Shaq Dandy

When the Celtics signed Shaquille O'Neal, I had mixed feelings. I thought "Danny! The man is not what he once was!" But I also thought he could be serviceable. O'Neal is indeed not the player he once was, but on a night when his aging body is feeling good, he can still dominate.

This was proved last night against the Detroit Pistons. On a team as aged as the Celtics, it's hard to believe they would need another "veteran for experience" reasons. On a team that's been to 2 NBA Finals in 3 years, it's hard to believe they would need another "veteran who knows how to win." Last night, Shaq stepped up to another level.

Since coming back from injury and after a slow start, Shaq's really starting to pick up his play. If he stays healthy, those career lows he's having this season will surely come up. If healthy, O'Neal is a double-double threat almost every night. But what O'Neal gives the Celtics is something Kendrick Perkins cannot give them; a decent defensive player with offensive capabilities. Last night, O'Neal showed just how important that was. Perkins blocks more shots, but they both clog the middle the same. I think they brought Shaq in to somewhat be a mentor for Perkins, as well as bridge the gap until he gets back. The Big Shamrock however, might have stolen Perkins' job (doubtful... but deserved) if he continues to perform at this level.

I think most passive Celtics fans expected the Shaq of old instead of the OLD Shaq, but to the fans who follow the game, O'Neal has been giving the Celtics exactly what they needed. O'Neal being effective inside creates more opportunities for Pierce, Allen, Garnett and Rondo. When Perkins was in the game, teams dared him to shoot. Opposing teams wanted the Celtics to beat them with Perkins. O'Neal CAN beat teams if you let him, and most opposing teams don't want that. For his age, teams still have to gameplan for the man and that's a pretty impressive thing if you ask me.

He said he could put the Celts over the top. I think a lot of might have laughed. But the Big Aristotle might be the one laughing now.

~juice

No Dwyane! No!

So Tuesday marked the end of Dwyane Wade's reign of terror in Boston. I swear, this guy could make a basket blindfolded with both hands tied behind his back. Picka and I were on hand to watch the Celts deliver the final blow ending the 5 game series.

While I was confident the Celtics would win, there was one thing that still bothered me...Dwyane Wade's name is spelled wrong! I'm going to let you guys in on a little secret, my first name is Dwayne (one of many correct spellings of the name). The other night Picka asked me what my biggest pet peeve is. I told him "people who walk really slow, and are totally oblivious to the fact that people might be behind them." I have another, lesser peeve, and that's people who spell my name wrong. I let "Duane" slide every now and then, but for the most part I don't like it when people spell my name wrong.

I first noticed it on a sports news show and originally thought, "Those clowns spelled his name wrong! Don't people know how to edit before putting this stuff on tv!?" I then realized that it was no error, well actually it was, but they didn't know it was. At some point in his life, someone wrote his name wrong on a official document, and it was from that time forward he would be a misfit amongst Dwaynes everywhere.

We shared the backwall of the balcony with two young women who just graduated college. One graduated from Northeastern (GO HUSKIES!) and the other was from the University of Completly Smashed. The drunk one exclaimed how Wade's name was spelled wrong and I imediately agreed and rewarded them high fives (two to the girl from NU). The girls questioned how you would pronouce D-W-Y-A-N-E, and came to the conclusion that you had to say it with a thick southern accent.

So for the rest of the game when Wade would miss a shot, they yelled "No Dwayne! No!" channeling Whitley from "A Different World". It was a fun time had by all, until the drunk one spilled her beer down the center isle, showering everyone in hoppy goodness. Actually I think she was drinking a Bud Light, so it wasn't hoppy or good.

Now, onward to Cleveland!

-Ozz

Picka and the Gang Green Gang

Ozz here, and let me start by saying that the Power Puff Girls reference was not intended in the title. Ok on with the show! Your boy Picklicous made his television debut on Gang Green TV last night. Local show shot out in Winthrop, MA. Not only did Picka represent the Shamrock but he may also in the near future put up the flaming gauntlets in a possible NBA Jam tourney. HE'S ON FIRE!

You can check out the whole show, which is recommended if you love (or hate them right now) the Celts or you can skip ahead to 07:45 to see Picka in action.