No Post in the Postseason

The Boston Celtics defeat in game four came at great surprise after a blowout win against the Bulls in Chicago. After the improbable victory in game two and twenty one point thrashing in game three; I would have said that the Bulls were finished and their spirit was broken. Yet in game 4 the Bulls were back playing tough minded and inspired basketball grinding out the double over time win. This entire series Garnett's absence on the defensive end has been apparent, but this most recent loss brought out all the Celtics miss with KG's offensive prowess. 

If Garnett was healthy this series would be closing out tonight, but the Celtics find themselves in a must win game 5 situation at home. People are inaccurately comparing this series to the struggles the Celtics experienced in the first round last year against the Atlanta Hawks. Every game in Boston the Hawks got blown out, but on the road the Celtics would lose a tight game in the second half. This quarter final series is quite different first of all because the Celtics have lost a home game, but also because home court no longer guarantees a victory. The Celtics have lost at home and the Bulls have been blown out by twenty plus on their home court. Now the series is a best of three as the first to win two more games advances to the quarter finals. With home court advantage back to the Celtics who will enjoy two home games no matter what from here on out, but they will certainly look to avoid a game seven (even if its in Boston). The reason this series is tied at two is because the Celtics have engaged themselves in a jump shooting contest with a younger and faster team. The C's are best suited to win games in the 80's and 90's, but when they get themselves into the hundreds it means the defense is ineffective and they are in danger of losing. In Game 3's blowout win the Bulls were held to 86 points and it was the Celtics type of game with a slower pace and defensive mindset. Rondo can push the ball and run the fast break offense incredibly well, but when this is the style of play the whole game it takes away from the defense. The Celtics are an older team who can't handle the rigors of an up tempo game; as they are best suited to run the fast break with Rondo after a steal or defensive stop. Playing to the Bulls strength of running up and down the floor putting up jump shots has kept the series even and given a young team all the confidence in the world.

The Celtics need to attack the basket and earn more high percentage close range shots, lay-ups, and dunks. Without Garnett to set the tone defensively the Celtics are at a great disadvantage, but they equally miss his offensive post presence. They have been settling for jump shots, threes, and fade aways without truly attacking the basket. Kendrick Perkins has developed a nice close range hook shot and can back down a smaller player, but other than him they have no close range offense. Leon Powe is skilled under the basket, but of course he is out for the season and the only other big men are Glen Davis, Mikki Moore, and Brian Scalabrine. Big Baby Davis has added an effective mid range jump shot to his skill set, however he lacks the ability so dominate in the paint. Scal has nothing more than an above average three point shot and Mikki Moore at best could get you ten points. Garnett is an excellent shooter, but he can drive to the basket and throw down an exclamatory dunk. With the Celtics taking lower percentage shots and playing to the Bulls strengths this series will go seven games. Paul Pierce was 9 for 24 shooting last game because he stopped trying to get to the basket and settled for fade away jump shots that converted 37% of the time. Pierce is a small forward, but his game is built upon getting to the rim and finishing and getting fouled in the process. The Truth needs to show himself to the Bulls by taking over the game driving to the basket and bringing the offense into the paint. When your post offense is in effect that draws the defense in towards the basket to defend that area and creates open looks for men on the perimeter. In game 4's loss Ray Allen and Paul Pierce had over twenty points each and Rondo had a triple double AGAIN, but it was not enough to get the win. Big Baby and Perkins have played well, but they need to take it inside and dominate the paint. Glen Davis and Kendrick Perkins are the Celtics only true big men and will need to stay out of foul trouble and play well close to the basket on offense and defense. If the Celtics bigs and Paul Pierce can establish a post game and bring the scoring inside they will win this game. The keys to victory for Game 5 are as follows: Slow the pace of the game, look for high percentage shots, score inside the paint, play team defense, Perkins, Big Baby, and Paul Pierce need to step up, and push the ball with Rondo after a Bulls miss. Having a balanced offense will be needed not only to beat the Bulls, but is crucial to embark on a real quest to defend their championship.  Look for the Celtics to heed the call with a seven to ten point victory over the Chicago Bulls in Game 5.