Ride on Celtics Roller Coaster- Green Heart Attack
Warning: This ride will go at speeds in excess of 100 mph. Be prepared for many steep drops, and many corkscrews. The Green Heart Attack WILL take sharp turns, so hold on tight- you won’t know what to expect next.
CELTICS 107 KNICKS 105 F/OT
The Celtics planned on going to New York for a quick and easy game, then moving on with their schedule. What they got was oh so much more. In probably one of the most up and down games I have ever witnessed the Celtics play, they finally came out on top as KG saved the team with a jumper from the top of the key at the buzzer.
As the first quarter progressed, it looked as though the Celtics would win by about 20 or so, and this would be exactly the type of game we were hoping for. At the end of the first we were up 8, and playing comfortably. Paul Pierce was leading the charge, and Eddie had found his shot again. It all looked great- that is until the 2nd quarter. In the second, all rhythm was lost. The C’s became one-dimensional, and lacked any form of defense. In that quarter the Knicks put up 31 points on us, and finished the half only down 3.
As we continue the ride on the roller coaster, the Celtics came out on all cylinders to begin the 3rd. They went on an 11-0 run to begin the quarter, and lead the game 67-53. We looked great, and this was surely just what the doctor ordered for us to win by about 25 or so, bring in the bench, and call it a day, right? Wrong. After starting the quarter on an 11-0 run, the Knicks returned the favor with a 29-10 run to finish out the quarter up 5 on the Celtics. To get some of the emotions felt on the certain game situations, read the Celtics Live Chat we had running while the game was going on by clicking here.
At around 9 minutes in the 4th, the Celtics got down by 7 and appeared all but down and out of it. Everything was collapsing just as it has in our other losses. We forced ourselves into playing 1 on 1 ball, and Sheed picked up a T around the 7 minute mark. At that point it looked like we had lost it mentally, and wouldn’t have what it took to come back. Paul Pierce had other thoughts. Pierce, on his own, led the Celtics back by driving to the basket and playing great defense. His blocked shot on Chandler with 56 seconds remaining in overtime was a statement to just how bad he wanted it.
With the game tied at 105 a piece, Pierce decided to call a play. He knew he could take the ball, and open KG up for an open look at the basket to win the game. Just as planned, KG got the ball with a clear shot, and nailed it as time expired. Garnett was previously 3-14, and started the game 1-10 (with that one being a dunk). He was having an awful game, but all was redeemed with the game winner. When the game is on the line, it doesnt matter if KG, PP, or Ray are 0-20, they can, and will, make the opponents pay. Pierce got his Hardwood Houdini Player of The Week largely in part to this decision.
The game was hard to watch. We had our spurts where we looked like we couldnt be stopped, then suddenly, without warning, it looked like the Sacremento Kings traded jerseys and jumped into ours. The thing that makes me excited, is that we have shown we got it. Whenever we want to pull it out, we can go on those 11-0 runs and look like the team we want to become. The only thing lacking is confidence, and trust in what it is they are doing. When something goes wrong, the Celtics have become very quick to expect that the world is about to end, instead of knowing they can get it done. Lets hope this game was a boost in their morality, and they can carry it into the next game at home against Philadelphia.
Welcome back. Please unbuckle your seat belt, wait for your harness to release, and exit to your left. We hope you enjoyed your ride on the Green Heart Attack.
Photo of KG via NBAYahooSports / Photo of Paul Pierce via NBAYahooSports