Game Recap: Celtics lose in season opener against the Heat

Yesterday's boscore by ESPN.com (CLICK to enlarge)

Yesterday was a tough night. Before I start talking about the game I would like to say that KG did a good job during pre-game by ignoring Ray Allen (see gif here: http://bit.ly/TttOSX).
Going back to it, in the first half the team looked pretty good. Shots were falling and Lee was doing a really good job on Wade. As the game kept going, we were missing some important players like KG, Bass and Green (although Green didn't have a good game overall). Rondo was doing a good job by moving the ball but didn't have his usual scoring touch. The only player that we could say that did a good first half was Pierce. He was able to create his own shot and hit the three as well. On the other side, LeBron was starting to get hot and Allen was playing hitting his shots. Later, the second half was crucial for the Heat. We were committing turnovers while LeBron & Wade were in all-star mode and Allen & Lewis were shooting the lights out. At the end of the game we had a nice comeback thanks to an unexpected Barbosa that was on fire (gotta give more minutes to him) but it wasn't enough to win the game.
The key of the game was defense. As I said in my preview, we don't have to allow teams like the Heat to move the ball and to shoot wherever & whenever they want. Doc talked about this factor after the game (Via Boston.com):
“I thought [the Heat] were the aggressor all game,” Celtics coach Doc Rivers said. “I thought they got on the floor where they wanted to get on the floor. I thought they took us out of stuff they wanted to. You could see that they’ve played together a little longer than us. I thought their continuity offensively was better. We made plays offensively but it wasn’t good offense.”

So, the result was not a surprise for us, we let them do everything they wanted. Let's see then what aspects we have to fix to improve our game:

- The defense is the most important thing in basketball. As people say "a good defense wins championships" and that's absolutely true. Yesterday we allowed the heat to shoot 54,4% from 2 and 50% from 3 and they scored 120 points which is not good at all. The Celtics definitely have to improve their defense (specially in transition). We hope that Doc can make the right rotations to find that high-defensive skilled team that we really are.

- We need bench scoring. Last night's bench scored only 29 points and 16 came from an inspired Barbosa. If we want to win games Green and Terry have to step up for us. Green has to show he's worth that 36 million contract he signed and improve that 0-4 from the field. He also has to improve his defense (yesterday he couldn't even guard Lewis). Terry had a bad night as well, he started playing good but he finished the game 2-7 from 2 and 0-3 from 3. If they both can fix their game I'm sure we will win more games because they both are key players.

- I missed important players such as KG and Sullinger. In my opinion, KG is not a problem because last year he started the season struggling as well. But Sullinger worries me because he started with minutes and Doc took him out the game quite fast (he only played 8 minutes). It's true he couldn't defend Bosh but I hope Doc doesn't start to leave him in the bench as he normally does with the other rookies.

- Finally, one of the few thinks that I liked from the game was our good shooting percentage. We shot 52% from 2 and 46,2 from 3 (although it was mainly Barbosa and Pierce). We also scored 107 points which is not bad being against one of the best defensive teams in the league.

And what more can I say? I just can say that everything is going to be alright and get ready for the next game because we are going to beat the Bucks on Thursday.

Let's GO CELTICS

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Estadísticas de ayer Via ESPN.com (CLICK para agrandar)

Ayer fue una noche dura. Antes de comenzar a hablar sobre el partido me gustaría decir que KG hizo un buen trabajo antes del partido al ignorar a Ray Allen (ver gif aquí: http://bit.ly/TttOSX). Volviendo al partido, en la primera parte el equipo empezó bastante bien. Los tiros entraban y Lee hizo un gran trabajo sobre Wade. A medida que el partido fue avanzando, empezamos a notar la falta de jugadores importantes como KG, Bass o Green (aunque Jeff no tuvo un buen partido en general). Rondo hizo un buen trabajo moviendo la bola pero no contamos con su anotación. El único jugador que tuvo una primera parte buena fue Pierce. Pudo crear fácilmente sus tiros y también meter algún que otro triple. En el otro bando, LeBron se empezó a calentar y a Allen le entraban todos sus tiros. Más tarde, la segunda parte fue crucial para los Heat. Cometimos muchas pérdidas mientras LeBron y Wade jugaban en modo all-star y Allen y Lewis enchufaban como nadie. Al final del partido remontamos gracias a un inesperado Barbosa el cual se merece más minutos. A pesar de este último intento, no fue suficiente para poder ganar el partido.

