Historical Three Pointers

by Jeff Clark on May 9, 2008 7:59 AM EDT in Articles

They say that those who do not understand history are doomed to repeat it. So lets understand history.

Just over two weeks ago we were sitting pretty, talking about sweeping the Atlanta Hawks and looking ahead to the next round. We were laughing at the Pistons as they struggled with the 76ers. Three road losses later and we weren't laughing anymore. We became what we hated, that overconfident veteran team that thought they could blow out an opponent simply by showing up. Lesson learned: never let up, regardless of the opponent or score. The lingering question: can this team turn around that trend and win on the road? The Hawks series created a strong storyline for game 3. There's every reason to believe that the Cavs can come back and win at home. But if they do, the effect becomes amplified by the Celtics woeful road performance in the playoffs thus far.
Anyone want to know why LeBron didn't look worried at the end of last night's game? Probably because he remembers last year. In the Eastern Conference Finals, the Pistons won the first two games at home while holding LeBron to just 10 points and 19 points on a combined 12-34 shooting. The Cavs won the next 4 and represented the East in the Finals, leaving the Pistons wondering what truck just hit them. Don't think for a minute that this one is over or that LeBron can't come back and light it up. Remember, in game 3 of that series, he had 32 points. In game 5, he went for 48 in a double overtime win.
Of course, that's not to say that LeBron can't have a bad series. In the Finals last year, he was held to an average of 22 points in a 4 game sweep. The Spurs used a lot of the same tactics that the Celtics are currently using against him. Quoting Adrian Wojnarowski: "For now, Posey has turned into James’ Bruce Bowen, and Kevin Garnett protects the basket the way Tim Duncan did. The Spurs and Celtics share a strength of serious-minded veterans who never let down defensively, who adhere with discipline and dedication to schemes."

Can the Celtics finish this series out the same way they have started? Only if they remember the lessons learned from round one and gleen insight from the example of last year's playoffs.

0 recs | Comment 9 comments

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

we’re scared,underdogs,LeBron will play well etc etc…totally different than Atlanta which bodes well for us…plus i’ll be there…ooops that’s a bad thing…oh well,another obstacle…

by Motown on May 9, 2008 8:19 AM EDT 0 recs

Our guys have something to prove to themselves now: that they can win on the road in the playoffs. They really understand that their defense is the key, and they are ready to come out and maintain smart and focused aggression in enemy territory. Also, doc has learned that, as during the season, he can count on Powe and Posey to establish intensity off the bench. I’m not underestimating Cleveland at all, but I think this is the perfect test for the C’s right now.

by clover on May 9, 2008 8:50 AM EDT 0 recs

The Pistons series was different… Cavs din’t suffer a blowout in any game and that Gibson doesn’t exist anymore…

by branhunter on May 9, 2008 8:57 AM EDT 0 recs

well, the cavs were blown out twice against the Pistons at home 2 years ago and pushed that series to 7 games (although the Cavs should have won game 6 at home).

Gibson is just like any young player….he is very streaky….the Cavs are very good at home.

But, low and behold, Mike Brown is clueless as to what to do offensively and he is now just hoping Lebron bails him out again…..look for more complaining about the officiating from Brown as well….I am glad he has resorted to that

by MMacOH on May 9, 2008 9:10 AM EDT 0 recs

the defense has been great, the offense spotty- better to let down a bit on o than on d. keep mit up pp and ray – keep the ball moving- move without the ball and hit your free throws.

by nazzbo on May 9, 2008 9:22 AM EDT 0 recs

Love the Celtics and think they are going to take this series…but I see them losing game 3. The crowd will give them a lift, LBJ is looking to explode, the refs will call everything against us, blah blah blah.

by CitizenWakefield on May 9, 2008 9:42 AM EDT 0 recs

Great points Jeff. Thankfully, I hope the Celtics remember their experience from the Hawks series and don’t let up on Cleveland. Put this game away in three.

by Gino on May 9, 2008 10:44 AM EDT 0 recs

It bothered me the way the â€˜startersâ€™ began the game last night.
I actually had to change it and watch an on demand episode of SPONGEBOB with my son.
When I finally went back, they Celtics were playing more respectably.

What is going on with the starters?
Thatâ€™s the second game in a row theyâ€™ve started out ICE COLD.

Thankfully they have players like POWE, POSEY, PJ BROWN, CASSELL, etc.
Because Perkins looked lost last night on â€˜lurchâ€™ as John Dennis calls him.

You are right, Jeff, Cleveland could easily win 4 in a row starting tomorrow.
Theyâ€™d better keep their foot on the gas, and their bench at the ready, or theyâ€™re in for a rude awakening.

:’(

by mcpu40 on May 9, 2008 10:54 AM EDT 0 recs

I don’t see Cleveland winning 4 in a row and esp. not ‘easily’ How many times has that happened? Just because it happened last year to the Pistons does not mean the Celtics will fall victim to it. If anything Celtics learned a lesson from what happened to the Pistons. Hopefully the refs don’t bail out Lebron as they seem to do so much for the ‘superstars’

by NoraG1 on May 9, 2008 4:53 PM EDT 0 recs