Celtics win a game they should, beat Cavs 103-91
In an effort to give me an aneurysm, Doc Rivers decided to shuffle his starting lineup tonight to include the JET and Jason Collins. There was some speculation that Collins was garnering the start to try and slow down Anderson Varejao, but Varejao was held out of tonight’s game at the last minute so I proceeded to have a full-blown conniption at that point. But the Celtics beat a now 5-22 team missing their second best player (an all-star caliber big man) so it’s time to get excited! Jason Collins is the answer! Let’s get to the bullet points:
- So in all seriousness, why Jason Collins? Well Collins is a good screen setter, capable defender, and a competent rebounder (which on this team makes him a spectacular rebounder). He also allows KG to log some minutes at the four, a SOMETHING no other big provides. However, if you’re starting Jason Collins you can forget about him contributing on the offensive end, hence Terry getting the start as well to balance out the lineup. Now the Celtics won this game and that’s all well and good, but let’s keep in mind that the Celtics played a bad team tonight and shot 60% (and they still almost blew it). It’s possible that Collins could be a better contributor than Wilcox (who did not play a single minute tonight) on a team that already has a lot of offensive options, especially given that he appears to have a better grasp of defensive rotations. For now I’m going to keep calm and wait for a bigger sample size. And I still don’t like him in the starting lineup. Collins finished with one point, two rebounds (both in the first quarter), a steal, a block, and six fouls in 23 minutes for those of you who like stats.
- Paul Pierce was absolutely on fire tonight. He went 13-16 from the field for 40 points including six 3′s (seven attempted). If you’re looking for a reason the Celtics won tonight I’m going to give credit to the Captain. Or maybe Alonzo Gee’s defense. But probably not Jason Collins.
- The Celtics shot 60% and held the Cavs to 41% shooting tonight. If the Celtics improved D is because of Collins it’s going to be a boon for the offense as well. Because of all the young(er) legs the Celtics added this offseason they can turn stops into points much easier with a few outlet passes and some good decisions on the break. The Celtics also shot 27 FT’s, which is what happens when you attack the basket. Or when Tristan Thompson and Tyler Zeller are guarding the opponent’s basket. Again, it’s so hard to be sure.
- The C’s still didn’t play four quarters as they almost collapsed midway through the second half allowing the Cavs to trim a 19 points lead to two.
When you shuffle multiple rotation pieces like the Celtics did tonight it’s hard to be sure what the most important take away is, even harder when you’re facing a team like the Cavs without one of their best players. And the Celtics super-lazy second half collapse certainly doesn’t help me evaluate anything either. I don’t think Jason Collins is the answer (and I really don’t like him starting), but he is an answer. Even if the Jason Collins experiment continues to yield results he’s probably not a long-term solution, but his ascent might confirm that the Celtics need to make a trade for a big-man that can rebound, hustle, and play some D. The Celtics have a day off before facing the Bucks on Friday, and the Jason Collins experiment could continue against more challenging competition.
Follow Jordan on Twitter: @OffensiveG
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Celtics Blog | Jordan Higgs | December 19, 2012
I agree, even with Pierce scoring 40 points it was against the cavs, but overall they played pretty good. Rondo is attacking before looking for the assist and Pierce got to the line more. CL was better, but I still think we should trade JG for Gortat.
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Not impressed in the least. Lucky win; as if PP doesn’t shoot 6-7 from the 3-line, which he hasn’t done all year, then we likely lose. Starters had ZERO offensive rebs and only JS had 2 whereas Cleveland, without Varejao, had 13 offensive rebs (again when we’re on defense and have position…supposedly). Collins played lousy with zero shots and only 2 rebs in 23 mins. I’d rather we get Fab back from Maine and let him play center the rest of the season as at least he will rebound better and fill the middle while gaining valuable experience. Not on Doc’s watch though, of course. Go Cs…we still SUCK.
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If we are gonna start Collins then just recall Fab Melo from the D-league.If your not gonna play Barbosa trade him for Ryan Hollins WTF is management and Doc thinking
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I was thinking exactly the same thing, why the f*ck is leandro barbosa not playing at all? he’s demonstrated to be the only one in the team who attacks the rim before settling for a jumpshot.
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Considering we should be at least 19-6 now, how about you pass the spliff this way so we can get f’kd up like your thinking is? You really don’t understand hoops if you think this was a quality win. the Cavs got 13 offensive rebs. Do you understand we are sucking at rebounding and if we don’t stop giving up a dozen plus offensive rebs every night then we are not going to be any better than a .500 team. Go Cs…
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I dont understand hoops but you’re talking about offensive rebound WHICH THE CELTICS AVOID LIKE THE PLAGUE. Its part of Doc’s philosophy they can care less about offensive rebounds and that skewers the overall rebounding numbers. And yes it was a decent win did you see how many tough shots we made them settle for?? We didnt get slaughtered in the paint for a change that’s a start. James you of all people shouldn’t be buying into the sensationalism. I’ve seen you in these comment sections for a long time you should know the Cs very well by now.