La clave fue básicamente la defensa, como dije en la previa, no hay que dejar a equipos como Miami acampar a sus anchas. Doc habló sobre este aspecto después del choque (Via Boston.com)
"Creo que (Los Heat) fueron los atacantes durante todo el partido," El entrenador de los Celtics dijo. "Creo que estuvieron donde quisieron. Creo que nos quitaron todo lo que quisieron. Pudisteis ver que ellos han jugado juntos un poco más que nosotros. Creo que su regularidad en ataque estuvo mejor. Hicimos nuestras jugadas ofensivas pero no jugamos bien ofensivamente."

Entonces, podemos decir que el resultado no fue una sorpresa para nosotros, ya que durante el partido les dejamos hacer lo que quisieron. Veamos cuales son los aspectos que hay que mejorar de cara al próximo partido:


- La defensa es una de las cosas más importantes en baloncesto. Como se suele decir "una buena defensa gana campeonatos" y es absolutamente cierto. Ayer permitimos a los Heat tirar con un 54,4 % de acierto en tiros de 2 y con un 50% en tiros de 3 y también anotaron 120 puntos, con lo cual no son cifras buenas. Los Celtics tienen que mejorar su defensa (especialmente en transición). Esperemos que doc haga las rotaciones adecuadas para volver destapar el talentoso equipo defensivo que siempre hemos sido.

- Necesitamos anotación de banquillo. Ayer nuestro banquillo sólo anotó 29 puntos y 16 de ellos vinieron de Barbosa. Si queremos ganar partidos necesitamos que Green y Terry den la cara en cuanto a anotación. Green tiene que demostrar que vale el contrato de 36 millones que firmó y mejorar ese 0-4 que ayer hizo (tan siquiera pudo parar a Lewis). Terry también tuvo una mala noche, empezó tirando bien pero acabó el partido con un 2-7 en tiros de 2 y 0-3 en tiros de 3. Si de verdad queremos ganar, necesitamos que mejoren su anotación ya que son jugadores esenciales en nuestra rotación.

- Eché de menos a jugadores importantes como KG y Sullinger. En mi opinión, KG no es un problema porque el año pasado ya empezó de forma irregular. Pero Sullinger me preocupa ya que empezó jugando minutos pero Doc lo quitó rápido y sólo jugó 8. Es verdad que no pudo con Bosh pero espero que Doc no le deje postrado al final del banquillo como suele hacer con los otros rookies.

- Finalmente, una de las pocas cosas que me gustó fue nuestro buen porcentaje de tiro. Tiramos con un 52% en tiros de 2 y con un 46,3% en tiros de 3 con lo cual hicimos un buen trabajo en este aspecto. También anotamos 107 puntos contra uno de los mejores equipos defensivos, que no está nada mal. 

Qué mas puedo decir? Sólo puedo decir que todo va a ir bien y que preparaos para el próximo partido porque vamos a ganar a los Bucks el jueves.


Let's GO CELTICS

Season Opener: Game Preview Celtics Vs Heat Tuesday, October 30, 2012

So here we are, tonight's the night and the most awaited day has arrived. Although it's a bad moment to start a season due to the hurricane thing that is happening right now in the East Coast, we are all excited and we can't wait to show the Heat what we got. It will be an awkward moment for Ray Allen because in the championship ceremony before the game, he won't get any ring, while his teammates will get theirs and will be extra-motivated remembering last year conference finals.
Before starting the preview, I would like to say that since many people have requested this blog to be translated into Spanish, I'm going to write everything in English and then translate it into Spanish so everyone can read what I'm writing.

