How Many Games Will the Celts Win?

[jimibadfish]

This year.

[Nick@Night]

50-60 I'd say.

[dre2142]

About 70

[dmbhoosier21]

Don't know. It's 6 games into the season, but if I had to guess 50-60 games.

[41ravens]

50-60. the "big 3" are logging way too many minutes right now. no way they can keep that up for 82 games.

[jimibadfish]

Don't know. It's 6 games into the season, but if I had to guess 50-60 games.

You must be boring. Take a risk, man!!

[Tiduwho]

There's are some pretty big jumps in scale. You should've made it go by 5's. Even in baseball a 10 game break between each is far too wide-ranging.

I will say 61. (Voting 50-60, because that's much closer to my number).

[jimibadfish]

I will say 61. (Voting 50-60, because that's much closer to my number).

You didn't have to vote, you know. BTW, 61 is not much closer to the range of 50-60 than 60-70.;)

[dmbhoosier21]

You must be boring. Take a risk, man!!

Fine......the Pacers will get in the playoffs, and will have the homecourt advantage in the opening round.

[cbotnyse]

no where near 72, I'll bet on that.

[jimibadfish]

Fine......the Pacers will get in the playoffs, and will have the homecourt advantage in the opening round.

That's the spirit!

[jimibadfish]

no where near 72, I'll bet on that.

When you say nowhere near, what does that mean?

[rickyh24]

60-70

[cbotnyse]

When you say nowhere near, what does that mean?If you want a number, I'll say maybe 52, if they can stay healthy.

[jimibadfish]

If you want a number, I'll say maybe 52, if they can stay healthy.

You obviously haven't seen them play or realized they are in the Eastern Conference.

[cbotnyse]

You obviously haven't seen them play or realized they are in the Eastern Conference.we'll see.

[irishluck314]

60-70....the east is a joke

[rickyh24]

60-70....the east is a joke

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/powerranking


its getting better

[cbotnyse]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/powerranking


its getting better:eek I cant believe the Bulls are last. :lorraine

[cryfreedom4136]

I did the math and they will win 82, the math doesn't lie

[justinandimcool]

In the East, 60 games exactly.

[cruscott35]

50-60. the "big 3" are logging way too many minutes right now. no way they can keep that up for 82 games.


Bingo. Bumped in the second round.

[justinandimcool]

I still think Detroit is the team to beat. Still the most solid team all-around in the East. IMO the 3rd best team in the whole NBA. The only problem is when they get cold, they get COLD, which is why the folded the past 2 years in the playoffs. But they're still the team to beat this year in my eyes.

[cruscott35]

They haven't really played anyone yet.

[cruscott35]

I still think Detroit is the team to beat. Still the most solid team all-around in the East. IMO the 3rd best team in the whole NBA. The only problem is when they get cold, they get COLD, which is why the folded the past 2 years in the playoffs. But they're still the team to beat this year in my eyes.

No, Flip is that reason.

[jimibadfish]

Ahem.

[chr35919]

50-60. the "big 3" are logging way too many minutes right now. no way they can keep that up for 82 games.:rolleyes

[41ravens]

:rolleyes

what's wrong with that assumption? we're only a quarter of the way through the season. and the injury bug has already hit allen. i stand by it.

[cruscott35]

what's wrong with that assumption? we're only a quarter of the way through the season. and the injury bug has already hit allen. i stand by it.


I just can't wait for the early playoff exit.

[jimibadfish]

Garnett who is 49th in the league in minutes per game is averaging 2.8 less min than his career avg.

Pierce who is 18th in the league in minutes per game is averaging .3 more min than his career avg.

Allen who is 15th in the league in minutes per game is averaging 1.1 more min that his career avg .

There is no need to panic about these guys wearing down. It's not like they are loggin 40+ minutes a game.

[chr35919]

I just can't wait for the early playoff exit.why the hate?

[jaking1185]

Sometimes I forget that all New England sports teams are the greatest in the history of time. :rolleyes

I'll stick by my 50-60 wins. It will be between Boston, Detroit and Orlando as to who gets served up to the Western Conference champs.

[Tiduwho]

Are they 41-3 yet?

[rickyh24]

I stand by my pick of 60-70

[rickyh24]

I just can't wait for the early playoff exit.

I really don't see anyone in the East beating them in a 7 game series.

[1eyed_jack]

i'm still waiting for boston to play a real team :lol

[rickyh24]

i'm still waiting for boston to play a real team :lol

:thumbsdow not every team in the league can be as good as San Antonio and Phoenix. They have played plenty of teams with 13 to 15 wins. I cant wait until after these next to weeks when I don't have to hear this stupid comment anymore.

or will people not be satisfied until February when the play The Spurs and Suns?

[1eyed_jack]

yeah plenty of teams with 13 to 15 but what about detroit-pheonix and san-antonio. you guys did play a team with 18 wins and you lost.

the combined record of celtic opponents right now is 219-259. the average record of teams you face has been 11-13

i know there's nothing they can do about it, but they have proven they are in the top five and nothing else at this point

[rickyh24]

yeah plenty of teams with 13 to 15 but what about detroit-pheonix and san-antonio. you guys did play a team with 18 wins and you lost.

the combined record of celtic opponents right now is 219-259. the average record of teams you face has been 11-13

i know there's nothing they can do about it, but they have proven they are in the top five and nothing else at this point

so pretty much what your saying is the Celts cant prove themselves until February?

