Everyone is focused on Rajon Rondo’s comment that those driving Heat players — particularly Dwyane Wade and LeBron James — “have to hit the deck, too.” Because Boston had a big problem in Game 1 and Boston’s mindset when they have a problem is to fix it by tightening up their fantastic defense.
But the Celtics defense wasn’t the problem in Game 1. Rather it was the offense that scored just 79 points on 39.5 percent shooting.
Miami isn’t Philadelphia — LeBron and Wade are too good, the Heat are going to get some points on the board. Boston can grind down the tempo (they did that well in Game 1), they can be more physical, and they can foul (which isn’t a great idea because Wade/LeBron get a lot of and-1s and knock down their free throws). Boston can play a better defense and if they score 79 points again it will not matter. That will not be enough. Not this series.
Boston needs to find its offense if it wants to even this series.
Which means Boston needs a whole lot of Rondo — he has to control the flow of the game. The Celtics need the Rondo that hits the mid-range jumper and finds the open man. Miami may not have a traditional shot blocker but because of their crazy athleticism they block and alter a lot of shots close to the rim. Boston struggled in the paint in Game 1.
Boston needs some Spurs offense — drive and kick, beat the Heat with corner threes. Get Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce knocking down the midrange after the extra pass. They have to hit a lot of jump shots to open up the paint.
Problem is, they aren’t hitting a lot of jump shots. This is far from the lineup of shooters San Antonio rolls out. Ray Allen has morphed into a Metta World Peace level shooter. Pierce is getting around on a bum knee (plus has LeBron on him). Avery Bradley is in surgery recovery. Marquis Daniels never could shoot the three. Nor Rondo.
KG has been maybe the most steady outside shooter the Celtics have. I expect more of the offense to go through him in Game 2, either in the post or at the elbow. We’ll see how that works. Miami is going to protect the paint and just try to close on shooters until the Celtics make them pay the price for it.
During the regular season the Heat and Sixers defense were at about the same level, and the Celtics Game 1 offensive output showed that. Thing is, 79 points had you in the game against Philly. Its’ a loss now.
And really worrisome, the Heat did not play that well. If they come out hot on offense, it could be a long night for Celtics fans.