Re: [Celtics' Stuff "The Professional,"-Globe

[JB <james.metz@verizon.net>]

   The below excerpt from Michael (a new voice on the Celtic's beat) Smith's
column today, on Eric Williams; highlights the veteran leadership,
exemplified by Eric, that the Celtics had been lacking for the last several
years. I'd like to compliment Mr. Smith, not only for a clear, cogent,
presentation, but also for being the only writer, today, to footnote
Williams' superb performance, with the litany of injuries that plague him.
   While I am reluctant to place too much importance on yesterday's blowout,
as I was, not to overreact to the blowout on Friday, because of the absence
of All-Star Ray Allen and what may be a mutiny on the part of the Bucks, to
jettison the pain in their asses, George Karl; it's nice to see the Celtics
with the poise and fighting spirit, in the face of adversity, usually
attributed to our opponents.
   I heard the second half on the radio. The announcers were aghast, that,
in the fourth quarter, with a ballooning lead, well over 20 points, Walker
and other starters were still jacking threes; even early in the shot clock.
This was mentioned over and over, not only as stupid play, but thought to be
potentially fueling the anger of a beaten opponent, who we might meet, even
in the first round, by rubbing it in.
   It would seem now that it's; not if Vitaly did or said something to ire
coach O'Brien, but what it was. Somewhere along the line, I believe we're
going to need Vitaly's fire and force inside. I hope they work this out,
soon.
   One of the great stories of the season, has been the resurgence of
Wallter McCarty as a useful player. The more he goes inside, to me, the more
useful, he becomes. 9 rebounds in 22 minutes, is all we could hope for, from
a bench player, who can hit the three. Walter gives us more reason, to start
Pierce in the backcourt.
   With Anderson due to return on Friday, it's probably time for O'Brien to
sort out his rotation as we near the playoffs. We read today, that Delk is
more comfortable coming off the bench. Could Walter be the starter that one
voice in the wilderness; P.J.Heff, on another board, was predicting, as the
season opened? He can defend, hit the three and plays "long." Is this the
missing link, to Walker at the other forward spot, playing "stubby?"




        JB

Link to current standings:
http://archive.sportserver.com/newsroom/sports/bkb/1995/nba/nba/stat/2000-01
confstands_lo.html



                Unchain My Heart !


http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/091/sports/Playing_through_the_painP.shtml


------------------------------------------------------------------------


Playing through the pain

Ailing Williams takes it to Bucks

By Michael Smith, Globe Staff, 4/1/2002

The little finger on Eric Williams's right (shooting) hand is swollen and
points east, dislocated as he passed through a turnstile at Charlotte
Coliseum in February. It hurts when he catches the ball. He shoots using
four fingers.

Williams has tendinitis in his left knee. It has bothered him all season
(more so now because he twisted it against Golden State last week) and
caused him to miss eight games. He favors the leg as he moves around the
court.

Williams thinks he may have partially dislocated his left shoulder. He can't
lift it straight up; he has to rotate it backward just to raise his arm
above his head.

So, as he does most days, he awoke in pain Saturday.........

This story ran on page D8 of the Boston Globe on 4/1/2002.
) Copyright 2002 Globe Newspaper Company.