NBA Finals 2012: LeBron James, Miami Heat Title, Thunder Loss A Blow For Boston Celtics

They were so close, less than one quarter away. Sadly, we can't change the past, and since the Boston Celtics could not stop LeBron James and the Miami Heat in the East Finals, the king finally got his ring.

NBA Finals 2012, Heat Vs. Thunder Game 5 Final Score: LeBron James Gets His Crown, Miami Wins NBA Title, 121-106

At last, the king finally has his crown. LeBron James silenced his critics once and for all, amassing 26 points, 13 assists and 11 rebounds as the Miami Heat beat the Oklahoma City Thunder, 121-106, in Game 5 to win the 2012 NBA Finals.

NBA Finals 2012: The NBA's Perception Problem And The Simple Solution

The NBA officials are at the forefront of the conversation once again as a crucial game was swung on a missed call. How do you end the perception that these games are fixed? The solution is actually pretty simple.

Ray Allen Injury Update: Celtics Guard Will Undergo Ankle Surgery Wednesday

Boston Celtics guard Ray Allen will undergo surgery Wednesday to remove bone spurs in his injured ankle. Allen called the procedure his "first priority" after the Celtics were eliminated in Game 7 of the 2012 NBA Eastern Conference Finals by the Miami Heat.

Ray Allen confirms to the Globe that he's having ankle surgery on Wednesday. The surgery will remove bone spurs #celtics

— gary washburn (@GwashNBAGlobe) June 12, 2012

Allen was hobbled throughout the 2012 NBA Playoffs because of his ankles. He was able to gut out the pain and turn in some strong performances late in the Heat series. There were times, especially early in the series, where the future hall of fame was clearly well below 100 percent, however.

Allen just finished up the second year of his two-year, $20 million contract.

For more on the Celtics check out the SB Nation blog CelticsBlog and stay tuned to SBN Boston.

Ray Allen Injury Update: Ankle Surgery Is Offseason Priority For Celtics Guard

Boston Celtics guard Ray Allen didn't give up any insight to his basketball future as it pertains to next season as the 36-year-old veteran hits the free agent market. What is apparent is that Allen's top priority is having surgery to repair bone spurs in his ankle that left him hobbled in the 2012 postseason.

This is what he had to say to ESPNBoston.com:

"That's my first priority, just going into surgery sometime," Allen said. "If I can do it tomorrow, I would do it tomorrow. That's probably my main concern right now, is taking care of that. My body feels good. That's been my only issue. After that, it's hard to say."

Allen's injury impacted his jump shot, which is perhaps the purest the game has ever seen. Still, he earned Allen earned $10 million this season in the final year of a two-year, $20 million deal that was inked following Boston's loss in the 2010 NBA Finals to the Los Angeles Lakers in seven games.

Read more about the Boston Celtics at CelticsBlog.

Thank You, Celtics. Thank You, Fans

NBA Playoffs 2012: Boston Celtics Didn't Achieve Goal, But Should Still Be Proud

Rajon Rondo and the Boston Celtics didn't accomplish their ultimate goal of winning another championship, but they should still be proud for fighting until the end and representing what it means to be a Celtic.

What's Next, Boston Celtics? Big Three Era Finally Comes To An End (Or Maybe Not)

The Big Three Era is over. Or, maybe not.

NBA Playoffs 2012, Celtics Vs. Heat Game 7 Final Score: Miami Outlasts Boston, 101-88, Returns To NBA Finals

LeBron James lived up to his reputation as a big-time scorer in Game 7's, and his 11-point fourth quarter put the cherry on top of the Miami Heat's 101-88 win over the Boston Celtics in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Saturday night at AmericanAirlines Arena in Miami, sending the Heat back to the NBA Finals for the second consecutive season.

James finished with 31 points on 9-of-21 shooting. Dwyane Wade finished with 23 points, Chris Bosh had 19 points (including three huge three pointers), Shane Battier scored 12, all on threes, and Mario Chalmers had nine points as Miami topped 50 percent shooting.

Rajon Rondo became the first player to record a triple-double in two Game 7's (he did so in the Eastern Conference Semifinals this year against the Philadelphia 76ers), totaling 22 points, 14 assists and 10 rebounds. Paul Pierce scored 19, Brandon Bass had 16 points, Kevin Garnett amassed 14 points and seven rebounds and Ray Allen tallied 15 points.

Miami's defense, coupled with Boston's porous perimeter defense, made it appear as if the Celtics were in for a long night early on, but after the Heat took a 12-10 lead, the Celts went on a 13-2 run to pull ahead by nine, 23-14, with 4:11 to go. Miami cut its deficit to two shortly thereafter, but a running jumper from Rondo pushed Boston's lead to 27-23 after twelve minutes. Allen made two threes in the quarter and led the Celtics with eight points. James also scored eight in the opening quarter for Miami, which had six turnovers.

Bass took control in the second quarter, scoring 10 to bring his halftime total up to 14 points (tied for a game-high with James, who scored six in the period). Pierce also scored eight, making two of three treys, but the key for the Celtics was their ability to go on a run with Garnett on the bench after picking up his third foul (an offensive foul) at the 7:08 mark. As soon as Garnett sat down, the Celtics went on a 14-4 run to capture a game-high 11 point lead (49-38 at 3:12). Bass scored all 10 of his points during the run, including a big dunk on a fast break over Wade. Miami would pull within five in the final minute, but Allen's layup with 22.8 seconds left gave the Celts a 53-46 edge, which would hold until the intermission.

The break cooled off the Celtics, as Miami opened the third on a 13-6 run and tied the game at 59 on a Wade jumper at 7:13. Garnett and Rondo traded buckets for Boston during the middle of the third, but Miami answered them step for step and would take a 67-66 lead with 3:30 remaining in the frame. Rondo would score the last seven points (he scored 10 in the period) for Boston, but Miami again answered, leading to a 73-73 tie after three quarters.

After three quarters of leading or staying close, Boston finally wilted in the fourth, and it wasn't a particularly graceful fall. Boston led 82-81 with 8:49 to play, and that was the last time they would lead this season. A dunk from James put the Heat up 83-82, and Miami would stretch its lead to as many as 13 points (twice), ending the Celtics' season.

Miami opens up the 2012 NBA Finals on Tuesday against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

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ANIMATED: Brandon Bass Throws Down Ferocious Dunk on Dwyane Wade

Brandon Bass, an unsung hero for the Celtics in their series against the Miami Heat, threw down one of the best dunks of the playoffs in the first half of Game Seven of the Eastern Conference Finals. With 3:15 remaining in the second quarter, Bass intercepted a pass by Dwyane Wade and proceeded to put down a monster two-handed jam over the aforementioned guard. Wade, who is averaging 1.4 blocks per game in the postseason, is known as one of the league's better shot-blocking perimeter players. Even still, he was unable to slow down Boston's power forward, who contributed 14 points on 5-7 shooting in the first half.

via assets.sbnation.com

This posterization of Wade is eerily similar to a dunk by Chicago's Taj Gibson in last year's Eastern Conference Finals (video here), who also slammed home a big-time two-hand jam on the Heat superstar.

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Celtics Vs. Heat Game 7 Halftime Score: Boston Leads Miami 53-46

The Boston Celtics entered Game Seven of the Eastern Conference Finals as 7.5 point underdogs against the Miami Heat, but outplayed their counterparts for the majority of the first half of Saturday night's deciding matchup, taking a 53-44 lead into the break.

The Celtics were paced by double-digit scoring numbers from Brandon Bass (14 points on 5-7 shooting including 4-4 from the charity stripe), Paul Pierce (13 points in 21 minutes of action) and Ray Allen (12 points of 4-6 shooting, including 2-3 on three-point attempts). Rajon Rondo controlled the tempo for Boston with ten assists and zero turnovers, and also contributed six points of his own.

The Heat were led by LeBron James, who scored 14 points and was 8-10 from the free throw line.

One point of concern for the Celtics going into the second half is Kevin Garnett's inability to stay on the floor--he played just 13 minutes and enters the third quarter with three fouls.

For 2012 NBA Playoffs news, visit our stream. For Celtics news, visit our team page and blog, CelticsBlog. For Heat news, visit SB Nation Tampa Bay and Peninsula Is Mightier.

ANIMATED: Rajon Rondo Inbounds Off Dwyane Wade's Back, Scores Easy Two

Rajon Rondo is known as one of the more creative offensive players in the NBA. Whether he's scoring or dishing it to Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen or another Boston teammate, Rondo has proven to be a challenge for Miami in the Eastern Conference Finals. In the early moments of Saturday's deciding Game Seven between the Celtics and Heat, Rondo showed just how much of a headache he can be for Miami defenders, inbounding the ball off of Dwyane Wade's back for an easy layup. The basket was Boston's first of the game, and served as the latest highlight-reel play in what has been a stellar postseason for Rondo and the rejuvenated Celtics, who are looking to advance to the NBA Finals for the third time since 2008.

via assets.sbnation.com

Former Celtics Center Jermaine O'Neal Heads To Germany For Treatment

NBA Playoffs 2012, Celtics Vs. Heat, Game 7: TV Schedule, Game Time And More

Kevin Garnett and the Boston Celtics continue their pursuit of an 18th championship as they face the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals on Saturday night in South Beach.

Event: Boston Celtics (11-8) vs. Miami Heat (11-6) - Eastern Conference Finals, Game 7.

Date/Time: Saturday, June 9, 2012 - 8:30 p.m. EST

Location: AmericanAirlines Arena (Capacity: 19,600), Miami, Florida.

Broadcast Info: Saturday's game between the Celtics and Heat will be televised nationally on ESPN. In addition, the game can be heard locally on the radio on the WEEI Sports Radio Network (93.7 FM/850 AM).

Odds: Miami is a 7 1/2-point favorite in Game 7 (per Bovada) on Saturday night.

Celtics Roster 2011-2012: Ray Allen, Brandon Bass, Avery Bradley, Marquis Daniels, Keyon Dooling, Kevin Garnett, Ryan Hollins, JaJuan Johnson, E'Twaun Moore, Sasha Pavlovic, Paul Pierce, Mickael Pietrus, Rajon Rondo, Greg Stiemsma, Sean Williams. Head Coach: Doc Rivers.

Heat Roster 2011-2012: Joel Anthony, Shane Battier, Chris Bosh, Mario Chalmers,Norris Cole, Eddy Curry, Terrel Harris, Udonis Haslem, Juwan Howard, LeBron James, James Jones, Mike Miller, Dexter Pittman, Ronny Turiaf, Dwyane Wade. Head Coach: Erik Spoelstra.

Injury Report: Boston - Avery Bradley (shoulder - out for season).

Regular Season Series: Boston won the regular-season series, 3-1. Miami won the first game against Boston, 115-107, but the Celtics would respond with three straight wins against the Heat, all in the month of April. Boston posted a statement 91-72 win on April 1 and closed out the season series with a 115-107 win and a 78-66 win later in the month.

Celtics, Heat In First Two Rounds: Boston defeated the Atlanta Hawks in six games in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals and survived a seven-game series against the Philadelphia 76ers in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Miami defeated the New York Knicks in five games in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals before eliminating the Indiana Pacers in six games last round in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

Playoff Stats: Kevin Garnett is the Celtics' playoff leader in scoring (19.5 PPG), rebounds (10.5 RPG) and blocks (1.5 BPG). Rajon Rondo leads the team in assists (11.8 APG) and steals (2.4 SPG). LeBron James leads the Heat in postseason scoring (30.8 PPG), rebounds (9.5 PRG), assists (5.3 APG), steals (2.0 SPG) and Dwyane Wade leads the team with 1.4 blocks per game.

Celtics Vs. Heat, Game 1: Miami did what was expected of it, blowing out Boston, 93-79, in the opening game of the Eastern Conference Finals. Boston was able to hang around for one half, but the Heat would be too much for the Celtics to handle in the second half. LeBron James scored 32 points and had 13 rebounds.

Celtics Vs. Heat, Game 2: Rajon Rondo dazzled with a career night, scoring 44 points and dishing out 10 assists, but Miami survived in a high scoring affair, winning 115-111 in overtime, to take a 2-0 series lead. LeBron James had 34 points in the Heat victory.

Celtics Vs. Heat, Game 3: LeBron James again topped the 30-point plateau, but the Celtics responded with a statement 101-91 victory to cut their series deficit to 2-1. Kevin Garnett had 24 points and 11 rebounds, Paul Pierce scored 23 and Rajon Rondo amassed 21 points and 10 assists.

Celtics Vs. Heat, Game 4: Paul Pierce and LeBron James both fouled out in overtime, and the Celtics survived 93-91 in the extra period to even the series. Pierce finished with 23 points and Kevin Garnett had 17 points and 14 rebounds. LeBron James finished with 29 points.

Celtics Vs. Heat, Game 5: Paul Pierce shook off a poor game and delivered the potential series dagger, burying a three over LeBron James with 52 seconds left to help Boston top Miami 94-90 to take a 3-2 series lead. LeBron James scored 30 and Dwyane Wade totaled 27 points.

Celtics Vs. Heat, Game 6: LeBron James put the Heat on his back, scoring a playoff-high 45 points to carry Miami to a 98-79 win in Game 6, evening up the series at 3-3. Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett were virtual no-shows, with KG scoring 10 and Pierce scoring nine. Rajon Rondo had 21 points and 10 assists.

Prediction: Game 7's are hard to predict, but with the Heat stealing momentum back in Game 6 and Game 7 being played on their home court, well, advantage Heat. Final Score: Heat 96, Celtics 91.

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NBA Playoffs 2012, Celtics Vs. Heat, Game 7: All Or Nothing In Miami

It's do or die time, folks. Six games into the Eastern Conference Finals, we're gridlocked at 3-3. You know what that means. Game 7, baby. Kevin Garnett and the Boston Celtics will try to knock off LeBron James and the pesky Miami Heat in a game that will send one team to the NBA Finals and the other to the golf course. Doesn't get much better than this.

Of course, the Celtics wouldn't have needed to play a Game 7 if they had only taken care of business at home on Thursday night. LeBron James had other plans, though, and they included scoring 45 points, grabbing 15 rebounds and dishing out five assists to lead the Heat to a 98-79 win in Game 6, sending the series back to Miami for one final hurrah.

Lots of people were impressed by LeBron's game, and Doc Rivers was one of them.

"I hope now you guys will stop talking about LeBron and that he doesn't play in big games," said Rivers, the Celtics' coach. "He was pretty good [in Game 6]. Now that's to bed."

But all of that is in the past now. For all intents and purposes, the East Finals are just a best-of-one. Win, and meet the Oklahoma City Thunder. Lose, and be full of regret all offseason (or in some players' cases, the rest of their lives). It's the nature of the game.

Boston has been here before, of course. In fact, the Celtics have played in more Game 7's than any other team in basketball history. They've played in 28 of them, winning 21. Not too shabby. They have even won one this postseason, disposing of the Philadelphia 76ers in a seventh game last round. Still, it won't be easy. Nothing ever is with this basketball team.

"Nothing's been easy up until this point," said Kevin Garnett. "You know, cant expect it now. It is what it is. We're going to take these cards and play them. Lot of confident guys in here, lot of guys who've been through Game 7's, lot of experienced guys. We're going to lean on that. And we're going to fight. A bunch of fighters in this locker room."

"Adversity has been our theme," added reserve guard ...er, excuse me, unofficial team reverend Keyon Dooling. "We're confident and we feel like we can win in Miami. We know it's going to take a team effort. It's going to take a lot of aggressiveness, and we just have to go out there and grind it out the way we know we are capable of."

That's certainly what you like to hear. Now, it's time for the Celtics to put up or shut up.

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2012 NBA Playoffs, Heat Vs. Celtics Game 7: Game Time, TV Schedule And More

The Boston Celtics head to Miami for game seven of the Eastern Conference Finals, a showdown with the Heat with the winner moving on to the Finals to face the Oklahoma City Thunder.

NBA Store Advertising Oklahoma City Thunder 'Beat The Heat' T-Shirts

2012 NBA Playoffs, Celtics Vs. Heat: Doc Rivers Tells Team To 'Pack For A Week'

LeBron James eviscerated the Boston Celtics in game six of the Eastern Conference Finals, forcing a game seven. However; Doc Rivers hasn't lost confidence in his team. Following the loss, he told the Celtics not just to pack for Saturday's game seven, but games one and two of the NBA Finals.

"They're not just going to pack for [Game 7]," Rivers said of his team. "They're going to bring suits for Tuesday and they're going to bring suits for Thursday. And that's the way we're going to plan to do it."

Adding the cherry on top, Rivers wrote 'Pack For A Week' on the blackboard in the Celtics home locker room.

Game seven is scheduled for Saturday, June 9, at 8:30 EST.

For 2012 NBA Playoffs news, visit our stream. For Celtics news, visit our team page and blog, CelticsBlog. For Heat news, visit SB Nation Tampa Bay and Peninsula Is Mightier.

NBA Playoffs 2012, Celtics Vs. Heat: LeBron's Historic Performance Downs Celtics, Forces Game 7

The Miami Heat defeated the Boston Celtics on Thursday night, forcing a game seven in the Eastern Conference Finals. The game started and ended with LeBron James, who recorded only the second 45 point, 15 rebound, 5 assist game in NBA Playoff history.

The folks at Celtics Blog describe his performance as one of the greatest anyone has ever seen.

All you who said LeBron didn't have that championship mindset, that he didn't have it in him to lead, that he'd shrivel up and die in the face of the elimination-game pressure: LeBron heard you. All of you. He internalized your words, he bottled up all his anger, and he unleashed it for 48 minutes in one of the greatest performances Boston -- or any other city on the planet, for that matter -- had ever seen.

For 2012 NBA Playoffs news, visit our stream. For Celtics news, visit our team page and blog, CelticsBlog. For Heat news, visit SB Nation Tampa Bay and Peninsula Is Mightier.

NBA Playoffs 2012: LeBron James Remind Us All Why He's The MVP As Heat Crush Celtics

Go right ahead and make fun of LeBron James all you want. Call him a choker, or a quitter. Yet when LeBron is on top of his game, there's no doubt that he is the greatest basketball player on the planet, a fact he proved again on Thursday night.

NBA Playoffs 2012, Celtics Vs. Heat: Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett Virtual No-Shows In Game 6 Loss

BOSTON - Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce have been at the front and center of the Boston Celtics pursuit of their 18th championship banner this postseason. The two are the team's playoff leaders in scoring, and each have provided their own punch in the 18 playoff games the Celtics had played coming into Game 6 against the Miami Heat on Thursday night.

Unfortunately, the Celtics' star duo was nowhere to be found, and their virtual no-show cost the C's a chance to eliminate the Miami Heat in their 98-79 loss that tied the Eastern Conference Finals at 3-3 heading into Game 7 on Saturday night down in South Beach.

Garnett finished with 12 points on 6-of-14 shooting and five rebounds in 31 minutes and Pierce couldn't find his shooting touch, missing 14 of 18 shots to finish with nine points.

