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RobOnTheCape · Nov 15, 2007, 08:47 AM

The Celts are now showing they can do the undefeated thing as well as the Pats. For perhaps a few more games anyhow. I haven't heard anyone talk about the Celts in years, and now there is a quiet buzz. It'll take a while before there is anything like the buzz of the eighties, but with the age of the three stars, it's unlikely they'll have the run of the original three did.

Nice thing to see is that the other teammates are stepping up as well. Only if the Bruins could dip into that well of champions. For some teams it's great management and luck. Unfortunately, the Bruins have neither.

Sox, please pony up and give Lowell his four years. It would kill me to see him playing first base for the Yanks.

andi*pandi · Nov 15, 2007, 08:57 AM

answer to thread title: mutant rats?

Dakarʒ · Nov 15, 2007, 08:59 AM

I don't what it is, but it let Danny Ainge mind-control Kevin McHale. Must be something from the 80s.

RAILhead · Nov 15, 2007, 09:09 AM

Turds?

PaperNotes · Nov 15, 2007, 09:21 AM

Irish blood and that of the descendents of Puritanians.

RobOnTheCape · Nov 15, 2007, 09:29 AM

Seeing as how most of these players aren't from Boston, aren't Irish or Puritans, I'd have to lean more to the turd theory than that angle.

andi*pandi · Nov 15, 2007, 10:03 AM

you think I was joking about the mutant rats? I've seen them. They're huge. And they swim well.

RAILhead · Nov 15, 2007, 10:14 AM

Same here re: turds.

PaperNotes · Nov 15, 2007, 10:45 AM

Originally Posted by RobOnTheCape

Seeing as how most of these players aren't from Boston, aren't Irish or Puritans, I'd have to lean more to the turd theory than that angle.

Yo u hav eno sen seo fwon der.

brassplayersrock² · 02:18 PM

rain right now :/

edit:
lots and lots of rain

angelmb · Nov 15, 2007, 02:22 PM

Originally Posted by Dakarʒ

Must be something from the 80s.

the Three Musketeers for Atlantic domination and… a good defense !!

reader50 · Nov 15, 2007, 02:24 PM

Huh. I clicked the thread to find out what was wrong with Boston water. Too-strong chlorine taste, rust-red from taps, people getting sick? But the OP didn't say anything about water at all.

This appears to be sports-related, presumably a complaint about a Boston-based baseball team. Here's to descriptive thread titles.

Dakarʒ · Nov 15, 2007, 02:29 PM

Welcome to the Lounge.

ShortcutToMoncton · Nov 15, 2007, 02:35 PM

I'm so glad the Raptors will be playing the Celtics so many times this year. It won't be good for their record, but watching Bosh and Garnett go at it is Warrior Juice-worthy.

greg

Dakarʒ · Nov 15, 2007, 02:38 PM

It can only improve Bosh's game, too.

ShortcutToMoncton · Nov 15, 2007, 02:40 PM

Yeah maybe, although he usually does pretty well against Garnett. I'm more optimistic it'll improve Bargnani's game, because he's been sucking all the Warrior Juice so far this season.

greg

Laminar · Nov 15, 2007, 02:42 PM

Originally Posted by ShortcutToMoncton

Warrior Juice

hahahahaha

Dakarʒ · Nov 15, 2007, 02:46 PM

Originally Posted by ShortcutToMoncton

Yeah maybe, although he usually does pretty well against Garnett. I'm more optimistic it'll improve Bargnani's game, because he's been sucking all the Warrior Juice so far this season.

greg

The team is in crazy shape. It's both a miracle and a tragedy that they're 4-4. I'll be happy if they keep playing .500 ball till they figure things out.

ShortcutToMoncton · Nov 15, 2007, 03:02 PM

I wouldn't go that far. They've got the exact same team that put up 47(?) wins last year, plus another year of experience for lots of young players and an athletic rookie and last year's best 3-ball shooter. Those additions shouldn't be messing things up as much as they seem to be.

