Danny Ainge

I joining us via phone line is yet to be out of town game apparently not the uniform. Is the that the director of the vice president of basketball operations for your Boston Celtics -- DH where are you an idea. I'm in Orlando -- well that's right there was definitely -- always it was warm nice. What's the temperature down there it's too hot right now I don't know what their budget it to where you clubs. I could not very good in the I rusty actually all that means is he's going to rent that's. It's actually working in the I'm impressed with. Over the weekend beat these two games game three game for the contrast in the way the two teams played. What surprised you of those two games anything.

Yeah well. I'd just feel like we were ready to play in both games I -- because took us out of that we really struggled up there where confidence wasn't there. And offensively we allowed their he -- to pressure to affect a lot more -- or. And obviously Detroit was played with their -- the law. And not -- but Detroit came ready to play game three also you know that they could make shots. I think that there's so much said about you don't instilling you will in the game. And I just think that sometimes the guys -- played too tight too nervous that need to relax sit and at the -- that we need to elect a certain. I think who else inner confidence. On the human now I'd -- bit that are big green -- plane but the confidence that they need to do to win big games on the road.

When you talk about confidence -- played these types -- series before how much of it is really. Desperation and that after losing game two Celtics had to go out -- and win one of those two and making ready to play in game three. Game four it became a desperate situation for Detroit they could not afford to go to Boston three games to -- we talk about competence much. Does that lift your confidence when you when -- playing and desperate situation.

Well I think it desperate situation you know it -- it it's hard it's hard you know just. -- the 48 hours. In between games after that after big block those are in the playoffs. And so I think there's a lot to be sort of a that was there's aside at least some time when you quit. And you know you when your pat form miserable for 48 hours in between losses that you. He get extra shot he just he'd he'd do things more desperate -- preparation. And it seemed to exercise at least sometimes. Of their they they have a little bit of a break you think that their competence is going to continue from the game before back. -- return doubt the team a little bit more desperate you know comes out with a little more fired start the next. But sometimes that -- again it backfires -- planes RD year in year so. Under stress that you can't make shop and -- might get more rebounds loose all of that is still the ball still have to go on all four.

Anyway that things that we saw on this last game in the in the fourth game. Is that we did not see the ball early on in the least the first 56 possessions that bag -- in the true which bothered me. Did not go the Kevin Garnett early in that basketball game early enough for me because that think the more you go to him on the box with a boy you go to the Betty obvious. Why didn't the Celtics really go to that diplomats doubt coach get there early.

Well they didn't go you know it he can happen so after they were down what -- and about an eleven enough to start game. We had good shots earlier -- a couple of shots right there Rondell at a -- would rival what them like we want what plays back but purpose for KG. But a lot of times KG might be the option that ego you weren't screened for Paul he'd come off -- he's got opening -- bought the ticket. You know eat it it's. That was seen Kevin guard be active not think she throughout forty benefits such -- long gain it's important to establish Kevin Garnett at some point. The maximum still five point lead even the midwife who have been real late in the fourth quarter. And and and we had gone to Kevin many times throughout the game it's important for -- to establish something -- don't remember that whenever that time you know whether it's in the first five for the game whether it's the beginning of the second quarter we did this week it's the opposite we didn't establish -- any time.

What then that bad to me is that is that when things go always the always think that there earlier you do that to me. I think it more cop that you have which a basketball club because he passes so well out of the double team. And now he gets situation where you might give people of -- about -- I understand about establishing their -- to meet assuming you do it. It seems like the bad there it would before you basketball club.