"I don't know," said Celtics head coach Doc Rivers when asked if he saw anything different about Garnett and Pierce in the Game 6 loss. "We clearly didn't have the right energy. Like I said, you never know why. Obviously, they came and they wanted to have it."

Rivers credited LeBron James, who had 45 points (30 in first half) for wearing them down.

"Listen, when a guy comes out and throws a barrage on you like that, that takes some energy out of you, and maybe it's as simple as that," Rivers said. "I don't think so, but you just never know."

Garnett echoed his coach, somewhat, saying that his team was amped, maybe too amped.

"Some shots didn't fall that we know we can make," Garnett said. "Everybody in here was pumped up. Everybody was probably too jacked. Didn't transcend in to a win, though."

Ray Allen (10 points) was also baffled by the disappearance of the Celtics' biggest stars.

"It's hard to say, it's hard to say," said Allen. "I know you look at field-goal percentage, they started the game the way they wanted to offensively. We didn't. Again, we make it easy on ourselves when we move the ball around. When we find the easy shot, get into the second and third option. At this point it's Game 6, they know everything we're running as well as we know what they're running. So the small little plays we've been getting and the things they're getting, you're grabbind scratching and clawing for that guy not to get it.

"At this point we have to get to the second and third option, and sometimes the fourth option. It's the difference of getting a rebound. It seems like we got the 50-50 ball in Game 5. Tonight we didn't get into our stuff. We didn't develop or build our own rhythm."

Garnett and Pierce will have one day to get their acts together, with Game 7 being played on Saturday night at AmericanAirlines Arena in South Beach. It's a safe assessment that, if these two players have similar games in Game 7 as they did Thursday night, the Celtics may have played their last home game of the Big Three era. Hopefully, that isn't the case.

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Celtics Vs. Heat, Game 6: LeBron James Has Beer Poured On Him After win

LeBron James dominated the Boston Celtics in Game 6 of the 2012 NBA Eastern Conference Finals on Thursday night, scoring 45 points with 15 rebounds and five assists in arguably one of the best performance of his career. Naturally the Miami Heat won, 98-79, to force a Game 7 on Saturday night. The series won't be heading back to Boston, which may be a good thing considering the way James was treated after the game.

Presumably that's beer spraying through the mesh as James was leaving the court. Earlier, with minutes left in the fourth quarter, a woman tossed the ball away from James as he held his arms out to take the ball for an inbound pass. The latter is a little sillier, though both are poor examples of how decent adults are usually expected to behave.

Unfortunately, it wasn't a great night for Boston, on the court and off.

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ANIMATED: Celtics Fan Not Fond Of LeBron James And His Stupid Basketball

NBA Playoffs 2012, Celtics Vs. Heat Game 6 Final Score: LeBron James Scores 45, Miami Torches Boston, 98-78

BOSTON - LeBron James put together arguably the best postseason performance in his career, thrashing the Boston Celtics for 45 points en route to a big-time 98-79 win in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Thursday night at TD Garden. Miami's victory evened up the series at 3-3, and Game 7 will be played on Saturday evening in Miami.

"He was absolutely fearless tonight, and it was contagious," said Heat coach Erik Spoelstra. "The way he approached the last 48 hours, and not only LeBron, but everybody else. It wasn't end of the world. Nobody likes getting thrown dirt on your face before you're not even dead. But he showed great resolve the last day before you get to this point. And you could see it leading up to that. But he was fearless in the game, and everybody followed."

Dwyane Wade finished with 17 points for Miami, but struggled mightily for the majority of the game. Mario Chalmers scored nine, Shane Battier tallied eight points and Chris Bosh had seven points and six rebounds off the Heat bench. Miami shot 48.7 percent in the win.

"It was a must‑win game for us to continue our season," said James. "I'm happy we were able to put together a complete game for the first time this series. We were close in Game 1. We played really good in Game 1. Since then we hadn't played a complete game that we're capable of doing. So that's what I'm more excited about than anything, that we finally put a 48‑minute game together. It allowed us to win this game, a game we had to have."

Rajon Rondo had a fantastic first half, amassing 19 points, but finished the game with 21 points and 10 assists. Kevin Garnett and Brandon Bass each had 12 points, Ray Allen scored 10 and Paul Pierce was nowhere to be found, scoring nine points on 4-of-18 shooting from the field and was 0-of-6 from three-point range. Boston shot 42.7 percent.

"It was tough," Pierce said about the loss. "You got an opportunity to close out the series on your home floor. For us to come out and play like the way we did, it's very tough. I mean, you've got take your hats off to them. They really had a great game. LeBron got hot, playing like a true MVP tonight. We just didn't recover."

Miami played with some fire in the first quarter, capitalized by an emphatic dunk from James to put the Heat up 8-4 early. As the often do, the Celtics kept their composure and answered with four straight points to tie the game, but Miami would again take a four-point lead, 12-8, at the first timeout with 5:29 left in the opening period. James continued his hot play in the first, and a contested three brought his point total up to 12 and gave the Heat a 22-12 lead. Rondo answered on the other end with an acrobatic layup, throwing the ball off the backboard and in and drawing the foul.

Miami didn't let off the gas pedal, keeping the Celtics at arms length, leading 26-14 entering the final minute of the frame. A pair of Rondo free throws made it a 10-point game again, and Wade missed a fading two at the buzzer to end the quarter. James scored 14 in the period for Miami. Boston made just 7-of-17 field goals and had five turnovers in the first.

Wade started the second quarter off with a quick jumper, and Miami kept the double-digit lead up for several minutes until Allen hit a corner three after a pass from Dooling, who had an open lane to the hoop but passed out last second, making it a 30-23 deficit for Boston. James proceeded to take over the game, and Miami built its biggest lead of the game, 36-23. The Heat got the lead up to 15 points, 45-30, but Boston kept plugging along and brought it back down to 10, 45-35, with 2:58 left before halftime thanks to several key buckets from Bass. James and the Heat would keep the high level of play up for the final three minutes and led 55-42 at halftime. James had 30 points and Rondo had 19 points.

Desperately in need of a big quarter, all the Celtics could muster was a 19-19 draw in the third. Boston was able to cut the lead to 10 points on two occasions, but another good quarter from James (11 points on 5 of 8 shooting) kept Miami's lead in the double-digits all throughout the period, and the Heat led 74-61 through three. Miami sealed the deal quickly in the fourth, as a 9-4 run to start the frame (with two straight baskets from Wade) put the game away. Boston pulled its starters soon after, officially conceding the victory to Miami.

"It was a matter of too much LeBron," said Celtics coach Doc Rivers. "He was absolutely sensational. Made every shot, set the tone for their whole team. I thought he gave them comfort in the way he played tonight."

Now, instead of prepping for the NBA Finals, the Celtics have a day to prepare for Game 7.

AUDIO: Doc Rivers Postgame (6-7-12) | AUDIO: Erik Spoelstra Postgame (6-7-12)

For 2012 NBA Playoffs news, visit our stream. For Celtics news, visit our team page and blog, CelticsBlog. For Heat news, visit SB Nation Tampa Bay and Peninsula Is Mightier.

Celtics Vs. Heat, Game 6: LeBron James T'd Up, Celtics Down 74-61 Going Into 4th

LeBron James has been sensational Thursday in Game 6 between the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat. After three quarters, he has 41 points on 17-for-22 shooting, and his team is up 74-61 with just 12 minutes to play. He lost his cool for a moment late in the period, however, earning a technical after slamming the ball on the floor following a Rajon Rondo steal and layup.

You could argue that James didn't deserve such a stiff penalty. Jeff Van Gundy did on ESPN. Either way, the play was indicative of the nastiness James has been playing with throughout the game. He has been scoring every which way, and scowling more often than he should if he hopes to avoid wrinkles later in life.

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Celtics Vs. Heat, Game 6: Brandon Bass Slams Home Paul Pierce Miss

Brandon Bass came through with the highlight of the second half so far, coming up with a monster slam off a Paul Pierce miss. Bass is having himself a fine night, despite the fact that the Boston Celtics find themselves down 72-61 with 2:09 to play in the third quarter of Game 6 of the 2012 NBA Eastern Conference Finals against the Miami Heat. He scored his 11th and 12 points of the night on this play:

Bass' 5-for-8 shooting has helped counteract Paul Pierce's ugly 3-for-14 start Thursday night. Dwyane Wade has been bailed out of his 2-for-10 performance by LeBron James' 39 (!) points, but at least he has been able to work on his special teams, or whatever you want to call this:

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VIDEO: Rajon Rondo Fouled In Game 6, Does Knuckle Ups

Celtics Vs. Heat, Game 6 Halftime Score: Boston Down 55-42Heading Into 3rd Quarter

The Boston Celtics are down 55-43 to the Miami Heat on Thursday night in Game 6 of the 2012 NBA Eastern Conference Finals at TD Garden. LeBron James has been downright unstoppable at times, scoring 30 of Miami's 55 points. He is 12-for-14 from the floor. The rest of the Heat are just 9-for-25.

The Celtics haven't played poorly. They would like to be shooting better than 1-for-7 from beyond the 3-point arc and nine turnovers is uncharacteristic of them. Rajon Rondo has five of those turnovers, but he also has been spectacular around the rim, scoring on a number of crafty layups in the lane. He leads Boston with 19 points on 7-for-10 from the floor.

Brandon Bass (eight points, 3-for-5 shooting) and Kevin Garnett (eight points on 4-for-8) have played well, making up for a slow start for Paul Pierce (just 1-for-4 shooting).

James has been been the difference so far Thursday night. Boston will need to slow him down first and foremost if they hope to make their way back into the game.

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Celtics Vs. Heat, Game 6: LeBron James Off To Hot Start, Miami Leads 36-23 Midway Through 2nd

The Miami Heat lead the Boston Celtics, 36-23, midway through the second quarter of Game 6 of the 2012 NBA Eastern Conference Finals, thanks in large part LeBron James incredibly hot start. The forward is 8-for-9 from the field to lead all players with 18 points and several high-flying highlights like this slam.

The Celtics are, unsurprisingly, getting quality minutes from Rajon Rondo yet again. The point guard has 10 points to go with two rebounds, two assists and two steals. Kevin Garnett has six points on 3-for-7 shooting, and Ray Allen has five including this 3-pointer:

Chris Bosh has played seven minutes for the Heat so far, scoring four. The Celtics struggled to guard him with Greg Stiemsma, who has played just four minutes.

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Celtics Vs. Heat: Erik Spoelstra Says Miami Is 'Confident, Stubborn'

BOSTON - Erik Spoelstra said more than he usually does during his pregame address to the media prior to Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals between his Miami Heat and the Boston Celtics, who lead the series 3-2. Spoelstra started his press conference out by saying that everyone on the team is good to for Game 6 -- including forward Chris Bosh, who returned in Game 5 after missing nine straight games with an abdominal injury.

"I don't think he'll be able to play his normal load, particularly the pace and how competitive and how physical the series is," Spoelstra said about Bosh. "It probably won't be a normal rotation. He'll probably play this amount of minutes, sit for this amount of minutes, you know you're going to sit that many. I'd like to play him to the point where he's not fighting through exhaustion, give him a break -- it might be a shorter break than normal -- get him back in there and let him do that, two or three times in a half."

That being said, Bosh will not have a minutes restriction, and Spoelstra said he isn't afraid to put him out there against the Celtics' Kevin Garnett, who has carried the C's throughout much of their championship run this season, averaging a double-double in the postseason.

"We're not afraid of matchups, by any means" Spoelstra said. "But [KG] has to be guarded."

Miami started the series with two close victories, but hasn't been able to close out on Boston since, and is now facing elimination Thursday night. Even after giving away three straight games, Spoelstra says his team is ready to go.

"We have a very confident group. We have a very stubborn group," Spoelstra said. "Despite all the noise out there, we feel that we should have won the last two games. We didn't, that's the result, but we did enough to win those two games. We know we can win in this building. Everybody in that locker room is looking forward to this opportunity right now."

AUDIO: Erik Spoelstra Pregame Interview (Celtics Vs. Heat, Game 6, 6-7-12)

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Chris Bosh Injury Update: No Minute Restrictions For Miami Heat Forward In Game 6

Miami Heat forward Chris Bosh will have no minute restrictions Thursday night during Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals, his second game since returning from a lower-abdominal injury.

Bosh playing without minute restrictions tonight. "It's put up or shut up," he said.

— Joseph Goodman (@MiamiHeraldHeat) June 7, 2012

Bosh was effective offensively during Game 5, scoring nine points to go with seven rebounds in only 14 minutes. But he looked lost on defense at times, including once when he double-teamed Keyon Dooling off the ball while Kevin Garnett rolled to the hoop for a dunk.

Coach Erik Spoelstra kept Bosh on the bench during crunch time as Boston stole a 94-90 victory, saying afterward it would not have been "fair" to Bosh to insert him into such a key situation.

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Boston Celtics Over The Hill, But Not Through The Woods Yet

The bulk of the journey is behind the Boston Celtics, at least when it comes to their Eastern Conference Finals series with the Miami Heat, but make no mistake, there's still work to be done to get to the Finals.

NBA Playoffs 2012, Celtics Vs. Heat, Game 6: Boston On Brink Of Bouncing LeBron, Miami

One win away from bringing down the giants of the East, the Boston Celtics return home to battle LeBron James and the Miami Heat in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

The stakes are clear. Win, and return to the NBA Finals. Lose, and the road gets tougher.

Boston has tied its longest winning streak of the postseason, responding to an 0-2 series hole against Miami by rattling off two straight victories at TD Garden and tacking on another after a wild fourth quarter at AmericanAirlines Arena, giving the Celtics a 3-2 series lead.

James had 30 points and Dwyane Wade scored 27 points, but it was a three-pointer with 52 seconds left in the fourth from Paul Pierce (19 points) that put the nail in the coffin and powered Boston to a 94-90 win in Game 5 on Tuesday. Kevin Garnett put together another masterpiece with 26 points and 11 rebounds. Ray Allen and Mickael Pietrus both notched 13 points and Rajon Rondo was held to seven points, but had 13 assists and six rebounds.

Garnett has been producing at 2007-08 levels, when he first joined the Celtics. Garnett is averaging 19.9 points and 10.8 rebounds through 18 postseason games and has accrued 13 double-doubles. Pierce (19.4 PPG) and Rondo (16.8 PPG, 11.9 APG, 6.7 RPG) have also been productive. Brandon Bass and Allen are also averaging double-digit scoring.

James and Wade have, unsurprisingly, had success in the playoffs. James is averaging 29.9 points in the postseason and 31.8 points and 10.0 rebounds in the East Finals. Wade is averaging 23.3 points this postseason and 22.0 points in five games against Boston.

Should the Celtics win in Game 6, they would advance to the third NBA Finals of the new Big Three era, and their opponent will be the Oklahoma City Thunder, who eliminated the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference Finals with a 107-99 win in Game 6.

Tip off is at 8:30 p.m. EST on Thursday night. The game will be aired on ESPN and WEEI.

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NBA Playoffs 2012: Oklahoma City Thunder Win, Advance To NBA Finals

The Boston Celtics and the Miami Heat are still battling it out in the NBA Eastern Conference Finals to see who will advance to the championship. Things are more settled in the Western Conference. The Oklahoma City Thunder finished off the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night, giving them a 4-2 series win.

Oklahoma City won by a final score of 107-99 in the sixth game of the series. Kevin Durant scored 34 points in the game; it was the game in the series in which he topped 30 points. He also had 14 rebounds. Russell Westbrook had 25 points as the other half of the Thunder's seemingly unstoppable duo.

Whichever team from the East gets to face the Thunder, their chief task will be containing that duo.

For 2012 NBA Playoffs news, visit our stream. For Celtics news, visit our team page and blog, CelticsBlog. For Heat news, visit SB Nation Tampa Bay and Peninsula Is Mightier. For more on the Thunder visit Welcome to Loud City.

Celtics Vs. Heat: Mickael Pietrus Finally Has His Playoff Moment

Mickael Pietrus was more apt to make you groan than cheer as of late. The always entertaining Boston Celtics reserve hadn't exactly been tearing it up on the court. Entering the Celtics' game against the Miami Heat on Tuesday night, Pietrus had done practically nothing on the offensive end in the series, with the exception of some big offensive boards in Game 4, and had mustered a mere five points in four games on 1-for-9 shooting.

Pietrus turned the tables in Game 5, though, scoring 13 points off the bench -- including two critical three-pointers in the fourth quarter -- to help lead Boston to a 94-90 win and a 3-2 series lead in the Eastern Conference Finals. Pietrus was 5-of-8 from the field in the game, making the same number of field goals as he did in the past six playoff games combined.

Both of Pietrus' big threes came in the corner, and both were wide open. Of course, even wide open looks haven't assured a Pietrus make during his Celtics tenure, so for Pietrus to step up in the clutch and make both was huge. No doubt, they were game changers.

The first trey came with 6:01 left in the quarter and brought Boston within three, 78-75, after Miami had pulled ahead for a six-point lead. The second, part of which Celtics coach Doc Rivers called the play of the game, came after Brandon Bass went up for a dunk, but was rejected by Dwyane Wade. Rajon Rondo then jumped up for a heroic one-handed tip pass to Pietrus, who drained the open look with 2:11 to go, giving the Celts an 85-83 lead.

"When Rondo took the rebound and kicked it out to me, I knew I had to take a shot and make it, and that's what I did" said Pietrus.

Rivers knows his swingman well, and he didn't doubt Pietrus on behalf of his experience. Even though Pietrus hasn't had a lot of playoff success in Boston, he was a key member of the Orlando Magic's run to the NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers back in 2009.

"The one thing you know about MP is he's going to shoot it," Rivers said. "You know, he's been down this road before. He played with Orlando, made big shots, had great defensive stops, very comfortable. The thing I love, he didn't hesitate on either [three]. He kind of actually slowed down a little bit to gather himself and took two big threes for us."

Beyond the clutch abilities of Pietrus, Rivers credited Rondo for his presence of mind.

"I thought the play that Rondo made was absolutely sensational to get MP the one three," said Rivers. "It was a long rebound on a blocked shot, and Rondo not only saved it, but he saved it toward one of our shooters. I thought that was the biggest play of the game."

"It's just the will," Rondo said. "I think I just try to find us the will to win. The ball came out, D-Wade made a block on Bass' dunk, I saw Pietrus out of the corner of my eye, and I just tried to tap it to him as soon as possible because I knew LeBron [James] was coming."

Pietrus said that he received encouragement from a former Celtic on Monday. A big one.

"Yesterday, I got a text from Shaq[uille O'Neal]," Pietrus said. "He was telling me keep believing and keep playing. So that's what I did."

Now with a 3-2 series lead in hand, Pietrus and the suddenly red-hot Celtics will look to bring an end to the Heat's season when they host Miami for Game 6 on Thursday night.

