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.