Celtics vs. Heat: Kevin Garnett and 4 Players That Need to Step Up for Boston
Kevin Garnett and the Boston Celtics trail 3-1 in the best-of-seven match-up with the Miami Heat, as Wednesday night will be win or go home for the Celtics.
In the first four games of the series, the Celtics have shown they are a team of experience that is capable of winning games, but also one which has displayed an inconsistent, sometimes ineffective, brand of basketball.
In the fourth quarter and overtime, the Celtics were held to 17 points in 17 minutes. With just two assists in both the fourth quarter and overtime, the Celtics struggled to gain a rhythm offensively.
Defensively there has been a lack of emphasis on the defensive end from the Boston Celtics—with the exception of Game 3.
LeBron James and the Miami Heat have score 99, 102, and 98 points in the three losses—numbers well above the season average 91.1 points allowed by this Celtics team. The points per game allowed mark by the Celtics was the best in the NBA this regular season.
Going into a must-win situation with Game 5 on Wednesday night, players for the Celtics will have to step-up in order to bring the series back to Boston for a Game 6.
Join B/R and myself in ranking Kevin Garnett and the four players for the Boston Celtics that need to play better if the Celtics wish to continue their quest for an NBA championship.
4. Kevin Garnett
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In four games against the Miami Heat this postseason, Kevin Garnett is averaging 14.3 points, 10.5 rebounds, and over a block and steal per game.
The numbers are not the issue with Garnett.
The problem has arisen in Garnett's consistency for the Celtics. In Game 4 when his team needed him most, Garnett failed to perform. Despite grabbing 10 rebounds, he would score seven points on 1-of-10 shooting, with key missed shots down the stretch.
This game came after arguably his best game since joining the Celtics, scoring a playoff-high 28 points and grabbing a playoff-high 18 rebounds.
Garnett will bring his defensive effort to the table every night, yet he has not shown consistency on the offensive end. Aggressive offense from Garnett may be one of the more crucial factors in the Celtics trying to come up with a win in Game 5.
3. Glen "Big Baby" Davis
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Boston Celtics forward Glen Davis has spent much of his time on the bench this NBA playoffs. Based on his production, that's where he should be.
After two memorable postseasons for the big fella, Davis has failed to perform during the course of the 2011 playoffs for the Boston Celtics. In 19.3 minutes per game, Davis has averaged 3.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, and is shooting 29.4 percent from the field.
These numbers are a world of trouble for the Celtics, as bench production has become a lingering issue for the team throughout the postseason.
Last postseason, Davis had double the points and rebounds per game that he producing in this playoff run.
If the Celtics look to make a final run at the Heat, Davis is a player that has to make adjustments in his game.
2. Ray Allen
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Ray Allen is playing consistent ball against the Miami Heat, but consistently average basketball won't cut it if the Celtics look to make a comeback in this series.
Allen has had no problem with his three-point ball, as he has hit 10 in the first four games of the series. The issue is that Allen has relied solely on his three-ball, and hasn't seen much action off of screens and from mid-range, where he shoots a high percentage.
Shot selection has hurt Allen immensely, as he has shot 28, 36, and 41 percent in each of the last three games. After shooting 49 percent on the season, there seems to be a part missing to Allen's game.
The Celtics need to find ways for Allen to come off screens and start hitting shots early. Enabling his mid-range game from the start can open up scoring opportunities for the rest of the team, including Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett.
20-5 this season when Allen scores 20 points, the Celtics are yet to see Allen go for 20 points since the Game 1 loss.
1. Rajon Rondo
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It's difficult to be harsh on a player who recently dislocated an elbow, but the fact is that Rajon Rondo is in uniform and is failing to produce.
As the starting point guard for the Boston Celtics, Rajon Rondo has had been unable to lead his troops to sound offensive games on a consistent basis. Granted his injury has limited his production, but Rondo is suiting up and playing over 30 minutes, and still holds a responsibility to produce.
Rondo is arguably the reason why the Celtics win and lose games. In the three losses this postseason, Rondo has averaged eight assists, 12.7 points and five rebounds, while shooting 42 percent from the field.
In the five games the Celtics have won this postseason, Rondo has averaged 16.4 points, 11.8 assists and 6.4 rebounds while shooting 49 percent.
Rondo's ability to speed the tempo up offensively (getting the Big Three and others preferable looks on offense) and display consistency and quickness on the defensive end is something the Celtics have missed this series.
Whether or not the Celtics are able to move on in the NBA playoffs and comeback from a 1-3 deficit against the Miami Heat may rest on the shoulders of Rajon Rondo.
