Written by Jeremy Gottlieb Wednesday, 10 March 2010 13:00
Afternoon, folks. Hope you all are dealing with the Celtics modest, four-game win streak coming to an end last night in Milwaukee better than I (and not just because the streak should have been snapped on Sunday when the Cs where whooped for 44 minutes by the awful Wizards before Ray Allen rescued them from another humiliating, home defeat). Nope, despite a much better all-around effort than against Washington, last night's late collapse featured many of the glaring problems the Celts have had all season, for instance: dismal offensive execution with a lead down the stretch, Paul Pierce looking like he's gone from superstar to washed up in the span of a couple months, team-wide ignoring of the hottest player on offense at the moment (in this case Ray Allen, who took just three shots and made none of 'em), when it mattered most, Perk's continued regression (his inability to get a shot off without dribbling and pump-faking for 20 minutes, the fact that he can no longer rebound or defend as evidence by Bucks big man Andrew Bogut's monstrous 25-17 line and the continued fact that he still doesn't know how to properly set a pick and either can't or won't be taught how all reared their heads during Milwaukee's late comeback) and Big Baby's ongoing failure to develop from a knucklehead into a more mature player. The Celts will try to get back on track tonight against the visiting Memphis Grizzlies but whether they do or they don't, even though the wins are starting to come slightly more consistently than they did from Christmas til the All-Star break, there are still blazing red flags everywhere suggesting that this year's playoff appearance may well be a very short one. Anyway, let's cheer ourselves up a bit with a look at some links.
Starting as always on Comcast Sports Net New England, where A. Sherrod Blakely gives us a look at the impending matchup with the immensely improved Grizzlies. Celtics Green has more on the Grizz, who've been contending for a playoff spot in the crowded Western Conference all season, as well as their usual comments from the other side. Paul Flannery offers up a Fast Break on last night's loss over on Green Street, including a salute to Bogut, who has really blossomed into an excellent player for the probably playoff bound Bucks this year. On ESPN Boston, Chris Forsberg looks at potential playoff scenarios for the Cs and takes a deep breath over the prospect of a matchup with the Bucks.
At Celtics Blog, Greg Payne attempts to diagnose what the hell has happened to Perk and surmises that his (now not so recent) swoon can perhaps be tied to Kevin Garnett's health. North Station Sports rejoices in the move of Brian Scalabrine to the inactive list in order to make room for Michael Finley, while simultaneously bemoaning what it refers to as the Celtics' "season in hell." Hey guys, listen - it's been a rocky season and yeah, the Celts have underachieved in a big way, but no character? "The fans have been let down in the worst way?" The Celts are "making fools of themselves both on and off the court?" Really? Look, there are some very good, cogent points made here. But let's not get too carried away. The season is not over, there's no need to write anybody off yet. It's not likely, but a deep playoff run is still possible. The sky isn't necessarily falling.
Red's Army is now officially concerned but still manages to take a more even-keeled, pragmatic glance at what perspective should be taken on the season thus far. Celtics Town sees plenty of positives in last night's loss and also doles out some well-deserved praise on Milwaukee coach Scott Skiles for getting what he's gotten out of guys like Carlos Delfino, Luc Richard Mbah a Moute and the immortal Ersan Ilyasova. And finally today, Hardwood Houdini cringes at the the thought of the relentlessly immature Big Baby soon to become a Big Daddy.
That's all for now, dear followers. Stay tuned for another round of Les Links sooner rather than later (I swear it will really be that way this time!!!). Until then, thanks for continuing to check us out!
