NBA Playoff Schedule 2012: Why Celtics Must Shine in 2nd Road Test vs. Heat

The Celtics must be relentless in their quest for a victory in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals. In order to defeat Miami, Boston must outplay their opponent in front of a hostile crowd.

Boston failed miserably in their first road test of the series.

Miami grabbed 10 more rebounds. Boston missed 10 free throws and the Celtics failed to shoot above 40 percent from the field. They lacked consistency, were unfocused and left fans' championship aspirations bleak.

In Game 2, Boston must improve on both ends of the floor.

Let's talk about why they must improve, and how they can make it happen.

Two-Game Deficit

Boston is not capable of climbing out of a two-game hole against the Heat. Miami is more talented, healthy and gaining steam with each passing minute.

Miami is riding high after their 14-point Game 1 victory. It was a statement game, and the Heat announced their presence with complete authority.

The Celtics must take the Miami crowd out of the game early. Making early shots and playing stingy defense and tough on the interior will expedite that process.

If Boston fails to adjust, the Heat players will continue to control both ends of the floor—not to mention the quiet swagger that comes from four straight playoff victories.

A healthy Boston squad could hang around, down two games to Miami. But with Bradley out, and Allen and Pierce on the mend, the Celtics do not have enough to make an epic comeback of any sorts.

The Eastern Conference champion can be determined Wednesday night, or Boston can even the series.

How Can Boston Remedy Game 1 Performance?

The Celtics need to improve in almost every facet in Game 2. Outside of their relatively low turnover total and six steals, Boston struggled to compete in Game 1.

On the offensive end, Doc Rivers' team shot 39.5 percent from the floor. They were 4-of-14 from beyond the arc and 52.4 percent from the charity stripe.

Boston wouldn't beat some of the NBA teams drawing a lottery selection this evening with those shooting percentages. The Celtics must move the ball with more urgency and capitalize on any easy opportunities.

The Heat are a sound and physical defensive team. Their athleticism alone seems to overwhelm the aging Boston team, but the Celtics still have enough stand-still shooters to damage the Heat's defense. They must spread the floor and allow Rondo to create.

Rondo knows where the ball needs to go. He followed up his ninth career triple-double performance in Boston's Game 7 victory over the Sixers with a 16-point, nine-rebound and seven-assist line in Game 1. He did commit four turnovers, but his risks are necessary for Boston's success.

Boston is at a disadvantage because of their injury-plagued backcourt, and Miami's superb superstars.

The Celtics have the moxie and wherewithal to stick with the Heat, but they must play to their strengths, turn their age into experience and make a few free throws.

Do this, win Game 2 and play Game 3 in front of a raucous TD Garden crowd.

If Boston drops Game 2, the window for their Big Three will close by one more inch. Keeping that in mind should help them shrug off the jeers from the excited Miami crowd.