Celts-Pistons

Looking forward to tomorrow's C's game. Will be my first since Marbury joined the team. Allen Iverson is listed as day-to-day with a nagging back injury, but coach Michael Curry says he "doesn't expect" A.I. to play. Rip Hamilton,aka "The Man in the Mask", has struggled against the C's. He's averaged 9.7 points and shot 33.3% from the field in this year's meetings. As we all know, KG, Tony Allen, Scal and Gabe Pruitt are all out tomorrow-the latter serving the 2nd game of a 2 game suspension. Paul Pierce is expected to play, but it still recovering from a dislocated thumb. I'll be at tomorrow's game-have to thank my very generous sister for the tickets. Thanks Mary! I hope to post some pics from the game tomorrow. Goodnite Celtics fans....

Steph is in the building

Stephon Marbury played pretty well for a guy who hasn't seen NBA action in about a year. In 12 minutes of action, Marbury had 8 points, 2 assists, 1 board and 1 steal. Marbury 1st saw action in the closing minute of the 1st quarter. He was greeted to cheers and most people in the Garden stood. Ray Allen continued to pick up the slack with KG out. Ray had 30 pts and hit 6 three's. Glen Davis chipped in 18 to help the C's to a 104-99 victory tonight. The C's play next on Sunday vs Detroit. Tip-off is at 1pm. Goodnite Celtics fans....

Marbury deal official

According to Boston.com Stephon Marbury is now officially a Boston Celtic. He is currently having a physical at the team's Waltham practice facility. Marbury will join the Celtics 5pm pre-game practice, and there will be a press conference at approx. 5:45pm. The Starbury era has begun in Boston. Do stay tuned.....

EXCLUSIVE: Starbury video

Here is a video statement Steph made shortly after being released by the Knicks. Note the shirt heh heh....

Marbury in green tomorrow night...?

According to the NY Times, Stephon Marbury will be in a Celtics uniform tomorrow night. If all goes according to plan, he will be introduced to the media at some point after he clears waivers,(10am) and then be in uni for the 7:30pm game vs the Pacers. It should be a pretty exciting 24 hours for CelticNation. Hopefully some home-cooking will be just what the C's need to bounce back from a turnover laden loss to the Clippers last night. Stay tuned...

93-91 Clippers take advantage of turnovers

Celts fall by 2 to Clippers tonight. The game fittingly on the Celtics 20th turnover of the night. This was a gift we gave to the LA Clippers and their fans tonight. The Celtics are obviously a tired bunch, and will be glad to get back home. They have been on the road now since before the all-star break. Next game is Friday vs the Pacers at the Garden. Tip-off is at 7:30pm. I added a brief slideshow of photos I took from various C's games I went to over the last 2 years-it's in the top right corner. Good Night, or rather Good Morning Celtics fans...

50-46 Celtics-halftime

The Celtics lead the Clips by 4 at the half. 4 pts,1 board, 2 assists for Mikki Moore so far in his debut. Ray Allen leads the Green with 13. I noted in a couple posts that Mikki's nickname is (was) "Snake". Greg Dickerson mentioned tonight that the birth of Mikki's daughter recently motivated him to get rid of all his pet snakes. Good thinking Mikki. All signs still point to the C's signing Starbury after he clears waivers on Friday morning.

Bring on the kid from Coney Island!

"Hello Louie..? Yeah I'm going to need a couple of pairs of Starburys in kelly green..." The NY Knicks agreed to a buyout of Stephon Marbury today, opening the door for him to sign with the Celtics. There have been rumblings about him coming to the Green for a while, but this latest development may finally make it a reality. For those of you who don't know much about Marbury, he is a very talented player who can play both point and scoring guard. He has been labelled many things over his NBA career; a thug, selfish, immature, and the list goes on. One thing however that is often times over-shadowed is that he is a great ballplayer. He is tough, very strong, has a nice jumpshot, and can penetrate & get to the rack. He has lifetime averages of 19.7 PPG and 8.7 APG, which are more than respectable. Marbury was originally drafted in 1996 by the Milwaukee Bucks..get this..but then traded to the Timberwolves for a draft pick and a player by the name of Walter Ray Allen. Marbury is also a two-time all-star. He has to wait 48 hours to clear waivers, so the earliest a team could sign him would be Thursday. My personal opinion is that Marbury's scoring, defense, toughness and ability to play the point is JUST what this Celtics team needs to put them over the top. And as far as the "attitude" concerns, this quote from Ray Allen on ESPN.com today sums it up pretty well: "The great thing about this locker room is that Doc [Rivers] can coach," Allen said. "The coaches can coach. They don't have to manage this team. The [veteran] players do a great job making sure that we are all prepared to play every day and we keep whatever grumblings down."

