The Will of the Big Four

The Boston Celtics are up 3-2 against the Magic, just as they were in last year's playoffs (semi-finals though) without Kevin Garnett. Now, here we are one year later with a 3-2 lead, but this time we have KG healthy and motivated as always. This is what Celtic fans wanted, a true re-match of last year's series with the team at full strength. I still trust the Big Four to assert their will over the Orlando Magic. My original prediction was for Boston to advance past this series in 6 games, and that is what we are about to see. A Game 6 that should never have been allowed to exist. All because the Celtics squandered a golden opportunity in the waning seconds of Game 4 (in which they failed to even get a shot up). Tied at 86-86, the Celtics elected not to call a timeout after a key defensive rebound. Doc Rivers is one of the very best coaches at drawing up an effective play up against the buzzer, and should have done so here. Opting out of the timeout soon proved to be a crucial mistake, as Paul Pierce held on to the ball too long and turned it over (ending regulation).

Game 5 was not lost with careless turnovers or coaching mistakes, but with a plague of injuries,      

mis-matches galore, and terrible NBA officiating. With Perkins ejected from the game no one could truly compete with Howard on the defensive end. He was a dominant force that knocked Glen Davis out of the game literally, and when Rivers went with a smaller line up Rashard Lewis struck. At 6'10 Lewis had no trouble shooting over a 6'7 Paul Pierce and sometimes over a 6-1 Rajon Rondo. Also without the defensive shadow of Kevin Garnett on him Lewis could relax and get into his rhythm. KG must stay covering Lewis the entire time they are both in the game.

KG needs to call for another must win, "this is our Game 7" emergency because I truly believe this team will complete the colossal failure of blowing 3-0 series lead, if there is a Game 7. You have already given this Magic team a second life, but all you need is one home victory to reach the NBA Finals for the second time in the last three years. The the Big Four of Rajon Rondo, Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, and Paul Pierce  is strong enough, wise enough, and proud enough to avoid this historic meltdown. Do not underestimate the Will of the Big Four.

Finals Bound

As written in my Celtics Return to Form...post I stated that: "There is nothing this team's skill set does not match and there is nothing they cannot do on the court". Now deep into the postseason the Orlando Magic and the rest of the NBA world are learning this very lesson.

This is the 2007/2008 Celtic intensity, team defense, coaching, and domination that we are all witnessing again. Led by what has clearly become the Big Four, (with Rondo) this team is truly poised for a championship run. With a 2-0 series lead over the previously undefeated (in post season) Magic, the Celtics are looking to out do my prediction of winning in six games. With this 2-0 lead heading into games 3 and 4 at home, the C's are thinking sweep in order to prepare and rest for the NBA Finals.

Kevin Garnett is playing the best I've seen since the forward was acquired in 2007 and is once again the defensive and emotional leader of this team. KG is the field general and the coach on the court. He also has a similar relationship to his coach that Tom Brady and Bill Bellichick have. Doc Rivers is further proving he is one of the NBA's very best coaches as he once again has his team buying in 100 % to his philosophy. KG is the quarterback of the defense and is enforcing the ideas of Rivers (and assistant coach Tom Thibodeau) on the court with his teammates. 

With Paul Pierce in full effect, KG's leadership, and the new found dominance of Rajon Rondo this team will challenge for an 18th Championship Banner. The championship in 2008 was not a fluke for the Celtics. This was not the fluke Miami Heat championship (circa 2006) in which the team disappeared into mediocrity after winning it all. In 2007 a new Big Three and a new era was born in Boston. One that set the Celtics to win an NBA Title and be ready to contend for several years. The championship pedigree of the Celtics is alive and well as this team is ready to seriously contend against the Lakers.

Now What King James?

