Celtics at 
Pacers11/1/08, 7:00 PM, Conseco Fieldhouse
Pacers.com Scouting Report
TV: FSN Indiana
Radio: WFNI 1070-AM
Big Green Monster
Much Respect…No Fear
The Coaches –
Doc Rivers vs. 
Jim O’Brien What a difference a year makes. Last year at this time, Doc Rivers was coming off a 28-win season that made him a career .467 coach with zero playoff series wins. I doubt that it’s an exaggeration to say that he may have been considered Boston’s biggest obstacle to a title. Today, he stands as an NBA Champion, his team having won 68 of their last 84 regular season games, and winning as many games in the playoffs last year as they lost in the regular season (16). Congrats to Doc Rivers and the Celtics for a huge turnaround.
Conversely, Jim O’Brien suffered through his first losing full season as a head coach, as the Pacers struggled to a 36-46 record. The loss Wednesday at Detroit brought his career winning percentage to .515 (218-205). Last year’s team was hobbled with injuries and very poor point guard play. It will be interesting to see what Obie does with a fresh new lineup.
Matchups
Center 
Rasho Nesterovic arguably represents the first true center the Pacers have had since Brad Miller, and his game at Detroit (8pts, 5rebs, 3asts, 1stl, 1blk) represents pretty much what the Pacers are seeking from him. He’ll match up against another guy who knows what his job is in Kendrick Perkins. Perkins pulled down 10 rebounds to go with 8 points in last night’s win over Chicago, and is averaging 5pts and 9rebs in the first two games.
Power Forward 
T-Murda posted 13 points and 15 rebounds in the opener at Detroit, but he’s going to have his hands full with the cornerstone of the Celtics title, Kevin Garnett. After a dozen years in the NBA wilderness, KG was finally able to hoist the Larry O’Brien trophy. His numbers are down (14.5pts, 8.0rebs, 2.5asts), but he’s still a fierce competitor and tenacious defender. Without a doubt, the biggest mismatch the Pacers face.
Small Forward 
Few players have done more for their careers over the last year than these two. Paul Pierce (20.5pts, 6.0 rebs) enters this season as the reigning Finals MVP and the “go-to-guy” on (arguably) the best team in the league. Danny Granger looked to be just a solid pro, until he averaged 23 points and almost 7 boards post All-Star break last year. His 33-point debut in Detroit Wednesday (including 22 in the second half) has Pacer fans wondering just how good Danny can be.
Shooting Guard 
Ray Allen was the first major acquisition last summer, but he’s struggled out of the gate this fall, shooting only 35% while averaging 11 points. Marquis Daniels has been thrust into this role because Mike Dunleavy is hurt, and rookie 1st rounder Brandon Rush isn’t quite ready. He scored 12 points but had four turnovers in an uneven performance at the Palace opening night.
Point Guard 
Don’t blink. This is, without a doubt, the quickest/fastest matchup of point guards in the league. Ford came over as the centerpiece of the JO trade, and provided 10 pts & 5 asts Wednesday night to go along with 4 TO’s. Rondo’s season has started strong, averaging 14 pts & 6 asts on almost 62% from the floor.
Key Reserves:
Boston – Leon Powe (FC – 13.0pts, 4.0rebs, 62% FG’s); Tony Allen (G – 8.5pts, 3.0rebs); Eddie House (G – 2.5pts); Glen Davis (F – 2.0pts, 3.0rebs)
Indiana – Jarrett Jack (G – 9.0pts, 2.0rebs, 2.0ast); Brandon Rush (GF – 7.0pts, 2.0rebs); Roy Hibbert (C – 2.0pts, 1.0blk); Jeff Foster (FC – 0.0pts, 4.0rebs)
Medical Report
Boston – None Reported
Indiana – Mike Dunleavy (sore right knee) and Travis Diener (sore left foot) are out.
Head-to-Head History
Overall – Boston Leads 74-63
Last Year – Boston swept 3-0
This Year – No Games Yet Played
What happened last time? – The Celtics notched their 60th win and matched the best single-season turnaround on April 2, handing the Pacers a 92-77 loss in Boston. The C’s took a 35-24 lead with at the 7:56 mark of the 1st second quarter, and it did not drop below that for the rest of the game.
The Celtics were led primarily by a tenacious defense that limited the Blue’N’Gold to .356 shooting and forced 20 turnovers. Top individual performers included Kevin Garnett (20pts, 11 rebs), Ray Allen (15 pts), and Leon Powe off the bench with 14 points and 9 caroms.
The Pacers fell to 31-44, led by Danny Granger’s 14 points and Troy Murphy’s 11 points and 10 boards. Jermaine O’Neal did see some limited action, chipping in 12 points, 3 rebounds and a block in 20 minutes of playing time. The Pacers had won the previous two games, and went on to win the next four.
