Sports of Boston » Kevin Garnett

Pierce Makes History, Celtics Handle Bobcats

Nathan — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 04:41:25 +0000

Paul Pierce had 15 points, nine assists and eight rebounds Tuesday night, moving into second all-time in Celtics’ scoring as the Celtics coasted to a 94-84 victory over the Charlotte Bobcats. Kevin Garnett continued his strong play for the Celtics with 22 points and seven rebounds. Reggie Williams led the NBA worst 3-22 Bobcats 21 points and 5 assists.

Going into Tuesday’s game, Pierce trailed Celtics legend Larry Bird by nine points on the franchise’s all-time scoring leader board. Pierce drained a three-pointer with 10:23 to go in the third quarter to pass Bird and become the second leading scorer in Celtics history. The Celtics immediately fouled the Bobcats on the other end of the court to give Pierce a moment to take a bow at center court as the TD Banknorth Garden erupted.

The 10th pick in the 1998 NBA Draft, Pierce has scored 21,797 points as a member as the Boston Celtics. Pierce now trails only John Havelicek, who scored 26,395 as a Celtic.

Celtics Take Control in Second Half

The Celtics never trailed in the second half of Tuesday’s game en route to their fifth victory in a row. Boston has now won nine of their last 10 contests. The Bobcats dropped their 12th straight game.

The Celtics had trouble from deep range and shot just 17 percent from beyond the arc. The Celtics’ three-point struggles can be traced back to Pierce, who shot 2-for-10. Ray Allen scored 17 points but shot just 1-for-5 from downtown.

Brandon Bass had 13 points off the Celtics bench a game after sitting out with a swollen knee. Bobcats’ rookie Kemba Walker had 16 points and seven rebounds in another losing effort for the squad.

The Boston Celtics hit the court again Thursday night when they host the Los Angeles Lakers for the lone time this season.

Celtics Report Card: Forgetting Football Ever Existed

Nick Bohlen — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 06:26:47 +0000

After going 4-0 last week, the Boston Celtics were already potentially poised to put up some straight A’s. They had their revenge (93-90 over the Cleveland Cavaliers), wiped out the dinosaurs (a 36-point drubbing of the Toronto Raptors), got gritty in MSG (beating the New York Knicks 91-89), and proved themselves against a younger, more athletic opponent (topping the Memphis Grizzlies 98-80). That left the Celtics at 13-10, the first time Boston has seen the right side of .500 since they were 4-3.

Then Super Bowl XLVI happened.

(Excuse me while I go drown my pain in unintelligible Kurt Cobain lyrics and grungy power chords.)

Without rehashing the gory details, let’s just move ahead with this week’s grades, with the important caveat that I am clinically depressed from Sunday night’s devastating loss. Just know I will be assigning massive grade inflation simply to assuage my severely bruised and battered ego. I need something to hold onto, both literally (to support myself) and emotionally (my tear ducts no longer function properly).

Starting Backcourt: B+

Avery Bradley was reasonably solid in his two starts, even managing to contribute 11 points on 5-of-6 shooting (albeit against the Raptors, who really give their Jurassic Park counterparts a bad name).

Not exactly the kind of efficient production Celtics fans hope to get from Ray Allen, but he did manage to contribute a consistent dozen points per game.

Of course, the big story of the week was Rajon Rondo suiting up to play. Coming off an eight game layoff due to a nagging wrist injury, Rondo’s return Friday against the Knicks was predictably sluggish (7 points, 7 assists, 5 rebounds, 5 turnovers). Rondo only mustered five points in his second game back, but dished out 14 dimes and led the Celtics to 26 fast-break points (more than the previous three games combined). He appeared to have a much better sense of timing and rhythm (as evidenced by this gorgeous feed to Jermaine O’Neal for the flush). Just his mere presence is enough to bump the backcourt up to a B+ for this week (or so I tell myself).

Starting Frontcourt: A-

I can’t say enough about Paul Pierce, who has absolutely elevated his play recently and took home the Offensive Player of the Week award for filling up the stat sheet night in and night out. His masterpiece, of course, was a vintage Pierce appearance against the Knicks, when he went off for 30 points, including a couple of absurd three-pointers to barely beat the shot clock in the game’s final minutes (one of which was waved off, but no less insane – just listen to the Garden roar).

Kevin Garnett has been draining some threes of his own, which he will incessantly remind you is within his range. Much to my preference, though, it was nice to see Garnett down on the block in the second half against the Grizzlies en route to 24 points (tying his season-high).

