The Celtics are heavy underdogs heading into this series, no doubt about it. LeBron James and Dwyane Wade are playing their best basketball together since they teamed up and said they’d win eight championships. The two of them are averaging like a combined 65 points per game through the last three games against Indiana. Ever since the 2nd half of Game 4 against the Pacers when it looked like Miami was going to go down 3-1, they immediately took over the game and never looked back. They steamrolled the Pacers in the next two games and now we’re here. Plus, Avery Bradley’s out for the series. If Bradley was healthy then I say Celtics in 6 and put that in ink. Bradley’s outstanding on-ball defending gives Dwyane Wade headaches. Ray Allen’s on-ball defending puts a smile on Wade’s face. Nothing against Allen at all, he’s just playing on one mediocre leg.
So with that being said, what can the Celtics do to put pressure on the Heat and come out on top? Good question, Tom. Well the Celtics have two clear advantages over Miami. One is at the point guard position. Rajon Rondo should out-play Mario Chalmers every minute of this series. If he doesn’t, the Celtics CAN’T win. It’s that simple. Next, KG turned the clock back in these playoffs and also has a distinct advantage over the Rony Turiaf/ Joel Anthony combination. Chris Bosh is still out for Miami, which is a huge loss for the Heat. KG has had Bosh’s number ever since I can remember, but Chris is still usually good for 18-8 and none of his replacements can get that. The Brandon Bass- Shane Battier match-up is a wash. Bass probably has a good 40 pounds on Battier but he’s a jump-shooter. Battier’s one of the best perimeter defenders in the game and should be able to contest Brandon’s 15 footers.
LeBron and Wade both have advantages over Allen and Pierce, but the guys in green are old and wise. The two super-stars are extremely fast and athletic. All the Celts need to do is pack it in. If Joel and Rony beat you on offense then you have to just tip your cap and ask “What the hell?”. KG can help off of those guys all he wants and you’re going to see much more of a team defense in this series than the others. They still have to get out on shooters, but as long as they can contain the three point shot, they should be in a good position. I wouldn’t be surprised if the C’s went into a match-up zone if things were unraveling too.
The Celtics need to treat this series like Rocky Balboa treated his second fight against Clubber Lang. You’re not going to a 7th game against these guys and winning. One, it’ll be in Miami and you’ve seen how Boston closes on the road. Two, I feel like Gang Green wouldn’t have anything left if they had to play seven games against these freaks of nature in two weeks. So you’re going to have to take them out somewhat early. You’re not going to sweep them, cross that off the list. You have to absorb the punches being thrown at you early on and then just go right at them in the next couple games (or rounds if you’re still sticking with the Rocky reference). Without metaphors, the Celtics can’t turn it over against this team and they have to win one of the first two games in South Beach.
I hope the Celtics can pull this off, but I’m just really looking forward to these two teams battle. If you like sports, then you should absolutely tune into this series.
By the way whoever wins the San Antonio- Oklahoma City series is winning the title. No if’s, and’s, or but’s about it. Done and done.
