Boston Celtics: 3 Keys to a Game 2 victory in ECF against Miami Heat

The Boston Celtics need to attack the paint

The Celtics’ ability to get to the free throw line was one of the positives for them during Game 1. They went 22-29 from the stripe and if they would’ve made all of their free throw attempts it would’ve been a tied ball game. No wonder why coaches always stress the importance of free throws.

The Celtics scored 62 points in the paint and should consider continuing to attack the paint entering Game 2. That way the Celtics can dictate the pace and try to get the Heat players in foul trouble. The Celtics also scored 26 points off of turnovers and the turnover margin was actually even until Tatum’s three crucial turnovers in the 4th quarter.

The Heat were scorching hot as they shot 51.6 percent from downtown with six players connecting on at least two attempts. Miami has a good core of players from Butler, Kyle Lowry, and Bam Adebayo, and let’s not forget the undrafted role players from Max Strus, Caleb Martin, and Gabe Vincent. Everybody contributes and there is no wasted energy. Everybody gets to touch the ball and is afforded the opportunity to make a play.

The fact that everybody has that same mentality and is all on the same page could spell trouble for the Celtics if they are not careful. Once again, Game 2 could very well come down to the last possessions and it will be interesting to see who rises to the occasion.