Boston Celtics Kevin Garnett And Company Earn An Expected Hard Fought Win Despite Media Opinion
The media surrounding the Boston Celtics never ceases to amaze me. After coming away with a crucial game three win over the Atlanta Hawks in game three of the opening round of the NBA playoffs, there were people finding fault with the win. This game was an alleged easy win for Boston with these guys penciling in a blowout or a game Boston could control the entire way. These guys are out of their minds if they thought this game was going to be a cakewalk for Boston.
I do realize that Boston had some advantages going into this game. The team was playing in front of their geared up home crowd. The Atlanta Hawks were without a guy that has had a great series for them thus far in Josh Smith. The Boston Celtics no doubt were given an edge, but an edge only goes so far. The Celtics proved that themselves in game two with their stunning win on the road without Rondo and Ray.
I also understand that the team got what looking at the final numbers alone were great games from Kevin Garnett (20 points 13 rebounds, and 4 blocks), Rajon Rondo (17 points, 14 rebounds, 12 assists, and 4 steals, Paul Pierce (21 points) and Ray Allen (13 points in his return) and still needed overtime to beat Atlanta. The problem is the end numbers of these stats do not tell the whole story. KG shot 9-18 and that is solid, but not amazing. Rondo was 7-22 and turned the ball over six times. Paul Pierce was only 3- 12 shooting and had he not got to the free throw line would have had only seven points. Ray scored 13 points, but had a hard time getting his shot off.
The reason for these struggles is Atlanta played hard for a number of reasons beyond the “everyone wants to win” line. The fact is the Hawks had plenty of motivation for the game. The Hawks were embarrassed last game. On their home floor with Boston missing both Rondo and Allen the Hawks let a game slip away. They had a late third quarter double digit lead and still lost. This game was also must win for them. They need to steal a win and get back home court advantage. They knew if they let Boston get a series lead after three games that the Celtics would be in the driver seat heading into game four. This is motivation enough to play a great game in game three. Atlanta knew without Josh Smith that they would have to pick up their games at both ends of the floor. Also do not think that the Rondo comments that the win in game two felt like they had won the series did not make their way into the prideful Atlanta locker room.
The Atlanta Hawks may not be a good as Boston. They will probably lose this series, but they are by no means a team that is going to lie down for anyone. Remember they won more games this year than Boston did for a reason. They are the fourth seed not Boston. Joe Johnson can score from anywhere. Jeff Teague is playing very well. These guys are playing energy defense against Boston’s veteran legs. This means like last year’s opening round against the Knicks, the Celtics are going to have to earn every win. This means no easy road in round one. Remember Go Green Or Go Home!!!!!!
Buy Boston Celtics Tickets | Buy Boston Celtics ApparelCheck out what others are saying about this post...
-
[...] bottom line is a lot of factors go into deciding a game. Yes, Kevin Garnett has to play great defense and Rajon Rondo has to play well for Boston. Yes, Joe Johnson, Al Horford [...]
-
[...] was before the game Hawks co-owner Michael Gearon Jr. made the mistake of taking some shots at one Kevin Garnett calling him the dirtiest player in the league and claiming that he was old and that meant he fouled [...]
Leave a Rant
and oh, if you want a pic to show with your comment, go get a gravatar!
2 Rants to “Boston Celtics Kevin Garnett And Company Earn An E...”