“In the locker room, you can feel it. You don’t feel like it’s the same continuity and camaraderie in the locker room as it was the first year. The first year, it was a crazy spirit in the locker room. But now it doesn’t feel the same. It’s not the same right now. We’ve got to find a way to get that back somehow, some way.” [Boston Herald: Rondo hints at other problems for Celtics]

So the ubuntu has fallen off the rose, huh? Does not surprise me. I actually think it left town the day KG got hurt last season and just hasn’t come back. Hopefully Rondo airing the dirty laundry will help kick start some kind of positive locker room karma joujou. Or it will split the team further apart. Either way, I think he did the right thing speaking up. Somebody had to kick this team in the ass.

Related articles:

• Boston.com/Mazz – Celtics need something to believe in
• ESPN – Rajon Rondo hints at locker room issues for the Boston Celtics

They kept cutting to SportsCenter, who kept showing it over and over and over and over and… Sigh. I figure if I post it here and watch it again and again, maybe it will lose some of it’s power.

Be gone, clanky free throws and game winning bearded basket makers. Be gone!!

Rondo gets paid
* So Rajon Rondo may like to fight with people. I’m ready and willing to admit that it’s a distinct possibility that he’s a tiny bit of a douchbag. But, you know what? He’s our douchebag and we’re keeping him!

Is there anything more obnoxious than Favre-cam?
* I have to hand it to Brett Favre. He really stuck it to Green Bay. I keep rooting for him to lose and somehow the old bastard just keeps on winning. I’m not even sure exactly why I’m rooting for him lose. It’s just that somewhere along the way, he turned into the bad guy. Over-exposure maybe? The mother-bleeping Favre-cam maybe? Oh yeah, that’s right… Now, I remember.

For every incident they admit, there are at least ten more they don’t
* This Tom Cable story just gets sicker and sicker. He doesn’t just knock assistant coaches around, he beats wives and girlfriends too?

“More than 20 years ago, during my first marriage… I became very angry [at his first wife, Sandy] and slapped her with an open hand. What I did was wrong and I have regretted and felt sorrow about that moment ever since…”

Slapped her with an open hand, huh? Sure, Tom, sure. Major props to the district attorney’s office for dropping those recent assault charges. Because you know, I’m pretty sure that guy just ran into a door.

Manu swats a bat in mid-air
* Am I the only one that feels bad for the bat? While we’re at it, where the hell did a bat come from? And how small was that thing? Was it just a baby bat, frantically search for it’s mother? Sweet Jesus, never mind. I don’t want to think about it anymore.

J.J. has a career night
* I know I’m only supposed to talk about J.J. Redick when someone in the blogosphere mentions Erin Andrews… But, there was that whole time period during the peeping tom thing where Erin was all over the place and I didn’t bring up J.J. once during that time. Mostly because I was too lazy to blog during that time, but still. I’m due and what better time than now when my boy J.J. has a career night for the Orlando Magic. 27 points! 6 rebounds! 5 assists! Pretty nice stats. Of course, one my Facebook friends still had the nerve to ask me, ”You do still know he’s bad though, right?” Tsk tsk! Behave, you!

R.I.P. Trojans
* My USC Trojans got massacred in Oregon this past weekend. My mother, the Michigan fan, took great glee in this. My sister, the Notre Dame fan, also took great glee in this. Damn it! Damn it all to hell! *shaking fist at the sky* I’m a glass half full kind of girl though, so on a happy note… In NFL action, both the Jets and the Giants LOST! Bwahahahaha…

Want to avoid flying bullets? Don’t lurk in the christless bushes

Nice piece on Rondo by Holly MacKenzie (@stackmack) for Slam Online
* Slam Online’s definitive ranking of the NBA’s best players places Boston Celtics point guard, Rajon Rondo, at #27.

Standing alongside the other superstars suiting up for the Celtics, there isn’t a star that shines brighter (or that has the longevity), than the one illuminating Rondo’s game.

Damn right. It’s nice to see Rondo get some love. Read it here: slamonline.com – Top 50: Rajon Rondo, no. 27

Steph’s new home, tagline and background
* Steph’s StarburyTV on Justin.tv was apparently suspended for violating the site’s terms of use. You can now catch the show at its new home at http://www.justin.tv/starburyplus. The new mantra is apparently: YOUR IN THE MOMENT RT*. What’s up with professional athletes and spelling & grammar? You’re. Thank you. Also, RT is a Twitter thing. It doesn’t work just anywhere, babe. Nice background though. I imagine that’s what I’ll see on my way into heaven.

Recent Celtics-related articles from boston.com:

• Dickau chooses Suns camp over Celtics
• Wallace making way in community
• Rivers sees new Celtics adding a lot
• Garnett making progress

NBA Musings gets around

Update 9/19: Zoe has been found! Yayyyy!
Help find Zoe! * John from Red’s Army has an adorable boston terrier named Zoe who is lost. If you live in the Foxboro, MA area or surrounding area, please visit this special blog and see how you can help: http://missingzoe.wordpress.com/. Today’s tip: If you see her, please call Foxboro Animal Control at 508-384-2523 BEFORE trying to approach her.  She’s a timid little dog.  She might be more likely to run off than walk over.

