Here is a team that is winless on the road against teams with a winning record and they are ranked #1. Are you kidding!!

Don't tell me that Stern, his minions and the media don't want the Celtics in the Finals.

I will say this. If the Celtics manage to finish with the best record they could win the title without ever winning a road playoff game.



Onto the poll. 1. Celtics. Ray Allen (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/3080/;_ylt=AuAvUD9xUCfTJBPHvyhVBCezvLYF) giveth (buzzer-beater at Charlotte), Ray Allen taketh away (misses two straight FTs after making 59 of 63, opening door in loss against LeBron). That's still only two losses for the season -- one in OT, the other by 2 points.

NBA Poll: Magic and Jazz are making moves - NBA - Yahoo! Sports (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=ApdfmShN6E4lh279Oewykz68vLYF?slug=nbapol lmagicandjazzarema&prov=tsn&type=lgns)

:hoops:

Here is a team that is winless on the road against teams with a winning record and they are ranked #1. Are you kidding!!

Don't tell me that Stern, his minions and the media don't want the Celtics in the Finals.

I will say this. If the Celtics manage to finish with the best record they could win the title without ever winning a road playoff game.

NBA Poll: Magic and Jazz are making moves - NBA - Yahoo! Sports (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=ApdfmShN6E4lh279Oewykz68vLYF?slug=nbapol lmagicandjazzarema&prov=tsn&type=lgns)

:hoops:

Get over it

Have a nice day.

How many teams with winning records have they played on the road? 1?

Need a bigger sample.

Can always tell the older fans attitudes about the Celts from the 80's.

That francise has been down long enough. Whatever Bird, McHale or Parish did they have more than paid for it over the past 20 years.

I agree that everyone wants to see the Celtics come out of the East but can you blame them? As opposed to what. A fat headed young superstar on a sub .500 team who wants to be a billionair. Or that team from MoTown who still act like they won 4 straight championships and will only end up getting tired in the end.

When you think about it everyone has also wanted to see Phoenix in there.

http://assets.espn.go.com/i/teamlogos/nba/med/trans/bos.gif

esprague
If they get home court, they'll probably take out the Magic, 4-2. Detroit doesn't scare me one bit.


ESPN - 2007-2008 Hollinger Power Rankings (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/powerranking)

:hoops:

Well, if esprague isn't scared one bit, then I'm a little concerned.

The Celtic Network ignored our win tonight in their NBA headlines


ESPNEWS Headlines

Subscribe (http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/news/story?page=rssinfo)

A.I.'s 51 not enough to beat clutch Bryant, Lakers (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=271205007)
Bruised Ginobili's 37 pick up Spurs (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=271205024) | Duncan out (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3143232)
Marbury, Curry, Kidd all sit out (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3142501) | Knicks beat Nets (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=271205017)
Celts spoil Stefanski's 76ers debut (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=271205020) | King puzzled (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3143183)
McGrady's triple-double shoots Rockets past Grizz (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=271205010)
Suns catch fire, burn Raptors (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=271205028) | Bosh, Bargnani out (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3143142)
Rockets aide Adelman on leave after DUI report (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3143613)
Kings' Martin out 4 to 6 weeks with pulled groin (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3142849)
Rumor Central: The Magic chasing greatness? (http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/features/rumors)
ESPN - NBA Basketball Teams, Scores, Stats, News, Standings, Rumors - Pro Basketball (http://sports-ak.espn.go.com/nba/index)

:hoops:

Perfect. We are repeating the disrepect we got in '04. I hope the players notice.

Perfect. We are repeating the disrepect we got in '04. I hope the players notice.

Are there still some big time hoods in Detroit with Vegas connections that can get to the NBA refs?

:hoops:

Are there still some big time hoods in Detroit with Vegas connections that can get to the NBA refs?

:hoops:

Most Dangerous City, so I would think so.

We don't need it though. The refs are like orange cones and we are a gravel truck.

