The Big Green Machine mid-term report



"The Garnett D-Face"



With last season well and truly in the books, the Lakers raising another banner with their 4th quarter comeback in game 7 against the Celtics. A heartbreaking, painful loss for the Celtics led to the off-season months become a summer of lamenting various aspects of the 7th game of the NBA finals. Pau Gasol had 12 offensive rebounds, a stat which could’ve been avoided if Kendrick Perkins hadn’t torn his ACL in game 6.

With that firmly stacked in the minds of all Celtics players and coaches, the season started with only one thing on the mind of everyone. “Win the NBA championship”. Since the 1980’s, the NBA has undergone a paradigm shift in regards from the once dominant Celtics taking a backseat to the dynasties seen from the Bulls, Lakers and San Antonio Spurs. The Celtics finally put themselves back on the map in 2008 however when with the additions of Kevin Garnett, an intense, defensive leader and 3 point marksman Ray Allen. With the 2 new Celtics joining stalwart Paul Pierce forming the “Big 3”.

After injuries disrupted the team in 2009 and a terrible second half to the regular season (27-27 after a 23-5 start) the Celtics hit a purple patch and went on an unexpected and spirited run to the finals, before succumbing to the Lakers who avenged their 2008 finals loss. The run to the finals, reminiscent of a Rocky type revival after being beaten for 14 rounds, the playoffs were the Celtics 15th round, only with a Rocky 1 ending.

Moving on swiftly to this season, and the media crowning the newly formed “Big 3” at the Miami Heat champions before they even set foot on the court. No point guard and no centre, but comparisons to the ’96 Bulls were rife. With the Celtics and Heat meeting on opening night, it was the C’s first chance to show that they were still the team to beat in the East. Celtics won the game, limiting the Heat to 9 first quarter points before storming to comfortable win to kick the season off.

Since opening night, the Celtics have performed at a consistently high level, with ESPN columnists saying “right now, nobody could take more than 1 game of the Celtics in a 7 game series". With a 40-14 record heading into the All-Star break, tied with the Heat for the best record in the East, there are some defining reasons why the Celtics should be considered favourites to win the NBA championship this season.


• Rajon Rondo is playing with John Stockton like vision. His stat line reads 11 PPG and 12.4 APG. The elevation of Rondo’s game to an elite level has made him the focal point of the Celtics. He’s sitting atop the tree with Derrick Rose, Chris Paul and Deron Williams as the premier point guard in the game. He also has a FG% above 50, showing his critics that all facets of his game are constantly improving.

• Kevin Garnett is playing with similar defensive intensity as seen in the 2008 title run. “The Garnett D-face” is frequenting the basketball court more often, and his leadership has the Celtics as the best defensive team in the league.

• The deeper rotation at Centre no longer holds the Celtics susceptible to 1 injury giving them such an aerial disadvantage on the glass. With Kendrick Perkins now back playing, Jermaine O’Neal expected back later in the season, “The Big Shamrock” Shaquille O’Neal rolling back the years with his performances this year. If 3 deep wasn’t enough, the rookie, Semih Erden out of Turkey has filled in with important minutes when needed. The formidable rotation means their bigs can match up with most teams, if not all.


• The play of “Big Baby” Glen Davis has him firmly in the running for “Sixth man of the year”. The 3 year Davis is averaging a tick under 11 points off the bench, with 5 rebounds. His ability to take charging fouls has been a constant source of momentum for the Celtics on defence. With the abilty to play at the 3,4 or Center when the Celtics play small, his versatility is proving invaluable and will be valuable downs the stretch and in the postseason.

The most encouraging stat of all as a Celtics fan for me, is their record against the other teams considered to be contenders.


Against the other top seeds in the East, the Celtics hold a 7-3 advantage. A 3-0 head-to-head record against the Miami Heat, a 2-2 record with the Bulls and a 2-1 record over the Orlando Magic has displayed the Celtics superiority over all the East’s contenders. A 6-0 home record over the 3 aforementioned team increases the necessity to secure home court advantage in the playoffs.


With the Lakers struggling mightily (losing to the lowly Cavs last night), the home advantage over other contenders and unrivalled team spirit. The concept of the “Big Green Machine” winning and raising their 18th banner is a concept to start believing in.