There’s actual new Celtics news? What hell you say?
* The Boston Globe recently posted a couple of Celtics tidbits. The first is about KG and his progress recovering from knee surgery. Sigh. I know it’s unrealistic, but I had kind of hoped his health wouldn’t be an issue once the season started. The second update has to do with Rondo and his contract extension. Actually, there isn’t much actual news on that. Just a confirmation that Danny Ainge plans to talk to Rondo’s agent and they may or may not be on the same page. Read the full articles @ The Boston Globe – Garnett making progress | Ainge to Rondo: We’ll talk

Kerry Rhodes is writing checks with his mouth
* So… apparently Kerry Rhodes is running his mouth about embarrassing the New England Patriots and rattling Tom Brady. Now, there was a time in the not-so-distant past when I would have called out Rhodes for being a yap-yap poodle better at flapping his gums than playing football. But, I’ve evolved. Like a veteran, I just grin and shake my head. I am content to pat him on the head like he’s a sassy toddler and say, “Awww, you’re so cute.” *wink* The quotables can be perused @ The Boston Globe – Rhodes wants to embarrass Patriots

This just in: Michael Jordan is a vindictive bitch
* While I was away, trying to resolve my domain relocation drama, Michael Jordan was inducted into the basketball hall of fame. I watched his speech while yacking it up with the peeps on Twitter and I thought he sounded like an ungracious ass. Other people didn’t have a problem with it. Actually, I didn’t have a problem with it either. I just thought he was being himself. One time, my mom and I were watching a Lakers game and she turned to me and said, “I don’t like Kobe. He’s not nice like Michael Jordan.” Wow. So, not only can my mom not pronounced Yao Ming’s name correctly to save her life, she actually thinks Michael Jordan is “nicer” than Kobe Bryant. Only someone who knows nothing about MJ would say that. He was, is and will always be – a dick. But, you know that line in Heathers when Veronica asks Heather Duke why she’s such a megabitch? Well her response is exactly what MJ would probably say, “Because I can be.” Mike Wilbon has a similar take. Read it @ The Washington Post – The Speech: That’s MJ

Kanye to NBAMusings.com: You ain’t no Beyonce (via Kanyelicio.us)

Bitch, please.

Danny, I served with Bill Belichick: I knew Bill Belichick; Bill Belichick was a friend of mine. Danny Ainge, you’re no Bill Belichick.

In other news, the Celtics haven’t made any big moves yet (unless you count drafting some kid last night with the 58th pick), but the Cavs and the Magic sure did. Vince Carter, huh? Answer me this Orlando, if Vince falls on the ground and clutches his hammy, whatcha gonna do? a.) run over and help him; b.) act like he’s dead to you and follow the action down the other end of the court; c) wait for him or Dwight Howard to yell, “Chuck! Aaaaargh!”?

Shaq to Cleveland will be interesting to watch. Shaq is entertaining, but I’m beginning to think he has a big screw loose. During last night’s draft, he said that he and LeBron were having “mental conversations.” What the hell? Bizarre shit. Just sayin.

For more of my thoughts on the Shaq trade, visit The No-Look Pass blog. The blog’s head honcho, Rey-Rey, interviewed me and three other “chicks who love hoops.” Check it out… (For the record, I only throw remote controls at Tarheel fans… and my mom sometimes… because she’s a Tarheel fan. Go Blue Devils.)

Related news:

• Red’s Army: “We value Rondo more than anyone else in the league”
• Third Quarter Collapse: The Morning After: Air Canada Lands In Orlando
• Fear the Sword: Ok, so, Shaquille O’Neal needs a nickname!!!
• The No-Look Pass: Talking To Chicks Who Love Hoops: The Big Trade Piece

Here is what I’ll agree to part with:

ps. Keep your grubby little mitts of Scal! I will NOT part with Scal either! Get back! *jabbing the air with a pitchfork*

Thank the good lord allmighty and all things holy that I bought a new computer just hours before this game. I was totally distracted setting up my new baby and getting all my programs set up on it to even focus completely on this joke of a game. Holy inconsistency Batman. Like seriously, wtf? Honestly, I don’t care if they win this series as long as they play Celtics basketball. If they’re moving the ball and playing great D and still can’t get past D-Ho and the Magic men, then so be it. But, I’m so not having this crappy D and lackluster effort bs. I remember not so long ago when Celtics fans were lamenting Rondo getting snubbed for the All-star game and I remember saying at the time that Rondo wasn’t ready yet to be called an all-star. Last night’s game was a perfect example of why. He’s not consistent. He has brilliant triple dub games and then he has games where he just doesn’t show up. I’m not trying to jump on him specifically. I know he isn’t any more responsible than any of the other players on the team. Ray and Paul need to “show up” more consistently too if they’re going to advance. I just think it’s insane that they went from winning in a blowout in Boston to losing in a blowout in Orlando. Is it tougher on the road? Sure, of course it is. But, great teams make the adjustment. I’m not throwing in the towel, fan-wise. I know this team well enough to know that they still have a great chance to pull off their own magic and win this series. I’m just starting to wonder whether they’re headed anywhere even if they do. You can’t take on Cleveland dropping game 1 and then half-assing it the rest of the way only to “turn it up a notch” at the eleventh hour.

