Bob Ryan's Game 1 Q&A

Globe columnist Bob Ryan dropped by this morning to answer your questions about last night's exciting Game 1 of the NBA Finals at the Garden. The following is the complete Q&A session ...

Morgs__Guest_: Bob, Thanks for cautioning everyone that it is only one game. I am a 50 something and have lived through all the glory and pain of the past. As you say imposing our will defensively is the key. As for the offense my only frustration is the lack of the "go to guy". Bird on the isolation, Hondo on the weave, Hinie battering people down low. Do you think pierce will emerge as that guy in this series? or will it go the route of whoever is hot. I have been watching Leon all year and love his game except he is slow to finish once he has the offensive board is it technique or skill.

Bob_Ryan: Is it not self-evident that Pierce is The Celtics "Go-To" guy? He has the repertoire and he has the mentality. KG is reluctant to exit the team guy. facilitator mode in the fourth quarter. People keep hoping he'll do so, but it might be like waiting for Godot.

Morgs__Guest_: He's hoping Perk is okay . I think he could be a real wild card for us as he was in Detriot series. These Fakers are soft. let Kobe get 63, last time someone did that you know what the result was !

Bob_Ryan: They aren't winning this thing without Kendrick Perkins. As nice as P.J. Brown is to have around, he's here to support, period.

Bob_Ryan: Don't get caught up with that "Faker" stuff. This is 2008, not 1984. And it took scoring 136 points to offset those 63 from Michael, so forget about giving Kobe anything more than 40.

boogerboy__Guest_: What do you think, an electronic zapping dog collar that goes off around Cassell's neck every time he winds up to take a long distance shot?

Bob_Ryan: Once he's hit three, Doc should give him the hook, 'cause he ain't stoppin'. But it was nice to see the jumper return from that little jaunt it took to Cancun.

Groucho__Guest_: Bob, Do you have any idea what Eddie House has done to be ignored by Doc? Here is a guy who can light it up and stretch the defense. Why no PT? His son has seen more time on the court. Thanks.

Bob_Ryan: Doc has made a decision that he can't mix and match with both Sam and Eddie. I'm sorry about that. I like Eddie. And who's to say he couldn't hit the same shots Sam is (occasionally) making?

Bob_Ryan: But that's why they pay Doc the big money.

Mikester__Guest_: What's the update on Paul Pierce and Kendrick Perkins for Sunday night ? Wasn't game historic and fun last night ?

Bob_Ryan: Asking the wrong guy for a 10 am injury update. Stay tuned. I'm sure we'll be hearing more shortly.

Bob_Ryan: Fun? Yup. Historic? How so? Just a good quality NBA Finals game; no more, no less.

Nate__Guest_: As with the World Series, the NBA starts games at 9 PM. My 13 year old can only watch the first quarter and then go to bed. If these sports are looking at younger generations to acquire fans, they should start earlier. Playoffs used to start at 7 PM.

Bob_Ryan: Yeah, and Finals, even ones with Dr. J, Moses and Larry, were also once aired on tape delay. All decisions are made by ABC, and they want those Angelenos in front of the sets when the ball is thrown up, not stalled in traffic on the 405, 110, 10, 101 or 1,786,537, if you know what I mean.

Bob_Ryan: However...

Bob_Ryan: There is NO excuse for not having the Sunday game start at 7 Eastern, or even earlier. Hear that, Mr. Stern? stand up for common sense.

Brian215__Guest_: Why, in your opinion, has the national media picked the Lakers to win the series over the team with the best record?

Bob_Ryan: Thanks for an easy lay-up.

Bob_Ryan: 1. Lakers breezed through the first three rounds in 4, 6 and 5, whereas the Celtics wheezed their way to the Finals in 7, 7 and a tough 6. And we all know the West is better than the East.

Bob_Ryan: 2. They have the best player.

Bob_Ryan: 3. They have a 9-time championship coach.

Bob_Ryan: 4. People always seem to forget that defense matters more than offense in these situations.

Bob_Ryan: So, as Dan Shaughnessy said, the pundits were "blinded by the light."

Brian215__Guest_: What is your reaction to Bill Platsche's article this morning in which he insinuated that Pierce had faked his injury?

Bob_Ryan: Glad you asked that question.

Bob_Ryan: Bill's a friend of mine, but let's just say we look at the world differently. He's being ridiculous, OK?

Bob_Ryan: Now then. Paul Pierce framed himself as a complete drama queen three years ago with that ludicrous stunt of wearing the gauze wrapped around his head after Game 6 in Indy. Remember? So you can see why someone would question him now. But Mr. Plaschke suggested it was completely staged, and, furthermore, that the Lakers were caught off guard. That's the absolutely foolish part of his thinking. Once they saw Pierce on the floor, they were expecting him to be Paul Pierce. And how does him making back-to-back threes in transition play into them not taking him seriously?

Bob_Ryan: C'mon, Bill. You're better than that.

