CelticsStrong

Celtics Basketball => Game Threads => Topic started by: FLCeltsFan on March 13, 2014, 09:22:19 PM

Title: Suns (36-28) at Celtics (22-43) Game #66 3/14/14
Post by: FLCeltsFan on March 13, 2014, 09:22:19 PM
(http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_653000/ff_653978_xl.jpg) at (http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_653000/ff_653928_xl.jpg)
Phoenix Suns (36-28) at Boston Celtics (22-43)
Friday, March 14, 2014
7:30 PM ET
Regular Season Game #66, Home Game #35
TV: CSN-NE,FSAZ, NBA-LP 759(DTV)/756(Xfinity)
Radio: WBZ, Sports AZ
TD Garden

(http://cdn3.sbnation.com/imported_assets/336623/2587354586_9eb59b3cd9.jpg)

(http://www.sportsecyclopedia.com/nba/boston/00-Celticslogos.gif)
Probable Starters
(http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/.e1d/img/4.0/global/basketball/nba/players/4149.jpg)(http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/.e1d/img/4.0/global/basketball/nba/players/4473.jpg)
PG: Rajon Rondo
SG: Jerryd Bayless

(http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/.e1d/img/4.0/global/basketball/nba/players/3831.jpg)
C:  Kris Humphries

(http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/.e1d/img/4.0/global/basketball/nba/players/4247.jpg)(http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/.e1d/img/4.0/global/basketball/nba/players/3959.jpg)
SF: Jeff Green
PF: Brandon Bass
 
Celtics Reserves
Kelly Olynyk
Jerryd Bayless
Joel Anthony
Chris Johnson
Kris Humphries
Phil Pressey
Chris Babb

Injuries
Keith Bogans (personal) out
Vitor Faverani (knee) out
Gerald Wallace (knee,ankle)  out
Avery Bradley (ankle) day to day

(http://www.sportable.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/10/fleet-center.jpg)

(http://www.sportsecyclopedia.com/nba/phoenix/00-Sunslogo.gif)
Probable Starters
(http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/.e1d/img/4.0/global/basketball/nba/players/4507.jpg)(http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/.e1d/img/4.0/global/basketball/nba/players/3944.jpg)
PG: Goran Dragic
SG: Gerald Green

(http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/.e1d/img/4.0/global/basketball/nba/players/5060.jpg)
C: Miles Plumlee

(http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/.e1d/img/4.0/global/basketball/nba/players/4163.jpg)(http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/.e1d/img/4.0/global/basketball/nba/players/3934.jpg)
SF: PJ Tucker
PF: Channing Frye

Suns Reserves
Markieff Morris
Marcus Morris
Alex Len
Ish Smith
Dionte Christmas
Archie Goodwin
Eric Bledsoe

Injuries
Leandro Barbosa (hand) out
Emeka Okafor (neck) out

Game Notes
The Celtics host the slumping Phoenix Suns who handed the Celtics a 100-94 loss in their first game back after the All Star game.  When they last played, the Suns were the 7th seed and just a half a game out of the 6th seed in the west.  Since that time, they have slipped out of playoff position and are 9th in the west, 2 games behind the 8th seeded Mavericks. 

Both teams are 3-7 in their last 10 games.  The Suns have lost their last 3 games while the Celtics are on a 2 game skid.  The Celtics are 14-20 at home while the Suns are 14-15 on the road.  The Suns are playing in the first of a 3 game road trip that will take them into Toronto and Brooklyn also. 

The Celtics are hoping to get Avery Bradley back for this game which would give them a boost, especially on the defensive end.  The Suns got Eric Bledsoe back into their lineup on Wednesday after he missed 33 games with a knee injury.  Former Celtic Leandro Barbosa will miss the game with a hand injury while another former Celtic, Dionte Christmas comes off their bench.   

Key Matchups
(http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/.e1d/img/4.0/global/basketball/nba/players/4149.jpg)vs(http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/.e1d/img/4.0/global/basketball/nba/players/4507.jpg)
Rajon Rondo vs Goran Dragic
Dragic has been playing very well for the Suns. He is averaging 20.6 points, 6.2 assists and 1.35 steals. This will be a fun matchup to watch.

(http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/.e1d/img/4.0/global/basketball/nba/players/4473.jpg) vs (http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/.e1d/img/4.0/global/basketball/nba/players/3944.jpg)
Jerryd Bayless vs Gerald Green
Former Celtic Gerald Green has put up some big dunks this season and is playing well enough to start for the Suns. He is averaging 15.6 points and 3.5 rebounds this season. Players always give a little extra to beat the teams that traded them in the past and so expect a big game from Gerald in this one.

