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Celtics Notes

To the chagrin of all of their critics, the Celtics advanced to the second round of the NBA Playoffs, defeating the more-talented, but poorly-coached Indiana Pacers in six games. The Celtics had their way with the Pacers after the Game 2 loss in Indianapolis. Boston was never really challenged at home and if not for Tuesday's legendary meltdown, would have taken care of Indiana in five games. Jim O'Brien outcoached Isiah Thomas with X's and O's, motivation and preparation. The Celtics played with heart while the Pacers - save for Ron Artest - did not. That was the difference in the series.

Three-point shooting percentage will be one of the key factors in determining Boston's success in any seven game series. Against the Nets, three-point percentage will be even more critical. The New Jersey offense is probably more reliant on the fast break than the Celtics are reliant on the three-point shot and nothing will get Jason Kidd and Company more fast break opportunities (and thus easy buckets) than long rebounds that inevitably follow missed three-pointers. This means that Celtic misfires from the arc will not only cost the Celtics three points, but in many cases will provide New Jersey with an easy two points at the other end of the floor. If the Celtics cannot minimize these five-point swings, they will be in for a long series. If the C's can hit a high percentage of their three-point shots and establish an inside game (thus reducing the number of outside shots), they should have a great shot to upset the Nets, who often seem lost in half court offense. Ironically, Boston's season-best three-point shooting performance (56%) came in their one regular season win over New Jersey. The Celtics shot 32%, 29% and 5% (a season-low) in three losses to the Nets.

Just how reliant are the Celtics on the three point shot? Here are some stats:

Boston averages 96.1 points per game when they take 28 or more three-pointers. They average only 89.4 points per game when they attempt 25 or fewer trifectas. They average 26 attempts per game.
The Celtics are 21-7 when they shoot 34% or better from the three-point arc, but only 10-23 when they convert less than 30% from three point range.
Ball movement is clearly a key factor as well. This year, the Celtics were 27-9 in games where they had 20 or more assists. They were 17-29 when they fell below 20.

I don't think any professional athlete in history has ever given back part of his salary after a miserable season. It is my strong opinion that Vin Baker should be the first. I'm not sure if anyone has even "stolen" money from an organization quite to the degree that Baker did in 2002-03. Injuries are one thing, but collecting millions while drinking yourself out of your sport in quite another. If Baker has any pride whatsoever, he will offer to give back about 80% of next season's salary, provided the Celtics spend the money to bring in players that will improve the team.

Former Celtic Chauncey Billups scored 40 and 37 points in the final two games against Orlando in the first round of the NBA Playoffs to carry his Pistons to a seven game series victory. It took Rick Pitino all of about five minutes to give up on Billips, who the Celtics selected third overall in the infamous 1997 NBA Draft. The Celtics traded Billups for Kenny Anderson then traded Anderson in the deal for Vin Baker. How much does that hurt?

I think it is safe to say that the three worst NBA executives of the past ten years all belong to the Celtics. M.L. Carr, Rick Pitino and now Chris Wallace. Given the outrageous incompetence of this trio, we should probably feel blessed that the Celtics have the heart to reach and advance in the Playoffs. Thank you to Paul, Antoine and Coach O'Brien for that.