5 Reasons Boston Celtics' Original Big 3 Will Surprise Everyone in Playoffs

The Boston Celtics have had a disappointing season this year. They have a record of 16-17 and currently hold the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

This Celtics have been identified by the big three of Paul Pierce, Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett since the 2007 season. They have experienced a winning culture since coming together and are in the midst of their worst season as a group.

Even though the Celtics season does not look good so far, expect them to make some noise in the second half of the season. Let's take a look at why the big three will be a surprise this postseason.

1. They Know Their Roles

In 2007, it was clear that the big three were in command of the team. They were all scorers and played good defense. Offensive plays either ran threw Allen, Pierce, or Garnett.

This season, it is clear that the team now runs through Rajon Rondo. The exciting point guard has shown that he has the capability to the lead this team to a championship.

The big three all have numbers that are down compared to their career numbers. However, that doesn't mean they have nothing left in the tank. They all have learned to adapt to their new roles as players who can contribute evenly throughout the game instead of taking control by themselves.

The offense will continue to run through Rondo and he will find the open man. The big three know this and it helps them be a better team in their quest for another championship.

2. Trust in Their Teammates

It is obvious that the Celtics big three are close to ending their careers. They are out of their primes and are less dominant players individually. Players of their stature usually struggle at the concept of not being as good of a player as they use to be. The Celtics trio are not like most players.

The big three have accepted their limitations and know that they cannot dominate on a regular basis like in the past. Part of this acceptance is having trust in your teammates.

Ever since the big three came together, there has been an identity around the organization about the team concept. This concept is built around trust which Allen, Pierce, and Garnett have with each other. Now the trust lies throughout the team. In the playoffs, having trust in your teammates will be key and the Celtics already have that.

This unselfish behavior is hard to find in a team in today's game. However, the big three have helped bring that back and show that they have trust in their teammates.

3. Leadership

Another important quality to have in the playoffs is leadership. Young players on any team can be rattled when they reach the big stage.Most likely there is someone on the team who is going to be nervous and will need some assistance to get going in the game. This is where the big three come in.

These three players are excellent leaders, especially Garnett. He is a demonstrative player who uses that fury to ignite his team. He knows the right thing to say to each player that will help the younger players get through the playoffs.

Garnett backs up what he says on the court and shows his team that what he says isn't just for show. His leadership can help players like Avery Bradley, who has seen more playing time this year, in what to expect in playoff games.

4. Ray Allen's Shooting

Allen can still shoot the ball from long range. He has proven that his year by shooting 48 percent from three-point range which is a career best. Pierce and KG look slow and old at times and do not seem to have the same burst that Allen can bring every night.

While all three players have the determination to play night after night, Allen is the only one who seems fresh at all times. He is dedicated to his craft and his workout routine. For 15 years he has had the same shooting routine of making 30 shots from five different locations. This has kept him as one of the most lethal shooters in the game.

Allen has the ability to create his own shot and use picks from his teammates to give himself open looks. In the playoffs, the Celtics can never be counted out no matter how big the deficit because of the threat Allen poses.

5. Clutch in the 4th Quarter

When the game is on the line, teams usually have one go to guy for the last shot. The Celtics are one of the rare teams who have multiple players who are clutch shooters at the end of the game.

Pierce thrives when he is in isolation and can drive the ball to the basket. His ability to penetrate the lane can create an easy shot for himself or he can kick the ball out to open shooter on the wing.

That open shooter would most likely be Allen. It has already been discussed that Allen is a great shooter. If the Celtics are down by three in the closing seconds of the game, they will find a way to get Allen open for a last second shot. His quick release is something that helps Allen make his shots even with a player in his face.

The other option of course is Garnett. He can play the post well and has a variety of moves that can help him create open shots. The Celtics have used on multiple occasions a lob to Garnett on in-bounds plays. In the playoffs this year, expect the Celtics to use that play.

Recently the Celtics have been rumored of making a trade and breaking up the big three. However, if they keep the team in tact, they will surprise everyone in the playoffs and make a strong run.