Keys to the Game
Play 48 Minutes - The Celtics tend to have periods in the game where they can't make shots, let up on defense and turn the ball over. They have to find a way to be more consistent and play strong for all 48 minutes.

Rebound - Much of rebounding is effort and desire. The Celtics need to do both if they hope to get a win in this game. The Suns are averaging 20.5 fast break points per game since the break. The Celtics will need to crash the boards to prevent second chance and fast break points from the Suns.

Be Aggressive - The Celtics must be aggressive in going after loose balls, taking the ball to the hoop and playing in your face defense. When they get lazy and allow teams to beat them to loose balls and rebounds and when they settle for jumpers and don't go to the basket, they are very beatable. They have to be the more aggressive team from the opening tip to the final buzzer.

Defend the Perimeter - The Suns are third in the league with 9.4 3-point makes per game. The Knicks killed the Celtics from beyond the arc and the Celtics must defend the Suns beyond the arc to prevent them from hitting those long distance bombs.

Take Care of the Ball - The Celtics need to take care of the ball and limit their turnovers because the Suns will turn any turnovers into fast break points.

X-Factors
Pride and Motivation
The Celtics are playing for pride while the Suns are playing to make the playoffs.  Will the Celtics pride be enough to get them past a motivated Suns team?
Title: Re: Suns (36-28) at Celtics (22-43) Game #66 3/14/14
Post by: SHAQATTACK on March 14, 2014, 06:10:16 PM
Good job !   TP

Go Celtics  :)

Title: Re: Suns (36-28) at Celtics (22-43) Game #66 3/14/14
Post by: ImShakHeIsShaq on March 14, 2014, 07:34:55 PM
Win time!!!!!!!!!!!!! Let's do it for the kids, everybody (except me) loves the kids!! Let's go!!!!!


GO CELTICS!!!
Title: Re: Suns (36-28) at Celtics (22-43) Game #66 3/14/14
Post by: Who on March 14, 2014, 07:41:15 PM
I really dislike seeing both Bass + Humphries starting.
Title: Re: Suns (36-28) at Celtics (22-43) Game #66 3/14/14
Post by: Who on March 14, 2014, 07:43:35 PM
The Suns sure are exciting. Lots of speed in transition and great floor spacing in the halfcourt.
Title: Re: Suns (36-28) at Celtics (22-43) Game #66 3/14/14
Post by: Vox_Populi on March 14, 2014, 07:53:36 PM
The Suns sure are exciting. Lots of speed in transition and great floor spacing in the halfcourt.
Shame they stopped playing decent defense in February, otherwise I wouldn't have doubted their playoff chances.
Title: Re: Suns (36-28) at Celtics (22-43) Game #66 3/14/14
Post by: Who on March 14, 2014, 07:56:08 PM
Bayless looks very one dimensional out there alongside multi-dimensional guards like Eric Bledsoe, Goran Dragic and Rajon Rondo.

Not trying to pick on him. He just really stands out.
Title: Re: Suns (36-28) at Celtics (22-43) Game #66 3/14/14
Post by: Who on March 14, 2014, 08:01:38 PM
Bradley is back!
Title: Re: Suns (36-28) at Celtics (22-43) Game #66 3/14/14
Post by: Who on March 14, 2014, 08:02:15 PM
Wow, Dragic just flew past Rondo like he wasn't even there.
Title: Re: Suns (36-28) at Celtics (22-43) Game #66 3/14/14
Post by: Vox_Populi on March 14, 2014, 08:03:07 PM
This is going to be a long night if we expect Bayless or Rondo to stay in front of Dragić.
Title: Re: Suns (36-28) at Celtics (22-43) Game #66 3/14/14
Post by: Who on March 14, 2014, 08:11:03 PM
Oh nice pass by Pressey through a crowd to Humphries for the fastbreak dunk.
Title: Re: Suns (36-28) at Celtics (22-43) Game #66 3/14/14
Post by: Celtics18 on March 14, 2014, 08:15:31 PM
Come on, Abby!!