Meanwhile, O’Neal has been doing all the dirty work on the defensive end, drawing charge after charge at the cost of his already creaky knees. Hopefully they hold up and he continues to (pun alert!) take charge defensively (I warned you).

Altogether, I’d say that merits the first A of the season.

Bench Backcourt: C

Bradley continues to struggle when not hidden among the starting five (you mean not playing with perennial All-Stars hurts his stats? A revelation, I know); E’Twaun Moore remains lightning in a bottle (still waiting for him to strike twice); and Sasha Pavlovic has officially leapfrogged Marquis Daniels in the Celtics rotation (I’m pretty sure that was what the Mayans were talking about).

Bench Frontcourt: A-

The second unit of bigs gets our second A of the season! Doc Rivers is singing Chris Wilcox’s praises (following my lead from last week), while Brandon Bass and Mickael Pietrus are doing their thing (shooting, shooting, and more shooting for Bass; for Pietrus, that means being French).

In the surprise of the week, JaJuan Johnson showed a lot of promise for the future with some impressive garbage time performances (insert grain of salt here). In 32 total minutes of playing time, Johnson poured in 21 points on 10-of-13 shooting, with six rebounds and a couple of blocks. Johnson should be an exciting young player to watch develop as this year goes on. He has a chance to be the greatest Boston athlete to ever wear #12 (shhhhhh!).

SoB NBA Power Rankings: Week 6

Tony Xypteras — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 19:59:56 +0000

I know its Super Bowl week, but how ’bout a little NBA Power Rankings to hold you over?

1) Oklahoma City Thunder (18-4) – Oklahoma City stays at number one, and it isn’t even that close at this point. What I find particularly incredible is that they’re the best team in the league while being 29^th in total assists.

2) Miami Heat (17-6) – The Heat get a slight edge over the Chicago Bulls after defeating them earlier this week. It was actually a pretty bad finish to what was a really good game, but Miami squeaked it out.

3) Chicago Bulls (19-6) – Not a great week for the Bulls, with losses to both the Heat and the 76ers, but it would be foolish to think they aren’t the first- or second-best team in the eastern conference right now.

4) Indiana Pacers (16-6) – After the top three, it kind of comes down to who is playing the best basketball at the moment. No team in the NBA had a better week than Indiana. Right when I was starting to back off on my love for them too.

5) Philadelphia 76ers (16-7) – The lockout has certainly produced some unbalanced schedules this season, and the 76ers are taking advantage. They have currently played about twice as many games at home then on the road, which would be fine if they weren’t a .500 road team. I’m giving them a pass because you can’t help who you play, but it’s something to keep an eye on as their schedule starts to balance out.

6) Los Angeles Clippers (13-7) – I like what I’m seeing. Their record isn’t spectacular, but they are beating good teams (back-to-back wins over the Nuggets and Thunder earlier in the week). Baby steps.

7) Denver Nuggets (15-8) – I still consider the Denver Nuggets as the hardest team to figure out, but I do know that 105 PPG is pretty good.

8) Atlanta Hawks (16-7) – Consistently above average, incredibly boring.

9) Los Angeles Lakers (14-9) – The last time I thought the Lakers had figured it out, they immediately started playing poorly and made me look dumb. Here’s to hoping the same thing happens.

10) San Antonio Spurs (15-9) – Look, I know I shouldn’t be surprised with how well the Spurs are playing, but I am. I can’t help it.

11) Boston Celtics (12-10) – You know what? I’ve really enjoyed watching this team battle the past two weeks. As frustrating as the first month of the season was, and as ‘done and old’ as the Celtics looked … this recent surge has almost made up for it. I’m not crazy. I still don’t think they can beat either Miami or Chicago in the playoffs, but I have to take my imaginary hat off to the oldies. I’m still not totally clear on what Kevin Garnett said to Craig Sager after their comeback win over Orlando last week (“bar fight,” “ball fight,” or both) but I must say, I really like watching (bar fights, ball fights, or both). Good stuff.

12) Houston Rockets (13-10) – Kyle Lowry is better than I ever could have expected. I can’t put my finger on why I like them, but I like them.

13) Orlando Magic (14-9) – If you watched the first episode of ‘The Association: Denver Nuggets” then you saw a conversation between George Karl and Doc Rivers right after Denver traded Carmelo Anthony. Karl wouldn’t admit it while he was still on the team, but he told Doc Rivers flat out that the Melo Drama was just killing the team and the trade had to be made. I can’t help but feel like the same thing is happening in Orlando with Dwight Howard.