Eddie_House__Guest_: Bob, you're a smart guy. Could you please tell me what I did to lose playing time altogether? It just kills me to see Sam Cassell in there, missing shots, playing poor defense, and slowing our offense. Let me know what to do/say to convince Doc I should be playing 10-12 minutes a game.

Bob_Ryan: I've already answered this, Eddie. I feel your pain. By the way, I'd consider having that cute kid of yours pick up some extra cash as a model. Seriously. He looks as if he stepped right off the "Sesame Street" set.

gary_p: Hi Bob, been a big fan of yours for years. Great game last night! I know it's only one game but where does it rank with some of the classic Celtics-Lakers games?

Bob_Ryan: Oh, I don't know. Between 8 and 15 somewhere, maybe.

KensethBlackLabs__Guest_: What happened with Garnett? Was it just a bad night or was there something going on with all the missed baskets?

Bob_Ryan: Hot first half. Cold second half. What else can I say? He took four jumpers in the fourth and missed 'em all. Nice put-back, though.

mg__Guest_: Bob, what are your thoughts on Phil Jackson post games comments basically questioning Paul Pierce's injury?

Bob_Ryan: Phil Being Phil.

JoeStro__Guest_: What do the Celtics need to do to avoid a Game 2 letdown like they had against the Pistons?

Bob_Ryan: Act like professionals.

The______Truth__Guest_: It was good to see Leon Powe play last night, will we expect to see him alot this series?

Bob_Ryan: Something good always happens offensively and on the boards when Leon Powe is in the game. The reason he doesn't play more, I'm told, is that he doesn't always grasp the particular defensive scheme du jour. And now, with Ol' Man River available, Doc is opting for experience. But I can't believe Leon won't see some additional time in this series. He made the most of his opportunity Thursday, I'd say.

Green17__Guest_: Bob, with LA's bigs being the leaner and athletic without Bynum do you see the Doc going to that smaller lineup of Rondo, Allen, Pierce, Posey, and Garnett more in this series??

Bob_Ryan: Doc does have options, sure.

Nate__Guest_: I have noticed on fast break opportunities, too often the guard running the break pulls up rather than working the passing lanes for a layup. Then we settle for a jump shot which is like a crap shot with no follow up.

Bob_Ryan: That's because "the guard," whose named is Rajon Rondo --- you new around here, or something? --- has no pull-up jumper. None. That should be off-season priority number one. He squanders far too many fast break opportunities because he won't pull up from the line, or a few feet into the lane, and shoot a stop-and-pop jumper. He can take it all the way, and does, but if he has no shot he dribbled back out and it's bye-bye, fast break.

Bob_Ryan: That's not a criticism; that's an observation. He can, and will, develop that shot because he is a worker. I am excited about the 26-year old Rondo being the 2012 Maurice Cheeks.

Brian215__Guest_: If Big Baby is gonna play in this series wouldn't it make sense to let him get his feet wet in Boston instead of a LA debut?

Bob_Ryan: Doc will sense a Baby moment sometime, but I couldn't tell you when. I think he tends to mope a bit when he's feeling neglected. I hope someone is talking to him.

greg__Guest_: I see this series as a better match up for the C's than both Detroit and Cleveland. Do you agree?

Bob_Ryan: Better? No. Kobe Bryant, remember? But manageable? Yes. I said from the beginning that the Atlanta series would give them the most "athleticism match-up problems and that things would get easier in that regard as the playoffs progressed. The Lakers aren't going to out-athleticize the Celtics. I was hoping for San Antonio, where the Celtics would have hade a very big athletic edge. Think about it: SA's great athlete is Parker. No big deal for Boston with Rondo on him.

Obama_Pierce_08__Guest_: Bob, what did you think of Rondo last night?

Bob_Ryan: Fisher had his way in the first half, but take a look at the final stat lines. it was a wash. Sure, there's more to it than the stats, especially for a point guard. I give Rondo a B-plus in his first Finals game.

The______Truth__Guest_: Bob, do you agree that letting Kobe 'have his' and shutting down everyone else is the way to go?

Bob_Ryan: No. Playing him into 9-for-26 is better. (Assuming you can take the credit). I don't think that what you're suggesting is the M.O. currently being adopted by Doc, Tommy Tib & Co.

Cary__Guest_: Bob, what do most guys think about Sam Cassell? I've heard that players find him aggravating but those are just rumors. I was a little frustrated at how long he was in the game last night (even with his key bench points).

Bob_Ryan: I'd only be guessing. Sam is Sam is Sam. The question is whether or not the incumbents think Eddie should be used more. But I'm assuming they all believe Sam has at least one monster three left in him.

Bob_Ryan: I must say. What a world it would be if everyone had Sam's boundless self-confidence.

Rutabaga__Guest_: On a follow-up to Cassell vs. House, it seems to me that House is a more reliable shooter, shows way better judgment and shot selection, and plays hustling scrappy defense. Despite hitting some shots, Sam seems like a completely liability out there and changes the whole tempo of the Celtics offense for the worse. Granted, Doc has made a decision, but why???? Nobody I know seems to have an answer. Is he trying to keep Sam from going into a big pout?

