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Celtics (2-2) at Cavaliers (2-2) Game 5 5/11
« on: May 10, 2010, 05:05:28 PM »

Offline FLCeltsFan

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at
Boston Celtics (2-2) at Cleveland Cavaliers (2-2)
Tuesday, May 11
8:00 PM ET
Round 2,   Game 5
TV:  TNT   
Quicken Loans Arena 




Probable Starters

Rajon Rondo 17.9 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 11.4 APG,  +26.3
Ray Allen 17.6 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 2.4 APG,  +14.6


Kendrick Perkins 5.9 PPG, 7.3 RPG, .9 APG, +11.4


Paul Pierce 16.1 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 3.1 APG, +13.3
Kevin Garnett 17.0 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 2.4 APG, +20.9

Reserves
Rasheed Wallace
Glen Davis
Tony Allen
Nate Robinson
Shelden Williams
Brian Scalabrine
Michael Finley
Marquis Daniels
Tony Gaffney
Oliver Lafayette

Injuries
None




Probable Starters

Mo Williams 14.1 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 5.6 APG, +13.8
Anthony Parker 7.8 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 1.4 APG .391 3P%, +8.2


Shaquille O'Neal 10.6 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 1.3 APG, 1.4 BPG +11.2


LeBron James 30.9 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 7.4APG, +35.4
Antawn Jamison 17.1 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 1.4 APG, +28.8

Reserves
Daniel Gibson
Delonte West
Jamario Moon
Jawad Williams
Daniel Green
Leon Powe
zydrunas Ilgauskas
Sebastian Telfair
Anderson Varejao
JJ Hickson

Injuries
None

Key Matchups
vs
Rajon Rondo vs Mo Williams
This continues to be the biggest advantage that the Celtics have.  Rondo has been the best player in this series and hopefully he will continue to be so.  So far, the Cavs haven't been able to come up with an answer for him as he has dominated every matchup they have thrown at him. LeBron has said that he wants to try covering Rondo in game 5 but that leaves Pierce and Ray Allen to go off.  It also will take some away from LeBron's offense having to chase Rondo around on defense.  The one drawback would be that since LeBron isn't allowed to get into foul trouble by league decree, some of those fouls will go in Rondo's direction and he is the one player the Celtics can't afford to have in foul trouble. 

  vs 
Paul Pierce  vs LeBron James   
Paul Pierce has spent much of this series so far in foul trouble.  He has yet to have a good game in this series and this would be a great time for it to happen, especially if LeBron is moved to cover Rondo.  Pierce will also need to continue to play tough defense on LeBron to try to limit the damage he does. 

Honorable Mention
  vs 
Kevin Garnett  vs  Antawn Jamison 
So far, Kevin Garnett has dominated this matchup.   KG has been able to get his shot over Jamison at will and has gotten to the hoop quite often so far.  It would be nice to see more of the same in this game.  The Celtics need to try to exploit this matchup even more. 

  vs 
Celtics Bench vs Cavaliers Bench
The Celtics bench came through for them in game 4 (23 points, 7 rebounds) while the Cavs bench, not so much(11 points, 7 rebounds).  The Celtics will once again need their bench to step up in this game and they will need to step up on defense to again limit their counterparts. 


Key Stats from Game 4 
Rebounds:  Celtics 47, Cavs 33. 
FG%:  Celtics 45%,  Cavs  43%
Free Throws:  Celtics 28-40,  Cavs 29-39
Turnovers:   Celtics 12,  Cavs 17
Assists:   Celtics 19,  Cavs 19
Points in the Paint  Celtics 50  Cavs 40
Fast Break Points Celtics 23,  Cavs 7
Analysis:  The Celtics once again out rebounded the Cavs and it isn't a coincidence that the team that has won the battle of the boards has won the game.

 Missed free throws are affecting both teams.  The Celtics missed 12 free throws and the Cavs missed 10. The Celtics have got to make their free throws count when they get to the line, especially since the Cavs will probably double their attempts once again in game 5. 