14) Portland Trailblazers (13-10) – The Trailblazers 10-1 home record is just as impressive as their 3-9 road record is alarming. I still believe in them.

15) Dallas Mavericks (14-10) – The best thing I can say about the Dallas Mavericks is that I’m really enjoying the TV show ‘Shark Tank’ with Mark Cuban. The Mavs are decent, though, and that’s about it right now.

16) Utah Jazz (12-9) – The Jazz haven’t been great lately, but their still holding down a playoff spot in the West … until either Portland or Memphis take it.

17) Memphis Grizzlies (12-11) – The Memphis Grizzlies are good … until they’re not good. And then they are good again. So the question is, will they be good enough to be good enough to make the playoffs?

18) Milwaukee Bucks (10-12) – I’ve got to hand it to the Milwaukee Bucks! Sure, the bottom of the East is pretty bad, but they handed out losses to both the Heat and the Lakers this week. Impressive.

19) Minnesota Timberwolves (11-12) – I was hoping to see the Timberwolves get over .500 this week, but that didn’t happen. I still think they are playing good basketball though, and have an outside shot at making the playoffs. Also, Nikola Pekovic is a bad dude.

20) New York Knicks (8-15) – On a team with Carmelo Anthony and Amar’e Stoudemire, I find it simply fantastic that the Knicks went to Steve Novak for the last shot Friday night against the Celtics. That was fun. How much longer will the Knicks stand by Mike D’Antoni?

21) Cleveland Cavaliers (8-13) – The Cavs aren’t very good, but I’m happy for them. Kyrie Irving is the real deal.

22) Golden State Warriors (8-12) – Golden State is actually playing pretty decent, but they have a super tough February schedule. Good luck.

23) New Jersey Nets (8-16) – Guys, Anthony Morrow totally scored 42 points Friday night against the Timberwolves. I know, I know, I didn’t believe it either.

24) Phoenix Suns (8-14) – Now back to our regularly scheduled Phoenix Suns comment: Trade Steve Nash.

25) Sacramento Kings (7-15) –Jimmer Fredette earned his first DNP-CD during the Kings impressive win over the Trailblazers Thursday night. Everyone at BYU panic!

26) Toronto Raptors (8-16) – I have to admit my disappointment in Ed Davis so far this season. I thought he showed flashes towards the end of last season, but it just hasn’t translated into success this year like I thought it might.

27) Detroit Pistons (5-20) – The Pistons may be last in my heart, but I can’t put them behind the following teams…

28) New Orleans Hornets (4-19) – How many different ways can I say not having Eric Gordon is killing them?

29) Washington Wizards (4-19) – Shouldn’t this team be better? I mean, not MUCH better, but they should have more than four wins. If Kyrie Irving can get the Cavaliers to 8 wins, John Wall should be able to get the Wizards to five.

30) Charlotte Bobcats (3-20) – The Bobcats’ current 10-game losing streak is truly impressive.

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Pierce, Celtics Stomp Raptors to Post First Winning Record in A While

Nathan — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:33:46 +0000

Paul Pierce had 17 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists for the Boston Celtics en route to a 100-64 thrashing of the Toronto Raptors Wednesday night. The Celtics improved to 11-10 with the victory and now post their first winning record since starting 4-3. Jared Bayless scored 14 off the bench for the Raptors who scored less than 70 points for the third time this season.

Ray Allen had 12 points and 5 assists, and Brandon Bass added 12 points and 9 rebounds for the hot shooting Celtics. The Celtics shot 52 percent from the field and 50 percent from 3.

Kevin Garnett hit a 3 to end the first half and push the Celtics lead to 22. The Celtics led the Raptors by at least 20 points the rest of the way. Allen connected from beyond the arc with 3 minutes remaining in the third quarter to push the lead to 30.

While the Celtics shot exceptionally, they also played stellar defense. The Celtics held the Raptors to just 32 percent shooting from the field. The Celtics allowed the Raptors to score no more than 19 points in a quarter. Boston also out-rebounded Toronto 46-39

Wins like Wednesday’s against will certainly help the Celtics weather the condensed season. Kevin Garnett played just 17 minutes and Jermaine O’Neal barely played a full quarter with 14 minutes. No Celtics’ starter played more than 26 minutes.

The Celtics’ bench not only chipped in minutes, but also had it’s best outing of the season. Boston’s bench combined for a season high 47 points. Chris Wilcox was the only active Celtic not to score. Rookie JaJuan Johnson had his best game of his young career as he scored 11 points and didn’t miss a single one of his 5 shot attempts.

