Bleah. That's pretty much all that can be said about the game Saturday night. Its time to move on to the...
Boston Celtics
Well, maybe a game against one of the East's elite will jump start the Mav's season. The Celtics come into the AAC again looking like a top contender with a nice 6-1 record to start the season. Obviously, everyone knows about the Big 3 and Rondo, but the supporting cast is going to be key in deciding whether this team can ultimately win it all. In the past, they've built they're bench around solid role players like James Posey, Eddie House and Tony Allen. However, they took a turn this past off season and went after former stars in getting Jermaine O'Neal and Shaq. Combining those two with the group of Big Baby Davis, Nate Robinson, and former Mav Marquis Daniels, and the Celtics figure to have a pretty good cast around their stars.
As always, however, the stars will have to show up for the Celtics to win. Paul Pierce is what he is. He's going to provide a good game and solid leadership to help carry this team. While Ray Allen has continued to age, he's still been averaging at least 40 minutes a game this season. It'll be interesting to see whether he can hold up playing that many minutes for the rest of the season. The big difference in this team this season is going to be the play of Kevin Garnett. Finally fully healthy after that injury he suffered in Utah a few years back, Garnett seems to have some of his explosiveness back as he's been averaging almost a double-double this season. If he can somehow pick up his offensive game again, that team becomes even better. Lastly, what more can be said about Rajon Rondo? If last season's playoffs weren't enough, the guy has come out at a record pace as he's averaging almost 15 assists a game! There's no doubt he's one of the best young PG's in the game and if he can keep developing an offensive game, the Celtics will become that much better.
INDIVIDUAL STAT LEADERS
| Stat | Player | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Pts | Paul Pierce | 19.0 |
| Tot | Kevin Garnett | 9.6 |
| Ast | Rajon Rondo | 14.7 |
| FG% | Luke Harangody | 100.0 |
| FT% | Semih Erden | 100.0 |
| 3PT% | Rajon Rondo | 50.0 |
| Blk | Jermaine O'Neal | 1.7 |
| Stl | Rajon Rondo |
2.9 |
- See how much the Celtics miss Kendrick Perkins. One of the rising young centers in the league, Perkins is going to be out until at least January with an injury he suffered in the Finals last season. Thus far, the Celtics have been able to survive with a combo of the Oneal's, but time will tell as to the success they will have.
- Rondo v. Kidd. Two of the best distributors in the game. Enough said.
- How different would the past 10+ seasons had been if Don Nelson had taken Paul Pierce over Dirk in the 98 NBA draft?