Random Thoughts 5/12

I am at a complete loss as to how a team can be so dominant on defense during the regular season both at home and on the road and can be totally dominant on defense at home in the playoffs and then go on the road and completely forget how to play defense. It just doesn't make sense. Bucks Diary has a theory as to what is happening and they may have a point.

During the regular season, both at home and on the road, Celtic opponents shot free throws at a rate equal to about 45% of their two point baskets attempted. That's high, but given the Celtics physical style, not out of proportion.

Likewise during the home portion of the Celtics' postseason, Celtic opponents have shot throws at about the same rate, 45% of their 2Pt FGA.

However, since the Celtics lost Game 3 of their Opening Round series to the Hawks in Atlanta, Celtic road opponents have shot free throws at the astounding rate of nearly 70% of their 2 point field goals attempts. No one, not one team in the NBA, gave up free throws at that rate during the regular season... not even the Bucks... and the refs gave the Bucks no quarter on the road. So a leap to 70% by a top-flight defensive unit like the Celtics is an astounding turn of fortune, and it could be the reason the Celtics are suddenly an ineffectual road defensive team. It seems they've been neutered by a band of Zebras.

The free throw discrepancy on the road has been a problem. When the Celtics drive, they get beat up and don't get the foul or even worse, get called for a bogus offensive foul. It is a shame that the officiating is so bad that it can change the whole complexion of a series.

I don't believe that the Cavs won game 3. I think that the Celtics lost it. There is a big difference. A lot of media pointed to how well the Cavs shot but if Boston was playing defense like they did in Boston, I guarantee that Cleveland would not be shooting as well. Most players can hit wide open shots with no one guarding them. The Celtics lost that game. They have to get back to playing their game including the team defense that they play at home. The Globe reports that the Celtics had a very intense practice on Sunday.

Forward Paul Pierce said he is confident the Celtics will win tomorrow's Game 5 because of the hard practice they had today. He said the key is tough defense.

Yes, tough defense is the key. It is the key to winning games and to winning championships but you have to actually play it to get the win. Hopefully Pierce is right and the Celtics will get the win.

The Pistons have figured out how to win on the road, even without Chauncey Billups. The Lakers lost games 3 and 4 on the road. The Hornets lost games 3 and 4 on the road, but the Pistons won game 4. The Celtics have to do the same. A loss in this game will cast a shadow over this team. We could still win the championship without winning a game on the road as long as we win every game at home, but there would always be an asterisk on the team. Great teams find a way to win on the road. The Pistons have done it. The Lakers won on the road in game in Round 1. The Celtics are the only team still in the playoffs that haven't won on the road. They have to win game 4 to get this monkey off their backs.

In an unreal move, the Celtics petitioned the league to allow them to wear their white jerseys tonight and even more unreal, Stern said yes. The Globe has an article on the lengths to which the Celtics owners are going to try to get the Celtics to mentally feel like they are in Boston for tonight's game. Come on guys, these guys are vererans. They should be able to win regardless of where they are. It is all a matter of focus, effort and desire, not white or green jerseys or clam chowder from room service. The Pistons didn't need to play mental games to win on the road. The Celtics need to look inside to figure out the problems, not a bunch of gimmicks. They simply haven't brought their intensity and effort on the road. They know how to play tough defense and they know how to win on the road. They just aren't doing it. If being the subject of ridicule for being the only team not to win on the road in the playoffs doesn't give them incentive enough to come out and win, a change in jerseys won't do it either. Maybe Wyc should try heart transplants next.

I don't think I have ever seen a worse crybaby than LeBron. He is truly a drama queen. I half expect him to fall on the ground and check his mouth for blood every time a whistle blows even if no one is anywhere near him. Rondo gets knocked silly just about every trip to the basket and he just picks himself up and goes on without any added drama. I am amazed at how tough this kid is. LeBron gets a touch foul and he is wincing and checking his mouth for blood and looking like a truck just hit him. All those acting lessons he took to do the commercials is paying off. Green Bandwagon compares Posey's take down of James to McHales take down of Rambis many years ago. I leave you with the video from their article that compares the two. Great read.