Re: Venting

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

Why are the Pistons better than the Celts? They were worse last season. Was
their offseason that good? Rodney White, their rookie, has made as much of
an impact as Kedrick Brown and Joe Forte. They added Cliff Robinson. They
only have one guy averaging at least 15 points per game (Stackhouse, at
22.1), so they're not supremely talented. They average fewer points per game
than the Celts, and the margin of victory is about the same. Statistically
speaking, their rebounding average is about the same. 

So what do they do better than the Celts? Well, they shoot quite a bit
better. They're 11th in team field goal percentage (.449). Boston is 28th
(out of 29 teams) at .423. Their adjusted field goal percentages and points
per shot and all those stats also are better. Do they have more gifted
offensive players? I don't think so. Do they take better shots? Now we're on
to something.

Not only do the Pistons defend (as do the Celtics), they also get the most
out of their personnel offensively. Not the Celts. They get the least. 

I'm not saying the Celts should always beat the Pistons in Detroit. Both
teams have proven to be top-tier playoff teams this season. But they should
expect to beat Philly at home. Why are so many of us still intimidated by
the Sixers? Granted, they had a great season last year. It's a new year.
They've been scuffling along all season. That's a game the Celts should win,
with or without Iverson. And the Celtics certainly shouldn't be surrendering
109 points to the Pistons, a team averaging just 93 points per game.

The Celtics have gotten where they are because of Dick Harter's defensive
influence. And that's great. But we have every right to criticize Obie and
the players for not pushing to reach that level with the offense.

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Dan wrote:

C'mon Mark, you must know the Pistons have a better team than the Celts.
Your just expecting too much from a team that has to over produce to beat
Detroit and Philly (with Iverson). On occasion it will happen. OBs playing
the safe game. Yesterday's game was proof Delk and Roger have to contribute
20-25 pts., in these games. KA, Williams, Pots, nor Battie contributed to
the game.