Mikki Moore signs with Boston...

According to the Boston Globe's Marc Spears, Mikki Moore is a Celtic. Moore's agent Mark Bartelstein also is confirming. Bartelstein owes us anyway-he also represents James Posey. In other C's news, Brian Scalabrine followed KG back to Boston with his own new injury. The Celtics reported that he injured his neck last night in the 1st half of the game vs the Nuggets. The other story that is on my mind and I'm sure alot of your's is the Stephon Marbury saga. He will be meeting with GM Donnie Walsh and coach Mike D'Antoni today. Supposedly, the team would like to settle things once and for all today to avoid a hearing on the whole thing. No word on what time this "meeting" will happen and/or if it is going on as we speak. Do stay tuned. By the way, if not already obvious, Mikki Moore has an obsession with snakes, and his nickname in fact is "Snake"....

Celtics 114-76

Behind SugarRay's 26, the Celtics ran over the Nuggets tonight at the Pepsi Center. I have a feeling the C's did not forget the home loss handed to them by these same Nuggets on 11/14/08. The Celts played with alot of energy in this scrappy affair. Leon Powe and Big Baby were both extremely active on the boards and in the paint-the latter taking a couple of great charges. Leon chipped in 16 points off the bench, including a thunderous dunk. The Celts were also able to keep the turnovers down (somewhat) finishing with 10. Next up, the LA Clippers on Wednesday night. Tip-off is at 10:30pm. Goodnite Celtics fans...

Mikki coming to town...??

So rumor has it that the Celtics have contacted Mark Bartelstein-the agent for Mikki Moore. The 7 footer will clear waivers tomorrow. Celtics visit the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado tonight for a showdown with the Denver Nuggets. Nene is out for Denver after injuring his knee last night. Kenyon Martin returns to the lineup tonight after being out w/back spasms. T.A. and K.G. both out for C's. Tip-off is at 9pm. Here is a link to "Snake's" player page on NBA.com: http://www.nba.com/playerfile/mikki_moore

Rondo and Ray big in 128-108 win...

Ray Allen and Rondo both had great games today. Ray put in 31 points with a repertoire of layups, 3's and jumpers. Rondo put in a career high 32 points, most of them slashing drives to the hoop.Paul Pierce added 26, and went 10-10 from the free-throw line. This, in my opinion, was a big win. I think it would've really hurt this team to lose the 1st game without KG-especially having to play again tomorrow night against a good Nuggets team. This is what champions do-they step up when one of their all-stars is out. C's play again tomorrow night vs Denver at the Pepsi Center. Tip-off is at 9pm...

Separated at birth?

Sideshow Bob and Robin Lopez...

Happy Birthday...

In KG's absence, it's obvious other guys will have to step it up. Well today Rajon Rondo is doing just that. At the end of the 1st half, the C's lead the Suns 68-54. Rondo's line so far: 22 pts, 6 assists, 4 rebounds & 2 steals. Ray Allen has been hot, with 21 points on 7 of 9 shooting from the field. Today, incidentally, is Rondo's 23rd bday...

Paper Planes..

For a while now, I've been trying to track down the song that the Celtics have been warming-up to this year. Last season, it was "Walk It Out." This season, they have a new infectious groove called "Paper Planes." It is by an artist called M.I.A. Thanks to JSKCKNIT for helping me locate it! Check it out:

"Paper Planes"

[x2]
I fly like paper, get high like planes
If you catch me at the border I got visas in my name
If you come around here, I make 'em all day
I get one down in a second if you wait

[x2]
Sometimes I think sitting on trains
Every stop I get to I'm clocking that game
Everyone's a winner now we're making that fame
Bonafide hustler making my name

[x4]
All I wanna do is (BANG BANG BANG BANG!)
And (KKKAAAA CHING!)
And take your money

[x2]
Pirate skulls and bones
Sticks and stones and weed and bombs
Running when we hit 'em
Lethal poison through their system

[x2]
No one on the corner has swag like us
Hit me on my burner prepaid wireless
We pack and deliver like UPS trucks
Already going hell just pumping that gas

[x4]
All I wanna do is (BANG BANG BANG BANG!)
And (KKKAAAA CHING!)
And take your money

M.I.A.
Third world democracy
Yeah, I got more records than the K.G.B.
So, uh, no funny business

Some some some I some I murder
Some I some I let go
Some some some I some I murder
Some I some I let go

"Strained muscle.."