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NBA Playoffs 2012, Heat Vs. Celtics: Blogger Reaction To Game 5

The Boston Celtics are one win away from the NBA Finals after defeating the Miami Heat for the third straight game 94-90 in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

Give Boston credit, it never quit even when faced with an 0-2 hole. Now, the Celtics have a chance to close out LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and friends at the TD Garden on Thursday night.

Over on Celticsblog.com, Jeff Clark sums up the game perfectly:

Nobody could hit a shot in the first quarter but Brandon Bass kept them in the game with ...yup, you guessed it, grit and hard work. Rajon Rondo's shot was way off tonight, so he made up for it with great passing, in particular by feeding Kevin Garnett over and over. Then how about Mickael Pietrus doing his best James Posey impression with huge hustle plays and dagger three pointers?

The team defense knuckled down and got stops time and time again. James got his 30, Wade got his 27, but nobody else registered double figures. Gotta give some bigtime credit to Doc Rivers who, once again, was masterful with rotations, mixing up schemes, perfectly timed timeouts, plays out of the huddle, the whole nine yards.

Then in the 4th quarter when the Celtics needed buckets, they got a clutch three pointer from Paul Pierce and clutch free throws from Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett.

With the NBA Finals looming in the future, it's not hard to imagine the sound that will be emanating from TD Garden before and during Game 6.

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2012 NBA Playoffs, Heat Vs. Celtics: General Reaction on Game 5

After Game Two, the Boston Celtics were given up for dead by most, expected to lose to the Miami Heat in short order.

My oh my, how things have changed.

Boston is now one win away from the NBA Finals, potentially the third trip for this core and easily the most unlikely. However, a gutty 94-90 Game 5 victory in the Eastern Conference Finals has people talking about it as a real possibility.

Brian Windhorst of ESPN.com shares his feelings on the matter:

James and Wade are back at the brink of falling short from achieving their title promise again after the Celtics won their third straight Eastern Conference finals game, 94-90. It's so tempting to train the blame revolver at them and coach Erik Spoelstra for a series that has completely gone off the rails. But that wouldn't be fair to the team that's ahead.

The Celtics have clearly been the better team since a Game 1 loss, which they played less than 48 hours after their previous series ended. Given time to collect themselves and prepare their game plan, the veteran group has completely outclassed the Heat and sent the message that the dagger Miami thought it dropped last year was not a fatal blow.

It will be fascinating to see how LeBron James and Dwyane Wade respond to this challenge. Do they rise up and meet it head on or falter, once again failing to leave up to their potential?

For more on the Celtics, please be sure to check out our site Celtics Blog and SB Nation Boston for all the latest news and updates.

NBA Playoffs 2012: Paul Pierce Adds Another Game-Winner To His Masterpiece Collection

Paul Pierce has had his fair share of game-winners over the course of his career, and the captain of the Boston Celtics added another one to his masterpiece collection when he buried a three to slay the Heat.

Boston Celtics Continue To Prove Us All Wrong At Every Turn

Kevin Garnett and the Boston Celtics have gone from two games under .500 at the All-Star break to one win away from the third NBA Finals trip of the new Big Three era, and all throughout this magical journey, they've had quite a lot of naysayers.

Paul Pierce Has Choice Words For Miami Heat After Hitting Game 5 3-Pointer

NBA Playoffs 2012, Celtics Vs. Heat Game 5 Final Score: Paul Pierce, Boston Slay Miami, 94-90

When you have to win, you have to win. With the series tied 2-2, the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat were in desperate need of a Game 5 win that would put them in the driver's seat in their Eastern Conference Finals series, which evolved to a best-of-three series.

LeBron James scored 30, Dwyane Wade had 27, but Paul Pierce had the three big ones.

Pierce, with the series hanging in the balance and the Celtics holding an 87-86 lead, stepped up to the arc for a three-pointer right in the face of LeBron. It was good, and after some intentional fouls and a pair of big free throws from Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett, the Celtics socked the Heat in the gut with a 94-90 win to take a series-shifting 3-2 series lead.

"It's kind of hard to say [what I was thinking]," Pierce said about his big three. "In those situations, things are going so fast, you kind of play on instincts. I saw [LeBron] back up, he gave me a step, I knew it was in my range, the shot clock was winding down and I just took the shot. You know, that's just being in those moments so many times and understanding what your team needs and being able to concentrate and get the best shot for us. I thought that was the best shot. Once I saw him back up, I was able to knock it down."

Pierce finished with 19 points, including eight in the fourth quarter, and Garnett had eight in the final frame to finish with 26 points and 11 rebounds to pace the Boston offensive attack. Ray Allen finished with 13 points, Brandon Bass had 10 points and Rajon Rondo amassed seven points and 13 assists. Mickael Pietrus played by far his best game of the postseason, scoring 13 -- including a monumental corner three in the fourth -- to lead the bench scoring. Boston shot just 40.7 percent and was well under 40 percent at halftime.

"We're just hanging in there," said Celtics head coach Doc Rivers. "Man, I'll tell you -- they jumped on us at the beginning of the game. We just told our guys, just hang in there, just hang in there. Don't overreact, hang in there. The longer we're in the game, the better we'll play. It was really nice. Our guys, I thought our execution down the stretch, defensively and offensively, the different lineups we threw out on the floor, the going back to man and zone with guys that hadn't been in those positions. I've got to say, I asked a lot of our guys -- maybe too much honestly, at times -- and they came through. That was terrific."

Offense didn't come easily for the Celtics in the first quarter, as they shot 30 percent as a team (6-for-20) and fell behind the Heat -- who shot 52.6 percent (10-for-19) in the frame -- 24-16 after one period. James and Wade led Miami with seven points a piece in the quarter, and Chris Bosh was effective with five points in five minutes off the bench. Pierce led the Celtics with six points in the first, but he was 2-for-6 from the field. Rondo played nearly ten minutes in the period, and he didn't score (he missed all five shots) and had only one assist.

Boston didn't play that much better in the second quarter, shooting 36.4 percent, but Miami was even worse, shooting 22.7 percent, and that allowed the Celtics to outscore the Heat, 24-18, to pull within two points at halftime, 42-40. Garnett and Bass each had six points in the quarter to lead Boston, while James did Miami's scoring, tallying 11 points. James had 18 points at halftime to lead all scorers and Bosh amassed nine points and six rebounds (five offensive) in the half. Bass' strong second quarter brought him up to a team-leading 10 points at the break. Rondo had three points, four assists and three turnovers in the half.

It looked like the Heat were about to break away from the Celtics early in the third quarter, going on a 9-0 run that gave them a 59-50 edge at the six minute mark. Finally, the Celtics woke up and closed the quarter out on a 15-1 run after a James free throw run and scored the last 11 points of the quarter to take a 65-60 lead into the final frame. Garnett came up big in the third, scoring 10 on 4-of-6 shooting in seven and a half minutes and Rondo had five assists. Wade scored six, but James had three points on 1-of-7 shooting as the Heat collectively shot 35 percent compared to Boston's 52.6 percent shooting in the quarter.

"It was just a matter of time," Rondo said about the third quarter run. "My teammates told me to keep attacking. I made some mistakes I usually don't make, missed a lot of shots I usually make, but that's irrelevant. We stuck with it, and my teammates believed in me."

What ensued was quite possibly the most dramatic fourth quarter in recent memory, with Boston and Miami going toe to toe all the way through. Gridlocked at 85 after a Wade free throw with 1:39 to play, the Celtics closed out the game on a 9-5 run, filled with plenty of grit and heart. Pierce got to the basket for two free throws with 1:34 left, both of which he sank, but two free throws from Udonis Haslem again brought the game within one, 87-86. Then, Paul Pierce, with 52 seconds to go, hit his three. Boom. Wade would make two free throws and James had a layup, but the free throws from Allen and Garnett sealed the big win.

"Nobody played well, except for KG and Pietrus," said Rondo, who recorded 10 or more assists for the 14th time this postseason but failed to reach 10 points for just the third time in these playoffs. "But other than that, we kept fighting and we found a way to get the win."

Boston will try to punch its ticket to the 2012 NBA Finals in Game 6 on Thursday night.

AUDIO: Doc Rivers Postgame (6-5-12) | AUDIO: Rondo/Pierce/Pietrus Postgame (6-5-12)

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NBA Playoffs 2012, Celtics Vs. Heat Game 5: Boston Takes 3-2 Series Lead With 94-90 Win

The Boston Celtics took a 3-2 series lead in the 2012 NBA Eastern Conference Finals with a 94-90 win over the Miami Heat on Tuesday night. Kevin Garnett was spectacular all night, leading the team with 26 points on 11-for-20 shooting, and 11 rebounds.

Paul Pierce struggled throughout the night, but made arguably the shot of the game with a big 3-pointer over LeBron James to give the Celtics a four-point lead, 90-86, with just 52 seconds to play. Pierce finished with 19 points, but went 6-for-19 shooting to get there.

James led all players with 30 points and 13 rebounds, and Dwyane Wade pitched in 27 points of his own. The Heat are still struggling to find a third scorer, however. Chris Bosh came off the bench to score nine points in 12 minutes.

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Celtics Vs. Heat, Game 5: Paul Pierce Hits 3-Pointer Over LeBron James, Give Boston 4-Point Lead Late

Paul Pierce hit a 3-pointer over LeBron James to give the Boston Celtics a four-point lead, 90-86, with just 52 seconds to play in the fourth quarter of Game 5 of the 2012 NBA Eastern Conference Finals. The shot could ultimately prove to be a dagger for the Miami Heat.

Pierce has been spotty all night, but if the Celtics pull out the win it will be hard to argue against that shot being the play of Tuesday night's game.

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Celtics Vs. Heat, Game 5: Kevin Garnett Dunk Highlights 11-0 Boston Run To End 3rd Quarter

The Boston Celtics went on a 11-0 run to end the third quarter to take a 65-60 lead into the fourth against the Miami Heat in Game 5 of the 2012 NBA Eastern Conference Finals on Tuesday night. The run featured a number of highlights, though there's no doubt that Kevin Garnett's slam and-one was the most fun.

Mickael Pietrus hit a long 2-pointer with under one minute to give the Celtics the lead.

A Keyon Dooling 3-pointer with three second to go in the quarter gave Boston a five-point lead, 65-60.

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Celtics Vs. Heat, Game 5: Rajon Rondo Goes Over-And-Back, But Celtics Lead 65-60 After 3rd Quarter

Rajon Rondo made a very un-Rondo-like mistake during the third quarter of Tuesday night's Game 5 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals between the Boston Celtics and the Miami Heat. You can probably chalk it up to a simple brain fart, but it was still curious to see the point guard nonchalantly pass the ball back to Ray Allen across midcourt.

It'd be funny if Rondo didn't seem so out-of-sorts on the floor. He is shooting just 1-for-9 from the field for the game, though he does have nine assists to go with his three points. The Celtics are still shooting under 40 percent for the game, but somehow find themselves up, 65-60, after the third quarter. Thankfully, the Heat haven't been able to take off offensively, either.

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Celtics Vs. Heat, Game 5 Halftime Score: Boston Down 42-40 At Intermission

The Boston Celtics are down just two points, 42-40, to the Miami Heat at halftime of Game 5 of the 2012 NBA Eastern Conference Finals on Tuesday. Both teams are shooting very poorly. Boston is just 33.3 percent from the field. Miami is shooting just 36.6 percent.

Rajon Rondo, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen are a combined just 4-for-22 for the half. The rest of the Celtics are a much more respectable 10-of-20 from the field. Allen has at least done a nice job in all other facets of his game, going 5-for-5 from the foul line and hauling in six rebounds despite his creaky ankles. He and Kevin Garnett have eight points so far. Brandon Bass leads the team with 10 points.

LeBron James was once again spectacular for the Heat. He is just one rebound away from a double-double already. He scored 18 points off 7-for-12 shooting. Dwyane Wade continued his streak of slow starts, going just 3-for-9 in the first half for seven points. Chris Bosh played 11 minutes off the bench, but gave his team a nice jolt of energy with nine points and six boards.

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Celtics Vs. Heat, Game 5: Miami Make Big Plays In 1st Quarter

The Miami Heat led the Boston Celtics, 24-16, after the first quarter of Game 5 of the 2012 NBA Eastern Conference Finals on Tuesday. The Celtics shot just 28.6 percent from the field for the quarter. Meanwhile, the Heat looked energetic, making several big plays early including:

A Dwyane Wade alley-oop slam ...

... A LeBron James block on Paul Pierce ...

... and some quality play (five points in four minutes) from Chris Bosh.

Pierce led the Celtics with six points in the quarter, but got there on 2-for-6 shooting. Rajon Rondo has zero points on 0-for-5 shooting, and just one assist to two turnovers. Thankfully, Ray Allen continues to look rejuvenated. He hit another 3-pointer in the first quarter, and racked up four (!) rebounds to lead the team.

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Chris Bosh Injury Update: Miami Heat Forward Will Play, But Won't Start

Miami Heat power forward Chris Bosh will play in Game 5 of the 2012 NBA Eastern Conference Finals against the Boston Celtics. Head coach Erik Spoelstra called Bosh a "game-time decision" prior to tipoff thanks to an abdominal strain that has kept him out for three weeks now. Bosh will play Tuesday, but will not start according to ESPN.

Chris Bosh will play tonight, but will not start.

— NBA on ESPN (TV) (@NBAESPN) June 6, 2012

Bosh's presence, even if he isn't 100 percent, will give the Celtics a lot more to think about on both ends of the court. He gives the Heat another offensive threat--taking pressure off LeBron James and Dwyane Wade--and should make Kevin Garnett's life a lot tougher defensively in the paint. Bosh will need to stay on the court to be effective, however. Whether that's possible remains to be seen.

For more on the Celtics, please be sure to check out our site Celtics Blog and SB Nation Boston for all the latest news and updates.

Chris Bosh Injury Update: Miami Heat PF Game-Time Decision For Game 5

The status of Miami Heat power forward Chris Bosh did not change after he participated in the team's Tuesday shootaround prior to Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals, as he is still considered a game-time decision.

Spoelstra says Chris Bosh is a game-time decision. "We'll let you know tonight."

— Tom Haberstroh (@tomhaberstroh) June 5, 2012

During a conference call with reporters on Wednesday, Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers said his team's strategy of feeding Kevin Garnett inside the paint would not change if Bosh does return. Where Bosh's return is more likely to impact Boston's strategy comes when Miami has the ball. With Bosh providing another threat, the Celtics will be hard-pressed to send as much pressure at Dwyane Wade and LeBron James as they did through the first four games.

For more on the Celtics, please be sure to check out our site Celtics Blog and SB Nation Boston for all the latest news and updates.

Chris Bosh Injury Update: Game 5 Return Possible But Not Definite, Says Erik Spoelstra

Despite a report saying Miami Heat forward Chris Bosh would return in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Boston Celtics, coach Erik Spoelstra said the big man will be a game-time decision.

Spoelstra addresses ESPN.com report, says Bosh is now day-to-day. "To say it is definitive right now is premature."

— Tom Haberstroh (@tomhaberstroh) June 4, 2012

Without Bosh, the Heat have been susceptible inside against the Boston Celtics, who have turned to Kevin Garnett in the low post as a crutch during the series. If Bosh returns in Game 5, even at less than full strength, he will provide a longer detriment to Garnett's post game while being a threat Garnett will have to handle when the Celtics are on defense. In Games 1 through 4, Garnett spent most of his defensive time roaming the court freely because he has little respect for the offensive talents of Joel Anthony, Ronny Turiaf or Udonis Haslem.

For more on the Celtics, please be sure to check out our site Celtics Blog and SB Nation Boston for all the latest news and updates.

2012 NBA Playoffs, Celtics Vs. Heat: Reaction From Around The Sports World On Game Four

Nobody thought that the Boston Celtics had a chance to beat the Miami Heat after falling behind 2-0 in the Eastern Conference Finals. Now, revisions are being made to opinions all over the country.

The Celtics have tied the series at two games apiece by holding serve at home after holding onto a 93-91 overtime victory on Sunday night.

Over at ESPN.com, Jackie MacMullan put the whole series in perspective after Dwyane Wade misfired on a wide open potential game-winner at the buzzer.

The miss provides Boston with new answers, and Miami with new questions. Sunday night was anyone's game -- and now it's anyone's series.

As for Wade, he took full responsibility for a shot that would've effectively ended the competitive phase of the series.

"It was a good look. It was online but didn't want to go in," Wade said. "Got the shot off I wanted and that is all you can ask for."

Now, the Heat need to come up big at home or face elimination in Game Six at TD Garden. The Celtics have the heart of a champion, and showed it in spades Sunday night.

For more on the Celtics, please be sure to check out our site Celtics Blog and SB Nation Boston for all the latest news and updates.

NBA Playoffs 2012, Celtics Vs. Heat: Blogger Reaction To Game Four

The Boston Celtics knotted up the series at two games apiece against the favored Miami Heat with a 93-91 victory in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Finals on Sunday night.

After blowing an 18-point lead, Boston found a way to win mostly behind the brilliance of Rajon Rondo, and have now essentially made it a best-of-three.

Over at Celticsblog.com, the following was written and sums up Sunday night beautifully.

That was Game 4 in a nutshell -- the Heat fought all the way back from a 16-point deficit in the second half to force overtime at the TD Garden and give themselves a shot at a 3-1 series lead, but their comeback effort fell flat in the extra session. There were three big reasons: LeBron James fouled out with 1:51 left in the game, leaving the Heat predictably one-dimensional; Dwyane Wade (the aforementioned one dimension) passed up a wide-open Mario Chalmers for the game winner; and Chris Bosh, the man coach Erik Spoelstra has repeatedly lauded as the team's most important player, still hasn't donned his No. 1 Heat jersey in this series. For the moment, the three kings look like jesters.

After taking care of business at home, the Celtics have new life and a renewed energy. It'll be very interesting to see if the Heat can rise up and match their will in Game Five.

For more on the Celtics, please be sure to check out our site Celtics Blog and SB Nation Boston for all the latest news and updates.

LeBron James At Center Of 'Complaining' And 'Crying' Miami Heat

LeBron James is the leader of the newest act in town, the crybaby Miami Heat. James, who fouled out of Sunday night's Game 4 against the Boston Celtics, took a defiant tone about fouling out of the contest.

VIDEO: Dwyane Wade Misses Game-Winner In OT, Celtics Win Game 4

NBA Playoffs 2012, Celtics Vs. Heat, Game 4 Final Score: Boston Squeaks Past Miami, 93-91, In Overtime

BOSTON - Got drama? Game 4 certainly did. Leading by two points, the Boston Celtics led the Miami Heat, 93-91, with under 24 seconds to go in overtime and Miami possessing the ball. Miami inbounded to Wade, who wound down the shot clock, and ultimately missed a potential series clinching three to give Boston a thrilling 93-91 win on Friday evening.

