1st Round Boston vs Atlanta

So Mike Bibby is calling out Boston (http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/printedition/2008/04/23/hawksnot0423.html) for being filled with bandwagon-a$% cats:

The Hawks (http://www.ajc.com/hawks/content/sports/hawks/index.html?cxntlid=linkr) point guard lit into Celtics fans before practice Tuesday, calling them "bandwagon jumpers."

"They were kind of loud at the beginning," he said. "But a lot of these fans are bandwagon jumpers trying to get on this now. I played here last year, too, and I didn't see three-fourths of them. They're for the team now, and they might get a little rowdy, but that's about it."

When asked if he thought they were fair-weather fans, joining the party only after the Celtics' offseason trades that brought Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen to town, Bibby didn't hesitate to pour more gasoline on the fire.

"You could say that," he said. "I remember them having bags on their heads [last season]. It's a different look. I guess that's what happens when you win."

Bibby and Josh Smith were the most noticeable targets of a small section of fans at TD Banknorth Garden on Sunday. The two got into a verbal sparring match with some of the crowd as they left the floor at the end of Game 1.

"It's good that they know I'm here," Bibby said. "It was just a little confrontation to get them involved a little bit. But they are fair-weather fans if you ask me."

I understand that pro athletes expect support from their fans even when their team isn't good, but this is obviously going too far. Why should anyone be surprised that Celtics fans weren't showing up the last few years, and that some of them had bags on their heads? That team was disgracefully bad for each of the past two seasons. You can't honestly expect anyone's fans to get excited for the crap that team was putting out there. Like in the (wildly unlikely) event that the Knicks get a whole lot better all of a sudden, how could anyone criticize their fans for not having stuck by them in recent times?

Bibby is just playing mind games. I like it. The game needs some more of this trash talk and rivalry. I dislike seeing Sheed blow kisses at the competition.

To hell with Boston. And Atlanta.

It doesn't really matter what Bibby says in this series, since his team obviously has no chance at all. I can appreciate some trash talk, but the mindset behind his comments goes too far in the "you fans need to root for us no matter what we do, or else you're just bandwagon jumpers" direction. Pro athletes who feel that entitled are harder to root for, IMO. Fans of crappy teams have no other leverage to demand improvement outside of criticizing or withholding their support in some way.

I agree, it should be a bit heated in the post-season. Like our old Pacer, Miami and NJ series used to be like.

I just think it's kind of lame to go after another team's fans for something like that. There's plenty of stuff to say about the Celtics themselves, like that moronic jersey-popping nonsense, so stick with that and leave the fans out of it.

I just think it's kind of lame to go after another team's fans for something like that. There's plenty of stuff to say about the Celtics themselves, like that moronic jersey-popping nonsense, so stick with that and leave the fans out of it.

What exactly does the "jersey popping" represent? I don't get it?

Here's an article I just found about college players doing it, from a couple of years ago:

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/03/22/sports/ncaabasketball/22uniforms.html

Oddly enough, the article predicted that the trend would not migrate up to the NBA, but this year's Celtics didn't get the memo.

GOD BLESS ATLANTA!

Up over 10 in the 4th of Game 3. Giving the Celtics all they can handle.

GO HAWKS!

Boston looks tired.

Fatigued leg syndrome?

Boston looks tired.

Fatigued leg syndrome?


I heard Doc Rivers talked to Flip Saunders on the phone last night and Flip gave Doc a few tips.

This is a little random, but i just saw a replay of the gesture that PP gave the ATL bench after the whole Al Horford thing, and i'm almost positive thats the bloods sign (don't ask me how i know LOL). WTH?!

replays on espn news

uh...yea thats what it appeared to be

However, his other fingers appear to be spread out.

That would mean the opposite.

Go figure. :pound:

A number one seed loses to a number 8 seed. I wonder if Boston fans are calling for the head of Doc Rivers and demanding that management blow up the team?

A number one seed loses to a number 8 seed. I wonder if Boston fans are calling for the head of Doc Rivers and demanding that management blow up the team?Hell no...they're just happy to be back in the playoffs again. Detroit fans hold the Pistons to a much higher standard and we've been disappointed for 3 years running.

A number one seed loses to a number 8 seed. I wonder if Boston fans are calling for the head of Doc Rivers and demanding that management blow up the team?

wouldn't a few other negative things have to occur in order for there to be any real correlation between the current Pistons and the Current Celtics?

The sign of a good team/coach Doc calls out his players in the post game for playing "me" ball and not "team" ball. He said that all the players were trying to win the game themselves and not as a team.... So at the same time telling them they needed to work as a team he also gave players props for trying to win. So he gets his point across without losing the team.

win/lose/draw josh smith and josh childress are showing me something. i've always viewed both of them as talented losers that would never 'get it'.

ncaa tournament and playoff basketball are both a key ingredient to development.

The Hawks have already exceeded expectations. And i agree Smith is a beast. I actually watch them b/c of Horford. I adore him.

stern in the House...does he talk to refs at halftime to make sure his this series only goes five? Did you see the look on his face when Garnett and Pachlua got into each others face?

That incident seem to re-energize the Celtics as they were down 7 then.

Hawks playing like they belong with a 51-48 halftime lead. Lets hope they don't fold and extend this one to six games. The more games the Celtics play the less stamina they will have come the end of May.

The Hawks trailed the Celtics 16-3 to open the game and came back to lead by as many as nine points. This is probably the biggest crowd to see a basketball game in Atlanta since the 96 Dream Team played there in the Olympics

Hope our coaching staff taped the firstv half ofg this game. The secret to beating the Celts is right there; plain as day!


:gun1:

it is cool to see atlanta with an actual crowd. they sports team get terrible support, so this is definitly a suprise for me. since ATL is an up and coming team, i hope they can build off this and atleast draw a ecent crowd next year. its depressing watching basketball in empty gyms.

its depressing watching basketball in empty gyms.

Not really.

It can be depressing watching basketball in a full house, just depends on who is playing!

i would never have guessed this would be the best series of the playoffs. when jj made that three it was unbelievable.

i really hope atl holds on here.

