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Reputation:98
Level:Superstar
Since:Nov 21, 2006
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Everyone in the media seems to be talking about the fact that the Celtics were pushed to 7 games by the Hawks and how it might spell trouble against LeBron James. But the way I saw the series, it looked like this:
Games 1-2: C's Dominated... end of story.
Game 3: C's expected Hawks to rollover, and just got outplayed.
Game 4: C's paniced, didn't play team basketball, and lost
Game 5: Got their act together and won easily
Game 6: Again, poor team defense and expected Hawks to rollover... Loss
Game 7: Brought the A game
The bottom line is that 2 of the 3 losses in the Hawks series came more or less because the Celtics weren't playing hard enough to win-- not because they couldn't win those games.
.... BUT what the media isn't talking about is that the Cavs and King James got taken to game 6 by an inured and overwhielmed Wizards team.
In the Cavaliers 4 wins, LBJ averaged 30/11/8, and in their 2 losses he averaged 27/8/4. LeBron is gonna get his 30 points, but rather than focusing on shutting down his offense, all they need to do is stay physical in the lane to make it diffuclt for him to get offensive rebounds, and either try to limit him from kicking it out to an open man, or shift around to put a body on the open shooter. If the Wizards were able to do that for 2 games, I have no doubt the Celtics can do it for 4.
LeBron can win a game on his own, but he can't win a series on his own. If the Celtics can either clog the lane and make life difficult on LeBron as far as offensive boards and assists go, or get someone in the face of the open man on a LeBron pass, they should be okay.
Celtics in 6.
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Reputation:92
Level:All-Star
Since:Jan 18, 2008
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I'm just really worried about the coaching. Doc has to bring his A game if these guys want to get to the finals. He needs to stick to his roatation and not second guess his players too much.
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Reputation:94
Level:All-Star
Since:Nov 6, 2007
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Very good points. I agree with almost every thing.
I think the Celtics take it in 5 or 7. 6 would mean winning a clincher in Cleveland. That would be difficult , but not impossible.
The celtic are much better than an injured Wizzards team they should win. They also should not under estimate the Cav's. Detroit did last year and we all know how that worked out.
Celtics in 5. But not easy.
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Reputation:91
Level:All-Star
Since:Mar 8, 2008
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If we play like we played game 7 against the Hawks, we can win in 5. I really don't think the Celtics fans were a factor, and the cleveland fans are definetly not as active as those hawks fans.
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Reputation:99
Level:Superstar
Since:Feb 24, 2007
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the cleveland fans are definetly not as active as those Hawks fans.
I'll remember that when I'm at the Q for game 3 on Saturday. 
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Reputation:94
Level:All-Star
Since:Mar 29, 2007
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If Boobie keeps shooting like he always has in the playoffs, you'll be surprised.
If Wally can keep it up, it'll be tough. With Lebron driving and those two on the outside, Z in the post, it'll be great.
It'll be a good series, two good teams, two bad coaches.
But I'm a Cleveland fan, I've seen Lebron prove himself in the playoffs time and time again, and the Celtics didn't do anything to show they are a playoff team, so I'm gonna go with Cleveland in 6. I think Boston takes tonight, but Game 2 will be the real key to the series.
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Reputation:99
Level:Superstar
Since:Jan 1, 2007
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Pierce apparently, according to a Game 1 anecdote by one of the announcers, was looking forward to defending LeBron.
It's good he has confidence. Posey came out and did a nice job as well when Pierce was on the bench.
The big man rotation that I thought was absolutely key has been happening. The only time James beat Garnett was on the fast break.
The Celtics are looking very very good defensively, but are going back forth between real hot and real real cold on offense. Good start to game 1.
And... even tho I know its just one half of game 1 at home...
I'm much less scared of LeBron James... anyone else ??
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Reputation:96
Level:Superstar
Since:Sep 4, 2006
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Does it really matter? Has anyone here seen the Hornets, Jazz or Lakers? East winner will get their ass whipped in the finals anyway.
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Reputation:94
Level:All-Star
Since:Nov 6, 2007
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Does it really matter? Has anyone here seen the Hornets, Jazz or Lakers? East winner will get their ass whipped in the finals anyway.
Have you seen Boston record vs the West?? Detroit was over .500 too.
Is the west better top to bottom? Of course!! Can Boston or Detroit win a 7 game series vs a West team. Yes they will.
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Reputation:92
Level:All-Star
Since:Dec 4, 2006
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jsal.......my thoughts exactly. The elite of the East has more than held their own against the West this year.....especially the Celts. It should be a good NBA finals this year (6 or seven games) and it could go to the East or West representative.
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Reputation:94
Level:All-Star
Since:Mar 29, 2007
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PatsVictory, if you're less scared of LBJ now, how do you think we feel about Pierce AND Allen? Varejao is more dangerous from 3's.
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Reputation:99
Level:Superstar
Since:Jan 1, 2007
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Okay I take your point bigdog that 1 off game shouldn't make me think LeBron James is any less of a player, it doesn't.
However it does prove that our defense can at least slow him down.
Allen and Pierce definately had off-nights. Allen is the streakiest player in the Big 3 so that's not surprising. 3 pt shooting is a streaky forte no matter how good you are at it. How was Wally or Gibson in game 1 ? Not that great either.
Pierce is going to focus on defense for this series. If he has a good offensive game here or there GREAT. If he doesn't, but plays defense like he did tonight I am still happy.
And in low scoring, defensive battle type games like tonight, I'd pick the Celtics to win every time.
But considering that Pierce and Allen both had off nights, and we found a way to win, and that that way was defending the hardest player in the game to defend...
...you have to understand my confidence now right ?
Of course defending LeBron as well as we did and only winning a close one at home isn't exactly what I like to see.
I think both home games and road games will be tough. I think the home team might win every game this series. :D
Of course I'd love to see the Celts earn a split on the road and finish it in 5 or 6.
If your Cavs earn a split by winning Game 2 this would be an incredibly difficult series for the Celts.
Only Game 1 is down, it was on the road for your team, so absolutely nothing is decided yet.
But I am very confident in my team. It will be a tough, close series, and a fun one to watch. But I have faith in my boys.
GO CELTS
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Reputation:91
Level:All-Star
Since:Jan 25, 2007
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Pierce and Allen had tough nights, no doubt. However, Pierce played fantastic defense on LeBron. Posey did as well. 1 great thing about Ben Wallace is that his offensive prowess is so horrid, that Garnett freelanced on defense all night. He was all over the place and made it tough to get down the lane. The Celtics looked tired at points, especially in the seond quarter. They turned the ball over on 4 consecutive possessions I believe in the second quarter. Overall, a great win. I think they'll play better in game 2.
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