Game 2 ECF Analysis: Boston's Hangover

Last nights loss might take awhile for the Celtics to get over.  The Heat muscled their way to a four point overtime victory (115-111) and head to Boston for games three and four up 2-0 in the Eastern Conference Finals.  Again, Boston will need some time to get over this one.  The only problem is that they don't have much time.  The Celtics probably landed in Boston early this morning and awoke with the feeling of a giant hangover.  The type of hangover that you can't shake and leaves you telling yourself that you'll never do that again. 

The Celtics did everything they were supposed to do last night.  They hit shots, rebounded, and played effective defense.  They basically took an aspirin and drank plenty of water before going to sleep.  It didn't help; they still woke up with a loss and a pounding headache.

Point Guard Rajon Rondo came out aggressive and dictated the tempo early in Boston's favor.  Rondo ended the night with a playoff and regular season career high of 44 points; a monster night for Rondo.  Paul Pierce showed up as well for the Celtics.  Pierce fought for 21 points and was complimented by Kevin Garnett who had 18 points and 8 rebounds.  Ray Allen didn't put up staggering numbers, but still proved productive as he grinded through his foot injury. 

Defensively the Celtics were causing all kinds of fits, especially in the first half.  They held Heat Guard Dwyane Wade to just two points heading into the locker room for half time.  The Celtics double teamed Wade throughout the first 24 minutes and seemingly found a formula that would continue to keep Wade down in the second half.  For one reason or another Boston got away from what was working on Wade.  He broke free and exploded for 21 points in the last 29 minutes. 

The Celtics came out timid in the second half.  Rondo quit attacking and the Celtics found themselves reeling late in the third quarter. As the half wore on you began to wonder if Boston was going to panic.  The Heat began pushing the ball and scoring easy buckets in transition.  The Miami crowd woke up and the Heat looked as if they were ready to slam the door on the Celtics.   Boston however showed championship poise and clawed their way back into the game to force overtime.  LeBron James had a shot to win it for Miami in regulation, but his pull up fade away jumper drew the back iron.  Boston had another opportunity for victory.

The Celtics entered OT without Piece, who had fouled out late in the fourth.  Not having Pierce allowed James to float a little more freely around the court and gave Wade more opportunities to attack.  The Celtics played their type of basketball for most of the night, but it still wasn't good enough on the road.

It will be hard for Boston to re-group and game plan going forward.  Game three is Friday night and the Heat smell blood.  With the series shifting North back to Boston the Celtics find themselves in familiar surroundings.  They need to find a way to get rested and put game two behind them.  The Celtics should feel comfortable enough to stay aggressive on their home court.  It doesn't look like Chris Bosh will be ready to go Friday night for the Heat, so Boston must continue to at least try and attack down low.

There is no doubt the Heat will be riding high going into game three.  James and Wade are still clicking and Dexter Pittman will be back from suspension!  Miami has had trouble stomping out teams.  They will have another opportunity to do so Friday night.  


Video of LeBron's missed jumper as the clock runs out in regulation.  (Via YouTube)