Game 3 Keys to Victory

Why change what is working? The Celtics need to do the sames things that they have done in games 1 and 2 only better!

SVG has to find a way to get lewis in this series. Maybe we will see him run some screens and rolls with Howard. Lewis needs to get something going to the basket. The PP matchup has turned into a nightmare. Matt Barnes claims he wants to guard Pierce and said that Pierce is a flopper. Sounds like a challenge to me.

The Celtics need to close out on the perimeter and not give them open looks from behind the circle. The magic were 5-22 in game one and improved to 7-18 in game 2. That is one reason they were in the game.

Dwight Howard scored a lot of points in the paint because he was getting good position and making his move sooner.

The Celtics need to make life difficult for him to set up in the post. They need to push him out further. The refs will determine how agressive the Celtics can be. The Celtics should continue to pound on Howard or any other players. The no layup rule should be enforced.

The Celtics also need to hit the glass harder. In game two there was a sequence where it seemed like the Magic got 3-4 opportunitiues out of one possession. The rebounding for Boston has not been bad but a dominant performance on the glass will seal a victory in game 3.

I would also like to see Boston push the ball a bit more. There are fast break opportunities to be had instead of walking the ball up.

KG has not shot the ball well in the first 2 games. He needs to get untracked. He seemes to be hurrying things a bit. When they put Howard on him he is having to take fallaway jumpers. But Boston should continue to get him the ball especially when he is facing the basket and can launch his patented jumpers.

After having a stellar game 1 Ray cooled off in game 2. Would be nice to see him knocked down a few early in the contest. When he shoots the ball well the Celtics never seem to lose.

Rondo outplayed jameer the other night so i look for Jameer to come out more agressive. Rondo just needs to fight over the top of the screens and stay with Nelson and keep him from getting off.

JJ Redick came off the bench in game 2 and scored 16 points. He also played well in game 1. If we can somehow get TA in there to check him it may be usefull. Speaking of TA he only played 14 minutes in game 2, If ray is not stroking it and not playing good defense then TA should definitely get more court time.

Game three will be tough to win because the Magic ARE a good team. Boston needs to come out hard and fast with max energy to stop the Magic attack.
Sooner or later the Magic will win a close game so Boston needs to keep the gas on high.

More to come.

dboss

Magic are a good team. Celtics are better. The only thing the Celtics haven't overcome is if the Magic have both Howard go off and 50%+ 3 shooting, making 16 or more. We've been creeping toward that rpossibilty going into Game 3. Nothing would say this series is over more than having the Celtics win under those conditions. The Magic still have not accomplished that yet.

Teams that lose the next game after a victory are those who think what they're doing and what got them the last win will still work in the next. Good news here is Doc is the master intra-game adjuster. SVG is just a good inter-game adjuster. You can tell it in his speech. "We can't stop them." In other words, we're trying under our game plan, but we just can't stop them. That's giving up during the game. Advantage Doc.

I've got to see a Celtic blowout. They've tried twice and have failed here also to hold a DD lead. One of these two scenarios is going to finally win out Saturday. Since we are at home, I'm liking our chances. Although we all know what's looming in the back of our minds as far as winning on our home court.

Was watching NBA TV. Eric Snow says the Magic will win games 3 and 4 and also win the series in 7 games.

Yet others have pretty much assumed that it is a foregone conclusion that Boston is going to the finals.

If Boston can get all of the big three shooting the ball well they could easily blow the Mgic out just like they did to Cleveland.

Boston has a few bumps and bruses so the extra days off should help them going into part 2 of the series.

dboss

SVG and his magic are focusing on stopping the Celtics in transition and getting out themselves to run the court.

Stan now realizes that they cannot beat Boston in a half court game because Boston is just too good defensively. They need easier baskets.

Problem for the Magic is that they cannot check Rajon Rondo no matter who they put on him. I have a feeling that Rondo is going to be a blur tonight.

dboss