Game 2 Keys for Celtics

Neither the Heat or Celtics played championship level basketball last game. The Celtics have a built in excuse with how injured they are, but that's not going away anytime soon. They need Game 2 if they have any shot in this series. The smart thing for them to do would be to tell Ryan Hollins to go full steam into Wade's knee and take him out of the rest of the playoffs. That would even things up a bit. But if they arnt gonna go that low here are a few keys that will help them win.

• Rondo with a score first mentality. He's one of the few advantages the Celtics have and he needs to try to score from the get go in order to make the Heat respect his drive and open things up for Celtics shooters later in the game. He can't be looking to get other players their shots right away, he needs to get his. Things will open up from there.
• Force jump shots. The only chance of slowing down the Lebron/Wade combo is by forcing them to take jump shots. In order to do this I'd like to see the Celtics put their bigs (KG/Bass) on these two. Have them play a couple feet of Lebron and Wade to eliminate the possibility of getting beat of the dribble. If they take it to the hoop, the Celtics got the size on them. And if they take the jump shot, well the Celtics will live with that.
• Change it up. I realize the Celtics have limited options now with all their injuries. But they still need to keep trying different things. Their offense is frankly pathetic right now. If they didn't play championship defense they would have no shot at being in the position they're in. They're offense is basically two things right now. Give Pierce the ball and hope he does something or Rondo dribbling around the court until Bass or Garnett is finally open for an 18 footer, usually contested. They are so predicatable. Try going big, try going small. Put something unorthodox out there. How bout going small with Rondo, Pietrus, Pierce, Pavolvic and Garnett? How bout going big with Steisma, Garnett, Bass, Pierce and Rondo? The definition of insane is to do the same thing over and over and expect different results. The Celtics are going nowhere with repeatedly sticking with the same lineup. They will lose if they try to matchup traditionally with the Heat. They need to make them uncomfortable no matter how unorthodox or crazy the lineup seems. Doc has it in him, but it will take a big backbone for him to sit Ray Allen like he should and give the unproven bench players their shot.

Even with all these keys the Celtics could still lose. The Heat are that good. Or rather Lebron and Wade are that good. And when guys like Mike Miller and James Jones are hitting 3's, they are impossible to beat. Either way the Celtics are a veteran bunch who will make every single game a grind, you can count on that.

Game 6 Recap

What a shitshow that was. Game 6 of the Eastern Semi-finals between the Celtics and Sixers was an absolute mess. It's sad, but I was expecting a weak performance from the Celtics. They're like a bad procrastinator. They can never close it out early or in an easy way. They have to wait for an hour before the deadline to start the paper, or in this case Game 7 at home. Why win Game 6 and get extra rest when you can just procrastinate to Game 7? The record speaks for itself. Ever since Celtics GM Danny Ainge put together this current group of Celtics in 2007 their record in close out games on the road is 2-11. Now I love the Celtics, but that's pathetic. On the other hand, the Celtics all-time are 17-4 in Game 7's at home. So history tells us they'll win this Game 7 too and let's be honest the Sixers haven't exactly shown they have what it takes to win a big game. The only reason they aren't playing golf right now is because the Celtics blew Game 4 and didn't show up for Game 6. Just an awful performance by both teams. Turnover after missed free throw after airball and so on. Every possession was a mess.

Besides just the awful all around performance, two things stood out to me. Rajon Rondo's timidness and Doc Rivers sticking to the same lineup that wasn't getting it done. Rondo is the single most unique player in the league and when playing confident and uptempo he can easily fill a stat sheet. This game he wasn't doing anything that makes him great. He was playing safe and deferring to everyone else. Not once did he show any aggressiveness or desire to show that he is the most talented player on the floor(which he is). He simply dribbled the ball from one end of the court to the other, wasted some time, and then passed to another Celtic for a contested shot. I normally don't have a problem with Rondo distributing because that's what he does best, but this was different. This was deferring, not creating. Rondo needed to drive and use his athletic ability and basketball IQ to find easy shots for his teammates. Honestly, Keyon Dooling could have done what Rondo did last night. In fact, he would have been a better option because at least he can shoot. Where Rondo was nobody knows, but Game 6 is a perfect example of why he is a walking contradiction, the most puzzling player in the league and why the Celtics will always be open to trading him. He is 5th all-time in playoff triple doubles, yet he too often has games like Game 6.