Pues aquí estamos, hoy es la noche y el tan esperado día ha llegado. Aunque es un mal momento para empezar la temporada debido a que el huracán Sandy está azotando la Costa Este, estamos preparados y con muchas ganas de enseñarle a los Heat lo que sabemos hacer. Será un momento incómodo para Ray Allen ya que en la ceremonia de la celebración del campeonato antes del partido no recibirá ningún  tipo de anillo o premio, mientras sus compañeros de equipo recibirán los suyos y tendrán una motivación extra al recordar las finales de conferencia del año pasado.
Antes de empezar la previa, me gustaría decir que ya que mucha gente me ha comentado que le gustaría que el blog estuviera en castellano, voy a escribir todo en Inglés y luego a traducirlo al español para que todos puedan leerme.

As the poll I put when I created the blog tells, 53% of the people (7) believes the starting lineup will be with Brandon Bass and the other 38% (5) thinks that Sullinger will be in while an 7% (1) thinks that Green will make it. So I used the most voted one in our predictions, thanks for voting!

Como muestra la encuesta que puse sobre el quinteto titular cuando hice el blog, un 53% de los lectores(7) cree que Brandon Bass estará en el quinteto titular, el otro 38% (5) piensa que Sullinger será titular mientras que el 7% restante (1) cree que Green estará. Gracias las votaciones he elaborado las predicciones, gracias por votar!

   

- Projected starting lineups / Posible quinteto titular

                        Boston Celtics                                                       Miami Heat

                  

                    G - Rajon Rondo                                                G -Mario Chalmers 

                  SG - Courtney Lee                                             SG - Dwyane Wade

                  SF - Paul Pierce                                                  SF - Shane Battier

                  PF - Brandon Bass                                             PF - LeBron James

                    C - Kevin Garnett                                               C - Chris Bosh

Celtics reserves: Jason Terry, Jeff Green, Leandro Barbosa, Jared Sullinger, Darko Milicic, Jason Collins, Kris Joseph, Fab Melo, Avery Bradley (Out w/ injury)

Heat reserves: Ray Allen, Udonis Haslem, Norris Cole, Rashard Lewis, James Jones, Joel Anthony (Doubtful), Mike Miller, Dexter Pittman, Josh Harrellson, Justin Hamilton

I would like to start saying the same about the game as Doc told the media yesterday (Via NBA.com):

"If we win, do we get a trophy? We get one win and that's it," Rivers said. "And if we lose, which we don't want to do, we get one loss and it doesn't mean we still can't win it. But at the end of the day, we're all human. ... These games, they don't really have more meaning, but they do have more meaning."

Obviously it's not a playoff game and we are not going to be eliminated if we lose it but feelings are always there and it's not easy to forget what happened last year against them. Both teams have improved their rosters thanks to offseason trades and signings. As a summary, Celtics have fixed their Allen loss by signing Lee and Terry and have added young legs and rebounding by signing Jeff Green and the rookies. On the other hand, Miami has mainly improved their bench scoring by signing Allen and Rashard Lewis. So expect it to be a quite balanced game. Will Rondo make his usual triple-double due to the broadcasting of the game on national tv? Let's see the key factors of the game.

Key factors to get the win

- It's all about Defense. First of all, we have to take care of the reigning Mvp LeBron James. How? It will be a really difficult task. It will be with the help of Paul Pierce and we will need big minutes from Jeff Green. Don't be surprised if James forces Pierce to foul a lot, he's in his 27 and with fresh legs while Pierce is entering his 35 and not as agile as he used to be. After that, we have to prevent Wade from going to the basket. This mainly will be a Rondo and Lee task. Then, we cannot forget to prevent them from shooting threes since they got good shooters and good percentages (including Ray Allen). And of course, we have to close the rebound and don't let them run because they are quite a physical team.

