, but just saying...

A few other notes (please pardon the light-hearted tone, my mind is in fifth gear):

-- Came across this tremendous article yesterday in the New Yorker speculating about why more underdogs don't full-court press. Well-written, well-researched, and the only sports article I've come across that manages to intertwine mathematics, Rick Pitino, Lawrence of Arabia and a 12-year-old girls' basketball team so seamlessly. Required reading for any serious hoops fan.

On that note -- and I'm crossing my fingers here -- but I want to believe Doc Rivers is coming around to this whole concept of running. With Garnett out of the lineup, they're going to HAVE to run on at least 60 percent of their possessions to make up for the frontcourt mismatch. They did a tremendous job with this in Game 3, and were adequate in Game 4.

Hate to say it, but I think their problems in the run game come down to who's carrying the ball. When Rondo is manning things, it is -- in a word -- Poetry In Motion.

Marbury? Not exactly a dud, but there's a reason why Mike D'Antoni wanted him out of Phoenix and New York. Just because you went to Lincoln High doesn't mean you're the next Bo Kimble. Just ask Sebastian Telfair.

Boston's subs are going to have to learn to push better from herein.

-- We've already been entertained many times by "Gino" and that dancing kid, and we love getting "Rondo'd", but I would like to suggest another item to add to this generation's Celtics folklore. Ladies and gents, I bring you the Eddie House Face.

Just study that bio photo for a few minutes. What a great scowl for such a deadly shooter, no? Half smirk, half smile, all business. If this were a James Brown track, it'd most definitely be "Paid the cost to be the boss."

I can totally see this catching on with the college crowd. How it hasn't yet, and the Jon Scheyer Face has, troubles me.

-- The non-call on Antoine Wright last night was just garbage. Pure garbage. In French, "le garbage."

The easy, and instinctive, conclusion for how this happened is that the league hates the Mavericks, and especially Mark Cuban. But an even easier conclusion to make is that these referees have just lost their minds. I know it's arguably the toughest sport to officiate in this country, but I'll say it again: David Stern needs to sit down and take a hard look this offseason at how playoff officiating crews are merited.

-- Rockets in 7. There, I said it.

C's make a series of it again, 112-94

By Brendan Hall
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Anyone else taken aback by that final score? It almost bears repeating ad nauseum.

Boston 112, Orlando 94. Let that sink in for a minute.

How the heck did they pull this one off without Kevin Garnett, with Paul Pierce in foul trouble most of the night, and with Brian Scalabrine playing a kid-you-not 34 minutes? Two things happened last tonight that triggered this explosion.

First, the Celtics dictated the tempo -- and it was uptempo, for sure. The C's attempted 80 shots (10 more than Orlando), committed 34 assists to just 10 turnovers, and had almost every major contributor rating at least a plus-nine. The only guy who played more than two minutes to get a negative plus-minus for the night? Take a wild guess (Marbury).

When Rondo is on, this team is hard slow down. And apparently, it no longer matters that two of the Big Three aren't on the court -- when he's clicking, there's just no stopping him. Fifteen points, 11 rebounds, 18 assists and just three turnovers? Sweet deal.

The second thing they did was find open shots on the perimeter. In case you missed it, Eddie House had yet another night for the ages, pouring in 31 points (including a perfect 4 for 4 on 3's) and was nearly perfect from the field (11 of 14). A few more games like this, and I bet we start comparing him to Gerald Henderson in the category of "role guys who absolutely bailed out the Celtics in the playoffs."

The combination of those two put Dwight Howard out of synch. He got his double-double (12 points, 10 rebounds), but wasn't nearly as effective on offense (5 for 13 field goals). Having to sag to the perimeter more to cope with the shooters, Howard ended up with zero blocks after making a Nike commercial out of the C's in Game 1.

I think we underestimated these guys up until this point. There's a lot of fight left in them.

