We'll Be Fine

Well, I finally got to see my Celtics play a big game. The hated Detroit Pistons rolled into Boston for a prime time ESPN match-up between the two best teams in the Eastern Division. It certainly lived up to its billing. It's only 23 games into the year, but I waited all week for this game.

That stinkin' Chauncey Billups (former Celtic) got fouled with 0.1 seconds left and made both free throws to win. But even though the C's lost, I saw something that I really liked: a bit of attitude. No one knew how this season would go for the Celtics considering that there are nine new players on the roster and a second-year player running the point. It's going to take a while and some experience in big games to work out the kinks. They got into a big game tonight against a team that's been to five-straight conference finals and nearly pulled it off.

I know all that commentators will say that everything that happened (lack of bench scoring mostly) was exactly what they questioned about this Celtics team at the start of the year. But like I said before, it's only 23 games in. The Celtics are 20-3. I'll take a couple losses if that's what it takes to iron things out. It takes years to build chemistry, not 23 games.

With that said, the Celtics still looked REALLY good for most of the game. Rajon Rondo is going to be a stud in the league. Basketball folks questioned his shot and he responded by scoring 10 in the first quarter of the biggest game of the year to date. I love that kid.

But the attitude I mentioned earlier displayed itself in the form of Ray Allen. Wow, what a shooter. He's got a ridiculously quick trick and he hit two impossible 3-pointers that kept the team in it. Also, with the team down and seemingly dead in the water, he went hard to the hole and threw down a reverse jam that sparked the comeback. Understandably, the team likes to go to Paul Pierce at the end of the game, but from here on out, I want the ball in Ray's hands each and every trip in the final two minutes.

The only concern I came away with was the struggle against defensive pressure. When the Pistons cranked up the defense, the Celtics struggled to find shots. Not many teams play "D" like the Pistons, but experiencing that playoff intensity now will only benefit this team in the long run, which is what it's all about.

Remember. Nine new players. 20-3. 59 games left. It's a long road.