SB Nation Boston - Mavericks 89, Celtics 73: Dirk Nowitzki, Mavs Send Celts To Another Losshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48863/boston-fave.png2012-02-21T15:17:43-05:00http://boston.sbnation.com/rss/stream/25769422012-02-21T15:17:43-05:002012-02-21T15:17:43-05:00Blowing It Up, Trading Rajon Rondo Isn't The Answer For Boston Celtics
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<p>Enough, please. Angry fans have been clamoring for the Boston Celtics to "blow it up" or trade Rajon Rondo. While their ire is certainly understood and well deserved, neither is an ideal scenario for the Celtics.</p> <p><i>Blow it up. Trade <a href="#" class="sbn-auto-link">Rajon Rondo</a>. Dump the Big Three. </i>These are the three most common phrases being spewed from the mouths of discontent <a href="https://www.celticsblog.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Boston Celtics</a> fans. And while their anger is certainly understood, none of those plans would help the Celtics right now.</p>
<p>Things aren't going the Celtics' way, this we all know. Boston is now one game under .500 at 15-16 and is barely hanging onto a playoff spot at the moment (they're currently in eighth place in the Eastern Conference). Yes, the Big Three are over the hill and are showing clear signs of slowing down. Rajon Rondo's attitude is becoming an issue again -- he was suspended two games for chucking a ball at a referee. Losing is now the norm.</p>
<p>Still, <i>blowing it up</i> doesn't work. Sorry, Celtics fans. It simply does not.</p>
<p>Washed up or not, you likely won't be able to move the Big Three for a player of real value. <span>Paul Pierce</span>, <span>Kevin Garnett</span> and <span>Ray Allen</span> are all still talented despite their old age (basketball old, that is), and all certainly still have trade value. Sure, the Celtics could find deals to move all three, but for what? No GM in their right mind will give up a young player with a bright future or a high draft pick for any of them, even if they would aid a contending team down the stretch.</p>
<p>At best, you would be able to get players of equal or less value with large, expiring contracts. And really, what good does that do? In the Big Three, the Celtics already have two big expiring contracts -- Garnett and Allen -- and it doesn't really make sense to move them for minimal gain.</p>
<p>Danny Ainge would be better off keeping the Big Three at this point through the end of the season. Whether or not he should have hung onto this group for so long is a different argument all together, but in this situation, it's probably best to keep them. Again, you just won't find players of greater value, let alone equal value, for them at this point.</p>
<p>Then, there's the plight of Rondo. It's no secret that Rondo has an attitude about him that some don't look at kindly (maybe he could get an attitude adjustment from John Cena?). Rondo throws a ball at a referee here, makes an unpleasant comment there. It's clear that Rondo is reverting to the maturity level he had as a rookie, right?</p>
<p>Wrong. Rondo is upset, that much is certainly true. But unlike other selfish superstars, Rondo isn't upset because he isn't getting his minutes or isn't getting a chance to score. All indications point to Rondo being upset because the Celtics are losing. When things don't go the Celtics' way, that's natural. You don't want a player who is content with losing.</p>
<p>Could he handle his discontent differently? Of course. He's being looked upon as the future leader of the Celtics, and there's a reason for that. Like him or not, Rondo is one of the best point guards in basketball. For my money, he's the best pure point guard. You don't see passing like that elsewhere. Offensively, he leaves a lot to be desired.</p>
<p>But you don't trade someone solely based on attitude. What if the Red Sox did that right from the start with Manny Ramirez? There's a chance they would not have won the World Series in 2004 or 2007. Rondo's attitude hasn't been effecting his level of play recently. If anything, the anger has been fueling it. He's been on a roll in recent weeks.</p>
<p>Rondo is just that type of player. What you see is what you get, and what I see is an extremely talented guard with a high ceiling that has many years left of outstanding production who happens to have a bit of an attitude issue. So what? It's the NBA, that's just what you get.</p>
