If we let them push us around like they did last year, this game could get ugly. I'd like to see one of the Assistant Coaches tell Greg that KG said something terrible about his mother.
1. Don't be intimidated. 2. Paul Pierce and KG will get theirs, but try to hold Ray Allen to 15 points and under. 3. Do not let Rajon Rondo get off. When he's on, that team is basically impossible to beat. 4. Our bench has to outplay their bench.
How do we stop them? Honestly I don't think we can. The only chance we have of winning comes from the Blazers playing some of their best ball, and the Celtics playing somewhat poorly (eg. two out of 3 of Allen, Pierce, or KG having an off night). I'll be happy if we play them to within 10 points, and Greg doesn't foul out in 20 minutes.
To win, we need to D them up. They haven't lost a game when scoring over 85 points so far (granted, they've only lost twice). Greg/Joel have 12 fouls to use, and shouldn't be shy. Batum on Pierce should be big. A huge team effort on D should be enough to make it close down the stretch...then lets hope Roy & Rudy turn it on. I think they have a real chance.
You really don't think we can win? We played them pretty well last year, stayed close until the final minutes when they pulled away. This year, we have a better roster, and Roy is emerging into a superstar. Yes, the game will be incredibly tough if we want to win, but I think the best strategy would be to key in on Paul Pierce. He makes the team run. As long as we can close out on shooters, and keep them off the offensive glass, I think we might have a shot at this. I'm just afraid that Boston's defense will stifle Nate's slow and methodical offense.
I didn't say we can't win, I said I don't think we can stop them ... the Celtics are going to have to help us by playing mediocre. As for Boston's defense and Nate's "slow and methodical" offense, don't the Celtics make everyone they play look like they have a slow and methodical offense?
Keys to the Game: Hold their big three to under 10 points Shoot 85% or better Diogu to Step up and go 30/20
They turn opposing offenses from fast --> show. If ours is already slow, then what does show ---> "???" equal? I certainly hope it's not iso Travis Outlaw every possession.
We have to play physical defense and not let them push us around at all. Don't let KG's mind-games get into their heads, and don't let Perkins get all-hyped up without consequences - make him get frustrated and whine to the refs as he picks up techs. I do not think we can win, but I would be satisfied with keeping close with Boston on their home-court.
No need for an assistant to tell him that. KG will stoop to any level to talk shit. Speaking of which, Sheed has a great policy about trash talking. [video=youtube;l4E0N8pNR9U]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4E0N8pNR9U[/video]
as long as the blazers play well, it doesn't matter who their opponent is or how they play, the blazers will be in the game. and i don't know why you're acting as if the blazers have little chance to beat boston. in aldridge, the blazers have a guy with all the tools to be one of the better defenders of kg in the league(he matches him in size and length and doesn't give up quickness). and with oden and joel in the post next to him, the blazers should be able to make things difficult for garnett without having to double off of pierce and allen which is very important. as long as the blazers don't let rondo penetrate at will, that should be enough to keep boston from having a great offensive night. on the other end, the blazers just have to stay aggressive and then knock down shots(obviously). if they play scared in boston, then the odds of winning are very small but i don't see that happening and at the very least the blazers aren't going to let this game get away from them and get blown out.
Call me a skeptic, but they are the defending champs for a reason. Our Blazers aren't a bad team by any stretch, but playing in Boston is going to be a very, very tall order and I don't particularly think the matchups favor us. I hope I'm proved wrong.