[cruscott35]

I really don't see anyone in the East beating them in a 7 game series.

Detroit's 5 starters and bench beats Boston's 3 stars any day. They play tomorrow, I hope it's on nationally.

[rickyh24]

Detroit's 5 starters and bench beats Boston's 3 stars any day. They play tomorrow, I hope it's on nationally.

look at some numbers Boston is a lot deeper than you think they are.


its on ESPN

[1eyed_jack]

so pretty much what your saying is the Celts cant prove themselves until February?


it's going to be tough that's for sure.

[cruscott35]

look at some numbers Boston is a lot deeper than you think they are.


its on ESPN


The same three guys get 60% of your points and 50% of your rebounds. I wouldn't call that deep.

[rickyh24]

The same three guys get 60% of your points and 50% of your rebounds. I wouldn't call that deep.

their bench has been far more productive than anyone would have thought. Ive watched every game. I know what I see. When you have 3 stars like they have they are obviously going to lead your team in most categories. So that argument is kind of stupid if you ask me.

[cruscott35]

their bench has been far more productive than anyone would have thought. Ive watched every game. I know what I see. When you have 3 stars like they have they are obviously going to lead your team in most categories. So that argument is kind of stupid if you ask me.


You can lead your team in categories without having your team statistically depend on them. Surely players can contribute without putting up numbers, if your bench was more productive than you thought, you must've thought you guys were only playing with three players.

I just don't see 3 guys with as many minutes as they've got in their career being able to carry their team in May/June if they continue at this pace.

[jimibadfish]

Look at the way the Celtics are beating people. It's not just the bad teams they're blowing out.

[rickyh24]

Look at the way the Celtics are beating people. It's not just the bad teams they're blowing out.


but they have only played bad teams :rolleyes

[rickyh24]

http://www.nba.com/features/player_rankings.html

[jimibadfish]

I just can't wait for the early playoff exit.

Nobody in the East, beside the Pistons, stacks up in any way vs. the Celts. To think they are out before the Eastern conference finals is ignorant at this point unless you expect KG or Pierce and Allen to be injured.

[cruscott35]

Nobody in the East, beside the Pistons, stacks up in any way vs. the Celts. To think they are out before the Eastern conference finals is ignorant at this point unless you expect KG or Pierce and Allen to be injured.


Or extremely tired... And who do you guys think is so good that the C's have played so far?

[1eyed_jack]

but they have only played bad teams :rolleyes


no one's saying they are a bad team. everyone knows they are good, but how can a team be compared to one of the best teams in any sport when they haven't even proved themselves yet? the best team they played all season so far beat them, let's see how they are in a few months.

[jimibadfish]

Or extremely tired... And who do you guys think is so good that the C's have played so far?

It's not like they are leading the league in minutes. These guys are seasoned players around the best years of their career.

Garnett is averaging 3 min less than his career avg.

Allen and Pierce are near their career avg. The last two games have been restful for Allen, I'm sure. Anyone who thinks his ankle injury had anything to do with fatigue is sorely mistaken. Pierce probably feels like he's running down hill since he doesn't have to carry so much scoring responsiblility night after night.

If you don't think they've blown out some quality opponenents, you need to do your own research. I'm done explaining shit to people, just to have to rehash the same thing a page later.

[DMB0715]

50-60. They haven't beaten anyone yet.

[cruscott35]

Look up the historic numbers of when players start aging... It's got more to due with career minutes than age. PP, KG, and Allen all have a TON of minutes logged in their careers. This is why I expect them to fade down the stretch. Not only that, but none of them have won anything in their careers.

[jimibadfish]

no one's saying they are a bad team. everyone knows they are good, but how can a team be compared to one of the best teams in any sport when they haven't even proved themselves yet? the best team they played all season so far beat them, let's see how they are in a few months.

They did lose by 2 in orlando after being down by 20. I'll give you that.

They are proving themselves. The haven't fully proven themselves. However, from what I've seen, they have been the most impressive team in the league.

[jimibadfish]

Look up the historic numbers of when players start aging... It's got more to due with career minutes than age. PP, KG, and Allen all have a TON of minutes logged in their careers. This is why I expect them to fade down the stretch. Not only that, but none of them have won anything in their careers.

We disagree. We'll see down the road.

[rickyh24]

They did lose by 2 in orlando after being down by 20. I'll give you that.

They are proving themselves. The haven't fully proven themselves. However, from what I've seen, they have been the most impressive team in the league.

:thumbsup

[dmbhoosier21]

Sorry, it's still too early to start comparing them to the Bulls of the 90s.

Though, I am surprised with their defense.

[gocubsgo3822]

they are doing really really really well i say 68-14

[Tiduwho]

Don't worry, they only have to win another 21 in a row now to catch up to the Bulls.

[jmudmbphan]

to answer the OP..

apparently not many when they have to play a quality team.

[malarks26]

So much for that undefeated home winning streak.

