C's/Lakers - 2/23/07

Al Jefferson Layup, Paul Pierce Jump Shot, Brian Scalabrine 3, Andrew Bynum Dunk, Jefferson Hook Shot, Ryan Gomes Lay Up. – 2 minutes and 16 seconds into the game the Celtics were up 11-2 and I was feeling good about the game. Foolish me. Little did I know that Kobe Bryant would score 22 in the first quarter, 38 overall, and dish out 9 assists for good measure.

The crazy thing was that the Celtics pulled within 2 (54-56) with 1 minute and 46 seconds to go in the first half. And then Smush Parker hit a lay up, Ronny Turiaf knocked down a couple of free throws, Turiaf caught a Kobe ally oop and threw it down, Parker hit a lay up, and Kobe hit a free throw after The Truth’s technical foul. All of the sudden it’s halftime and the C’s are down 11 (54-65).

How do I continue to get pulled into these games? It’s a testament to my insanity.

Paul Pierce (16 points on 33% shooting, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, 5 turnovers, and a technical foul) did not have the monster game that I predicted. In a related story, I hate Kobe Bryant.

The C’s went 0-10 this year against the Pacific Division. When it’s all said and done there will be any number of ways to measure how bad this team has been.

Finally, what is Donny Marshall doing court side? Never mind the fact that he’s not particularly good at analysis. And I’m not even talking about the quality of what he says. Let's just say that often times the message is lost in the delivery. The bigger issue is this is basketball. When does the viewer need a three person announcing team? It’s like buying a 3 Liter bottle of soda. You better be poor or vindictive if you unleashing more than 100 ounces of a mysterious red liquid called Big Fizz on a group of unsuspecting people, especially if they are children. Now I know what you’re thinking. When is it okay to be vindictive to children? If you have kids or work as a teacher you understand.

But back to Marshall. This really is not a criticism of him. FSN is to blame. Mike Gorman handles the play by play. Tommy Heinsohn is the color commentator. Occasionally Bob Cousy will join the team. And you know what? It doesn’t work. It stifles Tommy and the Couz only knows a baker’s dozen of current NBA players. However, Cousy is a Hall of Famer, one of the NBA’s 50 greatest players, and an Auerbach guy to boot. He can do whatever he wants in my book. And yes that includes butchering international players’ names. We're all getting to know Donny Marshall. And he’s know Bob Cousy. No offense. Consider the following exchange.

“He planted him. He smushed him you could say.” – Mike Gorman
“He did smush Smush.” – A giddy Donny Marshall in a tone reminiscent of Ashton Kucher’s character from That 70s Show.

Meanwhile Tommy isn’t happy either. Last night he complained about not having time to give a Tommy Point. When he’s sick, recovering from surgery, or no longer able to do the job then bring in another guy. Until then let us enjoy Tommy’s referee hating, Celtics loving, old man ways.