"Red [Auerbach] wasn't going to let that go in, you know that," Celtics head coach Doc Rivers said about Wade's last second shot. "I thought it looked good when it left his hands."

Rajon Rondo, who scored thee crucial points in overtime, finished with 15 points and 15 assists for Boston. Pierce, who fouled out in overtime, had a team-high 23 points. Kevin Garnett had 17 points and 14 rebounds, Ray Allen scored 16, Brandon Bass had 11 points and Keyon Dooling scored 10. Boston shot 41 percent and made 9-of-27 threes.

"Words can't even describe the type of game it is," said Paul Pierce. "I mean it's a funny game, you know, the way the ball bounces, the way things go. I mean, started out way up the big lead, to come back and I was sitting there on the sideline in overtime. I was like, this is probably going to be an instant classic type of game. It was just like, you know, one team gets momentum and the other team just grabs it. I'm just glad we were on the winning side."

LeBron James, who also fouled out in overtime for the first time in a Heat uniform, had 29 points and Wade scored 20. Mario Chalmers and Udonis Haslem (17 rebounds) each scored 12 for Miami, which shot 43 percent and made 6-of-19 threes but had 17 turnovers.

"They got everything they wanted and more in the first half," James said. "They shot the ball extremely well from the perimeter. We weren't flying around like we're capable of doing. We waited until the second half, which we can't do."

An energetic Garden crowd spurred the Celtics off to a 14-4 start, capped off by a pair of threes from Pierce, in the corner, and then from Allen, straightaway, both of which sent the crowd into a frenzy (or at least, even more of a frenzy). Miami missed six of its first eight shots and coughed the ball up three times during that stretch, digging itself a hole.

The run continued after Miami's first timeout, with Pierce hitting another three from the corner after Garnett accidentally gave Miami a bucket (literally, it went off him into the basket; points credited to James), to make it a 21-6 contest. Mike Miller answered with a contested three, which quieted the Garden crowd heading into the Celtics' first timeout.

The offense slowed down for Boston, which was held scoreless for nearly two and a half minutes until Rondo made an acrobatic layup (not so coincidentally, Garnett came out of the lineup at the Celtics' timeout). Miami went on a 6-0 run during that stretch to trim its deficit to 21-15. Boston closed out to quarter on a 13-8 run and led 34-23 after one period.

Pierce and James each had big quarters, with each scoring 12 points in the opening half.

Miami again couldn't slow down Boston's offense at the start of the second, as a 11-5 run pushed the C's lead to 45-28 with 9:45 before halftime after back-to-back-to-back threes from Allen and Keyon Dooling, who made two straight. Boston pushed its lead up to 17 again on four occasions in the quarter and even built an 18-point lead (61-43) before finishing the first half with a 61-47 edge. Pierce had 18 first-half points while James had 19.

Not surprisingly, the Heat made their run in the third quarter with a 21-point frame, cutting into Boston's double-digit halftime lead to make it a 73-68 lead entering the fourth quarter. Wade led the charge with nine points. Boston didn't score until the 8:45 mark of the third, a Rondo two, and went scoreless from 8:03 to 4:52, before finishing the quarter with 12.

James capped off a 7-0 run to start the fourth with a layup at 8:53, tying the game at 74-74 and erasing the Celtics' lead (which was once as large as 18 points). Norris Cole gave the Heat a lead with an uncontested layup, but Garnett answered with a game-tying layup.

Bass would commit an ill-advised foul (his fifth) on Cole, who was shooting beyond the arc. Cole made two of three shots from the stripe, pushing the Heat lead to 78-76. Allen hit a big corner three to give Boston the lead back, 79-78, and Garnett tipped in a missed Bass jump shot on the ensuing Celtics possession to push Boston past the 80-point plateau.

Four straight points from Wade again tied the game, 81-81, and Udonis Haslem made two free throws to put Miami on top 85-83. Boston would answer with consecutive layups from Pierce and Rondo, again putting the Celts in the drivers seat, 85-83, with 3:07 remaining.

Garnett's jumper from the top of the key widened the Celtics' lead to 87-84. Chalmers came up big again after several Heat misses, including a Wade fumble out of bounds, driving to the layup to make it a one-point Celtics lead, 87-86, with 1:01 to go. Not to be outdone, Garnett posted up on James and flipped the ball off the backboard for another two.

James followed with his biggest shot of the series, a wide open three, to knot the score at 89 all. Garnett then committed an offensive foul on the other end, giving the Heat the ball with 21.1 seconds left and no shot clock. Miami inbounded the ball to Wade, who found LeBron with under 10 seconds to play. James passed out of the shot after driving, and Haslem was short on a potential game-winning jumper, forcing overtime, all tied up at 89.

Pierce fouled out early in overtime after shoving Battier, and his absence was immediately evident. His replacement, Marquis Daniels, missed one of two free throws and then coughed up the ball out of bounds on the other end after a rebound. Haslem's dunk gave Miami its first two of OT, but a Rondo floater at 2:32 put the Celtics back up 92-91.

After a possession with two offensive rebounds from Mickael Pietrus, who had been kept off the scoreboard, the Heat got the ball back, but the possession ended with a Haslem offensive foul. Boston inbounded the ball to Rondo, who ran the ball up court before being fouled. He would miss the first free throw but make the second, and the Celtics led 93-91 with 21.4 seconds to go in overtime. Game 5 takes place on Tuesday night in Miami.

AUDIO: Doc Rivers Postgame (6-4-12) | AUDIO: Kevin Garnett Postgame (6-4-12)

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ANIMATED: LeBron James Fouls Out In OT Of Game 4

Celtics Vs. Heat, Game 4 Overtime: Boston, Miami Knotted Up, 89-89, After 4 Quarters

The Boston Celtics and the Miami Heat are headed to overtime, tied 89-89 after four quarters during Sunday's Game 4 of the 2012 NBA Eastern Conference Finals. The Celtics took a big lead at halftime, 67-41, but scored just 22 after intermission as the Heat clawed their way back. LeBron James hit a 3-pointer in the final minute to tie the game.

The Celtics shot just 12-for-34 as a team from the field after going 22-for-45 in the first half. Paul Pierce leads the team with 23 points on 8-for-18 shooting. Rajon Rondo has been a solid distributor all night, with 15 assists to go along with 12 points.

James continues to be stellar for the Heat. He has 29 points on 12-for-23 shooting. Dwyane Wade pitched in 20 points.

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ANIMATED: Rob Gronkowski Makes Appearance At Game 4, Does Exactly What You Expect

Celtics Vs. Heat, Game 4: Boston Rolling, Lead Miami, 61-47, At Halftime

The Boston Celtics lead the Miami Heat, 61-47, at halftime of Game 4 of the 2012 NBA Eastern Conference Finals on Sunday night. Just about everything has gone the Celtics' way in what was arguable one of their best halves of basketball of the season. The Heat, meanwhile, have looked out-of-sorts outside of another fine start by LeBron James.

The Celtics have shot 48.9 percent on 45 shot attempts for the half. They were 7-for-16 from beyond the 3-point arc, and 10-for-10 from the free throw line. Rajon Rondo, per usual, has been the maestro behind it all. He has eight points and 10 (!) assists so far. He has been dialed in on every single pass he has made tonight, including this lovely little bounce pass to Paul Pierce:

Pierce leads the Celtics with 18 points so far on 6-for-13 from the field. Ray Allen has 11, going 3-for-5 from beyond the arc in the half. Kevin Garnett and Brandon Bass pitched in nine points apiece, and Keyon Dooling made two 3-pointers for six points.

James picked up 19 points on 9-for-13 from the floor. Nobody else has really stepped up their game for Miami including Dwyane Wade, who went just 2-for-11 from the field for eight points. More importantly, the Heat have been playing defense like this:

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ANIMATED: Dwyane Wade 'Blocks' Paul Pierce

ANIMATED: Keyon Dooling On Fire, LeBron James Still Ridiculous

Chris Bosh Injury Update: Nothing New To Report On Heat Forward

BOSTON - Erik Spoelstra sat down in front of roughly a dozen media members for his pregame interview before his Miami Heat face the Boston Celtics in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Sunday night at TD Garden, and he knew the golden question was coming. After all, we were all wondering ... was forward Chris Bosh going to play?

"Everybody's ready to go," Spoelstra said.

"Everybody?" a reporter asked.

"... not Chris," Spoelstra replied.

Well, that puts an end to that, doesn't it? Spoelstra said that "nothing has changed from this morning," when he told reporters that Bosh would not play and that his status was "still indefinite," per the Associated Press. Bosh hasn't played since Game 1 of the first round.

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Celtics Vs. Heat, Game 4: Does Boston Need To Win? [Hint: Uh, Yes]

BOSTON - What, do you live under a rock? But seriously, the Boston Celtics cannot afford to let Game 4 against the Miami Heat slip away, or else they'll be sitting in a 3-1 hole in their Eastern Conference Finals series. Translation? Win, or say goodbye to those title dreams.

Of course, everyone knows the Celtics need to win. Miami, too, and that's why it's so difficult to predict. Two nights ago, the Celtics stomped out the Heat by establishing Kevin Garnett in the paint, outscoring the Heat there 58-46 in the process, and by Rajon Rondo doing Rondo-like things (a.k.a. only things he can do - like fly, defy gravity, etcetera).

Miami will make adjustments, LeBron James insisted after the Game 3 loss. You better believe that you'll see a 30-point game from James, and after Dwyane Wade's so-so game in Boston on Friday, he's likely aiming to step up his play. But beyond that, who else is there to worry about? Sure, guys like Mike Miller and Shane Battier can be pests, but they aren't consistent. Udonis Haslem channeled his inner Brandon Bass in Game 3, making mid-range jumpers, and Joel Anthony can ... nah, nevermind. Really, if the Celtics can somehow keep LeBron and D-Wade in check, they should be golden. Easy enough, isn't it?

Aside from that, which is not a given, the C's need to score. That's not always easy for them, but if they can get games from Rondo, Garnett and Paul Pierce like they all had in Game 3, as well as some timely spot ups from Ray Allen, the points will flow forth.

Got all that? Stop the Heat's dynamic duo and score ... the ... basketball! Alright? Let's roll.

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NBA Playoffs 2012, Celtics Vs. Heat Game 4: Game Time, TV Schedule And More

The Celtics will look to even up the Eastern Conference Finals on Sunday.

2012 NBA Playoffs, Celtics Vs. Heat: C's Win With Points In The Paint

The Boston Celtics were able to hold serve on Friday night, defeating the Miami Heat, to climb within one win of evening the Eastern Conference Finals at two games. How were they able to beat the Heat? ESPN's TrueHoop explains with some stats:

The Celtics outscored the Heat, 58-46 in the paint. Boston's 58 points in the paint are its most paint points in a playoff game since May 4, 2008 against the Hawks when the Celtics scored 60 paint points in their 99-65 Game 7 win. The Celtics' 58 points in the paint are their most in any game this season (reg. season and playoffs). Boston is 7-3 since the start of the 2009 postseason when it scores at least 50 points in the paint.

Game 4 is scheduled for Sunday.

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NBA Playoffs 2012, Celtics Vs. Heat: Role Players Key Boston's 101-91 Game 3 Win

The Boston Celtics bounced back from a crushing Game 2 loss with a 101-91 victory in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Miami Heat.

Rajon Rondo (21 points, 10 assists, six rebounds) and Kevin Garnett (24 points, 11 rebounds, 10-16 shooting) were both stellar, as they have been for most of the postseason. But with the Celtics reeling early from a LeBron James outburst, a crew of role players gave Boston a boost.

Per Evans Clinchy of CelticsBlog:

LeBron James was a man possessed in the first quarter of Game 3, blasting the Celtics for 16 points in a span of seven minutes to give Miami a 28-22 lead late in the first. The Heat had all the momentum, and the C's were in desperate need of a jolt.

That's right about when Marquis Daniels, Keyon Dooling and Mickael Pietrus entered the game and immediately made their presence felt, on the defensive end of the floor especially. Whereas LeBron and Dwyane Wade had dominated early by running the floor and getting easy buckets in transition -- even after made baskets on the Celtics' end! -- Daniels gave them an athletic body that could get back and hinder the Heat's aerial attack. Dooling gave the Celtics a ball-hawking guard in the mold of Avery Bradley, admirably filling the void left by the injured second-year star. Pietrus quickly established his presence as a physical wing defender, forcing LeBron and Wade to meet a little resistance when they chose to attack the basket.

The Celtics' bench scored seven combined points in Game 3, but pitched in 19 points Friday night. Daniels had played just two minutes in the series entering Game 3, but finished with nine points, five rebounds and one trip to the podium for a press conference.

The Celtics' stars are expected to be great, or at least good. But when they receive so many contributions from the fringe players, they are tough to beat.

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NBA Playoffs 2012, Celtics Vs. Heat: Boston Wins 'Desperation' Game

BOSTON - There really wasn't any other way to avoid it. No way around it, the Boston Celtics needed a win against the Miami Heat in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Friday night inside TD Garden. Win, and the 0-2 series hole becomes a little bit more manageable. Lose and, well, kiss your title chances of an 18th championship goodbye.

Of course, the Celtics don't live under a rock. They knew it, and boy, did they ever respond.

"Desperation game, to be honest, and we played like it too," said Celtics center Kevin Garnett, who led the charge with a team-high 24 points and 11 rebounds in the Celtics' 101-91 victory. "You don't want to be down 3-0 to a team like this. Very, very good team, very talented team, well coached team. I feel like we played desperation basketball."

Boston and Miami stood neck in neck for most of the first quarter, and the Celtics survived a 16-point frame from LeBron James (finished with game-high 34 points) to take a 30-28 lead. After that, Boston pulled ahead and went up 55-42 at halftime and even led by 22 points through three before the Heat pulled within single digits in the fourth, but no closer.

"Typical Eastern Conference basketball," Garnett said, when asked about this series' physicality. "It's been very physical. This has been nothing to disappoint."

Garnett and company know that it won't be any easier going forward, and they'll be ready.

"Game 4, it's going to be even more [desperate]," said Garnett. "You've got to anticipate them making adjustments, we're going to make some adjustments. But the tenacity, the desperation has to be there. We're playing at home, we have to give it out all out."

Game 4 takes place on Sunday night at TD Garden. Tip-off is at 8:30 p.m. EST (ESPN).

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NBA Playoffs 2012, Celtics Vs. Heat Game 3 Final Score: Boston Gets First Win, 101-91

BOSTON - Who knew a change of scenery was all the Boston Celtics needed? Carrying an 0-2 series hole into Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Friday at TD Garden, the Celtics used some (apparently) much-needed home cooking to power themselves past the Miami Heat, 101-91, and cut Miami's lead to 2-1 heading into Game 4 on Sunday night.

"It feels good," said Paul Pierce. "Especially after we felt like we had a chance at Game 2, how we let it slip in our hands, so it's good to come back home and get a quality win."

Three of the Big Four carried the Celtics, with Kevin Garnett totaling 24 points and 11 rebounds, Pierce scoring 23 points and Rajon Rondo amassing 21 points, 10 assists and six rebounds. Ray Allen scored ten and both Marquis Daniels (nine points, five rebounds) and Keyon Dooling (seven points) stepped up their game off the bench.

"Our bench tonight played well," said Celtics head coach Doc Rivers. "Marquis [Daniels] was phenomenal tonight. Keyon Dooling was phenomenal. Every guy that came off the bench contributed for our basketball team. And we needed it."

LeBron James led all scorers with 24 points and Dwyane Wade scored 18. Mario Chalmers scored 14 points, including five-straight late in the fourth, and Mike Miller had 11 points off the bench for Miami, which made 39-of-77 shots to shoot 49.4 percent.

"They got us tonight," said Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra. "We got off to a pretty good start. The reserves came into the game and really knocked us back on our heels."

Most of the first quarter featured toe-to-toe action with each team answering the other's baskets. James owned the quarter, scoring 16 of his team's 30 points but Boston took a 30-28 lead through twelve minutes. Pierce played arguably his best quarter of the series, scoring eight points in the frame and getting the basket practically at will. Rondo struggled from the field, making only 1-of-4 shots and air-balling a straightaway three, making it seem like his shooting touch had gone missing. Both teams shot 60 percent in the quarter, as the Celtics and Heat made a combined 23-of-38 baskets (60.5 percent) in the period.

Boston, which closed out the first quarter on a 9-0 run, continued its hot streak early in the second, scoring the quarter's first seven points to bring its run up to 15-0. Miami would not hit a field goal in the period until James' nine-footer at the 5:57 mark. James finished the quarter with four points and Boston outscored Miami, 25-14, to take a 55-42 halftime lead.

Behind an eight-point quarter from Garnett, the Celtics continued to plug away and pushed their lead past the 20-point plateau six times and entered the fourth with its biggest lead of the game, 85-63, after Pierce hit a quarter-ending trey to stretch the advantage to 22 points.

Miami wasn't done yet, though, as the Heat whittled away at the Celts double-digit advantage and had their deficit trimmed to 11 points after back-to-back threes from Mike Miller. After a driving dunk from Wade made it a double-digit game, with the Celtics on top 91-82, Rivers wisely elected not to call a timeout, and his team responded with back-to-back buckets to make it a 95-82 lead. The Heat still wouldn't quit, and five consecutive points from Chalmers brought Miami back within eight, 95-87, with 3:09 to play. A putback dunk from Wade, sandwiched between two Pierce free throws and a Rondo layup, made it a 99-89, with under two minutes to play, but the Heat couldn't get closer than ten points.

Sunday evening's contest will tip off at 8:30 p.m. EST and will air on ESPN and on WEEI.

AUDIO: Rondo/Daniels Postgame Interview | AUDIO: LBJ/Wade Postgame Interview

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Celtics Vs. Heat: Rajon Rondo Displays A Slick Steal And A Fine Fake (GIF)

The Boston Celtics lead the Miami Heat 89-68 with less than 10 minutes to go in the fourth quarter, and while Rajon Rondo isn't scoring as many points as he did in game two, that doesn't mean he isn't contributing. He's playing hard on defense, for example:

via assets.sbnation.com

And when he's not on defense he's doing his best to juke Heat defenders out of their shoes:

via assets.sbnation.com

Rondo has played 30 minutes as of the start of the fourth quarter, collecting 13 points, 10 assists, and 2 rebounds, as well as going 3-4 on free throws. Paul Pierce is leading on offense for Boston with 21 points, but Kevin Garnett is right behind him with 20. The Celtics have built momentum as the game goes on and have led by double figures through the whole of the second half.

Stick with this storystream and SB Nation Boston for updates, scores and more from the Celtics vs. Heat series. As always, Celtics Blog has you covered for quality Celtics insight and analysis.

Celtics Vs. Heat: Boston Leads Miami 55-42 At Halftime

The Boston Celtics lead the Miami Heat 55-42 at halftime following a close first half that saw the Celtics build momentum towards the end of the second quarter. Boston has been playing aggressive, trying to set the pace and keep Miami from falling into a rhythm, and they were able to do just that, outscoring Miami 25-13 in the second quarter.

