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Part 3 of the so called “Texas triangle ” starts @ 8 PM tonight on TNT and I can’t say enough about this team. This is easily the deepest Celtics bench I’ve seen in 20 years, where on any given night, you could have multiple double digit contributors. Moreover, defensively this is the best Celtics squad I’ve seen since our last title run. The 3rd quarter in Houston was a perfect blend of defensive intensity and the unstoppable machine-like offense we employ. Houston was powerless and couldn’t stop us as we executed our will. Heinson must have enjoyed that 2nd half as we consistently looked to run @ every opportunity and pounded it inside. Can you remember so many different Celtics finding the outlet man? Every other play was like 2-3 passes and a layup. Amazing!

Separately, Cassell really needs to look beyond himself as the 1st option on the break… dude, you’re playing with Paul and KG for Christ sakes!! Honestly I love his offense, but this isn’t the Clippers man.  Since he a veteran he’s going to find his niche because he realizes the guys respect Doc.  How about PJ coming out of retirement, just because he wants another title; too funny.  It should be painfully clear to everyone by now that this team is obnoxiously talented @ every single position. Battier, not as talented and without Yao, we simply pounded the ball inside to Powe & KG with tremendous efficiency. Tonight Dallas will look to run and I expect KG’s off man, whether it’s Perk or Paul to throw down tonight. Dallas has a decent bench, but they lack defensive prowess to hang with us for more than 2 quarters.

The Houston game showed me that this team is really serious about a title. Rondo’s opening minutes really impressed me. I respect that 1) he stood up to skip-to-my-lou and 2) rebounded after that initial distraction.  I loved that he brought his street ball element in that game, it’s precisely the type of move you’d expect from an up-and-comer.  Rondo is maturing this year and honestly the sky is the limit when you’re that athletic. That’s the thing most folks don’t realize about NBA ballers, they are some of the best conditioned athletes in the world. These guys are incredibly strong, cat-quick, have amazing reflexes/recognition, and really understand the game. I know this because @ 22 I played with a few NBA starters. When you’re on that level and playing with similar talent the holes in your game disappear.   As a result, your game opens up and you focus on all the little things it takes to win. Pierce has always been a complete player, it just took comparable talent for the non-basketball fans to realize it.  1 thing is for certain, these guys know their role and believe in each other.  This trust factor makes all the difference.

Kudos’s to danny-boy and you too Doc; I didn’t know you had it in you.  Man I sure wish Red was here to see all this…