- Score the ball properly and avoid individualities. We don't have to fall into the error of playing only with one guy. If the shots are not falling for Pierce for example, then share the ball and make the right passes to find the right shot. Now we even have more scoring options than last year (Terry, Green, Barbosa, Lee, Sullinger...) so let's use them! Plus, we have to use the guys in the zone when the heat go small (KG, Sullinger and Green).

- Avoid turnovers and rebound the ball. Turnovers killed us last year and they are clearly game changers, specially with the Heat, which are a team with fast hands and defensive skills. So we have to try to take care of the ball and rely on Rajon Rondo to control the game. Also, it's very important to grab a lot of rebounds and don't let them to have second opportunities to score.

Having said that, we hope our big three have a good day are able to do the rest for the team. It's essential to have Kevin Garnett focused on the game as well.

My prediction is 105-99 for the Celtics and Rajon Rondo having a triple double. If you want to follow the game with us, follow us on twitter: twitter.com/allboutceltics

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Me gustaría empezar con una frase que dijo Doc el otro día a la prensa (via NBA.com):

"If we win, do we get a trophy? We get one win and that's it," Rivers said. "And if we lose, which we don't want to do, we get one loss and it doesn't mean we still can't win it. But at the end of the day, we're all human. ... These games, they don't really have more meaning, but they do have more meaning."

Obviamente no es un partido de playoffs y si perdemos no nos van a eliminar pero el sentimiento siempre estará ahí y no es fácil olvidar lo que pasó el año pasado contra ellos. Los dos equipos han mejorado sus equipos gracias a traspasos y fichajes en la pretemporada. Como resumen, podríamos decir que los Celtics han enmendado la falta de Allen con las incorporaciones de Terry y Lee y han añadido juventud y rebote gracias a los fichajes de Green y los rookies. Por otro lado, Miami básicamente ha mejorado su anotación de banquillo gracias a Ray Allen y Rashard Lewis. Es por eso que esperamos que sea un partido bastante igualado. Hará Rondo su típico triple doble debido a la retransmisión del partido por TV Nacional? Veamos cuáles son los factores clave del partido.

LET'S GO CELTICS

Factores clave para obtener la victoria

- Todo tiene que recaer sobre la defensa. Primeramente, tenemos que vigilar al vigente MVP de la campaña pasada, LeBron James. Cómo? Será una tarea realmente difícil. Necesitaremos al mejor Paul Pierce y muchos minutos de Jeff Green. No os sorprendáis si James fuerza muchas faltas a Pierce, James está en sus 27 años y sigue fresco mientras Pierce está ya en sus 35 y ya no es lo ágil que solía ser. Después, deberíamos intentar que Wade no entre a canasta, y esta tarea tiene que recaer en Rondo y Lee. Además, debemos prevenir que tiren triples ya que es un equipo plagado de buenos tiradores y suelen tener un buen porcentaje de tiro (incluyendo como no Ray Allen). Y, por supuesto, tenemos que cerrar el rebote y no dejar que corran ya que son un equipo muy físico.

- Anotar adecuadamente y evitar las individualidades. No tenemos que caer en el error de jugar sólo con un jugador. Si los tiros no etnran para Pierce por ejemplo, tenemos que compartir la pelota y hacer los pases correctos para encontrar el tiro. Ahora tenemos más opciones en ataque que el año pasado (Terry, Green, Barbosa, Lee, Sullinger...) entonces.. por qué no utilizarlas? Además, tenemos que utilizar el ataque en zona cuando Miami juegue con quinteto pequeño (KG, Sullinger y Green).

- Evitar las pérdidas y rebotear. Las pérdidas nos hicieron mucho daño el año pasado y pueden cambiarte un partido, sobretodo con los Heat, que son un equipo con manos rápidas y mucha habilidad para defender, y a la mínima que roban un balón pueden salir al contraataque. Entonces lo primordial es cuidar la pelota y confiar en rondo para que controle el juego. También es importante coger muchos rebotes y no dejar segundas oportunidades a Miami.

