Tattoo time at afterschool.

I work at an afterschool. One of my most FAVORITE kids drew this on me. She rocks. I've clearly taught the kids well.

A visual depiction of Rondo's offensive woes

Eeeek! No commentary needed.... Just eeeeek! Well actually, yes commentary: I fully expect that these numbers will be on the rise again. He is a silent but fierce competitor, and it is unfathomable to me that his level of play would remain so low when it's all on the line. I truly believe that he will come through when it is most important.

The Celtics lose to the Grizz. Left their execution in New York.

This was not the same team we saw in New York. The passion was not there, and execution was awful... Especially down the stretch. They got off to another slow start, and played an off-key game to hang in there for the whole night... Only to fall short at the end. Wamp.

I've been thinking about that seemingly ill timed Rondo floater. Doc Rivers now says he should have called a timeout... But it's easy to say that in hindsight, and so much harder to do while it's happening. Rondo is generally very trustworthy, and as we all know, he is the general of the offense... So we trust his judgement. I was surprised to see him throw that floater up- and not because there was so much time left on the shot clock and replays show that Paul Pierce was open in transition. I was surprised because he took that shot at the juncture in the game. He may be off his game as of late, but he has not lost his cajones and that is a good thing.

I leave you with a song from one of the baddest chicks on the planet, Nicki Minaj. It's called, "Dear old Nicki." It's basically a letter of reflection to herself, wondering where her old self went, and trying to get that person back. The Celtics could use the fight, grit, pride and passion that they had just last month, so I thought it was a good pick.

Thoughts on the recent Celtics struggles.

(This has been one of my favorite songs for awhile... & Mr. West really captures how I've been feeling)

So I've been trying to figure out what's wrong with the Celtics. Watching my team, my most beloved men in Green, has suddenly started feeling like a chore after being a joy for much of the season.

Everyone's been pointing their finger at Rondo and wondering what's wrong with him, so let's start there. I found this depressing article written by Jeremy Lundblad at ESPN Boston chronicling Rondo's recent struggles, and let me summarize the gloomy facts here: In the last three games he has played 85 minutes... and scored 4 points. Coming in to March, Rondo was shooting 60 percent from the field from five feet or less. This month, that percentage has plummeted to 46 percent. When you figure in the shots he's taken from 5 feet or more from the basket, he is shooting at a rate of 36 percent from the field. Eeeek! Rondo isn't known for his scoring, so it would be okay if this was where his troubles stopped. But it's not. He has gone 6 straight games without reaching double figures in assists. Rondo started the season red hot, averaging 16.7 assists per game in October. That number has steadily fallen as the season as progressed, and he is now averaging 7.0 assists per game. Here's the most depressing statistic of all: The Celtics are 31-5 when Rondo has 10 or more assists, and 10-9 when he doesn't. So it is undeniable: something is going on with #9 and it is hampering his game.

Make no mistake about it: I don't blame Rondo for the Celtics recent struggles. Maybe he's injured, maybe it's something mental. Who knows? He is famously elusive. I just hope it changes for the better sometime soon. But you know what I really think the problem is? I don't think it's tired legs or fatigue, or any similarly themed theories that are often tossed out there.

I think that the chemistry has been completely thrown off with the recent overhaul of the roster. Are they a more talented and deeper team? Probably. But trading Perk without all of the other moves would have been enough to completely throw the flow off. Add on to that getting rid of the whole bench except for Glen Davis, Von Wafer and Delonte West, and it's enough to cause serious identity confusion. This is a team that preaches team and unity above all else. They don't talk about individual accomplishment: they talk about playing as a team to accomplish one goal, which is winning a championship. And now most of the pieces are gone. Obviously the "most important" pieces are still intact, but still, it's a completely different team. It's great to see Krystic playing out of his mind, and it's awesome that Jeff Green comes in off the bench and gives them an offensive punch they haven't had in recent history... But still- the only thing that makes Krystic and Green Celtics are the jerseys they wear. They haven't been on the same journey that Paul Pierce and the rest of the starting 5 (and Glen Davis) has been on. They weren't there to create the Celtic team identity. I'm just a fan and it's hard for me to adjust, and it's hard to feel a real connection there.