[jaking1185]

There goes the 70 wins.

[chr35919]

i find all this celtic hate hilarious

[dmbhoosier21]

i find all this celtic hate hilarious

I find it appalling, people losing sight of what is priority numero uno - hating the Patriots and Belicheat.

[Tiduwho]

i find all this celtic hate hilarious

I find all this "Celtics are on pace to be greater than the '96 Bulls" hype from ESPN and the gang hilarious. And it's been going on since 7 games into the season.

[rickyh24]

I find all this "Celtics are on pace to be greater than the '96 Bulls" hype from ESPN and the gang hilarious. And it's been going on since 7 games into the season.

Dont hate on the Celts because ESPN is a bunch of douche bags, its not their fault.

[thebestauntie]

I find it appalling, people losing sight of what is priority numero uno - hating the Patriots and Belicheat.
:lol :lol You rock Mike!

[dmbhoosier21]

:lol :lol You rock Mike!

No you rock! :thumbsup

I just have my priorities straight

1. family, friends
1 a. Hate the Patriots
2. job, school
3. my health


etc ....

I'm just pissed that the Mitchell report and Clemens being on it has taken away from the Pats bashing, it is very sad. :thumbsdow

[rickyh24]

people are starting to see the light, the "Bash the Pats" thread isn't even staying on the front page.

[chr35919]

:lol rick, it's not our fault boston/NE is killing in every sport (save for hockey) right now :evil

[1eyed_jack]

like i said before, nobody here is saying boston isn't good, we're just saying they aren't as good as you think they are. i'd still put them in my top 5...barely

[jimibadfish]

Great game tonight. Sucks Boston dropped it at home. The Pistons displayed the value of team experience. Regardless of what anyone says, Boston has impressive wins this season against quality teams. Still, it's hard to say the Celtics are best team in the league. While the stats are compelling for them, they haven't, as I thought they would tonight, beaten either of the other two powerful teams in the East. Hopefully as the season progresses, the Celts will refine their team play to sync with their talent and acheive the next level that has been missing in their losses.

Rondo is an exciting young player.

[jimibadfish]

i'd still put them in my top 5...barely

Barely? That makes no sense. At all.

[rickyh24]

Great game tonight. Sucks Boston dropped it at home. The Pistons displayed the value of team experience. Regardless of what anyone says, Boston has impressive wins this season against quality teams. Still, it's hard to say the Celtics are best team in the league. While the stats are compelling for them, they haven't, as I thought they would tonight, beaten either of the other two powerful teams in the East. Hopefully as the season progresses, the Celts will refine their team play to sync with their talent and acheive the next level that has been missing in their losses.

Rondo is an exciting young player.



they could have easily won, i really am upset at the decisions Rivers and Pierce made late in the 4th quarter.

[1eyed_jack]

Regardless of what anyone says, Boston has impressive wins this season against quality teams.


do they?

i mean look at the power rankings on ESPN

1. Boston
2. San Antonio (haven't played)
3. Detroit (lost to)
4. Pheonix (haven't played)
5. Orlando (lost to)
6. Charlotte (beat by 1)
7. Dallas (haven't played)


so against the top 6 teams in the league, boston is 1-2. 20+ games into the season, it's amazing they haven't played more teams on the list, but until they do they're not one of the elite teams in my opinion

[rickyh24]

i think you mean New Orleans

[1eyed_jack]

haha, yup. it's still the washington bullets right? :lol

[jimibadfish]

they could have easily won, i really am upset at the decisions Rivers and Pierce made late in the 4th quarter.

Yes, but they have failed to dominate the best of the east. They have been more impressive against similar competition than the Pistons and Magic, so I still think they are better than both of them. However, I can't say they would fair much better against the big three in the west than the Magic (0-4, two losses by 10+) based on what I've seen so far. If they had beaten the Pistons comfortably, the whole story is different.

[jimibadfish]

do they?

i mean look at the power rankings on ESPN

1. Boston
2. San Antonio (haven't played)
3. Detroit (lost to)
4. Pheonix (haven't played)
5. Orlando (lost to)
6. Charlotte (beat by 1)
7. Dallas (haven't played)


so against the top 6 teams in the league, boston is 1-2. 20+ games into the season, it's amazing they haven't played more teams on the list, but until they do they're not one of the elite teams in my opinion

You do that only by ignoring the 13.5 avg in points the Celts finish ahead of their opponents. I'm sorry, but it's simply ignorant not to consider them an elite team. Not the best team, but certainly elite.

[1eyed_jack]

You do that only by ignoring the 13.5 avg in points the Celts finish ahead of their opponents. I'm sorry, but it's simply ignorant not to consider them an elite team. Not the best team, but certainly elite.


depends how many teams you'd consider elite. if it's 6 then sure, if it's top 3 than nope

[smeritt]

depends how many teams you'd consider elite. if it's 6 then sure, if it's top 3 than nopeI would agree. They are the 6th best team in the NBA plain and simple. They are nowhere near the Bulls teams of the 90's which is why all this comparison is nonsense. When they play and beat teams like the Spurs, Suns and Mavs, then maybe they can be considered but when you can't even beat the top 2 teams in your conference....... All this talk of best ever is laughable.