After an MRI, Celtics staff member Jeff Twiss says Dr. Brian McKeon diagnosed KG with a "strained muscle" behind his right knee. The team says Garnett will be out 2-3 weeks.If he is out for the longer prognosis,that would put him back in uniform around March 14th. The general feeling on the internet and other media outlets is that other players will need to "step-up". Those "other players", according to ESPN's Jon Barry, who I find to know what he is talking about, are Leon Powe and Glen Davis. Between those two, Scalabrine and whoever Ainge can sign, the Celtics will need to fill the void left by KG. Not only is the NBA's reigning Defensive Player of the Year a physical presence on the court, he brings ALOT of emotion every night. One of the things alot of Celtics fans look forward to at each home game is his point up to the balcony and chest thump right before tip each game. This guy is the battery that powers the Green Machine. I have confidence that this squad will respond well-they have all year,and did last year as well. I have included a link to a great story I stumbled upon. It was written in 1997 by Ellen Tomson, staff writer for the St. Paul (Minnesota) Pioneer Press. It is about KG, and features his rise to stardom, some tidbits about his family, and the monster contract he signed for 6 years and $125 million dollars shortly before the story was written. Click the link, which you will see under my blog's title to the right. Celts tip-off against the Suns at 2:30pm tomorrow...

KG will see Dr. McKeon tomorrow...

So in case you've been living under a rock the last 24 hours, KG strained his right knee last night in Utah. At first, he limped off the floor and it looked very bad. But after halftime, he came back out on the floor of the Energy Solutions Arena and looked ready to go. After some light stretching and psyching himself up, Doc pulled the plug. KG flew back to Boston, and will have an MRI tomorrow. Long time Celtics doctor, Dr. Brian McKeon of NEBH, will see him tomorrow. Cross your fingers. C's are off until Sunday afternoon when they face the Amare-less Phoenix Suns.

Huh..?

Many Celts fans, including myself are pretty confused about today's trades/releases/whatevers that happened. Originally, it was reported that POB was traded to the Kings for another draft pick, a la Sam Cassell. Then, that was quickly retracted and it was changed to POB traded to Toronto for Will Solomon. NOW I'm hearing POB was traded to Toronto, but for another draft pick. Hopefully things will become clearer in the next 48 hours or so. Basically it appears Danny Ainge and C's management are clearing roster space in the hopes of signing a big man, or 2 guard that can get some buckets. Celtics face off with the Utah Jazz tonight at Energy Solutions Arena. Tip-off is at..ugh...10:30pm....

Brad Miller traded

The Brad Miller to Boston rumor has just been shot down. Miller was just traded to Chicago in a multi-player deal that also included Drew Gooden and John Salmons. Doc Rivers was quoted by Boston.com's Celtics blog (see the link in the sidebar to the left)as saying that he didn't expect anything to go down before tomorrow's deadline. The other story that has been floating around the 'net is that Ainge is after Raja Bell. Bell is a solid (and aggressive) defender, decent shooter and has playoff experience. I personally have not heard anything about Starbury coming to Beantown. Too bad, as he would be a heck of a 6th man....

Trade winds...?

Nothing new on the trade-wire. As everyone already knows, Sam I Am was sent to Sacramento for a 2nd round draft pick. That was obviously done to free up a roster spot. So the question now is who are the C's hoping to sign..? With Tony Allen now going under the knife, does the Marbury thing happen..? I personally don't think Knicks GM Donnie Walsh would do anything that would help out the Celtics. Here is a link to the latest on Yahoo's Bball page. Interestingly enough, Raja Bell is a name being tossed around. Goodnite Celtics fans...
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=AuwROXdQjNRlPX_Ewbpm0dm8vLYF?slug=aw-tradebuzz021709&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

Pau to star in next "Narnia" movie..

