The Celtics since they got the "Big 3" have never trailed 0-2 in a series. Well, that all changed last night, as the Heat ripped the Celtics in a game that really could've been a lot worse then an 11 point loss.
Actually, it was worse then 11 point loss. Pierce has a strained left Achilles tendon, Allen is dealing with a bruised chest, and Rondo has a bad back. So not only are the Celtics down 0-2 heading back to Boston, but they are hurt AND down 0-2 heading back to Boston. The good news is the NBA is a silly league and they for some reason don't play again till Saturday.
So, what killed the Celtics. Well, two things and they are related...Athleticism and turnovers. If you turn the ball over against the Heat, with the athletes they have (Lebron/Wade) you are going to get your ass kicked. Doc's been saying it all series, and it never looked more true then last night. Although the turnover differential was only 11-10 in favor of the Heat, it's what you do with those turnovers that makes the difference. It seemed like any time the Celtics made the bad "extra pass" they Heat would drive down and get a vicious dunk.
Last game Wade went off, and he had a hell of a game last night (28 points), but it was the Lebron show last night. Lebron scored 24 of his 35 points in the second half, shot 14 of 25 from the field, and logged 44 minutes with no turnovers.
Throughout the playoffs we have pointed to the bench whenever the Celtics have struggled, last night it was about the difference between the Celtics' "Big 3", and the Heat's "Big 3". KG, Pierce and Allen combined for 36 points, while Lebron, Wade, and Bosh combined for 80.
Ok, so were their any positives to take from this game? Well, Jeff Green played more aggressive (11 points 4 boards), the bench in general looked much better (especially West), but the biggest thing is they are off till Saturday. In the end, the Heat did what they are supposed to do and that is to win on their home court. Now the Celtics have to do the same, but if they don't get better play from their "Big 3" this series isn't going to last very long.
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