Game Preview #16: Boston Celtics @ San Antonio Spurs
by Lauri on Dec 3, 2009 12:40 AM CST
in Game Previews
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PrintKevin Garnett Out 3-4 Months With Pounded Chest
Thanks, CapHill, for sending this link to me. Thank you, secret Onion writer, for this related article:
Tim Duncan Hams It Up For Crowd By Arching Left Eyebrow Slightly
Need I say more? No, I needn't, not really. But this is PtR, and so I am contractually obligated to supply at least 2,500 more words on why, if there is an FSM, the Spurs have to provide evidence of Its existence by winning. this. m11g. game.
All I want for Festivus is a Spurs win tonight
 Boston Celtics @ San Antonio Spurs When: December 3, 2009, 7:00 PM Spurs time Watch: TNT, baby, taking our rightful place in the national spotlight!
How They Stack Up
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Matchups
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 Tony Parker London Frog |
Point Guard Oh lalalalala, this is going to be a tough category for us to win. Rondo takes fewer shots and accumulates fewer points per game than TP, but gathers more rebounds and provides more assists. Rondo is an inch shorter than the Wee Frenchman, though, so there's that. . . . And he, unlike Tony, is a craptacular free-throw shooter (43% so far this season). So let's try two strategies on him: Foul and be fouled. Advantage: Tied |
 Rajon Rondo "I have a 5-year extension, b*tches. How you like me now?" |
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 Keith Bogans He's your bogeyman, he's your bogeyman--turn him on |
Shooting Guard Well, heck, this one doesn't look good for us on paper either. Ray Allen detonated the other night against Charlotte for 27 points, and once he's dialed in, it's hard to stop him. And he may be the weak point in the Celtics defensive game, but that's not saying much. Bogans has shown signs of improvement at both ends of the court along with his increase in minutes, but I don't think I'll be generating much outrage if I give the white box to Allen. Advantage: Celtics |
 Ray Allen Streaky Clean |
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 Richard Jefferson Time to Shine, RJ (no, I don't mean your head). |
Small Forward I may be crazy, but I think RJ can run with Paul Pierce. The stats don't bear me out--Pierce averages higher in points, rebounds, assists, and efficiency--but let's call it a hunch. In mid-November, Pierce bruised a knee, but it didn't seem to slow him down much. He is aggressive, and Jefferson is going to have to push back. Advantage: Celtics |
 Paul Pierce Lifer in Boston |
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 Tim Duncan "What's my secret? Theo introduced me to Youngevity!" |
Power Forward I don't care if he is Kevin Garnett--I'm calling this one for Timmy. Garnett seems to have found his shot after struggling early, but Duncan never lost his to begin with. And as Latin D just pointed out, Timmy isn't only playing as well as he ever has, he's improving. Tim Kness for the win. Advantage: Spurs |
 Kevin Garnett ::fist pump, chest thump, hip bump:: |
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 Antonio McDyess Due for a double double? |
Center Guess who's leading the league in FG percentage at 64.3%? Go on, guess! You'll never believe it. Here's a hint--it's one of the two players featured in this match-up. Indeed, potential all-star Kendrick Perkins has really upped his game this season, most recently going 9 of 10 against the Bobcats and picking up 12 rebounds in the process. His interior defense has been stellar as well. This is going to be a tough, tough game for the Spurs if Perk is playing with confidence. Meanwhile, it's been two steps forward, one step back with Dice, who looked great against Houston but was held scoreless in only 12 minutes of play against the Sixers. We desperately need a good game from him tonight. Advantage: Celtics |
 Kendrick Perkins Surprise! |
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 Matt Bonner Fines, Lifetime Total: $0** |
Bench & Role Players So. I don't know if you've noticed lately, but our bench is a baaaad mother--shut your mouth! I know we usually put Manu's picture up there, but really, Bonner has been the baddest of the BAM, making 4 of 6 3-point attempts in our last game. Let's hope he still has the hot hand, because Boston has Sheed on the bench, and Sheed brings sheer stubborn strength and defense. Matty, um, doesn't. But between Ginobili and Blair, AND Finley, AND Hill, AND (maybe?) Romaju, our bench outclasses anyone's, even Boston's. Especially with Big Baby still out. Advantage: Spurs |
 Rasheed Wallace Fines, Season Total (so far): $30,000 |
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 Gregg Popovich "Bring on Sager. I have a special sneer I've been saving just for him." |