 Both teams struggled from beyond the arc with the Celtics shooting 1-14 (Ray 1-8) and the Cavs 4-21 (James 0-5).  When the 3's aren't falling the Celtics have to take the ball to the basket and forget about the outside shot. 

The Celtics dominated in all the hustle categories and need to do the same in game 5.  They have to get to the loose balls, take the ball to the basket, and run every chance they get. 

Game Notes
After being blown out in a historic loss on their home court, the Celtics bounced back to win game 4.  When they commit to a focus on defense, the Cavs haven't been able to get their game going.  The energy has seemingly alternated between the teams with the Celtics having more energy in the first half of game 1,  game 2 and game 4 and the Cavs boasting more energy in the second half of game 1, and game 3.   

The Celtics have had to play much of all 4 games in foul trouble while the Cavs have not had any players affect by fouls until Shaq in the 4th quarter in game 4.  In game 3, the Celtics allowed the foul trouble and the officiating to affect them and they just seemed to lose their focus.  They have to keep their focus even when the fouls are being called in one direction.   The Celtics proved in game 2 that if they keep their focus, they can win, even when the calls are going against them for the most part. 

Paul Pierce has yet to have a good game in this series.  Ray Allen has struggled in the last 2 games.  The Celtics certainly can play better, and hopefully both Ray and Pierce can get going in this game and take some of the pressure off of Rondo to have to be super human in order for the Celtics to win. 

Each team has won one game at home and one on the road.  The Celtics proved in games 1 and 2 that they can play on the road and are capable of winning in Cleveland.  But, the Celtics have also been an enigma, playing with no intensity whatsoever in game 3.  If they come out focused and play the swarming defense that they are capable of, they can win this game and take control of the series.  The question is, which Celtics team will show up?

Keys to the Game
  Defense Defense Defense   Defense wins championships and they can't forget that for even a minute during the game.  When the Celtics play the kind of lock down defense that they are capable of, the Cavs simply have no answer for it.  If the Celtics are to win this game and this series, they must play defense from start to finish. 

Rebound Defense is the most important key with rebounding very close behind.   It is no coincidence that the team that has won the rebounding battle has won the game each time.  Rondo's 18 rebounds proves my theory that rebounding is mostly effort, desire and hustle.  The Celtics must have the desire and put out the effort to grab every rebound.  They can't allow the Cavs to get easy points off offensive rebounds or to trigger the break off defensive rebounds.  The Celtics must control the boards. 

Focus for 48 Minutes
The Celtics can't afford to lose focus for even a short period of time because the Cavs can get hot at any moment and can cut into a lead in a hurry.  In game 3, the Celtics let the one sided calls take away their focus.  They have to be prepared for bad calls and no calls again and they can't let themselves get side tracked complaining about the officiating.  They have to focus on playing tough defense, taking the ball to the basket and moving the ball and finding the open man.  If they do that for 48 minutes, there is a good chance they will win, in spite of how the officials call the game. 

Play Team Ball - The Celtics won't win if they try to do too much individually.  They must play team ball on both the offensive and defensive ends.   They have to move the ball and find the open man.  When the ball sticks too much, the Celtics struggle to score. They have to be on the same page and play as a team.

X-Factors
Focus and the Officials
Which team will show up?  Will it be the focused team that plays smothering defense and plays team ball?  Or, will it be the unfocused team that forgets how to play defense and plays selfish ball?  Back in Cleveland, it wouldn't surprise me to see Bennett Salvatore back on the crew.  Regardless, the Celtics can't expect any favors from the referees and can't afford to allow bad calls to take away their focus.  They have been in foul trouble every single game so far and need to just play through it and not let that take them out of their games. 