[jimibadfish]

I would agree. They are the 6th best team in the NBA plain and simple. They are nowhere near the Bulls teams of the 90's which is why all this comparison is nonsense. When they play and beat teams like the Spurs, Suns and Mavs, then maybe they can be considered but when you can't even beat the top 2 teams in your conference....... All this talk of best ever is laughable.

It is laughable to call a team that is 20-3 the sixth best team and say it is plain and simple. If they are the sixth best, your explaination has to be pretty complex and probably makes no sense. You're not looking at how the Celts have played similar opponents of the Pistons and the Magic. If a team is far more impressive against similar competition and come down to the wire games against two given teams, it seems that team is better to a person that considers every aspect of a season. If the Pistons had won comfortably, I'd say they were the better team. Since they did not and have not performed as well as the Celtics up to this point in the year, I say they aren't. The game was a toss up. The better team has not faced the Celtics all year. That may change, but an overtime loss and two, two-point losses that could have gone either way is hardly the losing part of the resume of a 6th best team after over a quarter of a season.

[cruscott35]

their bench has been far more productive than anyone would have thought. Ive watched every game. I know what I see. When you have 3 stars like they have they are obviously going to lead your team in most categories. So that argument is kind of stupid if you ask me.


Boston's bench last night. 5 points, 7 rebounds... Not what I'd call productive. The reason their bench has looked good is because they've logged a ton of minutes when the C's were beating the shit out of no one.

They haven't gone on a west coast or Texas road trip yet, and the only two good teams they've played they've lost to. I don't see how you Boston fans can't see that.

[cruscott35]

Also, your three biggest bench guys in terms of minutes last night were a combined -10. Nice.

[1eyed_jack]

Boston's bench last night. 5 points, 7 rebounds... Not what I'd call productive. The reason their bench has looked good is because they've logged a ton of minutes when the C's were beating the shit out of no one.

They haven't gone on a west coast or Texas road trip yet, and the only two good teams they've played they've lost to. I don't see how you Boston fans can't see that.

:thumbsup you can't blame boston for its schedule, but you can't call them the best until they play those guys.

however, you can blame their annoying fans who think boston is better than the old bulls team. boston fans now have made me hate two teams, celtics and the red-sox

[cruscott35]

:thumbsup you can't blame boston for its schedule, but you can't call them the best until they play those guys.

however, you can blame their annoying fans who think boston is better than the old bulls team. boston fans now have made me hate two teams, celtics and the red-sox


I don't blame them, but I'd think that their fans would look at that when saying they are the best.

[smeritt]

It is laughable to call a team that is 20-3 the sixth best team and say it is plain and simple. If they are the sixth best, your explaination has to be pretty complex and probably makes no sense. You're not looking at how the Celts have played similar opponents of the Pistons and the Magic. If a team is far more impressive against similar competition and come down to the wire games against two given teams, it seems that team is better to a person that considers every aspect of a season. If the Pistons had won comfortably, I'd say they were the better team. Since they did not and have not performed as well as the Celtics up to this point in the year, I say they aren't. The game was a toss up. The better team has not faced the Celtics all year. That may change, but an overtime loss and two, two-point losses that could have gone either way is hardly the losing part of the resume of a 6th best team after over a quarter of a season.They lost to both the Pistons and Orlando. Thats what I go by wins and losses. They lost to the two other best teams in their conference and that is plain and simple. I don't really need to go by anything else. People need to get off the Celts nuts for like two seconds

[jmudmbphan]

i find all this celtic hate hilarious

you boston people know a lot about it..you should realize it for what it is..

you all hated the yankees for so long because they dominated the shit out of you...hated them simply bc they were better...

deal with it.

[seekupig]

you boston people know a lot about it..you should realize it for what it is..

you all hated the yankees for so long because they dominated the shit out of you...hated them simply bc they were better...

deal with it.

:thumbsup

people generally don't hate teams that suck....

[devilandthelord]

I'll say 62.

[chr35919]

They lost to both the Pistons and Orlando. Thats what I go by wins and losses. They lost to the two other best teams in their conference and that is plain and simple. I don't really need to go by anything else. People need to get off the Celts nuts for like two secondsby 2 points in each game. we could have won.

[1eyed_jack]

by 2 points in each game. we could have won.


haha that's really funny

you also beat toronto by 3 in OT, miami by 1 and charlotte by 1.

so instead of being 20-3 right now you could be 17-6, so don't use that argument because it works better against you

[chr35919]

haha that's really funny

you also beat toronto by 3 in OT, miami by 1 and charlotte by 1.

so instead of being 20-3 right now you could be 17-6, so don't use that argument because it works better against you
or 22-1.

[41ravens]

what sucks is that i really want garnett to succeed and i even wouldn't mind seeing him get a ring. but boston fans have really made me hate everything that is boston sports right now, so it's tough to cheer for them.

[1eyed_jack]

exactly, it works both ways, so i wouldn't brag about it, i'd be happy you have the record you have.

[chr35919]

exactly, it works both ways, so i wouldn't brag about it, i'd be happy you have the record you have.i was just sayings it's stupid to say "we couldn't even beat the pistons and the magic." those games, and the ones you listed, could have gone either way. it's not like detroit routed us.