Coach Y'all probably know that Doc Rivers finished out his playing career in San Antonio, and that he was a broadcaster for the Spurs for a little while before moving on to Turner and then to coaching. But did you know that more than a decade ago, Spurs fans were begging the front office to fire Popovich and replace him with Rivers? Yep, in a 1997 San Antonio Express-News poll, 93% of the respondents wanted Pop OUT. But enough history. Who has the edge today? You got me. Rivers has done a great job this season. He and Pop are in much the same predicament with aging stars, but their approaches could not be more different. Pop has had to work around injuries to Parker and Duncan, starting no fewer than 8 different lineups. Meanwhile, the Celtics have started the same five players every single game this season. Wild, huh? Advantage: Tied |
 Doc Rivers Welcome back, Doc. Now please lose, kthxbai. |
| images via yahoo.com | ||
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Other Factors
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Mojo You can't get much closer in mojo than the Spurs and Celtics are right now. Both teams are on 5-game winning streaks. Both teams have gone 7 and 3 in their last 10 games. But! The once-formidable New England Patriots were just thrashed on Monday Night Football, and the Boston Red Sox got swept by the Angels this year in the ALDS. San Antonio doesn't even have a football or baseball team, so we don't have to worry about any messy bad-mojo overspill. It's just that easy! ::smile; tooth sparkle:: Advantage: Spurs |
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Prediction: Spurs over the Celtics by a hair's breadth |
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| We win. Because we have to. |
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Keys To The Game
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Strength of ScheduleThe Spurs are coming off yet another mini-off-season (three endless days of rest since we defeated the Sixers on Sunday). Boston has had more time to gel as a team, playing 18 games to our 15, so we're going to have to get our rhythm back as soon as--no, make that before we step onto that court. Last Time They MetLast year we split our two games with the Celtics, winning on the road 105-99 in February and losing at home 80-77 (ugh) in March. |
Some Other ReadingCelticsCeltics Blog - The busiest NBA blog on SBNation, for a reason. Go check it out - Jeff Clark and friends do a great job keeping C's fans up to speed. Celtics Hub - The TrueHoop blog for the Celtics. Depending on which one of the writers you ask, Nocioni is a great idea or a terrible idea. Spurs48 Minutes of Hell: Best damn TrueHoop affiliate out there. Always a must visit Spurs site. Evidence that civilization continues to crumble, or, as we non-Luddites call it, Twitter:JackMcClinton smh lost three straight games in ncaa 10 in my season i was undefeated, the computer be knowing my plays! manuginobili Día muuuy largo hoy. Sesión de autógrafos, video, pesas, entrenamiento duro y tratamientos. A la cama temprano! // Looong day today. Autograph session, video, weights, hard practice and treatments. Going to bed early. MoneyMase Yo, does anybody have any advice for my loveable but hard headed english bulldog puppy? He is really trying my patience... George_Hill3 Why not!!! I won't have Christmas spirit without it. I'm trying SA LOL. Not even one present under it SMH .... http://twitpic.com/rslxp tp9network Hello ! Our series goes on with a 5th win against Philadelphia. Little by little, it's taking shape. Now we gotta be ready for our big game on Thursday: Boston! You can also find all the official Spurs Sports & Entertainment Twitter accounts here: http://twitter.com/spurs/official/members |
Where to Tune In
TVThis game will be aired on TNT. It's the early game, too, so we won't miss the first 4 minutes of play watching the preceding game end in a time-outfest. OnlineAs always, NBA League Pass is recommended for those who are willing to pony up the cash. Most Spurs games will be broadcast there, which is especially helpful for those of us who aren't in the San Antonio area. Please don't post links to illegal game feeds in the game thread. Links to illegal feeds are not permitted on SBNation, but you can probably find them out there on the internets if you're resourceful and desperate. In fact, nobody can stop you from googling "atdhe". You can also shoot an email to dmenendez@gmail.com for more assistance. Spurs League Pass audio is still free this year, so check it out. RadioIf you're in the San Antonio area and aren't near a TV, tune in to WOAI (1200 AM). |
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Comments
Excellent preview, Lauri. I’m so pumped for this game, I’m thinking of taking the day off to watch it. And oh yeah, to also rest after weeks and weeks of hell at work.
