Boston Celtics: Are the Beantown Bullies Getting Away With Foul Play?

Since Garnett and Allen joined forces with Paul Pierce in Boston, they have taken the basketball world by storm. Their brand of efficient offense and trademark smothering defense led them to a championship in 2008, a playoff run in 2009 and a return to the finals this past season. Spearheaded by Garnett, their defense and offense have been given a lot of praise over the years but it has also had it's share of criticism.

"Tough, Physical Team"

Whenever I think of the Boston Celtics, the words that come to mind are "tough", "physical" and "team". While the last one is obvious (as evidenced by the fact that they didn't go their separate ways this summer), it is the first two words that I always have a problem with.

The word "tough" I take to mean the persona that they try to impose onto the rest of the NBA. They are the "tough guys" of the league, the team no one would get out of line with. The problem is that this is a new thing for most of them.

In reality, Boston is about as "tough" as the small dogs who bark from behind a gate but run when you take a step towards them. Before Garnett's arrival in Boston, the only thing they were known for was losing.

Losing during the regular season.

Losing in the draft.

When KG arrived, everything changed. Suddenly Pierce felt a need to begin mocking other players. Kendrick Perkins decided that he never fouled anyone. Rondo began to "intimidate" other players. As this went on, I found it kind of cute in a way. These guys needed the "Big Ticket" to provide them with a backbone. Good for them.

The last term is the one that causes the most frustration amongst NBA fans:

Physical.

This term is what allows the Celtics to play as if they are above the other teams. It emboldens their "tough guy" persona and put other teams at a handicap before the ball even goes up. It gives them free passes to commit fouls and set illegal screens. It allows them to flagrantly foul Dwight Howard without repercussion. If anyone requires any proof, simply watch any playoff game during the Garnett era.

It Isn't Going To Stop Anytime Soon

When you think of the players this squad has went through it should become obvious that the opponent and "superstar" treatment goes out the window. This will continue for at least another year because of who they brought onto this year's squad.

Namely, Shaq and Jermaine O'Neal.

While I have a great deal of respect for these two individuals, it is obvious that they have a history that aligns perfectly with the Celtic's "style" of play. Both have become agitated at their seeming irrelevance and have made up for lack of production by being more "tough" and "physical". With these two now under the protection, for lack of a better word, of Boston, expect them to take full advantage of it.

For the time being, fans in Boston can rejoice at the feeling of being relevant while the rest of the league will be forced to play from behind at tip-off.

Such are the perks of being a tough, physical team.