NBA Playoffs 2011: What to Watch for in Game 2 of Celtics vs. Heat

The Celtics shot themselves in the foot in Game 1 and the Heat took advantage. So, it was no surprise to see them come out on top. But I don't see the Celtics having a repeat performance of Game 1, neither do I see the Heat playing as well as they did.

This game is equally important for both teams to win (Heat to keep home court advantage, Celtics to avoid a 0-2 hole). That being said, it will no doubt be a great game and there are a few key things to watch for. 

Paul Pierce

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MIAMI, FL - MAY 01: Paul Pierce #34 of the Boston Celtics reacts after his second technical foul resulting in ejection during Game One of the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2011 NBA Playoffs against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena on May

Call the Pierce ejection what you want, but the bottom line is that he was ejected and couldn't help his team for the last seven minutes of the game.

I see him coming out to start the game hot and having a big game to make up for the lost time. Pierce is one of those players that responds to moments like these well, and I see this game as no exception.

As Rondo Goes, the Celtics Go

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MIAMI, FL - MAY 01: Rajon Rondo #9 of the Boston Celtics looks on during Game One of the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2011 NBA Playoffs against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena on May 1, 2011 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expre

Rondo is the engine to this Celtics team, when he is at his best, the team is at their best. With early foul trouble sending him to the bench, the team did not play well in his absence and dug themselves into an early hole.

When he came back into the game he did not play well and the team suffered all throughout the game as a result of this. He can dominate this game and score on Mike Bibby at will, and he must do that tonight. And I have the utmost faith in him doing that. When the pressure is at it's highest, Rondo is at his best.

James Jones

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MIAMI, FL - MAY 01: LeBron James #6 and James Jones #22 of the Miami Heat shake hands after winning Game One of the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2011 NBA Playoffs against the Boston Celtics at American Airlines Arena on May 1, 2011 in Miami, Flori

James Jones hit five threes in Game 1 and scored 25 points off of the bench to help sink the Celtics. Nearly every shot he took was wide open. Look for whoever is defending Jones to be on him like a cheap suit. I don't see him getting many open looks tonight. And if does, then the Celtics clearly didn't watch any film.

Refs

Paul PIece being ejected in Game One

The refs worked just as hard as the Heat did to hand the Celtics a Game 1 loss. More than a few questionable, and untimely, calls occurred throughout the game—including a flagrant foul on Jermaine O'Neal which resulted in a five point swing and killed Boston's momentum, along with a second technical on Paul Pierce that resulted in an ejection.

I don't know whether the refs will recognize their mistakes and call the game fair or even in the Celtics' favor, or if they will continue the trend and give the Heat the advantage. Either way, it is something to watch for.

Power Forwards

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MIAMI, FL - MAY 01: Kevin Garnett #5 of the Boston Celtics posts up Chris Bosh #1 of the Miami Heat during game one of the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2011 NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Arena on May 1, 2011 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER:

The power forwards in Game 1 failed to help their teams. Kevin Garnett and Glen Davis combined for 10 points for the Celtics and Chris Bosh scored seven for the Heat. They were all non-factors, but that is not typical.

Don't expect to see low numbers from them in Game 2. Neither side needs to be dominant, but any of them scoring in double figures could give either team the boost it needs for victory.

Preview

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MIAMI, FL - MAY 01: Kevin Garnett #5 of the Boston Celtics looks on during game one of the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2011 NBA Playoffs against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena on May 1, 2011 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User exp

All in all, this is a big game for both teams. But after the Game 1 loss, I see the Celtics wanting it a bit more. The Celtics will take an early lead. The Heat will make a comeback.

But in the end, the Celtics late game execution will win it for them. Final score: Celtics 90, Heat 82. 

(You can quote me on that)