Glen Davis

Celtics’ Raw Bench Elevates Presumption as Lakers Raise Concerns

by Josh Dhani on June 11, 2010


It wasn’t long ago when the Boston Celtics, now taunting on their home floor and staring bitterly in the faces of the Los Angeles Lakers, were whining and weeping about an awful call, but relentlessly outweighed the arch-rivals in the final minutes of Game Four Thursday night.

There’s no need to denounce or disbelieve in the Celtics, who overwhelmed and surprised the visitors in every angle on the floor, neutralizing and overmatching the energy, strength, and sloppiness of the Lakers.

This time, there were signs of relief and worshipping from a competent second unit, out-balancing the disoriented opponents and salvaging a conceivable mindset in an upcoming Game Five.

Much as the basketball populace wants to believe that the Lakers are the favorable ones to win the series, forgetting about the Celtics defensive principles, heart, and guts, the ultimate instinct is denying the possibility of an older and passive franchise.

Outside of the TD Garden, on Causeway Street, the rowdy crowd believes the Celtics are still capable of winning this entire series; presumptuous in bracing the Green Machine, as we called the winningest and most hated franchise in the ‘80s era.

It was an emotional scene on a night the Celtics were balanced and composed, erupting mini-celebrations prematurely in the fourth, sure of themselves that a victory was quickly unfolding. It was a symbolic turnaround for the Celtics, recovering from an abysmal loss in Game Three by capping a fourth quarter surge in an electric romp.

It’s fair to recognize that Boston’s momentum and sentimental mode in the NBA Finals reminded us that they are fittingly a portrait of a menacing assassin, securing a 96-89 win to tie a well-balanced series 2-2 while assuring a Game Six in Los Angeles.

In the most arousing exhibit, Boston’s bench scored a massive 36 points on the night and played much of the fourth. Coach Doc Rivers had trust in his second unit and left reserve forward Glen Davis and guard Nate Robinson on the floor.

Earlier in the series, the Celtics were worthless in the lamest performance in the postseason and were criticized roughly for weeping about poor calls or committing too many fouls. They are once again back in the series, fighting back with energy and physical activity while maneuvering the flow, finally glowing on the biggest stage in basketball.


For the first time this season, no signs of exhaustion or age hindered the likelihood of the Celtics stumbling in the closure of a brief reign. It’s decorous that Davis and Robinson embodies the youth and raw toughness, a contiguous mentality that motivates teammates and even the clamorous crowd in the stands, screaming whenever Robinson excites spectators with his explosive scoring and fearlessly taunts the Lakers.

It’s amazing that he’s a little man.

Fearless in taking over and fueling the loudest crowd with his energy as he fired two three-pointers in the first half. He was brilliant on this night, averaging 12 points in 17 minutes and gave the Celtics aspiration in the series.

Suddenly, it was precisely the inferior Celtics that stayed alive with a Big Baby pushing around and abusing the Lakers seven-footers and little man hitting from long-range. It’s worth noting that no team has ever come back from a three-games-to-one deficit in the finals, and the Celtics knew it was vital to alleviate pressure and avoid a decisive loss in falling behind three games to one.


So now the Celtics are tougher and ferocious, at a time when the Lakers were vanquishing the feeble and soft personality, but were brutally manhandled after establishing a presence in the paint early, until Andrew Bynum aggravated his torn right knee that swelled and painfully limited his production to 12 minutes.

From the start, he hobbled and walked awkwardly and was scoreless in the fourth quarter.

The concept that the Lakers are different, rather than two years ago when they were humiliated in a 39-point defeat, the most disheartening loss in NBA Finals history, had us believing that the Lakers were invincible and couldn’t be denied.

But then came, Big Baby, who was dancing and scowling meaner than Kobe Bryant.

His nickname is fittingly an acceptable one, drooling after he slashed down the middle to score seven points in four minutes to topple the Lakers 62-60 lead at the beginning of the fourth quarter. That led to his nine points in a game-changing spurt, and moments later, he stalked off the court with teammate Robinson hanging from his back, proudly jubilating over the blazing run.

“I just felt like a beast,” said Davis during his comical post-game news conference.

