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Pierce wants to take on Ray

Paul Pierce has made it clear... he wants to defend his 3 point title at All Star weekend.  And now, he's naming one of his desired opponents... his teammate.

I think me and Ray Allen need to have a shootout in this years 3pt contest what y'all think come on NBA make it happen

I love Ray's shot, but Pierce's shot is actually more suited for the contest because it uses less leg.  Guy who use their legs as much as Ray does typically don't fare very well.  But Ray is in such good shape, he might be the exception to the rule.  

I'd like to see it.  Why not?  It would probably be fun... and it's not unjustified.  Paul is the defending champ and 15th in the league in 3pt%.  Meanwhile Ray is 5th.  So you can easily make the case for both these guys being there.  Hell.. Ray would probably view it as another drill. 

Kobe Vs. The Celtics: How to Close Out the Lakers

Yesterday afternoon the Celtics got a shred of retribution by defeating the Lakers in Los Angeles on an ABC nationally televised game.  Early in the game, Ray Allen got two quick fouls, much like he did at the beginning of Game 1 in the 2010 NBA Finals.  While the Celtics held several leads in the first half, Rajon Rondo looked dazed and confused by the Lakers' defensive strategy.  During the second quarter, Kobe went into Kobe attack mode and decided to try to win the game by himself.  It seemed to be working until the Celtics reminded the basketball world that a team approach (on both ends of the floor) is far more effective.

People forget, but Kobe tried this approach in Game 6 of the 2008 NBA Finals, the same game that the Celtics ended the series with a classic shellacking.  Kobe went off in the first quarter, taking and making a bunch of absurd shots.  But it's typically not Kobe who kills the Celtics when the Lakers beat them.  It's usually a combination of Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom, spreading the offense in the post and in Odom mismatches.

So with just over eight minutes left in the fourth quarter, Glen Davis converted on a lay-up to give the Celtics a solid, but not insurmountable nine point lead.  On the following two Laker possessions, Pau Gasol missed two jumpers.  Now with just over seven minutes remaining, Kobe decided enough was enough and took eleven consecutive shots.  Most of them were not good and many of them were forcing the issue.  Granted, Kobe is still one of the biggest scoring threats in the game, if not the biggest.  But this strategy rarely works against the Celtics in the New Big Three Era.  Especially in the finals last year when in the four Laker wins, Gasol was clearly the best player.

Check out the video after the jump comparing Kobe ball against the Celtics team ball.  The game was close, but this time the Celtics executed near perfectly in the final seven minutes to win the game.

Enemy Chatter: Where the Mamba did what he could

I often wonder what opposing teams, their beat reporters and bloggers are saying about the Celtics after playing the Celtics. Here's a dose of 'enemy chatter' from Los Angeles.

Every one of the Celtics' key players had a terrific game.

The same can be said of just one of their Laker counterparts: Kobe Bryant. The Mamba did what he could to keep his team in the game, scoring 41 points on 32 shots and committing only a couple turnovers. That he took 32 shots and collected zero assists while the Lakers lost will inevitably drag us into a tiresome discussion about whether he shot too much. No. He didn't.

I'm perfectly willing to rip Kobe when he's not taking the right approach, but it's not fair to do so today. He was the only Laker not getting shut down by the man guarding him. None of his teammates - not the big guys, not Artest, not his supposedly trusty sidekick Fish - was making good moves, getting to the right spot on the floor or proving their ability to be sound with the ball in the face of the Boston pressure.

Did Kobe play a perfect game? Of course not. But if you're making a list of people to blame for this debacle, Kobe's name should be at the bottom.

Silver Screen and Roll

Is anyone in Los Angeles capable of identifying fool's gold? I found ZERO criticism of Kobe Bryant's offensive dominance. Sure he made some amazing shots, but as I stated in last night's recap, when a star takes 29 shots (11 in the 4th quarter), his teammates stop playing and start watching.

I would agree if Kobe's point came within the flow of an offense. But on several possessions, he was the only guy touching the ball!

While trolling around on The Lakers Nation blog after the game (I couldn't help myself), Fakers fans were so upset with Gasol, the were calling for him to be traded. They want him and Ron Artest included in some imaginary deal for Melo. Hilarious stuff!

Here's some love for Paul Pierce:

But the real key to the C’s offensive attack and the Lakers’ defensive breakdowns was the fact that Paul Pierce just refused to be guarded effectively all game. Ron Artest was completely outclassed by Pierce, who got quality shot after quality shot all night against him. It wasn’t so much that Ron wasn’t contesting Pierce’s shot, it was the fact that he surrendered position so easily and allowed Pierce to get to his favorite spots on the floor. Pierce brilliantly worked the shallow wing and the elbow area all game and found relatively easy 12-15 foot jumpers as his reward for beating defenders off the dribble. And when Pierce wasn’t working in isolation, he was floating around the perimeter, using screens and losing defenders to get up uncontested three pointers. On the day, Pierce scored 32 points on only 18 shots and did an excellent job of carrying the C’s offense when they needed a boost and then deferring to others when his mates finally found their groove.