Paul Pierce leads the scoring for Boston with 15 points, followed by Kevin Garnett with 12. Keyon Dooling saw some time in the game after Ray Allen picked up two early fouls, he played 11 minutes and went 3-4 for seven points. The team is shooting 51.3% to Miami's 44.4%, and 73% on free throws versus 61.5% for the Heat. They have minimized turnovers, giving the ball away only three times while taking it six, and have managed one fewer foul than the Heat, 13-12.

Boston played a strong first half and were able to keep Miami from gaining any momentum. If they can keep that going through the second half they'll stand 2-1 in the series, a far cry from being down 3-0.

Stick with this storystream for updates, scores and more from the 2012 NBA Playoffs and the Celtics vs. Heat series. As always, Celtics Blog is your source for full-time Celtics news and analysis.

Celtics Vs. Heat: In-Game Pushups Help Kevin Garnett, Boston Hold The Lead (GIF)

Kevin Garnett and the rest of the Boston Celtics are doing their best to take it to the Miami Heat at home, and Garnett is so fired up he's got the energy to bust out some pushups between plays:

via assets.sbnation.com

The in-game calisthenics are working; Garnett is 4-4 for 10 points with two rebounds. The rest of the Celtics are taking it easy with the strength and conditioning drills but are holding off the Miami Heat. They lead 37-30 with just over seven minutes remaining in the second quarter. Paul Pierce has eight points, and Rajon Rondo has four points and four assists.Keyon Dooling is seeing some time on the floor after Ray Allen picked up two fouls, he's 2-3 for five points.

Stick with this storystream and SB Nation Boston for updates, scores and more from the 2012 NBA Playoffs. As always, Celtics Blog is your full time source for Celtics news and analysis.

Chris Bosh Injury Update: Miami Heat Big Man Participates In Walkthrough Prior To Game 3

Miami Heat big man Chris Bosh participated in the team's walkthrough Friday morning in preparation for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals, but the team still won't set a timetable for his return from a lower-abdominal injury.

ESPN reporter Brian Windhorst suggested that Bosh "could try to play now" and "certainly by Game 5," but the Heat are expected to be patient with Bosh as they sit in the driver's seat with a 2-0 series lead against the Boston Celtics.

Coach Erik Spoelstra said Thursday that while Bosh did travel with the team to Boston, he won't play in either Games 3 or 4 and it's "too early to tell" when he will return.

But the center is making progress and has gone through several on-court workouts in the past week.

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2012 NBA Playoffs, Celtics Vs. Heat Game 3: Game Time, TV Schedule And More

The Celtics will look to climb back into the Eastern Conference Finals on Friday, when the host the Miami Heat.

Media Roundup: Mike Breen And His Evident Dislike Of The Boston Celtics

Mike Breen is a longtime basketball broadcaster with a big-time job at ESPN, but his evident hatred of the Boston Celtics has become clear in recent years, specifically in the Celtics' current series against the Miami Heat.

NBA Playoffs 2012, Celtics Vs. Heat: Doc Rivers Says Boston Has To Be 'Just As Aggressive' As Miami

After going down two games to none to the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals, Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers maintained that his team needs to stay aggressive to get to the free throw line.

Game Two was a 115-111 overtime loss for the Celtics. Rivers declined to get into a controversy over the officiating.

"Not going to touch that," Rivers said on a conference call when asked about the officials. "I think Paul Pierce attacked just as much as LeBron James. I'll leave it at that, OK? (via WEEI)

Rivers praised his point guard Rajon Rondo for being aggressive. Rondo had a game-high 44 points on 16-24 shooting. Rondo was 10-12 from the free throw line. LeBron James, on the other hand, shot five fewer free throws (24) than the entire Celtics team (29) on Wednesday. Although Pierce only attempted six free throws, Rivers didn't fault his effort.

" I thought Paul was aggressive last night, even more so when you watch the film. Paul is a powerful guy and there's a lot of contact as well when he drives. We just want them to continue to be aggressive. You know LeBron and [Dwyane] Wade will be and there's nothing wrong with that, that's who they are. You know going into it: Yeah, they're going to get to the free throw line. We have to do that as well and we have to do it by being just as aggressive."

One way for Boston to try to get back in the series, according to Rivers, is to get Kevin Garnett more involved on the offensive end. After 23 points in 31 minutes to lead the team in Game One, Garnett had 18 points in 45 minutes in Game Two.

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NBA Playoffs 2012, Heat Vs. Celtics: Iffy Officiating Only Part Of The Problem In Game 2

The Boston Celtics are in a hole. They lost to the Miami Heat on Wednesday night in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals by a final score of 115-111. That gives Miami a 2-0 advantage in the series, following a controversial game that went into overtime.

Jeff Clark at Celtics Blog, SB Nation's Celtics blog, tackled the officiating issue.

As much as I hate talking about it, the officiating was part of the story last night. Obviously there were a number of reasons why the Heat were able to get calls. They attacked the lane. The Celtics did their fair share of reaching, grabbing and bumping, as they always do. The Heat are athletic enough to force the issue. And superstar calls or not, James and Wade know how to initiate and create contact.

Rather than any grand plan favoring the Heat, which has become a popular refrain around the web, Clark puts the officiating in perspective.

In my not-so-humble opinion, it is folly to think that any great conspiracy is be-felling the Celtics. But it is fair to put the officials competency under the microscope. They are human and they have good games and bad games. I'd argue that many a Celtic victory was aided by refs giving our defense a good deal of leeway by letting them grab and pull and shove their way to stops (not to mention the classic moving screens that are usually not called). Tonight, it didn't go the Celtics way ...

In a subsequent post on Thursday morning, Clark urges fans not to count the Celtics out just yet.

But most of all I can't count out this team because they have shown so much resilience in the past. Sure, this could be the end and it might not be enough this year, but time and time again they've proven that they cannot be counted out until the final buzzer sounds.

The series continues on Friday night in Boston.

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Rajon Rondo Was Great, But The Miami Heat Were Simply Better

Rajon Rondo played a great basketball game, but the Miami Heat played even better. Rondo's 44 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds will go down in the Boston Celtics' record books and live on in memories, but it's was all for naught.

NBA Playoffs 2012, Celtics Vs. Heat Game 2 Final Score: Rajon Rondo's Dominance Wasted In Miami's 115-111 OT Win

Rajon Rondo did everything. He scored, he passed, he rebounded. He attacked, barely coughed up the ball and he even hit his jumpers. All of this, and he never sat down once.

Unfortunately, Rondo can't do it alone. A tremendous game from Rondo, highlighted by a career high 44 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds, was for all naught as the Miami Heat outlasted the Boston Celtics, 115-111, in overtime to win Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Wednesday evening at AmericanAirlines Arena in Miami, Florida.

"It was great. He was absolutely phenomenal." Celtics head coach Doc Rivers said about Rondo's night. "It was tough to have him play that way and not win the game, honestly. He did basically everything right, and we had a lot of opportunities to win the game."

Four of the Celtics' five starters reached double-digit scoring, with Paul Pierce scoring 21, Kevin Garnett amassing 18 points and eight rebounds and Ray Allen scoring 13 while grabbing five rebounds. Brandon Bass had eight points and 10 rebounds for Boston.

LeBron James scored 34, Dwyane Wade added 23 and Mario Chalmers stepped up and scored 22. Udonis Haslem hit several key shots down the stretch and finished with 13 points and 11 rebounds. Miami shot 44.6 percent (37-for-83) and made 10-of-26 threes.

The Celtics made 40-of-81 shots (49.4 percent) and turned the ball over just eight times. Both teams had 42 rebounds, but the story (aside from a poor third quarter for Boston) was the foul differential. Boston was whistled for 33 fouls while 18 harms were called on Miami.

Boston avoided the slow start that buried it in the opening game of the series, taking a 24-18 lead after one quarter. Pierce scored eight and Rondo had eight points on 4-of-8 shooting from the stripe in the frame, during which Boston shot 55.6 percent (10-for-18). James scored six for Miami in the frame, but the Heat made just 6-of-22 shots in the period.

Miami played much better in the second quarter, but a 29-28 advantage in the quarter still gave Boston a 53-46 edge at halftime. Rondo scored 14 in the quarter on 5-of-7 shooting (4-of-4 from free throw line). Boston was equally effective from the field in the second, making 10-of-19 buckets. Rondo led all scorers at the break with 22 points in 24 minutes.

Rondo cooled off in the third, as did the entire Celtics team. Rondo had four points and only one assist and the team went 8-for-18 and got to the line six times. Miami, meanwhile, scored 35 in the frame and was led by 12 points from Wade and 11 points from James.

Boston again outscored Miami, 24-18, in the fourth quarter, this time receiving a charge from Garnett, who scored 10 points -- six from the line -- but it was Allen who came up with the three points that mattered most. Down by three with 34.3 seconds remaining, Allen sank a wide-open three after a kick out pass from Keyon Dooling, tying the game at 99. After a Heat timeout, James missed a layup and Miami reset its offense, ultimately getting the ball back to James, who missed a 22-foot jumper with 1.9 seconds left, forcing overtime.

Rondo was again magnificent in the extra period, scoring all 12 of Boston's points. Still, Miami would overcome thanks to eight points from Wade and four each from James and Haslem to outscored the Celtics, 16-12. The Heat made 6-of-10 free throws in overtime while Boston got to the line just twice, and Rondo made both free throws.

The series transitions back to Boston for Games 3 and 4, with Game 3 taking place Friday.

For 2012 NBA Playoffs news, visit our stream. For Celtics news, visit our team page and blog, CelticsBlog. For Heat news, visit SB Nation Tampa Bay and Peninsula Is Mightier.

NBA Playoffs 2012, Celtics Vs. Heat Game 2: Ray Allen Sends It To Overtime

The Boston Celtics and the Miami Heat headed to overtime in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Wednesday night. A strong second half from Miami helped to tie the game at 99-99 at the end of regulation.

Miami started the fourth quarter with an 81-75 lead following a 35-point effort in the third quarter. Dwyane Wade's blocked shot on Ray Allen touched off a Heat surge, following a dominant Celtics performance in the first half of the game.

Both teams went back and forth with the lead in the fourth quarter. With Miami leading by three points, Ray Allen atoned for his blocked shot in the third quarter with a 24-foot three-point jump shot that tied the game. LeBron James missed a layup and a jump shot after getting his own rebound that would have given the Heat a lead with a second left to play.

For 2012 NBA Playoffs news, visit our stream. For Celtics news, visit our team page and blog, CelticsBlog. For Heat news, visit SB Nation Tampa Bay and Peninsula Is Mightier.

NBA Playoffs 2012, Celtics Vs. Heat Game 2: Dwyane Wade Blocks Ray Allen In Pivotal Play

The Boston Celtics were rolling along in the third quarter of Wednesday night's second game of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Miami Heat. It looked like the Celtics were about to extend their lead when a stolen ball sent Ray Allen down the court on a fast break against Dwyane Wade.

And then Wade did this.

via assets.sbnation.com

A healthier Allen, rather than the one fighting through an ankle injury, would have had no problems with that shot. Instead, Wade's blocked shot turned into a Mario Chalmers layup at the other end of the court, cutting Boston's lead down to three points.

Chalmers' basket was the start of an unanswered 12-point run that gave the Heat a lead. At the end of the third quarter, Miami leads Boston by a score of 81-75.

For more on the Celtics, please be sure to visit our site Celtics Blog and SB Nation Boston for all the latest news and updates.

NBA Playoffs 2012, Celtics Vs. Heat Game 2: Boston Leads 53-46 At Halftime

The Boston Celtics look to be unstoppable after two quarters of play in Game 2 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals. Behind the inspired play of Rajon Rondo, the Celtics have a 53-46 lead over the Miami Heat.

Rondo, with 24 minutes of playing time, has 22 points through the first half, hitting seven of his 11 attempts from the field and eight of his 10 free throws. His shooting is pacing the Celtics who are hitting 54.1 percent from the field. Brandon Bass has eight rebounds.

Miami is being bolstered by attempts outside the arc. The Heat are 6-for-14 on three pointers. Mario Chalmers hit three of his shots from outside the arc to help keep the game from getting out of control in the second quarter. He leads Miami with 14 points. LeBron James has 13 points, seven of which have come at the free throw line.

At one point the Celtics led by 15, but the Heat closed the gap late in a preview of what promises to be an exciting second half.

For more on the Celtics, please be sure to visit our site Celtics Blog and SB Nation Boston for all the latest news and updates.

2012 NBA Playoffs, Celtics Vs. Heat Game 2: LeBron James Missed Dunk An Early Highlight For Miami

It sure looked like LeBron James was going to be making a powerful statement with an early dunk in the second game of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals. James went up for the dunk, slammed it down only to have the ball pop back out of the hoop, resulting in the rare missed slam dunk.

Take a look for yourself:

via assets.sbnation.com

Would a King miss a slam dunk? Boston fans would certainly have their doubts.

That was one of four missed shots for James. He was leading the Heat with six points, four on free throws, with about a minute to play in the first period. As a team, the Heat are shooting just 30 percent from the field.

Paul Pierce leads the Celtics with eight points. Boston is shooting 50 percent from the field.

For more on the Celtics, please be sure to visit our site Celtics Blog and SB Nation Boston for all the latest news and updates.

Ray Allen Injury Update: There Is No Way Allen Will Miss Game Two

Sometimes players like to be coy and beat around the bush when asked whether or not an injury will keep them out of the lineup. Then there's Ray Allen.

According to Howard Beck via twitter, when asked Wednesday morning whether he would be okay with resting for a game after Doc Rivers broached the idea, Allen had a simple and eloquent response; "hell no."

Well, that takes care of that now doesn't it?

Allen has been struggling mightily this postseason after injuring his right ankle. One of the best career free throw shooters in NBA history is down to the 65 percent range. It's been brutal to watch, but with Avery Bradley done for the remainder of the postseason and a very lackluster bench, Allen has soldiered on.

It will be very intriguing to see how Rivers handles this situation now that Allen has publicly and emphatically shot down the notion of resting him.

For more on the Celtics, please be sure to visit our site Celtics Blog and SB Nation Boston for all the latest news and updates.

2012 NBA Playoffs, Heat Vs. Celtics Game 2: Game Time, TV Schedule And More

The Celtics look to even the Eastern Conference Finals at one game apiece Wednesday night against the Heat.

2012 NBA Playoffs, Celtics Vs. Heat: Ray Allen Could Sit A Game, Doc Rivers Says

With Ray Allen's injury-related struggles mounting, Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers told ESPN Boston's Jackie MacMullan that he will consider resting the guard for a game in the Eastern Conference Finals.

"It's a tough call with him," Rivers said Tuesday afternoon. "We're trying to figure out a different minute rotation for him, maybe that will help him. We're even considering sitting him for a game, getting him a longer rest and then playing him, and then sitting him for a game. We don't know what the right thing is."

Allen played 39 minutes during Monday night's Game 1 loss, but was largely ineffective much as he has been throughout Boston's postseason run. He finished the night 1-for-7 shooting from the floor for a total of six points.

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2012 NBA Playoffs, Heat Vs. Celtics: Doc Rivers Should Consider Limiting Ray Allen's Minutes

The Boston Celtics were thoroughly outplayed by the Miami Heat in their 93-79 Game 1 defeat on Monday night. They were out-rebounded 48 to 33, out-shot 50 percent to 39.5 percent and got blocked 11 times by a suffocating Miami defense.

Obviously, the Celtics need to make adjustments in Game 2. One of those, writes SB Nation's Scott Schroeder, should be putting Ray Allen on a shorter leash.

Allen shot 1 for 7 from the field over 39 minutes.

Rivers has been given credit this season for sticking with his guys, particularly Allen through injury, though it looks like it's going to finally come back and bite him because Allen's no longer Jesus Shuttlesworth. The veteran guard made just one of his seven field goal attempts on Monday night and looked like a shell of his former self by short-arming three three-pointers while connecting on less than half of his seven free-throw attempts (he's a career 89 percent shooter from the charity stripe).

Whether it's warranted or not, and this discussion is, debating whether to replace Ray Allen in the lineup because he's not shooting well is really, really weird.

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NBA Playoffs 2012, Heat Vs. Celtics: Boston Fans Embarrassed And Ready For Game 2

Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals when in the books Monday, and unfortunately for Boston Celtics fans the Miami Heat got the best of their team in a 93-79 rout. The loss was so bad that the SB Nation blog CelticsBlog is embarrassed and is ready to get revenge in Game 2, Wednesday, 8:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.

The Celtics, much like their fans, are seething mad over the first game blowout loss. Aside from a good 2nd quarter, everything went the Heat's way last night and by the end of the game Miami was just toying with them. At one point, LeBron James literally laughed in the face of a growling Kevin Garnett. That's not going to sit well.

Writer Jeff Clark admits the only way to rebound from a game like that is to get more physical, more chippy and set a tone for Game 2. However, in the end...

The best revenge is winning. The Celtics can still do that if they all step up and do their jobs the way they have shown in the past that they can.

For 2012 NBA Playoffs news, visit our stream. For Celtics news, visit our team page and blog, CelticsBlog. For Heat news, visit SB Nation Tampa Bay and Peninsula Is Mightier.

Celtics Vs. Heat: Doc Rivers' Technical Foul Is 'Worst' He's Ever Had

Without taking the avenue of referee bashing, the officials in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals -- Ed Malloy, Jason Phillips, Dan Crawford -- were, shall we say, a tad bid too whistle happy. Perhaps the best example of the referee's quick whistles came late in the second quarter, when Boston Celtics head coach Doc Rivers received a technical foul from Malloy after he said three words. Those technical-worthy words? "Come on, Ed."

"I know mine wasn't [deserved]," Rivers said. "I don't know how long I've been in the league, but that has to rank as the worst I've ever had. I would have liked to have earned it."

"We should never get them, I told our guys," Rivers said, before adding, "Everybody has to keep their composure, not just just the players and coaches." (via WEEI)

Doc should probably be expecting a phone call from the league and have his checkbook ready. But, he was right. In total, the Celtics received four technical fouls, only one of which was deserved (Rajon Rondo throwing an arm at Shane Battier in the second half).

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Celtics Overtime: Miami Welcomes Boston Back To Reality In Game 1

Celtics Overtime is a postgame feature providing analysis. Boston was defeated by the Miami Heat, 93-79, on Monday evening in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

Play time is over. The real basketball has begun, and it doesn't look good for the Celtics.

LeBron James and the Miami Heat are not the Atlanta Hawks, and they certainly aren't the Philadelphia 76ers. They're a real basketball team with real talent (at least, James and Dwyane Wade) and championship aspirations that are actually on par with their talent.

After playing two rounds against mediocre opponents in Atlanta and Philly, it's starting to look like Boston has met its match in South Beach. James scored 32 and Wade added 22 points as the Heat smothered the Celtics, 93-79, to take a 1-0 lead in the East Finals.