A few more thoughts from around the basketball world: 

--At the beginning of the season, I thought there were six legitimate contenders for the title: Boston, Cleveland, San Antonio, Detroit, LA Lakers and Houston. I'm sticking with my Houston pick as a dark horse, and you saw why in Game 1. Without their biggest defensive liability (Tracy McGrady) on the court, they became a grittier team that is less prone to late-game collapses. Yao Ming has transformed into a solid pure center, Battier routinely takes on opponents' best player with success, and Luis Scola does the dirty work. Even Ron Artest is acting civil for once in his career.

--Two x-factors in this series: the Lakers' much-hyped Andrew Bynum, and the Rockets' shifty backcourt of Von Wafer, Carl Landry and 5-foot-6 Aaron Brooks. Almost Rondo-like in terms of fun to watch. Seriously.

-- The Nuggets and Mavericks don't play again until Saturday. That's a FOUR-day layoff. Somebody needs to fix this.

-- Cringed a little when I saw this story about Toledo basketball today. Things have swiftly hit the fan over there in the form of a point-shaving scandl, which is unfortunate for a classy guy like Stan Joplin to have to deal with. Glad to see former Charlestown High great Ridley Johnson (who absolutely owned my alma mater Oakmont in the 2005 state final) was not one of the players named in this scandal.

-- You know those new Heineken commercials, where these 20-something hipsters are singing Biz Markie in the back of a cab with the driver? Anyone else think the commercial's tagline -- "Let a stranger drive you home" -- goes against everything we were taught growing up? I'll tell you what's next...a Bud Light commercial urging us to "go ahead, take that candy from that creep in the van."

Celtics losing their Magic dust?

By Brendan Hall
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

OK, so we're in for a rough series here, fellas.

Yes, the Celtics climbed back late to make a game of it, but that 93-90 final score will veil the ugly stuff to the unassuming. Don't be fooled, this was a tough one to watch.

Maybe I'm just cranky. I hope it's just me. But I don't see the Celtics pulling it out this round.

Don't get it twisted. That fourth quarter was encouraging, despite Paul Pierce's lack of urgency in the final 30 seconds. Ray Allen cannot have these kind of nights anymore in the playoffs (nine points), or this is what happens (a 20-point halftime deficit).

It's not just that they had a great game plan for neutralizing Allen. Orlando is too overwhelming to deal with if you don't have a long stopper like Kevin Garnett, and the Magic frontcourt has proven as much tonight. Dwight Howard (6 for 12) and Rashard Lewis (8 for 13) had their way with the C's from two-point range, while the likes of Hedo Turkoglu, JJ Redick and Mickael Pietrus (17 points) had a little downtown party (seven combined 3-pointers).

Don't expect the Magic to stay this cold from long-range. The Magic jack it up more than anyone else in the league, and have been hitting them at a very respectable rate. We all know Hedo Turkoglu is a Celtics killer, and we all know what a freak of nature Dwight Howard is; but the two biggest keys in this series are the most unheralded.

In what has turned out to be a great move in the wake of Jameer Nelson's season-ending injury, the Magic traded away Brian Cook to the Rockets and a first-round pick to the Grizzlies in exchange for Rafer "Skip to my Lou" Alston. Set aside his legal troubles and his streetball antics, and he's a pretty steady player. Since his first full 82-game season in 2003-04, he's averaged roughly 13.5 points, 6.7 assists and shot at around a 40 percent clip. In these playoffs alone, he's got a 4 to 1 assist-to-turnover ratio, and is averaging 15.2 points.

He's no Rondo in regulated games, despite what those And1 highlights may convince, but he's not turnover-prone.

As for Lewis, Orlando management took alot of criticism for giving an $82 million contract to a guy that, for all intents and purposes, didn't deserve it. But now we see why. The guy is averaging 19 points per game for the playoffs, can step out and shoot (37 percent from 3-point range in the playoffs), and he can slash. Not to mention, he's 6-foot-10.

Combine that with Howard and Turkoglu, and that's a tall task to topple without KG, no matter how many overachievers you've got on the floor.

Hey KG. Suck it up and play

By Jim Ingram

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

According the Boston Celtics, there is no structural damage to Kevin Garnett's knee.  Until the Celtics either win it all, or get bounced from the playoffs, fans and media will not know the full extent of the injury.  That uncertainty has led to some rampant rumors of his return to the court or his inability to play through the pain.  

