scout

The Celtics have the same record as last year at this time, tho, point differential was higher last year. I contend that they are a better team this year. The biggest reason is Rhondo, who in his third year is still improving and can flat out take over a game with his quickness and can reek havoc with his defense. He still can have off nights, but those are becoming less frequent. The test will come in this year's playoffs at an away game, an opponent leaves him alone by doubling down on one of the big three and he burns them over and over. When this happens, get ready to hoist another banner.
While it was a huge loss when Posey signed elsewhere, Tony Allen has mentally gotten over his surgery. He's not the same type of player as Posey, but has the ability to shut down a legitimate scorer while not being a handicap on offense. Powe and Big Baby have another year of maturity and will take up the minutes left by the other two big men.
Of course, the media will be drooling over the f'n Lakers with one loss and how they are a changed team (not soft), whatever. If the Lakers even make it to the finals the Celtics (who will be there) will blow them away.
Oh yea, the big three haven't lost a step.

JoeSixPat

Rondo's the biggest reason - the PG is always critical. And yes, the younger guys have matured, improved and learned a lot from the Big Three.

But I don't discount the Big Three themselves. Last season was an amazing feat, playing together for the first time like that, putting egos aside - learning how to play off each other.

This season they're much more in tune with each other, the pressure to win a Ring is off their shoulders yet they clearly want another just as bad, and Ray Allen is healthier too.

Health will be the key - it always is. While I don't think anyone would have beat them last year, the lack of health on other teams was a benefit - and if they can stay healthy this year they have a better shot to win it all than they did last year for all the reasons you stated above.

JAYHAWKS34

They also had a year together to figure each other out. They seem to know each others tendencies now which allow them to gel. At the beginning of the year we were coming out to slow starts in games now are biggest problem is that the bench lets the opposing team get back in the game when we should have it secured. This is a minor flaw which we will be able to overcome by playing Powe a lot more strictly with the second unit.

It would be great to see another Celtics, Lakers final.

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scout

Read a recent article which discussed that the Celtics were in the Lakers heads big time. Makes this game Celts/Lakers game critical in that if the Celts control them, the Lakers will be dropped down the ladder a few more rungs.
I'd be remiss to add, for all those Laker fans on this board, F' the Lakers.

JAYHAWKS34

I second that phrase, I loathe the Lakers which is a whole other issue that I could go off on for days, I’ll spare you the aggravation.

I would love to blow them out of the water on Christmas, that would send a huge statement throughout the NBA. If we could keep the streak alive until then the media would eat up that game even more.

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ausbacker

RayRay's ankles are better this year alike. His shooting is simply gorgeous once more.

Connecticut

I hate the Lakers with a passion. That whooping the Celts gave them was oh so sweet. I'm ready for another one.

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scout

My sentiments exactly. One reason why I always mention my disgust for them is there is a few lurkers here who drool over them.

MrBigglesWorth

how many more years left do you think the bid 3 have to play at top level?

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The team that lost the game and the team that only won one." Dwight White- Steelers

Patsfanin Philly

I've always felt that when you step on the field/court there are different levels of expectations.
1) The team that hopes to win but knows they have little to no shot
e.g. Detroit Lions or the 15-67 Celtics
2) The team that might win if things go right but they don't expect to win.
e.g. 49ers...
3)The team that hopes to win and knows that they have a chance but knows that they won't win it all.
e.g. the walker/Pierce Celtics that went 44-38
4) The team that expects to win and knows that they should and could win it all.
e.g. Mavericks of the last few years
5) The team that not only expects to win all the time but is severely pi**ed off if they lose.
e.g. 2007 Patriots and 08-09 Celtics.
Last year the Celtics moved into the #4 category expecting to win. Now, they are a #5 and that rarefied air occupied by only a few teams.