The Boston Celtics currently sit atop the Eastern Conference, having played more games than any other team in the NBA. With nine victories from 11 starts, Boston has thus far won two more games than the hapless Washington Wizards have even played. No other team has played more games to this point in the season.
The Celtics have already survived the toughest part of their regular season schedule. Boston has just finished playing 8 games in 12 nights, a series that veteran Ray Allen said was the “toughest stretch” he has ever endured in his 14-year NBA career.
How did the Celtics fare?
On paper they did reasonably well by winning 7 of those 8 contests, including victories over some of their strongest rivals in the East including the Pistons, the Raptors, and the previously undefeated Hawks.
In each of those games, however, the starting unit for the Celtics showed serious signs of rust during the first quarters, allowing their opponents to jump out to early double-digit leads. It was the second unit, led by Tony Allen, Eddie House, Leon Powe, and Glen Davis, that often closed the gap and set the stage for the rested starters to finish things off in the second half.
Rather than seeing this as a sign of weakness, the rest of the league should be very concerned. Unlike last season, when the starting unit played big minutes together in the pre-season in order to adjust to each other’s games, the ‘Big Three’ saw very little playing time before this season actually began. They are rusty because they have not played competitive basketball since the NBA Finals.
Now, with the hardest part of their schedule behind them and a Conference-leading record to boot, the Celtics starters will have greater opportunities to rest and practice between games. Any lingering rust will be worked out, and the starting unit will soon find its groove again. Watch out, because the Green Machine will soon be running on all cylinders again.
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about 1 month ago
Nice Article. But I'm sorry to break the bad news to you but the L.A. Lakers will be taking the NBA Championship this season. Boston had a great run last season and we'll see if they can make it back to the Finals this season with the Eastern Conference being tougher this year. But if they do make it back then it will a different story this year than last year. Go Lakers!
from about 1 month ago
Thanks for the feedback, Justin. We will have to agree to disagree over who will win it all this year. I think the Lakers have had an easy schedule so far (playing 3 fewer games), but they are only one game in the loss column better than the Celtics. By contrast, the Celtics will have much more time between games for the remainder of the season to scout the competition, devise and practice the game plan, and (most importantly) rest.
I think a lot of teams, especially with those who had key players at the Olympics, will start to wear down by the close of the season, whereas the Celtics will be comparatively rested for the playoffs.
about 1 month ago
I voted 'yes' to your poll based on the fact that I do think the Celtics are technically stronger this year than last year. Yes they are missing James Posey and PJ Brown, but those two were not significant contributors to the regular season win total, which is what your question is about. And I think from early returns, Glen Davis, Leon Powe, Eddie House and perhaps especially Tony Allen all look like they have greatly improved in personal play over last year.
That said, the biggest caveate will be from the extremely big target circle on their backs. It is clear in the early going that every single team is getting majorly pumped up to play the Celtics this year and bringing their 'A' game. That will make it hard to win as many.
Regarding the Lakers - the Lakers look improved on paper. But they haven't really yet been challenged. We'll know more about how real they are by mid-season as they have a couple of tough stretches to go through still.
I do think it comes down to those two teams again. I won't be surprised to see a rematch.
from about 1 month ago
Thanks for the thoughtful, well-written reply.
I also agree with your assessment of the Lakers. As impressive as they looked during their first seven games, they look like they still can't handle more physical teams, as evidenced in the recent loss to Detroit.
Apparently Odom is now expressing some dissatisfaction with his new role as 6th man. I would not be surprised to see the Lakers self-destruct a little when they make their first Eastern Conference road trip. Physical teams like the Magic, Cleveland, Atlanta and the Celtics will be a big test for this Lakers unit.
about 1 month ago
Nice article, Gaz!
I think the biggest surprise so far this season has been the much improved play by Tony Allen. It looks like he may be able to come in and take over Posey's role to releive Ray-Ray or Pierce.
from about 1 month ago
I agree with your comments about TA. I think it would be great if Gabe Pruitt actually got some serious minutes this year. He's a better perimeter shooter than Rondo and seems more capable than House in bringing the ball up the floor. Perhaps Doc and his coaching staff see some stuff in practice that worries them about Gabe.
about 1 month ago
I have always wondered about Gabe. I'v heard good things about him but have never seen him play. I love Rondo and think he will be the starting point guard here for a while. If you would just look at his high light real you would think hes one of the best players in the league. Hes just so inconsistant. Im also glad to see Ray-Ray finding his shot again this year. He had me worrying last year in the playoffs.
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