Lastly, KG sucks.
by silverandblack_davis on Dec 3, 2009 1:46 AM CST reply actions
At least Pop will be pissed that Lauri didn’t give the white box solely to him. So he’ll coach for a change.
"Under the tutelage....of Randy Tutelage"
Or maybe he’ll think how having 4 titles wasn’t enough to convince Lauri and he’ll get shitfaced on ’47 Cheval Blanc.
"Under the tutelage....of Randy Tutelage"
Hipuks, you never fail to crack me up!
"You may all go to hell, and I will go to Texas." -Davy Crockett
"Give me an army of West Point graduates, and I'll win a battle. Give me a handful of Texas Aggies, and I'll win a war." -Gen. George S. Patton
by spursfan4ever on Dec 3, 2009 5:42 AM CST up reply actions
If we start losing games again, it’s because of the new avatar.
The Spurs - now playing defense again!
I third the motion
but not this one
Evey- "Are you a crazy person?"
V- "I'm quite sure they'll say so."
V for Vendetta, blowing your mind away since 2005.
It was between that or http://media.photobucket.com/image/ol%20kentucky%20shark/vegasjunkie88/olkentuckyshark.jpg.
"Under the tutelage....of Randy Tutelage"
I gotta feeling that tonight’s gonna be a good night!
If you liked it then you should have put a 5th ring on it. Oh oh oh.
so was that on purpose to quote a song?
"What excites me the most is when a coach calls a timeout and chews out his forward because I just dunked on his head."
--Karl Malone
Dre, (whatup, Snoop) yo I got the feelin
Tonight’s the night like Betty Wright, and I’m chillin
Killin, feelin, no remorse, yeah
So lets go straight to the motherfuckin’ source
That’s what I thought of. But if you search on Google what he said is some song by the bastard Black Eyed Peas.
"Under the tutelage....of Randy Tutelage"
your's is waaaaaaaaaaay better
Evey- "Are you a crazy person?"
V- "I'm quite sure they'll say so."
V for Vendetta, blowing your mind away since 2005.
Hah, fuck I love that song. It’s so old school. (not the BEP one)
by silverandblack_davis on Dec 3, 2009 6:19 PM CST up reply actions
The shame sock returns.
I wonder how fast I will be able to spot Sager from up top…
"We suck on 'D. Both individually and team-wise, we suck. We're pretty consistent that way. I don't know if I have an answer to that. If I did, we wouldn't suck quite so bad." - Popovich
by Aaron "Hirschof" Preine on Dec 3, 2009 7:23 AM CST reply actions
Go Spurs Go!
I’m praying whoever’s been bringing the awesome mojo the last five games continue to do so today. I’ll be catching this one at work with my dad, who happens to be a Celtics fan, so I’m getting ready for some good-natured ribbing. I just hope I get a chance to put some shots in – Go Spurs!
Great preview, Lauri. I can’t wait for this game… I hate these long breaks. (Even though they do provide some much needed PTR rest.)
Straight from the No-Stat Zone to your computer!
Dunkin' Cheerleaders
you’ve got the wrong picture for perk. thats obviously not him, cos that person is smiling.
free george hill!
by sleep research facility on Dec 3, 2009 8:22 AM CST reply actions 1 recs
Since Big Baby Fuckface is not playing tonight, I’m gonna have to hate on Perkins.
"Under the tutelage....of Randy Tutelage"
I want to go to the Liberty before the game before it moves away from its venerable location. Anyone interested in meeting there?
I have flying monkeys at my disposal, and I'm not afraid to use them.
If I was:
A) In San Antonio
B) off early enough
C) not completely broke
…I would totally go.
The Spurs - now playing defense again!