Garnett leading early MVP field
By Kenny Smith (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/expertsarchive;_ylt=ArXdFz3FLm4YiOt.rQOBiiOfzIx4?a uthor=Kenny+Smith), Yahoo! Sports
December 3, 2007

The NBA season is a month old and there are a few subjects I’m already tired of discussing.

First, no more Kobe Bryant (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/3118/;_ylt=AiIKe7D3kRPO.3O2qe0VFBGfzIx4) trade talk. I really doubt the Los Angeles Lakers (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/lal/;_ylt=As35Pn55an.U8Z6mp9Mi34ifzIx4)’ Mitch Kupchak wants to be remembered as the GM who traded Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe.

Second, can we put a hold on the New York Knicks (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/nyk/;_ylt=Atu6Ee2Efuy2V3v977BWfOGfzIx4)’ soap opera. There’s always drama on a last-place team, but do we need to talk about it this much.. I doubt it.

Lastly, the Big Three is for real in Boston. Stop waiting for their demise.

So this week I’m focusing on the top individuals in the early going who have separated themselves from the pack as MVP candidates. And, yes, they are listed in order of preference.

1. Kevin Garnett (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/3007/;_ylt=AgFbcfrq_Yds7XLhdK761ECfzIx4): He, along with Paul Pierce (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/3253/;_ylt=Aq4UFX3Duidbsj_ta8RLKSufzIx4) and Ray Allen (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/3080/;_ylt=AprMMbECnF13jEOAotz3RIafzIx4), have transformed the Celtics into America’s team. But, more than any other player, Garnett has given the Celtics his identity.
2. Dwight Howard (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/3818/;_ylt=Aunyh7XWqmxmt6rid0ZA3mifzIx4): He has put the Orlando Magic (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/orl/;_ylt=ArgSuJHh.cp3NNEMYhgjoeKfzIx4) on his young shoulders. The league’s best center once again resides in south Florida.
3a. LeBron James (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/3704/;_ylt=AulGntOeLGX33I_u.Y7q_mefzIx4): He is the 2007 version of Oscar Robertson. Want to know what the Cavaliers would be like without him? Go back and watch their 70-point performance against Boston on Sunday.
Of course, Smith doesn't have any Pistons on his list.

Does anyone here think that the we would have a chance in Hades of doing anything during the regular season and in the playoffs without Uncle Sheed?

Raise your hand and right foot and stomp on a leprechaun if you agree that without Uncle Sheed we would not be a serious playoff competitor. Boy do I love it when those New England Leprechauns get stomped on by high performance Pistons.

Garnett leading early MVP field - NBA - Yahoo! Sports (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=Aps2XR8jn1r.sEOf5gOjTFS8vLYF?slug=ks-mvp120307&prov=yhoo&type=lgns)

:hoops:

Most Dangerous City, so I would think so.

We don't need it though. The refs are like orange cones and we are a gravel truck.

This is the most delightful metaphor I have heard in some time.

How many teams with winning records have they played on the road? 1?

Need a bigger sample.

Three

Not one.

They are now actually 1 - 2 on the road with teams with winning records

Lucked out in Toronto

Lost in Cleveland and Orlando.

We are 3 - 1 on the road against teams with a winning record.

Straight up we destroy the Celtics in any 7 games series behind closed doors, just like we would have destroyed Cleveland last year. Miami was more questionable.

In any case we won't get to play them behind closed doors so it will be tough as anything to beat them, Stern his minions and the media at the same time. Darn tough. But we might able to do it.

:hoops:

They beat Tor (10-10), NJ (9-11), Ind (10-10), Mia (4-14), Cha (6-11) and Philly (6-13) on the road. 3 of those teams would be .500 or better if Boston wouldn't have beat them.

They lost to Orl by 2 and to Cleveland, who is 9-11.

Meanwhile, they are undefeated at home, have the best defense in the NBA, lead the league in point differential, and are still getting to know each other.