The way ATL is playing, who would believe they are the 8th seed in the 'inferior' conference? Celts seem a little rattled. I'm enjoying this :)

Wow, how 'bout them Hawks! Johnson was totally unstoppable down the stretch. 32-17 in the 4th for Atlanta, amazing.

As much of a headache as the Pistons have given us so far in this first round, let's take a moment to notice that the Celtics are in EXACTLY the same situation as the Pistons are in after 4 games: tied 2-2. The fact that this Boston group is in their first playoff run EVER together might actually be a factor, despite everyone already having crowned them as East champs. So let's chill out a bit before we call for this Pistons team to be blown up.

Wht a effin great game! I'm so pumped. I feel like a Hawks fan. LOL I've loved Joe Johnson since his PHO says. I voted for him for the all star team the last few years.

He's just fantastic. Was on a losing team. Didn't complain, demand to be traded, stuck it out, and had confidence in his teammates. Superstar performance.

And the Celtics interior D getting crushed. Hope this gives Pistons some motivation. On second thought, i hope it doesn't give Philly motivation.

edited to add;

It's funny that the two better teams are stuck tied in their respective series, but the two teams with the better coaches are on the verge of clinching/clinched. If we get to the ECF we just might be seeing CLE instead.

It was an amazing win. When you think about it the Hawks are not that bad of a team with the 2 Smith's and Bibby. I am sure this will be the last game they will win, who thought the Hawks would tie it up.

Joe Johnson was a man among boys. That was so enjoyable to watch the Celtics lose. Hooray for the Hawks!

Hope our coaching staff taped the firstv half ofg this game. The secret to beating the Celts is right there; plain as day!


:gun1:

Lets hope the whole team sat there and watched the whole game. I won't say the Celtics are in trouble, but this one could go seven if each team takes care of business on their home floor. If you can penetrate the Celtics defense and score more than 90 points on them, you got a good chance to beat them...

Joe Johnson did to them what Lebron did to us last year, with the help of course of Josh Smith. Took them apart in one qtr.

Looks like the number 1 and 2 seeds in the east are having a much more difficult series than the 3 and 4 seeds..

Lets hope the whole team sat there and watched the whole game. I won't say the Celtics are in trouble, but this one could go seven if each team takes care of business on their home floor. If you can pentrate the Celtics defense and score more than 90 points oin them, you got a good chance to beat them...

Joe Johnson did to them what Lebron did to us last year, with the help of course of Josh Smith.

Looks like the number 1 and 2 seeds in the east are having a much more difficult series than the 3 and 4 seeds..

Key. We should actually try to drive against them whether it be for the pass or the finish. They're not nearly as quick as the Sixers.

As much of a headache as the Pistons have given us so far in this first round, let's take a moment to notice that the Celtics are in EXACTLY the same situation as the Pistons are in after 4 games: tied 2-2.

I agree, but let's hope the Pistons players don't start pointing to the Hawks-Celtics series as a diversion from their own poor play.:)

Lets hope the whole team sat there and watched the whole game. I won't say the Celtics are in trouble, but this one could go seven if each team takes care of business on their home floor. If you can pentrate the Celtics defense and score more than 90 points oin them, you got a good chance to beat them...

Joe Johnson did to them what Lebron did to us last year, with the help of course of Josh Smith.

Looks like the number 1 and 2 seeds in the east are having a much more difficult series than the 3 and 4 seeds..

I'm worried that the Cavs have been sandbagging all along. Either that or the new players are meshing with Bron Bron. I haven't been following that series.

Key. We should actually try to drive against them whether it be for the pass or the finish. They're not nearly as quick as the Sixers.


And not as young, but they did have the best defense all season...if you wear them down though they can be broken.

philly is obviously a decent team, and orlando will likely be the same, but how lucky did detroit get with the seedings. i would gladly trade HC in game 7 for philly > orlando over atl > cleveland.

atl is a talented team, i just thought they were atleast a year away. last i heard, bibby was playing 1 handed and horford was only a rookie (how much of a stud does he look?).

a bibby / johnson backcourt probably isnt THAT far down the pecking order from billups / hamilton, and atl has a young, talented, athletic front court. thats the ingredients for a nightmare if they play well.

im also happy for woodson. he weathered a rough storm there in atl and now seems to be getting some notice for being a respectable nba coach. for those who dont remember, he was a highly respected assistant coach for brown here.

Atlanta is better than Philly in my opinion. Boston has played at a high level all year. The problem is that they don't seem to have another gear for the playoffs. Their key guys also seem to get tired (Atlanta kept coming at them)as they are all over 30 which is on the older side in the NBA. Boston did continue to run their sets and hit big shots. But I would worry if I were a Boston fan...

How well would Atlanta have to play to actually win this series?

They would need to take it to ludicrous level.

How well would Atlanta have to play to actually win this series?

They would need to take it to ludicrous level.Makes me wonder...how well would Detroit have to play to actually win the same series?

They would need to focus and play to their potential...like a few years ago. How bad do they want it?

this might be stating the obvious, because the home team is 4-0, but i think HC might mean alot this series.

i believe we are seeing emotion vs execution.

when atl is on fire, going crazy and hustling everywhere, they are a different team. and hc ahs something to do with that. boston will execute well enough at home. by that theory, we're going 7.

those who have seen these games, explain, how such thing can happen? durinng regular season bos routed atl, routed them in first two games but now is series tied...

And atl has scored more than 90 pts while det has not been capable of this...

Atlanta has a go-to guy in Johnson whereas Pistons don't have anything like that when they need a basket. It does help when someone can actually slash and finish at the rim.

most probably bos just overlooked this series. It is pretty logical that they thought that opponent has surrended and series has done.

Same as pistons.

Atlanta has raised their level but Boston was already playing playoff type ball in the regular season so they don't seem to have that much more to raise.

Boston spent a lot of energy during the game and the Hawks somehow stayed in it. Then, Boston started to tire. Garnet looked tired at the end. Atlanta youth also took Perkins, Big Baby etc. out of it. The Celtics big three are a bit older and have relied on the young players to give them a boost. Rondo was stuffed a few times at the net for example.

This is the first time the Boston defense was exposed...Long term, their odds for a championship just went up a bit...

Historically, Pierce and Garnett and even Allen have not been consistent at the end of games. They played well but not great tonight at the end.