Forum Blue and Gold

Yesterday's game was the first time I've watched rtest play this season. Is he injured? Or simply aging overnight? Or both?

On Page 2, the big, deep and efficient Celtics.

Elbows to the head make KG mad

What is it about games in LA that leave KG a bloody mess?  KG got busted open back in December of 2007 (remember this?) 

Here's the thing, though:  Don't do it.  Even if it's an accident (like last night), try to avoid it.  Because when KG gets hit with an elbow... he goes off.  It's like a Bruce Banner-to-Hulk moment.  In 2007, he finished with 22 points, 12 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 blocks and 2 steals.  Yesterday he had 18 points, 13 rebounds, and 5 assists. 

Yeah, he got fired up.

"If anything, it woke me up," he said. "I [wanted] to be a lot more aggressive to the basket and just be aggressive with whatever I was doing."

On the play, there was no call made.

To Garnett, that signaled that the officials were going to allow players for both teams to be aggressive.

"I took like they were going to let us play, and they did," said Garnett, who had 18 points and 13 rebounds for his 15th double-double this season.

I'm not saying the Celtics should try to get KG bloodied in a big game.  But... you know... if he's flat in a big spot... and somehow you found a way to throw someone else's elbow into KG's dome... it wouldn't be a BAD thing.  Bleeding his own blood seems to get him going. 

Your Morning Dump.... Where Rondo was perfect

Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images

Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here... highlighting the big storyline. Because there's nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.

Rondo had 10 points and 16 assists for his team-best 18th double-double this season.

But of the 16 assists, all but one came in the second half.

Even though Rondo wasn't putting up Rondo-esque assist numbers in the first half, Rivers loved what he was seeing out of his point guard.

"I thought he called an absolutely perfect game," Rivers said. "He's our pitcher. He called a sensational game. Coming out of time outs, he made sure guys were in their spots. Rondo played with great speed. When he plays with speed, he has power."

Rondo said the low assists total in the first half had more to do with his teammates making plays, than anything else.

"Tonight, it wasn't for me to make plays in the first half," Rondo said. "[Paul Pierce] had it going. Kevin [Garnett], Ray [Allen] had it going. I tried to get those guys the ball in their spots, and those guys, they made it happen."

CSNNE:  Rivers: Rondo called a perfect game

The willingness to run a team and be a leader without having to do anything statistically.  Who does that describe on the Celtics?  

How about just about everyone?  Yes, Rondo... and in this case especially.  But we've seen it out of everyone.  

Does that describe anyone on the Lakers?  How about I put it this way.  From 7:30 until :44 left in the 4th quarter, Kobe Bryant took every shot except for a Pau Gasol tip in attempt of a Kobe miss.  It was a 7 point game when Kobe "took over".  It was a 16 point game when Shannon Brown launched his shot at :44.

On the one hand, we've got a key player who did nothing statistically and was still perfect for the C's.  On the other we had one guy trying to do everything statistically and he did nothing for the Lakers. 

Just a nice little contrast, I'd say. 

Related links:  Globe:  Fluid Rondo found the flow  

On Page 2: Doc almost benched Nate

Recap: Celtics give Lakers lesson in team basketball

Individual commitment to a group effort - that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work. - Vince Lombardi

There's nothing better than watching Kobe Bryant carry the Lakers for three quarters, only to fall short at the end because of a complete team effort by the Celtics.

Kobe was brilliant - 41 points, 16 - 29 FG. But when a star takes 29 shots, his teammates stop playing and start watching. And that's what happened in the 4th quarter.

Glen Davis (13 points, 4 rebounds) made some HUGE plays in the 4th quarter. How about that pivot move on Andrew Bynum that resulted in a three point play? Or that charge he drew on Kobe with 2:55 remaining?

Paul Pierce was red hot in the 3rd quarter. He dropped 14 of his 32 points. The beauty of Paul - he didn't need to dominate the ball in the 4th. He let his teammates do the work.

Kevin Garnett was phenomenal - 18 points, 9-12 FG, 13 rebounds and 5 assists. He was the main reason why the Celtics outrebounded LA 43-30.

Ray Allen (21 points, 8-12 FG) had 5 big points that helped the Celtics pull away late in the game.

Rajon Rondo was a non-factor in the 1st half. He finished with 10 points and 16 assists. His 2nd half performance was a complete 180. 15 assists came after halftime!

Nate Robinson (11 points, 3-5 3FG) played his best game in weeks. 

Maybe Jerry West was right to criticize the Lakers defense. The Celtics shot 60% and had 34 assists.

Pau Gasol was a non-factor. 12 points, 5-13 FG and an astonishing -20. A healthy KG is a huge reason why.