The second issue I had was with Doc Rivers sticking to the lineup of Rondo, Allen, Pierce, Pietrus and Garnett in the 2nd half. It just wasn't working and it was clear from the start, yet Doc stuck with it and stuck with it and stuck with it some more. There was no offense except for Pierce who Philadelphia double teamed every time he touched the ball. Not surprisingly the captain was the only one who truly came to play. Ray wasn't hitting any shots and couldn't even stay in front of my crossover dribble on defense. Garnett forced up bad shot after bad shot and refused to put in his work close to the hoop. Michael Pietrus is Micheal Pietrus. And we already covered Rondo's performance. Granted, Doc had limited options, a healthy Avery Bradley changes this whole dynamic and he probably is the difference that makes the Celtics close out this series in 6, but holy shit how about changing it up a bit Doc? Where was Brandon Bass? He didn't have the best 1st half, but at least he provides some potential for offense with skill in the post and the ability to hit a jump shot. Keyon Dooling can hit a 3 point shot. Why not try him for a few minutes to see if he gets hot? I realize his bench options are very limited, but he needed to try something, anything for a spark. Now the Celtics have to hope for a Heat loss tonight to force their series into a Game 7. No doubt they'll take care of the Sixers at home in Game 7(knock on wood).

Looks like April Fools Day...

This is pretty funny.  James Shields and David Price fall for a good prank and look like fools in the process...  Good for a laugh on a rainy morning!!
http://mlbfancave.mlb.com/fancave/video.jsp?content_id=21331843&topic_id=19224580&fbid=9o-u42dp_-G

-CL

Beyond Belief...

In honor of a week in which Josh Hamilton's performance can be described by baseball enthusiasts as Beyond Belief, I would like to share one of the essays I wrote for my MLB Fancave application this year.  It is only fitting that Josh end his week on the diamond for the Sunday night ESPN came of the week.  The game is currently in progress so by the time you read this, he may have set another record.  Josh started off the week with a home run on Monday against the Orioles, only to be overshadowed by a 5 for 5 day on Tuesday with a miraculous four home runs.  Wednesday's activities on the diamond were all fun, as the game was postponed due to rain and Josh and his teammates turned the field into a slip and slide.  He ended the week with a single home run on Thursday, two on Friday and one on Saturday which made him one of only two players to collect 18 homers in the first 34 games.  Each time he was interviewed this week, Josh was humbled, composed, and thankful.
With that, I share my essay in response to the question: Who is the most interesting player in the game today and why?  I know it strays a little from the sports world and stumbles into the emotional world, but try to take a little something away from it if you can.  And so enough of my ramble, and on to the essay:

“I am proof that hope is never lost.”  Josh Hamilton 2007

Beyond belief is how I describe the stories I have heard and the people behind them I have cared for over the past twelve years.  My nursing career has taught me to empathize with people in crisis, while learning how to comfort them and not judge them.  Second chances in a battle with cancer, a battle with an eating disorder, a battle with addiction, a battle with life, are important and often don’t come easy.  I have come to realize that those who are given a second chance, are lucky and often inspiring. 

Thus, when Josh Hamilton reemerged in the major league in 2007, my interest was immediately heightened.  His story was intangible and so unbelievable that most people initially doubted his ability to succeed.  Yet, I found myself routing hard for him to defy the odds and become bigger than the sport itself.  His story combined two of the things I am most passionate about, my career and sports.  As Josh’s torrid 2008 season progressed, I became a Rangers fan and watched as his teammates, his opponents, and his fans united in support of him.  As he smacked homerun after homerun out of Yankee stadium in the homerun derby, I remember feeling a sense of comfort and accomplishment, as I watched his smile gleam at the plate.  It was even more inspirational knowing that he chose a childhood mentor from Raleigh to share the spotlight with as his pitcher.  Josh was sending a message to all of America that second chances do happen and dreams do come true. 

I continued to cheer for Josh and bartered to get him on all my fantasy teams as he became a powerhouse in the league.  I read all the stories about him online and also read his own publication, Beyond Belief. On July 7th of this past season, I was heading home from Fenway when I read on twitter that a fan was seriously injured in Arlington after falling out of the stands while reaching over to catch a ball thrown to him from the outfield.  Somehow as soon as I heard the story, I knew that it was Josh who threw the ball.  But I also knew that Josh was strong enough to overcome the tragedy, and that in the process he would touch the life of others.  He once again emerged as a leader for his organization, led his team to the last game of the MLB season, and most importantly honored that fan’s son in a World Series game.  His presence was felt by all, both baseball and non- baseball fans, as he once again displayed that he never takes for granted one day on the diamond, one breath, or one moment.  His determination wins games, championships, and the hearts of so many. 

“You see, I may not know how I got here from there, but every day I get a better understanding of why.”

