What a shitshow that was. Game 6 of the Eastern Semi-finals between the Celtics and Sixers was an absolute mess. It's sad, but I was expecting a weak performance from the Celtics. They're like a bad procrastinator. They can never close it out early or in an easy way. They have to wait for an hour before the deadline to start the paper, or in this case Game 7 at home. Why win Game 6 and get extra rest when you can just procrastinate to Game 7? The record speaks for itself. Ever since Celtics GM Danny Ainge put together this current group of Celtics in 2007 their record in close out games on the road is 2-11. Now I love the Celtics, but that's pathetic. On the other hand, the Celtics all-time are 17-4 in Game 7's at home. So history tells us they'll win this Game 7 too and let's be honest the Sixers haven't exactly shown they have what it takes to win a big game. The only reason they aren't playing golf right now is because the Celtics blew Game 4 and didn't show up for Game 6. Just an awful performance by both teams. Turnover after missed free throw after airball and so on. Every possession was a mess.
Besides just the awful all around performance, two things stood out to me. Rajon Rondo's timidness and Doc Rivers sticking to the same lineup that wasn't getting it done. Rondo is the single most unique player in the league and when playing confident and uptempo he can easily fill a stat sheet. This game he wasn't doing anything that makes him great. He was playing safe and deferring to everyone else. Not once did he show any aggressiveness or desire to show that he is the most talented player on the floor(which he is). He simply dribbled the ball from one end of the court to the other, wasted some time, and then passed to another Celtic for a contested shot. I normally don't have a problem with Rondo distributing because that's what he does best, but this was different. This was deferring, not creating. Rondo needed to drive and use his athletic ability and basketball IQ to find easy shots for his teammates. Honestly, Keyon Dooling could have done what Rondo did last night. In fact, he would have been a better option because at least he can shoot. Where Rondo was nobody knows, but Game 6 is a perfect example of why he is a walking contradiction, the most puzzling player in the league and why the Celtics will always be open to trading him. He is 5th all-time in playoff triple doubles, yet he too often has games like Game 6.
The second issue I had was with Doc Rivers sticking to the lineup of Rondo, Allen, Pierce, Pietrus and Garnett in the 2nd half. It just wasn't working and it was clear from the start, yet Doc stuck with it and stuck with it and stuck with it some more. There was no offense except for Pierce who Philadelphia double teamed every time he touched the ball. Not surprisingly the captain was the only one who truly came to play. Ray wasn't hitting any shots and couldn't even stay in front of my crossover dribble on defense. Garnett forced up bad shot after bad shot and refused to put in his work close to the hoop. Michael Pietrus is Micheal Pietrus. And we already covered Rondo's performance. Granted, Doc had limited options, a healthy Avery Bradley changes this whole dynamic and he probably is the difference that makes the Celtics close out this series in 6, but holy shit how about changing it up a bit Doc? Where was Brandon Bass? He didn't have the best 1st half, but at least he provides some potential for offense with skill in the post and the ability to hit a jump shot. Keyon Dooling can hit a 3 point shot. Why not try him for a few minutes to see if he gets hot? I realize his bench options are very limited, but he needed to try something, anything for a spark. Now the Celtics have to hope for a Heat loss tonight to force their series into a Game 7. No doubt they'll take care of the Sixers at home in Game 7(knock on wood).
No comments:
Post a Comment