Now, suddenly, the Lakers are worried and furious following a sluggish and inattentive performance on a night they could have pressured the Celtics to win the next three games. No longer were they the team we seen in the first game of the series, but a team that relapsed and refreshed our memories of the softness and lack of urgency the Lakers had in the finals two years ago.

Believe it or not, Davis out hustled and out-rebounded L.A. single-handedly. He was earnest and invincible, owning the middle and corralling every loose ball underneath the rim and drew fouls or finished on a put back to sadly torment and harass the hell out of a taller and lanky Pau Gasol and ineffective Bynum.

It was essentially the second-chance points that destroyed the Lakers for which Bynum, Gasol, and Odom combined for a staggering two offensive rebounds in over 97 minutes of play.

“They got all the energy points, the hustle points, second-chance points, points in the paint, best us to the loose balls ,” Bryant said who had 33 points and seven turnovers. “I mean, that’s how the game turned around.”

With Rivers wise choice to believe in his bench, he normally would have called on Pierce to enter late in the fourth, particularly when he delivered in the first-half as the hottest player by getting the Celtics off to a fast start.

However, it wasn’t Pierce, Kevin Garnett, or Ray Allen, but instead it was Big Baby and Robinson with the gratifying night.

“They won this game,” said Artest, shaking his head in disbelief. “I mean, they won this game.”

Yes, the Celtics won it, all right?

Josh has been writing since January 2009 and founded FootBasket in April 2009. He also owns the websites, Hardcourt Mayhem and Gridiron Mayhem. For a full bio, check out JoshDhani.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoshDhani

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NBA Primetime’s Top Three Most Insured Organizations

by Josh Dhani on September 5, 2009

ORLANDO, FL - JUNE 09: Dwight Howard #12 of the Orlando Magic goes up for a shot as he is fouled by Lamar Odom #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Three of the 2009 NBA Finals on June 9, 2009 at Amway Arena in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Written By Brandon Ribak

Click here for the full article!—NBA Primetime

When it comes to sports there is nothing worse than an injury.

In the game of basketball, when an injury prone player goes down, the team is left with either a reliable and efficient backup who can produce consistent numbers or an athlete that possesses merely half the skills of the injured starter.

For a team to be successful, having insurance on the bench is imperative.

The NBA’s Top Three Most Insured Organizations

Los Angeles Lakers

Injury Prone Player—Andrew Bynum

What makes the LA Lakers the most insured organization in the NBA is nothing other than their height.

For example, if Bynum were to go down with another knee injury, 7’0″ power forward Pau Gasol would immediately assume the center position; thus moving 6’10″ sixth man Lamar Odom into the starting power forward role.

When looking at the Lakers past two seasons, it is statistically proven that when Bynum has gone down with an injury, not only does Odom’s averages rise, but most importantly the team’s winning percentage as well.

In addition, the newly acquisition of 6’9″ Ron Artest gives the Lakers even more insurance just in case they were to lose Bynum to another injury.

Boston Celtics

Injury Prone Player—Kevin Garnett

We all saw what happened last season when the Celtics went from being arguably the strongest team in the league (winning 19 games in a row) to losing in the second round of the playoffs (due to lack of insurance).

Instead of praying for Glen “Big Baby” Davis to hit another magical buzzer beater during next postseason, Boston can now rely on 14-year veteran Rasheed Wallace to step in and take control if Garnett were to go down.

What’s great about Wallace is his extreme versatility. Standing 7’0″, Sheed can fill the shoes for both front-court positions, giving Boston basically a two-for-one kind of insurance deal just in case Garnett or Perkins were to fall to injury.

Just think how far the Celtics would have went if they had Wallace on their roster last season.

Orlando Magic

Injury Prone Players—Jameer Nelson

After Nelson went down with a shoulder injury last season, Orlando knew a move needed to be made, and quick.

With the power of General Manager Otis Smith, Rafer Alston was shortly dealt to the Magic after and ultimately helped bring the team all the way to the NBA Finals.

This offseason Orlando decided to sign 10-year veteran Jason Williams as a backup to the All-Star point guard Jameer Nelson.