* The Celtics are also a part of an ESPN series throughout the duration of the season called “The Association”. A 6 part series, the first two can be viewed here.

http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/celtics/post/_/id/4678578/the-association-episode-1

The 5 greatest sporting "chokejobs"

A “sporting choke” is when an individual/team taste certain victory before inexpliciably falling victm to the pressure and intensity of the situation around, which in turn finds them with an all expenses paid ticket into sporting infamy. Below are some of the criteria I looked at when selecting 5 of the best examples of sporting collapses.

Blame for the team relinquishing the lead must be level with the team performing the comeback.



The game must have important consequences, if Thurrock come from 3-0 down against Scunthorpe in a pre-season friendly, it doesn’t qualify.

It must be vividly remembered by both sets of supporters and neutrals, and be a landmark in their respective sports.



1) Newcastle United 4-4 Arsenal – Premier Division. February 5th 2011

Number 1 on our list is one of the most recent additions to the pantheon of sporting howlers. Just 9 days ago (5th February) Arsenal raced into a 3-0 lead at St. James Park leaving the “Toon Army” bemused, confused, and not that amused as the Gunners sliced them open like a hot knife through butter in the early proceedings. Dutch striker Robin Van Persie made it 4-0 after just 26 minutes, and with Arsenal looking in irresistible form, Geordies began spraying through the exits and back to the comfy surroundings of their sofas.

Arsenal were deservedly reduced to 10 men shortly after the break, but even with that less man, still held what would seem to be an unassailable lead.. The game looked like petering out into a less than entertaining second half until Joey Barton converted from the spot with 22 minutes remaining. With Newcastle selling Andy Carrol earlier in the week, Shola Ameobi being injured and them being down to the proverbial bare bones in the striking department, thoughts of a comeback seemed redundant.

Leon Best, by name, probably not by nature doubled Newcastle’s tally, reduced the deficit to 2, which in light of day, was a similar deficit to that of the American economy in the grand scheme of things. However when Barton slotted home his second penalty of the game with 7 minutes remaining, the Geordie faithful that had stayed to the end, were revelling in what to many seemed to be some sort of unfathomable twilight zone.

Shock and Euphoria arrived when Check Tiote sent Wosjech Szczeney sprawling across his line, beating him all ends up with a delightful 25 yard volley with still 3 minutes of regulation to be played. St James Park turned into a euphoric arena of jubilant barcodes all suffering from a concoction of shock and adrenaline. Arsene Wenger on the other hand didn’t see the red card incident, just for good measure.

2) Greg Norman 1996 Masters.

To many, Jean Van de Velde was the worst golfing collapse. The Frenchman needed only to card a double bogey 6 on the 18th green at Carnoustie to land the ’99 British Open. Van de Velde remarkably putted, eventually with a triple bogey, before losing to Paul Lawrie in 4 hole playoff. Although an unbelievable piece of gagging from Van de Velde, it was only one hole he managed to lose the plot on.

“The great white shark” Greg Norman, leading by 6 shots heading into the final round at Augusta in ’96 with a six shot lead, looking to just consolidate with a solid round then try on his new green jacket. As the old saying goes, “easier said than done”. For 8 holes, he was sailing along, with a victory almost seeming a formality. Then through holes 9-12, Norman dropped 5 shots (bogey, bogey, bogey, double bogey), to become a member of the pantheon of sporting collapses.

On hole 16, Norman’s tee shot found water, eliminating any chance of Norman winning the aforementioned jacket.

3) San Francisco 49ers 39-38 New York Giants – NFC Divisional Playoff 2002 season

To many, this is the second greatest comeback in the Nfl, behind the Oilers-Bills game in 1992. However with the lack of time left when the comeback began, I personally feel that this comeback showed the frailties in the Giants defence, and orchestrated a “choke” worthy of gracing any list like this.

The Giants, behind Quarterback Kerry Collins, were dissecting the 49er defence. Collins threw for 4 touchdowns in the first half alone, and amasses nearly 350 yards in the aerial domination they were experiencing in the early goings. At the half, the Giants led 28-14. 10 points unanswered to start the 3rd quarter had the Giants in an enviable position, roasting the 49ers in front of their home crowd.