Even when they are clicking and playing well, it doesn't seem like they're having fun the way they were at the beginning of the season. Take the game against Indiana, when the bench came in and rocked. That was great. I was so happy to see a 2nd unit forming that looked like it could potentially be reliable for the Celtics. But there was no visible joy... And I know that sounds corny, but it's a simple example of something that's different. There's nobody visibly excited when the Celtics are on a roll. It used to be Nate Robinson FREAKING OUT for 48 minutes, screaming, waving his towel around, and jumping out of his skin every time something good happened. It was Marquis Daniels "letting the three's fly" and flying down the court with Nate every time someone made a trey. It was Luke Harangody, studious on the bench, the picture of intensity, completely zoned in on the game, standing up to cheer and high five his teammates. It's all gone now, and it's sad. Chemistry is a finicky thing. It can't be manufactured, and it takes time to create. Just because this team is "better" and deeper, it doesn't mean that the chemistry will be there. Maybe when Shaq comes back he'll lighten the mood up. Here's hoping... Because any sense of urgency that this team had seems to have fled the building along with the chemistry and camaraderie.

I compiled all my favorite pictures from All-Star weekend parties and other such festivities.

Rondo, Paul Pierce and KG walked the red carpet together

Loving our three men in black.

Our very own Glen Davis struck a pose on the red carpet at a party

Okay, Glen! Looking good from the waist up. This might have looked nicer with dressier pants or a darker wash of denim... But he looks dapper anyway and it looks like he had a fun time. 

Javale McGee was at the same party, because he's relevant now

But this outfit... No, no. 

Jay-Z hosted a dinner and his BFF Lebron came. Where was Beyonce?!?!

Lebron and Jay-Z... Jigga always looks dapper. This is a better look for Lebron.

LOTS more pictures of Celtics and other NBAer's from parties and other random events after the jump

Chris Bosh and his fiance were there. I'm not even trying to be a jerk- but honestly... If Chris Bosh was going to be buying all my clothes, I would look SO FLY. Chris looks pretty nice- all black, nicely tailored. But his fiance. There shouldn't have been any tights. Those bracelets are really distracting. And someone please help her with her hair. I can't take it. 

D. Wade and Gabrielle Union showed up, too. D. Wade looks pretty nice. He pulls off the suit with sneakers look... And Gabrielle looks flawless, per the usual. She's gorgeous. 

Lots of people showed up at the NBA Players Association All-Star Gala event, including my boo Fabolous

Nniiicccee!

Nicki Minaj performed... This is a toned down look for her and she looks FAB!

Earlier in the day, some ladies showed up for the NBA Beats All-Star Brunch

Gabrielle Union again, looking flawless... Again. And Lebron's fiance? Girlfriend? Companion? Whatevs, Savannah Brinson. I like her salmon dress, it will be a great tone for spring.

Here's the whole group... Chris Bosh's fiance is second from the right. Someone pleaseeee get her a stylist. 

Tony Parker showed up for the T-Mobile party and posed with some... friends. I see you, Tony. TEAM EVA!!!!

KG and Spike made up, court side last night. 

KG wears clothes SO well. I loved his outfit last night. 

He sat next to D. Wade and his son, and swore up a storm. I love him. 

Kim Kardashian  had her hand in Kris Humphries pocket. 

I thought it was supposed to be the other way around... Ba-dum ching!!!

Shaq hung out with the enemy. 

My favorite highlight from Celtics-Heat: Rondo invades the Heat huddle.

And why is Jeff Van Gundy so mad? There was no timeout called, so Rondo's allowed to be wherever he wants on the court. Plus, he was probably just dropping in to say what up! Lebron was laughing. I GUARANTEE it, that if D. Wade or Lebron nosed their way in to a Celtics huddle, Jeff Van Gundy and Mark Jackson would have all KINDS of praise, about how competitive they are and how hilarious they are. Wamp wamp.

For the first time since 1975... There are 4 Celtics on the All Star team.

Back then it was John Havlicek, Jo Jo White, Dave Cowens and Paul Silas.

Today, obviously, it's Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett and Rajon Rondo.