Although J-Will has not played in the league since the ’07-’08 season, his experience in the playoffs and capability to perform effectively for any team places the Magic as the third most insured organization in the league.

If that is not enough insurance, the Magic also have an $8 million trade exception (acquired through the Hedo Turkoglu sign-and-trade) that can help them obtain a big named player if necessary.

Click here for the full article!—NBA Primetime

Josh has been writing since January 2009 and founded FootBasket in April 2009. He also owns the websites, Hardcourt Mayhem and Gridiron Mayhem. For a full bio, check out JoshDhani.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoshDhani

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Breaking News: Glen Davis To Sign a Two-Year Deal With Boston Celtics

by Josh Dhani on August 8, 2009

Written by Shawn Dhani

On Friday night, Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports reported that Glen Davis will re-sign with the Boston Celtics for two years.

Wojnarowski says that the deal could be finished early by next week.

Other teams were taking a bid for Davis.

There were teams like the the Detroit Pistons, New Jersey Nets, and the New Orleans Hornets for a possible sign-and-trade deal.

But it seemed like Boston didn’t want to give “Big Baby” up.

Davis had averaged seven points and four rebounds last year for the C’s.

With such additions like Rasheed Wallace, Marquis Daniels, and Shelden Williams; Davis may be another figure in part of this process for the C’s off-season.

This article can also be seen at
BallHype: hype it up!

Josh has been writing since January 2009 and founded FootBasket in April 2009. He also owns the websites, Hardcourt Mayhem and Gridiron Mayhem. For a full bio, check out JoshDhani.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoshDhani

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BIG BABY YOU DA MAN!!!

by Josh Dhani on May 11, 2009

Written by Graham Brunell

Ball Don’t Lie — Nobody puts Big Baby in a corner.

Apparently a Magic fan is “raging” at Big Baby Davis, as he claims his son is nearly run over by the ecstatic Davis.

Here’s the video, and pay attention to Davis after the shot.

OK, my mind is a little jumbled at the moment, but I’m going to try to compose a little story for you guys on all of this. Be prepared for a bit of rambling.

Phew.

This is a little… well, I can’t really put it in words right now. I’ll start it off like this…

BIG BABY, YOU DA MAN!!! He hit a game-winning shot earlier this year in San Antonio, to give the C’s a key victory in the final stretch of the season. And here, he not only sank the game-winner with VERY little time left, but hit the go-ahead with about 20 seconds left, to the put the Celtics in position to win.

Phew.

And give credit to Paul Pierce as well, for giving the ball up to a young guy like Davis, and giving him the chance to hit a shot like that. Give credit to Paul Pierce, for having trust in his fellow players to hit shots like that, when the rest of us may not be certain on whether or not Big Baby can handle that type of pressure.

Phew.

Can’t help but laugh at Big Baby’s face when he hit that shot. This guy is probably one of the most emotional player in the game with exception to Garnett. I notice that he came close to tears after hitting the jumper. Too bad they didn’t show KG. Man what a shot that would’ve been (two guys swearing and screaming insanely).

Phew.

I did notice that Davis did bump into a youngster at the end of the game, but really? Raging? Give the guy a break. He not only hit what will most likely be the most memorable jumpshot of his career, but he probably didn’t even notice a MAGIC fan (of all fans really) after hitting the game-winner on their court. We’ve all heard or seen players talking about how they’d rather give their team a victory on the road rather than at home. They love to hear the boos, the silence of the crowd. They love to know that they’ve just completely deflated the other team and its fanbase.

Phew.

And did you notice Dwight Howard when Eddie Hosue was jumping on Davis? I’m pretty sure he said “Oh just go home,” while shrugging and rolling his eyes like he’s done it a million times himself. Hey Dwight, you did it a couple times on dunks. In the regular season. Not even close my friend, NOT EVEN CLOSE. Stop being a party-pooper.

Phew.

And Ball Don’t Lie, thanks for putting that story up. now teams may finally realize: you DON’T put Big Baby in a corner. Look for the preview tomorrow, I’m sure you’ll see that phrase again.

Phew.

