10 Thoughts
1) Much like the Celtics/Knicks’ point guard matchup (before Chauncey Billups went down), this position MUST be exploited. Whoever the Heat decide to throw against Rajon Rondo, whether it’s Mike Bibby or Mario Chalmers, this should be a clear advantage for the Celtics. If the “Big Threes” for both teams cancel each other out, the clear X-factor will be with the point guards. If Rondo plays the way he did against the Knicks, the outcome will be pretty visible.
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2) Shaq’s availability. Will he play in Game 1? Game 2? At ALL? Only time will tell how he’s feeling. The C’s could absolutely use his presence in the paint. It’s going to be hard to rely on the combo of J. O’Neal/Davis/Krstic. The more big men we have, the better our chances will be. Turnovers and rebounds (which the C’s have been pretty bad on) will play a key factor in how this series will turn out.
3) Can Paul Pierce and Ray Allen continue their torrid shooting percentages? In the entire 1st round series – Ray Allen: 31-54 (57% shooting) and a ridiculous 17-26 (65%) from three-point land. Paul Pierce: 33-71 (46%) and 10-20 (50%) from beyond the arc. History shows that Ray Allen will come back down to planet Earth after shooting at a ridiculous clip (see Game 3 of last year’s NBA Finals). Hopefully he will do whatever is necessary to keep that fire going.
4) Bench players MUST play a vital role. Last series didn’t go so well for Jeff Green/Glen Davis/Nenad Krstic/Delonte West. With enough practice time to get everyone clicking, it’s a no-brainer that these guys will dictate how long this series will play out. It doesn’t matter who steps up; as long as there is consistent contribution, they should be fine.
5) Troy Murphy: +1 rebound in his playoff career. And that’s all she wrote.
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| Rebound nose first |
6) Yeah, it’s going to come down to the players executing plays. But, I think this is where we will see how well each coach really is. Erik Spoelstra is not even in the same league as Doc Rivers in terms of managing minutes with his players and drawing up correct plays during timeouts.
7) If it becomes close during any of the games, who gets the last shot for the Heat? I don’t think they truly figured out who will take that one last shot for all the marbles. LeBron James? Arguably their best scorer. But, isn’t this Dwyane Wade’s team? With the Celtics, any of the “Big Four” is a possibility depending on the situation. That’s the beauty of it.
8) Random observation: Celtics’ “Big Three” have Allen (2), Pierce (3), Garnett (4). Heat’s “Big Three” have Wade (2), James (3), Bosh (4). Both shooting guards wear arm sleeves; both shooting forwards wear headbands and occasionally arm sleeves; both power forwards are listed at 6’11”. WHY DO I KNOW THESE THINGS?! Is it safe to say the Heat’s “Big Three” are nothing but carbon copies of these veterans except in their primes?
9) Players from the Celtics think that Chris Bosh will be the X-factor for the Heat. Against Kevin Garnett? Hard to believe that. Kevin Garnett is a carnivore. Chris Bosh is a herbivore.
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| Boshasaurus |
10) Boston Celtics in 6.
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