2012 NBA Eastern Conference Finals: Great Effort by Celtics, Bad Result, Down 0-2 (Celtics POV)
By Editorial Staff
Reminiscent of two heavy weight champs squaring off against one another, throwing punch after punch, waiting for that right moment to throw the haymaker. Unfortunately for the Celtics, they were on the bitter end of that punch as the Heat take a commanding 2-0 series lead. Arguable one of the best performances in this years playoffs, Rajon Rondo played an astounding 53 minutes (which includes overtime) and poured in a career high 44 points. It is unfortunate to watch a team give everything they had, all the blood, sweat and tears displayed on the floor and come out with nothing to show for it. After a disappointing game 1 lose, the Celtics fought hard straight down to the wire in game 2, and that is nothing to hang your head for. The Heat may have came out with the win, but the Celtics showed the world, showed the Heat, and most importantly showed themselves that they can compete against all odds. That they do still have fight left in them despite all the critics and disbelievers.
The series is still up for grabs. If the Celtics can utilize this type of energy and heart in game’s 3 & 4 on their home court, we are in for one hell of a semi-final.
Key Players:
Yay – Rajon Rondo – 44 PTS, 10 AST, 8 REB, 53:00
One of the greatest performances by a Celtic, Rajon Rondo played his heart out until there was nothing left…then he played some more. Rondo played the entire game (including overtime) but in a loosing cause. He even drained two contested three’s during the dyeing seconds of overtime where the score was practically out of reach. My co-writer of this series, Joseph Nardone, praises Rajon Rondo; now I know why.
Nay – Mickael Pietrus – 3 PTS, 2 REB, 6 PF, 28:12
I remember when Mickael Pietrus was a key play maker on the Orlando Magic, now coming off the bench for an injury prone Celtics team, Pietrus has to step up not only as a role player, but as a top tier scorer. During tonight’s game, Pietrus was nowhere to be found. Fouling out late in the fourth quarter, and registering only 3 points, the Celtics are already short handed and in desperate need of healthy bodies. Pietrus is healthy; he just stinks.
KEY MOMENT: Dwyane Wade block on Ray Allen that started the spark.
The ball was tipped in the air, finding it’s way in the hands of Ray Allen. What seemed to be an easy played turned out to be a game-changing block for the opposing team. This block started a huge surge at the end of the third, which demolished any Celtic momentum, who saw a 15 point lead vanish into thin air. Ray Allen probably would have had better luck jacking up a three.
KEY STATS:
Yay: Rajon Rondo Plays Entire Game
For someone who doesn’t pose too much of a threat on the outside has a HELL lot of stamina on the inside. Now I’m no expert on the subject, but I’m pretty sure playing 53 minutes during an NBA playoff game is a feat not many NBA players can say they have accomplished; and either that headband he was wearing was sponsored by ShamWhoa, Rondo didn’t even look like he broke a sweat. I applaud you for your efforts Rondo, now drink a Red Bull and do it again on Friday.
Nay: 3 Boston players foul out
Keyon Dooling, Mickael Pietrus & Paul Pierce all fouled out for the Celtics; talk about a depleted bench. The Celtics starters played the majority of the game, but when you have key role players, and one of your top scorers disqualified, Rajon already played the whole game, what more do you want?
Quote of the game:
Doc Rivers on tonight’s game – “It is what it is. Lebron (James) took 24 free throws and our team took 29 … You can’t get distracted. We will not get distracted in this series. We have to get it out of us and move on.” (NBA.com)
Next Game:
Friday, June 1st, 8:30PM @Boston
Series:
Miami leads series 2-0
Notes:
For all my Toronto Raptors fans, we have the luxury of picking 8th overall in this series 2012 draft. I’m quite exciting because who ever we draft (great draft class from 1-10), along with Jonas Valanciunas coming over seas, I might be talking about the Raptors playoff run come this time next year.
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