I really wasn’t happy with how I played Saturday against the Knicks and I wanted to come back with a big game Monday night. We really needed it to keep pace with the Celtics and to reach our team goal of 60 wins.
I really felt like I let the refs take me out of my game Saturday night. I stopped being aggressive because it seemed like anything I did, I got called for a foul. I can’t let the refs take me out of the way that I know how to play. When I’m aggressive, attacking and hitting first, that’s when I’m at my best.
That was my mindset from the jump Monday night. I had 13 points in the first quarter because I came out in attack mode. My teammates were looking for me and finding me and I didn’t hesitate.
The Knicks didn’t really start double-teaming me until the fourth qua rter, so I tried to make quick, strong moves in the paint. And when the double teams started coming, I just wanted to make the right plays to get us open shots. My assist to Turk in the fourth quarter got us a 3-pointer and got Turk going. He had another big fourth quarter and helped us win the games.
So many people think clutch plays in the NBA come on hitting shots. But too often people overlook a big defensive play or a tough rebound and don’t consider those to be “clutch’’ plays. I had a couple of nice blocks down the stetch, I forced a turnover on Wilson Chandler that led to our go-ahead basket and I was really proud of the tough rebound I pulled in in traffic with us up three with about a minute to play.
Those are the plays that help us win games. And that’s why I’m constantly thinking and talking about defense. Me being a dominant presence in the lane defensively and on the boards is what is going to help us win a championship.
Peace. — DWIGHT
Tags: 2009 NBA Season, Boston Celtics, Dwight Howard Blog, Hedo Turkoglu, New York Knicks, Wilson Chandler
Hi DWIGHT!Congratulate on your winning！
I really feel you and your team win a great game! You have made a big Double-Double with 29pts 14rebs and 4 blocks!There are 12 games remaining.I never doubt that you can keep pace with the Celtics and reach the goal of 60 wins!
Come on！You are the top 1 C in NBA!
Heeyyy man. Just to let you know, I am a Celtics fan, and obviously I am rooting for them, but you are one of my favorite players in the NBA. Your enthusiasm and confidence really make me appreciate you. I wish you luck against the Celtics on Wednesday, and keep up the good work. byyee!
What’s up Dwight, just wanted to say good game Monday night. I was a little worried until the fourth quarter, for a minute I thought you were actually going to lose to the Knicks. Thank God you and the team pulled through. Good luck with the Celtics.
Excellent job D.!
Hopefully SVG will stop yelling TWO HAAAANDS! after that big rebound you pulled…. lol
Congratulations!I am so happy to see you to win the game !I hope you will receive many victories in the remaing game ! I’ll always stand by you because you are my favourite player !
Hey Dwight,
Those who have played the game and know the game can pick out key plays. The average basketball fans see a clutch rebound as just a rebound for the stats. But realistically those BIG rebounds I counted for two in my mind because it was huge for the team. Just like in football, the offensive line don’t show up on Sportscenter but it starts with them and the key blocks they make.
Congrats on the win and keep it up and ride into the playoffs. ATL in the house!
MKRob.com
whats up D, another big come back win. Congrats. Shard and Turk got going at the end and we finally started knocking down some 3’s. One final point- C. LEE is playing better and better every game. He has great poise for a rookie and isnt afraid to take big shots. As far as his defense-its already very good and it will only get better.