Related news:

• Red’s Army: Embarrassing | No Suspension For Perk
• Celtics Hub: Worst Defense of the Year? Magic 117, C’s 96
• CelticsBlog: Disgusting Defensive Display
• Celtics 17: Game Three Recap and Analysis
• TalkHoops.net: 2009 NBA Playoffs: Celtics-Magic Game 3 Recap

The Good

• Eddie House scored a career playoff high of 31 points.
• Rajon Rondo earned another triple double (15 pts, 18 assts, 11 rebs) and threw down a pretty nifty slam dunk to boot.
• Doc Rivers had high praise for Brian Scalabrine after the game and said that he was surprised Scal was even able to come back this soon. This quote from Scal is one of the reasons I love him: “The funny thing, everyone else has problems with how much playing time I’ve gotten here except me,” said Scalabrine. “Even my mother will say, ’How come you’re not playing more?’ I tell everyone the same thing. I’m happy to be here. I’m happy being a Boston Celtic … I’m happy being a winner.”

The Bad

• Paul Pierce was in foul trouble and only played 15 mins. and only scored 3 points. (The upside: Lots of needed rest for the captain!)
• Rafer Alston felt an imaginary elbow and decided it would be a good idea to slap Eddie House in the back of the head (he’s suspended for Game 3).

The Ugly

• J.J. Redick fouled out and then thought it would be a good idea to go bitch about it to Bennett Salvatore, thus getting himself ejected from the game.

Related news:

• Celtics Hub: Without Pierce, C’s Get Back to Basics
• Red’s Army: That’s More Like It | Rafer vs Eddie
• CelticsBlog: Wow… Just Wow
• TalkHoops.net: 2009 NBA Playoffs: Celtics-Magic Game 2 Recap

I don’t know about the Celtics, but this first round is exhausting… for me. I’m so tired. Lol. These close games that end in OT or double OT are killing me slowly with a dull rusty dinner fork. I believe I’ve already stated that I hate close games when it comes to my team. Since I’m mentally and physically exhausted (staying up half the night watching heart attack basketball and then getting up at 6:30am for the day job will do that to a person), I’m going to just post my thoughts in a free form (possibly non-coherent) bullet point list.

• Paul looked awful until the end of the game. He was missing in action on offense and defense. The comeback was great and he continues to prove he’s one of the most clutch guys in the game, but I just wish he hadn’t taken so long to get it going.
• I think Ray got some of Perk’s calls. Perk got ZERO fouls and Ray Allen fouled out. Something is rotten in Denmark. My theory is that they just gave Perk’s calls to Ray. (Haha.)
• Steph. Shoot the ball. Shoot it. It’s what you do. How can you not do it? Do it. Shoot it. Sigh.
• After the game, Doc told reporters that Tony Allen’s play during the game was… *drumroll* Phenomenal. No, not a typo. Phenomenal. *shaking head*
• I hate to admit it, but our bench is weak sauce. I love them, I really do, but they aren’t stepping up.
• Rondo continues to be a fan-freaking-tastic stat machine and thank the good lord allmighty for that.
• I’ve wanted to fist fight several website commenters and Twitter tweeters (tweeps? Ugh, Twitter lingo is so stupid) in the last week. Ah yes, the NBA playoffs are here. I’m trying to remind myself that close games with questionable calls (on both sides) bring out the irrational in people (including me). Howeva *nod to Stephen A.*, to the person/people who insist that Rondo PUNCHED Brad Miller… Settle down, Skippy. Was it flagrant? Possibly. Did the Bulls get hosed a little bit by the non-call? Possibly. Did he recklessly lay a hard foul on Brad Miller? Definitely. But, he DID NOT punch him. That’s ridiculous. I don’t care how many camera angles you viewed that play from. There was no punch. I might bleed green, but I’m not unreasonable. If it was a punch, I’d admit it. [I'll concede it was a bitch-slap. ]
• Why do NBA fans who don’t root for the Celtics have such a problem with KG yelling profanity and heckling the other team’s players from the bench? Big deal. I can understand the poor bastards that have to listen to it complaining, but I don’t understand viewers at home getting all up in arms about it. I think this is just KG’s way of contributing. He can’t play, so he’s harrassing the other team’s players to try and throw them off their game. Obnoxious yes, but not a felony.

I have a lot more on my mind, but this post is already long enough. I’ll zip it and go back to watching tonight’s MIA/ATL game. This one has been pretty chippy dippy. Players were shoved. Technicals were assessed. Flagrants were erroneously called. Ah yes, good times, good times.

Related news:

• CelticsBlog: KG: Not Winning Any Sportsmanship Awards
• Red’s Army: The Last Word On Officials
• Celtics Hub: A Word on Flagrant Fouls
• Celtics 17: Late Game Recap, Early Game Preview
• Both Teams Played Hard: Brad Miller Is Dead…On the Inside
• NBA Noise: Elbows, face slaps, fines, fouls and suspensions