Yeesh, that's about all I can say for the Celtics and their miserable close out of game five in Boston last night. I suppose the bottom line is that they got it done, but that win scared me last night. Full disclousure: I didn't even see the game live (Sox tickets), I watched the condensed second half on the late night replay, but I was able to see more than enough of it. Because of the delay, I knew that the Celtics won before I watched, but I still panicked down the stretch. I legitimately thought that they would blow it, even though I knew they wouldn't (does that say more about the Celtics' performance, or the pessimist attitude of Boston sports fans?).
Believe me, there were good aspects of last night's game other than the W next to Boston in the box score (though that's the most important part, no doubt), but the Celtics must close games better than they have if they really want to win a championship this year. This is the second time this series that the Celtics have blown a double-digit fourth quarter lead and been bamboozled by Detroit's aggressive double teaming and trapping defense. It should be easy for the Celtics to beat this simple zone trap, but they've crumpled under pressure and have killed themselves with mental errors down the home stretch of these crucial ball games (fortunately, Detroit has been equally bad with mental errors).
I'd also like to take this opportunity to officially lobby to make it mandatory for Ray Allen to wear a sleeve on his arm every night after his brilliant performance last night. Ray lit it up last night, hitting 5 of 6 three-pointers, all six of his free throws, and 9 of 15 shots overall (good for 29 points). Shuttlesworth, er... I mean Allen hit big shots down the stretch and was the only Celtic who seemed to be mentally focused at the time and able to close out the game. Garnett was also brilliant last night, though he made a few bonehead plays in the fourth quarter (it was a contageous disease, Rondo had it too). Most notably, there was a possession where Garnett passed up a ten foot jumper (he was in the paint!) and tried to no-look pass to a teammate on the perimeter, only he threw the ball to somebody wearing blue and red (oops!). Despite his efficient 33 points and seven rebounds and two free throws that sealed the game, KG made mistakes during crucial moments that almost cost the Celtics dearly.
Whatever, I'm not one to nitpick, but the Celtics need to tighten up badly. Detroit has come close twice, and I'd hate to test them a third time. This aspect of the game is huge now, but it will be absolutely crucial against the Lakers (who wrapped up San Antionio in 5!). Here's to hoping that Boston can focus down the stretch and play like we all know they're capable of playing.
