Back to Reality

["dan.p" <dan.p@MCI2000.com>]

So much for the undefeated season...

The Celtics lost their first game of the season to the Orlando Magic.  They
were handled decisively (much moreso than the score would indicate) but
still showed some flashes of what's to come.

They started the first quarter slowly much like Friday night and spent the
rest of the night trying to dig themselves out of the hole.  There were a
couple of spirited runs but Orlando asserted itself at the end of the third
period to take control of the game and cruise through the final quarter. 
Despite that the Celtics were down all game, there was a sense of
excitement that they *could* come back (until the middle of the fourth; at
that point it was clearly over).  I mean this team has to be down by a lot
before you count them out.

Walker seemed really out of it tonight.  I wonder if there's a story behind
it or if his head just wasn't into it.  He couldn't get things going and
the refs didn't help the cause.  They tried to go to him a lot in the low
post which I thought was surprising because although he's probably the
team's best postup player he really isn't *that* great in the post, not
yet.  Strange night.

Mercer must have gotten a confidence boost with this game, as he was a
vital part of the offense.  Had a Jordan-esque move off a teammeate's
missed free throw where he swooped in and slammed the miss home.  Hit
jumper after jumper and looked great in the open floor.  Even as a rookie
he'll take it to the basket with confidence on the break.  Got a couple of
steals, too.  I love his demeanor - reminds me a lot of Joe Dumars. 
Doesn't make a big show after a good play, just stays very low key and
keeps on playing.  He's becoming my favorite Celtic.

Billups played pretty well, dishing out some nifty passes.  He's looking
more and more comfortable.  I was disappointed he didn't get more minutes.

Travis Knight was much more offensive minded, hitting a couple of threes
and looking for his shot.  Wasn't as aggresive on the boards as he was
Friday.

McCarty amazes me with his incredible wingspan and long legs.  With a
dribble and two steps to the hoop he can cover a lot of ground.  I'd love
to see him either (a) work hard on some McHale like postup moves to take
advantage of his wingspan or (b) supress his offense for the good of the
team and concentrate on defense and rebounding.  He's kind of a jack-of-all
trades right now and while he doesn't have any glaring weaknesses he
doesn't do anything eye-poppingly well.  I'm amazed the Knicks gave him up
though.  Chris Mills has been called a better "fit" for the Knicks but
McCarty could have given them much more flexibility.  Mills is clearly a 3
while McCarty can fill the 3 or 4 spot pretty well.  The energy he brings
is fantastic.  He might be out of control at times but you can bet he won't
be mailing it in many nights.

Dee Brown had a nice offensive night, hitting a couple of jumpers.  It's
sad, though, 'cause if he's not hitting his shot Dee doesn't offer much
else.  The dimuntive backcourt of Barros and Brown was a definite minus
tonight as Penny Hardaway and Derek Harper went bezerk.

Bo Outlaw and Derek Harper really sparked the Magic tonight.  The rest of
the team looked like they were in a funk, although Hardaway did come on
later in the game.  None of the players looked terribly excited.  I think
it's a lot more fun to be a Celtics fan right now than it is a Magic fan.

Overall
=======
The pluses:  They made a couple of good runs and there were times you
thought it was going to be a repeat of Friday with the Celtics roaring back
to take over the game.  Every time they got some momentum though something
would go wrong (more often then not a silly turnover on their part) and
they'd lose it.  Still, this group is much more competitive than I thought
they would be and with a little more maturity will be a solid ballclub.  If
the young 'uns really blossom in a couple of years they'll be a solid
contendor without any additions.

The minuses:  Some terribly sloppy play which probably doesn't surprise
anyone.  They need a strong offensive player to complement Antoine for off
nights like tonight (I'll bet he won't have many, though).  Mercer looks
like the most likely candidate at this point, but it's a long season -
maybe someone else will step up.  I wish the Celtics could unload one or
two players because I think some players progress is being slowed by having
to share all the minutes.  I'd love to see Billups on the floor more.

Dan