Enough with the homeless children lady.  We've got something important to watch here. 
Title: Re: Suns (36-28) at Celtics (22-43) Game #66 3/14/14
Post by: Who on March 14, 2014, 08:24:56 PM
Crazy game. Such a high tempo. End to end.
Title: Re: Suns (36-28) at Celtics (22-43) Game #66 3/14/14
Post by: Chief on March 14, 2014, 08:30:20 PM
Maybe I'm  wrong but the Celtics might have more talent than the Suns.
Title: Re: Suns (36-28) at Celtics (22-43) Game #66 3/14/14
Post by: hwangjini_1 on March 14, 2014, 08:35:12 PM
Well, that was one craptastic display of basketball to end the quarter.
Title: Re: Suns (36-28) at Celtics (22-43) Game #66 3/14/14
Post by: satch on March 14, 2014, 08:43:54 PM
Come on, Abby!!

Enough with the homeless children lady.  We've got something important to watch here.
I though the same thing. Some of the sideline interviews seem to be longer than others....
Title: Re: Suns (36-28) at Celtics (22-43) Game #66 3/14/14
Post by: hwangjini_1 on March 14, 2014, 08:49:16 PM
Come on, Abby!!

Enough with the homeless children lady.  We've got something important to watch here.
I though the same thing. Some of the sideline interviews seem to be longer than others....
Mayhaps the producers think the fans will enjoy watching abbey more than the celtics. :-X
Title: Re: Suns (36-28) at Celtics (22-43) Game #66 3/14/14
Post by: Chief on March 14, 2014, 08:53:02 PM
The way Hump is playing, he will cost way more than I'd like to pay for him.
Title: Re: Suns (36-28) at Celtics (22-43) Game #66 3/14/14
Post by: Chief on March 14, 2014, 08:56:22 PM
If the Celtics upgrade Bass, which won't be hard, I think it will improve the record by 10 games.
Title: Re: Suns (36-28) at Celtics (22-43) Game #66 3/14/14
Post by: satch on March 14, 2014, 08:57:27 PM
Suns guards are roasting our rondo and bayless.
Title: Re: Suns (36-28) at Celtics (22-43) Game #66 3/14/14
Post by: Mr October on March 14, 2014, 09:05:59 PM
i see bradley is back and jacking long 2s. You can get those anytime. How about we run a play?
Title: Re: Suns (36-28) at Celtics (22-43) Game #66 3/14/14
Post by: SHAQATTACK on March 14, 2014, 09:17:28 PM
i see bradley is back and jacking long 2s. You can get those anytime. How about we run a play?

Yup 5 mil for 4 year.....ugh :-X
Title: Re: Suns (36-28) at Celtics (22-43) Game #66 3/14/14
Post by: SHAQATTACK on March 14, 2014, 09:27:43 PM
Sweet left hook by KO

Title: Re: Suns (36-28) at Celtics (22-43) Game #66 3/14/14
Post by: 2short on March 14, 2014, 09:28:47 PM
i see bradley is back and jacking long 2s. You can get those anytime. How about we run a play?
ugh
15 minutes 12 shots or something along that idea
sign and trade on the cheap
bradley, bass and draft pick= ?
Title: Re: Suns (36-28) at Celtics (22-43) Game #66 3/14/14
Post by: Mr October on March 14, 2014, 09:35:37 PM
i see bradley is back and jacking long 2s. You can get those anytime. How about we run a play?

Yup 5 mil for 4 year.....ugh :-X

He is painfully unable to create even a little. Its like we have 1 1/2 guards in our back court when he is out there. I might have trouble going over say 3.5 million per year for 2 years for him.
Title: Re: Suns (36-28) at Celtics (22-43) Game #66 3/14/14
Post by: satch on March 14, 2014, 09:37:59 PM
Looks like sully is back on the donuts.
Title: Re: Suns (36-28) at Celtics (22-43) Game #66 3/14/14
Post by: SHAQATTACK on March 14, 2014, 09:42:26 PM
Tank or Win

What will it be  ???
Title: Re: Suns (36-28) at Celtics (22-43) Game #66 3/14/14
Post by: Mr October on March 14, 2014, 09:44:58 PM
Looks like sully is back on the donuts.

This summer has to be now or never time, for dropping the extra dough on his body.
Title: Re: Suns (36-28) at Celtics (22-43) Game #66 3/14/14
Post by: Celtics18 on March 14, 2014, 09:45:23 PM
Our guys haven't played particularly well, but they've played hard.  I'd like to see them get this one. 
Title: Re: Suns (36-28) at Celtics (22-43) Game #66 3/14/14
Post by: SHAQATTACK on March 14, 2014, 09:48:35 PM
Ugh
Title: Re: Suns (36-28) at Celtics (22-43) Game #66 3/14/14
Post by: SHAQATTACK on March 14, 2014, 09:50:09 PM
Tank


It is  :-X
Title: Re: Suns (36-28) at Celtics (22-43) Game #66 3/14/14
Post by: Mr October on March 14, 2014, 09:51:15 PM
Tank or Win

What will it be  ???