No, not really, but with the Celtics out of action until Thursday night, I have to find something to do. So how about some good ol' Laker bashing. Pau does more than slightly resemble the faun from "Chronicles...". See for yourself...

Ho hum...

Pretty unspectacular All-Star game in Phoenix tonight. Highlight was probably Shaq's dance routine during the intros. P-Dub and Ticket both had solid games, scoring 18 and 12 respectively. Ray chipped in 8 points, but never really seemed to get his shot going. Celtics are now off, and will remain on the left coast. Their next game is Thursday night vs the Jazz in Utah. If you missed Shaq's dancing, enjoy it here. Goodnite Celtics fans...

MJ coming to Springfield, MA...

It was announced today that the 2009 Basketball Hall of Fame inductees will be inducted on 9/11/09. The class includes Michael Jordan, who barring a nuclear war, will be voted in. This is a great opportunity for anyone who never had a chance to see MJ in person during his playing days.(me..) A limited number of $150 upper level tickets went on sale at 1pm, and were gone by 5pm. The only other tickets available now are very expensive. There is a "VIP" type of deal for $1,000 per person, and a ridiculous $10,000 per person package. The $10,000 package includes having your pic taken with inductees, front and center tix to ceremony, etc. I still plan on trying to go somehow. I had the above poster on my wall as a kid. Still a great pic. You can see info on Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony tickets here: http://www.hoophall.com/ot/bhof-enshrinement-tickets.html

Triple-Double...

Celtics win 99-92 tonight.Rajon Rondo goes for 19 points, 14 assists and 15 rebounds. WOW! What a stat line! Paul Pierce and Dirk went AT IT in a chippy game tonight at American Airlines Center. Paul finished with 31 points, 18 of those in the 4th, Dirk finishing with 37. Many technicals were handed out tonight, 2 of them to Doc, causing him to be ejected. The Celtics now head into the All-Star break with a record of 44-11. They will stay on the West coast for the next week and a half or so, with games at Utah and the LA Clippers amongst others. Goodnite Celtics fans, and enjoy All-Star weekend....

51-40

C's down 11 at halftime to Mavs. Everyone other than Rondo looks pretty tired. But then again, Rondo is always movin' pretty damn fast. P-Double leads the C's with 10, and Dirk is off to a fast start with 20 for Dallas. KG and Pierce both have 3 fouls...

89-77

Celtics beat the Hornets tonight behind P-Dub's 30 piece. Eddie House dropped in 12 points (8 in the 4th) off the bench. Ray Allen's x-rays were "negative", but I'm sure more will be revealed tomorrow when he wakes up and checks the swelling etc. If I heard correctly, it was the thumb on his shooting hand. Next up, the last game before the break-Dirk and the Mavericks. Tip-off is at 9:30pm. Have a great nite Celtics fans...PS pitchers and catchers report for the Sox tomorrow..Spring is right around the corner....

Ray hurt...

Ray Allen has hyper-extended his thumb. Comcast SportsNet's commentators did not have much more info than that. He is done for tonight, and there should be more information after the game. The Celts are up 52-50 with 6:38 left in the 3rd...

Lead the Charge..

Very cool new Air Jordan commercial. No Ray Allen in it, but cool none the less...

Trade Winds..

I've heard nothing new on any possible signings/trades for the Celtics. The player who's name is being floated around the most is obviously Amare. I've heard different sources stating he may go to either the Bulls, Raptors, or Pistons. The Celtics next face the New Orleans Hornets tomorrow night in New Orleans. Tip-off is at 8pm. Chris Paul is recovering from a groin injury, and I believe he is still listed as "day-to-day." For all those slam-dunk junkies, (and who doesn't love watching the dunk contest?) NBA TV, will air a slam-dunk contest marathon starting Thursday afternoon. It will begin with the 1976 ABA dunk contest that featured Dr. J and David Thompson.

Clobbered

Celts off until Wednesday when they play the Hornets in Nawlins. Speaking of the Hornets, David West was suspended for 1 game by the league today. He clobbered Mike Miller of the Wolves last night with a tomahawk chop like clubbing. Let's hope Mr. West has all this out of his system by Wednesday night. If not, I'm sure Kg and Perk will help him calm down a bit. Goodnite Celtics fans...

