Breaking Down the Box Score
After 48 minutes on Monday night, the scoreboard was as even as it began. The Celtics failed to get a shot off at the end of regulation and the game went to overtime tied at 86-86. Both teams came out flat in overtime with the Magic eventually pulling out the win, 96-92. Everyone (myself included) expected them to lose Game 4 and the bottom line is that they found a way to win. The game never really had a "moment" but it was a great battle and the first time a playoff game has gone to overtime this year. While it is still a stretch to imagine Orlando winning the series, I think that this win (combined with the same effort in Game 5) will keep the Orlando management from completely revamping the team. To recap the game, lets take a look inside the box score:
Game 4- Celtics vs. Magic
First things first; Dwight Howard had a monster game. 32 points, 16 boards, and 4 blocks. For the first time all series, Jameer Nelson and Howard took advantage of the "lob to the rim" play. Howard is so much more athletic than all of the Celtics big men that he can get anything thrown in the vicinity of the rim when there is a small opening. Howard also controlled the paint on the defensive end of the floor as he made Rajon Rondo uncomfortable anytime he was near the basket. Look for the Celtics to continue to send Howard to the free throw line in Game 5 since he was 6-14 in Game 4.
We had a Rashard Lewis sighting! Rashard played a solid all around game on Monday night. He didn't force his shot and finished with 13 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 0 turnovers. Most importantly, it really looked like he was playing hard for the first time in a while. Could this be a sign that Rashard Lewis 2.0 will play well tonight for the Suns??
JJ Redick continued to make his argument for a starting job in the NBA next season with an efficient performance. He scored 12 points on 6 shot attempts and was on the court during the crucial moments in the game.
Brandon Bass didn't do much in the game, but I think it said a lot to the other players on the Magic when he was rewarded with 11 minutes in Game 4 for his effort at the end of Game 3. Even though SVG didn't go with my proposed line up, I think that he made his point by playing Bass early in the game. If you don't want to put forth the effort and intensity that that this game demands, I will find someone else to take your place.
Vince Carter, he was talking to you. Vince scored 3 points on 1-9 shooting and had three turnovers. Orlando has to be thrilled that they were able to win the game with Vince doing so little. No one expects Vince to rebound or play defense, but you do expect him to score more than 3 points.
Jameer Nelson was the best point guard on the court as he finished with 23 points and 9 assists. It is unfortunate that it took him (and the rest of the Magic) until Game 4 to figure out how to get Howard the ball in a scoring position.
Paul Pierce led the Celtics with 32 points and 11 rebounds. However, he was 0-6 from downtown and you could tell he was fatigued from playing 47 minutes. He missed a few big shots at the end of the game where his legs were tired. Pierce always wants to be the hero at the end of the game. This has been one of his best attributes that he brings to the Celtics, but at times it really hurts them. For example,
Ray Allen was really heating up in the fourth quarter and overtime. In that situation, Pierce and the Celtics needed to get Ray the ball. Even if he wasn't open for a three, teams respect his shot so much that I would like his chances of driving and either finishing or getting a foul call.
Kevin Garnett had a quiet 14 points and 12 rebounds. He did change the momentum of the game when he took exception to Dwight Howard accidentally hitting him in the face and received a technical foul. The Celtics really seemed to respond to their emotional leader and the crowd did as well. I was very impressed that the Magic didn't fold at this point in the game.
Rasheed Wallace was 0-4 from downtown and had 1 untimely technical foul. Unlike KG, Rasheed doesn't seem to have any emotional connection that will influence his team in a positive way. I immediately regretted anything positive that I implied about Rasheed in my last post.
Rajon Rondo had his first poor outing of the series. He finished with 9 points on 3-10 shooting and had 8 assists. His defense on Jameer Nelson was only average. If the Celtics are going to finish off the Magic in Game 5, they will need Rondo to go back to running the offense like he did in Games 1-3.
Whats Up Next
Game 5 in Orlando on Wednesday. 7:30 PM (CT) on ESPN.
Around the Corner
I love the contrast in tempos of play between the Eastern Conference and Western Conference Finals this year. It is great to see two very different styles performed on such a high level. The Magic and Suns have prevented anymore talk about previewing the Celtics-Lakers Final as of right now.
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