Re: Toronto game

["Berry, Mark S" <berrym@BATTELLE.ORG>]

Good post Alex.

I'll add a couple of things: First, this game is important because, going
into the season, it seemed like there were eight teams clearly ahead of the
others in the Eastern Conference playoff picture (Orl, Mia, NY, Phi, Ind,
Mil, Cha and Toronto). The Raptors, on paper, seem to be the most
vulnerable. The McGrady-Christie replacements (Corliss Williamson and Mark
Jackson, essentially) certainly downgrade the athleticism of this team. If
the Celts want to make the playoffs, this looks like the team to knock out.

Also, great point on Pierce. The Celts' best advantage tonight is the fact
that they can run Stith, Griffin and Williams at Vince Carter, and stick
Pierce on the relatively harmless Williamson. On the other end, if the
Raptors try to guard Pierce with Williamson, you have to think Paul will be
licking his chops. If not, the assignment must go to Carter and he's going
to have to work hard on the defensive end. Either way, a good result for the
Celts.

The key, as you said, is rebounding. If the Celts can just hold their own on
the boards, this should be a game they win. 

Mark