On Monday night the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers will battle to gain in edge in the Eastern Conference Semifinals series tied at 2-2. Here are five stats to keep in mind for Game 5.
1. Rondo Moving Up the Ranks
After dishing 15 assists in Game 4, Rajon Rondo (736) is now three assists shy of tying Dennis Johnson for fifth most postseason assists in Celtics franchise history. Larry Bird ranks first with 1,062 postseason assists, followed by Bob Cousy (937), John Havlicek (825), and Bill Russell (770).
2. The Writings on the Glass:
The Celtics are undefeated this postseason (5-0) when outrebounding or grabbing the same number of rebounds as their opponent. They have only won one playoff game when being outrebounded (1-4).
3. Looking to Jumpstart the Week:
The Celtics have played one playoff game on a Monday this postseason, last week's 82-81 Game 2 loss to the 76ers. It is the only day of the week on which they have a losing record (SundayTuesdayWednesdayFriday, 1-1, ThursdaySaturday, 1-0).
4. Bouncing Back:
Both teams are 4-0 in the game immediately following a loss this postseason. In the first round of the playoffs, the Celtics and the 76ers lost Games 1 and 5 and won Games 2 and 6. In the Eastern Conference Semifinals, the 76ers followed up losses in Games 1 and 3 with wins in Games 2 and 4. After losing Game 2, the Celtics won Game 3 and look to take Game 5 after falling short in Game 4.
5. Title Experience:
None of the 76ers have won an NBA championship. Four of the Celtics (Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Rajon Rondo) have.