Every morning, we compile the links of the
day and dump them here...
highlighting the big storyline. Because there's nothing quite as
satisfying as a good morning dump.
“The only thing I told my guys I was disappointed in was that we went through a game with Ray Allen and he only got three shots,’’ Rivers said. “I thought all of the little plays were going to be the difference in the game, loose balls and offensive rebounds. I thought they won that battle.’’
Globe: Celtics misfire in fourth
“I’m mad that we lost - I’m just ticked off,” said Garnett, who added of Milwaukee’s offensive rebounding, “What it is, man.
“Some
nights you make it (hard) on yourself. What it comes down to is making all of these plays, the little stuff.” That way, a force like Bogut doesn’t exact so much damage. “
He had a good game,” allowed Garnett. “But he doesn’t scare us. We just got overmatched tonight.”
Herald: Celtics buy into Bucks
You should be scared of Bogut, KG. In 2 games against the Celtics, he's scored 50 points on 21-35 shooting, grabbed 31 rebounds and blocked 6 shots. He's killing the Celtics.
But that's not why I'm concerned.
Last night, the Celtics tried. They tried to play hard. But in the 4th quarter, they still made the same mistakes. Their offense went stagnant at the wrong times. Kendrick Perkins was getting the ball in the post with single-digits on the shot clock.... the ball movement died in Paul Pierce's hands... they gave up offensive rebounds that killed any momentum their defense had built.
And that's the biggest problem. Rebounding.
Brandon Jennings made Milwaukee's last basket at the 2:42 mark. Rondo finished off a 3 point play with 2:30 left. But they gave up an offensive rebound on Milwaukee's next possession... extending it to a 45 second possession (Perkins got the defensive rebound at 1:30). Later, KG made a jumper and Milwaukee called a timeout with :53 left. But another offensive rebound let Milwaukee kill :45 seconds and didn't give Boston the ball until 8 seconds were left.
So why couldn't the Celtics finish off the comeback? Because on 2 of Milwaukee's last 3 possessions, they forced the Celtics to play 1:30 of hardcore defense, sapping the energy and time they needed to get the job done.
Yes, the Celtics put forth a solid effort in this game. It was a fantastic game to watch. But it was not encouraging at all. Fundamental mistakes leading to a loss against a potential first round opponent do not make me feel good this morning.
Coming up, Page 2... where a weight has been lifted off Michael Finley's shoulders
Associated Press Photo
“It was good for the first one to go in,” Finley said. “In a way it lifted a weight off my shoulders. But with these guys, I don’t really feel that kind of pressure. When I first went to San Antonio I felt a little more pressure. But this was different.”
The C’s system, and especially the way this team plays defense, will be a bit of a challenge for the 37-year-old veteran forward.
“Ultimately it’s the same game, but defensively the schemes are different from what I experienced in San Antonio,” he said.
Finley came in and did a decent job in limited time. You can see he's still got a decent stroke. This could be a "bail out" guy for the Celtics... a guy who comes in and bails out bad possessions by hitting tough shots.
The rest of the links:
Herald: Ray Allen at home in Milwaukee | Globe: Allen moved to speak after quiet night | ESPN Boston: Pierce loved final look | First impressions | Glen Davis Diary: Mr. Kool Aid and more | WEEI: Fast break: Celtics edged by Bucks | Celtics Hub: The basketball gods will remember the effort (and Bogut is a problem) | Ginos Jungle: Not the Rondo the Celtics want