Dicho esto, espero que nuestro Big three tenga un buen día y haga el resto para el equipo. Sobretodo, también es esencial que Kevin Garnett esté concentrado en el partido ya que es el ancla del equipo.

Mi predicción es 105-99 a favor de Celtics con un Rajon Rondo inspirado haciendo un triple doble. Si queréis seguir el partido con nosotros esta noche, síguenos en Twitter: twitter.com/allboutceltics 

Let's GO CELTICS

The starting lineup issue: PF spot

With one day remaining to our season opener game against the Heat, today I would like to talk about the starting lineup issue that has been and it's still being discussed all these days in different blogs and media. The truth is that it can be assured that Rondo, Pierce and KG are going to start. Also, Doc said he would start Lee and keep Jason Terry in his comfy Sixt-man role while Avery Bradley recovers from his shoulder injury. What we certainly don't know is what player will Doc start in the power forward spot. The most possible candidates are Bass (like last year), Sullinger and even Jeff Green, but the last one has less chances to make it. So, let's discuss which one between Bass and Sullinger is the best choice for Doc.

Although Doc is not going to use just one lineup during the season (see his words below):

-Via WEEI: "Experience, size, it depends on the night," Rivers said. "I don't think we're going to have one starting lineup this year. There's three that I know of we'll use. We can move it around."

It is clear that there will be a most used starting lineup with either Bass or Sullinger. Who's best to start? Let's analyze both Strengths and Weaknesses in their games:

Brandon Bass 

Strenghts...

I remember when we picked up Bass in a sign-and-trade deal in exchange of Glen Davis. All the immaturity and irregularity that Davis brought to the Celtics was replaced by that heavy build player called Bass and his maturity and experience. This season will be the eight season for him and he has proven to be a consistent player since he arrived to the Celtics. Although he was a solid player when he played for the Mavs, he reached the top of his game when he got to BeanTown. What I would highlight as well is his mid-range jump shot. Thanks to his jumper, there's a lot of spacing and it can really help players like Rajon Rondo to go to the basket or either find him. Plus, he is a beast and grabs a lot of offensive rebounds and finish over bigger defenders. Here's an example of his consistency, when he put up 27 points (9-13 FG) against Sixers in Playoffs 6th game.  

Weaknesses...

When it comes to find something weak in his kind of game it's a really difficult task. I really like his game and if I had to say something bad about him it would be that he is a bit undersized for PF spot and that his defense is not the best out there but decent.. Also, he doesn't have much of a post game but I think he fixes that with his efficient shot. Finally there's his issue with his bad knee that kept him out of some games last year. 

Jared Sullinger

Strenghts...

What I like most about Jared skills is his ability to score, to rebound (specially off. rebounds) and his back-to-basket game. In this preseason we've seen what's this kid capable of. He's put 10.9 points 7 rebounds and 56% FG in 25 minutes. That's quite impressive for a guy that was red-flagged in the draft because of his back issues. He really can move without the ball and score around the rim easily plus he's got a nice mid-range jump shot. He's really strong as well despite he is not a physical freak (although he's lost weight since he joined the team).

Weaknesses...

The biggest weakness in Jared Sullinger is his inexperience in a NBA game. He is a bit undersized for the spot just as Bass but a bit more overweight. Although he's lost some pounds he has to lose a little bit more if he wants to compete with other players. His defense is not the best but it seems he's working a lot in this aspect. Finally, there's the injury-prone thing which has been chasing him since he got into the league. So let's see if he can stay healthy and meet the expectations.

Who's better to start then?

