87 Celtics, 56 Bucks

I guess we can stop worrying about the Celtics defense not being the same since "The Trade" since they just held the Milwaukee Bucks to a season low 56 points and that also happens to be a Celtics franchise record too.

Ray Allen led all scorers with shotting 6-10 from the field and 17 points and the throw in with the Perkins trade Nenad Krsyic had a big game with 11 points and 14 rebounds, I'm starting to wonder if Shaq will even be a starter when he comes back. My guess is probably not, you don't want to screw up the chemistry. But the bench is the real story, who came in with the lead and pushed it and also layeds stout defense. We also got a sighting from Murphy's law who scored 12 points and 7 rebounds, Jeff Green had 11 and Glen Davis looked hesitant at time but was still able to manage 9. They combined for 37 of Boston's 87 points.

Great win off 2 awful losses.

89 Celtics, 83 Bucks

This game wasn't pretty, this game wasn't fun to watch, and if it was any other mature team the would have beat the Celtics, fortunately it was the Bucks and the C's walked away with the win.

Paul Pierce had 23 points (8-13 FG), 4 rebounds, 4 assists. Kevin Garnett had another double double with 14 points, 11 rebounds, 3 steals and one game-saving block on offensive scoring machine Luc Richard Mbah a Moute.

Rondo may have had his worst game as a Celtic, 6 points, 8 assists and 8 turnovers.

Jeff Green looks to be getting more involved in the offense. Friday night he had 21 points and last night he had 11. Krstic had a hell of a game with 17 points too.

At the end of the day Celtics won their 5th in a row, and a win is a win. No one said it needed to be pretty.

Andrew Bogut Is Quickly Becoming One Of My Favorite Players

There usually isn't all that much talk about Andrew Bogut, since he plays for the Bucks and they just aren't all that relevant, but he made news this week when he pissed off Amare Stoudemire. While they were running down the court Bogut elbowed him, and obviously Amare didn't take too kindly to that. If you can remember Amare was the same guy who pushed Bogut last year when he broke his elbow, which was one of the grossest things I have ever seen.

So, why am I becoming a big fan? Because this guy is tough, and in a day when there isn't much for centers I feel he is one of the better ones. A week ago when he played for the Celtics he was getting in guys faces, and putting up great numbers. He was doing all this while his elbow is still in serious pain.

Anyways, Amare made a big deal of it, and I loved Bogut's response...

"I can't remember the play," Bogut told the Journal Sentinel. "Which play are you talking about? It's a long game. Third quarter? I'll check the tape on that one and get back to you tomorrow or the day after. I've got a blank. Sorry, guys."

Good, fuck Amar'e and I hope some day Bogut is a Celtic.

105 Celtics, 102 Bucks

Before the game went to overtime and the game was scored at 91, and the Celtics had the ball I though I was going to the prediction from yesterday basically right again. However Rondo couldn't get the jumper in and the Celtics went to overtime.

This game wasn't the prettiest. For a lot of the 4th quarter I thought the Bucks were going to take this game, then the momentum shifted and I thought the Celtics were going to take it, but with the Celtics pulling shit with turnovers (16) and giving up 13 offensive rebounds.

In overtime Paul Pierce took over and scored 12 of the C's 14 points leading the C's to the win. In overtime Pierce reached 20,000 points at the free throw line. He finished with 28 overall.

To put in perspective how ridiculous 20,000 points is, John Havlicek (26,395) and Larry Bird (21,791) as the only players to score 20K in a C's uniform. Very impressive. Pierce got choked up a bit when asked about it and deservingly so. He has been through a long journey with the Celtics, and now can say he is an all time Celtic.

As for the other Celtics, Rondo had a typical night with 17 points, 8 boards and 15 assists, Ray Allen chipped in with 23 points, and KG struggled in the beginning of the game but righted the ship with 13 and 8.

May have been an ugly game, but a ill take it for a back to back win.

This is also the first game this year where I've had a legitimate gripe with the officiating. It was awful.

Bucks @ Celtics Preview

The Celtics easily took care of the Pistons last night, and look to continue their dominance against the Bucks tonight. On paper the Celtics should roll over this team, but there are a couple reason why I think this is going to be a really close game.

To start it's a back-to-back game for the Celtics, and they have trouble with that. They also only split the series (2-2) last year with the Bucks, so we know they play them tough. One of the reasons for that is Andrew Bogut who totaled 50 points and 31 rebounds in 2 meetings against the Celtics last season (he missed the other 2 due to injury).

