In order for us to get where we want to go, we have to get by the defending champs.
Saturday night, the battered and bruised Boston Celtics ended their epic first round series by beating the Bulls 109-99 to advance to the Eastern Conference Semifinals vs. Orlando.
Don't give me that gobbledygook that the champs are worn out after playing such an incredibly draining series. Everyone's tired. Everyone's beaten up.
The thing is, adrenaline takes over this time of year, and, sometimes after such a grueling series, teams find that extra shot of get-up-and-go. The Shamrocks will be so glad to be done with the Bulls that they will come out with fire in their eyes in game one. That is a guarantee!
Coach Doc Rivers has proclaimed Kevin Garnett out for "these playoffs". As strong-willed as Garnett is, I have trouble believing that we're not gonna see KG at some point in time this postseason.
With or without Garnett, this Cetlic team has the heart and the will of a champion, not to mention their new Big Three (Pierce, Allen and Rondo).
So, how do we topple the kings? Here are my five keys to Magic victory in this series....
1...OFFENSE
Typically, this time of year, teams are focused on the defensive end of the court, and well we should be. But, the Boston Celtics have done as solid a job as any team in the league of crippling our offense. In four games this season, the Celtics held Orlando to an average of 84 points and 40% FG. Boston is as good as any in running out to our three point shooters while clogging up the lane for Dwight to operate. To beat the Celtics in this series, we must keep the ball moving. We play right into their hands if we're stagnant.
2...STOP DRIBBLE PENETRATION
Rajon Rondo is the guy who straws the Celtics' drinks. He's the guy who makes them go. Rondo has transformed into a key player on this team because he's become an offensive force. Not only does he see the whole court, but he can now knock down that 15-18 foot jumper consistently now. He's cat quick and can make ya look silly. Our point guards, Rafer and AJ, must stay in front of him and challenge him. If not, this series will be shorter than expected. Our transition defense has to be better than it was in the first round vs. Philly.
3...RASHARD
... In the close out game in Philly, Rashard Lewis carried us with his game-high 29 points. I'd love to see Coach Van Gundy find a way to plop Rashard on that low left block in this series again. This is where not having Garnett really stings for the Celtics because I don't see anyone on that Boston roster that can handle Sweet Lew defensively. Rashard scored 30 points in Boston this season. He averaged 21.5 ppg vs. them in all four games. Sweet Lew is a huge key in this series.
4...RAY ALLEN
...The Celtics don't have anybody who can check Rashard....but do we have anyone who can contain Rashard's former Sonic teammate, Ray Allen? With Courtney Lee sidelined at least the first two games of this series, it's gonna be up to JJ Redick and Mickael Pietrus to try stay with Ray Ray. Allen had 17 of his 32 points in the fourth quarter in a Magic win in Boston back on March 8. Allen lit up the Bulls for 51 points on nine three's in game six vs. Chicago. With our defensive issues at the shooting guard spot, Allen scares me to no end in this series,
5...PLAY LOOSE!
...For some reason, through the first five games of the Sixer series, we played not to lose. The Orlando Magic cannot win this series if they play tight and bothered. We've got to come out and play our game. Defend, rebound, run up and down the court, move the ball and just play as you did in the regular season. Have fun!