I've been a fan of Paul Pierce since he was a rookie on the Celtics, when I was in 7th grade... And it's moments like this that kind of make me pause and put things in perspective. That these guys we're watching now can measure up at all to the legends that are Havlicek, White, Cowens and Silas is a mind boggling thing. It makes me realize how lucky I am to have such an amazing team to root for. I'm watching history happen, and I try to always keep that in mind when I watch them, because it's not going to last forever.

(picture source)

More on "The Pre-Game Meal" w/Shannon Allen

*This post has been updated with **VIDEO** and you can view it by clicking HERE!*

Rajon Rondo will play co-host with Shannon Allen on her cooking show, "The Pre-Game meal." Shannon dished on what the episode will feature: 

“He helped me prepare the unfried, crispy, baked chicken,” Shannon said in an e-mail. “I also made cornbread, 'go green beans,' and a less-sweet than usual version of a traditional southern specialty, sweet tea. Rondo is from Louisville, Kentucky, and grew up on some serious homespun Southern cuisine. I tried to incorporate a healthy twist on some of his favorites.”

In each episode, Shannon and her guest sit and talk over the meal they’ve made.

“Rajon and I chat… about food, what’s important to him on and off the basketball court and learn about his personal 'pregame meal,' as well as his thoughts about diet and exercise.”

More on the show after the jump

Most of the dishes Shannon will make are hers – developed over 15 years of cooking for her kids and her famously health-conscious husband. In that time, she’s gleaned some “serious kitchen wisdom,” she says, from family and friends, especially her mother-in-law, the ever courtside Flo Allen-Hopson.

Other show recipes come from Shannon’s guests, which include celebrity chefs – Lydia Shire, Ming Tsai – local foodie personalities, Boston athletes, and the sisterhood of athletes’ wives. (source)

Maybe that means my fave- Brandi Garnett, will make an appearance!

Heck yeah!

And now we wait for the word to come down on our Big Three!

Recap: C's head home having won 3 of 4 on the road.

Here's what we learned: Sacramento has plenty of promise for their future, but they're not there yet. They have budding star power, in Tyreke Evans and Demarcus Cousins (he's admittedly really good... but he's also leaning towards pompous. He's one of those guys you hate to play against, but love to have on your team), who will become quite the formidable duo in time. They boast additional young talent, in Donte Green and Omar Casspi, and also have solid talent in Samuel Dalembert and Carl Landry. They're just not there yet. The Celtics came in and played at a higher level of basketball, executed the second half in a machine-like fashion, and out savvied the Kings. 

Ray Allen had a strong game, connecting on four of seven three point attempts. He scored 22 points, and is now three pointers away from breaking Reggie Miller's record. KG seemed to be even more intense then usual, if that's possible. Maybe it's the after affect of that knock to the head he took in LA, and he found additional inspiration in the large band-aid he sported. In any case, he put up a nice line of 12 points, 7 rebounds and 2 blocks... And sent Dalembert and Cousins home extremely annoyed. 

Image C/O Chris Forsberg's twitter page.

Paul had a solid effort, and hit some big shots in the 4th frame, on his way to 15 points. Rondo continued on from his strong second half effort in LA. I thought he was really great last night- 17 points, 10 assists, 4 steals. He was aggressive from the opening tip, and attacked the basket more than he has in recent outings. He's almost impossible to stop when he's going to the rim, because his defender is scared he's going to magically find the open person, and because he has the ball handling ability to break anyones ankles. I've almost gotten used to watching him take it to the rim and then try to force it to someone down low, but last night he did a really great job of taking it all the way himself. 

HUGE shout out to Nate Robinson. Early on in the game, he came in and jacked up some ill advised shots, after which, he promptly returned to the bench. When he made his return to the floor, he did so with a huge focus on defense. He closed the game for the Celtics, and it wasn't because they were ahead by a comfortable margin. It was because he was playing well enough that it was okay for Doc Rivers to keep Rondo on the bench. Nate was in the middle of everything defensively, diving for loose balls and coming up with 5 steals. 

Recap: Blowout successful. C's head out to the West Coast with a win, Cavs lose 18 in a row.

Picture jacked from ESPN Boston.