Un-Lucky

Luck really had nothing to do with it. That word more so describes the very drunk guy in Section 13 dressed as the former Celtic's mascot. The C's fell at home again today, 105-99 to the Spurs. Tim Duncan and..oh boy..Matt Bonner..yep-Bonner led the way with 23 each. I wouldn't be as pissed if say Tony Parker or Ginobli got us for 23, but Matt frickin' Bonner? The real story here though was costly turnovers and free-throw shooting. We actually had twice as many points in the paint, but we only shot 72% to San Antonio's 90% from the stripe. Ray Allen threw an errant pass that Manu intercepted with about a minute left to pretty much seal our fate. The Celtics will now really see what they're made of. They embark on a 6-game road trip out West. They will face amongst others, Dallas, New Orleans and Phoenix. They will not play at home again until the end of the month. Strap in Celtics' fans, could be a bumpy ride. Goodnite C's fans....

Spent

That's the only word that describes how I felt this morning. I had the good fortune of being at last night's exhausting game. It was really intense inside that building last night. Fans yelling at the refs, C's fans yelling at Faker's fans and vice versa, players getting chippy with each other and much more. The refs were booed mercilessly on their way off the court. I really just got a bad feeling when P2 missed that 1st of 2 free throws. As much as it KILLED me, I was awestruck watching Kobe come down the floor and drill those 3's. KG was also amped up at about an 11 on a scale of 1-10. If we face the FakeShow again, it will be in the 2009 NBA Finals. Here are a couple assorted clips and pics from last night. I had a pretty nice seat in Section 13. By the Way, C's beat the Knicks tonight 110-100 at MSG. P-Dub led the Celts with 26. Goodnite Celtics fans...

Ray in..

Ray Allen was named as injured Jameer Nelson's replacement in the NBA All-Star game. Nelson may be out for the year if he decides to undergo shoulder surgery. I will be heading out to the game pretty soon. I am very excited. I wish it wasn't so cold outside, but I'll manage. Hope to have some good pics up late tonight or early tomorrow. GO CELTICS!!!!!!

Droppin' like...

Alot of big injuries in the NBA this past few weeks. Now I hear Andrew Bogut of the Bucks is out for a while with a "back" injury. So we've got our own Brian Scalabrine who went down with a couple of concussions, KG's flu, Jameer Nelson out with a serious shoulder problem, Chauncy hurt his ankle night before, Chris Paul with some type of groin issue, Michael Redd (again) out for the season....Jeez...Well thank God our Celts have been mostly healthy for the 1st half of the year. So I broke down and bought a ticket for tomorrow's much anticipated showdown w/Kobe and the Fakers. My sister, who usually goes with me, cannot make it. I have to admit I spent a nice chunk of change for a good, courtside ticket, but why spend a bunch of money for a crappy seat? The way I see it, if I'm going to go and spend some good money on a seat, I might as well really enjoy and get the best seat possible. Hell, it's only a tax refund right..? Tip-off is at 8pm on TNT. Hopefully I'll some good pics and video to post tomorrow night. Goodnite Celtics fans....

Sugarrrrrrrrr!

Despite 19 turnovers, a sweet pass and an even sweeter shot bailed out the Celtics at the Wachovia Center tonight. Ray Allen drilled a 3 from the corner with 1 second left to beat the 76ers. Paul Pierce started to drive the lane, but ran into the 6er's defense. He kicked it over to Ray who nailed the game-winner. Pierce put in 29 and Ray added 23. Big Baby had a great game, putting up a double-double with 12 and 11. Elton Brand, who everyone thought would be a huge contributor to this 76ers team, was a non-factor. He did not score and barely even played. Next up-Kobe and the Fakers on Thursday night in The Jungle. Tip-off is at 8pm. I should be there-I'm still trying to secure a ticket without cleaning out my entire bank account. Goodnite Celtics fans.....

Instant Karma for Bynum...???

Believe me, I do NOT like seeing anyone get injured. But, I do believe in Karma. Watch 1st:
Now enjoy this:

No KG..

The Celtics beat the TWolves this afternoon 109-101 without KG. Garnett was a late scratch with what the team is calling "the flu." Doc Rivers told WEEI that Garnett's fever was pretty high this morning. He will not make the trip to Philly with the rest of the team. Paul Pierce dropped in 36 points, and hit numerous clutch shots (as usual). The Celtics face the 76ers in Philly on Tuesday night. Tip-off is at 7pm. Enjoy a clip of the Celtics Dancers rushing out onto the floor after the victory...