They just don't seem that bad to me. I would hope that we would beat them in a head to head match up, but wouldn't go tell me friends and family to make massive bets on it.

Is Kenny Smith a reliable source? Didn't he finish in last place on "Dancing With the Stars"?

Can't wait to see the Pistons face the Celtics on December 19th. If these teams meet in the playoffs I think it comes down to Tayshaun. Paul Pierce would always do great against him without KG and Ray Allen. It's only going to be harder to guard him now.

Also, as far as I can tell, the Spurs are only 1-0 against teams with winning records on the road. They haven't proved anything yet either... except their undefeated home record and all those Championships.

Three

Not one.

They are now actually 1 - 2 on the road with teams with winning records

Lucked out in Toronto

Lost in Cleveland and Orlando.

We are 3 - 1 on the road against teams with a winning record.

Straight up we destroy the Celtics in any 7 games series behind closed doors, just like we would have destroyed Cleveland last year. Miami was more questionable.

In any case we won't get to play them behind closed doors so it will be tough as anything to beat them, Stern his minions and the media at the same time. Darn tough. But we might able to do it.

:hoops:

This arguement is getting old buddy.

The team is good. period.

This arguement is getting old buddy.

The team is good. period.


Don't believe the hype, Motown. Don't let that NBA-best 17-2 record fool you either. It's all a David Stern conspiracy. Plus, if Garnett and Pierce and Allen all get hurt, the Celtics won't be so good now, will they?

Maybe we should tank so that we can get them in the first round.

3 (3) Celtics (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=bos) 17-2 I know, I know: Boston had nothing to do with spitting out such a cake early schedule. But I can't help it: Boston can't wow me more than the Spurs and Magic have until the schedule gets harder, like it or not.



ESPN - NBA Basketball Power Rankings - National Basketball Association (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/powerranking?season=2008&week=6)

:hoops:

Can't wait to see the Pistons face the Celtics on December 19th. If these teams meet in the playoffs I think it comes down to Tayshaun. Paul Pierce would always do great against him without KG and Ray Allen. It's only going to be harder to guard him now.

Personally, I think it will come down to Tashawn. :)

Personally, I think it will come down to Tashawn. :)

And he better play more "inspired" then he has these last two games. Otherwise it will come down to garbage time.

Can't wait to see the Pistons face the Celtics on December 19th. If these teams meet in the playoffs I think it comes down to Tayshaun. Paul Pierce would always do great against him without KG and Ray Allen. It's only going to be harder to guard him now.

Personally I think it will come down to the officiating.

I expect 2 of our starters to have to sit early in the 1st quarter with 2 fouls.

I also expect that we will get at least one technical and maybe even more, with one coming in the 4th quarter, especially if the game is close.

In spite of that we can still beat them depending.....

:hoops:

Click on the link to read the Yahoo preview of our game against the Celtics tonight.

The whole article is about the Celtics and how great they are and the author manages to squeeze in three sentences about us, two at the very end of the article. (How lovely nice of him/her).

This is supposed to be a fair unbiased game preview not a praise the Celtics to heaven story, but that is what it is. Just another of the too many articles hyping the Celtics.

NBA - Detroit Pistons/Boston Celtics Preview Wednesday December 19, 2007 - Yahoo! Sports (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/preview;_ylt=Ajn7VFQAjpqsJrhpt15WTs28vLYF?gid=2007 121902)

:hoops:

Personally, I think it will come down to Tashawn. :)

Well we won despite it coming down to TaShawn, but I guess holding Pierce to 11 points should count for something......All we had to do was hold one of their big three down and we took out their leading scorer in Pierce. Next time we need to contain Allen too, just so it won't be so close:nod:

Well guys, I did everything I could to make sure that we pulled it out. My keys to victory were:

screaming "NO!!!" every time Sheed jacked up a 3-pointer (the anti-jinx that I have become accustomed to applying) and then acting like I did it for the anti-jinx after most of them went in so that everyone else in the room knew that I wasn't doubting Sheed for real. It's complicated.
Waiving my hand at the refs like Sheed does after every bad call, then rewinding and watching in slow mo to prove to myself that we got ripped off
Making fun of Saunders for talking about how the team wasn't making shots and needs to make more shots every time they showed him in the huddle.Mainly though, just making sure that I was comfortable and emotionally ready for a loss.

