All eyes will be on the two best point guards in the Eastern Conference in this game. This should be a great game, as both these teams will be likely making a lot of noise come playoff time, and both have star-studded lineups to accompany their hard nosed physical style of play. Rondo and Rose tend to play some great basketball when they are up against each other, and tonight should be no exception.Where the Celtics have the edge right now is from behind the three point arc, largely because of the energized play of Boston's Big Three. Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, and Paul Pierce are all putting up large amounts of points, many of which are from jump shots. Chicago lineup is stacked with players who love to slash to the hoop and score from inside, but I doubt that they will be able to put up 90 points against the Celtics' veteran and very physical defense. While Chicago's defense is also tough, the Celtics have the ability to score from all angles, and Rondo will be running the court looking to tack on another 15 or so assists to his (so far) record season. Joakim Noah will absolutely make his presence known in the paint, so physicality, tight defense, and good ball movement are the keys to a Celtics' victory in this one. Based on the way they have been playing so far this season, these are three things that they should have no problem executing.
The game will be close, and if the Bulls do edge out the C's then it will likely be because their defense locked down Rajon Rondo from dominating on the offensive side of the ball. However, even if they are able to contain the guy, who may very well be the most explosive player in the NBA, Boston's Big Three is playing too well right now for the Celtics to not put up a significant amount of points. Look for big games from each of them, as well as Big Baby Davis, whos jumper is looking as nice as any other power forward's in the league. Brian Scalabrine's been playing a couple minutes a game for the Bulls, and I really hope we get to see him back on the court in Boston. Like I said yesterday, Boston's fans better give Scal a standing ovation when they see him. Regardless, l see this being a hard fought game with the Celtics just barely coming out on top, and again asserting themselves as the beasts of the East.
Great call on a close game - another OT classic between these two. But I don't think it went exactly as you thought. The Celtics first team absolutely dominated the Bulls - but once again the bench gave it all back - and the Bulls are good enough that this time the starters had to kill themselves to get it into overtime and get the win. Not everyone on the bench was bad, nor were they bad individually overall - Daniels and Baby had great games. But without at least 3 starters on the court the bench looked completely leaderless and incoherent and unable to play either end of the floor. They once again gave up a huge 3rd quarter lead and I thought Doc waited a bit too long before calling a timeout and getting the starters back on the floor with about 6 minutes left in the game. Nate was once again horrible - he did start to drop some points just before leaving the game but he looked out of control and constantly made bad decisions during that long stretch. He's got a long way to go before he can legitimately run the floor as the backup PG. Anyway, another great win - KG, Pierce, Rondo all showed incredible drive and will to win. That will take them a long way. But KG was totally gassed at the end and the bench had better start stepping up soon.
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