<p>So please, think before you email Ainge asking him to trade Rondo for a bag of basketballs or break up the Big Three so <span>JaJuan Johnson</span> and E'Twaun Moore can develop. Given the circumstances, it isn't beneficial for anyone. The best route for Ainge is to try and swing a minor trade to improve the bench or sign a guy like GIlbert Arenas to help out in that category and let this team run its course. Who knows? If the Big Three and Rondo are healthy come playoff time, and the C's bench finally gets into a groove, who's to say they can't beat the <a href="https://www.hothothoops.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Heat</a> or the <a href="https://www.blogabull.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Bulls</a>? Anything is possible.</p>
<p>Granted, if Ainge can find a way to trade for <span>Dwight Howard</span> or a similar franchise-altering player this season, a premise that is extremely unlikely, you practically have to do it. Chances are that deal doesn't exist, though, and you have to let this group try to reach their maximum potential. If it doesn't work out, and it likely won't, you regroup in the offseason.</p>
<p>This group is what it is. Blowing it up won't change anything now. Let's see how it plays out.</p>
<p><i>For more Boston Celtics coverage, visit <a href="https://www.celticsblog.com/">our team page</a> and blog, <a href="http://www.celticsblog.com/" target="_blank">CelticsBlog</a>.</i></p>
https://boston.sbnation.com/boston-celtics/2012/2/21/2814662/boston-celtics-2012-nba-trade-rumors-rajon-rondo-paul-pierce-kevin-garnett-ray-allenGethin Coolbaugh2012-02-21T11:32:32-05:002012-02-21T11:32:32-05:00Gilbert Arenas: A Fit With The Celtics?
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<p>The panic button has been pressed. Repeatedly. By now, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.celticsblog.com/">Boston Celtics</a> need answers, and fast. Whatever they can get, they should look at. That being the case, should Danny Ainge look into free agent guard <span>Gilbert Arenas</span>?</p>
<p>Arenas, once a superstar and widely considered one of the top guards in the league, remains unsigned as the trade deadline approaches. Most rumors surrounding Arenas have been based on the west coast, particularly one of the Los Angeles teams. Every team has had a shot at signing him so far, and it's a little concerning that he hasn't been picked up.</p>
<p>But don't let that turn you off entirely. If you can get Arenas at a level anywhere close to his former self, it's a steal. Arenas has averaged 21.2 points, 5.4 assists and 1.6 steals in 535 career games between the Warriors, Wizards and most recently the Magic. Last season, Arenas averaged just 8.0 points and 3.2 assists in 49 games.</p>
<p>Now, of couse, Arenas has his baggage. He brought a gun into his former locker room in Washington, and he's generally considered to be a bit of a head case. Think Chad Ochocinco, but worse. It's certainly something that's concerning, but given the state of the Celtics' locker room and the fact that Arenas has been backed into a corner, that may be less of an issue.</p>
<p>It would be a shot in the dark, but if you can convince Arenas t join for the veteran minimum for one year, it might be worth it. At this point, anything that can be done to improve this team should be done. It's panic time.</p>
<p><i>For more Boston Celtics coverage, visit <a href="https://www.celticsblog.com/">our team page</a> and blog, <a href="http://www.celticsblog.com" target="_blank">CelticsBlog</a>.</i></p>
https://boston.sbnation.com/boston-celtics/2012/2/21/2814159/gilbert-arenas-rumors-boston-celtics-2012-nba-newsGethin Coolbaugh2012-02-21T08:01:11-05:002012-02-21T08:01:11-05:00Celtics Injury Report: Jermaine O'Neal, Chris Wilcox Injured Monday
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<p>Adding injury to insult, the Boston Celtics lost the services of two of the last few healthy big men they had -- Jermaine O'Neal and <span>Chris Wilcox</span> -- during their embarrassing 89-73 loss to the <a href="https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Dallas Mavericks</a> on Monday night in Dallas, TX.</p>
<p>O'Neal sprained his left wrist, an injury he apparently suffered when taking a charge in the first half of the game, and later went to the locker room where it was reported that he would not return. O'Neal would appear in the third quarter before leaving the game. He didn't score or attempt one shot but had four blocks and three rebounds in 19 minutes.</p>
<p>Wilcox left the game in the third quarter with a strained adductor muscle and would not return. He finished with a disappointing two points and one rebounds in 13 minutes. Wilcox is averaging 5.3 points and 3.9 rebounds this season.</p>
