Celts Perk up

44Thrilla · Apr 22, 2010

http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/..._tough_centers_effort_ranks_right_at_the_top/

Ray Allen had 25 points and was on fire from 3-point range. Glen Davis stepped in for the suspended Kevin Garnett and had 23 points and eight rebounds.

But if you ask Doc Rivers about the identity of the best player in Tuesday’s 106-77 win over the Heat in Game 2, the Celtics [team stats] coach would point to Kendrick Perkins [stats].

Perkins filled the stat sheet, with 13 points, nine rebounds, four assists and two blocks. But his impact couldn’t be reflected solely in the box score.

“I thought his passing is what got everybody shots,” Rivers said of Perkins after yesterday’s practice. “I thought most of (Big) Baby’s layups came off of a Perk pass, a couple of the Ray shots . . . He played a great floor game. He was our point-center (Tuesday). He was terrific.”

Rivers again credited Perkins with finding Michael Finley for an open 3-pointer early in the second quarter. Finley’s shot began a critical 21-0 Celtics run that was highlighted by sharp ball movement.

“Doc kept saying we just had to keep making the extra pass,” Perkins said. “Baby was open a lot on the duck-ins, so I kept hitting him. If he wasn’t open, then the guards from (3-point range) were open.

“The thing about the Heat is they’re a great help team, but I don’t think they make the second effort to help. They’re going to help on the first pass, but it’s the next pass that the guy is going to be open.”

Though Perkins is a capable offensive player, his true value is at the other end of the court. He has developed a reputation as one of the toughest post defenders in the league, but this season he was less of a factor in February and March.

Those struggles were understandable after Perkins revealed in late March that he had been plagued by knee tendinitis for a while. So perhaps it’s no coincidence that as the knee pain has subsided, Perkins has become a force on the defensive end.

Perkins has completely dominated Jermaine O’Neal, holding the Miami center to 10 points on 4-of-24 shooting in the first two games of the series.

“Perk’s been fantastic defensively,” Rivers said. “He’s doing a good job. A lot of it is one-on-one, which we need. We can’t use too many guys on O’Neal with (Dwyane) Wade running around. I think what he’s doing great is he’s doing his work early. He’s trying to fight (O’Neal) off the block and he’s been pretty good at that. He’s been terrific.”
Click to expand...

CelticKing · Apr 23, 2010

I love Perk, but at times he seems to kind of take the game easy, and not try hard enough. (maybe it's just me)

44Thrilla · Apr 23, 2010

I think Perk hurt himself this year and is still not 100%. He hasn't been the beast he normally is.

CelticKing · Apr 23, 2010

44Thrilla said: ↑

I think Perk hurt himself this year and is still not 100%. He hasn't been the beast he normally is.
Click to expand...

Hopefully it's just that and he returns back to normal next few games.

Log in or Sign up

Celts Perk up

44Thrilla cuatro cuatro

CelticKing The Green Monster

44Thrilla cuatro cuatro

CelticKing The Green Monster

Share This Page

Log in or Sign up

Celts Perk up

44Thrilla cuatro cuatro

CelticKing The Green Monster

44Thrilla cuatro cuatro

CelticKing The Green Monster

Share This Page

Useful Searches