The only problem with having 60 wins, is having 60 wins. The better the record, the more a team becomes a favorite, the more they're expected to win. And ultimately, constant pressure starts pushing down on them like a fat guy in a kids top bunk bed. It can be difficult for a team (or a frightened kid below), especially a great one. I didn't even mention the Patriots.
The good thing about this year's Boston Celtics team is that they have the players and make up to not only have the best record in the NBA, but to win it all. I'm hoping that after they do, they throw a little Garden party so I can reminisce with my old friends. Larry, Chief, Kevin, Danny, Dj, Walton and the others from that 1985-86 team, are the last green guys to bring down the house.
When I think of the Celtics (just this time), I think of "The Incredible Hulk." They're both green and if you mess with them they'll turn into a monster. The only difference between the two is that the Hulk starts as a Banner (David) and the Celts want to finish with a banner (a championship). Whatever the case, these jolly green giants put on a great show and sure can Selltixs. Bill Bixby was pretty entertaining too.
What I really like about the Celtics is that they are not a one-dimensional team. Obviously, with Pierce, Allen, House and Posey behind the line, it sometimes becomes a bombs away three for all, which can be deadly. But a potent outside game isn't going to get things done on a grand scale, like the balance an NBA team needs, and the Celtics have.
KG isn't exactly a prototypical low post player, but does have that game when he wants to. He's got an awesome assortment of head and shoulder faking 10-15 footers turning either way, can hit cutters with his precision passing skills, and when he decides to take it to the hoop, he does it aggressively well. And, oh yeah, he cans that 15-20 footer straight on for good measure. Throw in KG's big man buddy, Perkins, who takes advantage of occasional back to the basket mismatches, and grabs many boards, and the C's low post game is well rounded.
Then there's the ultimate slasher in Paul Pierce. He's like the O.J. of the NBA. There are not many guys in the league who can get to the basket like Pierce. Half the time he barrels over well positioned defenders, but somehow manages to draw fouls for huge three point plays. In O.J. fashion, he gets away with it by reputation, or by using his athleticism to Pierce and knife through unmatched defenders. Judge Ito would love Paul "The Truth" Pierce.
To complement Paul is Ray Allen. He has a deadly shooting stroke (something O.J. will have in store for next ex) and has the ability to take it to the hole when needed. The two of them are good for 40 points without even breaking a sweat. A deadly shooter and an ultimate slasher make Gang Green what they are. Tough, but not guilty.
The Big Three are veteran heavy weights that on any given night can tip the scale in the Celtics favor. But second year sensation point guard, Rajon Rondo, is the one who brings complete balance to the team. He's like a Buddha pest out there. He'll pick your pocket like a subway punk, then cash in on the other end. He's tough enough to take it to the rack for two and creative enough to find open bigs for jams, or shooters on the wing for threes. But what really impresses me about Rondo is that when the green get it in gear, he knows how to Push it Real Good. Even if the fastbreak doesn't create a lay up, Rondo's good at finding open trailers for wide open looks(like a peeping tom redneck), or smart enough to pull up and run an offensive set. He's quick, fast, has a pretty good handle, and just looks confident running the offense. He's the dog who decides what game the Celts are going to unleash.
Before the season started it looked like it was the Big Three and that's all folks. It seemed like the potential reserves and pigeon crap would have something in common. They both would be stuck on the bench for a long time. Who would have thought that Leon Powe( a great hustler (I prefer penthouse) rebounder/scorer per minute guy) and Big Baby(more like Big Maybe) would even get any meaningful minutes? Well, aside from the unexpected great production, they both have excellent hands too, which is a rare commodity among big men. Mix in pure shooting guard Eddie House and three point and defensive specialist, James Posey, and you've got big time high bench marks. And who knows, maybe The Tin Man will give Sam Casell some oil to loosen up some of that rust.
Aside from all of these great attributes about the Celts, most importantly, they play great team D (best in the league at 95.9 pts/game) and they have great passers in KG, Pierce and an emerging Rondo. Playing stifling D and having great ball movement with great shooters, leads me to think there's no reason why the Celts cant win it all.
I used to think, wow, look at the West, all those great teams and its players. Duncan, Nash, Nowitzki? As Spicoli would say, "those guys are fags." And, I guess the battled tested Pistons have to be thrown in there too. I don't care who you throw in there, fags Duncan, Nash and Nowitzki or any one from Detroit. Either way, the Celtics will force them to blow a Piston. Disregarding the fact that we pretty much mopped up on all of them (25-5 against the West) there isn't a team that I look at and think we can't beat or shouldn't beat. The Celts match up with anybody, and have the talent, tenacity, and hunger that can wear down any 7 game series contender.
Now all they have to do is win three series, advance to the finals and take it home. I was feeling pretty confident until that last sentence. And still am. The C's have business to take care of and they know it. They're good and ready, and Celtics' playoff fans better be big time backers. If not............ Red has Auerbach.