<p>In addition, the Celtics are still without reserve <span>Brandon Bass</span>, who has a knee injury.</p>
<p><i>For more Boston Celtics coverage, visit <a href="https://www.celticsblog.com/">our team page </a>and blog, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.celticsblog.com">CelticsBlog</a>.</i></p>
https://boston.sbnation.com/boston-celtics/2012/2/21/2813491/boston-celtics-injury-report-jermaine-oneal-chris-wilcox-brandon-bass-nba-newsGethin Coolbaugh2012-02-20T22:35:27-05:002012-02-20T22:35:27-05:00Mavericks 89, Celtics 73: Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas Trample Lifeless Boston
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<p>What happens when you face the defending NBA champions without your best all-around player (<span>Rajon Rondo</span>) and your best defender (<span>Kevin Garnett</span>)? You get a blowout win with <span>Dirk Nowitzki</span> going off for 26 points and 16 boards in a 89-73 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/">Dallas Mavericks</a> trampling of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.celticsblog.com/">Boston Celtics</a> on the second night of a back-to-back for the C's on Monday night.</p>
<p>Nowitzki made 10-of-24 shots to lead Dallas (21-12), which shot just 40.4 percent. <span>Jason Terry</span> scored 16 points off the bench and <span>Shawn Marion</span> was the only other player to reach double-digit scoring or the Mavs, finishing with 11 points.</p>
<p>Unsurprisingly, the Celtics (15-16) sorely missed Rondo's offensive direction and Garnett's presence in the post, although second-year guard <span>Avery Bradley</span> filled in admirably for Rondo, totaling 12 points. <span>Paul Pierce</span> led the team with 20 points, <span>Ray Allen</span> scored 15 and <span>JaJuan Johnson</span> (eight points) and <span>Mickael Pietrus</span> (six points) led the C's bench.</p>
<p>Rondo, and possibly Garnett as well, will be out again when the Celtics try to snap their four-game skid against the youthful <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.welcometoloudcity.com/">Oklahoma City Thunder</a> on Wednesday evening.</p>
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<th class="td-left"> <span>Final - 2.20.2012 </span> </th> <th>1</th> <th>2</th> <th>3</th> <th>4</th> <th>Total</th>
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<td class="td-name"><span class="loss"> <a href="https://www.celticsblog.com/">Boston Celtics</a> </span></td>
<td>15</td>
<td>19</td>
<td>19</td>
<td>20</td>
<td class="highlight">73</td>
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<td class="td-name"><span class="win"> <a href="https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/">Dallas Mavericks</a> </span></td>
<td>20</td>
<td>24</td>
<td>26</td>
<td>19</td>
<td class="highlight">89</td>
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<p><i>For more Celtics and Mavericks coverage, visit <a href="http://www.celticsblog.com/" target="_blank">CelticsBlog</a> and <a href="http://www.mavsmoneyball.com/" target="_blank">Mavs Moneyball</a>.</i></p>
https://boston.sbnation.com/boston-celtics/2012/2/20/2813228/celtics-vs-mavericks-final-score-dirk-nowitzki-paul-pierce-rajon-rondo-nba-newsGethin Coolbaugh2012-02-20T21:22:25-05:002012-02-20T21:22:25-05:00Celtics Vs. Mavericks Halftime Score: Dirk, Mavs Rolling, Up 44-34
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<p><span>Dirk Nowitzki</span> totaled an entire game's worth of points and rebounds in the first half, totaling 21 and 10 respectively, and the reigning NBA champion Dallas Mavericks lead the Boston Celtics, 44-34, at halftime at American Airlines Arena.</p>
<p>Nowitzki made a game-high eight field goals, and despite his success on the offensive end, the Mavericks are only shooting 40.9 percent from the floor. <span>Jason Terry</span> is the only other player for Dallas who is having a somewhat successful night on offense, finishing the half with eight points.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, the Celtics are just plain struggling. <span>Paul Pierce</span> has 11 points on 4-of-8 shooting. <span>Chris Wilcox</span> and <span>Avery Bradley</span>, who are starting in place of <span>Kevin Garnett</span> and the suspended <span>Rajon Rondo</span>, both have eight points. Unsurprisingly, the Celtics have really missed Rondo specifically, as they only have two fast break points at the break.</p>
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<td class="td-name"><span class="undecided"> <a href="https://www.celticsblog.com/">Boston Celtics</a> </span></td>
