DUMB AND DUMBER: WHEN DOC MET FLIP

by Isaac, The World of Isaac

Both the Celtics and the Pistons have struggled in their first round series. And while many thought this was extremely unexpected, a part of me still thinks these coaches just cant hang with the big boys. Granted, a lions share of the blame should go on the players, but both Doc Rivers and Flip Saunders don't seem to pull the right strings.

Look at these two different playoff scenarios and tell me how eerily similar they are...

2007 Eastern Conference Finals: Cleveland vs. Detroit

After going up 2-0 at home, Detroit drops two to Cleveland at Quicken Loans arena. In game 5 at the Palace, Lebron James decides to carry the Cavs on his back and proceeds to score 25 points in a row and 29 of his team's last 30 points. The Pistons look confused on defense and never double Lebron until the very end of the game.

2008 First Round-Atlanta vs. Boston

After going up 2-0 at home, Boston drops two to Atlanta. In game 4, Joe Johnson and Josh Smith decide to carry the Hawks on their back and proceed to score all but 6 of their teams points in the second half. Not a single Hawk player other than them scored from the 3:58 mark of the third quarter on. The Celtics look confused on defense and never double Smith or Johnson until the very end of the game.

Watching the game last night was like deja vu for me. I couldn't believe the Celtics were not adjusting their defense. I found myself screaming at the Tv and having flashbacks from last years Pistons debacle.

And the sad thing is, both these teams will stay probably meet in the Eastern Conference Finals. It will be interesting to see what kind of moves Harry and Llloyd make.

My money is on Flip Saunders to pull through. He reminds me more of Harry than Lloyd. Sometimes Doc gives you this face like he has no idea whats going on.



You know, like the part where Lloyd can't read or when he finds out we landed on the moon.



Let's just hope Doc doesn't try to substitute Swammi or Samsonite in the game....