Well guys, I did everything I could to make sure that we pulled it out. My keys to victory were:
screaming "NO!!!" every time Sheed jacked up a 3-pointer (the anti-jinx that I have become accustomed to applying) and then acting like I did it for the anti-jinx after most of them went in so that everyone else in the room knew that I wasn't doubting Sheed for real. It's complicated.
Waiving my hand at the refs like Sheed does after every bad call, then rewinding and watching in slow mo to prove to myself that we got ripped off
Making fun of Saunders for talking about how the team wasn't making shots and needs to make more shots every time they showed him in the huddle.Mainly though, just making sure that I was comfortable and emotionally ready for a loss.

I wonder if Saunders just gives everyone that line so that nobody really knows what is being talked about in the huddle and during the half-time break?

Well guys, I did everything I could to make sure that we pulled it out. My keys to victory were:

screaming "NO!!!" every time Sheed jacked up a 3-pointer (the anti-jinx that I have become accustomed to applying) and then acting like I did it for the anti-jinx after most of them went in so that everyone else in the room knew that I wasn't doubting Sheed for real. It's complicated.
Waiving my hand at the refs like Sheed does after every bad call, then rewinding and watching in slow mo to prove to myself that we got ripped off
Making fun of Saunders for talking about how the team wasn't making shots and needs to make more shots every time they showed him in the huddle.Mainly though, just making sure that I was comfortable and emotionally ready for a loss.

:pound::pound:

We had better give you the game ball, TaS.

I KNEW it would come down to you!!! Way to pull out that win. You are Mr. Clutch.

Even after last night, if you want to read how great ?? the Celtics are you don't have to read ESPN or the Boston Globe, you can just read your local friendly Detroit Free Press, who was kind enough to link two articles from the Boston sports media on the FREEP basketball page. They did the same thing in the playoff series with the Cavs last year.

In fact I am surprised that the FREEP even had an article by a Pistons columnist talking about the Pistons and not the Celtics.

I think the sports editor of the FREEP has a few screws loose.

Detroit Free Press - www.freep.com - Pistons (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?Category=SPORTS03)

:hoops:

Here is more Celtics BS.

This Buffalo chips is compliments of Adrian Wojnarowski (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/expertsarchive;_ylt=Ah2KniXbF2DXZgig7HFIIyDTjdIF?a uthor=Adrian+Wojnarowski).


Revamped Celtics bring out best in Pistons

As it turns out, these Celtics are the best thing to happen to these Pistons.

Boston always brought out the competitor within him (As if Michael never did)

They still stop him on the streets here and want to talk about Larry Bird's steal and pass to Dennis Johnson, about Robert Parish punching out Bill Laimbeer and how those Bad Boys ended

For several reasons, this was important for the Pistons. As they suspected, they have legitimate matchups with the Celtics.

The Celtics commandeered the magazine covers, and the silly ESPN commercials and, well, no one has ever wanted the Pistons for those things

They need a cause. Not the GM, nor the coach, nor the roster, has been blessed with the DNA of a frontrunner. (He may be correct about Flipper, but I would rather have Flipper than Rivers as Pistons coach. Dumars doesn't have the DNA of a front runner??).

All the way, this promises to be the Celtics' season,

Revamped Celtics bring out best in Pistons - NBA - Yahoo! Sports (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=AqAjNolKQF8ieJd.iGVqDQM5nYcB?slug=aw-pistonsceltics122007&prov=yhoo&type=lgns)

:hoops:

Actually that Wojnarowski article seems pretty fair to me. He's saying that the Celtics will get the hype during regular season no matter what the Pistons do, which certainly sounds like an accurate prediction. And having a top rival in the same conference can only be good for us, as demonstrated by the old familiar lockdown D in the 4th quarter that we so often lament not seeing anymore. The East kind of blew last year, with everyone handing the finals to us on a platter, and look how that turned out.

