Paul Pierce(34) points to the sidelines after he’s fouled by the Houston Rockets'(96) Ron Artest. The Rockets however would go on to win the game 89-85. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/Tom McLendon…………….
Well the NBA season isn’t about a sprint as it’s really a marathon of sorts played out over a schedule of 82 arduous games. They sap the physicality’s and mentality of a player and no doubt a whole lot more. That being said the teams that survive that then have the postseason to look forward to. And that in of itself is filled with pitfalls that’ll test the coaching staff and players alike.
Kevin Garnett tries to defend a shot by the Rockets’ Aaron Brooks during the game played at the TD Banknorth Garden in Boston, Massachussetts. picture appears courtesy of nbae/getty images/ Brian Babineau …………..
In the Eastern Conference at present we’ve seen three teams rise to the top playing as consistently as one would deem it possible. And as we can all define consistency in its many forms. It begs the question is what’s now happening with the Celtics really all that disturbing ? The Boston Celtics along with the LeBron James’ led Cleveland Cavaliers and the Orlando Magic have the best records in the conference. Each of the teams in question have their own array of stars. But it can be said that without their trio All Stars last season’s triumph by the Celtics would’ve been viewed as nothing more than afterthought had it been another franchise defeating the Los Angeles Lakers.
Glen Davis chases after a loose ball that’s also being pursued by the Rockets’ Yao Ming. picture appears courtesy of nbae/getty images/ Brian Babineau ….
In Kevin Garnett , Ray Allen and Paul Pierce the team may well possess three future Hall of Famers. But that’s a discussion for another day. I know that there are some Celtics’ fans who’ll be of the opinion that they ought to be enshrined immediately upon their retirement merely because they brought a title to Boston after some 25 years in what was thought to be the perpetual wilderness. Well now they’re back and are looking to improve upon last year’s triumph. And if anything as we all know it’s harder to defend a title the second time around than it is to win it the first time. That being said it’s to be expected that the team would stumble somewhat this season. They’re no longer viewed as a team whose sum is greater than that of its parts. And if anything their foes within the conference as well across the rest of the NBA have finally figured out how to pressurize and beat this team.
Yao Ming of the Boston Celtics defends the paint as the Celtics’ Paul Pierce drives for the basket. picture appears courtesy of nbae/getty images/ Brian Babineau …………
At the start of the season the play of their point guard Rajon Rondo was at its highest. But the player himself seems to be in a bit of a lull. The sophomore point guard appears to have hit the proverbial wall. And if the rumors are to be believed then help is on the way in the guise of the New York Knicks’ wayward child Stephon Marbury. Suffice to say that at this juncture I’d somewhat begin to question the thinking of GM Danny Ainge should he follow through with this deal. Marbury’s intentions as a player and teammate at times has come into question. But with him being placed within an environment that has the likes of Garnett, Allen and Pierce who in unison as veterans have made the team better. I can only honestly believe that any temper tantrum thrown by him wouldn’t be taken on with any respect by the trio. Marbury, has always been about him and him only. And his desire as he says to be part of a team and play for a contender while admirable. In my mind I find it somewhat condescending. Considering his travels around the league there has to be a reason why the player has yet to find a place that he can really call home.
Kevin Garnett attempts the jump shot over the outsretched arms Yao Ming during the game. picture appears courtesy of nbae/getty images/ Brian Babineau ……
As to what really ails the Celtics I for one view as nothing more than a situation whereby the team has basically lost its footing. Or as alluded to in the title of this piece …someone has knocked one of the wheels of my bus. Teams around the league may well be now chomping at the bit hoping to make the team one of their conquests. And that’s to be expected considering that they’re the reigning NBA champions. Afterall if you’re to be considered amongst the best the first step in achieving that ambition is to actually beat the best. Though the regular season counts for a great deal. It’s actually the postseason where the glory is really made. There the legends are built and legacies are made once and for all. So before we all get ahead of ourselves let’s look at the body work over the course of the regular season and then the postseason. Before we start to announce the death knell for the franchise.
The Los Angeles Lakers’ fans can take heart that the Celtics are losing and their team is playing well. But remember until you beat them where it counts and that’s in the NBA Finals. They’re the ones you’ve got to knock off the pedestal once and for all.
tophatal …………