But I give the Celtic team credit, they play hard and at a very good level the whole game.

We have to take care of our own business. Orlando is no chump team anymore...

Atlanta has a go-to guy in Johnson whereas Pistons don't have anything like that when they need a basket. It does help when someone can actually slash and finish at the rim.

Last time they had a player like that was Stackhouse

Historically, Pierce and Garnett and even Allen have not been consistent at the end of games. They played well but not great tonight at the end.

But I give the Celtic team credit, they play hard and at a very good level the whole game.


Thats the main thing. They are 3 guys who have not been able to do accomplish much in the league for all their talent. They have not been able to carry their former teams. Where were Allen and Pierce in crunch time?

Take those 3 away and their role players and about on par with Atlanta's.

East is looking wide open if the Pistons want it. I have to think this is going to inspire them.

Thats the main thing. They are 3 guys who have not been able to do accomplish much in the league for all their talent. They have not been able to carry their former teams. Where were Allen and Pierce in crunch time?

Take those 3 away and their role players and about on par with Atlanta's.

East is looking wide open if the Pistons want it. I have to think this is going to inspire them.

:pound::pound::pound:

Over at the celtics-nation they are talking about Doc being outcoached. I guess welcome to the Pistons world.

Over at the celtics-nation they are talking about Doc being outcoached. I guess welcome to the Pistons world.
Thats what they all say.

Over at the celtics-nation they are talking about Doc being outcoached. I guess welcome to the Pistons world.

He did, but realistically the Celtics just got out Joe'd :)

He did, but realistically the Celtics just got out Joe'd :)

True but he looked so stoppable. Throwing up those mid-range floaters like that, right in-between 2 players.

fom here:CelticsBlog.com - A Boston Celtics Blogging Community - For Celtics, Next Stop: Choke City (http://www.celticsblog.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2968&Itemid=253)

This sentiment was re-iterated by coach Doc Rivers during his post-game press conference. Rivers said that when he walked into the locker room players were half-heartedly re-assuring himself that “things would be fine” as soon as they got back home, as if that was the elixir to fix their ills. But Rivers was spot on when he told them, “YOU have to make it right, it’s not going to happen on its own.”


no need to overanalyse( doc being overcoached etc.), overpanick, their 3 HoF's were not ready to fight that is all. And atl has played way above their level, such things in NBA wont last long.

The Celtics 4th quarter/clutch game stategy is all wrong. Their two main problems are 1/ Only PP can create his own shot, and 2/ they rely on Garnett way too much in crunch time when the ball should be going to Ray Allen. He's by far their best "clutch" player.

Also PP is injured, don't know how much that's playing a role if at all.

If ATL can steal Game 5, BOS should be scared. Other than that it'll go either 6 or 7 and then they get a more preferable match-up (same as the Pistons), but we'll see if either team has anything left.

Thats what they all say.

Including our fans.

A funny quote from Joe Johnson regarding KG,



And, when you think about it, any series with Kevin Garnett automatically qualifies as a verbal series.

"That's all he does is talk," Johnson said of Garnett. "He talks probably every play. A lot of time he talks to himself. It's crazy."


And KG Pistons related quote


“Joe Johnson’s (expletive) the most underrated player in our league besides Rasheed Wallace,” Kevin Garnett said. “Most underrated player in our league. I give it to him, he played his (butt) off.”

Ray Allen couldn't stay in front of Joe to save his life.

The pick and roll defense that he and Rondo displayed was horrible.

ESPN actually shows Doc on the sideline after one play yelling "Damn you Ray!"

Celts don't look quite so scary now, do they? :stirthepot:

I don't know how anyone can be overconfident after Golden State knocked off Dallas last year. So what if the Hawks are playing over their heads like the 6ers. They just have to win 4 out of 7.

How weird is it that these eastern conference matchups have been more interesting than the first round in the West? I never would have guessed that going in to the playoffs...

those who have seen these games, explain, how such thing can happen? durinng regular season bos routed atl, routed them in first two games but now is series tied...

And atl has scored more than 90 pts while det has not been capable of this...

Atlanta's bench players!

Wow, nice game from the Hawks - didn't lose their pose down the stretch, but then again, Boston never really came at them from the defensive end. Atlanta seemed to be able to get what they wanted all through the fourth. Celts looked tired and put upon.

Interesting that the top lopsided series - Boston/Atlanta and Detroit/Philly are turning out to be the closest.

I didn't see this particular highlight until Mike and Mike on ESPN this morning, but there was one scuffle where the referee was pulling Garnett away from the Hawks players, and Garnett actually pushed the ref's arms off him. Mike and Mike were talking about whether he would get suspended or not--the official rule is that any "intentional contact with the official" (or something like that) is an automatic one game suspension. Mike Greenberg thought there would be a suspension, but Mike Golic disagreed. Apparently Kendrick Perkins and Marvin Williams both stepped on the court at one point--I didn't see any footage of that--so they might be suspended under the leaving-the-bench rule.

I doubt Stern will actually sit Garnett down for Game 5, but who knows? The "popular" thing to do last year would have been to let Amare skate for leaving the bench, since everyone knew that the league would rather have Phoenix in the finals than San Antonio, but Stern suspended him anyway. Although enforcing a rule against the media darling Celtics would probably be even tougher.

What bothers me about this is that if Rasheed had done exactly the same thing as Garnett (I haven't looked for a video of it, but it's probably up somewhere on ESPN if you haven't seen it), everyone in the national media would be SCREAMING about how much of a punk Rasheed is, what a team-destroying knucklehead he is, how he needs to be suspended for the rest of the playoffs, etc. The double standard is what annoys me here. Rasheed has earned his reputation over the years as a ref-baiting hothead, but he's a great teammate in ways that a lot of people don't pay attention to, and he's never pushed an official. Garnett is obviously a HOF player who's led his team to an amazing season, but good luck getting anyone in the media to notice that he's also a punk who talks way too much trash to guys who are nowhere near his level of ability (i.e. most players in the league).

he's never pushed an official.
He did (http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/print?id=1499153&type=story) ferret out Tim Donaghy, though.

Agreed about Garnett. He's a big talker with a nasty mouth for such a softie.