KG has a sterling reputation for giving all he can on the court, so many people believe that he's just too injured to play and he'll have off season surgery.  That may be the case, but why don't the Celtics just come out and let everyone know?  Personally, I think he's injured, may need surgery to clean a few things up in the knee, but could step on the court and play with the pain. So, KG, get your shorts on and get out there and play.  If he could contribute 12-15 minutes, it would give the Celtics bench the big man they need.  

Odds are the Celtics wouldn't be able to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers in a 7 games series anyway, but you need to make every effort to get there.  

Kevin Garnett, the Boston Celtics need you.  Will you answer the call?

Game ball, Eddie House

By Brendan Hall
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

This was the Eddie House we had all been waiting for.

In truth it seemed only a matter of time before House, who set a franchise record this season in three-point percentage (46 percent), found his groove again -- shooters never stay cold for long. And the timing couldn't have been any better.

Yes, this is a game he will be telling his grandkids about. Perfect from the line (2 for 2) and a perfect 5 for 5 from the field -- including 4 for 4 from three-point range -- spelled doom tonight for the Bulls, as the ninth-year man out of Arizona State threw down several clutch shots late to quell a furious Chicago rally and finally win this series, 4-3.

This was a night when several Celtics grew up. Kendrick Perkins, on the heels of a career night, put in another solid performance (14 points, 13 rebounds) and refused to get pushed around on the blocks. Glen Davis (15 points) showed us some moves tonight that made me remember that in high school he was a 6-foot-8, 330-pound running back.

Brian Scalabrine, for once, proved he's actually worth the minutes Doc put him in for. Even Mikki Moore (aka the homeless man's PJ Brown), in just under three minutes, proved some mettle (four points, two rebounds and ZERO fouls).

If the Celtics had somehow squandered that second-quarter cushion, I'd probably be carrying on ad nauseum about what a horrendous call that Hinrich-tripping-over-his-own-feet call was on Pierce. I don't know what's worse, that call, the infamous Chuck Knoblauch "ghost tag" on Jose Offerman in the 99 ALCS, or every call by Bennett Salvatore in the 06 Finals.

But you know what? Tonight, much akin to the spirit of a good broadcasting team, I'm going to stay quiet and let the emotions paint the picture. Let's be content for the moment that we just witnessed a beautiful roller coaster of a run, and not worry for at least 24 hours that we have to now deal with Dwight Howard and Hedo FREAKIN Turkoglu.

The night is young. And tonight, it has a green tint to it.

Celtics in for a Game 7 screamer

By Brendan Hall
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Voicemail from one of my college roommmates, a diehard Lakers fan, after the Celtics lost Game 6 to the Hawks: "Hey, HEY hey, where you watching Game 7 homey? Where you watching? Ahhhh-hahahaha!"

Text from said former roommate: "Where you watching Game 7?"

Stupor-induced cat-call from across the bar by another old UMass buddy, Brookline resident and San Diego transplant, Vaughn: "Good one, Red. Lakers, baby. LAY-kers."

Everyone seems to be enjoying this seven-game, first-round, modern-day Othello except us Celtics fans. For the fourth time in six games, Game 6 went into extra frames -- this time three overtimes -- before the Chicago Bulls snuck away with a 128-127 victory, before a raucous United Center crowd and a plethora of half-nervous/half-angry Boston faithful watching from big screens all over the 617 area code.

Unlike that Hawks series last year, where you knew the Big Three were going to come out of the gates steaming mad and take control form the get-go, I feel like the ball is in Chicago's court. The Bulls could totally take this Game 7 by double-digits, and the viewing public would no longer be shocked. The Bulls have been shocking the establishment for the past two games, and now they've got nothing to lose in this final act of the series.

Should KG give it a go? I'm not going to cling to my crazy theory from Game 5, but at this point I'll take a wounded Tony Battie. Heck, I'll take Vitaly Potapenko, Eric Montross, Stojko Vrankovic, anybody at this point. The C's starting rotation needs some help, in the most desperate way.

That's all I got for now. More to come this afternoon.