Ed Davis had 10 points and 15 rebounds and was the only Raptor beside Bayless to score in double figures.

The Celtics hit the court again Friday when they clash with the reeling New York Knicks in a nationally televised game. Rajon Rondo missed his eighth straight game with a sprained wrist. Doc Rivers said before the game that Rondo may give it a go on Friday.

Celtics Report Card: Leave it to Cleveland

Nick Bohlen — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 21:25:38 +0000

The first quarter of the year has come and gone, and the Boston Celtics started this week well on their way to a pretty good grade. They mustered a dominant defensive performance and a massive comeback in a home-and-home against the Orlando Magic, then managed a quality win over a playoff-caliber Indiana Pacers squad that had already beaten them twice this season.

Then the C’s soured it all Sunday by giving up 12 unanswered points over the final 4:24 to gift a win to the Cleveland Kyrie Irvings Cavaliers, squandering a chance to get over the .500 mark.

The NBA: Where the opposite of amazing also happens.

In other words, so much for the honor roll. Let’s jump right in and see how much that one loss brought down the grades for this past week’s progress report.

Starting Backcourt: B

Well this is awkward. Thanks to injuries, the recipe for the Celtic’s starting guards called for four cups Avery Bradley, two parts Mickael Pietrus, and a dash of Sasha Pavlovic. Disgusting.

Bradley left his mark harassing Jameer Nelson up and down the court in the 87-56 win over the Magic, then all but disappeared until an injury against Cleveland officially pulled him off the court. Pietrus neither dazzled nor disappointed, although it would be nice for him to make more than 37 percent of his shots. As for Pavlovic, I’m making the executive decision that the starting backcourt gets an automatic “F” if I ever have to see him play 34 minutes in a starting role again.

On the bright side, the Celtics did manage to sprinkle in a pinch of Ray Allen, who went 9-for-14 – including 4-for-6 from downtown – for 22 points in the loss to the Cavaliers. All things considered, with no Rajon Rondo and just one game for Allen, I have to say the starting backcourt was solid. Or at least solid-ish.

Starting Frontcourt: B+

Now THAT is what I’m talking about, Paul Pierce: 22.2 ppg, 8.8 apg, 6.8 rpg, all while running the offense as a point forward (Carmelo Anthony could learn a thing or two from The Truth). He does need to hold on to the rock, giving the ball away seven times against the Cavs and costing them a W.

I’d like to see a little more scoring from Kevin Garnett, but he (along with Jermaine O’Neal and his pointing prowess) frustrated Dwight Howard to no end. Between his defense and better consistency on the boards, KG looked a little better this week.

With O’Neal’s knees balking again, Brandon Bass filled out the starting lineup for the last three games this week. He really likes his nickname “No-Pass Bass,” doesn’t he (12 FGA, 1.5 AST per game)?

Bench Backcourt: C+

I would like to take this time to personally apologize to E’Twaun Moore (I’m assuming he reads my opinion of him and the Celtics religiously, or at least has Google alert). First of all, he has a sweet name. Bonus points. Second, though he didn’t do a whole lot in the other three games (especially since the point guard position is essentially nonexistent with Pierce running the offense), his 16-point outburst to spark the comeback in Orlando was extremely encouraging. And a positive +/- in every game is always, well, positive. Just for that, I’ll throw a plus sign on that letter grade.

Sorry, but I don’t really have anything to say to you, Marquis Daniels and Keyon Dooling. You don’t even deserve those links to your player pages.

Bench Frontcourt: B-

The return of Chris Wilcox has been a big lift, namely because the Celtics wouldn’t have a big man to come off the bench otherwise (let’s just say those Greg Stiemsma-Bill Russell comparisons faded pretty quickly, along with the Steamer’s playing time). Wilcox has grabbed six boards in each of the last two games while only playing 23 minutes a game. Against the Pacers, he even poured in 14 points to give the Celtics a lift offensively. It’s always good to see the only major offseason acquisition finally make a difference a quarter of the way through the season.

Irving, Cavs Score Final 12 Points, Steal Win From Celtics

Nathan — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 04:15:21 +0000

Kyrie Irving scored 23 points and hit the game-winner as the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Celtics in Boston Sunday evening, 88-87. Ray Allen had 22 points for the Celtics in his first game back since missing 4 games with an ankle sprain. Paul Pierce added 18 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists as the Celtics couldn’t extend their win streak to 5 games.

