NBA Playoffs 2011: Things to Take Away From Celtics-Heat Game 3
After falling into an 0-2 hole, the Celtics needed a win. It didn't matter that Shaquille O'Neal was playing on an injured calf, it didn't matter that Delonte West hurt his shoulder, and it didn't matter that Rajon Rondo dislocated his elbow and played through it, the Celtics were winning that game and would not and could not be denied.
Celtics Get Their Swagger Back
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In this series, the Celtics had yet to play well as a team. But tonight,it was a complete team effort by the Celtics to dominate the Heat. As a team they shot exactly 50 percent from the field and 50 percent from three. And they won virtually every other category. They out rebounded them, scored more points in the paint, forced more turnovers, and more fast break points.
The Big Ticket
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When KG pounds his head on the hoop and pounds his chest you can see a big game coming from him. Obviously, that doesn't always happen, but tonight it did. He was in attack mode from the very start to the very end. And had one of his finest performances as a Celtic, finishing with 28 points on 13-20 shooting and pulling in 18 rebounds. While making Chris Bosh invisible on the other end of the floor (6 points, 1-6 shooting). Whether or not he can have a repeat performance I don't know, but when they needed the win tonight, he stepped up and that's all that matters right now.
The Truth Hurts
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Paul Pierce had not played well in games 1 and 2, that all changed tonight. Like Garnett, he also came out in attack mode scoring 10 of the team's first 16 points. And throughout the entire game he had timely baskets and hustle plays. He finished with 26 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists. It was his game, and he was having fun. From clutch threes (he hit 5 of 7) to defense (held Lebron to 15) to hustle plays to pumping up the crowd, the Captain had it all going.
Rondo Is a Warrior
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Looking at Rondo's numbers, they don't exactly jump out at you, 6 points and 11 assists. But what if I told you that he did that with one arm while the other one was writhing in pain? All of Boston shared a collective "Oh, no" when he went down and we saw his elbow snap. It only got worse with every replay they showed. Word was that it was a dislocated elbow, and no one expected him to return. But sure enough, he came out of the locker room, gave the O.K. signal to the coaches and played the rest of the game with one arm. And he played better than before. He couldn't shoot, catch hard passes, rebound with two hands, or dribble with his other hand but he was making an impact. He was hustling, playing defense, and setting up teammates. To come out and play after an injury like that takes guts, and what Rondo was able to do was nothing short of heroic.
Tommy Points
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If Tommy Heinsohn was calling this game, then Tommy Points would be flying around like crazy. The Celtics were hustling to everything. People talk about winning the 50-50 balls the Celtics won all of those and a lot of the 25-75 balls too (if those exist). The hustle inspired the whole team and the fans. From Pierce's steal on Lebron in the back court, to Jeff Green tying up Chris Bosh, to Rondo stealing the ball from Chris Bosh and going full court for a dunk, and even Rondo sprinting full court after the ball even though it went out of bounds. Those are the type of plays that make a difference in the game and the series.
Conclusion
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The Celtics proved that they are a better team than they showed in Miami in games 1 and 2 and are very capable of dominating the Heat over 48 minutes. Although injuries and age could wear the Celtics down in Game Four, I don't see the Celtics losing again if they can play even close to the way they played tonight. I've had confidence in this Celtics team all the way through, and this win gave me even more confidence in them.
