FW: V and Battie

[JB <jbmetzea@yahoo.com>]

   We've been having this debate on the other board. It's no doubt true,
that Battie can show a lazy game, but I think we have to cut some slack for
his ankle injury, that he is playing through, which no one is mentioning,
but was reported, would slow him all season.
   My observation is that he has been more aggressive, throughout this
season and early last (before he got hurt), on the boards and defensively.
On offense, he hardly ever gets a pass. As Anderson (hopefully) continues to
generate more of the offense, by distributing the ball, I expect Tony to be
one of the beneficiaries.
   Imho, if  Battie, Vitaly and Anderson can sustain the high level of play
that they have shown this past week, we are more than just a marginal
playoff pretender. 
   I expect Phoenix to work very hard to shut Pierce down tonight. If
Anderson can effectively get some others involved, it would be a key factor
in attaining a victory.
JB
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From: "Michael A. DiZio" <mdizio@rcn.com>
Date: Thu, 06 Dec 2001 19:00:22 -0500
To: celtics@igtc.com
Subject: Re: V and Battie


Gregg Allen wrote:

> I'm glad to see that others have noted the improved play of Vitaly and Tony
> Battie.  Vitaly has really stepped up his game, particularly on defense.  Last
> night, Vitaly and Tony combined for 13 points and 17 rebounds (11 offensive
> boards).  You gotta feel good about that.

I do, and it was great to see. The problem with Battie, however, has been
inconsistency.

Can he sustain this kind of play , or was he just psyched  for this game to
show
up Dan Issel,

the man who publicly dubbed him,: "El Busto"?

Michael A. DiZio