Josh has been writing since January 2009 and founded FootBasket in April 2009. He also owns the websites, Hardcourt Mayhem and Gridiron Mayhem. For a full bio, check out JoshDhani.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoshDhani

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Big Baby relights Celtic Pride, still it’s not over

by Josh Dhani on May 11, 2009


It was roars menacingly from the exhilarated Celtics, escaping the notion of a 3-1 deficit to salvage another day of life. For some time, it was troubling, a nail-bitter that required praying at the finish, an exhaustingly tense riff facing a supersized center in Dwight Howard with energy and poise, even a steady sidekick in Courtney Lee wearing a mask to illustrate it with impressive shooting ingenuity and Rashard Lewis’ outside shooting touch. But it was sturdy shooting ingenuity by the Celtics, again sending a moral message and solidifying the principles of a champion.

Don’t forget, they’re still defending champions, and a series isn’t over until they are officially dethrone, which will not happen anytime soon. Remember, their experience and mettle ousted the up-and-coming Chicago Bulls in seven games. Remember, they have Doc Rivers, a coach that proffers charisma, and psychological messages that persistently perseveres and urges them to outweigh and finish a captivating series, like the one that captivated our intriguing minds when the Celtics prevailed to inhibit a historic upset by the emerging guard Derrick Rose and the unforeseen Bulls.

Relight Celtic Pride, as they’re reliving another series similar to their first one. It’s not as captivating as the first series, but has the making of a potential Game 7 series with another breathtaking memory. It was them again doubting the negativity of defeat, delaying the magical dream of the Orlando Magic advancing steps closer to a promising defeat. Throughout the playoffs, the Celtics have presented pride by coming through at pivotal moments. Whenever they needed a prodigious shot they capitalized, or whenever a win was vital they exploited, identical to what transpired in Game 3 to avoid troubles.

So fascinatingly, the Celtics figure out ways to outmaneuver desperately when the game is tense and pertains to anyone, but timelessly resist until time officially expires to carry out last-minute conquest. The sequel to the masterful consciousness extended in another miraculous series that merits worship, following the biggest shot, which silent and stunned the home crowd. Many convincing spectators were inside to witness the Magic attempt to ensnare an insurance lead, and with the powerful seven-footer Dwight Howard, many are fond they could beat the Celtics with a shortage of toughness to match his size. Clearly, size doesn’t matter if there’s a Big Baby.

Instead a few Boston fans that invaded the stands ignited slight cheers when Glen “Big Baby” Davis knocked down the game-winning shot as time expired, deciding the final results of a 95-94 win, in good position as it shifts back to Boston. Guess it wasn’t a logic understanding when Kevin Garnett, who’s sidelined with a problematic knee injury, stood on the sideline wearing a suit in the last game, where he taunted a spectator by tapping his watch to inform there was plenty of time left. Maybe not that game, but in the series and time isn’t ticking just yet for the Celtics. Put the clocks aside and pull out the green for a team that never surrenders or intimidated by anyone they face. I remind you the Celtics have the league’s dream team with Paul Pierce, who led with 27 points, but foul trouble limited his ability to score in a scoreless fourth quarter. And the emerging Rajon Rondo settled for 21 points and 14 rebounds, a universal guard with poise and all-rounded force that gives the Celtics powerful dimension, still not enough to beat LeBron James.

By now, you should have marked in pen the Cavs and Lakers for a rivalry that will be like no other. Because the Celtics are barely dominating at the end with enough stamina, they will have headaches and obstacles matching up with the Cavs. Unlike a year ago, they are much-improved and equipped for bridling them aside to claim plaudits. Already, James comparisons to Michael Jordan have come into question, in a time when the league is experiencing officiating havoc. Meanwhile, it’s the Celtics that are appealing, and enlightens the NBA courts with last-minute shots, beat buzzards, miraculous shot making and closing games out in an old school philosophy as if they have stole old tricks from the old school days when the Celtics were overwhelmed by the Larry Birds’ or the Bill Russell’s.

