What I saw in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals

No one thought the Celtics would be up in this series let alone have a close-out opportunity at home.  That is the reality of these playoffs.  Boston needs to come out and play with  high intensity.  They need to end this game early and close this series out.  You can't allow the Heat to hang around.  Don't turn the ball over and take smart shots.  This is the blueprint the Celtics should use tonight.  The Heat need to forget all of the failures and go out and play basketball.  Stop worrying what analysts are saying.  LeBron and DWade should play their game and let the chips fall where they fall.  Bosh, when in, needs to keep building on the 14 minutes and 9 points he had in Game 5.  Work back in and not do too much.  Bosh doesn't have a feel for the series just yet.  He should be ready should there be a Game 7.

I'm actually typing this as I watch the game.  At the 4 minute mark in the 1st quarter, I asked myself when Boston is playing with any sense of urgency?  Its like there was no killer instinct at all.  Wasn't so bad at first because the Heat weren't doing anything either and DWade seems like he's a no-show tonight.  Well except for LeBron.  I guess LeBron was the only one to get the memo that this is a elimination game.  No fire from anyone not named LeBron.  Rondo is showing signs but nothing consistent.

But wait, isn't Boston supposed to be the experienced team?  The team that has been there, done that all the way to a 3-2 series lead in the ECF?  This isn't teaching an old dog new tricks.  The old dogs need to do what they already know how to do.  What they have already done.  The Celtics should have come out with a high level of emotion and take it to the Heat.  Get them back on there heels and set the tempo of the game.  Instead, Boston decided to watch LeBron take control.  Only two missed shots for LeBron and a 30 point first half.  That's 30 points on 14 shots.  But, we've seen things like this before.  Its not the first 3 quarters of a game that we wonder about LeBron.  Its that all important 4th!  Pierce in foul trouble and on the bench.  The Celtics can't win with Pierce on the bench.

Now will we see a Paul Pierce sighting in the 2nd half or will the "truth" be on the bench in foul trouble?  Even as the 3rd quarter begins, still no urgency.  Forget the Spurs, I'm bored by both teams right now. Neither seems to be playing like this isn't a big game and slowly this game is getting out of hand because the Heat are actually making some shots and nothing is falling for the Celtics.  17 point lead at the 10 minute mark.  Really? KG gets a technical for that?  So laughable!  Its not like this is the Pacers and Pistons playing.  Well at least the officiating is consistent at being terrible. I'm wanting Rondo to keep going like he was to end the half.  Just take over and take shots.  I want Rondo to go for 40+.  Especially how LeBron is playing.  Not like I care who wins this game.  I'm a Bulls fan.  I want an epic game.  A game where greatness was played and fans are left speechless.

It took Boston 9 minutes but they finally woke up and started playing.  The cut the lead to 10 then LeBron hits a 3.  He now has 39 and the Heat back up by 10 and it looks like they've are trying to set the cruise control button.  Ray Allen answers with a 2 but I think Boston is gaining momentum, down eleven.  Besides, outside of LeBron, the Heat haven't shown up.  No DWade at all.  Is this an illusion?  Is DWade gonna ride LeBron for 3 quarters then, like a good tag team, take over in the 4th?  Or will the Celtics realize that they are playing a one-trick pony right now?  The Celtics end the 3rd quarter with three bad possessions.  They didn't run any sort of offensive set and come away with no points.  Heat really on the boards and not allowing 2nd shots.  The Celtics have no body language.  The Heat are little more active but only LeBron is fully checked in.  LeBron with 41 & 10 after three quarters.

This game is over.  Can I have the last 3 hours back?  It was nice to see LeBron go off but the question of him showing up in the 4th quarter still is unanswered.  To his credit, he did make sure this  wasn't a game at any time in the 4th so that counts, doesn't it?  45 points, 15 board and 5 assists, what more did LeBron need to do?  Remember, DWade didn't show up.  Never mind the 17 & 8 he put up.  LeBron outscored the Big 3 of Boston 45-42.  LeBron let DWade save himself for Game 7.  One could argue that this is another way for LeBron to run from being held completely accountable for the failures and letdowns of the Heat for the past 2 years.  Yeah, I know that's a bit of a stretch.  What can I say, I don't like all the attention LeBron gets for having won nothing but I digress.  LeBron is a baller though.

Boston just missed shots.  They shot 42% from the field.  KG, Rondo and Pierce combined to shoot 39% from the field.  Most of the missed shots were from right at the rim.  I could understand if they were missed jumpers but you got to make those point blank shots.  That's like missing a dunk.  You just can't do that.  Its not like Miami was playing great defense.  For the most part, Boston got the shots they wanted, they just didn't hit them.  I'm not convinced the Celtics have packed it in.  The Heat must have stayed back in MIA.  No one saw LeBron playing like this tonight and no one thought the Celtics would play this bad. I believe this will go down as a bad game at the wrong time for the Celtics.  I don't expect LeBron to go for 45 & 15 either.  I do expect DWade to play better and wouldn't be surprised if Bosh has a huge game.  For this to be a great Game 7, the Big 3 of Boston need to show up.  Pierce has to be an impact player in Game 7.  Rondo needs to keep doing what he is doing and so does KG.  Limit the turnovers and attack the rim.  Play with a passion and with heart.  Regardless of who wins Game 7, it will be alot closer then Game 6 as long as both teams show up and play.  Remember, anything can happen in a Game 7.

D!