<td>15</td>
<td>19</td>
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<td class="highlight">34</td>
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<td class="td-name"><span class="undecided"> <a href="https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/">Dallas Mavericks</a> </span></td>
<td>20</td>
<td>24</td>
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<td class="highlight">44</td>
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<p><i>For more Celtics and Mavericks coverage, visit <a target="_blank" href="http://www.celticsblog.com/">CelticsBlog</a> and <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mavsmoneyball.com/">Mavs Moneyball</a>.</i></p>
https://boston.sbnation.com/boston-celtics/2012/2/20/2813169/celtics-vs-mavericks-halftime-score-dirk-nowitzki-paul-pierce-nba-newsGethin Coolbaugh2012-02-20T18:48:26-05:002012-02-20T18:48:26-05:00Celtics Vs. Mavericks: Reeling C's Try To Regain Footing In Dallas
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<p>Minus both Rajon Rondo (suspended two games) and Kevin Garnett (personal matters), the Boston Celtics (15-15) take on the Dallas Mavericks (20-12) at 8:00 p.m. EDT on Monday evening at American Airlines Center (TNT/WEEI).</p> <p>Once more, the struggles have returned to the Boston Celtics. After getting their act together temporarily and winning five games in a row and nine out of ten, Boston has dropped three in a row and five out of six. The last thing the C's need is another loss when they face the Dallas Mavericks, a team they have already lost to, at 8 p.m. EDT on Monday (TNT).</p>
<p>Making matters worse, the team will be without <span>Rajon Rondo</span> and <span>Kevin Garnett</span>, as well as reserve <span>Brandon Bass</span>. <a target="_blank" href="http://boston.sbnation.com/boston-celtics/2012/2/20/2812707/rajon-rondo-suspended-two-games-ball-toss-referee-boston-celtics-vs-pistons">Rondo was suspended two games </a>by the league after throwing a ball at a referee in Sunday's game against the <a href="https://www.detroitbadboys.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Detroit Pistons</a>. Garnett is out attending to personal matters and Bass is continuing to recover from a knee injury.</p>
<p>The Celtics (15-15) dropped their second game in less than a week to the Pistons on Sunday, 96-81. Rondo, who threw the ball at the referee in the third quarter and was then ejected, finished with just five points, but 10 assists. <span>Paul Pierce</span> had 18 points, <span>Chris Wilcox</span> added 14 points and <span>Ray Allen</span> added 13 for Boston, which was held to 44.4 percent shooting.</p>
<p>Dallas (20-12), meanwhile, succumbed to Linsanity on Sunday in New York City, losing to <span>Jeremy Lin</span> and the <a href="https://www.postingandtoasting.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New York Knicks</a>, 104-97, at Madison Square Garden. <span>Dirk Nowitzki</span> had 34 points and five boards, <span>Shawn Marion</span> had 14 points and seven boards and <span>Jason Terry</span> racked up 13 points, seven rebounds and six assists as the Mavs shot 44.4 percent.</p>
<p>In the first meeting between Boston and Dallas, the Mavs posted a 90-85 win on Nowitzki's game-winning bucket. He finished with 16 points and seven rebounds. The defining quarter was the third, in which the Mavs outscored Boston, 26-18, and the C's couldn't catch up in the fourth. Rondo had 24 points and seven assists to lead Boston.</p>
<p>Boston will face the <a href="https://www.welcometoloudcity.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Oklahoma City Thunder</a> in its next game, without Rondo and likely without Garnett, on Wednesday night at Chesapeake Energy Arena.</p>
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<p class="game-title"><a href="https://www.celticsblog.com/">Boston Celtics</a> <br><span>@ <a href="https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/">Dallas Mavericks</a> </span></p>
<p class="game-info"><span>Monday, Feb 20, 2012, 8:00 PM EST</span><br> American Airlines Center</p>
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<p><i>For more Celtics and Mavericks coverage, visit our blogs, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.celticsblog.com">CelticsBlog</a> and <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mavsmoneyball.com/">Mavs Moneyball</a>.</i></p>
https://boston.sbnation.com/boston-celtics/2012/2/20/2812834/celtics-vs-mavericks-2012-rajon-rondo-kevin-garnett-paul-pierce-dirk-nowitzki-nba-scores-newsGethin Coolbaugh