Thoughts on the Toronto game

["Jim Meninno" <jim_meninno@hotmail.com>]

This was the best game the Celtics have played for ages.  They beat a hot team on the road, and looked convincing doing it.  They never looked to get unraveled on the offensive end, and kept up the defensive intensity throughout.  When Toronto tried to take over the game by pounding inside, the Celts played tough.  Particularly VP, who had about 3 nice sequences in a row on Willis, causing two turnovers.  Willis scored on the third and was asking for the foul too.  He should be ashamed after some of the non-calls he got earlier in the game.  Have you ever seen someone take so many steps?

Vince Carter has got game.  Tough shots with a hand in his face.  Strong drives.  Long range.  Excellent offensive player.  I believe Pierce will be the better all around player, though, especially defensively.  Then again, Carter could be the next Jordan.

Why didn't Toronto push the ball more?  They seemed satisfied to break the trap at halfcourt and set up.  They went long early with some success, but seemed to stop in the second half.  They made a few turnovers this way, maybe that affected their confidence.  It's hard to say whether you can credit the Celtics defense for this because the TV picture focuses on the ball.  As a viewer, you have no idea whether the guys in the frontcourt are covered or not.  I kept waiting for the long pass that never came.  Hopefully it's a sign that the guys are working together better.  I also think Walter helps a lot in this department, regardless of how bad he looks.  Bowen has shown me a lot, especially in the half court, but McCarty makes the press work much better.  I can live with him running amok for 20 minutes a night, if he plays like this.

Jim


_______________________________________________________________
Get Free Email and Do More On The Web. Visit http://www.msn.com