Having analyzed each player, I would say that they are kind of similar players but Sullinger is 20 years old and sky is the limit for him. He also is a better rebounder and back-to-basket player but Bass is faster and more physical player. So,If I was Doc, I would go for the Bass option mainly because of his experience in the game and because of his knowledge of the system. He also has incredible chemistry with the other starters. But this doesn't mean that I wouldn't use Sullinger or even Green. Meanwhile, Doc says both Sullinger and Green have chances (Via BleacherReport):

"I guess so. He (Sullinger) has a chance. There are definitely open minutes at that spot. Jeff (Green) is going to play the 4, too, so that will take away some of the minutes. But it’s an open competition."

In fact, Doc has said (Via BleacherReport) that he will combine everyone in the starting lineup:

"I'll throw Jared in a couple games, then I'll throw Brandon in, I'll throw Darko [Milicic] in a couple times. You can read into whatever you want, but there have been no decisions made on anything yet."

Good offseason vibrations

 

I would like to introduce today's post with this amazing photo of the green squad in Turkey, before playing against Fenerbahçe. Although there are players that haven't made the team such as Smith, Christmas, Kurz and Downs, it clearly shows how complete was our roster before entering preseason. That first game was the beginning of an amazing journey against 5 different teams (Fenerbahçe, Olimpia Milano, Knicks, Nets & 76ers), in which we have seen some good flashes of our roster and specially of our deep backcourt. Even though our record (3-4) hasn't been the best out there -see the Lakers 0-7- they have shown us how good they can be. 

Last year we ended the season with a sour taste due to our loss in the Eastern Conference Finals against the heat. Many thought that it was the end of the Big Three era. There were daily rumors about Pierce & KG retirements and numerous trades that involved our star players. Then IT happened, KG renewed his contract for 3 more seasons and that meant a new era was coming: the Celtics were ready to renew again rather than rebuild from 0. We have to admit that Danny has made brilliant moves. First of all, he signed Jason Terry AKA the Jet with our MLE -replacing that guy called Ray that went to Heat-. Then, the sign and trade acquiring Courtney lee plus the renewals of Jeff Green, Wilcox and and Brandon Bass. When it looked like we had everything, then Danny surprised us adding Milicic, Collins and even Barbosa during preseason games. So it looks like that we have filled all of our big holes. We have improved our lack of rebounding thanks to our valued rookie Jared Sullinger plus Melo, Wilcox and Collins & Milicic. Another big improvement we have made is our bench depth and scoring. The additions of Terry, Green and Lee really look scaring. Thanks to them it's like Ray Allen has never been here. The last thing I would like to add is Athleticism and fresh legs. Now KG and Pierce will have more time to rest while Green, Lee or Terry bring their young legs to the floor. We have seen some good things about them in preseason, specially Jeff Green (aka James Worthy), who made a couple of nice dunks. (See Video)

So, after that short analysis of our offseason, I would say it's the best team we've ever had since The Big Three era began. We have had a pretty good offseason despite having this  record in preseason. I feel like it's time to get the ring and if injuries respect us, we will have it soon in Boston Town.

I'm ready to rock, ARE YOU?

Go Celtics!

Celtics: A way of life

I'm glad to announce the opening of this blog. Im really excited about the idea of writing about something that has been deeply inside of me for some years. My "green bleeding" started - I'm not gonna lie - when KG was traded to the Celtics. I have always followed The big ticket since he entered the league with the Wolves. When I saw that he was joining the Celtics with 2 other hall of famers such as Paul Pierce and Ray Allen I just thought that something huge was going to happen. And voilà! in 2008 this team won that precious championship. Since then, there is not a day that passes by without appreciating this group of guys. Although I'm still learning what it means to be a Celtic - due to its big history - I can almost say that I feel I'm inside of that big community. I think that no matter where you live or where you from, this feeling has no barriers.

So, my goal is to bring this team closer to the fans around the world by sharing different kinds of stuff such as news, articles or opinions -even fans writings-. Although there is plenty of information on the net, I will try to do an intensive analysis of the team bringing matches previews and games analysis.

The next post will be about preseason and an analysis on how our players played.

Don't forget to vote the poll and I hope you enjoy this blog as much as I do!