Even if the Celtics didn't keep their foot on the pedal (or stay in "attack mode" as is Tommy's favorite thing to say these days) for the complete 48 minutes, they still managed to win by 17... And the game was never really a close one.

I'm not going to do any in-depth analysis of the game right now, because it was a blowout and I want to watch the State of the Union. Here are some important snippets: Paul Pierce scored 17 points in the 1st quarter, setting the tone. Kendrick Perkins didn't start, but he made his return in the 1st frame, and was welcomed by the crowd with a really nice standing ovation. He looked strong and confident. The scowl was back in full force! Heck yeah! He made the first shot he took, and ended up playing 17 minutes, with 7 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists. Go Perk! 7 Celtics scored in the double figures. Rondo played 43 minutes. Boooo, too much! Ray Allen and Nate Robinson split their time accompanying Rondo in the back court. Nate looked to be in a much better flow playing at the 2 guard (he will probably be one of the main beneficiaries of Delonte's return. Delonte can run the 1 and he can slide over to the 2. And Rondo can catch his breath). Ray hit 2 three pointers, bringing him closer to beating Reggie Miller's record. Paul Pierce headed to the locker room early, but that was apprently just to beat traffic, and not because of any injury.

More loveliness from Perk C/O the Celtics twitter page:

That's it for now! It's State of the Union time. Good night, love bugs!

The latest news on the dinged up Celtics front...

Marquis is a 50/50 go for the showdown with the Jazz Friday night. Feel better, boo!

And

Rondo got whacked in the face during practice today and left early. Ow! Luckily he didn't need stitches, so he'll probably be all set come game time. I'm thinking it would take a lot more than that to keep him out of a game against D. Williams.

Recap: Celtics-Kings

The Celtics pretty much dominated this one from start to finish, even without the help of KG (calf) and JO (knee). The Kings got in to Boston at 3:30 AM this morning, after losing an OT game in Washington- and their exhaustion showed. They were once again without Tyreke Evans. Demarcus Cousins looked better than I thought he would. He seems comfortable playing away from the basket, and once he diversifies his moves in the paint a little bit he'll be a very solid offensive player. Whatever defensive prowess he has in his reportoire was not on display tonight... But that goes for everyone else on his team, too. I was surprised that the Kings waited so long to put Samuel Dalembert in the game. He's had some good outings vs. the Celtics in the past.  For the Celtics, Paul Pierce set the tone in the first quarter, dropping 15 points. Rondo had 10 points and 13 assists, and kept everyone on track over the course of his 29 minutes of play. Speaking of Rondo's minutes tonight- even though the roster is shorthanded right now, nobody except for Semih Erden played more than 30 minutes.

Paul Pierce would be the obvious choice for player of the game, but I'm going to go with Marquis Daniels. My friend and I decided to go to this game at the last moment, and I have to say- Marquis' game is even more impressive in real life. He's just so smooth and confident. His line (26 minutes, 12 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal) does his performance tonight no justice. He does a good job of running the show when he's playing with the 2nd unit, but can also mesh just as well with the starters. He's also very stylish. Check out his outfit post game:

I'm diggin' the hat, boo. Weather appropriate and stylish at the same time, always a good combo. 

P.S.: Tonight marked Doc Rivers' 309th career win as the head coach of the Celtics. With the win he became the 3rd most winning coach in Celtics history, passing KC Jones. Congratulations to him. 

Rondo covers slam!

Lookin' good boo! Our little Rondo, growing up before our eyes :) This is on newsstands now. I personally am going to cop it ASAP.

Recap: 12 points, 22 assists, 10 rebounds, 6 steals. Rondo. Game 34.