Without doubt, late in the game, usually the ball goes to Pierce or Ray Allen, logically since they nailed a few stupendous shots, as both are topflight shooters. Perhaps, a formula they couldn’t follow as the Magic clearly knew their initiative design drawn, a pattern the Celtics commitment to in jittery moments. The ball was intended for Allen, Pierce or even House, but the Magic defense locked down to give the big man a spacious view in front of the Magic bench, a moment when Pierce is exhausted, anxious and frustrated and when Rivers is jawing at officials or staring worrisome, an emotion that turned into a joyful countenance promptly on Sunday.

No sharpshooting was necessary from Pierce, Allen or House. It was just the big man coming off a pick and roll to fire a 21-footer, adding 21 points to his magical shot. Big Baby saved a the Celtics season with the biggest shot of his life, a shot kids dream of knocking down, a shot that gives the Celtics a breathing treatment, clearing the clog lungs to restore healthiness. Now, they can breath signs of relief and regain self-assurance in a series far from over, a series that has just turned interesting off of a miraculous shot, bigger than Big Baby himself. The 23-year old who’s described as emotional, showing emotion when sudden death was clicking in the minds of the Celtics. He’s the kid who showed off his body at the victory parade a year ago, and he’s the kid who took on the nickname Big Baby when teammates at Louisiana started calling him Big Baby. I don’t know about him being a baby, but I will say he’s big after making the big shot.

Once again, the Celtics relight pride.

Josh has been writing since January 2009 and founded FootBasket in April 2009. He also owns the websites, Hardcourt Mayhem and Gridiron Mayhem. For a full bio, check out JoshDhani.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoshDhani

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The Celtics Segment With Graham Brunell: Taking A Closer Look at KG’s Situation

by Josh Dhani on May 10, 2009 · 1 comment


Written by Graham Brunell

Kevin Garnett sits on the bench every game, watching in agony and pain knowing that his team could be cruising right about now if he was active. However, that’s not nearly the case, as his knee supposedly has nowhere near the capability of supporting him if he played.

He sits with his lips pursed (when he’s not screaming of course), too overcome that he is not able to walk out on that court and help his team. It can sometimes become too emotional for him, causing a reluctant trip to the locker room where he then watches the game on TV… like the rest of us.

The most productive thing he can do besides entertaining us with his often colorful language is become a mentor to his fellow mates. He has the best seat in the house sitting on the Celtics’ pine, analyzing every play intently, and then picking up on mistakes (to him at least. Keep in mind, this is KG, a guy who is known to overwork himself in practice) made by his teammates.

Then again, I’m not saying I am not grateful for KG’s coaching. Actually, I’m rather pleased he took on that role. Most people overlook his colossal amount of energy, and his extraordinary knowledge of the game. His presence is extremely vital to a team like the Celtics, especially with young guys like Kendrick Perkins and Glen Davis.

Danny Ainge said that he would certainly at least consider dressing Garnett if he came to Ainge saying that he felt good — although he would most likely be lying — and wanted to play.

Although I don’t necessarily believe that. If it was true, then why wouldn’t Garnett have done it by now? We can all see his frustration while sitting on the bench, and considering his well-known intensity and passion for the game, there is really no logical answer as to why he hasn’t come to Ainge (or Doc for that matter).

Then again, we haven’t faced the possibility of elimination yet (where we didn’t have a chance to win ourselves too), so we don’t know what would be going on behind the scenes if that game took place.

And how long will his recovery for surgery take? Remember, Boston decided to put it off until further notice, as they were presumably thinking that he might return during the playoffs.

It doesn’t look good as of right now, and if the time table for his return would cut into the beginning of next season, I would just stop avoiding it to get him better as soon as possible. Plus, we wouldn’t want both KG and Leon Powe out for the start of next season!

Let’s take a look at how he would help the Celtics be more effective in this series against the Magic if he was healthy.