He did (http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/print?id=1499153&type=story) ferret out Tim Donaghy, though.

Oh yeah, I had forgotten all about that incident...LOL. It was pretty ridiculous. Sheed probably did go over the line there, but it wasn't worth the 7 games they gave him.

Right after Garnett shoved his forearm in Pachulia's head my son shouted out ...suspension!...I think he's right. He made contact with the ref and gave that shot to Pachulia.

Loved Za Za's reaction...literally getting right in Garnett's face.

I saw the bit where Zaza got in KG's grill, but that was a different incident from the one where KG pushed the ref's arms away, wasn't it? I don't think that all happened at the same time.

I saw the bit where Zaza got in KG's grill, but that was a different incident from the one where KG pushed the ref's arms away, wasn't it? I don't think that all happened at the same time.

Right...I think either one could get him suspended. What do you think?

Good drama. I loved seeing PP and gang get rattled.

Some sense of perverse satisfaction seeing the "all-powerful Celtics" in the same situation as the Stones.

Right...I think either one could get him suspended. What do you think?

Pushing the ref away probably should get him one game, but I doubt it'll happen.

Garnett deserves a one game... sorry he was forceful in his push of a ref.. end of story

I think what were seeing 2 things that I made mention of months ago... (wow for the first time i can see i was right) lol

1. Boston played at max effort all year and I'm not sure they have that next gear to go to now that the playoffs have started. Atlanta won't win this series because I don't think they can win on the road.... They really need the crowd to keep there energy up. I won't be suprised if it went 7 games though. There play reminds me a bit of the Pistons that year they just couldn't win in boston but would run the celtics off the floor in the silverdome. If Garnett does get suspended though... who knows what happens.

2. Rivers isn't that great of a coach, some of his moves are being highly debated in boston and around the country. Putting cassell in to start the 4th over there young PG was a mistake. Alot of other questions about his supstitution pattern. Atleast if we face them in the ECF I am not worried at all about being out coached.

does anyone have video of that? i watched the espn replay and it seemed like they didn't even show the incident

The second clip on the MVN Celtics page has a clip of the incident:



Celtics 17 | MVN | A Boston Celtics blog » Blog Archive » Joe Johnson, Joe Johnson, Joe Johnson (http://tinyurl.com/3vxgyt)

The second clip on the MVN Celtics page has a clip of the incident:



Celtics 17 | MVN | A Boston Celtics blog » Blog Archive » Joe Johnson, Joe Johnson, Joe Johnson (http://tinyurl.com/3vxgyt)

Thanks. I just watched this for the first time. My gosh, are Boston play-by-play guys big time homers or what? They are talking about Pachulia being an instigator, they saw a head-butt there??? And then they are questioning what replays are the refs watching by saying that it is Atlanta TV replay, so that will affect Garnett? They need to have their heads checked for signs of trouble, because they're there. These guys talk about playoff basketball - do they even remember what it is anymore?

The hawks are so pumped one ate an entire sparrow. But it was too much and the sparrows claws poked through the hawks "crop" killing it. MSN.com had a pic.

KG did push off on the ref in frustration and it was part of the same incident, but even though Stern and Stu Jackson were there in the arena watching it, I doubt with the series tied they will suspend him. Maybe if the C's were up 3-1, they would consider it but not the newly announced DPOY

Tapes show thow that the Celtics Kendrick Perkins and the Hawks Marvin Williams both took steps on to the floor during the Garnett-Pachlua altercation and there is possibility that both of them could be suspended a game.... if so who stands to lose here...? Probably the Celtics since Perkins is their starting center...but let's see if Stern does anything.....if no, then the Suns will be upset based on what happen to them last year.

Oh yeah, I had forgotten all about that incident...LOL. It was pretty ridiculous. Sheed probably did go over the line there, but it wasn't worth the 7 games they gave him.


I think that game was the one that doneghy was betting on..if i remember correctly sheed was upset because doneghy called a foul with less than 10 seconds to go in the game. No one ever addresses it, but i feel that the league owes sheed for the 7 games of lost pay.

If they're going after KG, seems like they would have done it today.

Tapes show thow that the Celtics Kendrick Perkins and the Hawks Marvin Williams both took steps on to the floor during the Garnett-Pachlua altercation and there is possibility that both of them could be suspended a game.... if so who stands to lose here...? Probably the Celtics since Perkins is their starting center...but let's see if Stern does anything.....if no, then the Suns will be upset based on what happen to them last year.I haven't seen tape showing Perkins & Williams on the floor, but if they were, the league needs to be consistent after what they did to the Suns last year.

Between the forearm to Zaza & pushing the ref off (twice, the way I saw it), KG deserves a game.

I haven't seen tape showing Perkins & Williams on the floor, but if they were, the league needs to be consistent after what they did to the Suns last year.

Between the forearm to Zaza & pushing the ref off (twice, the way I saw it), KG deserves a game.

ESPN showed the tapes earlier, but the league says no at this point, because it was only a small step for both..

Wow, nice game from the Hawks - didn't lose their pose down the stretch, but then again, Boston never really came at them from the defensive end. Atlanta seemed to be able to get what they wanted all through the fourth. Celts looked tired and put upon.

Interesting that the top lopsided series - Boston/Atlanta and Detroit/Philly are turning out to be the closest.

I think it comes down to Philly/ATL play defense. The other teams can't spell defense.

The doomsdayers are out now----Atlanta will win in 7----WAAAAAHHHHH!!!!

If Atlanta wins, then it will become clear that the reason the Wolves never got out of the first round was KG holding them back and not Flip. Thankfully we got the right one.

This just in, the Hawks and Hornets will play in the finals:MusicBigGrin:

After the Pistons dropped their first game, and the Celtics won their first two by 20, who would have thought that we would have grabbed 3 victories before the Celtics did??:noidea:

If Atlanta wins, then it will become clear that the reason the Wolves never got out of the first round was KG holding them back and not Flip. Thankfully we got the right one.
:):pound::sssh::cold::pound:

Adding to the Suns' frustration was the lack of punishment for Kevin Garnett (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3007) when he shoved an official and Kendrick Perkins (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3730) and Marvin Williams (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3928) when they stepped onto the court during a confrontation in Game 4 of Monday's Celtics-Hawks series. Where, they wondered, was this type of leniency last year when Stoudemire and Diaw made their little excursion from the bench?

