The Celtics try to bounce back tonight after losing their last game to the Dallas Mavericks, as they take on the new and improved Miami Heat for the second time this season. The last time around, Boston's defense was able to stop Miami's big three from taking over the game, while Rondo racked up assists and set Boston's Big Three up for a ton of clutch baskets. Look for a similar outcome tonight, as I still do not think Miami's star-studded lineup will be able to work together to get it done against a quality basketball team. Miami has already lost three of their first eight games, and are coming off a loss against the Utah Jazz in which they completely collapsed, both offensively and defensively, in the second half. Based on how this season has started off, I think it is safe to say that team chemistry is no myth, and King James will absolutely not be leading any team to any win records this season. While I do not think this game will come down to a last second shot by Boston, the Dallas game did, and it is becoming clear that the Celtics need to put some more planning behind the final play of the game. Rondo's missed jump shot at the end of regulation against the Milwaukee Bucks sent the game into overtime, when he absolutely could have driven in and tried to draw a foul or kicked it out to an open man when the defense collapsed on him. He again was left with the opportunity for an open jumper at the end of the Dallas game, and once again missed, only to be followed up by a sloppy last second in-bounds play that resulted in an airball from Kevin Garnett. Rondo's jump shot has improved vastly over the last couple of seasons, but it is absolutely not reliable enough of a weapon to be used in any game tying or game winning situation. Rondo needs to stay in the point guard role in these situations, and clutch jumpers should be left up to Paul Pierce and Ray Allen, two of the most clutch shooters in recent NBA history.
The Celtics should win this game because they are very good at stopping offenses that revolve around a single player. When LeBron starts bringing the ball up and trying to do everything himself, the Heat will again start sitting around and looking like the Cavs of old, just like they did in the season opener. If not, then it should be a great game, and the Celtics will need big games from all their big men to keep Miami's big three from putting up too many points in the paint. This could be an issue since both O'Neals are currently game-time decisions, and without a true center, the Celtics could get beat badly inside. Shaq should play however, and look for him to step up along with Big Baby when he gets his chance, and possibly even some valuable minutes from Semih Erden if Jermaine can't play. Rondo should be able to put up double digit assist numbers once again, and while Miami and Boston are arguably the two best teams in the East, I think the Heat will be the first to lose consecutive games.
Well that was fun. Watching that game...a game against the team that's supposed to win 70 games - was an event all in itself. Huge message sent by both teams. The Celtics literally took them apart and did whatever they wanted. The Celtics rarely score over 100 points - when they do it's because their D isn't working well and they have to run hard to keep up. This time it looked like they were just running a really fun scrimmage against one of the many community college teams around Boston. Unlike the opener - played at the Garden against a team that had never played together in a meaningful game - this one was in Miami's house against a team that is supposed to have it figured out by now. What is now obvious to all - and what YOU have been saying for MONTHS - is that not only did they not have it figured out they don't seem to even be in agreement on what it is they're supposed to be trying to do out there nor do they seem interested in figuring it out. They are stepping all over each other. I didn't see for even a minute a team that executed team play. Everything was isolation - even on defense. And even then - you had Rondo posterizing Bosh who just stood there with both feet on the ground not even fouling the guy. The Heat are now exposed and it'll be interesting to watch from here - starting now, they'll either start to learn how to get along and play together - or it just keeps getting worse. It has to go one way or the other. I vote for the latter - which will be fun because that means they actually have a better chance of winning under 45 games than winning over 65. Anyway, kudos to you for all the insight you've had on this Heat team - you really nailed what they're all about from the moment LeBron announced his "decision".
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