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I live in Sacramento so I do not get to see games as I would like to. That said offensive rebounding is a key element of all hoops strategies. Let’s agree that Doc doesn’t want us doing that…a mistake in my estimation as offensive rebs lead to more shots, less shots for the opposition and therefore I suggest that if you had watched the Cs as I have for 53+ years then Red, Russell, Cowens, K.C Jones, Silas…all coaches who had the Cs pound the glass on both ends. Now let’s address giving up so many offensive rebs, which is a much bigger problem. To start we’re on defense and naturally should have a rebounding advantage as we’re between our man and the hoop. Last night the Cavs got 26 more shots than the Cs. They shot 41% so that’s roughly 8 more baskets or 16 pts (if just 2-ptrs vs 3-ptrs). Obviously, steals, TOs, and PFs also play into the shot differential equation. But my point is we need to STOP giving up so many offensive rebs and we should focus more on getting them. As Pat Riley said during the ’80s while winning titles – “no rebounds, no rings”. That comment should be the Cs mantra for every game. Who controls the boards usually wins the game. Red, John Wooden and every great coach would agree with that statement. Ergo, why it’s a major pet peeve for me with this team and Doc’s lack of focus on such a critical element of any hoops game no matter what level of competition. Go Cs…
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Im not going to argue with you about rebounds winning rings. But i will say Doc & the front office have access to a bunch of advanced stats that we regular folks dont so they obviously know something we dont. Im not about to sit here and question the people who get paid the big bucks they know what they’re doing. all i ask is that everybody be patient. I follow sports to get away from the stress in my life however temporarily but its been so depressing reading Cs news lately especially seeing die hard fans writing this team off so early in the season. after everything we’ve seen out of them the last 2-3 seasons?? i mean come on they dont care about the regular season and they got so many new faces to incorporate and they’re missing AB a HUGE part of last season’s run….
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Sorry to rain on your stress relief, but I just watch and call it as I see it. We will be better when AB is back because of his defense and energy. All I want is for all the players to give 100% all the time in every game. So far they’re underachievers and coast way too much. As I said we should be 19-6 and it is very frustrating that we have played so poorly considering the talent we have. Re DA and stats…the only stats that matter are the box score. Those stats are very revealing and accurate as to how a team plays. As an example, look at JG’s stats and you see total inconsistency. I believe in JG but if this keeps up then he should be traded. This is the Celtics, not the Kings. I think we’ll be better but why give away games because of a lack of focus, effort, or hustle? Go Cs…
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This team is grossly underachieving…that´s what we are complaining about. Cavs aren´t a contender and this team need to show they have what it takes to beat the big dogs out there. Boston got a win over the post LeBron era Cavs…Congratulations.
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Im not saying throw these guys a parade but recognize the Cavs are Pros too & are not an easy out by any means. The Celts are loaded with talent give them time there’s 57 games left in the season & we all know they like to pace themselves then turn it on late & missing a huge part of last yer’s resurgence so what’s all the negativity & trade talks about?? it takes time to incorporate guys into the complicated schemes a trade aint going to do nothing but bring more growing pains….
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Cavs are 5-22 and only Washington is worse. We should beat these guys consistently by 15-20 especially when Varejao doesn’t play. Go Cs…
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First off stfu you idiot.You are excited about beating a 5-22 team.Your a fool a goof were expressing our opions evaluating a underachieving team dont like dont read were not talking back in the days were talking about a team built to contend with the best and crush the worst.We have not been impressive agreed Collins should not be starting.agreed and Doc should play Barbosa
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Who said anything about being excited?? how about stopping and looking at the big picture instead of oh the sky is falling the sky is falling. There’s a reason why you’re not coaching the Cs dumbass STFU and let the people who get paid millions of dollars to figure things out figure things out.. there’s 57 games left FFS how about some logic and perspective with your doomsday assessments??!!
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You a fuckin idiot we are fans expressing our opions you fool go do yourself a favour eat a fuckin dick
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and my assessment if you cant read 1.start Fab Melo 2.Play Barbosa I read several other blogs about that you fool read whats so doomsday in that assessment?
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@John Its You’re* & favor* apart from that my apologies for the insults this is getting beyond childish. But your assessment is doomsday because veterans aren’t picking up the Cs schemes so a rookie will?? not only that veterans who have had a full training camp & preseason games aren’t executing the schemes consistently right and a late addition(who Doc has said numerous times doesn’t know any of the plays)in Barbosa consistently will??
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My apologies too man I have a terrible week and should not be talking like that when you break it down like that I understand your point if you read my post before the road trip I gave the C’s praise Im just a fan I love the team and hope to raise banner 18 I’m just stating something just from a diehard fans perspective man .Sorry bout that childish shit I did and now I respect what you said
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Respect man we’re all family & just want to see the Cs do good. These are frustrating times for everybody esp us die hards that live & die with wins & losses but good times are coming. trust & believe my man….
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Way to go guys. Let’s keep C-Town clean of name calling and express our frustrations towards the Cs, Doc and even DA. That said, I too would prefer Fab than Collins. What’s the worse that can happen? He can certainly rebound and the experience could pay off come the playoffs. Nobody seems to know the defensive schemes so he’ll fit right in but will take up a lot of space. Peace brothers & sisters of C-Town. Go Cs…are you practicing more?
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Agreed, we a team @ CT, but a little friendly fire don’t hurt nobody. Any Celtic supporter is welcome regardless of opinion. Starting JC is a good move, at least Doc is willing to shake up his line up and try something new. Versatility is what this side needs. And yes, I still think should go after Gortat and Kenyon Martin if he comes cheap.
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