ESPN - Daily Dime: Spurs send Suns home again - NBA (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/dailydime?page=dime-080430)


I wonder if there is something to this resting before the playoffs thing. Pistons and Celtics were the only 2 teams resting starters while the 7th and 8th seeds were still going strong.

Garnett running his mouth to the ref after a tech...if he was Sheed, he'd be gone.

I can't get over that. Leggler was saying they looked at intent and blew it all off. That's worse because now the NBA is inconsistant and subjective.

Garnett running his mouth to the ref after a tech...if he was Sheed, he'd be gone.

Didn't he push the ref as well? I'm almost positive.

I can't get over that. Leggler was saying they looked at intent and blew it all off. That's worse because now the NBA is inconsistant and subjective.
That's not news really. When was Stern ever consistent and objective?

That's not news really. When was Stern ever consistent and objective?
-
Add a new issue.

Didn't he push the ref as well? I'm almost positive.He definitely shoved the ref on Monday night (with Stern at the game)...I didn't see him do that last night. But after he and Johnson got T'd last night, he complained to the ref for quite a while and didn't get booted. In similar situations last year, all Sheed had to do was look at the ref and he got ejected.

The way Stern and his crew are catering to KG & Boston in this series, it won't matter if the Pistons get to the ECF and play great...there's no way Stern will allow the Pistons to get to the Finals. He's gonna make sure either KG or Lebron get there instead...most likely Boston because the Cavs sucked so bad last year.

He definitely shoved the ref on Monday night (with Stern at the game)...I didn't see him do that last night. But after he and Johnson got T'd last night, he complained to the ref for quite a while and didn't get booted. In similar situations last year, all Sheed had to do was look at the ref and he got ejected.

The way Stern and his crew are catering to KG & Boston in this series, it won't matter if the Pistons get to the ECF and play great...there's no way Stern will allow the Pistons to get to the Finals. He's gonna make sure either KG or Lebron get there instead...most likely Boston because the Cavs sucked so bad last year.

Just curious.

Has anyone questioned Stern on this matter, or the chnace has not come to ask him as of yet? I for one am waiting anxiously for his answer to not suspending KG.

Don`t think for a minute that the Pistons (Sheed) didn`t notice what happened with the pushing incident. Further, if it is a Piston/Celtic ECF you can bank on the Pistons (Sheed) going off if there is any favoritism towards Boston in any way.

It`s a bit preamture but the Pistons (Sheed) will have to be on his beast behavior if Detroit wants a chance to go to the Finals.

First things first, the 76ers and Magic need to be taken care of, and Boston has perhaps someone even more protected by Stern on their agenda before they face Detroit, KING JAMES!!!

:tape:Just curious.

Has anyone questioned Stern on this matter, or the chnace has not come to ask him as of yet? I for one am waiting anxiously for his answer to not suspending KG.

Don`t think for a minute that the Pistons (Sheed) didn`t notice what happened with the pushing incident. Further, if it is a Piston/Celtic ECF you can bank on the Pistons (Sheed) going off if there is any favoritism towards Boston in any way.

It`s a bit preamture but the Pistons (Sheed) will have to be on his beast behavior if Detroit wants a chance to go to the Finals.

First things first, the 76ers and Magic need to be taken care of, and Boston has perhaps someone even more protected by Stern on their agenda before they face Detroit, KING JAMES!!!

Stern and Stu Jackson were at that game and stiil not a bleep from either of them:tape::tape2:

the Pistons (Sheed) will have to be on his beast behavior if Detroit wants a chance to go to the Finals.

I love it when Sheed is on his BEAST behavior.

We need that senator to look into this like that one did "Videogate".

...wow

And there will be game 7 after all. Boston looked lost at the end. They couldn't run any plays and Doc was just shrugging. Clearly not a good situation.

Anyone on the forum willing to trade Flip for Doc straight up?

Anyone on the forum willing to trade Flip for Doc straight up?

Did Doc get more credit than he deserved during the regular season?

How 'bout them Hawks! They almost blew it there--Bibby choked at the line, and why the $#% didn't they foul on the last play?!--but the Celtics' inability to score in the 4th was fatal. They went 5 minutes in the middle of that quarter without scoring a single point, which is pretty pathetic.

I'm sure Boston will dominate Game 7, but now they'll get a taste of how fickle the media can be. Everyone's been on their jock all year long, but from here to Sunday, it'll be nothing but comparisons to Golden St.-Dallas. ESPN was starting up with that even before the game was over tonight.

This really made my night, hell yes.

How 'bout them Hawks! They almost blew it there--Bibby choked at the line, and why the $#% didn't they foul on the last play?!--but the Celtics' inability to score in the 4th was fatal. They went 5 minutes in the middle of that quarter without scoring a single point, which is pretty pathetic.

I'm sure Boston will dominate Game 7, but now they'll get a taste of how fickle the media can be. Everyone's been on their jock all year long, but from here to Sunday, it'll be nothing but comparisons to Golden St.-Dallas. ESPN was starting up with that even before the game was over tonight.

I don't know about game 7. What if they get really uptight with this enormous pressure? They were expected to breeze through into the conference finals to meet their destiny in Pistons, but clearly it's not working out.

Ray Allen/Sam Cassel are killing BOS defensively in this series.

Joe Johnson is effin awesome. I don't feel so irrational not about not wanting to fact ATL in the 1st round. The only team i wanted was TOR.

Now let's see if the Hawks can learn to play on the road. I'm so happy for them. JJ deserves it, and JS has always been a beast.

Also Al Horford quickly became my favorite rookie this year.

Looks likely if we make it to the ECF it's going to be the Lebrons.

Anyone on the forum willing to trade Flip for Doc straight up?

I would trade Flip for some other people: Pop, Sloan, Urkle Sr., Woodson, Laimbeer, McMillan.

I'll gladly eat my words later if I need to. Still a lot of pressure on Flip. But more on Doc. 'Course, if Doc doesn't get Boston to the finals, he can call Flip for therapy because Flip knows what it's like to carry the best regular season record into the playoffs and have nothing to show for it.

