The Celtics built an 11-point halftime lead in the first game of their series with the Cavaliers before Cleveland came storming back to take Game 1, 101-93. So what the key to Boston winning Game 2, and heading back home with an even series? Easy: building an even bigger lead before the Cavaliers started their comeback. Oh, and that Rondo guy wasn’t bad either. From our CelticsBlog:
CelticsBlog: Keys To Game 2 Win Were Huge Lead, Rondo And Zombe ‘Sheed
So basically the key to beating the Cavs is to get such a large lead that when they go on their inevitable big run, it isn't enough to come all the way back and win. They had Celtics Nation very, very nervous during that 15 - 0 run in the fourth. Losing a 25 point lead would have been back breaking to say the least. But the Cavs never got it under 10 points and the C's found a way to put them away. [...]
... the other star of this game was Rajon Rondo. He tied Bob Cousy's playoff assist record with 19. He was the story of game 1 with his attacking and scoring but was criticized for passing too much late in the game. Suborn guy that he is, he came out in game 2 passing and facilitating and it proved to be the right formula for the win.
But it wasn’t just the big lead and strong play from Rondo. Boston’s Game 2 success can also be attributed to Zombie Sheed:
Make no mistake. Rasheed Wallace is dead. He died a few seasons ago and all that's been left is a corpse. With that said, every once in a while, the undead Sheed walks the earth, feeds on brains, and actually contributes to the team.
Tonight he was 3 - 3 from 3 point land in the first half for a total of 13 points. He even grabbed a couple of rebounds and only had 2 fouls. Doc wanted the bench to step up and they delivered, sparking an early lead headed into the half.
Update: Sheed finished with 17 improbable points. BRAINS!! He wants BRAINS!!!
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