Heat vs. Celtics: Boston Must Exploit Interior Advantage to Pull off Upset

If the Celtics can own the paint as they did in their Game 3 victory over the Miami Heat, they will win this series, and it is not a big stretch to think they can do it. 

The Celtics have a nice advantage in the interior, especially as the Heat play without the injured Chris Bosh. 

Despite this interior talent advantage, Boston was not getting results in the first two games. 

Prior to Game 3, Boston was too eager to settle for jump shots instead of taking it to the rim. Let's take a look at some of the points in the paint stats provided by John Schuhmann of NBA.com. 

In the first two games of this series, just 42 percent of the Celtics shots came from the paint. In the third game, 58 percent of their shots were in that area. That led to them scoring a season-high 58 points in the paint. 

Conversely, this led to Boston taking fewer of the far less efficient mid-range shot. They set a season low by taking just 15 mid-range jumpers. 

Getting into the paint is not all on the big men. The guards—mostly Rajon Rondo—have to penetrate to get easy looks and open things up for cutters to the rim.

Ultimately, the Celtics need Kevin Garnett to work hard on getting into the paint. He, more than anyone, cannot settle for the mid-range J. He was fabulous with this in Game 3, taking 11 of 16 shots in the paint. 

Dominating on the inside is not all about scoring either. Boston must control the boards. Game 3 was the first game of the series Boston had the edge (12-6) on the offensive glass. 

Focusing on grabbing offensive boards will go well with getting into the lane. Cutters can fly towards the rim to either grab a pass or soar in for a rebound and put-back. 

If Boston can continue to own the paint, they will advance to the NBA Finals.