  • He would be a pair of fresh legs. He would perhaps be the only Celtics player that wasn’t severely fatigued (well, the one’s that actually play of course). Plus, the Celtics need any big bodies they can get.
  • Shot-blocking. With exception to Perkins, the Celtics have no real shot-blocker down low. This would be huge as it would slow down Orlando’s low post game.
  • Rebounding. With Big Baby’s size, Perkins is once again the lone guy who is the dominant C’s rebounder down low. Garnett would be an enormous help to Perkins, who has basically been doing it all by himself with rare help on the boards from Davis (understandable because of his size) and Mikki Moore (little to no playing time.)
  • Offensive preeminence. Garnett would give them a reliable jump shot, as well as a polished post game for 48 minutes. He is rarely inconsistent with his perimeter J, and his aptitude to draw opponents out to the wing and three-point area opens up a lot of space for Rondo, Marbury, Pierce, and Allen to drive. All of this put together would give Boston the upper hand on offense against Orlando,
  • Defensive intensity and steadiness is something the Celtics have been lacking in this series against the Magic. With the constant reminders from Garnett, and his dexterity to carry most of the Celtics defensive game by himself, the C’s would also be able to control the game on defense.

And even though the Celtics won the Bulls series, there is no doubt that some of the current exhaustion came from those seven grueling games they played. With Garnett, would it have ended earlier? Let’s take a look on how he could have helped Boston in the Chicago series.

  • Everything from the Magic series I mentioned above.
  • Basketball smarts. In game 4 against Chicago, the game was forced to double overtime because of a three point shot by Ben Gordon. But here’s the thing — Gordon shouldn’t have even had a chance to shoot that three. He should’ve been fouled when his feet were inside the three-point line, as the Bulls were down three points with less than 10 ticks to go. That way, even if they made both, they still would have been down one with the Celtics having possession of the basketball.

Well, at least Glen Davis has had a chance to prove himself. He is a restricted free agent this Summer, and I expect the C’s to offer him some serious cash.

Josh has been writing since January 2009 and founded FootBasket in April 2009. He also owns the websites, Hardcourt Mayhem and Gridiron Mayhem. For a full bio, check out JoshDhani.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoshDhani

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Back To Normal: Celtics Symbolize Usual Brand

by Josh Dhani on April 21, 2009


They symbolized their brand of basketball as time dwindled, and the volume increased mightily as the Celtics fans finally witnessed a thrilling scene that was worth cheering and erupting into insanity. Yes, it’s a little bit of luck, but it took mastery to nail a desperation three-pointer that just mended fate for the Boston Celtics in Game 2 of the best-of-seven series.

Ray Allen pointed out that it clearly took only one game to break a shooting slump, determined to leave the friendly environment tied 1-1 in the series. The Celtics excelled, amid the distractions of Kevin Garnett’s disheartening knee injury and Doc Rivers’ mood swings at reporters for asking questions relating to KG.

As it seemed, everything in Boston strictly revolved around KG’s injury, which had the Celtics looking as if they were burnt toast in Game 1. It was an impression that the potential start of a dynasty was doomed by a young and inexperience team. Yes, the Chicago Bulls took one away from the Celtics in their building, in a game where Garnett couldn’t bear to watch, in a game where Paul Pierce couldn’t make a crucial free throw at the end of regulation and in a game where Allen shot a horrific 1-for-12, including a miss three-pointer which could have had Boston traveling with a 2-0 lead over the blossoming Bulls.

That basically described the kind of night it was, a night of futility and a night when a Rose blossomed, earning consideration over the defending champs. Now, it isn’t awkward to rave on the delay of Garnett’s troubled knee or Rivers irritable outburst at reporters. But it was modest to rave, when the Celtics avenged a 105-103 disappointing overtime loss on Monday to these same Bulls. So, they were in the house to make an encore statement as the Celtics responded to an urgent wake up call, which relieved some criticism and scornful doubts.


Since the defeat, you must were convinced that the ride was over. You must had sense the victory cigars fleeing the city. You must were convinced that the trophy had departed for another town. And you must have felt a bit tense as the Celtics appeared on the verge of suffering the biggest upset in the playoffs, and on the verge of the biggest letdown as it is considered the year that the Cavs greet the Celtics in a bloody showdown. Oh, wouldn’t it be nice?

Now it’s precise to have afterthoughts in the aftermath of Allen’s fertility, a threat in which it’s inescapable to count out a sharpshooter, evidently snapping out of a poor shooting night that couldn’t have called for better timing, exactly answering when moments are critical in a contest where he made shots galore and recovered by scoring a mere 30 points on a series of significant shots. Someone had to step up, if the Celtics visualized saving a probable season without the defensive leader, Garnett.

