Every year the Celtics have a problem with "That Team". "That Team" is never the best team in the league, or even a true contender. But there is always a team that gives the C's fits for whatever reason.
In the 07-08 season it was the Washington Wizards. They took back to back games mid season, and the final showdown between the two teams late in the season. It is easy to remember the blow out the Celtics gave them in the opener, because that was the start of the Big 3 era. However, we finished the season 1-3 against this team.
In 08-09 (which was somewhat of a carry over from 07-08), Boston struggled against the Bobcats. Although they finished 2-1 against them on the season, we all remember how much of a struggle each of these games were. Remember the Ray Allen 3 point shot in overtime? No, not the one you may be thinking of, but still a sweet shot. It was never easy to top Charlotte.
Last year it was the Atlanta Hawks. The Celtics squared off with Atlanta 4 times and didn't win a single game. It was frustrating to watch, but there was atleast a little understanding as to why the C's struggled. The Hawks were more athletic, which is something that can give a veteran squad troubles. There wasn't this reasoning for the first 2 years of the Big 3 era.
So who will be the team this year? Which team matches up very well with the Celtics for whatever reason? I say the Pacers. They have shown flashes of giving us trouble in the past, and I think with 1 more year under their belt it will occur to a greater extent. They added James Posey, and have Danny Granger who is a nightmare for the C's to guard. It was never the Center or Power Forward positions for the Pacers that gave the Celtics problems, it was always the 1-3. So the additions of Shaq and Jermaine may or may not effect this matchup.
Who knows? It's really anyones guess, but I just say a poor team with a star like Granger has the potential to do well against any team in the league. They especially play well against teams who will sleep on them (like the Celtics).
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