Sixers vs. Celtics: Statement Win Proves Boston Is Finally Focused

The Boston Celtics have finally woken up.

After playing around for two games in their Conference Semi’s series against the Philadelphia 76ers, the giant has awaken, and the Miami Heat should be frightened.

Call Game 3’s 107-91 road trouncing a statement win, or just call it the night they decided to stop playing around. Throughout the season the ‘ole wily veterans always seemed to play at 80-percent speed.

That was perfectly fine in the regular season en route to getting the No. 4 seed and in the first round of the playoffs against the fraudulent Atlanta Hawks.

They thought they could get away with it again against a young 76er team. Despite falling behind by 15 in Game 1, they pulled it out at the end. So naturally they believed Game 2 would go the same way.

Yet after blowing it and surrendering home-court advantage, a wake-up call had been sent.

After looking sluggish once again in the first quarter of Game 3 and falling behind 33-28, Boston mauled Philly in the second quarter, outscoring them by 16 in the period. Their energy level was up, and they looked as efficient as we’ve seen them thus far in the playoffs.

That was essentially all she wrote as the two stars of the team showed why they are Hall of Fame bound. Kevin Garnett shot a blistering 12-of-17 from the floor en route to 27 points and 13 rebounds, certainly a strong bounce-back game after being called for an illegal screen in the waning moments of the Game 2 loss.

His defensive impact can’t be understated. When KG is on the court in this series, the 76ers are scoring 37 fewer points per 48 minutes and shooting 11 percentage points less from the field. Through three games, the Celtics are a whopping 47 points better when he is on the floor and minus-31 when he’s on the bench.

Oh by the way, Garnett turns 36 on Saturday.

Paul Pierce wasn’t far behind him, registering 24 points, 12 rebounds and four assists while playing outstanding defense. He was a big reason Evan Turner went an abysmal 1-of-10 from the floor for the game.

Or how about Rajon Rondo, who is averaging just under 15 assists in the series?

The veterans are now exerting all their energy and have now re-gained the home court. They know the Eastern Conference is wide open and are aware this is the last season their big four will be together. The young Sixers don't stand a chance when they play like this.  

The time is now in Beantown, and finally the Celtics are playing like it.

Consider yourself warned, Miami. 

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