[UNC41]

I hate the we could be this or this argument. I mean, the Dolphins could easily be 7-7 because six of their losses are by a field goal ...

Bottom line is Boston has looked like one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference this year and has proven it can play with other elite teams within the conference. It is dumb to call them an easy favorite and just as dumb to suggest they cannot compete with other teams in the postseason when we're in December. There is a lot of basketball to be played and barring an injury Boston will be a contender to make the NBA Finals come playoff time.

[jmudmbphan]

by 2 points in each game. we could have won.


yes you could have..but your team folded under pressure to better teams...

[rickyh24]

however, you can blame their annoying fans who think boston is better than the old bulls team. boston fans now have made me hate two teams, celtics and the red-sox

who said they were better than the old bulls team? espn? I dont see many fans saying they are better than that team.

[41ravens]

i want to see how they play against the west before making any judgements. the cavs made the finals in the east last year, for christ's sake.

[jmudmbphan]

who said they were better than the old bulls team? espn? I dont see many fans saying they are better than that team.



aside from the NBA being MUCH tougher when the bulls were in their prime...the celts wouldnt hold a candle to MJ, Scottie, Rodman

[rickyh24]

i think its funny that the Pistons are now light years above the Celtics because of a two point win. give me a break.

[rickyh24]

aside from the NBA being MUCH tougher when the bulls were in their prime...the celts wouldnt hold a candle to MJ, Scottie, Rodman

thanks for the update, again I never said this wasn't the case.

[smeritt]

by 2 points in each game. we could have won.
This is a terrible argument in all sports. You could have won but you didn't. Thats plain and simple. Great teams find ways to win those games they lose by 2. You didn't end of story, not that good.

[jmudmbphan]

thanks for the update, again I never said this wasn't the case.


didnt mean to quote you for that

[rickyh24]

This is a terrible argument in all sports. You could have won but you didn't. Thats plain and simple. Great teams find ways to win those games they lose by 2. You didn't end of story, not that good.

no shit but a 2 point win in December does not make the Pistons any better than the Celtics and your a fool if you watched that game and can still say it couldn't have gone either way.

[rickyh24]

didnt mean to quote you for that

:thumbsup :thumbsup

[smeritt]

no shit but a 2 point win in December does not make the Pistons any better than the Celtics and your a fool if you watched that game and can still say it couldn't have gone either way.I'm not saying the Pistons are lgiht years ahead of the Celts. I am saying they are in fact better. I'm also not saying it couldn't have gone either way. Clearly it could have. But it didn't. So I never like that argument in sports. If the bugs hadn't attacked Joba the Yankees could have won that series. See what I'm saying?

[UNC41]

no shit but a 2 point win in December does not make the Pistons any better than the Celtics and your a fool if you watched that game and can still say it couldn't have gone either way.

I think the only person who is really driving that point home is a Pistons fan, and the only reason he thinks that way is because he is a Pistons fan. He won't admit that, but that's what I think.

[rickyh24]

I'm not saying the Pistons are lgiht years ahead of the Celts. I am saying they are in fact better. I'm also not saying it couldn't have gone either way. Clearly it could have. But it didn't. So I never like that argument in sports. If the bugs hadn't attacked Joba the Yankees could have won that series. See what I'm saying?

well I will stick by the Celtics record than regardless of who they have played. they are currently the best team in the NBA.

[chr35919]

well I will stick by the Celtics record than regardless of who they have played. they are currently the best team in the NBA.:thumbsup

[1eyed_jack]

well I will stick by the Celtics record than regardless of who they have played. they are currently the best team in the NBA.


so then you must think hawaii should be playing for the national championship game right?

[rickyh24]

so then you must think hawaii should be playing for the national championship game right?

I really could care less, that whole system is fucked up.

[UNC41]

Synopsis of this thread:
- Detroit fan thinks they are clearly better than Boston
- Boston fans think the Celtics are the best team in the NBA
- Everyone else is holding off judgment either way until Boston is tested against more elite teams.

[smeritt]

Synopsis of this thread:
- Detroit fan thinks they are clearly better than Boston
- Boston fans think the Celtics are the best team in the NBA
- Everyone else is holding off judgment either way until Boston is tested against more elite teams.Correct sir. :thumbsup

[william.hosking]

Synopsis of this thread:
- Detroit fan thinks they are clearly better than Boston
- Boston fans think the Celtics are the best team in the NBA
- Everyone else is holding off judgment either way until Boston is tested against more elite teams.

Detroit is better than Boston. They are a significantly more tested team than Boston, and last night it showed in the last 6 minutes of that game. Boston has the best record in the NBA, yes, but they aren't the best team. Two of Boston's three losses are against Detroit (clearly an elite team) and Orlando (an East elite team this year).

[jimibadfish]

Anybody who thinks the Celtics are worse than the Pistons and Magic because of losing two very close games to them is not thinking logically. You can't only consider the losses as a measuring stick for the teams involved. If they had been by a wider margin, it would be different.

The Celtics have not proven themselves to be the best team in the league yet. They have proven themselves to be the best team in the east by the way they have outperformed every team in the east consistantly thus far this year. And when I say every team, I mean the Pistons and the Magic as well.