Actually that Wojnarowski article seems pretty fair to me. He's saying that the Celtics will get the hype during regular season no matter what the Pistons do, which certainly sounds like an accurate prediction. And having a top rival in the same conference can only be good for us, as demonstrated by the old familiar lockdown D in the 4th quarter that we so often lament not seeing anymore. The East kind of blew last year, with everyone handing the finals to us on a platter, and look how that turned out.

The fact that he attacks Dr. D. by saying that he doesn't have front runner DNA. What kind of BS is that?

It is way condescending to say that "The Pistons, who have been in the ECF, have legitimate match ups with the Celtics", who have been in the toilet the last five years. It should be the other way around.

You consider the statement "This promises to be the Celtics season" as fair an unbiased reporting, especially after we just beat them in Boston and have a better record against Eastern Conf teams than they do?

"No one has ever wanted the Pistons on these things". Yea go ahead and knock the team that just beat your beloved Celtics by writing that garbage.

"Boston always brought out the competition within him" As if being competitive was absent if he didn't play the Celtics. Tripe garbage.

The whole article in my opinion is garbage.

It seems to many that a lot of Pistons fans are so used to the Pistons being treated like garbage by the national media that they not only accept it as a Fait accompli or fact of life but have rationalized it to such a great extent that they actually think it is a good thing for the Pistons to be hated by the national media. To all of that I say baloney.

It is never a good thing for people to slam you, with the possible exception of someone who cares about you and believe me the national media doesn't care about the Pistons, other than wanting them to go away.

:hoops:

In my opinion

You know what I say? They can have all the hype, and Pistons will take the success.

Hollinger's rating system still has the ESPN Green on top, with us 2nd and the Lakers? third.

Here is part of his comment about us.



You can doubt and ignore the Pistons


ESPN - 2007-2008 Hollinger Power Rankings (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/powerranking)

:hoops:

You know what I say? They can have all the hype, and Pistons will take the success.
Exactly. I could care less about what other people, or these so called "experts" have to say about us. I care about what happens on the court. Like Tay said earlier, if anything, this should HELP the team. I wish it wasn't the case, but for whatever reason, this team needs to feel disrespected to give 100%. So as far as I'm concerned, keep the disrespect coming!

Besides, I don't pay much attention to anyone that has the Lakers ranked THIRD???

Hollinger's rating system still has the ESPN Green on top, with us 2nd and the Lakers? third.

Here is part of his comment about us.



ESPN - 2007-2008 Hollinger Power Rankings (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/powerranking)

:hoops:

any rating system that has our rating go down by more then the team above us in a week where we go undefeated and beat the team ahead of us is flawed beyond any means..... fine rate us below boston but you need to scrap the system and redo it because from the top down its a flawed system.

No problem with the Pistons being second...both the Pistons and the celtics know who the better team is :eyebrows:. However why are the Lakers ranked so high? They couldn't beat the sad sack 24th rank Cavs?? I would move them back to at least 6th or so. I am not sure who the Trailblazers got their 10 straight wins against but I would probably rank them at least 8th?? The Jazz need to be dropped to at least 13th...

No problem with the Pistons being second...both the Pistons and the celtics know who the better team is :eyebrows:. However why are the Lakers ranked so high? They couldn't beat the sad sack 24th rank Cavs?? I would move them back to at least 6th or so. I am not sure who the Trailblazers got their 10 straight wins against but I would probably rank them at least 8th?? The Jazz need to be dropped to at least 13th...


When the Celtics play 4 or more games west of the Mississippi then I re-evaluate them. Right now I rank them 2nd in the East and about 5th or 6th overall.

