dj3
05-23-2010, 09:27 AM
We all know how last year ended. Now the Celtics are one game from the finals. The personnel (other than KG on the floor now) hasn't changed. Eddie House is gone, replaced by a guy who doesn't play. The team is a year older, and playing without home court advantage. Yet here they stand, a game away from a sweep and a ticket to the finals.
Any of these reasons can be argued. So which one has been the BIGGEST difference?
1. Rondo's improved play. Would you trade this guy for ANYONE in the league right now? Lebron, Paul, and Williams might be better players, but Rondo's complete package, hustle, and ability to come up in big games and lead this team of veterans is very difficult to duplicate, especially in a 24-year-old kid.
2. KG's presence. While he isn't scoring at his usual clip, he has turned Rashard Lewis, who torched the C's last year, into a joke.
3. Better team chemistry. This has been evidenced by better flow on both sides of the floor. Last night was one of the best team defensive performances I've seen. The ball movement on the offensive end was reminiscent of the Bird era. The unselfishness is oozing from these guys right now.
4. Better coaching. Doc was really challenged this year, especially with the transition of Rondo into a team leader, and the presence of Sheed in the locker room. Doc got a free pass from me after outcoaching Phil in 08, but I think this might be his finest hour.
5. Better bench. Tony Allen, Sheed, Glen Davis (who has been better than Perkins in this series) are all giving meaningful contributions. The rotation is basically 8 guys right now, and has been very effective.
6. Pride/hustle/intangible/whatever you want to call it. This team was considered cooked after losing to the Magic last year (in 7, not at full strength). The Cavs and Magic didn't even pay attention to them when building their teams, only to each other. They were said to be too old, and basically it was a given the Cavs were going to the finals. Only two years removed from their rings, I have no doubt the C's didn't like being dismissed so readily.
7. Pick your own. These are the 6 that jump out at me.
In this poll you have to pick the one biggest factor. While I don't think the Celtics would be where they are without Rondo's emergence, I think KG's complete shutdown of Lewis has been the biggest factor in the series right now. It has allowed defenders to stay home on Howard, and has opened up the transition game on the other end, allowing Rondo to just destroy these guys.
What do you all think?
Any of these reasons can be argued. So which one has been the BIGGEST difference?
1. Rondo's improved play. Would you trade this guy for ANYONE in the league right now? Lebron, Paul, and Williams might be better players, but Rondo's complete package, hustle, and ability to come up in big games and lead this team of veterans is very difficult to duplicate, especially in a 24-year-old kid.
2. KG's presence. While he isn't scoring at his usual clip, he has turned Rashard Lewis, who torched the C's last year, into a joke.
3. Better team chemistry. This has been evidenced by better flow on both sides of the floor. Last night was one of the best team defensive performances I've seen. The ball movement on the offensive end was reminiscent of the Bird era. The unselfishness is oozing from these guys right now.
4. Better coaching. Doc was really challenged this year, especially with the transition of Rondo into a team leader, and the presence of Sheed in the locker room. Doc got a free pass from me after outcoaching Phil in 08, but I think this might be his finest hour.
5. Better bench. Tony Allen, Sheed, Glen Davis (who has been better than Perkins in this series) are all giving meaningful contributions. The rotation is basically 8 guys right now, and has been very effective.
6. Pride/hustle/intangible/whatever you want to call it. This team was considered cooked after losing to the Magic last year (in 7, not at full strength). The Cavs and Magic didn't even pay attention to them when building their teams, only to each other. They were said to be too old, and basically it was a given the Cavs were going to the finals. Only two years removed from their rings, I have no doubt the C's didn't like being dismissed so readily.
7. Pick your own. These are the 6 that jump out at me.
In this poll you have to pick the one biggest factor. While I don't think the Celtics would be where they are without Rondo's emergence, I think KG's complete shutdown of Lewis has been the biggest factor in the series right now. It has allowed defenders to stay home on Howard, and has opened up the transition game on the other end, allowing Rondo to just destroy these guys.
What do you all think?