The bottom line: This game was advertised as being a clash of the titans, and it lived up to the hype. The Celtics shot 61 percent from the field for the game, but still only won by 2. It was a struggle the whole way through. When the Celtics went up by 9, 105-96, LATE in the 4th, and I literally said out loud, "That should do it...." Only to be kicking myself for saying it seconds later, as the refs helped the Spurs out with a couple of consecutive (to be politically correct) questionable no-calls, and the Spurs rattled off 7 straight points, to make it a 2 point game. Have you heard about all the strange stuff going on? 1000 blackbirds falling dead from the sky on New Years Eve? And more recently, millions of tiny fish turning up dead at the same time in the Chesapeake bay? Well, conspiracy theorists were given even more fuel for the fire last night- Ray Allen missed 2 free throws with 8 seconds left in the 4th quarter. They would have sealed the game! But they rimmed out. Apocalypse, anyone? Luckily Paul Pierce came up big on the final defensive stand of the game, blocking a Manu Ginobili three, and the Celtics won. The bottom of the bottom line: A really great win for the KG-less (and Kendrick Perkins-less + Delonte West-less) Celtics. 


Hero material: I love words. It rarely happens that I can't find the right word to properly befit a situation, but in the wake of the clinic Rondo put on last last night... I find myself in that position. Here are a few, but they don't do him justice: prodigious, phenomenal, wondrous, magnificent... and I'll end simply, with "GOOD." His performance last night wasn't so good just because he dished out 22 assists. It was so good because he did whatever he wanted all night long. In crunch time, when the Spurs dared him to be the one to score, he knocked down shots when they mattered most. He made sure no passing lane was safe for the Spurs, with 6 steals. Ooohh, and that block. The picture isn't the best... But the block was timed absolutely perfectly, and I don't know if I've ever seen a swat come with so little body to body contact. Again. Perfect timing. You know what the best part is about Rondo playing so well? It enevitably means that other people are playing well, too. Ray Allen was hot all night and he scored 31 points on 13-16 shooting. I wish he would have taken 30 shots. Paul Pierce was his regular heroic self, even though the refs had some kind of personal agenda against him the whole night, and Glen Davis scored 23 points (one away from his season high) and generated an offensive foul against Richard Jefferson late in the 4th frame. Yeah buddy. Oh, and another person I think deserves recognition: Jermaine O'Neal. I'm hearing lots of people around town talking about they want to dump Jermaine O'Neal for Rasheed Wallace. I, too, have been frustrated by Jermaine's lack of play due to his steady stream of injuries... But in no way do I believe the Celtics would be better off with 'Sheed. Maybe 'Sheed was funnier (I will say BALL DON'T LIE for the rest of my life), but really... even though Jermaine is still rusty- he had a good game last night and he gave the Celtics 22 good minutes. He played good defense against Tim Duncan and he made his presence known in the paint, with a couple of nice blocks. I believe that the little 5-10 foot jumpers will start to fall for him, and that as he becomes more comfortable in the Celtics system, he'll develop a rhythm out there and perform better. If he can stay on the court consistently for another month, look for him to show considerable improvement. That is something we could never say about 'Sheed last year, since my man never even bothered to get in to shape. Also, Doc Rivers deserves a shout out. He's always good, but last night he dared to go small (Rondo, Robinson, Daniels, Pierce, Davis) and it worked out really well.

It would also be good to check in on my keys to winning the game, from yesterdays post.
-The Celtics were able to effectively control Richard Jefferson. It was not a Reggie Miller like night for him.
-The battle of the boards was won by the Spurs. Sure, the Celtics had 36 rebounds, but only 5 of them were offensive. The Spurs on the other hand, had 37 rebounds, and 15 of them were offensive. Wamp!
-They ran! Nobody runs routes in the NBA like Ray Allen. I can only imagine how many miles he runs over the course of 48 minutes, but it's enough to make me tired just thinking about it. It made Manu Ginobili tired, and he probably went to sleep last night and dreamt about fighting over, through, and under Celtics green picks. Not only did they keep the pace up, but they kept the ball moving, as is apparent in Rondo's 22 rebounds. Swooning!
-The Celtics also got a pretty good night out of their bench. Nate Robinson didn't play much, but he did a good job in his 16 minutes on the floor. Marquis played a solid 17 minutes, and contributed on both ends of the floor. He guarded a variety of people and did a good job at it. He also scored a couple of key baskets. And, as was aforementioned, I thought Jermaine played a pretty decent game. Look for the bench to become even stronger as the team (hopefully) gets healthier.

Looking for more? Check out this piece by Dan Shaughnessy, over at the Globe. A very nice read.