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Celtics Look Extremely Weak
Monday, April 27, 2009
Let's face it, when Boston Celtic fans learned that KG was likely out for the playoffs there was a collective sigh of relief. With everyone already putting the C's chance of defending their NBA title chances at slim to none, the news on Garnett actually gave the team a way out.
Because, even die-hard Boston fans had stopped thinking of a Celtics-Lakers final. Most, in fact, gave the team no chance of beating Cleveland (what a juggernaut they have become) in the Eastern Conference finals, even if KG had been able to return. But now a loss to Cleveland would be explainable, almost understandable.
Still, the team's current struggles with the Bulls has come as a surprise. Led by the incomparable rookie Derek Rose, Chicago has given the Celtics everything they can handle.
And then some. Though the series is tied at two games apiece, the fact is that Chicago could just as easily be up three games to one. In fact, they probably should be up three- one.On offense, the C's definitely miss KG. Unfortunately, the Celtics front line of Kendrick Perkins and Glen "Big Baby" Davis seem to have nothing in the way of a shooting touch. If they could just routinely make their chippies, the C's would actually be up at this juncture.
But then again, if the team had an offense that sought to distribute the ball consistently they also would have won on Sunday. But instead, at crunch time, they tried, again and again to let Paul Pierce create a shot.
He did so quite often and he even made a few. But in the process team play disappeared and players began standing around, watching Pierce.
That led to the dismal end, when during the final overtime, the team looked totally incapable on offense.
And dead tired. For that, the fans must look at Coach Doc Rivers and his inability to ever create a consistent rotation. For the better part of two seasons mind you.
As for the defense, well that was where everyone knew KG would be missed. That was extremely clear on Sunday, when the team needed a stop, it could not get one.
More to the point, there is no way with Garnett on the floor the team gives up 120+ points to this Bulls team.
Interestingly, the series has showcased Boston's budding superstar, Rajon Rondo. Posting an average of a triple double in the series, the point guard has been the one shining light for the Celtics, outplaying the Rookie of the Year who also just so happens to be playing pretty well also.
Imagine if this kid Rondo had a jump shot.
A year ago the Celtics barely got out of round one against the Hawks. They needed to win four at home to take the series four games to three.
All of that was forgotten when the team proceeded to knock off the Cavaliers, the Pistons and the Lakers.
But here they are again, in danger of losing in the opening round. Yes, KG is missing. But those who thought the C's would still make it the Conference finals even without the Big Ticket must now be wondering.
The team looks so weak, I would not be surprised to see them play another seven game first round series, only this time to come up short in game seven.
Even without Garnett, that would represent a dismal end to the hopes of a repeat title.
4:41 PM
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