Maybe except you're going to work and out of the -- So you're a -- we we can go to him early in other games we've been able to win and go to that would be needed them. When you know when there's possessed since that are more necessary. And so we the bottom line. We need Paul. We need to resign. We need -- and we need KG to play well to go where we want to go. Can't it's not important who gets off of me it's important that they all play with confidence that they can all step up at any time during the course of the game and he can't start out every game with the same game plan. Get started every game and that's not going to work the same all the time and so you get he'll. In the first quarter of the game and some games -- start the first quarter someday some games KG.

in spite of the it in spite of the game for a loss obviously. The series now even you have basically best of three with two in this building and in Flip Saunders and so that after game three that was kind of interesting. That you you were never really lost control of the series and that every time -- series has been tied whether it's been 22. Your team has gone on to win and and risen to the occasion and it came in fact in those games I think you -- know now this post season. How reassuring is it for you to see that particularly going into a game like tonight.

Not reassuring I mean I'm confident that our guys would be ready. I mean that's kind of what that is certainly that we understand the situation and our guys -- played well and in a desperate that scenario but Detroit's different. I mean Detroit is and then do enough for five years they've they've bounced back in the -- of the way the Nate. Eat a plate do a lot of adversity they've won big games on the road in the pan out and so. It even though I know our team will be ready there's still that fear that Detroit you know plays on all cylinders they're very difficult team to be.

They did he has the play of Antonio McDyess surprised you and know what the Celtics need to do to defend him better.

You know if it would start regarding you know I mean if you wide open up a lot like Cleveland beard but Ilgauskas -- yeah. And it is somewhat of a calculated he can't because even though we know that he can shoot. He you know we you have to pick your poison with and the big guys are open out on a Chauncey on pick and -- to open up with rip Hamilton on curl up and down. And you know and received this space in the floor opposite and Antonio at the three point line. So the big on big rotations are a little bit more difficult so. Long two point jumpers by Antonio McDyess are not the worst thing in the world and they're not with beating -- in this series. But Antonio have a good series because we are choosing to stop other things. At the expense of Antonio and and it'll be interesting to see what adjustments we make a note that there was some adjustments. Late that game in the second out of the last game because Antonio was you're shooting the ball so well. Over sustained period well we'll see what what were the Celtics beat I don't.

What's engine we're talking about this very subject early on because people calling up and you're talking about the McDyess. It is a matter of you know you'd choose -- you're going to probably give a little bit more daylight to. And he's the lesser of the candidates out there and he's just definitely have a a terrific series -- PJ brown right of the damage you can look at the other way with PJ brown you know he's hit some some daylight out yet. When you talk about adjustments how much change do you want to make out here. Based on the fact that still McDyess is not the guy that commonly is going to -- put want to yeah.

Well there was a lot discussed -- there -- again when when Ilgauskas you know what 66 in the first half and -- strategically what art seemed there were a lot of teams do Detroit that the same thing. And Cleveland at St. think that was over to focus to stopping. Ray Allen and shooting threes and Paul Pierce she -- a lot of deep -- the strategy now are -- it seems to shoot long who's. That's what the percentage just value take away the paint take away the aliens take away three pointers and -- you have to give up anything you'd give a twenty foot jump shot. And McDyess in Ilgauskas as an example until Joe just -- yeah what those kind of players. And both would try to keep NBC Kevin Garnett on the opposite it I mean look how many open when he would jump -- Kevin Garnett gets in the playoffs. And you know -- about it thank goodness he's he's good after that kind of -- and it -- sometimes to make that shot.

Danny whether things that you see out there on the floor that what you to comment on. What do you think about the hill right now of Chauncey Billups.

You know I don't know what their health is it's not -- you know I've seen chuck -- spurts. Of brilliance and spurts of explosiveness I just haven't seen him sustain it and that was a pretty good job on top is forest beat him. And not letting him turn the corner and split pick and roll which she likes to do what we're. Forcing him to make cup there's so I'm not sure I -- it's not he's scared. And you know -- in the big game players the big shot maker he could make three three's in a row in. And his presence on the court makes -- difference of that team because. It because he's out there handle -- the ball and the reason a lot of times like will put such an emphasis of stop being chopped it in the -- it's open jump shots. And because he has -- strength advantage of over John would feel like we need to give -- a lot court and and so you know inspired -- to -- the ball great his presence has made a difference.