Boston started the game about as poorly as possible, mustering only 11 points on 25 percent shooting (5-for-20) while giving up 13 points to James alone and 21 to the Heat as a team. The second quarter was a different story, though, and the Celtics put up a playoff best 35 second-quarter points to knot the score at 46 heading into the intermission.

James and Wade put the Heat on their backs, scoring 10 and six in the third quarter respectively to lead a 55.6 percent scoring attack that put Miami up 72-61 through three. The fourth quarter wasn't much different, with Wade scoring 10 and James scoring five.

Kevin Garnett finished with good numbers (23 points, 10 rebounds), but just like the Celtics' offense, he had plenty of misses, going 9-for-16 from the field. Boston was limited to 39.5 percent shooting (32-for-81). On the boards, Miami had a dominant 48-33 advantage, which given the Celtics' nature isn't surprising, and shot 50 percent (36-for-72).

This was a case of Boston being thoroughly dominated by a team that is simply better than it. Even in losing, the Celtics had their chances, and they likely will have plenty more opportunities this series. Unfortunately, the end result will likely be the same each time. Regardless of its starters' talent level, the Celtics do not have the bench that can carry the load while the stars are catching their breath. It looked as if the Celtics were already gassed midway through the second quarter. That simply won't do. As for stopping James and Wade, that is still the primary focus, and it's something they will absolutely need to do a better job of if they plan on winning some quarters, let alone entire games and the series.

However, if this keeps up, the Celtics have three very, very long games ahead of them.

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ANIMATED: LeBron Laughs In Garnett's Face Late In Celtics' Game 1 Loss

Heat 93, Celtics 79: Miami Whacks Boston In Game 1 Of East Finals

You're hot then you're cold, you're yes then you're no, you're in then you're out, you're up then you're down. Unbeknownst to Katy Perry, she succinctly summed up the Boston Celtics' night in the opening game of the Eastern Conference Finals on Monday evening.

Boston was all over the map in Game 1 against the Miami Heat, and the end result was a 93-79 win for the residents of South Beach, sending Miami one step closer to the Finals.

"I thought they were ready to play," Celtics coach Doc Rivers told reporters after the game.

LeBron James scored 32 points to lead all scorers and Dwyane Wade had 22 points. Shane Battier was the only other Heat player to score in double digits, dropping 10 points while scooping up eight rebounds. Mario Chalmers scored nine points and Mike Miller had eight points on 2-of-2 shooting from three-point range off the bench for the red-hot Heat.

Kevin Garnett powered the Celtics offensive attack, as expected, pouring in 23 points in 31 minutes while grabbing 10 boards. Paul Pierce shot 5-of-18 from the floor and finished with 12 points while Rajon Rondo had 16 points on 8-of-20 shooting, seven assists and four turnovers. Boston shot 37.5 percent (24-for-64) and was 11-for-21 from the free-throw line.

After the Celtics put up their worst offensive quarter of the postseason in the first period, in which they scored 11 points while giving up 21, the Celts notched their best, outscoring the Heat 35-25 in the second to miraculously tie the game at 46 heading into halftime. James had 13 points alone in the first quarter, outscoring the entire Celtics team, and finished the half with 17. Garnett, meanwhile, scored 13 on 6-of-8 shooting in the opening 24 minutes.

"I thought we kind of joined the game," Rivers said. "First quarter, we gave them a cushion, gave them a lot of confidence. I thought in the second quarter we executed our stuff offensively. The ball started moving, I thought we started competing."

Miami answered with its strongest quarter in the third, outscoring Boston 26-15. James scored 10 on 4-of-7 shooting in the frame and Wade scored six to lead the Heat to a simmering 55.6 shooting percentage in the quarter. Boston got seven points from Garnett in the third, but overall shot 27.3 percent in the third, missing 16 shots. Wade added 10 in the fourth and Miami outpaced Boston with a 21-18 quarter to grab the series-opening win.

"In the third quarter, the game just got away from us," said Rivers. "I thought we rushed. I thought our offense was rushed. I never thought we ever got into our rhythm as far as getting from one side of the floor to the other, and they made some shots."

Game 2 tips off at 8:30 p.m. EST on Wednesday evening at AmericanAirlines Arena, and Boston will try to avoid an 0-2 hole before the series shifts to Boston for Games 3 and 4.

For 2012 NBA Playoffs news, visit our stream. For Celtics news, visit our team page and blog, CelticsBlog. For Heat news, visit SB Nation Tampa Bay and Peninsula Is Mightier.

VIDEO LeBron James Comes Out Of Nowhere, Blocks Struggling Rajon Rondo

ANIMATED: Dwyane Wade Catches Celtics Napping In Game 1

ANIMATED: Doc Rivers Given A Technical Foul In Game 1

NBA Playoffs 2012, Celtics Vs. Heat Game 1: Miami, Boston Tied 46-46 At Halftime

The Miami Heat and the Boston Celtics are tied, 46-46, at halftime of Game 1 of the 2012 NBA Eastern Conference Finals. The Celtics were outscored 21-11 in an ugly first quarter before finding some offense in the second. They used an 8-0 run to tie the game going into the locker room.

Kevin Garnett kept Boston in the game while his teammates struggled early. He has 13 points on 6-for-8 shooting. The rest of the starting five went a combined 1-for-15 from the floor in the first quarter. Rajon Rondo scored eight points, all in the second quarter, on 4-for-10 shooting. He has four turnovers to five assists. Paul Pierce scored six points in the final five minutes to finish with 10 for the half. Ray Allen has been an afterthought for the Heat's defense, as Mike Prada points out. The sharpshooter went just 3-for-7 from the free throw line.

LeBron James scored 13 points in a dominant first quarter, but had just four in the second. Dwyane Wade has six points off 2-for-5 shooting. Miami is shooting 50 percent from the floor as a team compared to 42.9 percent for the Celtics.

The Heat have benefited from some questionable officiating. Doc Rivers was given a technical foul for apparently saying "come one Eddie" to referee Ed Malloy from the sideline. Garnett and Allen were T'd up on similarly debatable incidents earlier in the game.

For 2012 NBA Playoffs news, visit our stream. For Celtics news, visit our team page and blog, CelticsBlog. For Heat news, visit SB Nation Tampa Bay and Peninsula Is Mightier.

VIDEO: LeBron James Off To A Fast 1st Quarter Start

NBA Playoffs 2012, Celtics Vs. Heat: Paul Pierce Talks About Rivalry With LeBron James

It might surprise you what the closest thing to a rivalry is for Miami Heat superstar LeBron James. It's not Kobe Bryant, it's not Kevin Durant and it isn't Derrick Rose. Of all people, it's our very own Paul Pierce of the Boston Celtics, who James will meet in the East Finals.

Of course, this makes a lot of sense. Prior to last season, the demon that James was unable to overcome in the playoffs had been Pierce and his Celtics. Their rivalry really took form back in the 2004 preseason, but it has since grown to become a sort of mutual respect. Brian Windhorst of ESPN wrote a great piece about the Pierce-LeBron rivalry.

When asked about the rivalry, Pierce had the following to say about his battle with James.

"I don't think it is like or dislike, it is what it is," Pierce said. "He's been on some great teams, I've been on some great teams and we've had to face one another. After awhile it became a mutual respect for the things he's done in this league and the things I've done in this league."

"He's one of the best at his position and I've been considered one of the best at my position," Pierce said. "It's been a very competitive battle."

James returned the favor, talking up his storied history with the Celtics captain.

"Oh, we know each other," James said. "More than any other matchup in the league. We know each other's likes and dislikes."

"We understand how competitive each other are," James said. "It's always fun to go up against the best, and he's one of them."

Excerpts don't tell the full story. If you can, check out Windhorst's piece. It's worth it.

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2012 NBA Playoffs, Celtics Vs. Heat Game 1: Erik Spoelstra Praises 'Game Changer' Rajon Rondo

If the Boston Celtics are to overcome the odds and dispatch the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals, they will probably require a dominant series from Rajon Rondo.

Miami has no obvious answer for Boston's lead guard, as evidenced by the 18.7 points, 13.7 assists and 7.7 rebounds he averaged in their three meetings this season.

Heat coach Erik Spoelstra may not know how to defend Rondo, but he sure has plenty of respect for him.

Per WEEI:

"Everyone talks about how he's he an X-factor. His greatness is his unpredictability," Miami coach Erik Spoelstra said. "He's a game changer. Probably more than anything he recognizes the time. He recognizes whatever the team needs at the appropriate time, and that could be anything. You can't predict. It could be a defensive play, a steal, a rebound, an offensive rebound, a 3-pointer when you don't think he's a shooter. It could be breaking you down off the dribble. It could be finding any of those Hall of Famers for a wide open shot, but he transcends a definition of a point guard. What he is, is a winner."

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NBA Playoffs 2012, Celtics Vs. Heat, Game 1: TV Schedule, Game Time And More

Paul Pierce and the Boston Celtics continue their pursuit of an 18th championship as they face the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals on Monday night in South Beach.

Event: Celtics (8-5) vs. Heat (8-3) - NBA Playoffs 2012, Eastern Conference Finals, Game 1.

Date/Time: Monday, May 28, 2012 - 8:30 p.m. EST

Location: AmericanAirlines Arena (Capacity: 19,600), Miami, FL.

Broadcast Info: Monday night's game between the Celtics and Heat will be televised nationally on ESPN. In addition, the game can be heard locally on the radio on the WEEI Sports Radio Network (93.7 FM/850 AM).

Odds: Miami is an 8 1/2-point favorite over Boston on Monday night (per Bovada).

Celtics Roster 2011-2012: Ray Allen, Brandon Bass, Avery Bradley, Marquis Daniels, Keyon Dooling, Kevin Garnett, Ryan Hollins, JaJuan Johnson, E'Twaun Moore, Sasha Pavlovic, Paul Pierce, Mickael Pietrus, Rajon Rondo, Greg Stiemsma, Sean Williams. Head Coach: Doc Rivers.

Heat Roster 2011-2012: Joel Anthony, Shane Battier, Chris Bosh, Mario Chalmers, Norris Cole, Eddy Curry, Terrel Harris, Udonis Haslem, Juwan Howard, LeBron James, James Jones, Mike Miller, Dexter Pittman, Ronny Turiaf, Dwyane Wade. Head Coach: Erik Spoelstra.

Injury Report: Boston - Paul Pierce (knee), Ray Allen (ankle), Avery Bradley (shoulder - out for season). Miami - Chris Bosh (abdominal injury).

Regular Season Series: Boston won the regular-season series, 3-1. Miami won the first game against Boston, 115-107, but the Celtics would respond with three straight wins against the Heat, all in the month of April. Boston posted a statement 91-72 win on April 1 and closed out the season series with a 115-107 win and a 78-66 win later in the month.

Celtics In First Two Rounds: Boston defeated the Atlanta Hawks in six games in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals and survived a seven-game series against the Philadelphia 76ers in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

Heat In First Two Rounds: Miami defeated the New York Knicks in five games in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals before eliminating the Indiana Pacers in six games in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

Playoff Stats: Paul Pierce is Boston's leading scorer this postseason, averaging 19.3 points. Kevin Garnett (19.2 PPG) leads the team in rebounding (10.8 RPG) and blocks (1.5 BPG). Rajon Rondo leads the team in assists (12.3 APG) and steals (2.7 SPG).

LeBron James leads the Heat in scoring, averaging 29.0 points in 11 games, and also leads the team in rebounding (8.7 RPG), assists (5.9 APG) and steals (2.5 SPG). Dwyane Wade averages 23.8 points and leads the team in blocks this postseason, averaging 1.3 swats.

Storyline: Two rounds down, two to go. Boston and Miami will meet once again, this time for a chance to represent the Eastern Conference in the 2012 NBA Finals. Both teams are coming off lengthy second-round series, with the Celtics beating the 76ers in seven games and the Heat topping the Pacers in six games. Miami wrapped up its series last Thursday while Boston finished on Saturday, giving the weary Celtics little rest, which may come back to bite them. While both sides have their injuries, it seems as if Miami is in much better shape heading into Game 1, which most expect the Heat will win. However, the Celtics live to prove everyone wrong, and you can never count them out. It will be interesting to see how the lengthy semifinal series might hinder both teams early in the series, specifically on Monday night.

Players To Watch: Ever heard of LeBron James and Dwyane Wade? Yeah, well, they are always worthy of your attention. Boston's, too. The Celtics will need to focus all of their defensive energy on the Heat's dynamic duo. Meanwhile, for the Celtics, Kevin Garnett and Rajon Rondo will have to bear the brunt of the scoring load with the nagging injuries of Paul Pierce and Ray Allen. Boston will need players to step up on its bench, such as Mickael Pietrus and Keyon Dooling.

Prediction: All signs point to Miami, which has a little extra rest, winning the first game of the series, possibly in convincing fashion. Final Score: Heat 104, Celtics 86.

For 2012 NBA Playoffs coverage, visit our stream. For Celtics coverage, visit our team page and blog, CelticsBlog. For Heat coverage, visit SB Nation Tampa Bay and Peninsula Is Mightier.

Chris Bosh Injury Update: Bosh Takes Next Step In Rehab, Still Out For Game 1

Miami Heat forward Chris Bosh took the next step in his rehab from a lower-abdominal strain on Monday morning, but he's still ruled out of Monday's Game 1 against the Boston Celtics and his status for the remainder of the series remains in doubt.

Bosh went through an on-court workout Sunday with Heat assistant coach Keith Askins, but the Heat continue to downplay the progress he's made.

Per ESPN:

"I'm not even preparing for that right now," Spoelstra said earlier Sunday when asked about Bosh's status for the series. "I'm preparing for who we have in the gym. So our focus is (Monday). And that's all I can concentrate on. We have enough to win (Monday). That's all that any of our guys should be focused on."

For more on the Celtics, please be sure to check out our page Celtics Blog and SB Nation Boston for all the latest news and updates.

2012 NBA Playoffs, Heat Vs. Celtics Game 1: Game Time, TV Schedule And More

The Celtics travel to South Beach to take on the Heat in Game One of the Eastern Conference Finals.

NBA Playoffs 2012, Eastern Conference Finals Preview: Celtics Face Uphill Battle Against Heat

The journey continues as the Boston Celtics face the next obstacle on their journey to an 18th title -- the Miami Heat -- in the Eastern Conference Finals. Boston and Miami have their injuries, but there is a clear favorite.

NBA Playoffs 2012, Celtics Vs. 76ers: Boston Survives Ugly Series With Philadelphia

Behind Rajon Rando's triple double (18 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists) the Boston Celtics moved onto the Eastern Conference Finals as they defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 85-75 in a win-or-go-home Game 7. The victory closed out the series for the C's who now will face the Miami Heat with a trip to the NBA Finals on the line.

All-in-all, Boston survived an ugly series with the Sixers, who made advancing really tough for Boston. However, writes SB Nation's CelticsBlog, if ugly helps you move in the NBA Playoffs you take it.

I'll do my best to wrap up this series with this recap, but when I'm done I'd like to ask that you never make me talk about it ever again. To say this series was ugly would be an insult to the word ugly. But all that matters is the fact that the Celtics are moving on to the Eastern Conference Finals again. Survive and advance, survive and advance.

Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals will be played Monday in Miami (8:30 p.m. ET on ESPN).

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Celtics Overtime: Rondominant Ending Sends Boston To East Finals

Celtics Overtime is a postgame feature providing analysis. Boston beat the Philadelphia 76ers, 85-75, on Saturday evening in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

Quite a few hearts sank when Paul Pierce picked up his sixth foul with 4:16 remaining.

Pierce was whistled for a charge with Boston leading 71-68. He walked slowly to the bench, and you couldn't help but wonder if he was making that walk for the last time in his career.

"I was very disappointed," said Pierce, who finished with 15 points and nine rebounds in 37 minutes. "You know no one goes out there and tries to foul out, especially when its clear our team needs me. You know I was put into situations where the previous two fouls before that, where I felt like I had to take fouls, and I didn't want to give up any easy buckets."

The game was far from over. A three-point lead with four minutes to go is rarely a safe one.

It could have gone either way, and the Big Three Era could have come to a screeching halt.

Of course, Rajon Rondo wasn't going to let that happen, and the performance he turned in over the final 3:39 was simply Rondominant. Or was it Rondiculous? Or Rondonkulous?

Whichever Rondo pun you'd like to use, his play was spectacular, as he carried the Celtics to an 85-75 win in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, eliminating the not-your-average-eighth-seeded 76ers after a hideous (severe understatement) seven game series.

Rondo scored 11 points after Pierce fouled out and recorded his twenty second career triple-double, and his ninth in the postseason, with 18 points, 10 assists and 10 rebounds.

"I felt I was part of the reason [Pierce] fouled out," said Rondo, who only had seven points entering the fourth. "I had two bad turnovers. I felt somewhat responsible for it. My night wasn't going well. I just figured stay with it, stay positive and something will happen."

Well, something happened alright. Rondo was motivated, and we all know what happens then. So he pocketed the flashy passes for a little while and put on his scoring hat.

"Well he had no choice, too" said Celtics coach Doc Rivers. "That's what makes him good. Rondo wants to run the team, and he's a great quarterback. But tonight, with obviously Paul fouling out he had to take charge of the team, and that's good to see as well."

Rondo bailed out quite a few people with his late game heroics, Pierce in particular.

"I was thankful," said Pierce. "He was able to step up, be aggressive, knock down a couple big threes, got to the bucket. ... You know he felt a sense of urgency, he smelled it. He was able to take over the game with his scoring, and it was just phenomenal to watch."

We all know by now that as Rondo goes, so do the Celtics. That fact was clear on Saturday night, but it will be even more evident in the Celtics' next series against the Miami Heat. Boston was taken out by Miami last season in the second round of the playoff. Rondo was hurt for most of the series, and that severely limited the Celtics, but that's behind them now.

"Last year is in the past. This year we are a totally different team," said the clearly confident Rondo. "We feel we can beat Miami. Obviously we got to this point. There's no doubt in my mind that we can, so we've got to go down there and take care of business."

Boston won't have time for rest, as the East Finals begin on Monday. Alas, they'll be ready.

"We'll be ready on Monday," said Rivers. "We've got the long flight. As a staff, the good thing about the three-hour flight is three hour film for us. So we can look at that. I've already packed, so I can watch film tonight. We'll be ready. It's going to be a tough turnaround, but listen, we're not an excuse team. We'll be ready on Monday."

For 2012 NBA Playoffs news, follow our stream. For Celtics coverage, visit our team page and CelticsBlog. Visit Liberty Ballers and SB Nation Philly for additional 76ers coverage.

Celtics 85, 76ers 75: Rajon Rondo Send C's Past Philly To East Finals

BOSTON - Rajon Rondo stepped up when his team needed him most and delivered another memorable playoff performance, finishing with a triple-double (18 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists) to lead the Boston Celtics past the Philadelphia 76ers, 85-75, in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals on Saturday evening at TD Garden.