Irving Seals Win As Celtics Falter Down Stretch

The Celtics led Cleveland 87-76 with 4:24 to go in the game but couldn’t muster another point the rest of the game. Rookie Kyrie Irving sparked a 12-to-0 Cleveland run to end the game.

Irving scored 6 points in the game’s final 4 minutes and assisted on two other baskets. With 2 seconds left on the clock Irving drove around E’Twaun Moore and Brandon Bass to score the go-ahead bucket. Pierce was unable to get a shot off a possession later as time expired.

Varejao Out-Hustles Garnett, Bass

Irving was the headliner for the Cavs, but Anderson Varejao was a key part of Sunday’s narrative. The veteran forward had 18 points, 9 rebounds, 2 steals and several key hustle plays during the Cavaliers late-game rally. Varejo stole a rebound from Bass with 23 seconds left on the game clock. That rebound gave the Cavaliers the extra possession that became Irving’s game winning layup.

Varejao and the Cavs pounded the Celtics interior which was without Jermaine O’Neal for the third straight game. The Celtics gave up a season-high 54 points in the paint to Cleveland. Kevin Garnett had 14 points and 7 rebounds, Brandon Bass had 13 and 5 but both struggled on defense Sunday.

The Cavaliers bench outscored the Celtics bench 30-14. Forward Alonzo Gee led the Cavs bench with 14 points and 4 steals. The Cavs recorded 11 steals and the Celtics coughed the ball up 16 times.

The Celtics and Cavaliers will face off again Tuesday night in Cleveland. Before Sunday’s game Celtics’ coach Doc Rivers said he hopes Rajon Rondo will be a go for Tuesday’s game. If Rondo can play, it will be his job to try and slow down Irving in the rematch.

Celtics Complete Biggest Comeback in 16 Seasons Against Magic

Matt Goisman — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 04:56:42 +0000

The Boston Celtics got double-doubles from Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett, plus double-digit scoring from three more, coming all the way from 27 down to beat the Orlando Magic 91-83 Thursday night at the Amway Center. It was Celtics’ biggest comeback in 16 seasons.

Celtics Cast Second-Half Spell

The Celtics came out of halftime down 58-37, having done virtually nothing right in the first half following an 8-2 run – keyed by two three-pointers from Mickael Pietrus – to start the game. They couldn’t penetrate, they couldn’t hit jumpers, and they definitely couldn’t get stops.

But Pierce hit his first three shots in the third quarter, and starting the Celtics’ slow crawl back. The Magic rebuilt their lead to 64-45 on a three-pointer from Hedo Turkoglu, but much stronger interior defense from the Celtics forced the Magic entirely to the perimeter, and their accuracy plummeted because of it.

The Celtics closed out the third with a 10-3 run highlighted by E’Twaun Moore‘s second of a game-high four three-pointers, and the Celtics started the fourth down just 11.

The defense continued in the fourth, with the Celtics forcing a shot-clock violation on the Magic’s first possession, and Moore hit another trey to cut the deficit to 75-67. After Dwight Howard got himself to the free throw line and knocked down one of two shots, Pierce scored two more buckets in rapid succession, hitting a three and then blowing by former Celtic Glen Davis for a 9-foot jumper that made it just 76-72 Magic. Following some more tough interior defense from Garnett and the Celtics, Howard got called for goal-tending on yet another shot from Pierce.

Pierce then pulled down two defensive rebounds, and on the other end Marquis Daniels drew Howard into a double-team that left Garnett wide open for a 20-footer. Garnett drained it, tying the game 76-76 and stunning the Magic. After some more anemic Magic shooting – they didn’t score a field goal until over halfway through the fourth quarter – Pierce made a brilliant cross-court pass to Moore in the corner, who buried the three for the 79-76 lead.

Boston’s defense – which finished the game with six steals, 11 blocks and 38.0 percent opposing shooting – so rattled the Magic that they began screaming at the refs, leading to two technical fouls in the fourth. But even that couldn’t stop the Celtics, as Pierce and Moore sank four of six free throws in the closing minutes of the game to lock down the victory.

Pierce finished the game with 24 points, 10 assists and six rebounds. Garnett scored 12 and grabbed 10 boards while blocking four and stealing three. Moore finished with 16 points, including 4-for-4 three-point shooting. Pietrus scored 12, while Brandon Bass kicked in 10.

Bass, Celtics Make Magic Disappear for Second Win In a Row

Nathan — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:31:01 +0000

Brandon Bass and Paul Pierce had 19 points apiece as the Boston Celtics swept the TD Banknorth Garden floor with the Orlando Magic Monday night, 87-56. Dwight Howard scored 18 points and had 14 rebounds but was the lone member of the Magic to score in double figures.

Depleted Celtics Set Franchise Records

The contest was historic for both teams involved. The Magic connected on just 16 of 65 field goal attempts, setting franchise lows for points, field goals and shooting percentage. Meanwhile, the Celtics’ defense set franchise records for points, field goals and shooting percentage allowed in a game.

The Celtics played the game without five of their key players. In addition to starters Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo missing the game due to injury, key bench players Mickael Pietrus, Keyon Dooling, and Chris Wilcox sat as well.

Boston had to rely on Avery Bradley and Sasha Pavlovic to provide a spark with the starting backcourt sitting. Along with Kevin Garnett, Bradley’s and Pavlovic’s hustle ignited the Celtics’ red-hot defense. The trio combined for 10 steals and five blocks. As a team, the Celtics recorded season highs in steals (13) and blocks (nine). Garnett chipped in 14 points and 10 rebounds to go with his defensive prowess.

Bass Makes Trade for Davis Look Good

Monday’s game marked Glen Davis‘s first game back in Boston since being traded for Brandon Bass in November. Davis was a non-factor on offense, scoring six points on 2-for-9 shooting, but pulled down an uncharacteristic 11 rebounds against his former team.

Instead, Bass won the battle of backup power forwards. Bass shot an efficient 8-for-14 and pulled down eight rebounds for an invigorated Celtics bench. The Bass-led bench scored a season high 39 points. Marquis Daniels aided the Celtics’ bench effort with eight points and five assists.

The Magic could get nothing going offensively for most of the game. Howard shot 4-for-6 in the first quarter but finished the game on a prolonged 0-for-9 stretch. Bradley hounded former all-star point guard Jameer Nelson all night, holding him to five points, three assists, and five turnovers. The Magic had 23 turnovers – seven more than their total field goals.

Rondo and Allen Missing, but Allen Missed More

Despite the win, the Celtics missed Allen and his three-point shooting. The Celtics made just two shots from beyond the arc in 13 attempts. However, Boston made all 19 of their free throw attempts.

The Celtics are now 2-1 with Rondo out of the lineup. Bradley has averaged six points, four assists and two steals while filling in for Rondo the last the games. Rondo wore a cast on his right wrist while he watched the game from the bench. Rondo’s status moving forward remains uncertain.

Boston and Orlando will have a rematch of Monday’s contest Thursday in Orlando.

Trading Paul Pierce: The Truth Hurts

Dan Spritz — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 14:00:14 +0000

The Celtics need to trade Paul Pierce.

As a rational sports fan, I’ve come to realize that this is the best option. The Celtics aren’t going to win the NBA Championship this year, and they won’t be able to win it again with their current nucleus.

So they need to blow it up. This starts with Pierce, but why keep Kevin Garnett or Ray Allen once you’ve traded a third of the Big Three? The Celtics need to blow it all up.

Pierce’s Fading Glory

Believe me, I don’t want them to trade Pierce. He’s played his whole career here and has always seemed like the kind of guy who would retire a Celtic. He certainly wants to.

So, when the news came out that teams were inquiring about Pierce’s services, my first reaction was disappointment. After a 14-year career in which he has only played for the Celtics, it doesn’t feel right for his departure to come as the result of a calculated business decision.

At the same time, I cannot deny that it would be the best move for the team, and ultimately I am more invested in the Celtics than I am in Pierce. The fortunes of the two have been intertwined for so many years that it is strange for them to diverge.

This season’s team can’t compete. After their recent five-game losing streak that would have them at home if the playoffs began today, there is little reason for optimism.

Coming into the season, the consensus was the team could make the playoffs, but they’d have to sacrifice a few games to keep the aging roster healthy throughout this season’s grueling schedule. If they are already having problems, how can they possibly make a playoff push as the fatigue builds up? Even if such a push were to happen, what would making the playoffs gain them?

The question is, do you want to be sentimental or do you want to win? It would be nice to allow Pierce to ride off into the sunset, eternally a Celtic, but what would that mean? Ending his career as the fourth option on a 25-57 team playing in front of half-filled arenas? What kind of send-off is that? Wouldn’t it be better to welcome him back the way we welcomed Kendrick Perkins back this week?

I was at that game: The genuine appreciation and love the arena bestowed on Perkins was so overwhelming that I can’t imagine a better way to honor a player. The reaction Pierce would get would easily surpass that.

Pierce isn’t the superstar he once was. Since the Age of Ubuntu began, he’s averaged around 20 points per game. This season he’s averaging 15.7, more than three points fewer than last season.

While his minutes per game are down a bit, that’s not the culprit. Both his overall shooting and free throw percentages are down, while he’s attempting more three pointers per game than he has in four years.

Pierce’s free throw percentage has fluctuated throughout his career, but the overall shooting percentage is worrisome. He’s shooting 39.4 percent this year, down 8 percent. He’s never shot below 40 percent for a season, and only below 43 percent twice.

Pierce – who used to be able to herky-jerk his way to the rim with the best of them – simply isn’t driving as much. He doesn’t have confidence in his ability to score after contact – a major sign of a player in decline.

Trade the Rest of the Big Three, Too

And what of the rest of the Big Three? Garnett simply doesn’t have any explosion left. He can’t jump, which has had a detrimental effect on his whole game. His intense play was always predicated on the idea that he was a supremely gifted athlete. Without that athleticism, he’s just a tall guy who can get pushed around and doesn’t like to shoot.

Allen can still play a high level, but he’s too specialized for this team. He’ll always be able to shoot. You could stick him in the corner after he got his AARP card and he would be able to make open looks. That skill-set is wasted on this Celtics team, where there are no longer elite scorers for him to play off of. Allen can still get points, leading the team is scoring, but that’s the problem. It’s never wise for an offense to rely so heavily on a jump-shooter.

The best thing the team can do is trade the Big Three while they still have value. All of them.

Allen has the most value: With his ability to hit contested threes and a sky-high free throw percentage, he would be an asset for any time. His expiring contract makes him even more attractive. Teams looking to shed salary cap could acquire him for the playoffs while allowing them more money to pursue a free agent in the offseason. If they like him enough to re-sign, he will be available for much less than the $10 million he is getting this year.

Garnett is more attractive as an asset, even if he’s less attractive as a player. With a contract of over $21 million expiring at the end of the season, he could help teams open up a massive amount of cap room for free agency. Pierce, meanwhile, can be productive on a team that doesn’t need him to be the first or second scoring option. His contract doesn’t expire for a couple more years, but he’s more than capable of fitting in on a contender.

A Possibly Lost Cause

Either way, the Celtics are in for some lean years. I’m already chalking this season up as a loss and, depending on what they do with the Big Three, the next season or two could be rough as well.

If they trade all three and primarily receive picks, that won’t give Rajon Rondo any help for a year, since those picks will then need time to develop. Even if the Big Three aren’t traded and their contracts simply expire for cap room, there’s no guarantee a major free agent will sign in Boston.

It’s unfortunate, but we need to prepare for a number of Celtics losses the next few years. The first step to recovery is trading Paul Pierce, and the best outcome we can hope for is that that trade will mark the beginning of a return to greatness.

The Big Three Era Is Over And Garnett’s A Big Reason Why

Brian Moller — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 17:00:55 +0000

Three years.

When the newest incarnation of the “Big Three” came together back in the summer of 2007, they were given a three-year window to revive Celtic pride and bring a few championships back to Boston.

Three years.

Danny Ainge and Celtics brass were willing to pull the trigger on deals to bring perennial All-Stars Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett to Boston to play alongside the face of the franchise, Paul Pierce, for three years of glory. Three years of success. Three years of the green being back where they’ve always belonged: at the top of the NBA landscape.

Three years.

Well three years have come and gone and so has a fourth. The talented triumvirate of future Hall-of-Famers has long passed its expiration date and it may be time that green teamers start to embrace that.

It’s been four full seasons since Garnett, Pierce and Allen stood together proudly holding up their jerseys as they gleefully flashed their pearly whites for the media at KG’s introductory press conference. As far as doing what they came to do – Mission accomplished. They hoisted the Larry O’Brien trophy in their first season together, dominated the Eastern Conference and came painfully close to a second championship in 2010.

Within that 2007-10 window of opportunity, the Celtics had an impressive 178-68 record and refueled the storied Celtics-Lakers rivalry. Everything was going perfectly. The new Garden was finally buzzing for Boston basketball once again.

The Beginning of The End

Then came year four.

Ultimately, The Miami Heat’s new superstar trio of Dwyane Wade, LeBron James and Chris Bosh proved that the road to glory no longer traveled down Causeway Street. The Heat took Boston’s three-year window – which actually lasted – and they slammed it shut. Then they boarded it up and sold the property for half its value.