Y'all seriously don't think the Pistons or the Magic would consistanly beat them, do you? And if so, what would you base that assumption off? I would really like to hear something other than the they beat them by two points argument. It doesn't hold up.

[rickyh24]

Detroit is better than Boston. They are a significantly more tested team than Boston, and last night it showed in the last 6 minutes of that game. Boston has the best record in the NBA, yes, but they aren't the best team. Two of Boston's three losses are against Detroit (clearly an elite team) and Orlando (an East elite team this year).

so if Paul Pierce would have hit that shot? or Billups wasn't fouled ?(by a bench player who came into the game cold to defend hum for some reason) the Celtics would clearly be better in your eyes? that makes a lot of sense :rolleyes

[william.hosking]

so if Paul Pierce would have hit that shot? or Billups wasn't fouled ?(by a bench player who came into the game cold to defend hum for some reason) the Celtics would clearly be better in your eyes? that makes a lot of sense :rolleyes

Actually I make quite a bit of sense. The Celtics, and Paul Pierce for that matter, don't know how you manage a close game. Evident by Exhibit A) The last 6 minutes of that game. Boston, as a team, fell apart. If it weren't for Ray Allen, Boston would have lost by at least 6 points., Exhibit B) Paul Pierce taking a jump shot rather than driving to the hoop for a layup or possibly a foul and taking more time off the clock. At the very least you are going into overtime, but why leave the Pistons ANY time at all?, and Exhibit C) The substitution at the end of the game. Putting in someone who hasn't played much on one of the most cluth guards in the league. Real smart, Doc. Everyone who has ever seen the Pistons play basketball since 2003-2004 knows Billups is getting the ball and is going to take the shot and try to get contact. It's a fact: The Pistons have been through every possible scenario and the Celtics haven't been through many at all.

[jimibadfish]

Actually I make quite a bit of sense. The Celtics, and Paul Pierce for that matter, don't know how you manage a close game. Evident by Exhibit A) The last 6 minutes of that game. Boston, as a team, fell apart. If it weren't for Ray Allen, Boston would have lost by at least 6 points., Exhibit B) Paul Pierce taking a jump shot rather than driving to the hoop for a layup or possibly a foul and taking more time off the clock. At the very least you are going into overtime, but why leave the Pistons ANY time at all?, and Exhibit C) The substitution at the end of the game. Putting in someone who hasn't played much on one of the most cluth guards in the league. Real smart, Doc. Everyone who has ever seen the Pistons play basketball since 2003-2004 knows Billups is getting the ball and is going to take the shot and try to get contact. It's a fact: The Pistons have been through every possible scenario and the Celtics haven't been through many at all.

Hopefully, the celtics will learn from all of this and make it better next time. Without these mental errors, they win. With them, they still only lost by two.

My favorite line from your post is, "If it weren't for Allen."

But it was for Allen, because he's on the team. If it weren't for Billups, the Celtics win by ten. But you can't say that because Billups is in fact on the Pistons.

[rickyh24]

Actually I make quite a bit of sense. The Celtics, and Paul Pierce for that matter, don't know how you manage a close game. Evident by Exhibit A) The last 6 minutes of that game. Boston, as a team, fell apart. If it weren't for Ray Allen, Boston would have lost by at least 6 points., Exhibit B) Paul Pierce taking a jump shot rather than driving to the hoop for a layup or possibly a foul and taking more time off the clock. At the very least you are going into overtime, but why leave the Pistons ANY time at all?, and Exhibit C) The substitution at the end of the game. Putting in someone who hasn't played much on one of the most cluth guards in the league. Real smart, Doc. Everyone who has ever seen the Pistons play basketball since 2003-2004 knows Billups is getting the ball and is going to take the shot and try to get contact. It's a fact: The Pistons have been through every possible scenario and the Celtics haven't been through many at all.


Actually Eddie House (along with Allen) made a huge three at the end, and thanks for proving my point that the Celtics could have easily won that game last night. If it makes you feel any better I will agree that the Pistons at the moment are two points better than the Celtics.

[jimibadfish]

Actually Eddie House (along with Allen) made a huge three at the end, and thanks for proving my point that the Celtics could have easily won that game last night. If it makes you feel any better I will agree that the Pistons at the moment are two points better than the Celtics.

But if it wasn't for KG...

[rickyh24]

But if it wasn't for KG...

if it was for Tayshaun Prince we could still be in overtime right now

[DMBtheStoned]

zero

[rickyh24]

zero

:twak get out of here

[william.hosking]

Actually Eddie House (along with Allen) made a huge three at the end, and thanks for proving my point that the Celtics could have easily won that game last night. If it makes you feel any better I will agree that the Pistons at the moment are two points better than the Celtics.

How has your point been proven? By me pointing out all the mistakes that Boston made? Yes, they could have won the game, but they didn't. Period. They made the wrong moves, substitutions when the game was on the line. The Pistons executed. If it was so easy, according to you, then how come it didn't happen? I will tell you. Because Boston doesn't yet know how to manage a close game against an worthy opponent in the closing minutes/seconds. The Paul Pierce possession was huge. At the very least, Boston should have sent the game to overtime, but Pierce made a terrible decision (game management). Do you see my point? Sure, you are right, Boston could have won, but it isn't as easy as their 20-3 record indicates. It's quite easy to manage a game with 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 minutes left when you are leading your opponent by 15, 20, 25 points.