With 3 minutes of the third (quarter) remaining, Jeff Garcia hit Terrell Owens with a 26 yard pass to make the score 38-22 (2point conversion) heading into the final quarter. The final quarter, Jeff Garcia demonstrated Montana-esque poise and presence, whether he was passing in the pocket or on the move. He even ran in for a 14 yard score before hitting Owens again (this is when he was actually good without being a d*ck). 38-30. Jeff Chandler hit a 25 yard chip shot to make it 33-38 with time rapidly running down.

With an Elway like 2 minute drill, 9 plays, 68 yards, Garcia had the Giants defence chasing shadows as he sprayed the ball around, before the drive ended with former 1st round draft choice Tai Streets catching a 13 yard pass. The 2pt attempt failed, leaving the score 39-38.

When I watched this game live on my T.V, staying up until past midnight like a rebellious pre-teen, I remember the Giants final drive being somewhat of a blur. All I remember is the Giants having a field goal attempt, it missing, and me feeling the relief , like when your playstation crashes, but recovers, that relief.

The 49ers rallied off 25 unanswered points to win, landing the Giants defence a spot in “choking” folklore.

4) Tottenham Hotspur 3-4 Manchester City – FA Cup 4th round 2004

This is my favourite ever football match as a neutral, to clear that up early. At half time I was tempted to switch channels and watch some generic cartoon on Nickelodeon. However, not doing that, to this day, remains near the tope of great decisions I’ve made.

Two minutes in, Ledley King (pre-knee troubles) opened the scoring. Just before the 20 minute mark Robbie Keane doubled the lead and put Spurs well and truly in the drivers seat. Just before half-time, Christian Ziege scored a truly wonderful free-kick to all intents and purposes, kill the game off. The first half had been a total mismatch, and too make matter worse, on the stroke of half-time, Joey Barton was dismissed for dissent.

Three minutes after the restart, Sylvain Distin gave City a glimmer of hope. For 20 minutes the game seems to have fallen into a lull. Paul Bosvelt then kep people tuning in to the telecast as his shot took a wicked deflection to make the game 302 with just over 20 minutes to go.

With 10 minutes to go Shaun Wright-Phillips scored a magical goal to level the scores and force White Hart Lane into stunned silence, a kind of silence at a aprty when someone tells an distasteful joke and everyone reacts with shock and are clueless how to respond.

The final nail in the coffin for Spurs was deep into stoppage time when Jonathan Macken, who usually was as useful as Ledley King’s knees propped up to a header away before wheeling off in ecstasy and securing Man City’s path to the next round fo the cup and making them comeback kings at the same time.

5) Boston Red Sox 4-3 New York Yankees – 2004 ALCS Best of 7 series

Take into account he contrasting fortunes of these two hated rivals. The Yankees have 27 championships, the Red Sox hadn’t won one for 86 years. The Yankees spent tens of millions more than any other franchise. The Yankees beat the Red Sox at the same point of the season 1 year previous.

With all that said, across a 7 game series, there are only so many times you can watch Aaron Boone’s grand slam before wanting him to get hurt. Only so many times you can listen to Joe Buck form a love-in for Derek Jeter. Watching A-Rod cheat in various ways, on and off the field. Eventually fortunes had to change.

The first two games of the series were what Yankees called the usual. Build a lead, inning wind down. Rivera gets a save. Game three was 19-8 to the Yankees. ‘Nuff said. 3-0 down to the Yankees, no way back , right? Bob Ryan thought so.

“They are down, 3–0, after last night's 19–8 rout, and, in this sport, that is an official death sentence. Soon it will be over, and we will spend another dreary winter lamenting this and lamenting that”

To quote the monstrosity that is the Farrelly brother “fever pitch”. This is the story of what happened next as the Yankees tried to close game 4 and the series, through until the end.