Re: Celtics (2-2) at Cavaliers (2-2) Game 5 5/11
« Reply #1 on: May 10, 2010, 05:14:28 PM »

Offline MF Doom

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Expect Rondo to continue to control the game and that may not be scoring 29 again be I expect him to still break down the Cavs defense, they have no answer. That is unless they decide to put Lebron on him, and if thats the case then The Truth should have his breakout game. I know he still has it in him. He just needs some irish green pot luck before the game to relax if you catch my drift  ;)

But seriously, its all mental with him. Hes thinking to much. Just play

Re: Celtics (2-2) at Cavaliers (2-2) Game 5 5/11
« Reply #2 on: May 10, 2010, 05:16:04 PM »

Online celticinorlando

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cavs are in a bind...you put LBJ on rondo...PP will get it going....ray allen will kill mo williams...we gotta dictate pace and REBOUND

i think this team plays the best on the road and under pressure...it wouldn't surprise me to see them win game 5

Re: Celtics (2-2) at Cavaliers (2-2) Game 5 5/11
« Reply #3 on: May 10, 2010, 06:10:08 PM »

Online celticinorlando

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ian thomsen of cnnsi sure doesn't like the celtics at all.....

Re: Celtics (2-2) at Cavaliers (2-2) Game 5 5/11
« Reply #4 on: May 10, 2010, 06:15:46 PM »

Offline Mr October

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Who ever wins game 5 will absolutely be the favorites to close this series out. Game 5 is huge and easily the biggest game off the year so far.

However we shouldn't feel too high or too low after the game. Anything can happen in this series from game to game (and pretty much has happened). The only thing we haven't seen yet is Pierce going off or a big injury on either side.

Re: Celtics (2-2) at Cavaliers (2-2) Game 5 5/11
« Reply #5 on: May 10, 2010, 11:08:14 PM »

Offline Green Hell

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Celtics Checklist to Victory:

  • Outrebound The Cavs by 10 or better
  • Score 48+ points in the paint
  • Limit turnovers to 15 or under
  • Hold the Cavs to 41% shooting
  • Get 3 of the Big Four in the High Teens for Points Scored
  • Get Rasheed to make 3 shots in his 1st 4 minutes
  • Get KG 15 Shots or more
  • Never fall behind by 15 or more
  • Receive 22+ Points from the bench
  • Be within 2 or better with 5 minutes left in the 4th quarter
  • Collect 4+ Tommy Points over the course of the game

The more items they complete on this checklist, the higher their winning percentage. If at any point they are losing, it is because they are moving further away from checking certain items on this list. Consult your local homer for assistance.
« Last Edit: May 11, 2010, 02:33:32 AM by Green Hell »
Never stop believing baby~

Re: Celtics (2-2) at Cavaliers (2-2) Game 5 5/11
« Reply #6 on: May 10, 2010, 11:18:01 PM »

Offline Mr October

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The C's are at their best going through Rondo and KG. I want to see Rondo keep doing his thing, plus many many KG post ups. Also post up Wallace at least 3 times. Jamison has proven that he can't handle either of them.

If Lebron guards Rondo, I want to see the ball go through Rondo, KG and Pierce - 3 mismatches.

Meanwhile we still haven't seen a Ray Allen range explosion game in this series. I feel that one is due.

Go Celtics!!!

Re: Celtics (2-2) at Cavaliers (2-2) Game 5 5/11
« Reply #7 on: May 10, 2010, 11:31:51 PM »

Offline GreenFaith1819

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TP to FLCeltsFan! Thanks for Post!

I really like this Lebron - Rondo matchup. I will be very surprised if this in fact happens. Lebron is a Great Player, but Rondo will surely tire him out, and limit his production.

I really like the Opportunity that Boston has here. I really do. The Cavs do not Respect the Celtics, and it may be too late for them to do so if we snag another one in CLE.

Pierce will be Fine, and his production will be enough to help us out.

Hang in there, Captain.