Storylines
brought to you by our lovely correspondent, Melissa Theuriau
Boston Celtics
And we’re living here in Allentown…(aka, did you know “Shooting Guards” were sometimes called “Off Guards”) – In posting their first two victories, the Celtics have gotten spotty performances from their 2’s, Ray & Tony Allen. They’re a combined 12 of 37 from the floor (.324), including only 2 of 11 from beyond the arc. (Naturally, this comment guarantees huge games from one or both of them.)
Kevin Garnett…role player – No, that’s not what I believe, but the numbers could lead some people there. He’s currently averaging only 14.5 points and 8 rebounds, and seemingly has taken a back seat. However, he is still one of the most valuable players in the league, capable of being dominant, but more concerned with the team’s success and defense. Still the guy who makes the difference on this team.
”I’m the best player in the world!” – Uh…no, Paul, you’re not. However, that hardly diminishes the fact that you are the reigning Finals MVP, and you are averaging 20.5 points on 53%. Danny and Brandon will have more than their hands full in dealing with Pierce tonight.
That big green wall in Fenway isn’t the hardest thing to shoot over in Boston – Boston is winning with brutal, suffocating defense. They’ve given up only 85 and 80 points in their first two games, respectively. They’re holding their opponents to .355 from the floor, including .217 from 3. An area for concern for the Pacers are the 21.5 turnovers they're forcing, as that was an Achilles heel in Detroit the other night.
Indiana Pacers
Danny Granger…Indiana Pacer – As mentioned earlier, Danny has blossomed as he’s come out of JO’s shadow. Though he only shot 28% in the pre-season, he showed a marked improvement in getting to the line. On opening night, he shot 10 for 16 from the floor while earning 12 trips to the charity stripe on his way to 33 points against the always stingy Detroit D. His play over the last year has earned him a 5 year extension, reported in the $60-64mm range. Though he may not be a cornerstone, he’s certainly a very good foundation piece, and he makes the fans proud to say “Danny Granger, Indiana Pacer.”
I’m pointin’ at you – The point guard position has been a weak spot for the Pacers over the past few years. Extensive injuries and issues to he who must not be named have left the position to be manned by the likes of Keith McLeod, Travis Diener, Flip Murray, and Andre Owens. This year the P’s are placing their hopes on the ultra-speedy T.J. Ford and the ultra-tough Jarrett Jack. Both have flaws, and they had a spotty outing against Detroit, but there’s little question that it’s a huge upgrade over what we’ve dealt with for the last few years.
Rushing his development – In his radio show yesterday, Jim O’Brien said that the playing time Brandon Rush got in the Detroit game (24 mins) would probably be as little as he would play this year. Encouraging words from a coach known not to have the most patience with young players. Brandon only scored 7 points, none after the half, but he played impressive D on Rip Hamilton and was involved down the stretch.
Pro-Hibbert-ive favorite – Rookie Center Roy Hibbert has been a revelation to Indy fans. Besides being a smart, decent kid, he played very well in the preseason, exceeding virtually all expectations. He only played 6 minutes against the Pistons, but had a block and a sweet spin move that belied his reputation as a plodding stiff. Though the low minute tally was disappointing, fans should be encouraged that Obie went with a short (9-man) rotation, and Roy was in it.
Knee-dles and Pins - Tendonitis in his right knee has kept Mike Dunleavy out of the lineup through most of the preseason, and it will claim at least the first two games this year. Junior made a leap last year, scoring 19 points a game. Though he certainly has his weaknesses (defense), his passing, ballhandling, and shooting will be sorely missed until he returns.
”We can play with anybody.”
Well, in that spirit, let’s rekindle the tradition
Show some people we’d like to play with.
Ignite the passion
Restore the pride.
Sure, we’re rough around the edges but, like Danny said, “We can play with anybody.”
Behind Enemy Lines
A quick look at what's happening on the Celtics board:
Here’s the game thread, ably done by Westthebest:
viewtopic.php?f=8&t=847994
They’re sporting championship sigs:
viewtopic.php?f=8&t=815236
And they’re eying last year’s Finals competition:
viewtopic.php?f=8&t=845255
As always, guys, no trolling.
COUNT ON THIS - Easy baskets. If the Pacers are to have any chance tonight, they must maximize their easy baskets. Ford and Jack must be aggressive and efficient in running the break. We must look to push at every opportunity, because trying to score against Boston’s half court D is like running into gale force winds. This is one area where I believe will miss Junior, as a third ballhandler and facilitator. However, as long as we follow my cry at the top: Much Respect, No Fear, I believe our boys will do us proud, win or lose.
pf