“Rivera walks Millar.. Roberts pinch runs and steals second..Mueller drives him in. Ortiz in extra Innings. Ortiz in extra innings the next night. Schilling’s bloody sock in New York…Lowe and Pedro find their form..Damon grand slammy in game 7..bye bye Bambino”

To be 3-0 up in games, and then reel off 4 sub-par performances, and losing 2 at home to end it undoubtedly is the worst choke job of all time. It was such a bad gag that if it had to be given a face, it would be Luca Brasi in his death scene in “The Godfather” (see picture)

Those are the five sporting collapses I see as the most iconic/embarassing/noteworthy.

Over a course of a season however, Newcastle blowing their 10 point lead in the Premier League would be considered to be entered instead, and Keegan would “love it, love it”

Transfer Window in review.

On the timeline, annually wedged between Katie Price’s latest divorce and the Superbowl, is the Transfer deadline day. Twice a season (end of August and end of January), teams attempt to beat the deadline to seal the signature of their desired players. Often when we get closer and closer to the deadline, clubs begin to panic and anyone with a notepad is considered a noteworthy source. Rumours become rife, fans become nervous, and Sky Sports News become the reincarnation of Mecca just for one day.

This year was no different to the norm, for the first four weeks of the “window”, high profile transfers were seldom, until Darren Bent joined Aston Villa for a fee of around £18Million. Little did we know, that less than 2 weeks later, 18 million would look like one of the bargains of the month. For the first 30 days, fans fed purely of speculation, before deadline day really gave them a meal to chew on.

The day itself is almost like a national holiday, if you are unfortunate enough to be at work, BBC sport becomes the office’s most sought after website, trying to get glimpse of the latest rumblings like boisterous teenagers bustling for autographs. For those not at work, you, at some point will start watching a T.V, and then be set for the rest of the afternoon/evening. The three rumours carrying weight as the day progressed were Fernando Torres, Andy Caroll and Charlie Adam, the latter linked with pretty much every club between here and Saudi Arabia.

I, spent the day at the pub, where the contrasting of emotions was really a sight to behold. On one side we had my friend Ben, who was bouncing around like a Jack in the Box on speed, bellowing “Fernando Torres, Chelsea’s Number 9” and my buddy Dan, a Newcastle fan, who became more and sarcastic and downbeat, lamenting every waking moment as time progressed and learning that Andy Carroll was finalizing a move to Liverpool. For him, it was the trademark “five stages of grief”, only when acceptance was finally reached, the latest murmurings were Newcastle looking to replace Carroll with Carlton Cole. I think that sent him back to stage 2 (anger) with a flourish, much to my amusement.

In the end both transfers, were completed, with a combined amount of 85million being spent on them. Charlie Adam somehow stayed at Blackpool, with the Tangerine Dream fighting off interest from Liverpool, Villa, Man United and Spurs.


3 Teams who benefitted from the window.

Aston Villa – Signing a player with 82 goals in 5 years, only trailing Didier Drogba and Wayne Rooney, whilst a player who has played just 20 Premier League games signs elsewhere for nearly double the price, the Darren Bent deal is looking like some shrewd business. Add the loan signing on Michael Bradley to the equation, and Villa are more than equipped to survive and probably finish a lot higher than anticipated.

West Ham – Not only have the Hammers bolstered the strength of there starting 11, there squad and there chances of survival, they did it predominantly on loan deals. The highlight of their signings was forward Robbie Keane, Ireland’s all-time record goalscorer, once a 20 million pound player, but found himself collecting dust like an old Donny Osmond record at Tottenham since returning to the club from Liverpool. Add to Keane an accomplished left back in Wayne Bridge and Middlesbrough midfielder Gary O’Neill and West Ham had one of the best months of anybody.

Liverpool – Fernando Torres is Liverpool’s most dangerous striker since Michael Owen was bursting onto the scene. Torres since he joined Liverpool was a goal threat with every game. He scored against Chelsea, Man United, Arsenal. When the big games came about, Torres raised his game to another level, a Michael Jordan-esque type of ability.

However, over the least year, fitness, attitude and form have all eluded Torres, who has now had a bust up with three managers in that span (Benitez, Hodgson, Del Bosque). So when a Premier League record bid appeared through the fax machine, it’s no surprise Kenny Dalglish and owner John W.Henry approved of the deal. An acrimonious departure for Torres, who spent a few good years at Anfield, but like David Brent in “The Office”, his ego just go to much to handle.