-CL

Quick NBA Thoughts

• Hate to say I told you so about the Celtics running their offense through Garnett, but...I told you so. KG was a beast in Game 1 and deserves the ball more than anyone on the Celtics right now
• All you Rondo haters out there, please argue this stat. All Time Playoff Triple Double Leaders: 1. Magic Johnson (30) 2. Jason Kidd (11) 3. Larry Bird (10) 4.Wilt Chamberlain (9) T5. Rajon Rondo (8) T5. Oscar Robinson (8). Pretty elite company for a 26 year old. Could potentially pass Bird and Kidd this year. He's just getting started.
• Don't over analyze the Lakers squeezing out a series win over the Nuggets. They still are title contenders and Kobe, Gasol and Bynum can put it all together and beat any team (yes even the Heat) at any point. Did you have any doubt the Lakers were going to win game 7? Yeah,  me neither.
• Couldn't help, but notice how uncomfortable all of Lebron's teammtes were when he praised them in his MVP speech. Something about Wade in the background of Lebron didn't look right. They are going to choke again this year, I'm telling you.
• Congrats to the Clippers for being relevant. Chris Paul is a once in a lifetime talent, one only a true basketball fan could appreciate. Sure Derrick Rose and Westbrook are exciting, but nobody has the ball in his hands more or control's the pace better than CP3. He's an artist.
• The Western Conference is a lot better than the Eastern Conference, I mean would Indiana or Philadelphia even make the playoffs in the West? Despite this the Heat and the Celtics are title contenders and could knock off any Western Conference team.

Hope the weekend was well and Happy Mother's Day to all you mothers out there.

~WH

While all of Boston is gearing up for a round 2 matchup tonight in which the Celtics are heavily favored and people are already putting them in the conference finals I have a few words of caution...not so fast. Will the Celtics eventually win this series? Most likely. It certainly doesn't get much better for a 5 seed such as the Celtics to end up with home court advantage in the 2nd round against an inexperienced team such as Philadelphia. However, before we celebrate the matchup too much it's important to realize that the ultimate goal of this season isn't for the Celtics to make it to the conference finals, but rather win a championship. Banners are the only thing that matters in the Boston Garden rafters, not almosts. Not conference championship appearances. In order for another banner to be raised, the Celtics need to end this series healthier and fresher than they began it. Something that seems impossible for a team as banged up and old as the Celtics.

While the 76ers provide the Celtics with a great chance of advancing, I see it as a series that if not handled correctly will ultimately be the downfall of Boston. Yes, Philadelphia has no true star. It's only all-star caliber player is Andre Igoudala, a great 3rd guy on a championship team, but not a go to scorer or a player who can put the team on his back. However, the 76ers are full of Igoudala's or poor man versions of Igoduala's. They have 5 players averaging above 10 points, all athletic, all full of enough energy to cause a banged up veteran team like the Celtics some problems. If the Celtics are to advance quickly from this series they need to change up the routine. This isn't the type of series to rely on Paul Pierce and Ray Allen for the scoring. These two need to be rested as much as possible considering their injuries, Philadelphia's athletic wings, and the inevitability of how needed they will be should the Celtics get to the conference and NBA championships. Right now it is clear Paul Pierce is banged up and even more obvious that Ray Allen isn't himself. To get through this series quickly and with limited damage the Celtics need to lean on KG. He proved in the Atlanta series that he still has what it takes to be a go to option and the impact he has on his team on both ends of the floor is still arguably the strongest in the league.

None of this is to say that Pierce and Allen won't be vital to this series and of course they are going to be needed. But I'm okay with seeing a lot more of Avery Bradley, Micheal Pietrus and Marques Daniels this series. The Celtics can win with those 3 having their minutes bumped up in order to spell Pierce and Allen. If this balancing act of limiting minutes while also winning games can be achieved the Celtics will have set themselves up for a legitimate championship run, something that was seen as impossibility even a few years ago let alone in 2012. So yes Boston, be happy with the matchup, take comfort in knowing we most likely will advance another round, but be wary that if not handled correctly the Celtics will be setting themselves up for failure in the conference championship. If there is any coach who can find this delicate balance, it is Doc Rivers.

~WH

Okay so it's about time I checked in and represented the male half of this blog and let you guys know where I'm coming from. My love for sports has gone all the way back to my days as a child when I first learned how to read by looking at the baseball box scores every morning. Even at that young age, I quickly developed a passion and interest in the details of sports. I memorized every MLB team batting order, collected cards and played every sport imaginable. Although I was good at all sports, I quickly realized that my favorite to play were hockey and baseball. These became the sports I concentrated on my whole life which paid off eventually as I was lucky enough to play both sports in college, Colby College, in particular. Although baseball and hockey became "my sports", I actually follow the NFL and NBA more closely and find myself better able to discuss any aspect of either league.

