2012 Eastern Conference Finals: Celtics Shock The Heat On The Road, Win Game 5 In Miami (Celtics POV)
By Editorial Staff
Against insurmountable odds, the Boston Celtics pulled out a game 5 win in Miami. The tides have turned for Miami as the Heat have their backs against the wall for the first time this series. This best-of-7 now shifts to Boston for game 6 as the Celtics get their big chance to advance to the finals once again.
Everyone seems to forget that this Boston team is full of veterans, future Hall-Of-Famer’s that have seen it and done it all. It’s no longer a surprise to them as they have fought through adversity for nearly their whole NBA careers. Before the new era’s ORIGINAL big three, Pierce, Allen & KG (stick Rondo in there just for good measure) have all gone through their share of ups and downs before finding their way to the top. For the Heat, they don’t know the meaning of losing; they just show up and expect the refs and the opposing team to fall on their knees and obey.
I may be a hater; OK fine, I am a Miami hater, but it’s not because they’re a bad team, its because they don’t deserve to win it all…yet. This was a well deserved win for the Celtics and the Heat have a lot of video tape to watch if they want to win two games in a row. Let’s see how the drama unfolds on Thursday.
Key Players:
Yay – Kevin Garnet: 26 PTS, 11 REBS, 4-6 FTM-A, 35:36
At the age of 36, KG still knows how to lead a team to victory. As the vocal leader, the main defensive presents, and a couple of clutch free throws, KG lives up to his remarks of giving everything he’s got on the floor. Simply put, the Celtics would not be in the position their in today if it weren’t for Kevin Garnett. He gives off a certain confidence, a swagger, and just the right amount of controversy in order to take over the game. KG is like an angsty teenager, he will do what ever it takes to get what he wants.
Nay – Ray Allen: 13 PTS, 7 REBS, 1-4 3PM-A, 40:03
I hate pointing the finger at Ray Allen; I love Ray Allen, but I was just so disappointed at his performance down the stretch. Ray Allen had two wide-open three pointers that could have either taken the lead, or sealed the deal for the Celtics but he missed them both. His numbers tonight were average at best, but when his team needed him the most, he wasn’t there to deliver. Game 6 is all you Ray; make your court side, glitter jersey, doppelganger momma proud.
KEY MOMENT: Kevin Garnet Posterizes James Jones
This game was a see-saw battle, neither team had full control, nor did either team show any sign of giving up. But this poster by Kevin Garnett on James Jones was just a pure man’s jam, a “Get Up Or Get Out The Way” jam (Bull’s fans know what I’m talking about). Not only did this dunk spark a run for the Celtics, it also set the tone for the final quarter. No holds bar; let the best team win!
KEY MOMENT #2: Huge Three by Pierce
Another huge moment for the Celtics where Paul Pierce hit a clutch three pointer up and over the out stretched hand of Lebron James. Clock whining down, ball in his hands, release and all you hear is the crowd go “(gasp)…….aaaaaah)”. God I love It.
KEY STATS:
Yay: Miami 32-82 FGM-A
The Celtic defense held the Heat to a disgruntle 38% from the field, eliminating any easy drive to the basket, and forcing the Heat to take tough contested shots. If the Celtics can stop a freight train and a human “Flash” from scoring the ball, they can stop anything.
Nay: Boston 33-81 FGM-A
Despite holding the Heat to 38%, the Celtics didn’t fair to well either as they only shot 40.7% from the field. It’s amazing how this was still a high scoring affair.
Quote of the game:
Kevin Garnett on individual play: “Competition, the naysayers, the owners that talk too much (looks straight into camera). You know the people who don’t think a 36, 35 year old can do what I do. I take a lot of pride in my craft, I work really hard on my craft every day. I’m a true professional.” (NBA.com)
Next Game:
Thursday June 7th, 8:30 @Boston
Series:
Boston lead series 3-2
Notes:
Man this is so much better then reality TV, you know why? Because it’s actually real!
ALSO, I am in Atlantic City right now with my POPS and won’t be back till late Thursday. Therefor stick with my main man Joseph Nardone as he recaps game 6 this Thursday!
Follow me on twitter @JayLeung20