:hoops:

When the Celtics play 4 or more games west of the Mississippi then I re-evaluate them. Right now I rank them 2nd in the East and about 5th or 6th overall.

:hoops:
You got the Lakers ranked above the Celtics don't you.......tell tha truth

You got the Lakers ranked above the Celtics don't you.......tell tha truth

No

1. San Antonio
2. Pistons
3. Phoenix
4. Dallas
5. Celtics
6. Lakers
7. New Orleans

Celtics are hirer because they beat the Lakers
:hoops:

Sorry, but this Celtics team is extremely impressive. They just swept their 4 game west coast trip. They are 26-3. Two of their losses were by 2 points each, and the other was in Overtime. To think they are/were 7 points from 29-0 is absurd.

The Pistons have played very poorly in the playoffs the last two years when it counts. They are going to have to play great to beat that team 4 times in 7 games. These aren't your Cavs (07), Heat (05,06), or Pacers (04).

Sorry, but this Celtics team is extremely impressive. They just swept their 4 game west coast trip. They are 26-3. Two of their losses were by 2 points each, and the other was in Overtime. To think they are/were 7 points from 29-0 is absurd.

The Pistons have played very poorly in the playoffs the last two years when it counts. They are going to have to play great to beat that team 4 times in 7 games. These aren't your Cavs (07), Heat (05,06), or Pacers (04).

Same thing was said about the Pistons, when they won 64 games. Miami had to beat them 4 times in 7 games and did just that. As Sheed keeps repeating, Pistons are not playing for the regular season success, but to win a championship.

Sorry, but this Celtics team is extremely impressive. They just swept their 4 game west coast trip. They are 26-3. Two of their losses were by 2 points each, and the other was in Overtime. To think they are/were 7 points from 29-0 is absurd.

The Pistons have played very poorly in the playoffs the last two years when it counts. They are going to have to play great to beat that team 4 times in 7 games. These aren't your Cavs (07), Heat (05,06), or Pacers (04).


Agree FP, the only saving grace is Doc messing up by over playing them and they are burned out in the second part of the season. Right now Pierce and Allen are averaging 38.5 mins a game and Garnett 35.1. Yeah beat them in a closely fought Boston, but I see them getting better as the season progresses and we will need to count on our experience to beat them in the EC finals and non-cockyness to make sure that we actually get there.

Am I getting a head of myself here? We still have 52 or so regular season games to go before we meet them in the ECF and then play the Trailblazers in the finals:)

Anyone watch the Celtics/ Lakers game? :pound:LOL...those shorts were hilarious. No wonder the Lakers' shots are off all night. No doubt that they changed back to the their regular baggy shorts in the 2nd half, damage has been done. Hope the Pistons do not try this at the Palace and KIDS, DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME!

Anyone watch the Celtics/ Lakers game? :pound:LOL...those shorts were hilarious. No wonder the Lakers' shots are off all night. No doubt that they changed back to the their regular baggy shorts in the 2nd half, damage has been done. Hope the Pistons do not try this at the Palace and KIDS, DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME!

Too bad I missed that. Will have to catch it on You Tube somewhere.

Anyone watch the Celtics/ Lakers game? :pound:LOL...those shorts were hilarious. No wonder the Lakers' shots are off all night. No doubt that they changed back to the their regular baggy shorts in the 2nd half, damage has been done. Hope the Pistons do not try this at the Palace and KIDS, DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME!

Whats funny is that I used to always think that whenever a team did throwback jerseys they should do the whole shebang, but not after that mess.

One of the big 3 goes down and Celts go down to Charlotte at home. Wow!

One of the big 3 goes down and Celts go down to Charlotte at home. Wow!


Does Big Baby count? as both he and Allen had to see the tailor before the game to dress appropriately.

Does Big Baby count? as both he and Allen had to see the tailor before the game to dress appropriately.

I don't know about that, but it looks like Boston has to have all of the big 3 healthy in order to get anywhere. And they have not been consistently healthy throughout the years except for Garnett.