But enough about why the Celtics are in trouble. Right now Rondo is playing some of the best basketball of his young career. Through four games, Rondo is averaging 16.8 assists and has an assist-to-turnover ratio of better than 4 to 1. Not too many people in the NBA can do that, but the Celtics have that guy, oh and guys named Garnett, Pierce, and Allen. Rondo has also ripped the Bucks in the past averaging 16.8 points and 11 assists in their 4 meeting last year.

DP has got the flu, so he isn't writing today, but I made him send me his prediction since he was right on last night.

Dp prediction: Celtics win 95-91
Tommy Award: Jermaine O'Neal (he says he's feeling it)
Game starts at 8pm.

In NBA News: The Bucks Got Corey Maggette

The Milwaukee Bucks acquired forward Corey Maggette in a trade with the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday The Bucks also got a second-round draft pick from the Warriors, giving up guard Charlie Bell and center Dan Gadzuric in return.

I like this deal on one condition, the Bucks also keep John Salmons. It was evident last year that the Bucks lacked a scoring threat (maybe because Andrew bogut was hurt) but even with that, I think having a team built around Brandon Jennings, Andrew Bogut, Corey Maggette and John Salmons will help the team out immensely, especially if you make Salmons or Maggette your 6th man.

The Bucks shocked a lot of teams last year by over performing and if they can build on that, I see them being a 3 or 4 seed next year.

Oh yea, even though he went to Duke, Corey Maggette has always had a great beard and has always worn a headband correctly.

Bucks 106 Celtics 95

Kind of a strange game to watch as the Celtics really didn't want to win the game. If the Bucks beat the Celtics and the Nets beat the Heat we would play the Bucks in the first round. Of course the Heat beat the Nets, but I'll give the Nets credit they brought them to overtime. Anyways, now the Celtics will have to play the Heat in the first round.

Pierce, Allen, KG, Tony Allen, and Perkins all did not play in this game. Which is what you want to see as a Celtics fan as those guys really need their rest. Rondo had 21 points, 6 rebs, and 15 assists, and is flat out the best player by far on this team.

The Bucks bench is really their strong point. 4 guys on their bench had at least 14 points. it is actually kind of funny, because their bench seems to be a lot better their their starting 5.

Losing this game doesn't matter. What does matter is rest, and getting ready for Wade and the Heat this weekend. Here is the TV schedule...

Game 1 - Sat April 17 Miami at Boston 8:00PM ESPN
Game 2 - Tue April 20 Miami at Boston 8:00PM TNT
Game 3 - Fri April 23 Boston at Miami 7:00PM ESPN
Game 4 - Sun April 25 Boston at Miami 1:00PM ABC
Game 5 * Tue April 27 Miami at Boston TBD TBD
Game 6 * Thu April 29 Boston at Miami TBD TBD
Game 7 * Sat May 1 Miami at Boston TBD TNT

Celtics vs Bucks Preview

PG B. Jennings 15.6 R. Rondo 13.6
SG J. Salmons 15.4 R. Allen 16.3
SF C. Delfino 11.0 P. Pierce 18.3
PF L. Mbah a Moute 6.2 K. Garnett 14.3
C K. Thomas 3.0 K. Perkins 10.1

I guess as Celtics fans we want the Bucks to win and the Heat to lose, so we are kind of rooting for the Celtics to blow this one. I think that's possible since a win or loss doesn't affect the C's and that we should have our bench playing more than our starters and the Bucks are going to be fighting for their lives. I will be extremely mad at Doc if he plays any starter over 20 minutes today.

even though I'm kind of rooting for the Bucks, I have to keep my streak alive.
130-56 Celtics
Tommy Award: Shelden Williams

86 Bucks, 84 Celtics

Those damn Bucks.

Andrew Bogut absolutely killed the Celtics with 25 points, 17 rebounds, 4 blocks as Perk had no answer for the Aussie. Brandon Jennings only had 13 points, but I do like the kids balls as he jawed at KG as they were walking off the court.

The Celtics led 77-72 with 5:58 left in the 4th quarter. The Bucks then rattled off a 14-2 run over the next three minutes.

On the Celtics final possession, Milwaukee used a foul to give, and they did it with 3.9 seconds on the clock. Pierce got a decent look, but his shot rimmed out. Pierce had another game to forget as he only had 12 points.

Michael Finley had 5 points on another note and the bench had 29 points.

Celtics @ Bucks Preview

Lots of reasons for this to be an interesting game. Michael Finley will finally be in uniform for the Celtics, and the Bucks have been playing real well of late winning 9 of their last 10 games (Milwaukee were 3 games out of the Eastern Conference's final playoff spot as of Jan. 26, but it has gone 15-4 since then to jump into 5th place...so yea, they've been playing well).

