Boston Sports Then and Now

KG and the Celtics had a strong preseason and are ready for the opener versus the Cavs.

We all know that normally the significance of the pre-season is minimal. However, the 2009-10 preseason held many notable components for the Boston Celtics. Many questions needed to be answered for the Celtics during training camp this year. These questions were integral to the success of the Celtics this season.

During this meaningful pre-season, the Celtics answered those queries with emphatic authority. This squad proved that cohesion and chemistry will be no issue. They showed that the ego’s of their superstars and role players will take a back seat to the team’s success. Kevin Garnett (averaged 12 points, 5 rebounds per game) proved that, though he is still improving daily, he will return to regular season action as the player we remember. Marquis Daniels can fill the empty shoes of James Posey. Rajon Rondo is putting W’s over his contract and Doc Rivers continues to earn the respect and admiration of his players.

All of the above were dire elements in question as the season approached.

The Celtics posted a 6-2 pre-season mark. Their first loss came to the Houston Rockets, playing without Yao Ming (out for the season), Trevor Ariza, and Tracey McGrady, defeated a Celtics squad searching for their Mo-Jo. Garnett still looked awkward and lacked confidence in movement.

As each game progressed, the team seemed to gel more and more, sending a message to the NBA that they mean business in their pursuit of reclaiming the Larry O’Brien trophy.

The pre-season ended with a performance that solidified their position as the team to beat in the East. The Cetlics, sitting stars Kevin Garnett, Glenn Davis and Ray Allen – Pierce only played 13 minutes, destroyed a Cleveland Cavaliers fully complimented roster.

Some of my early predictions regarding Shaq’s impact against the Celtics were proven true in this exhibition match.  Though Shaq scored 16 points, my concerns that Shaq would be a detriment to the Cavs versus the C’s, proved to be true.

The Cavs, a team that has made a living playing pick and roll basketball, used the set very little with Shaq in

Rasheed Wallace needs to be a key contributor if the Celtics plan to raise banner 18.

the line-up. The big fella clogged the lanes and had a very difficult time of guarding Boston’s pick and roll play. Also, Kendrick Perkins seamed to guard Shaq one on one with ease. Cleveland seemed to play more freely with big Z on the court.

Most impressive was the Celtics bench, as was the case throughout pre-season, they dominated the Cavs starters and reserves. Eddie House, in another successful outing, notched 21 points, Marquis Daniels, continually breaking down the Cavs defense, scored 17 and Rasheed Wallace scored 10 points in limited action. Glenn Davis sat out with slight back spasms.

Looking towards Tuesday, As noted by NSS expert NBA analyst, Alex Curtis-Slep, the Cavs will probably be looking to punch back.

Though, I believe the game will be close, I feel that the emotions of opening night and the intensity of the Q will lead Cleveland to a close victory. I also believe that the Celtics loss will be quickly forgotten. Looking at the 12 game following opening night, I feel the Celtics will pull out victories in each of those games.

10/28 – Charlotte Bobcats / 35-47 last season

10/30 – Chicago Bulls / 41-41 last season

11/1 – New Orleans Hornets / 49-33 last season

11/3 – @ Philadelphia 76ers / 41-41 last season

11/4 – @ Minnesota Timberwolves / 24-58 last season

11/6 – Phoenix Suns / 46-36 last season

11/7 – @ New Jersey Nets / 34-48 last season

11/11 – Utah Jazz / 48-34 last season

11/13 – Atlanta Hawks / 47-35 last season

11/14 – @ Indiana Pacers / 36-46 last season

11/18 – Golden State Warriors / 29-53 last season

The 12 games, leading up to the Garden showdown with the Orlando Magic, are against teams that the Celtics clearly should dominate.  Half of those games are played in Boston. Of the 6 road games, only one is played on the west coast, reducing travel time between games. In that 3 week period, only three games are played back to back.

Though I am not predicting a loss against the Magic on November 20th, I’m stating that after opening night, Orlando is clearly the next formidable team that the Celtics will face three weeks later.

So, I predict the Celtics record, after 13 games, to be 12-1. That will put the Celtics at number one in the Eastern Conference after the first three weeks of regular season action, setting up a rematch of the Eastern Conference Semi Finals from last season.

That’s my prediction and I’m sticking to it.

Nick Gelso covers the Boston Celtics and NBA for Boston Sports Then and Now. You can check out more of his great work on his blog: North Station Sports.