Denny bring on this year's come to some screwy it's time for his defensive play but I thought in game three. He was outstanding if you put him in the floor can. You resurrect himself again for game three to -- give up that kind of effort tonight your game five.

I -- good job in 42 with a late. And but our yard deep dark indeed it was pretty good game four we just did an -- it opens the biggest factor for us. Tonight I mean if not any one individual thing -- It's a -- it's an effort yet to -- you know as a team in game four. And we also have to rebound about all I mean you've got to -- down and it's become an issue though it's not so much opposite -- it's as much as it's an attitude. And what where when we have that attitude that winning attitude we really -- the deep -- glass. And didn't give up some opposite recount but you know -- the atop the belts. You know create it but. I'd yet it didn't think we didn't do the job earlier that game putting bodies on the -- putting bodies. On you know back feel it in in all of their players that would work the opposite ward who. We can't do that.

To watch the Lakers in the Spurs last night it -- to get that -- that final play Volvo. It could -- would have made sense if they called it match brought this up earlier obviously you don't called as a continuation of the shot. What you call it. As a as a two shot but even those of three point territory as -- aren't shooting Bob makes sense.

Yeah I mean -- did you -- the game away -- you know I just think that they will be you know abuse certain kind of -- in the games that we. You know that -- teams are notorious for setting movie screens in. You know almost tackling guys to -- shooters open because reps but want to call out -- game and you know -- what is it just he should call Al Al then matter when it is in the game. And you know it just seems like that -- called very touchdown strike.

Literally -- we were talking about that earlier. If you make that call the first second and third quarter and failed to make it in the last twenty seconds of the game. It has an impact if you make that call in the first second or third quarter so why not have -- make the same impact in the last forty seconds of the game.

Believe in -- twenty seconds sitting here you know you're impacting the game by not calling that you guys you know it shooters arms I mean -- guys just get. He thought the elbow a rest don't want to call that they they have a -- that they make all the people call certainty. You know while I think -- all we have called circuit for the beginning of the game we should make -- call you know certain that there's but -- Should make a call up certain any trouble we know if you don't -- they're obviously -- certain of that call -- they were they were nervous.

You're always a great actor when you -- did did Barry not do good enough job of selling -- actually tried to clear around. -- Derek and try to put the ball to the floor.

Yeah I don't know I've been in this again I don't know beat the acting sometimes -- If you would acted you know and flop the lot like it Ginobili then I think the refs shouldn't call it is that brings uncertainty into it.

Abby particularly of the defend dodger -- and don't. Then that was that you may be evenly split it Danielle would seem that you don't play in the world the way he broke. Yeah like -- to do because if you had him up in the air. And you knew that Paulus cut it all you do was lenient with the arms and is clearly to me that he saw him and I was -- what went through his mind not trying to get the shot I'm not a ball to the floor what not yeah it was just take the content.

You know it's amazing they're good but like guys that do that instinctively you know KG does that sometimes you know he can -- that -- it's -- guy at the -- he tries to continuous shot -- Paul. You know he always tried to draw contact when he gets guys you're Dirk Nowitzki -- rarely gets contact he gets guys in the air in the step of the way here made the wait for the shot. There -- lot of guys that are really look at it.

James Posey had a budget both James Posey is great that he's done at least three of four times in the series what -- read to them. And the guys try to jump James Posey jones' jumps into.

Yet -- he's been great agree with that in you know why you know it seemed like that it's not that typical of a thing to do but you're not thinking about it in the not part of your game actually it's hard to think about those types of situations than. You know I'm -- not one of those guys that does that typically sees issued voltage.

