A LOSS IS A LOSS, BUT A MORAL VICTORY!
Saturday nights loss in game 1 of the CAVS CELTICS series hurts. Thats why it takes two days to write something about it. But it's not all bad. In fact, dare I say it. it's the most promising loss I've seen yet.
What did we learn?
First let me say that one loss is not a big deal. Second, the goal is to steal home court and win 1 in Cleveland, that mission is still not failed. Third, if you're heartbroken because you expected a sweep, you're a fucking idiot because this series is going 6, most likely 7 games which brings us to lesson 1.
1. Lesson 1, this series will be a war that goes 6 or 7 games. Every game will be close. Every game will be chippy. Every foul will be harder than the last one. Every game will be exciting. This is playoff ball.
2. Lesson 2, the Celtics can beat the Cavs. The Cavs can beat the Celtics. No team has a significant upper hand in any one category. The Cavs have Lebron. He can control the game. Scoring, passing, defense, controlling pace, can be the best and most productive player on the court. So what. The Celtics have Rondo. He do all those things. But here is the difference. No one can slow Rondo down except Rondo. When Rondo was in control of the game, the Celtics were winning. When he was on the bench was the only time the Cavs can cut into the lead. For the Celtics to win this series, they will have to do it at the point guard position.
3. Garnett vs. Jamison is a serious mismatch. The Celtics need to exploit it, the Cavs are trying to hide it. Theres not a doubt in the world that Jamison can score. But can he score against Kevin Garnett?
The answer is NO. He can't. Can he stop Kevin Garnett from scoring? NO he can't. Lets just say Jamison is not known for his defense. This is a big advantage for the Celtics and they need to use it. KG looked very 'young" on Saturday night giving us an off the dribble throw down that made us think of vintage KG. Hope to see more of that.
4. Shaq sucks. He does. When we go small, and they leave Shaq in the game, time to speed the pace up. Simple as that for you're simple ass.
Doc needs to see these things. Not me. But I do see them. So I'm telling Doc what to do.
5. Rasheed gets one more game. Then he needs to be benched. I saw him go to the hole a little more in game 1. You can see playoff Rasheed coming. But the time limit is game 2. If he doesn't break out then someone should break his leg.
6. Ray Allen needs to be involved early and often. If Ray Ray can get hot, and stay hot, he's very hard to defend. You can always go to him when the Cavs make a run. A 3 pointer really hurts if you think you're making a run.
7. Paul Pierce needs to be a closer. Paul Pierce truly believes in his mind he's the best basketball player in the world. I like that. He's clearly not. But still gotta hand it to my boy for staying true. But when you make those claims, you gotta be their in the final hour. When you're youngest player (Rondo) plays out of his mind, gives you a chance to win the game, you need to demand the ball in the final minutes and close the game out. I'd rather Paul start off slow, and finish strong, that start off the game 4/5 and finish 1/12. I want to see "The Truth" tonight.
8. Lebron's elbow problem is not a problem, but an advantage for Cleveland, don't let it be a distraction. Lebron can shoot jump shots.
But lets just say he's no Reggie Miller. Lebron's strength is going to the hole because no one can stop him. With the hurt elbow, he's not as confident with his shot, so he's driving more. He's shooting a higher percentage. A blessing for Cleveland.
9. Delonte West can ball. Watch out for him.
10. Mo Williams can shoot.....but that's it. It's such a mismatch against Rondo. It has to be exploited.
11. Team defense. The first have of game one was the best team defense I've ever seen from the Celtics. Point blank period. Can we get this all the time?
In conclusion, for the Celtics to have a chance they will have to win one in Cleveland, it should be tonight. You don't want to go down 2 zip to the Cavs. The one thing working against us is that it's supposed to be Lebron's year. Lets ruin it. Please. I hate him.
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