"He was terrific," said Celtics coach Doc Rivers. "Rondo down the stretch was huge."

Boston will now face the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals, marking the third time since the 2007-08 season that the Celtics have reached the conference finals. The first two games of the series will be played in South Beach, with Game 1 on Monday evening.

"We feel we can beat Miami," said Rondo. "Obviously we got to this point. There's no doubt in my mind that we can, so we've got to go down there and take care of business."

Rondo scored nine straight points down the stretch in the fourth and finished the frame with 11 points. Kevin Garnett had 18 points and 13 rebounds, Brandon Bass scored 16 and Paul Pierce, who fouled out late in the fourth quarter, amassed 15 points and nine boards. Ray Allen finished with 11 points, six of which came in the form of clutch threes in the fourth. Boston shot 42 percent and made 3-of-17 shots from three-point range.

"It was a challenge," Pierce said about winning the series. "You know how Philly played in the series I really got to take my hat off for them. You know it sure did seem like they were an 'A' team the way they played, they way they came out and fought every night."

Andre Iguodala scored 18 to lead Philadelphia, which was held to 35 percent shooting. Jrue Holiday and Elton Brand each scored 15 points and were the only other Sixers to reach double-digit scoring. Lou Williams had seven points to lead the Philly's bench scoring.

"We struggled to score," said Sixers coach Doug Collins, whose team averaged 85.4 points in seven games against Boston. "We're fighting, clawing, and staying in the game."

Boston got the start it desperately needed, opening up a 10-2 lead and forcing Philadelphia to call an early timeout. The Celtics opened the game making 4-of-7 baskets while the Sixers only made one of their first 10 shots and two of their first 12. Philly would battle back, using a strong period from Brand (eight points) to knot the score at 20 through one quarter.

Philly was held to two points for just over five minutes to open the second quarter, during which time Boston took advantage and built its lead to five points, 27-22. The Sixers brought themselves within two points, 32-30 at 4:22, and again at the 1:50 mark (34-32), but the Celtics closed out the quarter on a 7-1 run to take a 41-33 advantage into halftime. Bass led the C's with 10 points at the break, six of which he scored in the first quarter. Brand was held scoreless in the second, but still led Philadelphia with eight points. Both teams shot under 40 percent from the field in the half, with the Celtics shooting 37.5 percent (15-for-40) and the Sixers shooting a dismal 28.2 percent (11-for-39) in the opening half.

A strong start to the second half pushed the C's lead to 11 points, the first double-digit lead of the game, at 49-38 with 8:04 to go in the third. Philly wouldn't go away, though, bringing the game within a point, 53-52, with 34.5 ticks left and trailed 55-52, after three quarters. Turner had six points while Iguodala and Holiday each scored five to pace the Sixers.

Rondo's strong performance to end the fourth was more than enough for Boston to prevail.

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2012 NBA Playoffs, Celtics Vs. 76ers Game 7: Celtics Lead 41-33 At Halftime

The Boston Celtics lead the Philadelphia 76ers by a score of 41-33 at halftime of game seven, after getting off to a fast start and managing to stay ahead of the Sixers through the half. Brandon Bass is the leading scorer in the first half, going 4-7 with 10 points. Kevin Garnett is not far behind at 3-8 for 9 points.

Boston looked dominant early, but Phildelphia was able to build some momentum late in the first quarter, and the quarter ended with the score tied 20-20. Things were close through the second quarter, with Boston's lead rarely going above five, but late in the half Boston was able to put things together and extend the lead to eight. The Celtics are shooting 15-40 as a team, as compared to Philadelphia's 11-39. Rajon Rondo is all over the place for the Celtics, picking up five points, five rebounds, and five assists. They'll look to keep things up in the second half, as a do-or-die game seven continues.

Stick with this storystream for updates and results from game seven. For all things Celtics, Celtics Blog is your source. If the 76ers are your team, check out Liberty Ballers.

2012 NBA Playoffs, Celtics Vs. Sixers Game 7: Greg Stiemsma Feeling Better

The Boston Celtics are a banged up team, to say the least, as they head into Saturday night's game seven against the Philadelphia 76ers. Everyone from Paul Pierce, to back-up center, Greg Stiemsma, is feeling the effects of the long season.

According to Doc Rivers, Stiemsma asked out of game six because he was in pain. During Saturday's shootaround he was feeling much better.

In another positive sign, Greg Stiemsma took part on Saturday, a day after Doc Rivers said the backup center's feet were "feeling better."

[snip]

"He couldn't play in the second half the other night," Doc Rivers said on Friday. "Funny, I put him and he walks up and says, ‘I can't go.' I thought he was walking up to go in. But he feels better and that's good."

Tip is scheduled for 8 PM on Saturday.

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NBA Playoffs 2012, Celtics Vs. Sixers, Game 7: TV Schedule, Game Time And More

Rajon Rondo and the Boston Celtics continue their pursuit of an 18th championship against the Philadelphia 76ers in the second round of the 2012 NBA Playoffs on Saturday.

Event: Celtics (7-6) vs. 76ers (7-6) - NBA Playoffs 2012, Second Round, Game 7.

Date/Time: Saturday, May 26, 2012 - 8:00 p.m. EST.

Location: TD Garden (Capacity: 18,624), Boston, MA.

Broadcast Info: Saturday's game between the Celtics and 76ers will be televised nationally on ESPN. In addition, the game will be broadcast on the radio on WEEI 93.7 FM.

Celtics Roster 2011-2012: Ray Allen, Brandon Bass, Avery Bradley, Marquis Daniels,Keyon Dooling, Kevin Garnett, Ryan Hollins, JaJuan Johnson, E'Twaun Moore, Sasha Pavlovic, Paul Pierce, Mickael Pietrus, Rajon Rondo, Greg Stiemsma, Sean Williams. Head Coach: Doc Rivers.

76ers Roster 2011-2012: Lavoy Allen, Tony Battie, Craig Brackins, Elton Brand, Spencer Hawes, Jrue Holiday, Andre Iguodala, Jodie Meeks, Xavier Silas, Evan Turner, Nikola Vucevic, Louis Williams, Sam Young, Thaddeus Young. Head Coach: Doug Collins.

Injury Report: Boston - Paul Pierce (knee), Ray Allen (ankle), Mickael Pietrus (knee), Greg Stiemsma (foot), Keyon Dooling (sick), Avery Bradley (shoulder - out for season).

Regular Season Series: Boston and Philadelphia met three times in the regular season, with the Sixers winning twice. Philly won by a combined 45 points in its two victories. On March 7, the Celtics were blown away, 103-71, thanks to a career game from Evan Turner (26 points). Philly also beat Boston, 99-86, in the next meeting on March 23. Boston won the season series finale, 103-79, on April 8 behind a 20 point game from Kevin Garnett.

Celtics-76ers In First Round: Both the No. 4 seeded Celtics and No. 8 seeded 76ers won their Eastern Conference Quarterfinals series. Boston defeated the No. 5 seeded Atlanta Hawks, 4-2, and Philadelphia defeated the No. 1 seeded Chicago Bulls, 4-2.

First Round Playoff Stats: Paul Pierce is the Celtics' leading postseason scorer, averaging 21.2 points. Kevin Garnett is the team's leading rebounder (10.5 RPG) and shot blocker (1.8 BPG) and Rajon Rondo is averaging a team-high 11.8 assists and 3.4 steals in six games. Jrue Holiday is the Sixers' leading scorer, averaging 18.2 points, and leads the team, averaging 4.7 assists. Spencer Hawes is averaging 8.0 rebounds, Andre Iguodala averages 1.8 steals and Elton Brand is averaging 2.5 blocks through the opening round.

Celtics Vs. 76ers, Game 1: Boston rode Kevin Garnett (29 points, 11 rebounds) and Rajon Rondo (13 points, 12 rebounds, 17 assits) to a comeback 92-91 win over Philadelphia in Game 1 of the series on Saturday night at TD Garden. Paul Pierce scored 14 and Ray Allen scored 12. Andre Iguodala finished with 19 points, six rebounds and six assists for Philly.

Celtics Vs. 76ers, Game 2: Boston again struggled through parts of the first three quarters, but got hot at the right time in the fourth. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough as the Sixers fended off the green team to even the series at 1-1. Jrue Holiday scored a game-high 18 while Kevin Garnett scored 11 of his 15 points in the fourth quarter and had 12 rebounds.

Celtics Vs. 76ers, Game 3: Kevin Garnett (27 points, 13 rebounds), Paul Pierce (24 points, 12 rebounds, three steals) and Rajon Rondo (23 points, 14 assists) carried the Celtics to a statement 107-91 win and a 2-1 series lead. Thaddeus Young scored 22 points for Philly.

Celtics Vs. 76ers, Game 4: All the momentum the Celtics earned in Game 3 was wiped away after Boston built a 14-0 lead and later led by 18 points in the second half, only to see the 76ers climb all the way back and post a 92-83 win in Game 4 to even the series at two games. Andre Iguodala and Evan Turner each scored 16. Paul Pierce scored 24 for Boston.

Celtics Vs. Sixers, Game 5: Boston trailed by three, 50-47, at halftime before Brandon Bass had the game of his career, scoring 18 of his game-high 27 points in the decisive third quarter as the Celtics rallied past the Sixers for a 101-85 win in Game 5 of the series, giving Boston a 3-2 series lead. Elton Brand scored 19 and Lavoy Allen added 12 points for Philly.

Celtics Vs. Sixers, Game 6: Never comfortable on the offensive end, the Celtics struggled to shoot 33.3 percent on the way to an ugly 82-75 loss to the Sixers in Game 6, evening the series at three games a piece. Jrue Holiday scored 20 and Paul Pierce had 24 points.

Storyline: Well, here we are. Six games have been played, and each side has three wins. Now, forty eight minutes sit between the Celtics, Sixers and the Eastern Conference Finals. Experience favors Boston, but youth and athleticism favor Philadelphia. Oh, and have we mentioned the injuries? Boston lost its defensive captain, Avery Bradley, to a season-ending shoulder injury, for which he underwent surgery on Friday. Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, Mickael Pietrus and Greg Stiemsma are also banged up, meaning the Celtics will need others to step up to get the job done. The problem is, they are pretty weak in the depth department. All of these problems could mean big, big trouble for Boston. Then again, in these win or go home situation, it seems like the Celtics always find that extra gear. Nothing is a given, of course. This game will likely come down to whoever has one final run in them.

Players To Watch: Avery Bradley is out. Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, Mickael Pietrus and Greg Stiemsma are pretty banged up, too. That means that the Celtics will need others to answer the call. Naturally, the top two candidates are playoff MVP Kevin Garnett and the triple-double machine, Rajon Rondo. In order for Boston to move on, Garnett and Rondo will almost certainly need to have have big games, and the Celtics will need some production from Pierce, too. On the other bench, Jrue Holiday, Lou Williams and Andre Iguodala will set the pace, and if they go off, they'll be tough, if not impossible, to stop.

Prediction: Simply put, you can't. Predicting a Game 7 is tough. It's a toss up. Buckle up.

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2012 NBA Playoffs, Celtics Vs. Sixers Game 7: Keyon Dooling (Illness) Returns To Boston Celtics For Shootaround

After missing Friday's practice due to illness, Keyon Dooling returned to the Boston Celtics for shootaround Saturday morning as the team prepared for Game 7 against the Philadelphia 76ers later Saturday night.

Dooling isn't a star, but he plays a valuable role for the Celtics as Rajon Rondo's primary backup. The 32-year old guard has averaged 2.3 points in 9.3 minutes per game so far during the postseason.

If Dooling is unable to go, it's uncertain how the Celtics will spread his minutes. Since it's a deciding Game 7, Rondo is expected to earn the lion's share of playing time. But for when he does come off the court, the only backup point guard on Boston's roster besides Dooling is rookie E'Twaun Moore, who hasn't played any significant minutes yet in the postseason.

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Avery Bradley Injury Update: Bradley Underwent Surgery On Both Shoulders, According To Report

Boston Celtics shooting guard Avery Bradley had surgery Friday on both his shoulders, according to Mike Petraglia of WEEI. Initial reports were that Bradley would only need an operation on his left shoulder.

The recovery time for the surgery is still expected to be four months, which should leave Bradley ready to participate when training camp arrives at the beginning of October.

Bradley's absence could be a crushing blow for the Celtics, who will now have to rely more heavily on Ray Allen. The 36-year old sharp-shooter is bothered by bone spurs in his ankle, and has shot just 26.7 percent from three-point range in the playoffs while providing below-average perimeter defense.

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2012 NBA Playoffs, Celtics Vs. 76ers Game 7: Game Time, TV Schedule And More

The Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers meet for a deciding Game 7 at the TD Garden Saturday night with a trip to the Eastern Conference Finals in the balance. (Game Time: 8 p.m. ET, TV Schedule: ABC)

Boston had a chance to close out the series in Game 6, but Philadelphia held home court and forced the series back to Boston with an 82-75 victory.

The last time the two clubs met for a deciding game in a tie series came in 2002 during a best-of-five first round series. Paul Pierce finished with 46 points, six assists and four rebounds, hitting eight of his 10 three-point attempts to lead a 120-87 shellacking of Allen Iverson's Sixers.

The winner of Saturday's Game 7 will meet the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals beginning on Monday.

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NBA Playoffs 2012: Win Or Lose, Boston Celtics' New Big Three Era A Success

Win or lose in Saturday night's Game 7 against the Philadelphia 76ers, there is no arguing that the Boston Celtics' new Big Three era with Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen was a smashing success, as Dave Shook opines.

NBA Playoffs 2012, Celtics Vs. Sixers, Game 7: Everything On The Line In Boston

Forty eight minutes before the teacher says, "Pencils down, turn in your test." Six games are in the books, and the decisive seventh game is all that's standing between the Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers and the Eastern Conference Finals. Who makes the grade?

Philadelphia forced Boston's hand with a hearty 82-75 win in Game 6, bringing the series back to Boston for Game 7, which tips off at 8 p.m. EST on Saturday night at TD Garden.

Jrue Holiday stepped up to bat and delivered for the Sixers, scoring 20 points and dishing out six assists to outlast the Celtics in the series' sixth game on Wednesday night. Paul Pierce scored 24 and grabbed 10 rebounds and Kevin Garnett totaled 20 points and 11 rebounds, but Boston received little to no production from anyone else on the roster in the agonizing defeat. Going into the game, Philly had just one goal: survive until Saturday.

"That's all we wanted was to win tonight and give ourselves a chance to go into Boston and see what happens on Saturday in Game 7," said second-year Sixers coach Doug Collins.

That being said, Collins doesn't want his squad to ease up. While reaching the second round of the playoffs is beyond expectation for this group, Collins wants them to get greedy.

"I'm not going to give them that out," Collins said. "I want more. I want more. We're going to get greedy, and we want more. We've fought, we've worked, and we've gone through a lot as a team. ... We're competitors. I love what our guys did [in Game 6]."

By now, Doc Rivers and the Celtics are certainly aware of the threat Philadelphia poses.

"They're athletic," said Rivers, the Celtics' coach. "They're young and they are very fast. They play with a lot of energy and it's very difficult for our guys. The regular season against them was hard, and that's why the playoffs have been hard. We knew this match-up coming in would be hard because they have a quickness advantage and we understand that."

But throw all of the stats and past performances out the door, because in Game 7, anything goes. Boston has a clear advantage in the experience department, with the current Big Four having played in five Game 7's together already, but Philadelphia's youth has served them well while Boston's core is banged up. Even with odds against them, the Sixers are ready.

"We know we have to battle," said Elton Brand. "We’re going to have to try to find a way."

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NBA Playoffs 2012, Celtics Vs. Sixers, Game 7: Anatomy Of A Seventh Game

Game 7, do or die. Who comes out on top?

2012 NBA Playoffs, Celtics Vs. Sixers: Keyon Dooling (Sick) Misses Practice

Boston Celtics reserve Keyon Dooling will miss practice on Friday due to illness, Doc Rivers told reporters at the team's practice facility in Waltham on Friday.

Dooling has averaged 1.0 points in 9.3 minutes during the second round as Boston's primary backup for Rajon Rondo. Well-respected in the locker room, Dooling's biggest contribution to date in Boston's playoff run might have been a halftime speech he gave during Game 5. After trailing by three points at the time of Dooling's speech, the Celtics won by 16.

It's unclear whether Dooling will be available for Saturday's Game 7 against the Philadelphia 76ers. The Celtics are already dealing with a thin bench that was hurt by the loss of Avery Bradley, who will undergo shoulder surgery Friday and miss the remainder of the playoffs.

For more on the Celtics, please check out our site Celtics Blog and SB Nation Boston for all the latest news and updates. For all news and information regarding the Philadelphia 76ers, please visit Liberty Ballers and SB Nation Philadelphia.

Avery Bradley Injury: Surgery Will End Bradley's Season Prior To Celtics-Sixers Game 7

Boston Celtics shooting guard Avery Bradley will undergo season-ending shoulder surgery on Friday, Doc Rivers told reporters at the team's practice Friday morning.

Bradley's shoulder popped out of its sockets three times in the postseason. After the most recent dislocation in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, doctors examined Bradley and decided he should not continue to play because of the chances the injury might get worse.

With Bradley out, Ray Allen becomes the Celtics' starter. Allen has struggled to find his outside shot as he deals with bone spurs in his ankle, hitting just 26 percent of his threes in the Philadelphia 76ers series.

Bradley's absence hurts against the athletic Sixers, but it could be lethal if the Celtics advance to meet the Miami Heat and Dwyane Wade.

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2012 NBA Playoffs, 76ers Vs. Celtics: Avery Bradley Will Need Surgery On Shoulder, According To Report

Celtics shooting guard Avery Bradley may be shut down for the rest of the postseason due to a left shoulder injury according to the Boston Globe. A source confirmed to the Globe that there is a 90 percent chance Bradley will not suit up for the remainder of the playoffs and will likely need surgery.

Bradley has already missed the previous two games due to soreness in both shoulders and has been listed as day-to-day by Celtics coach Doc Rivers. Bradley is close to making a decision on whether to undergo the surgery.

The former Longhorn took over as the shooting guard back in April and has been a strong defensive presence for the Celtics. However, injuries have come often to Bradley, as they wrecked his rookie season limiting him to only 31 games.

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2012 All-NBA Third Team: Rajon Rondo Makes First All-NBA Team

Boston Celtics guard Rajon Rondo was the team's only representative on the 2012 All-NBA teams, which the NBA released on Thursday.

After averaging 11.9 points, 4.9 rebounds and a league-leading 11.7 assists, Rondo was named to the third team along with Dirk Nowitzki, Dwyane Wade, Tyson Chandler, Carmelo Anthony.

It's become a year of milestones for Rondo. He set a Boston Celtics record for highest assists average, led the league in assists for the first time, made an All-Defensive team for the fourth straight season, and now has been named to his first All-NBA team.

Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett both received votes, but not enough to crack any of the three teams.

For a list of all three All-NBA teams and full voting results, visit NBA.com.

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Orlando Magic Coaching Search: Doc Rivers A Long Shot, But Magic Interested

Doc Rivers signed a five-year deal with the Boston Celtics prior to this season. But that reportedly isn't stopping the Orlando Magic from dreaming big.

According to an ESPN report, the Magic are quite interested in finding a way to convince Rivers to leave his perch on the Celtics bench in favor of a position in Orlando. The Magic would obviously be interested in signing Rivers as a coach, but ESPN reports they might also be open to adding him in a management-only role.

Of course, it's far-fetched and unlikely. Rivers resides in Orlando during the offseason, but he is signed for four more seasons in Boston after this one concludes. He also by all accounts loves his working relationship with Danny Ainge in Boston, which is a big reason he signed a long-term deal in Beantown.

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Greg Stiemsma Injury Update: Sore Feet As Bad As They've Been, According To Report

Greg Stiemsma, bothered by sore feet for most of the season's second half, told WEEI's Paul Flannery that he reaggravated the injury during Game 5 and it is now "as bad as it's been" this year.

Stiemsma still expects to play Game 7 on Saturday, but he might again be hindered by his feet. In Boston's 82-75 Game 6 defeat, he managed to play just five ineffective minutes, during which he miss a couple defensive rotations and failed to register a single point, rebound or blocked shot.

The Game 6 effort came on the tail of Stiemsma's best postseason effort. He scored 10 points and blocked three shots in 14 minutes of Boston's 101-85 Game 5 victory.

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Avery Bradley Injury Update: Shoulder Issue Could End Celtics Guard's Season

The Boston Celtics will likely be without guard Avery Bradley for Saturday night's Game 7 against the Philadelphia 76ers. Should the Celtics win that game, they may still find themselves without Bradley who could be done for the rest of the year, according to reports.

Bradley suffered his third shoulder injury of the playoffs in Game 4 against the Sixers. At the time, it looked as though his shoulder actually came out of its socket. The Boston Globe first reported after Wednesday night's loss that the Celtics may have lost him for the year.

The Celtics are not expected to have Avery Bradley for the rest of the season because of a left shoulder injury. A source close to Bradley told the Globe that its in the percentile is in the "high 90s" that Bradley will be shut down and will perhaps need surgery.

The news comes as a blow for the Celtics. However, Boston did manage to win Game 5 against the Sixers pretty decisively without Bradley. They will be looking for a repeat on Saturday.

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NBA Playoffs 2012, 76ers Vs. Celtics: The End Of An Era Looming In Boston?

The Boston Celtics had a chance to close out their series with the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night. Instead, the Sixers forced a Game 7 in the series with an 82-75 win. Playing the more up-tempo game, Philly held Kevin Garnett in check. Jeff Clark at Celtics Blog wondered about Garnett, and some of the other Celtics' veterans, following Wednesday's game, looking past this game and even the series.

Could this Celtics team be broken up after this season?

Celtics Blog explains.

If Danny decides that he wants to start the rebuilding plan sooner rather than later, the dominos could start falling very fast. Garnett and Allen could find employment elsewhere or retire. Paul Pierce has hinted strongly at retirement and I think he would consider it strongly if those other two left. Then there's always the bi-annual Rajon Rondo trade rumors. Doc Rivers seems signed up for the long haul, but he could be coaching a completely revamped lineup next year.

It might all be premature, says Clark. Bringing back Garnett and and even Allen could be preferable to working the free agent market.

The better outcome would be a win in Game 7.Or maybe the Celtics will just happen to win on Saturday, and then go on to throttle the Heat (who they might just match up better with than the Sixers or Pacers). Then anything can happen in the Finals. Just ask the Mavericks, another aging team that happened to come together at just the right time.

I'm not burying this team just yet. Like I said at the top, I still believe in them. I just realize that there's a chance they could lose and I don't want it to end this way.

Game 7 happens Saturday in Boston.

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Celtics Overtime: Same Old Story For Boston In Loss, Game 7 Looms

Celtics Overtime is a postgame feature providing analysis. Boston lost to the Philadelphia 76ers, 82-75, on Wendesday evening in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

Doc Rivers sounded like a broken record after the Boston Celtics' loss Wednesday night.

Philadelphia, which won 82-75 in Game 6 to force a seventh game, had more energy, outplayed the Celtics, and the team never established Kevin Garnett, said Rivers.

Sound familiar? It should, because that's what Rivers has said after each loss this series.

Once again, the Sixers did what they needed to do to ensure victory, and Rivers gave them plenty of credit. Still, the Celtics did not do anything to help their cause. All night long, Boston looked miserably out of sync on the offensive end, and the statistics showed it -- the Celtics shot 33.3 percent on 26-of-78 shooting and 3-of-14 from three-point range.

"Offensively, we were challenged tonight," said Paul Pierce, who scored 24 on 5-of-11 shooting and 13 free throws. "We didn't get the ball movement we got in Game 5."

There are plenty of ugly stats from Wednesday's game, but one in particular is especially putrid: the Celtics managed only 14 assists in the game. To put that in perspective, Rajon Rondo recorded 14 or more assists by himself five times this postseason and 18 times in the 2011-12 regular season. Philadelphia, on the other hand, racked up 22 assists.

"I think he wanted to play well," Rivers said about Rondo, who neared a triple-double (a weak one, at that) with nine points, nine rebounds and six assists while turning the ball over four times. "I thought he attacked early and missed some shots. He probably got caught in between himself. He saw the offense wasn't working, so I thought he was kind of trying to orchestrate the offense and try to [attack], and he probably got caught in the middle."

Garnett, meanwhile, wound up with good numbers -- 20 points, 11 rebounds -- but they weren't the kind of numbers that Boston needed on the offensive end, according to Rivers.

"We really never established Kevin," said Rivers. "Even though Kevin had points, it wasn't the points that we needed -- the type of points. We have to do a better job there."

Yet again, the Celtics wasted a chance to get some extra rest, and the series is knotted at three games apiece. This time around, though, the Celtics won't be able to afford a loss. Still, confidence won't be an issue for Boston in Game 7. They've been through this before.

"[It's] win or go home," Garnett said, who will be playing in his sixth Game 7 with Boston. "Confidence is very high. We've been here before, very experienced. All out, nothing less."

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NBA Playoffs 2012, Celtics Vs. Sixers, Game 6 Final Score: Philly Edges Boston, 82-75, To Force Game 7

Jrue Holiday scored 20 points and the Philadelphia 76ers forced a seventh game in the Eastern Conference Semifinals with an 82-75 win over the Boston Celtics in Game 6 on Wednesday night at Wells Fargo Center. Game 7 will be played Saturday night in Boston.

"They played with a lot of energy tonight," said Celtics head coach Doc Rivers. "I really just thought they outplayed us tonight. ... We have to do a better job offensively, I thought we had a lot of empty possessions offensively. We played in random a lot tonight."

Philly featured a balanced offensive attack, with six players scoring nine or more points. Elton Brand scored 13, Andre Iguodala and Evan Turner each had 12 points and Lou Williams had 11 points off the bench for the Sixers, who finished the game having made 32-of-70 field goals to shoot 45.7 percent after shooting under 40 percent in the first half.

Paul Pierce led all scorers with 24 points for Boston, which had one of its worst offensive performances in recent memory, shooting 33.3 percent on 26-of-78 shooting. Kevin Garnett had 20 points and 11 rebounds, Rajon Rondo had nine points, nine rebounds and six assists, Ray Allen scored nine and Brandon Bass scored eight. Boston had 16 turnovers and only had 14 assists to Philly's 22, but it did win the rebounding battle, 48-37.

"Offensively, we were challenged tonight," said Pierce, who was only 5-of-11 from the field but made 13-of-13 free throws. "We didn't get the ball movement we got in Game 5."

Boston's first half was painful to watch, but then again, so was Philadelphia's. Thanks to a Mickael Pietrus' quarter-ending three, the Celtics led 36-33 at the intermission. Both teams shot a combined 35.5 percent in the half, with the Celtics making only 13 of 41 baskets in the half. Pierce led the Celts with 11 points despite making only 3-of-5 field goals. Garnett was 3-for-10 from the field with eight points and Bass had seven points in 2-of-10 shooting.

Iguodala scored six and Williams had four of Philly's final seven points in the third quarter, helping the Sixers build a 60-54 advantage late in the period, and Rondo's 14-footer brought the Celtics within four through three. Philadelphia pushed its lead to double-digits -- the first such lead for either team -- 70-59 with 7:15 to play. However, the Sixers left the door open for a final Celtics run, and a three from Allen with 1:40 left pulled Boston within six, 78-72, and a much-needed three from Pierce made it a five-point contest, 80-75, with 32 ticks left. Philly wrapped up the game with a pair of baskets at the free throw line.

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Paul Pierce Head Shake, Andre Iguodala Dunk Add To The Fun

Andre Iguodala had the dunk of the day so far with this beauty in the third quarter.

Iguodala pulled down an Evan Turner pass that was deflected by Elton Brand. You see it the animated GIF below and in the video.

via assets.sbnation.com

In the video, you can hear ESPN announcer Hubie Brown flip out over the dunk.

Paul Pierce made a highlight reel move of his own for the Celtics. Seeking the call, Pierce hammed it up to get a little extra attention. He even through in the herky jerky move for added effect, one to put aside for Oscar season. See for yourself in the animated GIF below.

via assets.sbnation.com

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2012 NBA Playoffs, Celtics Vs. 76ers, Game 6: Mickael Pietrus Gives Boston 36-33 Edge At The Half

A win in Game 6 would give the Boston Celtics the series, but the Philadelphia 76ers are not going to be so accommodating. At the half, Boston leads by a score of 36-33.

It looked as though the half would end tied, but Mickael Pietrus hit a 22-foot three-pointer with less than a second left on the clock. It was only the second shot in five attempts that Pietrus made.

The game was hardly the definition of precision. Both teams combined for a total of 16 turnovers in the half. The 76ers have the edge in shooting, hitting just 40 percent from the field to 31 percent for Boston.

Paul Pierce leads the Celtics with 11 points. Kevin Garnett has eight points and six rebounds.

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2012 NBA Playoffs, Celtics Vs. 76ers, Game 6: Can Brandon Bass Have Another Big Night?

The Boston Celtics will be looking to close out the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night at the Wells Fargo Center at 8:00 p.m. The C's lead their Eastern Conference Semifinals series 3-2.

Brandon Bass was able to score a career-high 27 points in Game 5 and 18 points in the third quarter alone. How did he get so open and can he find a way to follow up that performance in Game 6 tonight? Ray Allen, on the other hand, was just 2-7 from the field and finished with five points in 33 minutes on Monday. Will he be able to get anything going against the Sixers in Game 6? These are just some of the questions SB Nation's Mike Prada discusses in his keys to Game 6.

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2012 NBA All-Defensive Teams: Kevin Garnett, Rajon Rondo Named To Second Team

Rajon Rondo and Kevin Garnett were named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team on Wednesday, as announced by the league.

Garnett has now been named to either the First or Second Team in 12 of the past 13 years. He was on the First Team last season after being left off both teams entirely following an injury-riddled 2009-10 campaign.

Rondo had been named to the First Team in each of the last two seasons. This is his fourth consecutive season being voted to one of the two teams.

The two Celtics stars were joined on the Second Team by Tyson Chandler, Kobe Bryant and Luol Deng.

The First Team consisted of LeBron James, Dwight Howard, Chris Paul, Tony Allen and Serge Ibaka.

Avery Bradley, widely viewed as one of the league's toughest perimeter defenders, was probably hurt by his lack of playing time in the early season. He finished with one First Team vote and one Second Team vote.

The full voting can be found on NBA.com.

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2012 NBA Playoffs, Celtics Vs. Sixers Game 6: Allen Iverson Reportedly Plans To Attend

Several years ago, Danny Ainge attempted to acquire Allen Iverson and team him alongside Paul Pierce in the Boston Celtics' lineup. That was back when Iverson was a high-scoring guard, just a short time removed from being the NBA MVP.

Wednesday night, Pierce will attempt to dispatch Iverson's old crew, and Iverson -- out of basketball, at least for the time being, probably forever -- is expected to sit in the stands and observe.

Allen Iverson plans to be in attendance tonight at Game 6 in Philadelphia, according to multiple sources. #celtics #sixers

— Tzvi Twersky (@TTwersky) May 23, 2012

Iverson is the same age as Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett, yet he hasn't appeared in an NBA game since Feb. 20, 2010. In an alternate world, maybe, Iverson loved practice and didn't have so many vices and could have agreed to a smaller role as he aged. But in this world, he'll do nothing but watch while his former peers try to finish off his former team.

Sad, really.

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Avery Bradley Injury Update: Bradley Doubtful For Game Six

The Boston Celtics job just got a little bit tougher.

According to Gethin Coolbaugh, head coach Doc Rivers has stated that he doesn't believe Avery Bradley will be ready to play on Wednesday night against the Philadelphia 76ers,

Bradley would be a major loss after being such a bright spot through the entire season, including this playoff run. He's one of the best on-ball defenders in the game and without him, could put a lot more stress on Ray Allen to play some extra minutes.

Boston was able to win Game Five in convincing fashion without Bradley, but it will become a tougher task with each passing game. A shoulder injury is always tricky to deal with, considering the amount of stress it goes through in a typical NBA game.

Bradley is doubtful for Game Six while his return date is still very much in the air for a team with aspirations of a title.

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2012 NBA Playoffs, 76ers Vs. Celtics Game 6: Game Time, TV Schedule And More

The Celtics will try to close out the 76ers in Game Six of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

NBA Playoffs 2012, Celtics Vs. Sixers, Game 6: Boston Seeks Knockout Punch In Philly

Can you smell the fear? Well, if you say you can, you're lying. What we've learned from the first five games of the Eastern Conference Semifinal series between the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers is that the once "sensitive" and "fragile" Sixers are a very formidable foe for the time-tested Celtics. Nevertheless, Philly will have its back to the wall as it faces elimination in Game 6 at 8 p.m. EST on Wednesday night at Wells Fargo Center (ESPN).

"It's not going to be easy," said Celtics coach Doc Rivers about knocking out the Sixers after a Game 5 victory on Monday. "Listen, this series is hard. They're a good team, they're an athletic team. Every minute you think, like, we're leaking oil, physically. So we've got a quick turnaround here and we're going to have to be ready. But I just want us to play the right way every minute, and if we do that, I don't know if we'll win or not but we'll be good."

Boston wasn't exactly good (at least not in Rivers' eyes) for the majority of the first half in Game 5, trailing 50-47 heading into halftime. Alas, a huge third quarter from Brandon Bass -- he scored 18 of his game-high 27 points in the period and led the Celtics on a 15-4 run -- turned the tables and powered the Celts to a 101-85 win, giving Boston a 3-2 series lead.

Now one win away from their third Eastern Conference Finals since 2008, Boston is ready to strike for the final time. Still, as Rivers said, it will be difficult, and the Celtics know that.

"We know how tough the playoffs are, there's nothing easy about the playoffs," said Paul Pierce, who is averaging 19.6 points this postseason. "We know there's a long journey to get to where we need to go. We understand how difficult it is, nothing's easy. You got a very resilient Philadelphia group who just won't go away. I take my hat off to them, they are one of the better teams we even played in the last few years because of their fight, and they got great coaches and their players are mentally tough. We know they're not going to go away, so we've got to have our hard hats on for the next game, Game 6, to try to put them away."

Of course, the last time Boston visited Philadelphia, Pierce and company learned that lesson the hard way. Boston jumped out to a 14-0 lead and led by 18 points early in the second half, all while looking like they were on the verge of a quick five games series. Then, as Rivers later said, the Celtics lost their composure and Philly displayed its true grit, using a furious comeback to notch a 92-83 win in Game 4 and even the series at two games.

Boston can afford another loss in the series, but not Philly. For the Sixers, the options are clear: win two straight games or make vacation plans. No question, that is a very tall order.

"It will definitely be tough against this team," said Andre Iguodala. "We got to believe in ourselves and focus in and try to get done and try to clean up some of the mistakes."

Sixers coach Doug Collins has singled out one area where his team will need to succeed during Game 6 if they want to save their season and prolong the series: toughness.

"I told my guys that to win game six we've got to be mentally and physically tougher [than] what we were [in Game 5], the last eighteen minutes of the game," Collins said. "They knocked us on our heels and we had that one little segment that we tried to get back into it. But for the most part they were the more forceful team to finish the game."

And as it often does, the game will come down to one question: who wants it more?

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NBA Playoffs 2012, Celtics Vs. 76ers: Brandon Bass Becomes Unsung Hero

The Boston Celtics earned a decisive Game 5 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers, 101-85, and took a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series Monday. The victory can be created to a lot of different players, but it was reserve guard Brandon Bass, who stepped up for the injured Avery Bradley, that was the big difference says the SB Nation's the Celtic Blog:

After an awkward, tentative first half in which Bass looked clueless with the ball, unsure on every touch whether to pass, shoot or merely dribble out the shot clock, he then came to life in the second. He exploded for 18 points in the third quarter alone, and he finished with 27 overall, plus six rebounds, two blocks, two steals and an assist. He was the very picture of efficiency, shooting 9-of-13 from the field and 9-of-10 from the line. He left the opposing Sixers shaking their heads, quite literally.

Bass' effort helped Boston move one win closer to moving onto the Eastern Conference Finals. They can do that with a victory in Game 6 on Wednesday night at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN.

For more on the Celtics vs. 76ers NBA Playoff series, make sure to check back to this SB Nation Boston StoryStream. Meanwhile, for more commentary and discussion visit the Celtics Blog.

Celtics Overtime: Brandon Bass Keeps It Simple In Game 5 Victory

Celtics Overtime is a postgame feature providing analysis from each game. Boston beat the Philadelphia 76ers, 101-85, Monday in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

Ever heard of the K-I-S-S principle, meaning "Keep It Simple Stupid?" Brandon Bass has.

Bass had by far his best game of the postseason, scoring a game-leading 27 points while scooping up six rebounds in the Celtics' 101-85 win over the Sixers in Game 5 of their Eastern Conference Semifinal series Monday night at TD Garden. Bass did most of his damage in the third quarter, torching Philly for 18 points to lead Boston's turnaround.

While the numbers he put up in the third were flashy, Bass' game plan wasn't. It was simple.

"I just thought he kept the game simple in the second half," Celtics head coach Doc Rivers said. "Didn't try to do too much, he let the game come to him. And he trusted his teammates, by throwing an extra pass to (Rajon) Rondo, Rondo throwing it back. But again, like I always say, it's a make-miss league. He made shots and that was great."

Boston trailed by six points, 53-47, with 11:06 to play in the third before Bass hit two free throws, kicking off a furious 15-4 run the put the Celtics on top by six, 63-57, with 4:56 left. During the run, