My Celtics lost and I'm still impressed with the outcome

[sportsfan76]

They never gave up and I like the new pieces coming off the bench to assist the stars on the team. Tonight showed me we are still the best team in the Atlantic division and maybe still the 2nd best in the East depending on how the pacers look. I have no criticisms at all about this team tonight and feel it was a good loss to start the season off.


We will see the Heat again. I;m pumped

[r15mohd]

No Lebron in the 4th, don't get to ahead of yourself...

[TylerOO]

Celtics might make the ECF, thats about it. Lose by 13 with no LBJ and hes "impressed". LOL

[AlonzoGOAT]

Couldn't even catch up with lebron out? O my you should thank lebron for being such a nice king who shows mercy to all :applause:



Also why did lebron miss so much of the 2nd qtr as well?

[DaSeba5]

I don't want to come off as an arrogant Heat fan, but if LeBron didn't get cramps it's a comfortable win for the Heat. The game still ended in double digits. It's only the first game though.

[sportsfan76]

I don't want to come off as an arrogant Heat fan, but if LeBron didn't get cramps it's a comfortable win for the Heat. The game still ended in double digits. It's only the first game though.


For a first game, I like what I saw. Not concerned that we lost the game.

[DaSeba5]

For a first game, I like what I saw. Not concerned that we lost the game.

Yah it's early, and if we play in the playoffs, it will be a close series like always.

[tmacattack33]

I actually think Boston looked good as well. They definitely look like a team to contend for the second spot in the East. Pierce is still good. Barbosa is looking good. Rondo was great.

It's just that I think this Miami team will be amazing. Ray Allen played great. Rashard Lewis did more than what I expected. Lebron surrounded by a lot of great shooters already worked in Cleveland. Now he has that great shooting around him...plus this guy named D Wade. Look out.

[sportsfan76]

Yah it's early, and if we play in the playoffs, it will be a close series like always.


Tonight confirmed they are still better than everyone else in the Atlantic Division

[DaSeba5]

Tonight confirmed they are still better than everyone else in the Atlantic Division

Miami and Boston are head and shoulders better than everyone else in the East, so of course.

[sportsfan76]

Miami and Boston are head and shoulders better than everyone else in the East, so of course.


I keep hearing the sixers will be in the ECF because they have Bynum

[LikeABosh]

It took no Lebron in the 4th and Leandro Barbosa having the best quarter of his life to "only" lose by 13. :lol :lol

[Reverend Hoops]

Tonight confirmed they are still better than everyone else in the Atlantic Division

How? Teams haven't even played a game yet?:oldlol:

[AlonzoGOAT]

I keep hearing the sixers will be in the ECF because they have Bynum
It's possible what does this game have to do with how good the 79ers can be? Bynum will be a bitch for the heat and I doubt we score 120 on them. It's a game of matchups this game doesn't mean you're better than them.

[Pushxx]

As a Boston fan, I'm not too worried. That was one of Ray Allen's best regular season games I've seen him play since 2007.

[tmacattack33]

As a Boston fan, I'm not too worried. That was one of Ray Allen's best regular season games I've seen him play since 2007.

That's what happens when you put him on a team with Lebron, Wade, and Bosh.

He didn't even create that much for himself tonight. But he did a few times and it was a pretty good sign. He's also shown he's a good passer and can find a cutting Lebron, Wade, or Bosh if he needs to.

[Hank]

Lebron didn't even play for a half and a fully healthy Celtics team still lost by double-digits..



:roll: :roll:


:pimp: :pimp:

[lilo]

It took no Lebron in the 4th and Leandro Barbosa having the best quarter of his life to "only" lose by 13. :lol :lol

There was a reason why LeBron as having cramps. He had to stay on the court too long for Miami to be competitive. Also, the tempo was very high and he was trying to play a point guard which for a player with his weight is not sustainable proposition. I highly doubt that he will be be able to contribute any more than he did today in follow up games. Celtics clearly have more room to grow during the season as they better integrate new players.

[comerb]

I thought the Celtics looked pretty decent, especially offensively. They definitely have some weapons this year.

But the Heat looked fantastic. It used to be an ebb and flow offensively with them, they wouldn't have maintened that 10-15 point lead for as long as they did. This game they played for more consistent with the extra firepower off the bench, along with Chalmers looking more assertive offensively. I don't see them winning this game a year ago (with Lebron sitting out a half).

If the bench continues to consistently play anywhere near that level, I don't see anyone challenging them.

[I<3NBA]

not concerned? the Celtics gave up almost 90 points in 3 quarters and you're not concerned? :yaohappy:

[Mr. Incredible]

LeBron owns Boston

[BrickingStar]

There was a reason why LeBron as having cramps. He had to stay on the court too long for Miami to be competitive. Also, the tempo was very high and he was trying to play a point guard which for a player with his weight is not sustainable proposition. I highly doubt that he will be be able to contribute any more than he did today in follow up games. Celtics clearly have more room to grow during the season as they better integrate new players.
completely wrong lebron missed most on the 2nd QTR and didn't even dominate the ball it's the 1st game of the season, where we were the cramps in the celtics heat series last year?

[alleykat]

Tonight confirmed they are still better than everyone else in the Atlantic Division

:biggums: which other teams played from the Atlantic Division???

[Callystarr]

Yeah, I don't know why people are so down on Boston.

*Still no Bradley
*KG might as well not have shown up in the first half.


*Ray Allen & Rashard Lewis scored, and we all know they are STREAKYYYYYY

I'm liking the components of the Celtics...I feel they have more "gelling" to do than the Heat does. This team is going to be VERY dangerous.

[Miserio]

I like Rondo's mindset, he should be a 20/12 guy

[Eric Cartman]

I like Rondo's mindset, he should be a 20/12 guy

He always beast against the Heat. Haven't seen a BOS/MIA game that he doesn't makes dem his b*tch.

[Haymaker]

Celtics outscored Heat on fastbreak points 27-12. This Celtics team is scary. I like the way Bass is committed to rebounding.

[chosen_one6]

So the Heat score 100 points in a little over 3 quarters and people are impressed? I think this says more about the Heat basically ready to steam roll everyone to the finals than anything about the Celtics.

[Hittin_Shots]

1 game..... The regular season results of last year show how the playoff match up went?

[Rameek]

The Celtics do look good. With so many new players they have to get the rotation right. Only the first game Doc will tighten things up.

Honestly it did look like the Heat could have won by 25. I dont know if Ray should play 30 minutes a night though. I doubt Lewis will be this productive. The Heat looks scary though.

[JohnnySic]

The defense was bad and the bench still needs to get acclimated. No worries, they'll work it out.

[Bigsmoke]

The Celtics added a bunch of mediocre players thinking they could beat the Heat.:roll:

[jrong]

They give up 120 pts, and you're impressed? I'm appalled that the Heat surrendered 107 pts.

It's only one game, but if this is the kind of contribution the Heat can regularly expect from Allen and Lewis, then on paper, they're easily the best team since the 90s Bulls and may be better (the "on-paper value" of Allen and Lewis vaulting them above MJ's Bulls is, of course, contingent on them consistently playing like they did tonight).

Miami probably won't win 72 games, and they may never gel like those Bulls teams, but I can tell you every player in the rotation on the Bulls' dynasty teams, and I say, without hesitation, if Allen and Lewis honestly have this much left, then the Heat from top-to-bottom are simply deeper and more talented.

And, aside from that argument, if this is who Allen and Lewis really still are, then I'm sorry if you're a fan of another team. You're competing for second place. Allen and Lewis in this form make Miami unbeatable in a seven game series. Mail trophy #3 to South Beach.

But, again it depends if Allen and Lewis can dependably play like this. If not, then the Heat aren't much different than last year.

[Bigsmoke]

They give up 120 pts, and you're impressed? I'm appalled that the Heat surrendered 107 pts.

It's only one game, but if this is the kind of contribution the Heat can regularly expect from Allen and Lewis, then on paper, they're easily the best team since the 90s Bulls and may be better (the "on-paper value" of Allen and Lewis vaulting them above MJ's Bulls is, of course, contingent on them consistently playing like they did tonight).

Miami probably won't win 72 games, and they may never gel like those Bulls teams, but I can tell you every player in the rotation on the Bulls' dynasty teams, and I say, without hesitation, if Allen and Lewis honestly have this much left, then the Heat from top-to-bottom are simply deeper and more talented.

And, aside from that argument, if this is who Allen and Lewis really still are, then I'm sorry if you're a fan of another team. You're competing for second place. Allen and Lewis in this form make Miami unbeatable in a seven game series. Mail trophy #3 to South Beach.

But, again it depends if Allen and Lewis can dependably play like this. If not, then the Heat aren't much different than last year.

the fact that Celtics fans were all up in here saying the are gonna take down the Heat with ease

[JohnnySic]

the fact that Celtics fans were all up in here saying the are gonna take down the Heat with ease
Who said they would win "with ease"?

[schism206]

Well what concerns me for the Celts is, Rondo still can't hit a consistent jump shot or free throw. (yea he made a couple but it never seems to happen in crunch time). Rondo as great as he is, has a serious disadvantage in the final 2-3 minutes because of this. Yes, the Celts have Paul Pierce for that, but if he's going to be forced to play a lot of minutes and handle the scoring load, he's not going to be able to keep that up at his age. Jeff Green HAS to step up. I barely noticed him on the floor.

I hate to say it, but they're gonna miss Ray Allen a lot too. Barbosa is a good pickup, but other than that, I'm not feeling great about their chances this year, especially should they meet a healthy Heat team in the playoffs. They Celtics need some more size. The Heat match up with them and their smaller lineup is just better all around, and their big 3 are younger collectively than Boston's "new" big three. Celts need to add some size if they want a chance to compete with them this year. We'll see how things shape up before the trade deadline, but I wouldn't be surprised if something happened.

But... it's the first game. They will get better, and having Bradley come back later on will be a huge help. I just can't confidently say they will be equipped to take out a team like the Heat in the playoffs with the current roster, and a full NBA season with KG + Pierce being another year older.

[Bigsmoke]

Well what concerns me for the Celts is, Rondo still can't hit a consistent jump shot or free throw. (yea he made a couple but it never seems to happen in crunch time). Rondo as great as he is, has a serious disadvantage in the final 2-3 minutes because of this. Yes, the Celts have Paul Pierce for that, but if he's going to be forced to play a lot of minutes and handle the scoring load, he's not going to be able to keep that up at his age. Jeff Green HAS to step up. I barely noticed him on the floor.

I hate to say it, but they're gonna miss Ray Allen a lot too. Barbosa is a good pickup, but other than that, I'm not feeling great about their chances this year, especially should they meet a healthy Heat team in the playoffs. They Celtics need some more size. The Heat match up with them and their smaller lineup is just better all around, and their big 3 are younger collectively than Boston's "new" big three. Celts need to add some size if they want a chance to compete with them in the long run in my opinion.

But... it's the first game. They will get better, and having Bradley come back later on will be a huge help. I just can't confidently say they will be equipped to take out a team like the Heat in the playoffs with the current roster, and a full NBA season with KG + Pierce being another year older.

i think we will start to see KG declining too.

[JohnnySic]

I hate to say it, but they're gonna miss Ray Allen a lot too. Barbosa is a good pickup, but other than that, I'm not feeling great about their chances this year, especially should they meet a healthy Heat team in the playoffs. They Celtics need some more size. The Heat match up with them and their smaller lineup is just better all around, and their big 3 are younger collectively than Boston's "new" big three. Celts need to add some size if they want a chance to compete with them this year. We'll see how things shape up before the trade deadline, but I wouldn't be surprised if something happened.


Josh Smith for Bass, Bradley, Melo, picks.

[Derka]

I'm not.

No defense to speak of.
The Jeff Green from the preseason was nowhere to be found.
KG was a complete non-factor.
Rondo way too passive to start the game and created too many turnovers with sloppy showman-style passes. He should be going out there aggressive right from the start and then he'll open up the passing lanes he wants.

We needed Leandro f*cking Barbosa to give us the lift we needed in the 4th to make it close and with Lebron James gone for most of the 2nd half, the Celts still couldn't seal the deal.

Paul Pierce and Brandon Bass were the only true bright spots we had out there.

Good thing it's early in the season still. We scored 107 points against a Miami D that wasnt even trying and lost.

[Wally450]

First meaningful game of the year. Some bright spots and dark spots with this team. We'll get it together, we always do.

[PJR]

The Pacers will be better than them this year. Garnett won't produce like he did last year.

[iDunk]

Knicks > Celtics

Celtics don't look as fast on D as they used to be.

[ChuckOakley]

If I were a Celtics fan I would be fine with how my team looked (for the most part), I wouldn't be happy with how the Heat looked.

They are unbeatable in the East. I guess this was known and I've been saying this, but I think this reaffirmed the C's are not beating the Heat.. unless they move some assets for a clear upgrade on the roster.

[lilo]

completely wrong lebron missed most on the 2nd QTR and didn't even dominate the ball it's the 1st game of the season, where we were the cramps in the celtics heat series last year?

LeBron is prone to cramps. I do not remember which series was it last year (probably OKC) but it did happen to him before. Add some "home court" advantage allowed by referees (nothing major but there were some favorable calls, like phantom elbow foul on Garnet and no call on Wade showing Rondo aside) and the picture is not too bad for Celtics. I was also encouraged by their game in general.

[Wally450]

Lol at people saying "x" team will be better than the Celtics after not seeing their team play yet. The Celtics will be fine.

[rodman91]

Celtics = Overrated. It's not 2008 anymore. Only if Garnett could able to play like in prime, they would be threat to Heat.

[Blue&Orange]

I don't want to come off as an arrogant Heat fan, but if LeBron didn't get cramps it's a comfortable win for the Heat. The game still ended in double digits. It's only the first game though.
lol Cramps

Lebron is the most phony, pathetic star in the history of all major sports. The guy was too SCARED to play the final minutes of the pivotal game of the finals, and guess what? He magically have cramps on the first game of the season... It's an obvious "Hey see, i really had cramp sthat somehow stop me from playing last year, see, it happened again!"

The problem is, FIRST, a cramp? Since when you can't play through cramps? There was a reason Lebron was mocked even by NHL players, a cramp? lol how big is your ******?

SECOND, he played like nothing happened after having the cramp, it was only after an air ball that Lebron decided he was "hurt".

THIRD, it's the second time he did it, the guy quitted on the cavs when they were about to eliminate the celtics because he wanted to bolt to miami, and guess what? First game against the celtics as a Heat player, he "disappears" again, another obvious "See it happened again, i din't quit on anybody, stuff happens"

This ******* need to be exposed... emo-ring-chaser.


yes he has a chase to become the GOAT... if you're an moron.

[RRR3]

lol Cramps

Lebron is the most phony, pathetic star in the history of all major sports. The guy was too SCARED to play the final minutes of the pivotal game of the finals, and guess what? He magically have cramps on the first game of the season... It's an obvious "Hey see, i really had cramp sthat somehow stop me from playing last year, see, it happened again!"

The problem is, FIRST, a cramp? Since when you can't play through cramps? There was a reason Lebron was mocked even by NHL players, a cramp? lol how big is your ******?

SECOND, he played like nothing happened after having the cramp, it was only after an air ball that Lebron decided he was "hurt".

THIRD, it's the second time he did it, the guy quitted on the cavs when they were about to eliminate the celtics because he wanted to bolt to miami, and guess what? First game against the celtics as a Heat player, he "disappears" again, another obvious "See it happened again, i din't quit on anybody, stuff happens"

This ******* need to be exposed... emo-ring-chaser.


yes he has a chase to become the GOAT... if you're an moron.
:roll: :roll: :roll: :roll:

You're a Carmelo stan. You aren't allowed to hate on LeBron.

[HiphopRelated]

Barbosa played the best game he will for Boston this year

[Talent]

Barbosa played the best game he will for Boston this year

To be fair Ray Allen has not played that well in some time either....Also the energy the Heat played with last night is not sustainable for a whole season.

[r15mohd]

lol Cramps

Lebron is the most phony, pathetic star in the history of all major sports. The guy was too SCARED to play the final minutes of the pivotal game of the finals, and guess what? He magically have cramps on the first game of the season... It's an obvious "Hey see, i really had cramp sthat somehow stop me from playing last year, see, it happened again!"

The problem is, FIRST, a cramp? Since when you can't play through cramps? There was a reason Lebron was mocked even by NHL players, a cramp? lol how big is your ******?

SECOND, he played like nothing happened after having the cramp, it was only after an air ball that Lebron decided he was "hurt".

THIRD, it's the second time he did it, the guy quitted on the cavs when they were about to eliminate the celtics because he wanted to bolt to miami, and guess what? First game against the celtics as a Heat player, he "disappears" again, another obvious "See it happened again, i din't quit on anybody, stuff happens"

This ******* need to be exposed... emo-ring-chaser.


yes he has a chase to become the GOAT... if you're an moron.

perturbed?!? :biggums:

[LikeABosh]

lol Cramps

Lebron is the most phony, pathetic star in the history of all major sports. The guy was too SCARED to play the final minutes of the pivotal game of the finals, and guess what? He magically have cramps on the first game of the season... It's an obvious "Hey see, i really had cramp sthat somehow stop me from playing last year, see, it happened again!"

The problem is, FIRST, a cramp? Since when you can't play through cramps? There was a reason Lebron was mocked even by NHL players, a cramp? lol how big is your ******?

SECOND, he played like nothing happened after having the cramp, it was only after an air ball that Lebron decided he was "hurt".

THIRD, it's the second time he did it, the guy quitted on the cavs when they were about to eliminate the celtics because he wanted to bolt to miami, and guess what? First game against the celtics as a Heat player, he "disappears" again, another obvious "See it happened again, i din't quit on anybody, stuff happens"

This ******* need to be exposed... emo-ring-chaser.


yes he has a chase to become the GOAT... if you're an moron.
:roll: :roll: :roll: probably the single most butt hurt comment I've seen on here.

[r15mohd]

:roll: :roll: :roll: probably the single most butt hurt comment I've seen on here.


he's probably still upset that Lebron didn't sign with the Knicks a couple summers back...I know many NY fans, who were once Bron's best fans, turned to being the #1 enemy. LoL too funny!!!

[kuniva_dAMiGhTy]

lol Cramps

Lebron is the most phony, pathetic star in the history of all major sports. The guy was too SCARED to play the final minutes of the pivotal game of the finals, and guess what? He magically have cramps on the first game of the season... It's an obvious "Hey see, i really had cramp sthat somehow stop me from playing last year, see, it happened again!"

The problem is, FIRST, a cramp? Since when you can't play through cramps? There was a reason Lebron was mocked even by NHL players, a cramp? lol how big is your ******?

SECOND, he played like nothing happened after having the cramp, it was only after an air ball that Lebron decided he was "hurt".

THIRD, it's the second time he did it, the guy quitted on the cavs when they were about to eliminate the celtics because he wanted to bolt to miami, and guess what? First game against the celtics as a Heat player, he "disappears" again, another obvious "See it happened again, i din't quit on anybody, stuff happens"

This ******* need to be exposed... emo-ring-chaser.


yes he has a chase to become the GOAT... if you're an moron.

http://www.esquire.com/cm/esquire/images/geico-caveman-lg.jpg

[All Net]

Celtic fans should be proud as they never gave up and showed some good signs ahead this year.

[PP34Deuce]

I'm laughing at this game. There were rotations Doc tried that were crazy.... He had one lineup where PP was at 4, Green was at 5 and Terry Lee and Barbosa all on the court.

PP really wanted this win you could tell he and Rondo wanted to win bad. Doc seemed to treat it like a preseason game. so with that, I dont think people saw true Celtic defense because Doc was tinkering with offense lineups.

Miami has better ball movement and dead eye shooters they have accumulated. Chalmers is a threat to penetrate consistently now and is still disrespected in this regard.

I did say BOS wins by 7, but I'm not worried about anyone except Green who just is mentally weak I feel.

Bass is motivated because Sullinger can take his starting spot at any minute.

[cltcfn2924]

Well what concerns me for the Celts is, Rondo still can't hit a consistent jump shot or free throw. (yea he made a couple but it never seems to happen in crunch time). Rondo as great as he is, has a serious disadvantage in the final 2-3 minutes because of this. Yes, the Celts have Paul Pierce for that, but if he's going to be forced to play a lot of minutes and handle the scoring load, he's not going to be able to keep that up at his age. Jeff Green HAS to step up. I barely noticed him on the floor.

I hate to say it, but they're gonna miss Ray Allen a lot too. Barbosa is a good pickup, but other than that, I'm not feeling great about their chances this year, especially should they meet a healthy Heat team in the playoffs. They Celtics need some more size. The Heat match up with them and their smaller lineup is just better all around, and their big 3 are younger collectively than Boston's "new" big three. Celts need to add some size if they want a chance to compete with them this year. We'll see how things shape up before the trade deadline, but I wouldn't be surprised if something happened.

But... it's the first game. They will get better, and having Bradley come back later on will be a huge help. I just can't confidently say they will be equipped to take out a team like the Heat in the playoffs with the current roster, and a full NBA season with KG + Pierce being another year older.


Right, because Ray helped so much in the playoffs last year right?

[NumberSix]

lol Cramps

Lebron is the most phony, pathetic star in the history of all major sports.
Yet, you held parades begging him to join your team.

[Y2Gezee]

I enjoyed this game, but came away unimpressed in a lot of way of both teams.

I think both teams are too small. Period. The Heat however, are probably better suited to play small ball offensively, because they've got real scorers who can get into the paint and finish explosively at the rim. 3 of them in fact. Sadly, I think we saw Paul Pierce's best last night against the primary opponent, and I think they'll need more. The Celtics are now a perimeter jumpshooting team almost exclusively and unless they catch Mavericks 2011 hot at the right time, I don't like their odds. Defensively, they'll be fine because of Bass, KG, and the system but rebounding will still kill them.

The fact remains that 3 of their 4 best players are seriously old and inconsistent at this stage of their careers, and Rondo isn't a scorer. Soooooo.....like I said they're a regular season team with jump shooting firepower. KG hasn't liked to play in the post his whole career, he's not going to do it consistently now at 36, nor is PP. They better hope Jeff Green really breaks out.

The Heat....well they did look impressive offensively. I've got to give them that. That move with Lebron at the 4 is the perfect move in order to give them spacing and allow more of a ball sharing offense that they need to have in order to incorporate their Big 3. We'll see how well they share the ball all year, but that's the key. However, they're small. Bosh has never been a dominant rebounder, and can't play bigger 5s one on one. Teams should just attack him and get him fouled out. Lebron at the 4, is still a terrific help defender and that's what makes it work, he makes them ultra quick defensively there. However, much like his perimeter defense, his man defense in the post isn't really an advantage for the Heat. I've seen Lebron get punished by certain SFs that feel comfortable enough to post him up all of his career, even in the midrange faceup game (Melo/PP).

I'm sure when they're facing a disadvantage vs guys who can post up, their plan is to front the post man and use their team speed to try and get deflections and steals. But that can and will be remedied after guys scout that, with some high- low action, and guard penetration leading to easy buckets at the rim. And again vs sizable opponents...I could see rebounding being a problem.


And there are teams in the East that can take advantage of this with size. Philly/NYK/BRK/Chicago.

The Heat are probably the favorite, but they look beatable. If they use this small lineup and can truly be an efficient unstoppable offense, well then that's the game changer, as I do think they can hold up well enough defensively if their offense is great. But if they are in any way the team that struggles in the halfcourt...I see problems.

[Clippersfan86]

Translation= "I'm okay with getting blown out".

[sodapop]

This might be the only Miami Heat season win against the Celtics. Doc didn't shuffle, dish out the full deck of cards yet. The Celtics didn't showcase the big side. I mean, Doc didn't go big the entire game. I think Doc's main focus was how to place his big players against the Heat and get the back court adjusted. STILL, the Celtics have more size than the Heat.

[schism206]

Right, because Ray helped so much in the playoffs last year right?
By that logic the Thunder won't miss Harden one bit. (who knows maybe they won't...)

It's true that Ray didn't have a very good playoff performance. But he was battling an ankle injury the entire playoffs, and Paul Pierce didn't play a whole lot better, he had 18ppg but he shot under 40%, though he was battling injuries too. That being said...

Having a guy who can hit the 3, can hit clutch shots, and is 90% from the line (which is HUGE in the last 2min of games) and has tons of experience is going to be missed. He also must be chased all over the court through screens which can wear some defenders down. And he played pretty well against the Celts last night, so I'd say it's a fair assessment.

[Hoopz2332]

This might be the only Miami Heat season win against the Celtics.


:rolleyes: :oldlol:

[Jax]

You were losing by 19 when Bron said I need to shit on the locker room too.

[LiLharvard]

By that logic the Thunder won't miss Harden one bit. (who knows maybe they won't...)

It's true that Ray didn't have a very good playoff performance. But he was battling an ankle injury the entire playoffs, and Paul Pierce didn't play a whole lot better, he had 18ppg but he shot under 40%, though he was battling injuries too. That being said...

Having a guy who can hit the 3, can hit clutch shots, and is 90% from the line (which is HUGE in the last 2min of games) and has tons of experience is going to be missed. He also must be chased all over the court through screens which can wear some defenders down. And he played pretty well against the Celts last night, so I'd say it's a fair assessment.

Game 2 after rondo's suspension?!!!
Pierce 36 and 14 carried the team.. Game 3 or 4 he tore his mcl.. And continued to play throughout the playoffs hitting countless big shots .. Don't question the truth.

[hon]

http://blogimages.thescore.com/tbj/files/2012/10/darko-milicic-celtics.jpg

Darko needs to be big this year if the Celts want to be legit contenders

[FPJ]

The Celtics arent ready yet. They still need some time. I liked Bass, Lee and obviously Barbosa (even though i dont think we'll see something like this from him again).

The Heat look scary good.

Lebron was Lebron.

Wade seemed cold at times but still managed a good game. His defense was good, blocking pass lanes and all.

Bosh played very relaxed. He didnt need to do that much. He showed some good post moves and his defense was acceptable (he didnt try that hard in my opinion).

Battier was very good in defense and accurate from the 3. Really good in the Heat's system, on both ends.

Chalmers looks matured (never thought id say this). His game looks good. He fits the Heat system too. Very underrated player.

Allen looked very good. You could see he had something to prove. Hope he'll continue to play like that and he can when he has Wade, James and Bosh on the floor.

Rashard looked a little lost in the system but he had to make screens and it takes a while to get used to with players that move so fast. He scored his points though and has the time to adjust. Overall he seems like a good addition.

Haslem can play so much better than this and he will when it matters.

Miller hasnt played yet (good minutes) but if he's healthy he can contribute plenty.

Overall, Heat is the team to beat this season.