So an uttermost shooting performance was brilliant for snapping out of shooting fiascoes. This is a way to restore confidence, not only for Allen, but an entire team in general. In the past week, they’ve hedged tumultuous and salvaged a series before angling steps closer to deprival, which could have put the Celtics in an unfamiliar position.

Meanwhile, the Celtics realized a season was at stake and could have been determined by another unforeseen loss. Maybe, the first game was a fluke or maybe Boston let their guard down in which they underestimated the perilous and blossoming point guard, clearly emerging into a problem for some teams already such as the Celtics.

Derrick Rose is becoming a marquee standout, clearly after having the biggest game in his lifetime. He dropped 36 points against the Celtics on Saturday to send a message that the Bulls weren’t a pushover or intimidated. In the most noteworthy game of his career, he accomplished a milestone that Michael Jordan couldn’t even conquer. But if you were awaiting an encore of similar scenarios, you obviously didn’t know Boston enough to vision a much-assuring team with one thing certain.

Known for his sluggish nature is Allen, as well as his nature for taking over when necessary to avoid criticism and hopefully restore assurance. If the Celtics want to continue wearing the crown, it requires his sensational effectiveness without the inside presence of Garnett. Harping over his return won’t change his health status. However, harping over the tremendous return of the powerful Celtics is the latest talk in town. If Allen meets his criteria and persists in playing a significant role, like in his sensational performance to lead the Celtics to a 118-115 victory over the Bulls, nothing else matters.

I almost had mistaken Bulls as the Celtics, when they dominated Boston as if they were new champs on the block and played as if they belonged in the Finals as the Celtics played as if they belonged in the draft lottery. But anytime the Celtics contain the Bulls explosive star, only limiting him to a mere 10 points and presents physical defense, it’s usually when they dominate. The brand of the Celtics is physicality and excellent shooting. Still, the Bulls refused to letup, and stayed with the Celtics in an entire game.

If Rose has a disappointing game, Ben Gordon usually picks it up. This kept the contest close until it went official on Allen’s clutch thriller. But meanwhile, Gordon’s late three-pointers and exceptional shot making were dazzling. He scored a playoff career-high 42 points topping the scoring total, but individual play doesn’t decide outcomes in the postseason. And if players contribute, it easily outshines a remarkable player.

When the Celtics clearly restored a convincing image among themselves by contributing, it was made obvious on Monday night as the team dominated as defending champs. It is the same team we’ve seen a year ago, it is the same team with enough star power to average double-digit points and it is the same team with enough depth to intimidate a young team such as the Bulls. Still, nothing intimidated the promising youngsters.

The Celtics are an experience team that has chemistry and the veterans to comeback from a deficit. If you remember well enough, Pierce, Glen Davis and Rajon Rondo all have experience postseason troubles and memories. Maybe in Game 1 they needed to get a feel of the Bulls. Maybe it wasn’t the night to shine. Or maybe the KG injury deprived the Celtics. If all those things played a factor, it didn’t bother Rondo, who battled through a sprained ankle and collected a triple-double on 19 points, 16 assists and 12 rebounds. Kendrick Perkins’ size posed a problem as he grabbed rebounds, ridiculously teasing Bulls’ center Joakim Noah in an outrebounding affair.

The Celtics shot off to a fast start on Davis physical force to storm to the rim en route to 26 points, passing his career-high by merely two points. Sometimes the second game of the series is when Pierce catches fire. And indeed, he finished the night with 18 points to contribute to Allen’s productive night. You can say this is a brand accustomed to competing against the mightiest teams in the league. You might say that is the Los Angeles Lakers or Cleveland. Still, the Celtics are defending champs until beaten and they’re in the picture, saved from a horrid letdown by grabbing a much-needed victory engulfed by one of the unique left-handed, streakiest clutch shooters.

Allen was the Celtics savor, a luck charm I dare say.

Josh has been writing since January 2009 and founded FootBasket in April 2009. He also owns the websites, Hardcourt Mayhem and Gridiron Mayhem. For a full bio, check out JoshDhani.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoshDhani

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