On the other hand, after that rough patch there's been a few blowout wins (against weak opponents admittedly) and a close, tough loss to one of the best teams in the West. I'm simply not a big fan of Mitchell's coaching to be honest, COY or not. The Utah game was a painful example of how disorganized the Raps often are on the floor (and I won't even mention the final play...I'd get a hernia).

So yeah. I think they'll start gelling, just like last year (plus it's a better start than last year). There's a lot more stronger Eastern teams that they'll be playing, but on the other hand there's some weakened ones as well (Miami?) so hopefully that takes some of the pain away.

greg

Dakarʒ · Nov 15, 2007, 03:12 PM

Originally Posted by ShortcutToMoncton

I wouldn't go that far. They've got the exact same team that put up 47(?) wins last year, plus another year of experience for lots of young players and an athletic rookie and last year's best 3-ball shooter. Those additions shouldn't be messing things up as much as they seem to be.

Well it's more about the line-ups. Bargnani started, but we've (probably wisely) put Rasho back on the starting block. Integrating new players does fudge chemistry, in the short term.

I am, however extremely pumped about the PG spot. Checout Calderon's per48 and Assist-to-turnover ratios. Sickening.

Originally Posted by ShortcutToMoncton

On the other hand, after that rough patch there's been a few blowout wins (against weak opponents admittedly) and a close, tough loss to one of the best teams in the West. I'm simply not a big fan of Mitchell's coaching to be honest, COY or not. The Utah game was a painful example of how disorganized the Raps often are on the floor (and I won't even mention the final play...I'd get a hernia).

So yeah. I think they'll start gelling, just like last year (plus it's a better start than last year). There's a lot more stronger Eastern teams that they'll be playing, but on the other hand there's some weakened ones as well (Miami?) so hopefully that takes some of the pain away.

greg

I share your thoughts on Mitchell. I readily jumped on the Fire Sam bandwagon last Nov/Dec (I really wished he had been axed, Jim O'Brien would have been a great coach for this team. SVG too, probably). He's a good motivator, and I think he has insight into some of the important nuances of the game, but to me, that's something you pay an assistant for. That or they haul in one of the best XO guys they can find to be lead assistant, because the offense is bare bones. If there's one thing I will give him, he seems to have acknowledged what Moon has been bringing to the table much more quickly than past players.

BTW, nice to have a competent NBA chat with someone around here.

ShortcutToMoncton · Nov 15, 2007, 03:28 PM

Precisely. I mean as bad as Bargnani has been playing, I just don't know how/why Mitchell's using him...is there a single pay drawn up for the guy, pick'n'roll, anything besides a drive-and-kick-out-for-Bargnani-three-or-drive? To add to that he operates from outside almost solely from the top of the arc, which I always thought was one of the worst places from which to drive (easiest for the defence to collapse around him). I dunno, I just get a little sketched out sometimes. I know Mitchell's very much a "feel" coach in many respects, but there's something to be said for running by "feel" with an X&O option! Watching Utah's seemingly effortless switch to zone at points during the game (with resulting Raptor confusion), and their crisp set play attempts, made me pee a little...in anger, and perhaps a little frustration.

To add to that, I sometimes get a little frustrated with Bosh. I don't know if it's just me, but last year I picked up on a bit of a trend of him starting the game very powerful, and trailing off, or starting very slowly, and finishing very strong. I mean he's incredibly consistent on a macro points/rebounds/effort level, but at game level it seems like he often fits into one of these options (ie. he gets his numbers in very different ways). On the whole it's hard to judge from this year (especially since he's working his way back and all), but sometimes I get the feeling that I'd like a solid 38 minutes of consistency from him. On the plus note, I'm seeing a better commitment to defence on his part this year, so if it keeps up I could live with that instead.

greg

Dakarʒ · Nov 15, 2007, 03:39 PM

Originally Posted by ShortcutToMoncton

Precisely. I mean as bad as Bargnani has been playing, I just don't know how/why Mitchell's using him...is there a single pay drawn up for the guy, pick'n'roll, anything besides a drive-and-kick-out-for-Bargnani-three-or-drive? To add to that he operates from outside almost solely from the top of the arc, which I always thought was one of the worst places from which to drive (easiest for the defence to collapse around him).

