I just wanted to get some talk going about this game, because I think it's a big game for the C's. Unfortunately, I will be missing this one (gotta love working in retail during the holidays). I think there's a few things that the Celtics need to do to win: - We have to make it harder for big men to score in the paint. Maybe the defense needs to be adjusted to cut down on the rotations. Teams are taking advantage of them, and we're either giving cheap fouls, or giving up easy baskets. Sheed and Ben will take advantage of this, especially if it is as easy as it's been in the last two. - We need to put more of a focus on offensive rebounding. Last night, we did a lot of standing around the 3 point line. If Walker and LaFrentz are playing together, one of them has to stay on the boards. - Payton's posting abilities need to be a bigger part of the offense. He's so deadly from down there. He'll score on one-on-one's, and find somebody open from double teams. - The bench needs to step it up. I forgot how important they were, but when the starters all end up in double figures, and the team still loses, you know there's a problem. Ricky needs to find his rhythm again, and get the 2nd unit rolling. - Oh, and Better shooting. 37% just isn't cutting it.
Hopefully Payton will be able to give it a go tonight, he's listed as doubtful after his back stiffened up during last night's game. We've gotten zip from our bench the last couple games, they need to come with it tonight. Should be a good one as both teams are highly motivated after the last meeting. Does anyone know if Hamilton is gonna try to play tonight or is he a game time decision?