Re: Celtics (2-2) at Cavaliers (2-2) Game 5 5/11
« Reply #8 on: May 11, 2010, 12:26:19 AM »

Offline j804

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Lets go Celtics!!!                10 more wins!!!!!!
"7ft PG. Rondo leaves and GUESS WHAT? We got a BIGGER point guard!"-Tommy on Olynyk


Re: Celtics (2-2) at Cavaliers (2-2) Game 5 5/11
« Reply #9 on: May 11, 2010, 12:29:00 AM »

Offline 3ptAndOne

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The winner of this game will most likely go on to win the series. We need a good start to put the pressure on the Cavaliers and also to take the crowd out of the game.

Go Celtics!

Re: Celtics (2-2) at Cavaliers (2-2) Game 5 5/11
« Reply #10 on: May 11, 2010, 12:33:21 AM »

Offline Bahku

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I think we're going to win this one ... especially if they try putting LeBron on Rage. If they do, he's way too fast for the Queen, and Pierce and Ray are going to go off on their heads. This series goes six games, to us, (and surprises the world). ;) TP to FlCeltsFan as always.
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Re: Celtics (2-2) at Cavaliers (2-2) Game 5 5/11
« Reply #11 on: May 11, 2010, 02:28:24 AM »

Offline Edgar

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I think we're going to win this one ... especially if they try putting LeBron on Rage. If they do, he's way too fast for the Queen, and Pierce and Ray are going to go off on their heads. This series goes six games, to us, (and surprises the world). ;) TP to FlCeltsFan as always.

tp as always and no way they pput bron on rr
just elbowgate i hgave to insist
Once a CrotorNat always a CROTORNAT  2 times CB draft Champion 2009-2012

Nice to be back!

Re: Celtics (2-2) at Cavaliers (2-2) Game 5 5/11
« Reply #12 on: May 11, 2010, 02:35:35 AM »

Offline GreenFaith1819

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I think we're going to win this one ... especially if they try putting LeBron on Rage. If they do, he's way too fast for the Queen, and Pierce and Ray are going to go off on their heads. This series goes six games, to us, (and surprises the world). ;) TP to FlCeltsFan as always.

Man - I Would Love This. Nightline had a discussion on Lebron and his World-Wide Appeal last week.

Talk about a shocker - a very possible one - if Boston can pull this off. The Sports Media is so focused on Individuals.

A week from now, and Lebron is Potentially booted from the playoffs again - by us......it will be very interesting to see how ESPN, TNT, the World and the Media view The Boston Celtics after that!

They would probably harp on Rondo's play, but the Celtics are so much more than one man...I love it!

Re: Celtics (2-2) at Cavaliers (2-2) Game 5 5/11
« Reply #13 on: May 11, 2010, 02:45:36 AM »

Offline Tai

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We've been putting TONS of importance on games, it seems...not that I mind, it is the playoffs.

Still, we said Game 3 would prove whether we could maintain homecourt advantage. I...still would like hypnosis to make me forget that game...

Then, Game 4 was important cause it kept us in the series.

Now...here we are at a game which the winner is an 83% favorite (based on past series) to win this series. I'd like those chances if we won Game 5.

Now, do I like our chances of winning Game 5? If we keep the energy on the defensive end up, of course!

Personally, I think Lebron on Rondo is a bunch of smoke with no hope for a fire. Come Tuesday night, they'll come to their senses and have them stick with Pierce. This may mean they try to double Rondo some other way or something and we can exploit something as a result there, but Lebron trying to guard Rondo in a full-time(ish) manner is asking for trouble.

I won't complain if I'm proven wrong, of course, but somehow, I think Mike Brown knows better, even if that isn't a lot.  :D

And Pierce, you've sucked for 4 games. Your time is NOW. SHOW UP.

Re: Celtics (2-2) at Cavaliers (2-2) Game 5 5/11
« Reply #14 on: May 11, 2010, 02:54:12 AM »

Offline Edgar

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go cs
go verdad
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Nice to be back!