My biggest issue last year was after he had broken out in december, Mitchell refused to make plays for him. I understand the mentality of making a rookie earn his place, but when he's you most potent bench scorer, maybe you'd like to make an exception?

His dribble drive may not improve. I remember Game 6 in NJ and he made several concerted efforts to drive to the basket to keep the defense honest. He basically looked like an a freight train, and ended up grabbing an offensive foul or putting up a complete mess of shot as he struggled with his handle. I hoped it was something he could work on, but he's not looking more graceful so far this year (Not that I get to see many games being in the US)

Originally Posted by ShortcutToMoncton

I dunno, I just get a little sketched out sometimes. I know Mitchell's very much a "feel" coach in many respects, but there's something to be said for running by "feel" with an X&O option! Watching Utah's seemingly effortless switch to zone at points during the game (with resulting Raptor confusion), and their crisp set play attempts, made me pee a little...in anger, and perhaps a little frustration.

To add to that, I sometimes get a little frustrated with Bosh. I don't know if it's just me, but last year I picked up on a bit of a trend of him starting the game very powerful, and trailing off, or starting very slowly, and finishing very strong. I mean he's incredibly consistent on a macro points/rebounds/effort level, but at game level it seems like he often fits into one of these options (ie. he gets his numbers in very different ways). On the whole it's hard to judge from this year (especially since he's working his way back and all), but sometimes I get the feeling that I'd like a solid 38 minutes of consistency from him. On the plus note, I'm seeing a better commitment to defence on his part this year, so if it keeps up I could live with that instead.

greg

I have a bad feeling Bosh's conditioning is an issue (in general, not from the injury). Mitchell needs to recognize and adjust when he gives him a blow accordingly. (Good luck) Bosh's commitment to defense might have been a result of the Bargnani promotion. I'm curious whether what you see will be maintained with Rasho's return.

Side note: Is it funny that Bosh talks about working on his 3 pointers and Bargnani his post game? I understand working on your weaknesses, but these two would make a much better tandem if they perfected their strengths.

ShortcutToMoncton · Nov 15, 2007, 03:58 PM

Well AFAIK Rasho will probably be out for at least a little while with the ankle injury from last night, so it'll be good to see if Hump or Bargs gets stuck in instead.

I like the idea of Bargnani working on his post game; I think he has to have one to work effectively with Bosh, who has within-18-foot range but isn't a big post presence. Let's face it, Bosh just doesn't have the build or the game to be an offensive-cleanup type of guy, and the Raps take a lot of long-range shots. Bargs is a massive boy and in theory he'd fit the bill a little better. But yeah, I hate the idea of Bosh taking 3-pointers. With all the long-range weapons on the team, it seems..."pointless" (ohhhhhhhhhh).

The other positive I see is the Moon potential as en everyman-type player. I know it's only a couple games but he's really impressed me. If Bargs continues to be used as an SF-type player on offence, I tend to think it would be nicely complimentary if Moon could be used as a slasher threat who could fill in a little on the offensive boards because of his length, perhaps tentatively Marion-like. (On that note: have you seen him jump?? Jebus. I've seen people talk about his dunking ability but he's only shown a few flashes thus far. I really want to see him posterize someone though!

)

I don't know, that's all pretty vague but it's just what I've been noticing so far. I'm anxious to see how things start to pan out though.

greg

Dakarʒ · Nov 15, 2007, 04:23 PM

I agree Bargs should work on a post game, but it seems natural that his driving should be the focus of his improvement as its the best way to keep defenses honest right now and he's going to get plenty of opportunity to use it.

As for Moon, he's the athletic swingman we've been dying for. Good brains, good rebounding, good defense, great energy.