The Cleveland Cavaliers greatly underestimated the Boston Celtics because of the average basketball they played the second half of the season. The Celtics were a team that was mistaken for being too old and not talented enough. When in reality the team was just injured, incorporating new players, and lacked rhythm/chemistry. I knew this team would revive itself in the postseason and now with a healthy KG who knows how far this team could go. In my Welcome Back post,I described the unfair public perception of the Celtics, and spoke of their strong playoff performance to come.

When the Cavaliers realized that they had committed a grave miscalculation of their opponent they wilted under the pressure. When the going got tough and Lebron James could not dominate, they simply gave up on their season. Leborn tore off his Cavs jersey as soon as he was in the tunnel to the locker room, but not before he hugged and talked to many of the Celtics. Last year Lebron was heavily criticized for his premature exit from the handshaking/hugging ritual that normally takes place at the conclusion of a playoff series. He walked off the court without congratulating the Magic after his team's Conference Finals defeat. This time Lebron leaves the postseason a round earlier and must face the "now what" that lies in front of him. We have most likely seen Lebron James's final game as a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers.

It was proven once again that to win in the playoffs you need a true team and not a one man squad. As stated in my Go For the Jugular posting: "Lebron James was voted to his second consecutive MVP award this year, but I believe his role on the team is ultimately detrimental in the long run". A one man team never wins in the sport of basketball and the Celtics re-taught this lesson. A collective unit of team players and leaders will always beat out a one man superstar driven team. If Lebron wants to win his elusive championship he will need to become part of a team that plays as one.

Kenny Smith on TNT's Inside the NBA said it best after the game 5 victory: "The Celtics are like a leaky wall. Every time you plug up one hole another one leaks, and another one leaks..." He was ingeniously referring to the fact that you can slow Rajon Rondo, but then Ray Allen lands some cold blooded threes. You can double KG, but then Pierce drives to the basket or hits a clutch jumper. The Cavs learned this the hard way and in the end were no match for this true team.

I predicted the Celtics would win in five games over Miami. I said that the Celtics would beat the Cavs in six games, but how far can my prophecies go? What makes the Orlando Series so tough to predict is the fact that it is such an even match up. Rondo and Jameer Nelson are both all star point guards, Paul Pierce and Vince Carter are essentially the same player (wash), and Rashard Lewis VS. (former teammate) Ray Allen is another wash. The match up gets more interesting when you look at the Perkins/Garnett/Wallace VS. Dwight Howard battle to ensue. Also, each team has an effective bench which will help provide for another great series of playoff basketball.

Last year the Celtics took the Magic to a game seven with KG unable to play due to a knee injury. This time around we will not only have KG, but a healthy one who is playing top form basketball right now. This does bode well for Boston, but what does not bode well is that Orlando will be well rested and will not make the mistake of underestimating this team. The prediction on this upcoming series is going to take deeper analysis and thought, but will be given before the series begins.

Best on the Floor

Not only was Rajon Rondo the best Celtic on the court in Game 4, but he was clearly the most dominant player on the floor. Rondo is the best point guard in the NBA as far as I am concerned as he dominated an entire game that happened to also have Lebron James participating. Rondo is a hungry monster on the court right now,  one who is single-handedly willing his team to victory. His 29 points, 18 rebounds, 13 assists, and two steals were all part of a legendary performance that overshadowed even the league MVP. However, despite Rondo's historic brilliance Celtics fans should not yet be convinced on the victor of the series. Not until Paul Pierce breaks out of his shell will this team truly be ready to eliminate the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Rondo can dominate the tempo of the game and outplay Lebron all he wants it seems, but Pierce must convince us that he can return to his usual playoff form. If and when the Cavs personally assign James to cover Rondo it will be up to Pierce to carry the team. Carrying the team like he did in epic fashion two years ago with a 41 point performance (ousting the Cavs from the playoffs). With the hunger that KG, Allen, and Rondo are playing with, this team seems ready to achieve with a Paul Pierce return. If Pierce can revive his series performance and be the offensive force we all know he can be, the Celtics will win this series. 

