Story Line in Boston Game

[Dumpy]

Over the past three games--12 quarters, for those who need help--the Nets have given up an average of 85 points on just 39.2% shooting. During that period, they've held the oppposition to less than 20 points in six of those quarters. Not including the final quarter in each game--which often degrades somewhat into a free-throw contest--they've given up less than 20 points in six of nine quarters, and more than 23 points once--the first quarter yesterday.</p>

Here's the kicker: The Celtics have the highest FG% in the league so far, at something like 52%. Something has to give.</p>

This is what I think: I think that Vince is actually playing pretty good defense so far, and of course Wright and Jefferson and Kidd have been terrific. I think that you can play man-to-man on Ray Allen and Pierce with those guys in some combination and be pretty successful. Of course if Allen is hitting his shots, you can't really stop him, but they can at least make it difficult. Rondo isn't going to shoot so you can cheat off of him. The guy to really worry about is Garnett. What might be interesting is a lineup of Kidd, Wright, Jefferson, Sean Williams, and Collins. Kidd, Wright, and RJ will just lock down the perimeter defensively, and you put Sean Williams on Perkins. Collins' job is just to keep Garnett as far from the basket as possible when he gets the ball. Whenever Garnett gets the ball, Williams can double him andgo forblocks.</p>

 

[jarkid]

I doubt Frank will use Sean to play the elite team now.</p>

 

[downunderwonder]

he should. Williams could exploit Perk for the slow as Oliver Miller tendances...</p>

 

[#1_War_Poet_ForLife]

Perkins=Slow. SWat=Fast.</p>

</p>

Do it Frank!</p>

 

[CelticKing]

Keep making fun of our players, but we'll have the last laugh on saturday night. </p>

 

[downunderwonder]

Probably. KG always lights us up...</p>

 

[Dumpy]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (CelticKing)</div><div class='quotemain'></p>

Keep making fun of our players, but we'll have the last laugh on saturday night. </p>

</div></p>

</p>

Right now, the Nets' best lineup consists of Kidd, Carter, Wright, RJ, and Collins (although yesterday Collins was replaced by Magloire as the lone big). The question is whether they can--or will attempt to--play this lineup when both Garnett and Perkins are in the game together? I don't know. If Scalabrine is in the game orwhen Boston goes small with, say, House-Posey-Allen-Pierce (which they did against Toronto) then I think the Nets can match up very well. For instance, when Scalabrine is in the game, the Nets can counter with Nachbar. Veal isn't quick enough to take advantage of Nachbar'smediocre defense, and not big and strong enough to overpower him. How do the Nets counter Garnett and Perkins? To me, that's the million dollar question. Right now Wright is playing defense on an absolutely dominant level--you should have seen Gordon try to drive on him on opening night, it was eye-opening--and I think he's up to the task of defending Allen or Pierce when he's in the game. </p>

 

[downunderwonder]

Good call, the Wright stuff has been making life hard for so many guys it isnt funny. The real question is how many Net bigs will end up in foul trouble on KG. That pretty much is the key storyline of the game...</p>

 

[FOMW]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Dumpy)</div><div class='quotemain'>This is what I think: I think that Vince is actually playing pretty good defense so far, and of course Wright and Jefferson and Kidd have been terrific.</div></p>

I think Vince's defense has been better than "pretty good." It's been as good as anyone else's on the team and absolutely terrific in crucial 4th quarter possessions for the opposition. He's not shooting worth a flip right now and he's clearly not nearly as comfortable in the "new" offense as he is in the old one where he's controlling the play (witness last night when Frank went retro for the first time this season for quarters 2 and 3 and essentially used VC in pick and rolls, post ups, and wing isos on a majority of possessions.) But he's definitely a big part of the improved team defense this year.</p>

I actually smiled when I read a quote from Vince a few days ago re his slow start. He said something like "My [offensive] game will come. I just have to make sure I take care of my responsibilities on the defensive end."</p>

That's a first in terms of reflecting his priorities.

</p>

 

[Dumpy]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (FOMW)</div><div class='quotemain'></p>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Dumpy)</div><div class='quotemain'>This is what I think: I think that Vince is actually playing pretty good defense so far, and of course Wright and Jefferson and Kidd have been terrific.</div></p>

I think Vince's defense has been better than "pretty good." It's been as good as anyone else's on the team and absolutely terrific in crucial 4th quarter possessions for the opposition. He's not shooting worth a flip right now and he's clearly not nearly as comfortable in the "new" offense as he is in the old one where he's controlling the play (witness last night when Frank went retro for the first time this season for quarters 2 and 3 and essentially used VC in pick and rolls, post ups, and wing isos on a majority of possessions.) But he's definitely a big part of the improved team defense this year.</p>

I actually smiled when I read a quote from Vince a few days ago re his slow start. He said something like "My [offensive] game will come. I just have to make sure I take care of my responsibilities on the defensive end."</p>

That's a first in terms of reflecting his priorities.