Completely off-topic: Is it really supposed to snow in SA tomorrow?
The Spurs - now playing defense again!
I think so. I know that in Austin we’re supposed to get an inch or more of accumulation, which doesn’t sound like much, but is HUGE for these parts.
I have flying monkeys at my disposal, and I'm not afraid to use them.
So, basically Austin/SA will be shut down because of ONE inch of snow? Pansies.
My people call it "sarcasm." - Lauri
Wait till you see pictures of the snowmen people will attempt to build with this stuff. Talk about pathetic. . . .
I have flying monkeys at my disposal, and I'm not afraid to use them.
No one here knows how to drive in sleet (we aint getting snow).
"We suck on 'D. Both individually and team-wise, we suck. We're pretty consistent that way. I don't know if I have an answer to that. If I did, we wouldn't suck quite so bad." - Popovich
by Aaron "Hirschof" Preine on Dec 3, 2009 1:24 PM CST up reply actions
Let’s see you without your chains, snowsweepers, and salt miss non-pansy pants.
We specialize in misinformation around here. Facts and stats just get in the way.
by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Dec 3, 2009 1:46 PM CST up reply actions
I only own a snow shovel, so there! :P As long as it doesn’t get deeper than 6 inches, I’m good to go.
My people call it "sarcasm." - Lauri
Yeah, well tell your city to get rid of the street sweepers and the salt and then elevate all your highways and let’s talk.
We specialize in misinformation around here. Facts and stats just get in the way.
by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Dec 3, 2009 4:00 PM CST up reply actions
Snow plows, whatever. Heavy machinery.
We specialize in misinformation around here. Facts and stats just get in the way.
by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Dec 3, 2009 6:35 PM CST up reply actions
Oh what the hell, nobody thought this was perfect for a TWSS?
"Under the tutelage....of Randy Tutelage"
So if anyone tells you that the Spurs will beat Boston when hell freezes over, just smile and say, “Exactly.”
I have flying monkeys at my disposal, and I'm not afraid to use them.
Anyone remember the BIG SNOW of 1985? That was some crazy shnow.
"Mr. Gilmore deserves to be in the Basketball Hall of Fame damnit. Highest field goal percentage EVER"
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/gilmoar01.html
yeah, that was crazy – i was 8 – big snow and then a layer of ice on top of the snow……
"Mr. Gilmore deserves to be in the Basketball Hall of Fame damnit. Highest field goal percentage EVER"
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/gilmoar01.html
I was talking about that with co-workers yesterday. I think my mind manufactured memories of that from seeing pictures and then people telling me about it when I was young. I mean I wasn’t 2 when it happened. I could have sworn I remembered seeing my brother and sister playing in our backyard in it and details like them racing to our swing set…. A co-worker said you can’t keep memories earlier than 5 years old though. It’s weird to me altogether, but these are the effects of a snowstorm once every 25 years.
Philippine version (in the 90s)
No, you can’t make snowmen from these.
"Yes, it's important that I have good numbers, and I'm well-respected as a player. But I think it's more important that I'm respected as a man." - Some Tall Guy Who Wore #50
it’s like right now….is it right now, like the now that was or the now that is, in order for it to be now, it has to be the future now, that just entered the present now, but now it’s in the past….oh well
"Mr. Gilmore deserves to be in the Basketball Hall of Fame damnit. Highest field goal percentage EVER"
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/gilmoar01.html
Ever wonder what Pop sees?
"We suck on 'D. Both individually and team-wise, we suck. We're pretty consistent that way. I don't know if I have an answer to that. If I did, we wouldn't suck quite so bad." - Popovich
by Aaron "Hirschof" Preine on Dec 3, 2009 1:26 PM CST reply actions 7 recs
Oh my har. You need to send this to the TNT crew, stat.
I have flying monkeys at my disposal, and I'm not afraid to use them.
I’m sure they’ll at least consider putting it up if Pop is his usual self with Sager.
When the tooth fairy's own tooth falls out, it is taken during the night by Princess Peanut.
They would—they love this kind of stuff. I emailed a link to the housie and told him to try to get it to the crew if he can. . . .
