[no subject]

It seemed that 75% of Pierce's scoring didnt involve an 
official assist, because he whirled off his first 
dribbles or got his bucket from the freethrow line. 

Despite some stat-padding freethrows at the end, Tony 
Delk had his worst game in memory. His pull-up jumpshot 
seemed like a big weapon in the pre-season and opener, 
but it was totally unreliable against the Knicks. As a 
two guard, he is a lot more a streak shooter than machine-
like in scoring efficiency.

Delk's point guard decision-making remains weak, on two 
occasions I could see. Luckily, on this team its well-
disguised. The only reason he'll ever need to make a 
point guard type decision is on the fast break and broken 
plays. 

All I hope for is that he rediscovers consistency on the 
long ball and pull-up jumper in the lane. On a team like 
this, he ought to be able to spot up at a high rate of 
efficiency. Shammond too, who because of his height is 
looking more like an empty-gym "pure shooter" rather than 
the real thing.

Baker and Battie both seem to be playing at 80% of where 
they eventually will be. Both can play much better. 

In my view, Baker is actually the more energetic and 
efficient of the two. If Boston can get better 48-minute 
production from center (meaning offensive rebounds, 
blocks and high FG%) we should be in better shape.

Boston's record is deservedly 1-2. Its good we didn't 
catch a break with a lucky shot at the end versus the 
Bulls, because there should be no complacency after this 
win. 

The Celtics almost certainly ranks statistically as the 
worst defensive FG% team in the league, and they need to 
trim down an unsightly rebound deficit somewhere up 
around -15 per game. 

That means there is a VERY long way to go before the 
teams stats can look presentable around polite company. 
It might take until December to even out these stats, if 
at all. 

Boston needs to work a lot harder this week.

(But BTW, how about that Boston jinx? All I can say is 
thanks to whomever it was who did an extra rosary or 
slaughtered a neighbour's lambs or whatnot. What a nice 
weekend to be a Boston fan. It FEELS good.)

I really hope our Celtics are off to the races now. I 
hope Walker and Pierce have found their games. This week 
we'll need triple double type performances, clutch 
freethrow performances, fiercesome Paul Pierce shooting. 
All that stuff. If none of that happens, we still need to 
see them giving 100% hustle and heads up effort.

Restored team confidence has value, but this is no time 
for players to relax and assume things will fall in 
place. Our defense and rebounding is a monumental 
embarrassment. Against the Knicks, I saw two potential 
defensive rebounds bounce off the freaking floor before 
any of guys reacted. 

And as long as McCahty is the first forward and shooting 
guard substitute off the bench, this will need to be a 
team that needs to take the most humble approach to 
challenges in the week ahead. We need to start winning 
some games. We need that first home win.

Joe H.



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