Celtics Defense Is Magic's Kryptonite in Game One
The Boston Celtics knew they were up against a team that has been like a buzz saw through the NBA playoffs. The Magic had disposed of both the Charlotte Bobcats and the hapless Atlanta Hawks four games to none.
As always, the media simply jumped on Orlando's bandwagon without taking in consideration the level of competition they faced. They had not been tested and they had the easiest run to the Conference Finals.
Stan Van Gundy has the reigning Defensive Player of the Year in Dwight Howard and some very good three point shooters surrounding him. Therein lies the problem. When they need someone to create shots for other players it becomes a feed the post fest. This would work well if Howard had a decent post game. He is pedestrian at best.
The other issue is that Jameer Nelson is not a pass first kind of guy; he searches out his offense first and then looks for his wing shooters. Everyone wants to point to the regular season as a barometer of how a team will play. However, the playoffs bring about a different dimension.
It forces teams to play less by the numbers and depend more on their mental acumen to win games and to frustrate opponents.
The Boston Celtics have both the physical and mental aspects needed to advance to the finals. They are also their own worst enemy. The Celtics seemed to get bored with the process toward the end of game one and allowed Jameer Nelson to sneak in for a designed tip-in play which could have cost them the game.
I am sure Doc Rivers and Tom Thibodeau will tighten-up any lose ends that they saw in Game One.
The Magic are in trouble if they have to depend on Jameer Nelson to score. Orlando has to rely on Nelson's ability to drive and kick. The Celtics are not going to allow this because they have the necessary bodies to play Howard one-on-one.
The much ballyhooed match-up at point guard did not materialize. Nelson upstaged Rajon Rondo by outscoring him but Rondo's team gets the win. I am sure Rondo likes the outcome and could care less about his point production. His ability to run the team and pile up assists are what the Celtics need to win.
The other hero of the first round Kevin Garnett had a relatively quiet offensive game, but his defense and rebounding were what was required for this game.
The bottom line is the Celtics can do other things very well when their shots are not falling. They do not get frustrated. KG, Paul Pierce, and the rest of their teammates know how to contribute and play a role that will help the team.
The Orlando Magic's offense fuels their defense whereas Boston begins and ends with defense.
I don't see the Magic suddenly morphing into a steel-minded team to push through the hits that the Celtics will be throwing at them. Boston slapped them pretty good and it wouldn't be a reach to say that Orlando has no answers for the Celtics.
Paul Pierce commented that winning the championship is like having your favorite meal at a very good restaurant. You just want to keep going back for more. Nine of the Celtics players have had that rare championship taste of filet mignon done right.
The Celtics must be greedy and try and win Game Two to get there. They know that the Orlando Magic is the final hurdle to them at least making reservations to that Championship round.
Orlando can remember last year’s loss all they want; it all comes down to the experience of the players. Vince Carter has tried to be the man before in Toronto from 1998-2004, but when his team needed him most he skipped practice to attend his graduation ceremony at UNC in 2001. I am glad he got his degree, because we all know that there are very few players in the NBA who have accomplished that feat.
I do question his attending the ceremony when he had a job to do. Toronto lost on Carter's desperation three point shot. He may be an offensive upgrade from Hedo Turkgolu, however the Magic will miss Hedo's play making ability in crunch time.
Game Two is next and it is up to the Magic to draw the proverbial line in the sand and stand their ground.