Anyone on the forum willing to trade Flip for Doc straight up?

If you think about it coaching aside, these are 3 players that haven't really proved anything in the PO's.

KG was retarded in the 4th. I mean when Sheed is going inside more than you, you've got problems.

Our players for all their drama have shown when it comes down to it, they can win it. How big LB was in that remains uncertain to a degree.

Also i would trade Flip for the ball boy so i guess yes.

edited to add;

Damn Mike Bibby for almost choking away that game offensively and defensively.

I don't know about game 7. What if they get really uptight with this enormous pressure? They were expected to breeze through into the conference finals to meet their destiny in Pistons, but clearly it's not working out.

If Atlanta hadn't lost by 19 or more in all 3 games in Boston this series, I might agree, but there's been no indication that they can even compete up there. Of course, the weakness for Boston that's been exposed is that they're very beatable on the road, and it's dangerous to have to rely so much on home court against better and more experienced teams.

Its one game.

Anything can happen.

I'll be watching for sure.

Yeah, I'm not totally writing off the Hawks for Game 7, but come on, the Celtics are still the massive favorites to win that game. As much as I can't stand them, you need to have some pretty strong blinders on not to see that. I give the Hawks maybe a 5% chance of winning this next game, 10% at best. 40% chance the Celtics win by single digits, 50% it's another blowout. I'll be ecstatic if I'm wrong, but I'm trying to stay realistic.

It can go two ways for the Celtics. This "scare" from Atlanta can be their wake-up call or they'll continue to struggle the rest of the playoffs. I doubt they'll continue to play poorly on the road. Besides, they match up well with Detroit, but that Cleveland series could be brutal for them with the LeBron Parade to the Free-Throw Line.

It can go two ways for the Celtics. This "scare" from Atlanta can be their wake-up call or they'll continue to struggle the rest of the playoffs. I doubt they'll continue to play poorly on the road. Besides, they match up well with Detroit, but that Cleveland series could be brutal for them with the LeBron Parade to the Free-Throw Line.

The problem is that they would've gotten a wake-up call if that's what it was. Look at the Pistons, they woke up and wrapped their series up quickly and convincingly. Boston, on the other hand, may not have another gear or mode or whatever you want to call it. They may have been going all out the entire season and now when other teams step it up they simply can't.

I just talked to a Hawks fan (more a Falcon fan, but like me is all Atlanta in sports teams) and he is just beside himself in joy. If they pull this off, it will be the greatest upset over Mutumbo's Nuggets over Kemp's Sonics.

Boston is 27-0 lifetime, in series victories when up 3 games to 2. That's some impressive history...Can Atlanta Make my day !!!

In NBA history, the home team has won game 7 80% of the time.

I guess there is a HCA.

I'd put Boston's chances right about at the 80% mark.


It would really be nice for us if they somehow have a bad game though.

In NBA history, the home team has won game 7 80% of the time.

I guess there is a HCA.

I'd put Boston's chances right about at the 80% mark.


It would really be nice for us if they somehow have a bad game though.


I respectfully disagree my Antarctican brother.

The last thing we should want is for Cleveland to have an easy second round go of things.

I think we should all be rooting for Boston in game 7.

did you see those guys in the post game.... there in total shock, they have nothing to lean on.... as much as we hate the switch when we went down 2-1, our player knew that they could come back because they have done it many times... these guys have to have doubt they have all failed numerous times in the playoffs and never really had much success..

shall be an interesting game on sunday.

did you see those guys in the post game.... there in total shock, they have nothing to lean on.... as much as we hate the switch when we went down 2-1, our player knew that they could come back because they have done it many times... these guys have to have doubt they have all failed numerous times in the playoffs and never really had much success..

shall be an interesting game on sunday.

Yeah right.

Boston by 20!

I love it when Sheed is on his BEAST behavior.

Lol, and I didn`t do mean to do that. Ok, now it`s official!

Yeah right.

Boston by 20!

heck i wouldn't be suprised if they won by 40... but it will be very intereting how they step up to the challenge

CelticsBlog | The Scariest Part of Three Losses to the Hawks... (http://www.celticsblog.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3006&Itemid=260)


Come the playoffs and the Celtics have no higher level to step their play up to. Their regular season qulaity of play was the highest you are going to see, whereas other teams are turning it up a notch. The reason is because this is a flawed team in terms of being championship caliber. Whether or not they take out the Hawks tomorrow doesn't matter, I still believe as I have all year that:

a) It's very difficult to go deep into the playoffs with a second-year point guard getting the bulk of the minutes at his position. Rondo, for all his skills and improvement, is not Chris Paul or Deron Williams, two probable future HOF points. His decision-making is becoming more suspect as this series goes on.

b) Ray Allen has lost a step and has not been his formerly reliable self all season. It is even more apparent now - on both ends of the court. If not Tony Allen, the Celtics need to find a more athletic starting two-guard and bring Ray off the bench next year.

c) Kendrick Perkins should be a back-up center. He'll have three or four very good games in the season but is a non-factor more often than not.

d) The team's mojo has been disrupted by the additions of Sam Cassell and PJ Brown. You saw it in Dallas with Kidd and Phoenix with Shaq (it was probably more the deletion of Marion). Things were going along nicely with Eddie House as back-up to Rondo. You can make a case that it is not the same with Sam running the offense, despite his occasional scoring bursts.

e) The Doc factor is a non-issue in my mind. You can always question strategy, especially if things don't work out, but unless the coach is completely out to lunch he does not have a huge effect on the outcome of the games. The biggest question for a coach is whether or not his players will give 100% for him. I see no signs of anyone tuning out Doc.

Do you agree? My two cents


a) does it make it easier to us take stuckey's problems? Even Rajo rondo...

b) I do not think that pro athletes lose their step overnight. He maybe plays under huge psychological burden

c) please do not tell me that Scott Pollard is starting material...

d) I remember, knowledgeable guys here predicted how "Sam I am" impacts this team and they were right.

e) It is interesting that most of this forum treat coaches role like players can't breathe without coaches approval so it is remarkable how other fans look at their coaches role...

I second that. (i hope i am wrong though) Yeah right.

Boston by 20!