Boston played the Bucks back in December and beat them 98-89. This is a different team now though, and the Celtics have their work but out for them tonight. I think the Celtics will, but it'll be close. The key is shutting down Jennings, which is why I think the Celtics will win, because Rondo can put enough pressure on him to throw off his game.

Game starts 8pm on Comcast.

Celtics 92-89
Tommy Award: Rajon Rondo

Michael Redd's Season Over

"Michael Redd's first season with a surgically repaired left knee ended the same way his previous one did. Redd tore the ACL and MCL in his left knee for the second time in less than a year on Sunday night in the second quarter of Milwaukee's 95-77 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. An MRI on Monday in Phoenix revealed the injury, which will require surgery. The Bucks guard previously had surgery in March after tearing the same ligaments last January. Redd was on crutches outside of the Bucks' locker room before Monday night's game against the Phoenix Suns.

"I'm shaken. You never expect it to happen and it happened again," he said. "Today has been a very hard day. But I've had incredible encouragement from my teammates. I'll get through it (CBSSports)."

You have to feel bad for Redd. He just can't stay on the court, and now is really reminding me of Grant Hill, but I am not even sure if he can bounce back like Hill did. Redd has had too many injuries to his knees and is now 30 years old. I really question if he will be able to very be even close to the player he was 2-3 years ago. My guess is no, but the good news for him is that he has a player option for next year worth over $18 million. Sucks for the Bucks....

98 Celtics, 89 Bucks

The Celtics took on the surprising Bucks last night and played another hell of a game. All the starters and Rasheed scored in double digits, but the guys I want to point out is Rajon Rondo and Keving Garnett. Rondo had another near triple double game and finished with 11 points, 13 assists, 9 rebounds and 5 steals. He owned the court tonight, and he didn't even score until the 4th quarter. He doesn't need to score to be an effective player on the Celtics and can effortlessly set his teammates up. As for KG, it seems like the Celtics are an unstoppable force when he plays well, and he is a big reason why the Celtics are riding high on this eight game win streak. KG has decided he will hardly miss anymore, he poured in 25 points on 9-13 shooting, and 9 boards. Paul Pierce may be the captain, and I trust him next to nobody when it comes to the 4th quarter, but KG is the driving force for this team.

Also, I'm loving Brandon Jennings. He's a hell of a player and only going to get better. He had 17 points and 4 assists, which is an off night for him.

Brandon Jennings Goes The Glen Davis Route

The Milwaukee Bucks signed first-round draft pick Brandon Jennings to a two-year contract worth almost $4.5 million on Tuesday.

Jennings was picked 10th overall in June and signed the rookie-scale deal that includes team options for 2011-12 and 2012-13.

The slot for the 10th pick pays at least $3.75 million over two years, but teams can sign players for slightly than the scale. Jennings will make a just over $2.16 million this season and $2.33 million in 2010-11. ESPN

The only reason why Iam reporting this is to point out that normal rookie contracts are 3 years, however, Brandon Jennings inked a two year contract, meaning, if he is as good as I think he is going to be, he will be on his way out of Milwaukee in two years. I don't know why the Bucks wouldn't make sure they had a couple of team options for years after that, because why draft a player at 10, who could only be there for 2 years?

Bucks Deal Jefferson To Spurs

"The Milwaukee Bucks agreed to trade Richard Jefferson to the San Antonio Spurs for Bruce Bowen, Kurt Thomas and Fabricio Oberto a Bucks source told ESPN.com. The two teams have agreed to the deal in principle. A trade call to make the deal official is coming later Tuesday (ESPN)."

The Spurs window is closing, but this deal could give them enough scoring to compete once again. The Bucks on the other hand get Bowen, Oberto and Thomas who are all in the last year of their contracts. The deal will clear $15 million from their cap for next season and give Milwaukee more flexibility for next year. They could use this to resign players like Charlie Villanueva or Ramon Sessions. Also, there is a good chance that the Bucks will cut Bowden right away, since that will save them another 4 million on their cap. In that case Bowden would almost certainly go back to the Spurs.

Basically this boils down to the Spurs trying to stay relevant, and the Bucks wanting to clear some cap room.

Around The NBA

104 Denver, 96 Spurs


The Denver Nuggets were tested by the San Antonio Spurs all right, even with everyone on the bench.

With Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili all sidelined Tuesday night, the Denver Nuggets took advantage for a 104-96 win over the San Antonio Spurs after pissing away most of a 17-point lead.

