Staying up until one in the morning is nothing compared to the joy of seeing Delonte West lead the Celtics, even if that effort comes in a Celtics loss. With his performance last night, I’m really just sitting back, waiting to see what Delonte’s critics have to say this morning. I called for Delonte to start for this team back on November 9th, and I’m sitting back today wondering how it even took this long.
First, let’s talk about last night performance in the Celtics 110 to 100 loss to the Warriors. In 31 minutes of play against Golden State, Delonte scored 18 points on his 7 for 11 shooting, while adding six rebounds, five assists, two steals and one block while committing just one turnover. On the flip side, Telfair played 28 minutes and struggled all night long with his five point night on 2 for 7 shooting, along with two rebounds, three assists and one turnover.
With CelticsBlog.com down for site upgrades (I’ve seen a sneak peak of the new site… and it is GREAT!), I’m anxious to see what Celtics fans are saying this morning. After hearing Jeff (CelticsBlog.com) and Tyler (Celtics247.com) both say that they’d happily trade Delonte away from this team on CelticsStuffLive Thursday night — I’m just angry. Angry that other fans have sold Delonte out… Angry that they’d rather ignore his abilities and get someone else on this team.. and angry that they see him as one of the few movable pieces to this team.
While I will agree that this team does not have any one great point guard, Delonte still represents the PG of the season and likely beyond. Whether it was the fault of Doc, Ainge or others — we’ve effectively wasted two months trying to give Sebastian Telfair an opportunity to run this team. More importantly, if rumors are true that Telfair is flipping off fans and/or coaches in Boston at the Garden, is a cancer in the clubhouse, and is a guy that none of the other Celtics can get along with — how can you honestly put your faith in him as a fan?
So I want to know… from the Delonte haters out there… What’s today’s beef? Kid comes back from a tough injury when the team needs him most and gives his best effort of the season in the midst of a five game road trip with the team’s “captain” down and out. Hater or supporter, comment on this post and share your thoughts.
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Delonte West will not dress for tonight’s game against the Clippers — but both Kendrick Perkins and Wally Szczerbiak will both dress and likely play large roles for the Celtics tonight.
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From tonight’s Celtics.com Preview…
“Delonte West had moved into the starting lineup last night for the Celtics, replacing Sebastian Telfair, but it’s unclear if he’ll be ready to go tonight after taking a rough spill near the end of the first half against the Nuggets. West is considered a gametime decision for tonight.”
From Yahoo Sports Preview…
“Injuries keep mounting for the Celtics. Guard Delonte West had to leave Tuesday’s game after falling on his back, and his status is uncertain.”
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Last night, fans of Delonte West were excited to see Delonte resume his role as the Celtics’ starting point guard. Head Coach Doc Rivers decided to bench Sebastian Telfair “until the end of the season or until something else changes” because of his inconsistencies and lack of defensive skills. Unfortunately, Delonte’s time as the first unit’s PG may once again be in doubt.
With one minute left to play in the first half, Delonte stood at the wing and delivered a bounce pass to Al Jefferson in the high post. When the pass was tipped and the ball was turned over, Earl Boykins took the outlet pass and drove for the hoop. Using the same defensive abilities that Rivers wanted on the floor, Delonte streaked for an opportunity to block Boykins’ layup attempt. Delonte missed the block, but more importantly jumped over Boykins. As Boykins completed his layup, the players collided in mid air, sending Delonte hard to the floor while Boykins landed safely on his feet.
West landed hard on his tailbone, and was unable to return to the floor. Under the assistance of Celtics’ trainer Ed Lacerte, West was escorted to the locker room.
To many fans surprise, West returned to the floor to start the second half — but was clearly trying to play through pain as he brought the ball up court in visible discomfort. Following that possession, Doc Rivers called a timeout and replaced West with Telfair. On the sideline, West began to sit down — but Ed Lacerte decided that he needed to get Delonte back to the locker room once again. Delonte did not return to the floor in the Celtics 116-105 loss to the Denver Nuggets.
Delonte scored 11 points in 18 minutes shooting 3 for 7 from the floor and 5 for 6 from the free throw line. No official announcement has been made on Delonte West’s condition or his status for tonight’s Celtics’ game against the Los Angeles Clippers. The two teams will meet tonight in a 10:30PM match up.
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With just under a minute to play in the first half, Delonte West hit the floor hard and suffered what appeared to be a back injury. He was walked off the court along with the help of team trainer Ed Lacerte of the Boston Celtics, and no further information is available at this time. Stay tuned to FSN New England for more information as it becomes available.
UPDATE: Delonte came back to start the second half, but only played for about 10 seconds before Doc Rivers pulled him, and sent him back to the locker room with Ed Lacerte. Official word from the Celtics organization late in the third quarter was that Delonte would not return to tonight’s game. No official status is available for the team’s game tomorrow night against the Clippers.
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