Boston Sports Then and Now

Celtics 3-0

The Celtics have started out very strong, going 3-0.

Beating teams by an averages of 22 points, the Celtics have shown us that they are still the team to be reckonedwith in the East– possibly the league. KG’s, over-scrutinized (yes– I’m guilty of it too), return to action has shown to be successful thus far. Though Garnett (13 ppg, 7 rpg) is still not in game shape, his impact just being on the floor, is overwhelming opponents.

Rasheed Wallace (9.3 ppg, 3.7 rpg) is a great fit. He is raining down shots from downtown (it seems) on every possession. Most impressive is the team’s defense, holding opponents to 79 points and 38 percent shooting. The combo attack of Wallace, Garnett and Perkins has devastated opponents with help defense, talk defense and the refusal to allow opponents to get easy buckets. Length, strength and depth on the front line is certainly not an issue for this year’s team.

Marquis Daniels (5.3 ppg, 3.3 apg, 1.7 rpg) is providing an element lost when James Posey left the team in 2008– adding versatility at three positions and allowing Eddie House to spot up. House has excelled in this “reloaded” Celtics roster (averaging 10.7 ppg). Paul Pierce (20 ppg, 7 rpg, 3 apg) and Ray Allen (18 ppg, 1.7 rpg , 3 apg) have shown to be in great shape and have not lost a step.

Marquis Daniels has added some needed depth to the Celtics bench.

Through 3 games, most impressive has been the team’s stats trickling down to every roster spot. KG, Paul Pierce and SHELDEN WILLIAMS are all averaging over 7 rebounds per game, 10 of the 12 Celtics roster spots have scored in every game. The Celtics bench is averaging 38 points per game.

Unselfish play has been the offensive motto of this team– sometimes they have been a bit too unselfish. Rajon Rondo, Keeping his teammates involved, is second in the league (behind Steve Nash), dishing out 12 dimes per game and averaging only 1 turnover per game. Danny– RE-SIGN him!

Week One Games:

October 27th: @ Cavs, W 95-89

October 28th: vs Bobcats, W 92-59

October 30th: vs Bulls, W 118-90

What’s left?

Tonight: vs The Hornets (1-1)

Tonight we get our first look at CP3! Should be exciting. NSS’, Matt Golden, will have a game preview posted later today.

What’s Ahead in week #2…

As week #2 begins, the Celtics veteran legs will get their first true test as they have 2 back to back’s this week with three of their next four games on the road. Though the schedule creates more of a challenge to the C’s then their (inferior) opponents, it will be interesting to see how Doc manages minutes. Will he rest Kevin one game?

November 3rd: @ 76ers

November 4th: @ Timberwolves

November 6th: vs Suns

November 7th: @ Nets

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.