The problem is that they would've gotten a wake-up call if that's what it was. Look at the Pistons, they woke up and wrapped their series up quickly and convincingly. Boston, on the other hand, may not have another gear or mode or whatever you want to call it. They may have been going all out the entire season and now when other teams step it up they simply can't.

I don't know if this is the best comparison, mikhail. The Pistons players have been together a lot longer than the Celtics players. Besides, it seems like the Pistons have let a bunch of series go too long. Orlando comes to mind.

I do agree with your comment about them possibly using up a lot in the regular season.

In NBA history, the home team has won game 7 80% of the time.

I guess there is a HCA.

I'd put Boston's chances right about at the 80% mark.


It would really be nice for us if they somehow have a bad game though.

I don't know. Would you rather play Cleveland or Boston in the ECF at this point if the Pistons get by Orlando? Cleveland would most assuredly beat the Hawks and then you get that whole Ben "I've Got Something to Prove Against My Old Team" Wallace show going on. As much as I think Boston matches up well with Detroit, Cleveland scares the he11 out of me.

Damn Mike Bibby for almost choking away that game offensively and defensively.

One thing I did notice about the end of the game was that there was a lot of Rondo for Boston (and not much KG). Rondo's got to make sure the star gets the ball, and not try to make plays himself.

On the other end of the court, at least on one possession I saw, Bibby was well defended so he shoved the ball over to Joe Johnson who was also well defended. Johnson created enough space to get off a 3 - which he made.

It demonstrated a difference on leadership and understanding of the teams point guards. Rondo didn't have enough sense to get the ball to the superstar, Bibby did.

I don't know. Would you rather play Cleveland or Boston in the ECF at this point if the Pistons get by Orlando? Cleveland would most assuredly beat the Hawks and then you get that whole Ben "I've Got Something to Prove Against My Old Team" Wallace show going on. As much as I think Boston matches up well with Detroit, Cleveland scares the he11 out of me.

I'd rather play Cleveland. Ben's revenge factor didn't do the Bulls much good last year in the playoffs against the Pistons.

I'd rather play Cleveland. Ben's revenge factor didn't do the Bulls much good last year in the playoffs against the Pistons.

Good point. I worry about Gibson and LeBron. And their active big men outboarding our guys. 'Course, Maxiell is pretty active, isn't he? I love the fact that he is starting now. Should have been done a while ago IMO.

I'd rather play Cleveland. Ben's revenge factor didn't do the Bulls much good last year in the playoffs against the Pistons.



Whoever we play, it's starting to look a whole lot easier for us to make it to the finals. :stirthepot:

I'd rather play Cleveland. Ben's revenge factor didn't do the Bulls much good last year in the playoffs against the Pistons.


I wouldn't care which one we played, I just want both of them to have to play each other and beat each other up.

No way I want to go into another ECF watching the opponent kick back and relax for a week while the Pistons are still slugging it out in Round 2.

Whoever we play, it's starting to look a whole lot easier for us to make it to the finals. :stirthepot:

Let's just hope the Pistons aren't already looking ahead like we are. :stirthepot:

Let's just hope the Pistons aren't already looking ahead like we are. :stirthepot:


They never look ahead until they're down in a series...:gun1:

Whoever we play, it's starting to look a whole lot easier for us to make it to the finals. :stirthepot:

LOL, let's hope so...but if anything, I think this first round should show us once again that we might not be able to tell very much from one series to the next, or even within a series. When the Pistons were down 2-1 after a stunningly bad Game 3 loss and Boston was up 2-0 with two blowouts, weren't things looking "easy" for Boston to make the Finals? And now that the Pistons have righted the ship and cruised to the second round while the Celtics struggle just to put the Hawks away, it looks like we've got the edge. But both of those outlooks could easily get reversed again.

Let's just hope the Pistons aren't already looking ahead like we are. :stirthepot:

Yeah, I'm getting too carried away. Turkoglu and Lewis can present problems for this team. If these guys start to toss in 3's by the bunches, we'll be in for a long series. They're much better shooters than Philly. And Sheed and Maxy's help D will be crucial on Howard. I think Howard will eat McDyess for lunch. I feel the need, the need for Sheed in this series.

LOL, let's hope so...but if anything, I think this first round should show us once again that we might not be able to tell very much from one series to the next, or even within a series. When the Pistons were down 2-1 after a stunningly bad Game 3 loss and Boston was up 2-0 with two blowouts, weren't things looking "easy" for Boston to make the Finals? And now that the Pistons have righted the ship and cruised to the second round while the Celtics struggle just to put the Hawks away, it looks like we've got the edge. But both of those outlooks could easily get reversed again.


They could, but I like the theory that Boston doesn't have a playoff gear this season. They expended all their energy and talent to have a glorious regular season and they are now out of gas and cannot raise it up a notch.:gettinghanged::help2: It wouldn't surprise me if they lost to Atlanta in game 7.

Die Celtics Die

Die Celtics Die

Although I really like the idea of Boston and Cleveland beating each other up over a long seven game series, it's hard not to echo the sentiment.

It demonstrated a difference on leadership and understanding of the teams point guards. Rondo didn't have enough sense to get the ball to the superstar, Bibby did.
Perhaps he should have gotten the ball to Pierce, but Allen was missing everything and Garnett's a huge choker. Rondo's turning into a fine player; I don't really have a problem with him taking shots.

Let's just hope the Pistons aren't already looking ahead like we are. :stirthepot:

Yeah we got to play these games first, just ask the Celtics and Deshawn Stevenson..Don't assume our series with the Magic will be any easier than the supposed slam dunk over the Sixers:sssh:... I assume nothing until the third game is played...

Anybody recall what happen in the third game of last years ECF, or 2006 Finals with the Heat and Mavs??

The Celtics Nation thought they had their series wrapped before it was even played and got their wake up call in game 3. If Pierce gets into foul trouble again and Ray Allen bricks a few shots like he did in the 4th qtr last night then the unthinkable can happen...Red Auerbach is already rolling in his grave now.

we thought they would spend their energy. But their big three did not really log lot of minutes specially towards the end of the season. They were well rested coming to the playoffs. i hope the hawks series could drain their energy though.

