Boston Celtics down but not out in Eastern Conference Finals against Miami Heat – NBA Feature
The Boston Celtics will host the Miami Heat on Friday night at the TD Garden, in an attempt to secure their first win of the series. The Celtics are trailing the Heat 0-2 after a disheartening game 2 defeat on Wednesday in overtime. They look to become only
the 14th team in NBA history to come from a 2-0 deficit and win a post season series.
“We still know we have to play better. But I think our guys know now that we can play (with Miami). And I don't know if they did know it or not, but after Game 1, it was such a bad loss for us, I think we needed to have that type of game last night” said
Celtics coach Doc Rivers.
The Celtics lost game 2 to the Heat in over time, even though it was one of the best offensive performances by them this season. Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, Paul Pierce and Rajon Rondo combined to score 96 points, the highest they have ever scored together
in a game, but the Heat still pulled away with a 115-111 win.
For the most part of the game, the Celtics seemed in command till the Heat turned their game up in the 3rd quarter, like they usually do. Rajon Rondo had 44 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists and played the full 53 minutes of the game. There is no
word to describe his effort, but the Celtics still lost. They lost it in overtime with a few back to back points by the Heat.
That is all it took. That was the only difference.
With the loss, there came the theories. Some said that the Celtics performed at their best but still could not beat the Heat so the series is going to be won by Miami. Others were of the opinion that the Celtics are a relatively slower and older team than
the Heat and that is where they lost it. All of the above reasons are true. To add to that list, Paul Pierce did not play the whole of overtime after being fouled out with 1 minute remaining in regulation time. Add also that Ray Allen had an overall off game,
though he did score the game tying three pointer that sent the contest into overtime.
But this team has a habit of beating the odds and surprising everyone with their performance. They have been called old, rusty and not fast enough to compete with younger teams. Yet here they are in the Eastern Conference Finals after beating young and energetic
teams like Atlanta Hawks and Philadelphia 76ers. This team has a tendency to play its best basketball when it is has been written off. And considering their record, it would not be a wise judgement to rule them out yet.
Yes, the Heat have handed them back to back defeats. But they did so in their home, where they are probably the best team in the NBA. Now the series shifts to TD Garden, where Boston will be stronger and more comfortable. This series is still wide open as
Boston can realistically score back to back victories at home to tie the series at 2 games apiece.
The Celtics have one inherent flaw in their game plan and that is their lack of depth. In game 2, the big four scored 96 of the 111 points of the team. Avery Bradley is out with a shoulder injury, which is hurting them on the floor. For the Celtics to win,
Brandon Bass or one of the bench guys needs to contribute. Also, Kevin Garnett is lacking the energy we saw from him in the series against the Sixers. He is a critical element for Boston in a matchup with Miami, as they are not that strong in the centre.
Doc Rivers must have studied game films in detail to somehow find a way to contain either James or Wade, if not both. Similarly, Erik Spoelstra would not want Rondo to put up another 40 point plus performance.
With many people saying that this is the last chance the Celtics have of winning a championship with this roster, the Celtics have much to prove to themselves and others. I am anticipating a Celtic resurgence in game 3.
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