If you are a Cleveland Cavaliers fan you must be wondering when will and why hasn't Lebron James been covering Rondo? James was asked about the possibility of this exact scenario and had this to say: "...Rondo is definitely dominating the series at the point guard position...I don't have a problem taking Rondo or guarding Rondo…if the coaching staff or the guys want me to do it, I will". This is Lebron addressing the need to hinder Rondo to win the series. Also hinting to his Coach that to win this series Rondo must be slowed by James himself. Rajon is the second best player in the series, but in this game he was best on the floor.

Rajon Rondo is Lebron James in a smaller body and must be respected this way if the Cavs are to have any chance against him. James is 6'8 250 pounds and Rondo is listed at 6'1 171 pounds, but they are the exact same type of player. The scouting report on King James is that he is a "walking triple double" who is a threat for double figures in points, rebounds, and assists every night. A player who isn't thought to be a great shooter and is often challenged by teams' to beat you with his jump shot. Turning Lebron into a jump shooter is the only hope to beat him. He otherwise will dominate attacking the basket and drawing fouls left and right. When his shots are falling he is impossible to defend because he can score in any way he wants to.

Rondo is also a walking triple double who is dared to shoot jump shots and when his shots are falling and is attacking the basket at will, also makes him impossible to defend. If Rondo were Lebron's size he would be just as talented, but at just over six feet tall he is not a threat to block shots. LBJ's advantage over Rondo is his shot blocking ability, where as Rondo's claim to fame is stealing the basketball. Rondo is Lebron James in a smaller body, then by all means let the best guard the best. This series will come down to the will of Rondo VS. the will of Lebron, and who's supporting cast steps forward.

Excellent win for the Celtics and a great series to come as we look ahead to Tuesday night in Cleveland. As a fan I do not care if the Celtics win or lose this series, but I care about seeing the effort and the heart we all saw in Game 4. Bring on Lebron James to cover Rajon Rondo and free up Pierce at the small forward position. Without the 6'8 250 pound frame of the MVP shadowing him "The Truth" will dominate once again. It has come down to a pick your poison scenario for the Cavaliers. The Cavs must decide if they really want to leave Pierce covered by Anthony Parker or Delonte West. Doc Rivers said it best in his pregame speech to his team before Game 4: "...when we play our game, and when we are focused for 48 minutes we beat everyone". In Game 6 of the 2008 NBA Finals when the Lakers were defeated in Boston by 39 points they learned all about what Doc knows so well. 

Celtic Meltdown

Did my going for the Jugular message backfire on the Celtics? They could not have played a worse game, nor could they have personified the complete opposite of what was needed any better. The Celtics were out rebounded 45-30 and outscored 124-95. The worst home playoff loss in Celtic post season history and was topped by the worst defense I've seen since the inception of the new Big Three. Now you've given Lebron and his teammates new life not only for Sunday's game, but for the series. If the Celtics do not win on Sunday they have a zero percent chance of advancing to the Conference Finals.

Lebron set the tone in the blowout win with twenty one points in the first quarter and his teammates joined him in the onslaught. The Celtics closest deficit in the second half was twenty and they did not outscore the Cavs in ANY one of the game's four quarters. It seemed that only Rajon Rondo and Kevin Garnett knew it was the most important game of the season thus far. Paul Pierce continued his disappearance act (4-15 shooting) and Ray Allen had seven points as he only took ONE THREE POINT SHOT. How does the greatest shooter in NBA history assert himself with one three pointer taken? What is going on with Paul Pierce? Is he injured? just in a major funk? Game 4 will tell more.

The only bright spot of the game was that Nate Robinson was actually allowed to play and looked aggressive, but was 3-10 from the floor. He did hit 2/4 of his threes, 3/4 from the line and had eleven points in thirteen minutes. Yes this is a low percentage, but to put up 10 shots in 13 minutes is the type of "attack mode" they want to have Nate in. WHY DID THE CELTICS TRADE EDDIE HOUSE for Nate Robinson to be an overpaid cheerleader on the sidelines? 