Danny -- jump away from the series for a second obviously it's been some time. Since these two clubs have had a series. Of this magnitude and impact to go back twenty years obviously game five in that series produced one of the most memorable moments in in league history. Q can you just. Revisit that for a second and and give your perspective on that whole thing what you remember most about it.

that particular game. Yeah I -- that was they that was you know one of the greatest moments of Celtics history. Because it would look played a great team a team that was probably two championships after that year. In Detroit a voted team we really did not deserve to win and the way the game was played in. And yet there steal not only won that game but one that series and if that's how fragile winning can't be sometimes pick that up. You know a call like after the last night regret various deals that got a miraculous -- of Larry Bird. You know that the painful one against hook shot are often opposite rebuilt -- reasons is magic job that Gerald Henderson's steal. I mean that's that's not actual. You know winning in -- compete when you have equal teams matched up and you know that's what we have so you know that's what that's what's scary about these games is. You know it's just one little play like that that could make all the difference when you're -- he's.

One play like that could make a difference in the tonight's game five -- where you -- of the game tonight and they'll find some hooters or something to watch.

Now we're -- it'd in my room we got the whole staff down here they got -- and Brian -- done and John eat dog overall get a good gave -- we're gonna get over to my hotel watched in my room -- Serb.

because of television. -- like it hopeless hotel successors I was quite a lot of the inside -- trust me he's got a fifty -- well you know that -- raises a good point -- and it is the 25 anniversary of hooters. I don't it was -- adrenaline going and let's all the commotion. I can't guard talking to talk to get to actually good luck and -- it any.

In the world Lendl for both of workman like anywhere -- next -- You never look at it is the that's thing about the NBA all the sports really. There is never really tell them all for too many things are too many players or the or the personnel. And I think of the front office -- that's a problem out last -- a lot of time off. -- quirky regulars at the congress we are nice connected us in all honesty. The one thing your -- to be honest with -- one thing that's one thing that really bugs me about the NBA post season. It is way too long. Wait too long which we're human -- mr. basketball I just think in the in the first round could shorten it up Garrity did they extended. They made it a best of seven used to be at best and I'm not talking about is certainly not I'm not talking strictly the number in games but the days off between games. It it's the extent week I'm not expecting them to play back to back nights line. But in the first round you don't need 23 nights off between games to -- that. -- I'm not the very beginning of the definitely in the series I know they didn't the pitcher David it'll shorten my two days. Its way to its way to how many games will be how many days -- there will there be between. Game seven potentially of this series in game one of the men who would tell realized WS was going to get your your -- next Thursday. Okay as a Thursday's game okay -- this Soviets over Sunday makes it a couple of yards on Friday and will be a week off way too long it is why I think it's all fronts and all advocates over on Sunday there's still three days off which is to -- the same thing Colorado had a week off correctly the Red Sox are to a still play. Here's why -- here's why. They paths and in the higher. Crew the entire office in New York all of those MBA employees or working finals. Finals has taken over by the lake they all the lineup that's the reason they play 232. To -- the league office because there's an influx of beat people of their private -- out there right match at at how that's. Should you mean just you. You're going to be I just think -- airline at ten months it would have one -- honestly I have -- it was a playoff it's also it's also but you always have sought to complain about. Any -- obviously families and.

My efforts to remember to some of the -- the -- after talking -- arena availability like in Detroit but the cities where the hockey you know. -- Georgia in front dazzling on the same area. I haven't liked all the well -- get right -- Russian town right you know -- on but -- to try to you try to -- the schedule that work well well remember that remember the fact that whoever availability there's there issues and questions member of the Atlanta with a head at the boss down there. Smooth out there that are in that time. He was in the -- James Taylor's will be there always can be Columbia I don't Patriot fans are right of much that's all the -- like everything.

We managed to look at something's up manipulative isn't as great we've got me we might of the NBA finals include doesn't. You shouldn't like what do we have to four days off through -- between atlas. A series on the twentieth two days off actually that it -- I actually think that two more days it took him the first six think twice right. This isn't that there's until that is mention of a deal you know why they don't -- Tony you know other than just the issue. They did that this clear to see there was it was wanna -- right now is a concern Everett as the this I don't know ought to try to oxygen -- you know that they're inspectors are probably behind it right when