12-18-2007, 09:18 AM
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 | Retired from Forum | | Last Online: 02-22-2008 09:45 AM Join Date: Sep 2005
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 Re: At Boston Dec 19th, 7:30 PM
Quote: Coach changed Celtics' fortunes
Assistant Thibodeau introduced defensive style which is the key to team's 20-2 start.
Chris McCosky / The Detroit News
AUBURN HILLS -- Which new acquisition has done more to change the culture of the Celtics this season -- Kevin Garnett or Ray Allen?
The answer, as great as both those stars have played alongside Paul Pierce, might be neither.
The day assistant Tom Thibodeau walked into the gym was the day the Celtics got serious about winning. Thibodeau is perhaps the premier defensive coach in the NBA. He has coached defenses for 17 seasons, 14 for teams that finished among the 10 stingiest in the league.
"What he does is, he makes you beat them from outside," said Pistons coach Flip Saunders, who brings his team to Boston for a 7 p.m. game Wednesday. "They pack it in and take away the paint."
The Celtics are No. 1 in five defensive categories, including points allowed (86.5) and shooting percentage against (.413). That, more than any other factor, is why they are 20-2.
| Herrmann time tonight? We shall see. Coach changed Celtics' fortunes   |