I have flying monkeys at my disposal, and I'm not afraid to use them.
Guess I need to record it tonight. :-)
"We suck on 'D. Both individually and team-wise, we suck. We're pretty consistent that way. I don't know if I have an answer to that. If I did, we wouldn't suck quite so bad." - Popovich
by Aaron "Hirschof" Preine on Dec 3, 2009 2:27 PM CST up reply actions
You did that? That’s awesome, man. Put it up in a post of its own. Hell, make a wallpaper with that one…
Straight from the No-Stat Zone to your computer!
Dunkin' Cheerleaders
I'm a Nuggies fan, so it isn't often I root for the Spurs
But please, someone shove Keith Bogans into KG’s healthy knee while he has all his weight on it.
This is all I ask of you. I’m pretty sure Spurs and Nuggets nation can get behind this collective goal.
Swats.
I’m sorry you’re a Nuggets fan, but at least all of the suffering is finally starting to pay off. I’ll be watching Carmelo and company in person tonight. I’ll admit I thought they would fall off this year, but kudos to them for playing well (except against the T-Wolves).
My people call it "sarcasm." - Lauri
Looking forward to this game
I’m looking forward to seeing TD kick KG’s ass tonight. BSPN had poll question earlier this year asking which guy had more in the tank KG or TD. 2/3’s of the misinformed nation said the KG had more in the tank. Of course the fact that Tim had better numbers than KG last year didn’t mean anything to anybody. I see a Spurs win in this one as well. 93-85.
"There's a thin line between to laugh with and to laugh at." - Richard Pryor
Hey, people, the Philippine time in previews, is it a script or something, or just copy-pasted, or whatever? Because it still shows as if you were still on DST. 7pm central should be 9am ph. just saying.
"Yes, it's important that I have good numbers, and I'm well-respected as a player. But I think it's more important that I'm respected as a man." - Some Tall Guy Who Wore #50
I checked them all for my last preview, so you should be able to copy/paste from that.
My people call it "sarcasm." - Lauri
I suck. Please forgive me, Filipino Spurs fans.
I have flying monkeys at my disposal, and I'm not afraid to use them.
I like the ongoing Tiger Woods saga.
by silverandblack_davis on Dec 3, 2009 6:25 PM CST up reply actions
I’m getting kind of jacked up for this game. I wish my team was playing – against either of tonight’s teams would be fine. I’m tired of playing the Nets & Knicks & Hornets. I am ready to go up against a contender already.
The Lakers "Too big, too strong, too long, too good."
Spurs aren’t ready for that yet, as much as I’d like them to be. But, January will be here before you know it.
The Spurs - now playing defense again!
Somehow, when I think of big games, I only consider Lakers, Celtics and Mavericks games. Not Cleveland, not Orlando, not Denver, not Phoenix.
"Yes, it's important that I have good numbers, and I'm well-respected as a player. But I think it's more important that I'm respected as a man." - Some Tall Guy Who Wore #50
To me it is Celtics, Spurs, Cavs & Magic. I should also include the Mavs & Nuggets but only because they have beaten us already this year so I can’t wait to return the favor.
The Lakers "Too big, too strong, too long, too good."
by olf on Dec 3, 2009 6:36 PM CST up reply actions
I’m not even saying we’re ready for it either. People where I live get too excited when we look good against the Nets or Knicks. Wait until we play a tough team and suddenly don’t look as good. I would be happy just to slug it out with some good competition – win or lose.
The Lakers "Too big, too strong, too long, too good."
by olf on Dec 3, 2009 6:33 PM CST up reply actions
Game thread up yet?
"Yes, it's important that I have good numbers, and I'm well-respected as a player. But I think it's more important that I'm respected as a man." - Some Tall Guy Who Wore #50
Sup rome.
Do you know if Manu is playing?
Does anyone in here know?
...Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is forty five.
Not yet… I don’t think anyone’s on it. I’ll get it.
by silverandblack_davis on Dec 3, 2009 6:59 PM CST up reply actions
Roger is in uniform. He should be playing, says Wayne.
Straight from the No-Stat Zone to your computer!
Dunkin' Cheerleaders
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