That was that. There was no way that the Boston Celtics could continue to have championship aspirations with the roster being built around these three aging stars. Unfortunately, they didn’t have much of a choice.

With limited options in a lockout-shortened off-season, Ainge had no real options other than going with what he already had: A young, talented point guard, and some old guys who used to be world-class.

So here we are, forced to watch a team that in spite of their best efforts just can’t get it done. C’s fans are used to watching a team that played fierce, intense defense. They’re used to a team that didn’t falter, but flourished in the final moments of a tight ballgame. They’re used to a team that found a way to get a W in games they had no business winning.

Now, the Celtics are lucky just to be close in the last minutes of the fourth quarter. They’ve lost eight of their first 13 games, and the teams they’ve beaten – the Pistons, the Raptors, the Wizards twice, and the Nets without star guard Deron Williams – would be hard-pressed to pull out a victory over a men’s league team from the local YMCA. Those four teams have a combined record of 13-46 – not exactly top-notch.

Watching a full 48 minutes of Celtics basketball now is worse than having your wisdom teeth pulled with a socket wrench and no Novocain.

Alright, maybe that’s a bit over-dramatic but seriously, the Big Three era as we know it is officially over. Accept it.

Kevin Garnett’s Fall From Grace

The most dramatic decline has been Garnett’s. Originally considered the best of the three, KG now plays more to the level of Kathy Lee Gifford than Kevin Garnett.

From the moment he touched down in the Bay State in 2007 as a member of the most decorated franchise in professional basketball, KG instantly changed not only the success-starved fans’ attitude, but also the Celtics as a whole.

A defensive pillar, Garnett forced his teammates to raise their intensity to levels they themselves probably didn’t know they could reach. Exuberance and passion oozed from his fingertips.

Think back to Jan. 25, 2008, when Garnett played against his former team, the Minnesota Timberwolves, in his new home at the Garden. After leaving with an abdominal strain, the always vivacious and animated KG came back to get a key steal for the win. He leaped to his feet, screaming as usual, tugging on his jersey to show the world that he was a Celtic.

He was the backbone. He was what made the Big Three and the Celtics what they were. He was the embodiment of the attitude that would eventually lead him and his teammates to a championship.

That was Kevin Garnett.

Fast forward now to Jan. 11 of this year, when the defending-champion Mavericks came to Boston. In a similar situation where Garnet needed to make a defensive play on Mavs forward Dirk Nowitzki, just like vintage Garnett he got right up under Nowitzki and snarled in his face. Then, with one step Dirk was gone, leaving Garnett cemented to that same spot on the floor, watching the 2011 Finals MVP get the hoop and the harm to put the game away.

Currently, the C’s statistically aren’t any better defensively with KG on the floor than they are with him on the bench. His rebounding is down. His intensity is down. He looks slow, sluggish and… Old.

It’s not just Garnett though. Monday night against Oklahoma City, both Garnett and Pierce came out and doubled Thunder superstar Kevin Durant near half court. With a hop and a skip, Durant blew past both of them and threw down a loud, one-handed jam. Those defensive shortcomings are glaring proof that the once staggering and swarming Celtics defense can now best be described as, eh alright.

The End of An Era

Pierce is by no means in game-shape, having missed all of the abbreviated preseason with a foot injury. Allen remains as the only ray of light among the Big Three. He leads the team in scoring, but let’s be honest: Allen is a physical freak, considering the kind of shape he’s in at his age. He’ll probably still be playing while I’m playing cribbage in a nursing home with my teeth in a glass next to my bed.

Sure, Pierce could improve once he gets his conditioning down, and maybe Ponce de Leon will show up with a bottle of water from the fountain of youth to bring back KG circa 2007. Hell, at this point I’m sure they’d even take the “special stuff” Michael Jordon gave Bug Bunny and the gang in Space Jam.

But that’s a lot to hope and ask for. It’s becoming abundantly clear that the time has come to start looking towards the future in Beantown. And when I say future, I’m not talking about Rajon Rondo. If you haven’t noticed, Rondo hasn’t been any kind of savior. He won’t be the cornerstone of this franchise if you’re hoping for triumph over turmoil.

Three years.

The Boston faithful got what they wanted. They even got a bonus year free of charge! But the time has come to let go. I know it’s hard. Boyz II Men even wrote a song about how hard it is.

“It’s so hard to say goodbye to yesterday.”

Unfortunately, it’s time to say hello to tomorrow and the next chapter of Celtic history beyond the Big Three.

Follow Brian Moller on Twitter: @Brian_Moller