</p>

</div></p>

Krstic has been the weak link. And Boone, but he's been temporarily voted off the island.</p>

 

[J.S]

I think that if we can hold the Celts big 3 to 20-22 points each on the average we can get the W, and I'm pretty sure we can. Hopefully Jason Kidd and his magical will, can hold them to 45% shooting

 

[JE]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Dumpy)</div><div class='quotemain'></p>

Over the past three games--12 quarters, for those who need help--the Nets have given up an average of 85 points on just 39.2% shooting. During that period, they've held the oppposition to less than 20 points in six of those quarters. Not including the final quarter in each game--which often degrades somewhat into a free-throw contest--they've given up less than 20 points in six of nine quarters, and more than 23 points once--the first quarter yesterday.</p>

Here's the kicker: The Celtics have the highest FG% in the league so far, at something like 52%. Something has to give.</p>

This is what I think: I think that Vince is actually playing pretty good defense so far, and of course Wright and Jefferson and Kidd have been terrific. I think that you can play man-to-man on Ray Allen and Pierce with those guys in some combination and be pretty successful. Of course if Allen is hitting his shots, you can't really stop him, but they can at least make it difficult. Rondo isn't going to shoot so you can cheat off of him. The guy to really worry about is Garnett. What might be interesting is a lineup of Kidd, Wright, Jefferson, Sean Williams, and Collins. Kidd, Wright, and RJ will just lock down the perimeter defensively, and you put Sean Williams on Perkins. Collins' job is just to keep Garnett as far from the basket as possible when he gets the ball. Whenever Garnett gets the ball, Williams can double him andgo forblocks.</p>

</div></p>

</p>

Most of that I agree with except the Garnett theory. If he's kept away from the basket, he'll just shoot (and likely make) a 16 footer in Collins's eye. And KG has such a high release point that its nearly impossible to block. If you want to double him, he's a good enough passer where he can easily find the open man. I really don't think you guys have any legit defensive answers for KG and he'll own Saturday.</p>

 

[#1_War_Poet_ForLife]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (David_Ortiz)</div><div class='quotemain'></p>

Most of that I agree with except the Garnett theory. If he's kept away from the basket, he'll just shoot (and likely make) a 16 footer in Collins's eye. And KG has such a high release point that its nearly impossible to block. If you want to double him, he's a good enough passer where he can easily find the open man. I really don't think you guys have any legit defensive answers for KG and he'll own Saturday.</p>

</div></p>

</p>

Even if KG tried a set shot, Collins still wouldn't be able to block it

</p>

 

[J-HoAgZ]

Don't worry I have an unstoppable gameplan... First play of the game we get Collins to play off of Garnett so they dish to him.. As KG goes up for the 10 footer.. Sly sprints out of the stands completely decking KG but not injuring him.. Although he wouldn't be physically injured he will be so mentally injured that he will play so weak the rest of the game and Sean Williams has a HUGE game against him.. Then we beat them each time we play them even if its at Boston b/c KG will never forget the hit and fear New Jersey for the rest of his life... Just a suggestion</p>

 

[GMJ]

I don't think we'll see Sean in this game, based on how many ridiculous passes the C3 makes inside thoe post. It'll be KG behind-the-back passes all day long while he's in there. Going against Boston isn't the best situation to test Sean's increasing court awareness.</p>

I was watching Sportscenter a while ago when it broke down the Celtics rotation. In the report it said that KG and Allen would be the first people to come out, leaving PP to get extended minutes. We usually bring Kidd and RJ or Carter out first. Here's a crazy idea but I'm just brainstorming: we start Wright over Carter. We use the defense to slow down C3 (btw thats the celtics big three), and then bring out Carter at the first round of substitutions. Then we have Carter lighting it up against the Celtic's "bench," and then we only need Antoine or RJ to lockdown Paul Pierce.</p>

 

[#1_War_Poet_ForLife]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (GMJigga)</div><div class='quotemain'></p>

I don't think we'll see Sean in this game, based on how many ridiculous passes the C3 makes inside thoe post. It'll be KG behind-the-back passes all day long while he's in there. Going against Boston isn't the best situation to test Sean's increasing court awareness.</p>

I was watching Sportscenter a while ago when it broke down the Celtics rotation. In the report it said that KG and Allen would be the first people to come out, leaving PP to get extended minutes. We usually bring Kidd and RJ or Carter out first. Here's a crazy idea but I'm just brainstorming: we start Wright over Carter. We use the defense to slow down C3 (btw thats the celtics big three), and then bring out Carter at the first round of substitutions. Then we have Carter lighting it up against the Celtic's "bench," and then we only need Antoine or RJ to lockdown Paul Pierce.</p>

