The Boston Celtics came into game four with a slight disadvantage. Miami’s big three was younger then the Boston Celtics big three. Let’s be clear about this: I’m not saying that they are necessarily better, that’s not the case. On the third game of the series, the Celtics big three proved that despite their age, they can still outplay three of the younger and more talented players in the league. The problem for the Celtics came when finally the Heat big three began to play like they were hired to. And that takes us to game four in the Boston Garden. Sure, LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh had to push the Celtics into overtime to win this game, but they were unstoppable. LeBron James scored 35 points, Dwayne Wade had 28 and Chris Bosh finished off with 20, as they lead the Miami Heat on a 98-90 overtime win at Boston. This gives the Miami Heat a 3-1 lead in the series and gives them the opportunity to close off the deal on Wednesday in South Beach.That’s it: head coach Erik Spoelstra is just one game away from reaching the Eastern Conference Finals. But he knows there is no celebrating just yet. Spoelstra is well aware of the fact that the Celtics will come out on Wednesday night with all they’ve got.
There is no tomorrow for the Veteran Celtics. They know what it is to play under pressure. They know very well what it takes to make it into the Finals. They know what it takes to beat the Heat, they’ve defeated them three times during the regular season and once in this playoffs. I would go out as to say that the only thing they are not really sure of, is if they can manage to win this next game, and heck, why not the series, without their all-start point guard in his best shape. The Celtics big three don’t really have to prove to anyone their worth. They are bound to end up in the Hall of Fame because of their merits. Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen can still surprise their fans with plays that one could only imagine from players 5-6 years their juniors. The thing is that the catalyst for the Celtics play is one Rajon Rondo, and despite what his looks might tell you, he is in pain. Rajon Rondo dislocated his left elbow Saturday night in Game 3 in a mingled play with Dwayne Wade.He played 39 minutes on game four with a padded sleeve covering what appeared to be a brace on his left arm, scoring 10 points with five assists. Yes, Rondo is brave and though, but he is not the agile, fast paced dribbler that could cut through the defense like a knife. And the Celtics couldn’t keep up with the Heat. In order to defeat the Miami Heat, the Boston Celtics must rely on their big four: Garnet, Pierce, Allen and Rondo. Paul Pierce scored 27, Ray Allen had 17 and Kevin Garnett had seven points and 10 rebounds for Boston, but there is still plenty of work ahead of them. And those numbers have to improve. Miami’s big three brought their A-game to this fourth game. Just one game after their worst performance as a threesome, James, Wade and Bosh had 83 of Miami’s 98 points and 35 of its 45 rebounds. The Celtics are going to have to find a way to toughen up their defense, and close on the opportunities that are given to them in the next round. They now must win 2 of the 3 remaining games, including two in Miami if they want to defend their title. It’s not going to be an easy task, but we don’t see the Celtics giving it up so easily.