If House were still here he would be playing in this series. He was a contributor in the postseason last year and the championship effort two seasons ago. Robinson was the supposed "upgrade" of Eddie House, but has been kept off the court. I agree he is an upgrade in terms of overall talent being able to attack the basket and shoot threes, but if he does not play than its a downgrade obviously. The only major complaint I have about Robinson's performance is that on certain break away plays he was trying to lay the ball in and missed. YOU'RE A THREE TIME SLAM DUNK CHAMPION AND YOU'RE MISSING OPEN LAYUPS? He was aggressive shooting the ball and trying his best on defense, but he must attack the basket and use that jumping ability he has showcased throughout his carreer (espececially when leaping over Dwight Howard in the 08' dunk contest).  

Perhaps being angry about this makes no sense if Nate won't even be playing (unless its a blowout). Doc Rivers will never read this blog nor will he give Nate Robinson the 10-15 minutes per game that he should. When you are down by nineteen at the end of the first quarter why not put in the new Mr. Instant Offense (Robinson) like you did when WE HAD EDDIE HOUSE. Down by nineteen at the end of one bring in Rondo, Robinson, Ray Allen, Finley/Pierce and Wallace which would create all kinds of floor spacing issues for the Cavs. If you are already getting blown out at least fire up some three pointers and see if you can't change the momentum of the game before it gets out of hand. Whatever you do at least get Ray Allen more than ONE THREE ATTEMPT.

The Cavaliers responded to an uncharacteristic angry rant by head Coach Mike Brown and came to Boston and churned out a complete thrashing of the Celtics. Now Doc Rivers must chew out his own team, call them out, call himself out, and then get down to business. You can't win this series with  just only KG and Rondo showing playoff intensity. Game 4 is a desperation contest for the Celtics and they'd better show more heart and pride on the defensive end. I fully expect a strong performance from the home team on Sunday and if they don't win the series is over.

Go For the Jugular

I said that the Celtics would win in six games or that the Cavaliers would win in seven with the home-court advantage. They had to win one of the first two games in Cleveland and they were able to accomplish that very goal. Now with the series tied 1-1 the Celtics begin a two game home stand in which they hope to take a 3-1 series lead; positioning them to be able to close out the series at home in Game 6.

Rondo has been the best player for the Celtics this series and was the best player on the floor in Game 2. Boston will need their all star point guard to continue playing at a high level if they want to bury the Cavs in a 3-1 hole. Cleveland has had no answer for Rondo's speed, quickness, and decision making with the ball. Perhaps we will see Lebron James cover Rondo at times during the game because I'm not sure who else can contain him.

Lebron James was voted to his second consecutive MVP award this year, but I believe his role on the team is ultimately detrimental in the long run. Yes, this sounds truly asinine, but as you saw in Game 2 when Lebron is not playing at his peak level his teammates seem lost. They seem surprised when he passed to them and they were confused when he was tentative until the fourth quarter. This could be Lebron's elbow injury, lack of trust in teammates, fear of the Celtics, (who he has yet to beat in the post season) or any number of issues. The bottom line is that when James does not dominate the game his teammates seem to no longer understand their roles. It will take Lebron's team to beat the Celtics and not "King James" himself. 

With Rasheed Wallace finally on board for the post season run, KG being aggressive on offense (with his twenty shots last game), Rondo dominating as field general, and Ray Allen's hot shooting the Celtics have a great chance to win these games at home. In addition to the sustained play of these men I just mentioned, they will also need to involve Pierce offensively and the other role players must continue their strong play.

You cannot give Lebron James any second chances, you must assert yourself at home and send a message to the Cavaliers that the road to the finals still goes through Boston. Do not let Lebron gain any momentum, put your foot on the pedal and in the words of Vince Carter go for the Jugular.