</div></p>

</p>

Great, now to grow some testicles for Frank!</p>

 

[GMJ]

Haha yeah good luck with that. Hell it was hard enough to even suggest that I start "the bust" over "the hero"</p>

 

[ly_yng]

Collins' defense on KG will be most effective if he keeps him away from the basket. From what I've heard, the Celts offense tends to come from Pierce creating - that's an ideal situation for Collins, cause it lets him do what he does best: box out. If we can turn KG into a jump shooter, that's ideal. Lord knows I'll take a 16 footer from KG over a putback dunk any time.</p>

Anyone else excited to see Magloire nail Pierce on an early drive? Don't think it'll stop him, but it might wear him down a bit.</p>

Is this game seriously not on national television? I wanna watch it sooooo badly. Bah!</p>

 

[NetBall]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (ly_yng)</div><div class='quotemain'></p>

Collins' defense on KG will be most effective if he keeps him away from the basket. From what I've heard, the Celts offense tends to come from Pierce creating - that's an ideal situation for Collins, cause it lets him do what he does best: box out. If we can turn KG into a jump shooter, that's ideal. Lord knows I'll take a 16 footer from KG over a putback dunk any time.</p>

Anyone else excited to see Magloire nail Pierce on an early drive? Don't think it'll stop him, but it might wear him down a bit.</p>

Is this game seriously not on national television? I wanna watch it sooooo badly. Bah!</p>

</div></p>

</p>

Hate it too! I'm expecting it to be on national tv ... oh well.</p>

I hope somebody picks it up at the last minute. Man, this is a preview of the ECF, what are they thinking?</p>

 

[Teaneck_Armory_Guy]

I'm thinking it will come down to who does more manhandlin': Kidd or Garnett.</p>

</p>

 

[J-HoAgZ]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (GMJigga)</div><div class='quotemain'></p>

I don't think we'll see Sean in this game, based on how many ridiculous passes the C3 makes inside thoe post. It'll be KG behind-the-back passes all day long while he's in there. Going against Boston isn't the best situation to test Sean's increasing court awareness.</p>

I was watching Sportscenter a while ago when it broke down the Celtics rotation. In the report it said that KG and Allen would be the first people to come out, leaving PP to get extended minutes. We usually bring Kidd and RJ or Carter out first. Here's a crazy idea but I'm just brainstorming: we start Wright over Carter. We use the defense to slow down C3 (btw thats the celtics big three), and then bring out Carter at the first round of substitutions. Then we have Carter lighting it up against the Celtic's "bench," and then we only need Antoine or RJ to lockdown Paul Pierce.</p>

</div></p>

I would love to have that rotation and I think it's a good idea. Except, if VC doesn't start then he's gonna get all pissed n bitchy about it n make a big fuss about how he's supposed to be the key player. I think it would hurt the team a lil more than help it.</p>

 

[Jizzy]

Can't come out sluggish tommorow. Don't wanna fall behindagainst Kg and co. Washington is one thing but the Celtics will be hard to come back from.</p>

 

[CelticKing]

You guys better bring your A game, cause we are bringing it on.</p>

 

[Dumpy]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (CelticKing)</div><div class='quotemain'></p>

You guys better bring your A game, cause we are bringing it on.</p>

</div></p>

I don't know about you, but the only thing I'm bringing is a tub of popcorn and my remote.</p>

</p>

 

[CelticKing]

You know what I meant. </p>

 

[NOMAM]

Another way to matchup defensively against the Celtics is putting Kidd on Allen and Carter on Rondo. You could have Kidd chase Allen around screens and stay up close on him while Carter can play off Rondo and use his length to challenge a jumpshot if Rondo decides to pullup. They could switch up on guarding either Rondo or Allen anytime they want Jefferson will be on Pierce and Wright can guard either Pierce or Allen. Will be interesting if the Nets can play small ball effectively against the Celtics. Also have to chase House off the 3 point line and atleast make him put the ball on the floor.</p>

Then there is Garnett who is going to be big matchup problem. If he starts hitting that fadeaway jumper in the post then he'll be unstoppable one on one and the Nets will have to double. Sean Williams has the athleticism, length, and quickness but I could see him falling for those Garnett pumpfakes and getting in foul trouble. So it could be up to Collins to be the Nets saviour. If Collins can keep Garnett from going off scoring in the post and grabbing a gazillion rebounds then the Nets have a good chance of pulling out a victory. Nets have to find a way to get Garnett in foul trouble but which Nets big is capable of doing that?</p>

</p>

</p>

</p>

 

[JE]

