Celtics vs. Sixers: What Boston Must Do to Avoid Game 7

The 2012 Eastern Conference Semifinals between the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers could conclude tonight if the C’s are able to pull out a Game 6 win in Philly.

With the Miami Heat going up three games to two against the Pacers, Boston needs to find a way to end the series tonight and get some much-needed rest before the ECF.

Here are three critical things that the Celtics must execute against the Sixers to accomplish their goal.

Protect the Ball

This has been the key to the series and the major difference between wins and losses for the C’s thus far.

Boston barely held on for a Game 1 win despite Rajon Rondo’s triple-double and a vintage Kevin Garnett performance due to their 13 turnovers. They coughed up the rock 17 times in Game 2 and ended up losing. In a blowout Game 3, Boston only had seven TOs and won by 16.

Game 4 was another bad passing and ball-handling night for the C’s, and they gave it away 17 times while collapsing in the second half. They rebounded with a nice Game 5 win, and Philly only forced 10 turnovers.

The team as a whole needs to make sure they take care of the ball and make good decisions when passing. If they can do that, they will win.

Use Brandon Bass to Stretch Floor

Bass was an absolute game-changer in Game 5 due to his jump-shooting ability. The Sixers had no answer for him, and Elton Brand proved too slow and immobile to consistently get out and contest the undersized forward.

The C’s major offseason acquisition racked up 27 points, six rebounds, one assist, two steals and two blocks in 37 minutes of play. He also created a ton of opportunities with the paint being less crowded, and KG took advantage by scoring 20.

If Bass can catch fire once again, Philly will be toast.

Silence the Crowd

Garnett gave the Sixers some bulletin board material and almost guaranteed the crowd will be rocking at the Wells Fargo Center.

According to Boston.com (page down, h/t CBSSports.com), KG had this to say about the difference between Philly fans and Boston fans.

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“Not even close. You got fans and then you got fair-weather fans. Take that how you want.

"Speaking about this [Boston] crowd, it's like plugging in. I feel like every minute I look up, I see my family, I see people yelling, I see the drunk, fat guy. I can't decipher one from the other. This crowd is ridiculous. I love it."

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While he didn’t say anything he wasn’t supposed to, The Big Ticket has given a reason for the fanatics in Philadelphia to go above and beyond during this elimination game.

Boston is going to have do throw down some alley-oops and make some big runs in order to shut them up and get focused on playing its game in order to close this series out.