The Boston Celtics and their experienced campaigners are proving to the NBA that they’re not done with just yet.
The 107-91 win over the Philadelphia 76ers gave them a 2-1 lead in the best of seven, second round playoff series.
Opinion was divided early in the season about how the shortened season would affect Doc Rivers’ team. Some thought the shorter campaign would mean his veterans would stay fresh while many thought the team was in need of rebuilding and the condensed schedule would cause exhaustion.
The Celtics started the season slowly and were disrupted by serious injuries to stars Paul Pierce, Rajon Rondo and Ray Allen at different times.
Despite this they finished the season as one of the form teams in the competition and ended on top of their Atlantic Division above the new look New York Knicks. This meant a meeting with the Atlanta Hawks in the first round of the playoffs.
In Pierce, Allen and Kevin Garnett the Celtics have three future hall of famers who have all brought their talents to the fore in the playoffs.
Pierce is still one of the best players to shoot in the high pressure clutch moments while Allen is one of the NBA’s greatest ever shooters and is now a key weapon off the bench in his comeback from injury.
Kevin Garnett in particular though has lifted his game in the postseason. After being labelled by the Atlanta Hawks owner as “the dirtiest player in the league”, Garnett responded with 28 points, his season high, and 14 rebounds in the series clinching final game.
In Thursday’s game against the 76ers Garnett lead again with 27 points and 15 rebounds, his 28th double-double of the season and 7th of the postseason alone.
After overcoming the Hawks in their tricky first round match up, the Celtics are now on track for an Eastern Conference finals match-up with the Miami Heat or Indiana Pacers, who are currently locked at 1-1 in their series.
The much fancied Heat are struggling with injuries but still contain recently crowned MVP LeBron James and fellow superstar Dwyane Wade. The Pacers may not be as experienced as the men from Boston but they are a young, tall and exciting team.
Before then though the Celtics must overcome the 76ers. The first two games were both decided by just one point while Boston came back after losing the first quarter to win game three by a comfortable 16 points.
In all honesty the Celtics should account for the 76ers. In Rajon Rondo the Celtics have an undeniable star who has ignored the trade rumours surrounding him early in the season to begin to make the team his.
His ability to score, rebound and set up others is a skill only few possess. With the big three alongside him as well as more than capable supporting players like Brandon Bass, Avery Bradley and Mickael Pietrus the Boston Celtics could still some make some noise over the remainder of the season.
For their veterans it could just be final chance to add another Championship ring to their collections.
B.A Sports
Guest
The Heat the only basketball team where a key player goes down and people don't say "the bench need to step up in player x abscence", instead its the two abused over worked other stars that need to step it up even further ...
KiwiDave
Roar Guru
Right you are. Forgot Chicago was the top seed there for a moment.
Worlds Biggest
Guest
Kiwi Dave, if the Pacers & Celtics advance the Pacers will have home court advantage. They finished 3rd in the East, Celts 4th.
KiwiDave
Roar Guru
I wouldnt worry about the Heat. Since losing Bosh that side has turned into a rabble. Indiana humiliated them today and they have nobody who can match Hibbert in the paint. Expect Indiana to go up 3-1 in that series and probably win it in 6. Boston might find themselves with home court in the playoff for the East
Worlds Biggest
Guest
As a big Celtics fan it's more hope then expectation how far they can advance. The Sixers will push them all the way in this series. The ideal scenario for the Celts is an early series win for much needed rest. Pierce is carrying an injury as is Ray Ray. KG is in vintage form however an injury to him and it's all over. Rondo is incredible however the Celtics fortunes rest with the health of the older three. The other guys are contributing nicely. The Heat without Bosh are vulnerable and I wouldn't discount the Pacers who are pushing them currently in game 3. IF the Heat and Celts face off in the conference final I give the boys a good chance. They don't fear the Heat at all. Great to see the Lakers implode yesterday !!
jamesb
Guest
love the celtics, but even if we got past the 76ers, more than likely we play Miami, and more than likely that would be it. Eventually we need fresh legs.
B.A Sports
Guest
Great road win by the C's yesterday. Gave up 32 points in the first quarter and just 32 over the next two combined. Some good signs for Boston with Rhondo scoring points and Ray Allen still yet to light'em up. The Heat and how they finish out close games in the playoffs will continue to be facinating.
ohtani's jacket
Guest
The Celtics are making a nice run but ultimately Piece, Allen and Bradley are too banged up for them to win the title and as great as Garnett is playing they can't rely on him to lead the team in scoring for every series.
Chaos
Guest
Celtics have the firepower to topple the Heat but I still think the champions will come from the West. LIkely Spurs.