It's been tough getting over the idea that I am no longer an "athlete", something I have identified myself as my entire life. However, through discussing sports with people such as Christine, coaching hockey, and watching any game I can, the transition has gone better than expected. I still miss that competitive edge more than anything. Nothing replaces it. Sure, I still play hockey, but it isn't the same. It isn't the same hitting the ice without that motivation that you need to do whatever you can to improve that particular ice session. Now it really doesn't matter how good I am at hockey, does it? Non-athletes will say "Oh just play it for fun" and assume it's the same. It's not. For me the fun was always in the competitiveness and testing myself against other people. Someone very special to me was the one who actually suggested I start blogging and even went ahead and started my first website for me. I am forever grateful to this person not only for recognizing the void that was left in my life, but for going the extra mile to try to replace it. While I'm not sure that it will be completely replaced, I do enjoy discussing and writing about sports and have always thought I had it in me to discuss sports on television intelligently and in an entertaining way. While getting to that point isn't the goal of this blog, it certainly would be a great side benefit!

In terms of my actual sports opinions, yes I am a huge Boston sports fan. However, I believe I am pretty unbiased and do try to look at everything in the big picture. Those of you who choose to follow me and Christine can look forward to a combination of podcasts, video links, serious articles, quick sarcastic remarks and anything in between. Additionally, the door is always open for those of you who would like to write an article for our website or join us on a podcast. That's it for now guys, be back soon.

~WH

So, Wil and I were both lucky enough to have witnessed the 2 1/3 inning outting last night from Beckett and the overwhelming BOO session that followed. Wow! Between that ridiculous performance, the lack of in game announcing(which was a classy form of respect btw), and the seats left empty in Fenway, I found myself paying little attention to the game and more attention to the atmosphere in the crowd. Last night was the emptiest I have seen the park in my nine years as a Fenway faithful, and it was also the least I have ever paid attention to the game... After watching Beckett's post game remarks, I came to one conclusion. This team needs to hire Tim Tebow to spend the next few months in their clubhouse;) I am not even a Tebower but I think they need some positive thinking in their mix, real or fake. While watching and listening to every sports show recap this ridiculous collapse of the Sox this morning, I kept myself entertained and laughing by watching this clip of the Harvard baseball team on repeat. Kudos to them for this video and the money they raised for their charity! This is hilarious and highly entertaining. Watch the whole thing for full effect. And maybe for a second you will even forget how much of a joke the Redsox have become right now... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEWVwgDnuzE&feature=youtube_gdata_player

 CL

"I am running out of ways to hate this Redsox season"  Well put by Bill Simmons last night on Twitter...
Seriously, why are the Sox so unlikeable this year and what is going on in their expensive non the less, club house??
I guess the icing on the cake for many of us fans in Boston came when the news broke that Josh Beckett was observed out swinging his golf clubs last week after he had been scratched from his start with a sore lat.  That may not sound like a huge deal but it feels like a huge blow after all that has gone on since Bobby V has taken the healm.  I personally am still a little bitter with how things were handled with Terry Francona at the end of last season.  He was a classy guy who won this city two World Series Championships however he was booted out of town like a piece of junk.  I understand there is more to it, but in comparison Bobby V just seems like a joke.  He seems like his primary purpose in Boston is to bring on drama.  It feels like the Sox are starring in their own soap opera which airs live daily on NESN...
And I have never been one to like soap operas.  Partially the lack of appeal in soap operas comes from long drawn out plots that never seem to conclude.  That feels like what is going on with the Sox the past few years.  It is starting to feel like groundhog day...  Ellsbury hurt, Youk with an ailing back, Crawford epic failure (if you haven't read my previous blog on Crawford, let me know.  I won't get started on him right now), a bullpen that explodes in every outting...
And WHAT have the Redsox done to move away from these things??  Well, frankly not much.  I find myself wanting to see the newer faces in the lineup like Middlebrooks, Doubront, and Aviles since they haven't yet let me down and are refreshing.  I find myself going to Fenway to enjoy being in such a great park.  And my motivation to go over and over, comes from the excitement of watching and enjoying the opposing teams coming into town.  I found myself in a heavenly state a few weeks ago watching Josh Hamilton, Ian Kinsler, Elvis Andrus put on a show in Fenway.  And at the end of the day, I feel SO bad for Dustin Pedroia as he seems like the only one on the field who really cares about this team and cares about being a leader.  On Sunday in the 17 inning game, he was still diving for balls in the 16th inning like it was the first inning.  He always puts forth 110%.  His uniform is always dirty by the second inning. I hope that he doesn't get frustrated soon and give up, becuase he is the string that The Sox are desperately clinging onto right now.
Now, I know that some of you are thinking, 'Well what about your Phillies... they are not much better'.  No, they are not much better, BUT they are still a likeable team.  They have clear leaders, some of which are injured, and others whom have learned to step up to the plate in their absence.  They take the field every night with a determination to win, and a willingness to try.  They are not playing out drama on the field and their skipper is never flustered.  After each game, they state that they need to play harder and that losing is unacceptable... They don't blame each other or look to create drama.  Thus, while it sometimes feels like I am watching the Bad News Bears on TV, I continue to watch The Phillies night after night.  I have to say, I have always liked the movie the Bad News Bears and would watch it any day over a soap opera.  