Replacing Torres, and taking his number 9 shirt is Andy Carroll, a big, physical target man, who can also play with the ball at his feet. A goalscoring threat with 11 already this season, and joining with a hefty price tag, will be looking for an instantaneous impact when Liverpool play Chelsea on Sunday.

One criticism of Liverpool of nearly 2 years is that they only had one proven striker at the club, and with Torres gone and Carrol in, Dalglish was not about to fall victim to that trap again, as he signed Uruguayan striker, and part time goalkeeper Luis Suarez to a 23 million pound deal. Suarez, who put up video game type stats in the Dutch Eredivisie comes to England with Liverpool fans hoping his impact is more on par with Ruud Van Nistelrooy than Afonso Alves.

3 teams who suffered from the window.

Wigan Athletic – You have to ask the question, what were Wigan thinking? They loan out 6 million pound striker Mauro Boselli, who granted has been the worst signing in the premier league this season, but alas, is still a striker. Then replacing him with nobody. If you had a Ferrari and a Metro on your drive and sold the Ferrari, who would drive the metro? You would buy a new car. Of course, for one second I’m not insinuating Mauro Boselli is the football equivalent to a Ferrari. He’s more of an overpriced Ford with a broken engine. Wigan look doomed for the drop now, and only have themselves to blame.

Arsenal – Don’t get me wrong, Arsenal are having a fantastic season, performing admirably in all competitions. They are on the cusp of their first bit of silverware (Emirates cup does not, will not and never will count) in 5 years, are 2nd in the premiership, and finely poised in the Fa Cup. So why didn’t they strengthen when they had the chance. With Thomas Vermaelen out of action for maybe 2 more months yet, Andrey Arshavin’s form plummeting lower than the underground and Robin Van Persie always one challenge away from 5 months out, it seemed logical to at least bring in cover. Arsenal this season have their best chance of landing the title since Eduardo broke his ankle at St Andrews and Arsene Wenger decided to focus on teams tackling too hard for the next 2 years, despite Arsenal having more sendgins off than any other team since he joined in 1996, and him once having a midfield consisting of Vieira and Petit, but I digress.

This Window should of seen Arsenal showing a statement of intent, perhaps signing Bolton’s young centre back Gary Cahill to name a name. I feel Arsenal May have missed the boat now in this window to really pursue the title, and have left it firmly within Alex Fergusons grasp.

Newcastle – As much as I think it was the right decision to sell Andy Caroll, especially at the heavily inflated price they did, the barcodes have now left themselves short of options up front, and may be forced into starting Shola Ameobi in a lot more games than expected for the rest of the season. Although they have had a good, solid start to the season, the lack of firepower Newcastle now have, and the reliance on Kevin Nolan to become their Steven Gerrard could see Newcastle slip back into a dogfight, and not a Michael Vick type dogfight. If Newcastle survive, then selling Carrol was the right thing to do.

Mid season awards.

MVP/Player of the Year – Dimitar Berbatov – Wayne Rooney has spent this season in Brothels, America and anonymous, having been a total non-entity for United, they have been reliant on the resurgence of the Bulgarian Berbatov. Known for his lazy play, Berbatov seems to be playing with an extra spring in his step, reminiscent of his Tottenham days. He also has bagged 4 hat tricks, which definitely swayed it into his
Favour.

Honourable mentions – Joe Hart, Samir Nasri and Luka Modric.

Manager of the year – Ian Holloway – Look at the league table. Then look at his squad of players. Then look at the league table again. Tell me how he has managed that. He also has shown he won’t shy away from his attacking style and is always reliable for a witty press conference.

Signing of the season – Peter Odemwingie – Coming over to West Brom from Lokomotiv Moscow, Odemwingie has scored goals and terrorised full backs for the early part of the campaign. His from has been stagnant of late, but was a major contributor to the Baggies strong start.

Worst signing – Mauro Boselli - £6million for 1 goal in the league cup.

Predictions.

Top 4

Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City

Europa League

Tottenham and Liverpool

Relegation

Wolves, West Brom and Wigan

Championship promotion

Queens Park Rangers, Nottingham Forest and Swansea City.

*Prediction guaranteed to be right. (until May)