The Celtics home dominance came to an end last night in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals. It was the C's first loss in The Jungle since a meaningless March 24 game against Philly, ending their home-win streak at 15. So now there is only one question that really matters: Can the Celtics win one on the road? They haven't in the playoffs yet (0-6), but since they controlled home court throughout the playoffs it didn't matter in the first two rounds. It does matter now. In fact, it's all that matters at the moment. In order to win this series Boston needs to win one (at least) in Detroit. The optimist in me ignores the 0-6 playoff road record and points to the league's best road record during the regular season. The optimist thinks back to a road team good enough to sweep through the Texas-triangle this season. The optimist points to the C's winning in Detroit earlier this year, and dwells on how dangerous the Celtics offense is now that Ray Allen appears to have reemerged. The realist in me may think about other things after that Game 2 loss (such as my very own prediction that the Game 2 winner would win the series), but I'm going to keep listening to the optimist for now. If I don't, that loss last night goes from painful to unbearable.
Posts
10 comments:
If the C's don't get better point guard play, have better shot selection (KG for 3?), and play better defense it doesn't matter where they play, they will lose. However, even the realist of me still believes that if the C's play their best ball they can beat anyone anywhere. Now they've just got to go out and play it.
is the Garden really called the Jungle? If so, why?
It's not the Garden.
That place got torn down.
I was really disappointed in Rondo's play last night. He was tentative both in taking outside shots and driving to the basket. He has to be more decisive and take the open jumper when he has it. If he misses, so be it. Also, Stuckey scares me. If he plays like that every game, the Celts are in trouble.
I hope now that they've established, in Game 7, and Game 2 of this series, that the home team no longer has a strict, blatant, advantage on foul calls, they stick to it in Detroit.
Need to give the Pistons credit for hitting some big time shots. Our rotations were off (and slow), but every single player on the court hit shots for the Pistons - Stucky, Hamilton, Wallace, McDyess, Prince, Billups. It was kind of amazing...and it was totally something we can fix if we rotate better. I can't remember playing a team that had every single player on the court hitting 20 footers. I completely agree about Rondo needing to take those shots. He has proved that he can hit them.
If there is a silver linning in last night's game it is that Ray Allen had what I hope will be a break out game. Garnett and Pierce need Ray Allen to step up if we are going to win this series.
I agree with Jon. The pistons just hit big time shots. We really need to box out on the defensive boards. It was ridiculous how many 2nd and 3rd opportunities they were getting.
This has actually had a bit of a calming affect on me. Despite playing the optimist card I was far less than optimistic when I posted this. I still have a ton of questions but every series, game, etc is a roller-coaster ride so I appreciate your efforts to stay even keeled. I am not nearly so good at it (I felt like turning off last night's game at halftime).
No more bold predictions from me like last night..
Who the F is Rodney Stuckey? and how did he played 17 minutes and out score Rondo who played 40 minutes?
Doc needs to give Cassel a lil playing time. Throw Cassell a few minutes, at least Detoit will have to cover him
I'm with you G-Mac. I think with every single guy on our bench aside from Posey (Baby, PJ, Powe, Cassell, House) it is obvious really soon after they get in the game whether or not they will be effective. Once this is obvious he needs to make changes accordingly instead of deciding pre-game who he is going to play for how long and when. Also, Tony Allen should never play.
Post a Comment