Defending Paul Pierce’s Late Three-Pointer Against Orlando Magic

November 19 07

Dimemag.com believes Doc Rivers should’ve have gotten Paul Pierce a better look with time dwindling against Orlando:

But Doc had too many tools at his disposal and too much time on the clock for the C’s to end up with Paul Pierce shooting a rushed three when they were only down by two.

My Quick Take: The Boston Celtics won’t go 82-0. They’re beatable. Sarcasm aside, last night’s entertaining game against the Magic exposed a few very minor chinks in the Celts’ might armor.

Let’s address these points:

On Doc and that three-pointer …

Many questioned whether Doc Rivers could coach The Big Three. After all, Doc’s strength was always fostering relationships with young players, not drawing up Xs and Os or breaking down game tape for three Hall of Famers.

But his supportive temperament makes him an ideal fit for Boston’s veterans. For example, he’s not fussing over last night’s loss and is sticking to the plan of giving his team time off.

Would a sideline taskmaster take such a level-headed approach after a loss? Doc gets what’s important-keeping Allen, Pierce, and Garnett healthy for the playoffs.

This brings us to Pierce’s missed three-pointer. There’s another way of looking at this play. Great teams go for the win, especially when they’re on the road.

In a sense, Pierce, Rivers, and Boston showed us they’re prepared to go for glory. Sure, Pierce missed. And sure, Rivers should’ve found a way to get a better shot. Just don’t overlook that Boston went for the win.

On their defense …

James Posey got whistled for a late foul on Rashard Lewis. The Magic swingman was hoisting a three pointer, so he received three free throws. Some questioned the call, but Posey, as the Celtics’ lock down defender, must avoid these breakdowns.

Pierce tallied 28 points, but his end-of-game defense was mediocre. In the fourth quarter, he left the Turkish gunner to double down in the post. Turkoglu quickly received a return pass and drained a clutch three-pointer.

What do you think of Rivers’ decision to go for three? Get at us with your thoughts in the comment box below.

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9 Comments: Defending Paul Pierce’s Late Three-Pointer Against Orlando (...)

Posted by
marius
on 11.22.2007

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Posted by
martin kenneth
on 11.21.2007

I was shocked that Pierced had the ball from so far from the basket in the first place and then he tried to dribble the ball and shoot a three, that was ridiculous.Rondo should’ve had the ball drive the ball down the middle of the lane for a score or a pa-------to the open who may have tried to help defend the paint.Sometimes so-called stars are really too egostical to allow others to shine when its their time.That last shot attempt by Pierce was clearly the wrong play even if he made the shot. .

Posted by

on 11.20.2007

Love peirce .

Posted by

on 11.20.2007

Doc didn’t "go for 3" as suggested, in fact, I don’t think Doc has played in quite a few years. Coaches generally draw up plays that get the ball to the player they want, but they rarely dictate the exact shot that player takes. Doc is already on record as saying he would have preferred Pierce take it to the basket on that play, but Pierce thought he had a good look at a 3 with a chance to win so he went for it. I personally thought Pierce (not Doc) should have drove, but I can see why a star like PP might think he could get the win right then and there on the road, avoiding OT and playing without KG who had fouled out. Had it been forced or contested, it would be easier to question. Had he nailed it, all the stories would be about how gutsy he was, etc., etc. This was not an elimination game, it was 9 of 82, they could not win them all, so in that context, not a big deal either way. .

Posted by
Carolina Gir.
on 11.20.2007

Paul Pierce is so fine, he can do whatever he wants to do. Gee, that man is sexy. I could just kidnap for a nite and have my way. Then I would proudly turn myself in and say yes I did it! .

Posted by
Kuya Leo
on 11.19.2007

If you have one shot at a wild deer then go for it! If you missed then you got hungry..But if you shot it right..then a sweet feast and celebration. Anyway..theres another time, in the mean time stay hungry..you missed eh.. .

Posted by

on 11.19.2007

Coach Rivers drew up a drive to the basket by Paul Pierce. Paul took the bad shot on his own. Coach Rivers is only guilty of having his play ignored by Paul Pierce. What does that mean , Rivers haa a lack of credibility with at least some of the big three? .

Posted by

on 11.19.2007

I agree go for the three .

Posted by
Philfactor
on 11.19.2007

You’re on the road, your best player and only low post presence has fouled out of the game. Add in the fact that Pierce and Ray Allen had just logged a ton of minutes and burnt energy coming back from down 20 points in the second half. I think Doc was right to try and close this game out, rather than prolonging it. Their chance in overtime would not have been good. .

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Daily take on NBA Oly Sandor is an NBA analyst and sports journalist based out of Vancouver, Canada.After years of the free-lance game, Oly Sandor is bringing his unique brand of NBA analysis exclusively to (...) More

Defending Paul Pierce’s Late Three-Pointer Against Orlando Magic

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