Heat vs. Celtics: Boston Will Capitalize on Tremendous Mental Edge
The Boston Celtics will take advantage of the inordinate amount of self-imposed pressure facing the Miami Heat in tonight's Eastern Conference matchup.
Miami must win. Everyone knows that. This isn't an ordinary series for the boys from South Beach. A victory would propel them closer to their expected destination, but a loss will incite a riot-like response.
Every neutral fan, media member and LeBron-hater will have something to say about a Heat loss in tonight's Game 6. People will be calling for the Big Three's breakup, Erik Spoelstra's firing and LeBron James' ridicule.
This is a direct result of Miami's overly-hyped, star laden roster. They claimed championships were coming, and that is exactly what everyone expects.
Boston doesn't face that pressure, and that is their largest advantage heading into tonight's contest.
Let's take a look at tonight's matchup and why the biggest x-factor has nothing to do with a basketball.
How Pressure Impacts LeBron
Pressure inspires some elite athletes to rise above the moment and succeed. The Heat, namely LeBron James, do not perform their best in big moments.
Game 5 was a prime example. As Boston erased a 13-point deficit in the first half, the Heat didn't make any adjustments. The failure to play any form of transition defense allowed the much-slower Celtics to score on odd-man opportunities.
This should never happen to the uber-athletic Heat squad.
James' failure to perform in the clutch is more than documented. Every step in his late-game performance is analyzed to the point of agony. You would think James would remedy this situation
An athlete of his stature couldn't possibly perform the same way down the stretch every time. Or could they?
In the fourth quarter of Game 5, James was a barely eager bystander. He was often found watching the game from the corner and passing the ball off when he finally did get it.
This isn't how superstars are supposed to perform. The pressure facing the Heat just perpetuates this deadly cycle.
Michael Jordan's Bulls faced incredible pressure because of his reputation. James' Heat face the same thing for the same reasons, but there is one major difference.
The mid-90s Bulls performed in the clutch, and Jordan wanted the ball each and every time it mattered most. Chicago won on a miracle Jordan jumper, or they lost with his final attempt.
James doesn't even want the ball at the end.
That is the result of an insane amount of pressure on his back, but you cannot feel bad for the guy. 99 percent of that pressure is a direct result of his actions.
Where Boston Gains an Edge
Boston's biggest edge cannot be found on paper or in the box score. Sure, there are advantages there too, but the Celtics' edge cannot be precisely measured.
The Celtics' advantage can be found directly between the ears of every Miami player. The Heat's combustible heads are a far cry from Boston's cool, collected demeanor.
This is all old hat for Boston. They have been there, and they have done that. Pressure is non-existent in their neck of the woods.
If Boston loses Game 6, and even Game 7, most observers will chalk it up to age and deficient talent. A Celtic loss is what everyone expected coming into this series, and no one will flinch if it eventually happens.
In other words, the Celtics have absolutely nothing to lose. That is never a good thing for the opposing team.
Allowing the Celtics to play carefree increases the likelihood of their victory. While Miami faces the weight of their world on their collective shoulders, Boston feels light as a feather.
Boston has an advantage in terms of depth and experience, but their biggest advantage was created by the Heat's theatrics almost two years ago in South Beach.
The Heat set themselves up for failure. Boston is just going to give them a push in the right direction.