[rickyh24]

How has your point been proven? By me pointing out all the mistakes that Boston made? Yes, they could have won the game, but they didn't. Period. They made the wrong moves, substitutions when the game was on the line. The Pistons executed. If it was so easy, according to you, then how come it didn't happen? I will tell you. Because Boston doesn't yet know how to manage a close game against an worthy opponent in the closing minutes/seconds. The Paul Pierce possession was huge. At the very least, Boston should have sent the game to overtime, but Pierce made a terrible decision (game management). Do you see my point? Sure, you are right, Boston could have won, but it isn't as easy as their 20-3 record indicates. It's quite easy to manage a game with 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 minutes left when you are leading your opponent by 15, 20, 25 points.



they have won plenty of close games this year. Allen himself has won two at the buzzer with 3's. I see your point about Pierce he did make a horrible decision and next time I hope the ball is in someone else's hands.

[william.hosking]

they have won plenty of close games this year. Allen himself has won two at the buzzer with 3's. I see your point about Pierce he did make a horrible decision and next time I hope the ball is in someone else's hands.

Pierce can have the ball at the buzzer, but he needs to make better decisions. Honestly, the way Allen had been shooting all night, how does he not have the ball in his hands for the last shot? Coaching, coaching, coaching. And if they want to win a championship with that team, Doc Rivers has to coach better, plain and simple. They have the talent, now they need to fine tune the coaching. Eastern Conference Finals preview last night.

[jimibadfish]

How has your point been proven? By me pointing out all the mistakes that Boston made? Yes, they could have won the game, but they didn't. Period. They made the wrong moves, substitutions when the game was on the line. The Pistons executed. If it was so easy, according to you, then how come it didn't happen? I will tell you. Because Boston doesn't yet know how to manage a close game against an worthy opponent in the closing minutes/seconds. The Paul Pierce possession was huge. At the very least, Boston should have sent the game to overtime, but Pierce made a terrible decision (game management). Do you see my point? Sure, you are right, Boston could have won, but it isn't as easy as their 20-3 record indicates. It's quite easy to manage a game with 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 minutes left when you are leading your opponent by 15, 20, 25 points.

So with better game management, the Celts win easily. Cool. Glad to see we're on the same page.

[rickyh24]

Pierce can have the ball at the buzzer, but he needs to make better decisions. Honestly, the way Allen had been shooting all night, how does he not have the ball in his hands for the last shot? Coaching, coaching, coaching. And if they want to win a championship with that team, Doc Rivers has to coach better, plain and simple. They have the talent, now they need to fine tune the coaching. Eastern Conference Finals preview last night.

I would have liked to have seen KG with the ball honestly, the game was tied. The worst that could have happened was overtime. Hes been shooting lights out all year. He could have easily got down low and got fouled or got an easy two.

[william.hosking]

So with better game management, the Celts win easily. Cool. Glad to see we're on the same page.

If that's how you want to see it, that's fine with me. The bottom line is: Pistons won the game, Celtics lost the game. The rest, to you, doesn't matter, huh? Yeah, the Celtics could have won the game, but they didn't. They didn't execute in the clutch. The Pistons did. They won on the shoulders of their clutch shooter. The Celtics COULD have won, that's it. COULD. But didn't. Sorry. See you in January at the Palace.

[UNC41]

Detroit is better than Boston. They are a significantly more tested team than Boston, and last night it showed in the last 6 minutes of that game. Boston has the best record in the NBA, yes, but they aren't the best team. Two of Boston's three losses are against Detroit (clearly an elite team) and Orlando (an East elite team this year).

How is this year's Detroit team significantly more tested than Boston? Neither one has played Dallas, Phoenix or San Antonio ...

[rickyh24]

How is this year's Detroit team significantly more tested than Boston? Neither one has played Dallas, Phoenix or San Antonio ...

before the game they showed a chart that proved Detroit has had any easier schedule so far than Boston

[william.hosking]

How is this year's Detroit team significantly more tested than Boston? Neither one has played Dallas, Phoenix or San Antonio ...

Tested over the long run. Of their starting 5 (Billups, Hamilton, Wallace, Prince, and McDyess) 4 of them have won a championship. All of them have been to the finals, and had long runs to the Conference Finals every year. They have been a cohesive unit for the better part of 5 years now. They have seen it all together. That is the definition of tested as a team.

[jimibadfish]

Tested over the long run. Of their starting 5 (Billups, Hamilton, Wallace, Prince, and McDyess) 4 of them have won a championship. All of them have been to the finals, and had long runs to the Conference Finals every year. They have been a cohesive unit for the better part of 5 years now. They have seen it all together. That is the definition of tested as a team.

That's why I said earlier in this very thread that the Pistons showed the value of team experience. The Celts will grow as a team over the year. I didn't make excuses for them losing. I just look at the rest of the season and see it for what it's worth. The Celts still appear to be the better team, even in a losing effort.