Bob_Ryan: Nah. Doc believes in Sam; that's all.

tungpham__Guest_: what is LA going to do differently in the next game to beat boston?

Bob_Ryan: Hope Kobe goes off. Try to free Gasol rolling to the hoop as much as possible. But can they actually stop Garnett and/or Pierce? No. That's one reason I picked the Celtics to win.

greg__Guest_: How does the NBA select officials for the games and has a rotation been decided upon?

Bob_Ryan: The honchos in NYC make the call, and I guessing they do have a 7-game rotation written down already, subject to change if there is some kind of officiating dust-up. No real kicks with the overall job in Game 1, although I think P. J. was standing in the lane waiting for Odom to run him over long enough to dictate his last will and testament. I don't see how Scott Foster blew that particular call. They won't come much easier.

Nostradamus__Guest_: If the Celtics win it all, will you finally admit you were totally wrong last summer, or will you continue to be stubborn?

Bob_Ryan: I'm glad you asked that question.

Bob_Ryan: Of course, I was wrong, and I've never said otherwise. I said I'd be happy to see them win 45 and the division. Of course, that was pre-Posey, pre-House, pre-Brown, pre-Sam and pre both Rondo and Perkins making phenomenal individual improvements. And no one, not even Doc himself, thought his team would get this good defensively. Why don't you ask Doc how many games he thought they'd win? You might be surprised.

Bob_Ryan: Here's my question to you: Did you put money on it? If you did, congratulations. If not, it doesn't matter. I've said a zillion times: the only predictions that are worth anything are those backed up by your wallet. And the difference between you and me is that I have to go public.

Bob_Ryan: What's the opposite of Murphy's Law? Whatever it is, that's what we have.

Bob_Ryan: I am immensely pleased to see the Celtics back in the discussion. This team has been a pleasure to watch.

Bob_Ryan: Anything else you want to know?

Achilles__Guest_: So is it me or have the Celtics really learned how to close a game out? They seemed to have matured against the ferocious end of game push from the Pistons. Now they seem to have extra confidence.

Bob_Ryan: The Pistons series was clearly beneficial in many ways, as you suggest. What happened in Atlanta and Cleveland is utterly irrelevant now.

mg__Guest_: Obviously Phil Jackson is a good coach, 9 championships says a lot, but is there a more arrogant person/coach in the NBA , no wonder why Kobe and Phil get along

Bob_Ryan: Phil does have a rather patrician air at times. Makes him interesting. I'm glad we have him around. As Voltaire would say, If Phil Jackson didn't exist, it would be necessary to invent him.

danmazz2001__Guest_: The Celts let up 88 points last night, will they be able to win games on that kind of defense? Keeping in mind that Paul is still questionable and their offense is going to take a hit.

Bob_Ryan: I'm a bit confused. Are you implying that allowing 88 points in the 2008 NBA is BAD defense?

allfiredup__Guest_: bob what kind of impact do u think pj brown had last night and also powe?

Bob_Ryan: They don't win Game 1 without P.J. Brown's sensational play. As for Powe, see above.

bird__Guest_: bob, could anyone except Kobe even make the roster for the 80s' Celtics?

Bob_Ryan: You're embarrassing my generation. Stop it.

RayRay__Guest_: How do you feel about Ray's all-around performance in Game 1? It seems many people are overlooking his 8 rebounds, 5 assists, and solid D on Kobe.

Bob_Ryan: Excellent point. One thing I've learned having Ray Allen around all year is that, unlike many other big-time scorers, his contributions don't stop there. I was thinking about his subtle all-around contribution to the cause last night myself.

Bob_Ryan: You know what they say about great minds.

butters__Guest_: If perk cant play who can step up?

Bob_Ryan: The simple answer is that Leon's feet would be held to the fire. And Baby would come into play, too. And P.J. but he can't go more than 25. I think.
Van Bob, I understand why some are picking the Lakers, but shouldn't more people be picking Boston, given that they're better defensively, deeper, and have home-court advantage?

The______Truth__Guest_: Bob, are you as tired as I am of hearing the ridiculous claims that Kobe is as good as Jordan?

Bob_Ryan: It's not ridiculous, just not correct. He is the closest thing to Jordan we've seen. It's an understandable stylistic comparison.

alchemist__Guest_: You know Kobe will come back with a vengeance, and chances are that Odom and Gasol and possibly one of their bench players will have better games.

Bob_Ryan: See my column. One game is one game in these things.
Van Also, I'm wondering where you rank Pierce's performance last night among the NBA's all-time "guts" games?

Bob_Ryan: Hard to know until we see what's really wrong with him today.

Bostondotcom Thanks for chatting with us today Bob! And thanks everyone for participating ... Bob says see you next week (he's scheduled for another chat from LA)!