You know, this very well could be an ECF preview. The Celtics have so far proved that they're the class of the East i think, and I feel the Nets have the potential (italics for a reason) to get there, but everything and i mean everything must break correctly. The first being that Chicago doesn't recover from their early season slump so NJ can try and make a run a top 3-4 seed, that would be a good start.</p>

</p>

Now i've noticed that my good friend Jizzy from BBF has made an account here (at least i'm pretty sure its him), so he's gonna flip when he sees what i just wrote... just note that the Nets DO have flaws, it's just a matter of exploiting/eliminating them that dictates how far they go. obviously.</p>

</p>

In any case, looking forward to tomorrow. I cancelled all my plans so I could watch. =P</p>

 

[JE]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (NJNETS51)</div><div class='quotemain'></p>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (GMJigga)</div><div class='quotemain'></p>

I don't think we'll see Sean in this game, based on how many ridiculous passes the C3 makes inside thoe post. It'll be KG behind-the-back passes all day long while he's in there. Going against Boston isn't the best situation to test Sean's increasing court awareness.</p>

I was watching Sportscenter a while ago when it broke down the Celtics rotation. In the report it said that KG and Allen would be the first people to come out, leaving PP to get extended minutes. We usually bring Kidd and RJ or Carter out first. Here's a crazy idea but I'm just brainstorming: we start Wright over Carter. We use the defense to slow down C3 (btw thats the celtics big three), and then bring out Carter at the first round of substitutions. Then we have Carter lighting it up against the Celtic's "bench," and then we only need Antoine or RJ to lockdown Paul Pierce.</p>

</div></p>

I would love to have that rotation and I think it's a good idea. Except, if VC doesn't start then he's gonna get all pissed n bitchy about it n make a big fuss about how he's supposed to be the key player. I think it would hurt the team a lil more than help it.</p>

</div></p>

</p>

Yeah that is the only real problem with his theory (VC getting pissy). It's creative though.</p>

 

[pegs]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (FOMW)</div><div class='quotemain'></p>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Dumpy)</div><div class='quotemain'>This is what I think: I think that Vince is actually playing pretty good defense so far, and of course Wright and Jefferson and Kidd have been terrific.</div></p>

I think Vince's defense has been better than "pretty good." It's been as good as anyone else's on the team and absolutely terrific in crucial 4th quarter possessions for the opposition. He's not shooting worth a flip right now and he's clearly not nearly as comfortable in the "new" offense as he is in the old one where he's controlling the play (witness last night when Frank went retro for the first time this season for quarters 2 and 3 and essentially used VC in pick and rolls, post ups, and wing isos on a majority of possessions.) But he's definitely a big part of the improved team defense this year.</p>

I actually smiled when I read a quote from Vince a few days ago re his slow start. He said something like "My [offensive] game will come. I just have to make sure I take care of my responsibilities on the defensive end."</p>

That's a first in terms of reflecting his priorities.

</p>

</div></p>

</p>

Gotta love the recognition of Vince's great defense.</p>

Watching him on the defensive end, you can tell he's trying really hard, and doing a great job at it. Most of the time, he really keeps his man in check, and it's great to see.</p>

 

[pegs]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (NOMAM)</div><div class='quotemain'></p>

Another way to matchup defensively against the Celtics is putting Kidd on Allen and Carter on Rondo. You could have Kidd chase Allen around screens and stay up close on him while Carter can play off Rondo and use his length to challenge a jumpshot if Rondo decides to pullup. They could switch up on guarding either Rondo or Allen anytime they want Jefferson will be on Pierce and Wright can guard either Pierce or Allen. Will be interesting if the Nets can play small ball effectively against the Celtics. Also have to chase House off the 3 point line and atleast make him put the ball on the floor.</p>

Then there is Garnett who is going to be big matchup problem. If he starts hitting that fadeaway jumper in the post then he'll be unstoppable one on one and the Nets will have to double. Sean Williams has the athleticism, length, and quickness but I could see him falling for those Garnett pumpfakes and getting in foul trouble. So it could be up to Collins to be the Nets saviour. If Collins can keep Garnett from going off scoring in the post and grabbing a gazillion rebounds then the Nets have a good chance of pulling out a victory. Nets have to find a way to get Garnett in foul trouble but which Nets big is capable of doing that?</p>

</div></p>

</p>

Not sure if it'd be easy getting Garnett into foul trouble, but if anyone could, I'd bet on the Nets to do it. We have RJ and VC, two of the best at getting to the line.</p>

But I say no doubles, just stay man-to-man and let Collins deal with Garnett. If Garnett gets some buckets, let him get his, and play tough defense on everyone else. Maybe pull a Dallas/Nash type strategy, where they give up trying to stop the unstoppable, and focus on trying to stop other players on the team.</p>