[william.hosking]

That's why I said earlier in this very thread that the Pistons showed the value of team experience. The Celts will grow as a team over the year. I didn't make excuses for them losing. I just look at the rest of the season and see it for what it's worth. The Celts still appear to be the better team, even in a losing effort.

So why not just crown them right now? If they are the best team in your opinion, and obviously wins/losses don't matter to you. Let's save all this time and effort and just crown them NBA Champions. The Celtics won't be appear to be the better team in the playoffs in four losing errots. But, yeah, you're right.:freak

[jimibadfish]

So why not just crown them right now? If they are the best team in your opinion, and obviously wins/losses don't matter to you. Let's save all this time and effort and just crown them NBA Champions. The Celtics won't be appear to be the better team in the playoffs in four losing errots. But, yeah, you're right.:freak

If you can't see the value of their 20 wins and 13.5 point differential, that is your loss. All this will be played out over the year and then we will know for sure who is better. As it stands, the celtics still, to an objective mind, appear to be the best team in the East.

[thebestauntie]

So why not just crown them right now? If they are the best team in your opinion, and obviously wins/losses don't matter to you. Let's save all this time and effort and just crown them NBA Champions. The Celtics won't be appear to be the better team in the playoffs in four losing errots. But, yeah, you're right.:freak
Boston Celtics 20 wins 3 losses
Detroit Pistons 13 wins 7 losses

I'm sorry, what's your point again there Sweet Cheeks?

[william.hosking]

If you can't see the value of their 20 wins and 13.5 point differential, that is your loss. All this will be played out over the year and then we will know for sure who is better. As it stands, the celtics still, to an objective mind, appear to be the best team in the East.

This is the best post of this whole argument. I do see the value in their wins and stats. I am just saying, last night, the Pistons were the better team. And yes, over the course of the season and playoffs we will see who the best team in the East. It may not even be either team. If Orlando comes out of the East (which they probably wont, but if they do), then everything we've been typing means nothing. So, in conclusion, I agree with you that over the course of the season so far (and only this season) Boston is playing much better.

[william.hosking]

Boston Celtics 20 wins 3 losses
Detroit Pistons 13 wins 7 losses

I'm sorry, what's your point again there Sweet Cheeks?

Detroit Pistons 87, Boston Celtics 85. Can my point be any clearer about that ONE game?

I still love you, Kitty;)

[thebestauntie]

Detroit Pistons 87, Boston Celtics 85. Can my point be any clearer about that ONE game?

I still love you, Kitty;)
Ah, okay, if it's regarding that ONE game, then yes you are fine. It just seemed that you were trying to say that the Pits were overall a better team. And you really can't say that from one, close tight game. If anything, it just says that they are pretty evenly matched. Except that the Celtics still rock and the Pistons don't. :p :D

I still love you too Sweet Cheeks. ;)

[william.hosking]

Ah, okay, if it's regarding that ONE game, then yes you are fine. It just seemed that you were trying to say that the Pits were overall a better team. And you really can't say that from one, close tight game. If anything, it just says that they are pretty evenly matched. Except that the Celtics still rock and the Pistons don't. :p :D

I still love you too Sweet Cheeks. ;)

Oh, another thing it says: The Celtics were outcoached. And the Pistons DO rock. Case and point: See 2004 NBA Championship and impressive run since.

Love you babe!:angel

[thebestauntie]

Love you babe!:angel
I know. ;)

[jimibadfish]

This is the best post of this whole argument. I do see the value in their wins and stats. I am just saying, last night, the Pistons were the better team. And yes, over the course of the season and playoffs we will see who the best team in the East. It may not even be either team. If Orlando comes out of the East (which they probably wont, but if they do), then everything we've been typing means nothing. So, in conclusion, I agree with you that over the course of the season so far (and only this season) Boston is playing much better.

That's all I've been saying all along.

[cruscott35]

First off, the Pistons have 18 wins, not 13.

Secondly, I don't think the Pistons are better because of this game, I think they are better because aside from the big three, they are better at every position.

Who, outside of someone named Allen, Pierce, or Garnett scares you on that squad? Bueller, Bueller?

None of the big three have won shit in their careers, at ANY level. Why would they suddenly start now?

[thebestauntie]

First off, the Pistons have 18 wins, not 13.

Secondly, I don't think the Pistons are better because of this game, I think they are better because aside from the big three, they are better at every position.

Who, outside of someone named Allen, Pierce, or Garnett scares you on that squad? Bueller, Bueller?

None of the big three have won shit in their careers, at ANY level. Why would they suddenly start now?
Oops, my bad! I meant to type 18, typo (Freudian slip typo).

[jmudmbphan]

well I will stick by the Celtics record than regardless of who they have played. they are currently the best team in the NBA.


eh, by that logic Hawaii is the best team in college football.....

[jimibadfish]

eh, by that logic Hawaii is the best team in college football.....

There are 119 teams in college football, and they play 12/13 regular season games.:freak

[rickyh24]

There are 119 teams in college football, and they play 12/13 regular season games.:freak

:lol :lol just let it go...we will bump this thread in a few months or so..its not worth it.