NBA Playoffs 2011: Why the Boston Celtics Will Win It All
The Boston Celtics put themselves into an early hole against the Miami Heat in the 2011 NBA Playoffs, as they were unable to take either of the first two games in Miami, but they came back strong on Saturday night with a 97-81 thrashing of the Heat.
The Celtics now have all of the momentum in the world going into Game 4, which is also in Boston. I fully expect the C's to take Game 4 to tie the series at two apiece, with an easy win against an overrated Miami team. This will give Boston a full head of steam as they head to Miami for Game 5. If they can pull that one out, then they will be on their way to the Eastern Conference Finals. The Celtics are almost unbeatable at home, which is why the Heat will have no chance to hold them off in this series. Here are five reasons why I believe the Boston Celtics will win the 2011 NBA Title.
Experience
1 of 5
The Boston Celtics are clearly the most experienced team still remaining in the postseason. They still have five players remaining from their 2007-2008 title run, a combined nine championship rings on their roster and four NBA veterans. This will have Boston prepared for whatever their playoff journey holds in store for them.
Ball Control
2 of 5
If Rajon Rondo can continue to distribute the basketball to his teammates, Boston will get high percentage shots again and again throughout the remainder of the playoffs.
The Celtics are a combined 4-1 when Rondo averages at least eight assists this postseason. Game 3 of the Knicks series was a perfect example of an ideal performance from Rondo as he racked up 15 points, 20 assists and 11 rebounds. I look for Rondo to have a huge game on Monday night at home in Boston.
Home Court Advantage
3 of 5
The Celtics regular season home record was one of the best in the league as they finished the year at 33-8 at the TD Garden. They also had the best field goal percentage in the league while playing at home, at just under 49 percent. The main reason the Celtics are so unbeatable at home is that opponents have a tough time putting the ball through the basket, scoring just under 92 points per game, the lowest in the NBA.
Perimeter Shooting
4 of 5
Ray Allen passed Reggie Miller's record earlier this year for all-time three pointers made and he has been on a roll so far in the playoffs. He is shooting 61 percent from behind the arc. Boston is 6-1 when Allen hits at least two threes.
When he is on, the team is on and he is a necessity for a championship run. As a team the Celtics have been tremendous from the perimeter, shooting in the postseason.
Kevin Garnett
5 of 5
Kevin Garnett has really carried this franchise this season. He is averaging 16 points and 11 rebounds since the the postseason has begun. The Celtics have won every game that he has put up a double-double in the playoffs. He is the motor that runs this team and he must stay active down low for Boston to advance.