CL

Ok, so quickly couldn't pass this up as I am still in awe of Josh Hamilton's four home runs last night.  It is already apparent that he is my favorite athlete whom I admire and respect on so many levels.  Check out this 'slip and slide' action tonight during the rain delay.  The Rangers have moved among my favorite teams in baseball for many reasons over the past few years.  I love so many things about their players and organization.  This is just one example.  They sure know how to have a good time...  You will be entertained by this one: http://mlb.mlb.com/cutfour/article.jsp?content_id=30846588&partnerId=aw-6240949210004347570-996

CL

I’ll Have Another…

Welcome to Chilsportstalk2 from the female half of the duo!  Being our second attempt at a successful blog site, I feel as though naming this post after the winner of the Kentucky Derby last weekend is only fitting.  In addition, ‘I’ll Have Another’ can be used to interpret many exciting moments in sports, such as most recently Josh Hamilton’s production at the plate last night with four homeruns.  As I write to convey that feeling you get each time you ‘have a moment’ with sports, be my guest and ‘Have another’.

First, I will tell you a little about myself. I am someone who fell in love with sports the day I was born.  Although I don’t remember that day, my three year old brother was already lacing up his own ice skates, and my parents were still feeling a sports hangover from Flyers ‘74 and ‘75 back to back Stanley cup victories a few years earlier.  Hence, I was born into a sports family and had no choice but to love sports. From the moment I could walk, I was playing and watching sports.  I chose to play soccer and basketball early on, and I played both through high school.   In high school I also picked up field hockey, but was never very good.  My brother played hockey very competitively and we traveled all over the world to watch him play.  Thus, I grew up in ice rinks and was happy to be a rink rat with all the other siblings.  Once in college, I got sick of the politics involved in sports and realized that I was just in it for fun, so I started running and swimming for exercise, and became a spectator of others for the competition.  I think this is when I started to fall in love with sports as I realized that sports would always love me back. 

Born in Philadelphia, I was raised to eat, sleep, and breath Philadelphia teams, thus one could say I am a true ‘Philly Fanatic’.  I currently live in Boston.  When I moved here nine years ago, I was immediately drawn to this city because of the strong bond people share over sports.  I work as a nurse at Children’s Hospital of Boston which is where Wil and I met and quickly realized that we share a similar passion for sports.  While I love being a nurse, I have always aspired to work in sports.  The first time I met Wil, I remember having a conversation about hockey (as he grew up on skates) and I instantly knew that we were going to get along.  Ever since, scattered in our long shifts at work, are exciting, intense conversations (and sometimes arguments) about sports.  When Wil invited me to join him in blogging and doing podcasts, I was thrilled.  The invitation last winter motivated me to pursue my dream of being in the MLB Fancave, thus I applied in 2012.  I didn’t win this year, however my experience in blogging and social media is growing and my campaign for the 2013 Fancave has started out strong, and I am more than determined to be a cave dweller next year.  Follow me on twitter (@TineLorigo) and you can see where my campaign has been and follow where it is going. 

While I do love and appreciate almost every sport, there are a few I favor more than others.  As we blog and podcast, you will get to know what we favor.  To give you a hint about myself, I will leave you with this… Today when Wil and I were brainstorming creative names for our new blog, I came up with the name “The Tenth Inning”.   

So now I leave the floor to Wil, so you can learn more about the male half of the duo.  And while we expand and grow, follow us both on twitter (@chilhartigan, and @TineLorigo).

CL (my new screen name)

Under construction... coming soon