Alex Len with the big put back. It will be nice to have a center again.

A lack of a center and no one else to create anything besides Rondo equals another loss.
Title: Re: Suns (36-28) at Celtics (22-43) Game #66 3/14/14
Post by: hwangjini_1 on March 14, 2014, 09:52:21 PM
Geez louise that was one sucky finish by the celtics. What was green thinking? The wheels just came off in the last minute.
Title: Re: Suns (36-28) at Celtics (22-43) Game #66 3/14/14
Post by: Nerf DPOY on March 14, 2014, 09:53:16 PM
Such a bizarre  and abrupt end to that game.
Title: Re: Suns (36-28) at Celtics (22-43) Game #66 3/14/14
Post by: Celtics18 on March 14, 2014, 09:54:03 PM
Ouch!!  That was a brutal minute. 
Title: Re: Suns (36-28) at Celtics (22-43) Game #66 3/14/14
Post by: BballTim on March 14, 2014, 09:54:38 PM

  The Suns are a very undisciplined team. Fast breaking will only take you so far.
Title: Re: Suns (36-28) at Celtics (22-43) Game #66 3/14/14
Post by: SHAQATTACK on March 14, 2014, 09:55:12 PM
Tank or Win

What will it be  ???

Alex Len with the big put back. It will be nice to have a center again.

A lack of a center and no one else to create anything besides Rondo equals another loss.

A real center .......   Seems like a dream.  .....so long ago.......a Celtics big man...... :'(
Title: Re: Suns (36-28) at Celtics (22-43) Game #66 3/14/14
Post by: hwangjini_1 on March 14, 2014, 09:57:01 PM
Tank or Win

What will it be  ???

Alex Len with the big put back. It will be nice to have a center again.

A lack of a center and no one else to create anything besides Rondo equals another loss.

A real center .......   Seems like a dream.  .....so long ago.......a Celtics big man...... :'(
Never fear, next year Iverson is here.  ;)
Title: Re: Suns (36-28) at Celtics (22-43) Game #66 3/14/14
Post by: SHAQATTACK on March 14, 2014, 09:57:20 PM
Ouch!!  That was a brutal minute.


That pretty much was the knife to the heart I felt too.
Title: Re: Suns (36-28) at Celtics (22-43) Game #66 3/14/14
Post by: Nerf DPOY on March 14, 2014, 10:00:18 PM
It was just so odd....giving up fast break dunks, no fouling, not running a play or even trying to take a quality shot the last few possessions, and the game was still close.....
Title: Re: Suns (36-28) at Celtics (22-43) Game #66 3/14/14
Post by: hwangjini_1 on March 14, 2014, 10:00:19 PM
TPs all the way around to remove the oweys inflicted by that finish.  :P
Title: Re: Suns (36-28) at Celtics (22-43) Game #66 3/14/14
Post by: SHAQATTACK on March 14, 2014, 10:02:02 PM
Welp...

Celtics grasp defeat from the jaws of victory

Ugh :-\
Title: Re: Suns (36-28) at Celtics (22-43) Game #66 3/14/14
Post by: D.o.s. on March 14, 2014, 10:02:42 PM
(http://smileys.emoticonsonly.com/emoticons/t/tank-2409.gif)
Title: Re: Suns (36-28) at Celtics (22-43) Game #66 3/14/14
Post by: satch on March 14, 2014, 10:05:49 PM
Tonight...Pressey deserved more playing time. Offense was better when he was in the game.
Title: Re: Suns (36-28) at Celtics (22-43) Game #66 3/14/14
Post by: SHAQATTACK on March 14, 2014, 10:12:45 PM
Tonight...Pressey deserved more playing time. Offense was better when he was in the game.


Pressey does most all the things AB can do ZERO of .

He plays hard , and sure he makes rookie plays , but that kid is 110 % effort every second he steps on the floor... He kicks the C's into overdrive
Title: Re: Suns (36-28) at Celtics (22-43) Game #66 3/14/14
Post by: ImShakHeIsShaq on March 14, 2014, 10:46:21 PM
I'll let you say what you want about my boy AB but you take it too far if you don't think AB brings energy and effort.


Okay, continue on thread, I'm too mad to comment on the game!