They could, but I like the theory that Boston doesn't have a playoff gear this season. They expended all their energy and talent to have a glorious regular season and they are now out of gas and cannot raise it up a notch.:gettinghanged::help2: It wouldn't surprise me if they lost to Atlanta in game 7.

I don't know what to make of the Celts. In hindsight one can find reasons why they are having trouble but did you see this comming? Amazing thing is Atlanta has won 3 of the last 4 games so they are very capable of winning game 7.

I have been pulling for the Hawks. I find them a very likeable team.

I think the fact that Atlanta has been killed 3 times by an average of 22 points in Boston this series trumps the fact that they've won 3 of the last 4. As I said before, I'll be thrilled if I'm wrong, but I doubt it.

I think the fact that Atlanta has been killed 3 times by an average of 22 points in Boston this series trumps the fact that they've won 3 of the last 4. As I said before, I'll be thrilled if I'm wrong, but I doubt it.

True but they always came back the next game as if it never happened. Thats what I like about them. By all standards they should have been broken after game 2.

True but they always came back the next game as if it never happened. Thats what I like about them. By all standards they should have been broken after game 2.

I agree Max. They come out every game like they don't know they're supposed to lose. I like that in a team too.

hawks down by 12 early
dang

Down big at halftime. Can't shoot straight. It will be tough for Atlanta to make something happen in the 2nd half.

Its halftime and the Hawks are down 18....To many jump shots, to many turnovers and to many hands and arms from the Celtic defenders...results in 26 pts for the half and an almost certain lost.

It they were down only 10, I'd give them a chance but, to beat the Celtics you got to get those easy shots and have to score 90 and above and they are a long way from there.

Looks for Cavs-Celtics rumble on Tuesday.

Its halftime and the Hawks are down 18....To many jump shots, to many turnovers and to many hands and arms from the Celtic defenders...results in 26 pts for the half and an almost certain lost.

It they were down only 10, I'd give them a chance but, to beat the Celtics you got to get those easy shots and have to score 90 and above and they are a long way from there.

Looks for Cavs-Celtics rumble on Tuesday.

The lead is up to 30. I wonder if Cavs would be a better matchup for Celts. Probably looking at the low scoring games. And who's going to guard Bron?

79-43 starting the 4th. What's the lowest score by a team in the playoffs?

heck i wouldn't be suprised if they won by 40... but it will be very intereting how they step up to the challenge

Prophetic let`s see if it happens.........

It's all for the best. The best thing atlanta could do was make us feel better about ourselves. I really want boston and cleveland to go at it. I'd much rather see boston in the ecf...if only to not see letravel anymore this year.

Longest second half and garbage time in the history for the NBA. Should have just turn the mics off and played music for second half instead of having JVG, Breen and Action Jackson remind us on how good the Celtics were for the regular season.

We are probably lucky that Tommy point wasn't doing this broadcast to the national audience. Well at least I was able to fix my garbage disposal during this game that had to be played but was settled in the first 15 minutes. :)

It's all for the best. The best thing atlanta could do was make us feel better about ourselves. I really want boston and cleveland to go at it. I'd much rather see boston in the ecf...if only to not see letravel anymore this year.

Cleveland-Boston is going to be a struggle for both. Let them beat each other up so that if Pistons make it through Magic they'd have to deal with the beat up opponent. That series could go 7.

Cleveland-Boston is going to be a struggle for both. Let them beat each other up so that if Pistons make it through Magic they'd have to deal with the beat up opponent. That series could go 7.

Yeah right.

Boston in five games......................:stirthepot:

Too bad I was right about this game. The Hawks just couldn't do anything in the Garden.

I wonder what this series will end up meaning, if anything. Were the Celtics that much better at home (or worse on the road), or was it entirely because the Hawks' level of play was so horrendous on the road? If it's the latter, then Boston will have to worry about not being able to get wins on the road against these tougher teams. That would be surprising, considering how strong they were on the road during the regular season, but maybe it'll be an Achilles heel for them. Having HCA throughout the playoffs does relieve some of that pressure, but you definitely can't win a title if you can't win ANY games on the road in the playoffs. Nobody's ever been able to do that.

It's all for the best. The best thing atlanta could do was make us feel better about ourselves. I really want boston and cleveland to go at it. I'd much rather see boston in the ecf...if only to not see letravel anymore this year.

I'm not really sure if we don't have a better chance against CLE. Yea they still have Lebron, but the match-ups that used to kill us are gone.

On the other hand the Garnett/Sheed matchup is irritating, not because Garnett goes off, but Sheed has trouble scoring against him at times as well.

The refs would be atrocious in both series IMO.

If we win the ECF it's going to be a victory against the team we're facing and the calls.

Also which one is the better defensive team? I guess we'll see in the next series.

I'm not really sure if we don't have a better chance against CLE. Yea they still have Lebron, but the match-ups that used to kill us are gone.



I'd MUCH rather see Cleveland.

1/2 their game is the refs and the other half is Lebron (not sure how much you can separate them). If Detroit plays well none of that matters with Cleveland. Boston is loaded with talent and CAN beat Detroit straight up.

Besides, I'd like the revenge.

Plus if we lose to Boston, Flip has an excuse. We lose to Cleveland and he's GONE!!!

This is still a toss up IMO who we would fare better against. Boston beat the Hawks today because the Hawks took to long to determine who was going to shoot and when they decided to attack the rim, the Celtics converged on the driver and caused a TO or bad shot. if we play that way, we may have the same issue. We cannot get in a trading hoop sequence with either team, because both La Bron and Pierce will try to win the game at the line in the end by continual penetration and the only two players that may think about penetration in the end is Billups and Stuckey, and the latter won't be in there down the stretch.

If you go with the Stern marketing scheme, we may have better chance beating the Cavs than Celtics if we get to the ECF. Why, well referee wise, Stern would love to see a Celtics-Pistons ECF, and an eventual Celtics-Lakers finals, but if the Celtics lose to the Cavs, I think he would rather see a Pistons-Lakers Finals rematch than see LaBron show up again.....then again Lebron vs Kobe will trump a Labron -Duncan finals any year, so who knows...:stirthepot:.. OK enough conspiracy rhetoric, this series is over, may as well close this thread.

Are the Cavs good enough to win one on the road?