99 Nets, 85 Bucks

Carter had 15 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds for his fifth career triple double, and the New Jersey Nets spoiled Richard Jefferson's return with a 99-85 win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday night. Jefferson scored 27 points but it wasn't enough, especially with Michael Redd out forever.

101 Cavs, 83 Raptors

The Cavs stay perfect at home as LeBron James scored 33 points, eclipsed 12,000 for his career, blocked Chris Bosh's dunk attempt during a crucial stretch in the fourth quarter as they continue to roll. The Cavs keep playing extremely well and are going to be a pain in the ass when it comes to home court throughout.

Redd Done For The Year

The Milwaukee Bucks' Michael Redd who is the leading scorer will miss the rest of the year with torn ligaments in his left knee.

The only reason this is important is because Redd was the center of all trade talks this year. Redd is a younger Ray Allen and could have been extremely useful for so many teams out there (especially Dallas) but with him done for the year and having a serious injury like a torn ACL and MCL, many teams are going to be cautious trying to trade for him even next year. As for the Bucks, they are fucked anyways, so who cares?

Celtics 102 Bucks 97

A win, is a win, is a win, but the Celtics can't feel too good about themselves after this game. Boston had control of this game all the way till the 4th quarter, then they decided that playing defense isn't a good idea, and the Bucks came back, out scoring the Celtics 34-22. It was all about hustle, the Bucks just wanted it more in the 4th quarter. Even the energizer bunny Kevin Garnett looked sluggish, as he was not playing "help defense" like he usually does. There was one play when Ray Allen was burned, and Garnett (for the first time I that have ever seen) made no attempt to attack the basketball. Yes, he was in some foul trouble, but he usually at least contests the shot. In overtime, the Celtics talent, and age, is what got them the victory. Paul Pierce was once again awesome, and really looked like by far the best player on the court for most of them game (28 pts 7 rebs 6 asts). We are only 11 games in, but he is up there (in my mind) for MVP of the NBA.

The Celtics are now 9-2, but they have some things to worry about...

1. The Celtics haven't played well in a while, the good news is that they are still winning, and it's a long season, but do they have a hangover from last year?

2. As DP stated before, they need another PG. House is more of a SG, and is only good when he is hot. He is also a player that is going to keep taking shots as long as he is in the game. He can be great for comebacks, but can also cause a comeback from the team they are facing.

3. Can the Tony Allen love fest please stop? In his last 4 games, he has 5 points... total!!! Sorry, that's not going to cut it. I have been hearing for years, how this guy is going to get it going, but I am sorry, if he wants to prove me wrong he needs to be more consistent.

I know the Celtics can play better, but you do have to be encourage that they are still winning despite all these troubles. We are only 11 games into the season, and I am sure Doc & Co have a play to fix this by the end of the season.

-BMack

It's Not Over Until Scalabrine's In

You know it's over when you see the Irish inch.

Celtics Vs Bucks

Tonight we play the Bucks and there is no way we are going to lose this game. This could be another bye night. The Bucks starting line up is Luke Ridnour, Charlie Bell, Richard Jefferson, Charlie Villinueva, and Andrew Bogut. If you look at this line-up you can tell the holes in the team. Rajon Rondo will be able to out quick Ridnour all game, Ray Allen should be able to torment Charlie Bell, and Garnett should be able to push around Villinueva. If all goes to plan this will make us forget last night.

Celtics 99-82

Tommy Award: KG

NBA Breakdown: Milwaukee Bucks

Offseason Moves
• Traded Yi Jianlian and Bobby Simmons to New Jersey for Richard Jefferson.
• Gave Andrew Bogut a five-year, $60-million extension.
• Signed Tyronn Lue to a one-year, $2.2-million deal; signed Malik Allen to a two-year, $2.6-million deal; signed Francisco Elson to a two-year, $3-million deal.
• Drafted Joe Alexander and Luc Richard Mbah a Moute.
• Traded Mo Williams to Cleveland and Desmond Mason to Oklahoma City; received Damon Jones from Cleveland and Luke Ridnour and Adrian Griffin from Seattle.

They certainly were movers and shakers all offseason but I don't know how much they improved for this season. They have a million SFs, Richard Jefferson, Michael Redd, Charlie Bell, and Joe Alexander and I don't understand how that is going to work. Their biggest weakness is frontcourt depth, Behind Bogut and Villanueva they have no one, except for Dan Gadzuric and he blows. Even with all these moves I don't think we will be seeing more than 23 wins.

23-59