Sorts of Sports

Celtics Season Recap

Welp, that was ugly. I am going to say that that was also somewhat predictable. Celtics were like +500 for the series, for those that bet... in Vegas. The media wrote this team off in January, because their too old. It's not that 34 and 35 are old, it's just that LeBron James is 26. Most of the Boston media is still searching for a blame aside from age, but they aren't coming up with anything. Well, I am here to set the record straight, and throwing everyone under the bus.

First and foremost, Doc Rivers is to blame. Everyone in Boston is ready to put a statue in (Daniel) Faneuil Market in Boston, next to Red Auerbach. But if you read my article the other day about Phil Jackson being average, I feel the same, if not worse, about Doc Rivers. Sure he can draw up a play or two, which can't cant? But when he doesn't have three superstars on the court, he folds like a house of cards.

It seemed liked the game plan was to run a four-corners offense in which everyone sits around the outside of the perimeter and settles for jump shots. They got out shot from the free-throw line 40-20 in Game 5. It wasn't because the refs were giving LeBron everything, rather it was because the Celtics didn't attack the hoop. The Heat ended Game 5 on a 16-0 run and they ended Game 1 on a 14-0 run. How is that possible? Doc needs to reevaluate his offensive gameplan for next year since he is coming back. His record before the superstars came to Boston was 102-144, while after they came he was 234-94. Learn to coach.

Secondly the blame falls on Danny Ainge for trading Kendrick Perkins and getting Jeff Green. Okay, I shouldn't blame Ainge but who is Jeff Green and how does he help this team? He doesn't. Plain and simple, he does nothing good. His defense is horrible and he takes bad jumpshots. Again, the Celtics need someone to attack the basket with strength and Jeff Green is not that person.

Next, I will throw blame to Rondo. He has heart, sure, but he is playing against one of the best teams with one arm. It reminded me of Drew Bledsoe in the 1998 season for the Patriots, trying to play with a broken pinky, ultimately costing the Patriots. Sure every football player plays with injuries, but when your hand or arm is broken, take the time to rest, I don't care if you make one or two plays while the adrenaline is pumping, don't try to keep it up. Rondo tried to play and he was a non-factor allowing the Heat to basically sag a fifth defender. Delonte got more time in Game 5 but he should have been in there more in Game 4. At least he attacks the rim and finishes and doesn't miss open layups to win the game in Game 4.

Garnett pulled a Chris Bosh settling for jump shots as well. No, it isn't because he is old, rather it is because he was afraid to attack and it goes back to not having Perkins to help him on defense, thus tiring him out sooner. Look at some of the best offensive players, and when they are matched up against the best players on the other side they tend to struggle offensively. It is just natural. Then look at Game 4 when he and Ray Allen couldn't figure out what play to run with the last 15 seconds and the ball. Just mental errors caused the team to struggle.

Speaking of attacking the rim, where was Ray Allen? Sitting outside shooting 3's even when they weren't falling. How about an up-fake and then taking a step or two in for an easier jump shot? Look, I get it. Ray's game has always been shooting 3's, but sometimes when that isn't working, you stop settling. Yes, shooters shoot, and things will fall, but you find your rhythm in other ways. He's not really Jesus as some might believe, so switching things up wouldn't be a bad idea.

Paul Pierce is the one person that I am hesitant to put blame on. He is the only person attacking the rim on a consitent basis, but when the team needed him to attack, he also settled. What was with that Game 4 final shot? Maybe the play was botched but he has to have the wherewithall to know to attack the rim with more than 5 seconds left on the clock. Pierce was the team's MVP this year, finishing at the hoop and even dunking on a regular basis, something that we have not seen in a long time.

Ultimately, this team had many errors which led to their downfall and that's why you can't put it on just one thing. I just can't find fault on their age, though. That is such a cop-out for this team. They are athletes and in great shape. This team will be back next year, assuming there is a next year for the NBA, which is a big 'IF'. They will be in the same position and the media will count them out because of their age. Don't buy it. Doc Rivers might not be a great coach but he is good when he has superstars, which he still has. The Celtics will be back, right here, next year, if there is an NBA season.