Five keys for the Celtics vs. the Heat
The last time they were in Miami the Celtics dominated the Heat for nearly 44 minutes before being walloped by a 16-0 run to end Game 5. A six-point lead turned into a 10-point loss, and the looks (above) on the faces of Celtics players were of total shock.
The Celtics came into last season as contenders, and they made it a series despite being banged up. No one expects the Celtics to truly contend for a title this year, with an improved Miami team and a tough Chicago Bulls team blocking their path in the East.
With that backdrop, here are five keys for the Celtics to win tonight’s game.
1. Believe they belong there: Returning to the scene of last year’s devastation will either be demoralizing or inspirational for the Celtics. The Celtics play better with a chip on their shoulder, and they need to come with the attitude that the conference still runs through them, no matter how true that is.
2. Control the tempo: This is all about limiting turnovers and playing a halfcourt game. The Celtics will get run out of the building if they start throwing the ball away. They also need to execute in the halfcourt on offense and force Miami to work for every shot on defense. Muck it up.
3. Crash the boards: Jermaine O’Neal might be the best center on either team, and he needs to play like it. Chris Wilcox and Brandon Bass need to match Joel Anthony’s energy.
4. Keep LeBron to human numbers: So tough without Pierce, but LeBron James can’t go off for 40. Celtics don’t have an individual who can do the job, so their team defense needs to be outstanding.
5. Find another scorer: Someone needs to fill Pierce’s void, with Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, Marquis Daniels, Keyon Dooling, or Bass being prime candidates to put the ball in the basket.
What do you think about tonight’s game? Any chance the Celtics pull it out?
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