Box score | Recap

Accuscore Game Preview: Celtics vs. Lakers

This preview is provided by Accuscore and is not written by any members of RedsArmy.com.  Predictions are based on computer simulations

The LA Lakers are slight 51.8 percent favorites over the Boston Celtics. The Celtics are shooting 44.9 percent from the field and the Lakers are forecasted to shoot 44.2 percent. The Celtics have the rebounding advantage at 41.7 to 40.1. Turnovers are pretty even with the Celtics projected for 14.6 turnovers vs. 13.7 for the Lakers. The Celtics are making 4.5 three pointers on 34.4 percent from three point range. The Lakers are making 5 three pointers on 32.3 percent.

KEY PLAYER STATISTICAL DATA

PTS: Paul Pierce 18.9, Kobe Bryant 24.1

ASSISTS: Rajon Rondo 11.6, Kobe Bryant 5.8

REBOUNDS: Kevin Garnett 7.6, Pau Gasol 8.9

SPORTS ODDS: Sportsbooks and handicappers have set the line at LAL -3 TOTAL 183.5. 

'10-11 SEASON: We advise relying on these trends after the first 6 to 8 weeks of the season. NEITHER TEAM HAS UNITS EDGE

CELTICS	ATS RECORD	LAKERS	ATS RECORD	ATS EDGE
Record on the Road	13-8, 62% 500	Record at Home	18-6, 75% 1200	Lakers
VS Lakers	0-0 No Games	VS Celtics	0-0 No Games	N/A
vs Team .500 or Better	16-5, 76% 1050	vs Team .500 or Better	9-8, 53% 20	Celtics
Record As Road Underdog	3-3, 50% -30	Record As Home Favorite	18-6, 75% 1140	LA Lakers
After 1 or More Days Off	18-15, 55% +150	After 1 or More Days Off	16-22, 42% -820	Celtics

After the jump, the game is simulated more than 10,000 times

This week in KG

Green 5 to Mad Doc... come in Mad Doc.  I have the target at 3 o'clock... how shall I proceed?  Over.

HItch told me to stop half way... and if he truly likes me, he'll make the effort to lean in....

Yo man... tickle fights on the bench are bad for our reps, man. 

Doc fined 15K

Doc apparently didn't leave the floor fast enough for the NBA, so dipped into his wallet and pulled out $15,000.

To me, it was worth it just so the world could see Doc tell Steve Javie "It's not about you, it's about the game."  I wonder if he'll have to tell Joey Crawford the same thing today.  Chances are Joey doesn't care.  

Four hours till your close up, Mr. Crawford.

Your Morning Dump... Where there is concern in Laker land

Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here... highlighting the big storyline. Because there's nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.

Los Angeles is not helping its image with losses such as Friday’s 100-95 defeat to Sacramento, a game the Kings led by as many as 20 points. The Lakers are a distracted bunch, much like the Celtics were last season, anxious for March to arrive and seeking a reason to be serious.

Hall of Famer Jerry West recently commented that the Lakers were getting old and it shows in their defense. The Lakers are a respectable fourth in opposing field goal percentage but 10th in points allowed. And those younger teams that used to wilt at the sight of those gold banners hanging in Staples Center are no longer intimidated.

Memphis, Milwaukee, and Indiana all have celebrated victories on the Lakers’ home floor. Of more concern, Derek Fisher and Ron Artest are enduring poor shooting seasons. Andrew Bynum is again coming off injury. Pau Gasol and Kobe Bryant have been steady, but there is definitely slippage.

In preparation for today’s meeting with the Celtics, coach Phil Jackson held a 2 1/2-hour practice yesterday in El Segundo, Calif., trying to discourage his team from waiting until March for motivation.

“I can’t really tell you what to expect [today],’’ he said. “We haven’t been consistent in the last six games.

Globe: Something's missing in LA

The Laker are actually right there with the Celtics in the "old team" category.  They face a lot of the same issues the Celtics have faced (and are facing).  

Here's the difference: The Celtics are a united team of players who will work the ball to whomever is hot and not worry about who's getting all the points.  The Lakers have Kobe Bryant.  The thing is, Kobe isn't "Kobe" anymore.  That's not to say he's not better than a great many players in the NBA.  He is. He's still one of the best.  

But some of the luster is gone.  He can't string together as many surreal performances as he used to.  But he still thinks he can, so keeps gunning... to the detriment of his team.  

So they're right to be concerned in the city of angels.  They're not very well equipped to deal with the issues that we've dealt with.  They're fragile mentally.  

Well..... I suppose I should just prepare myself for a Spurs-Celtics finals.

Related links:  Herald: Shaq returns to LA in colors of the enemy  |  Painful memory lingers for Celtics  |  Phil sizes up opponent  |  Globe:  Since they last met  |  Lakers thumbnails  |  Rematch vs. Lakers  |  Game 7 haunts Celtics  |  ESPN Boston:  Countdown to LA: The Kobe stopper  |  Let's do this  |  No what-if's for Perk  |  WEEI:  How the Celtics can Beat LA  |  CSNNE:  Despite standings, Celtics see Lakers as team to beat 

On Pate 2: Boo hoo'ing over KG's non-suspension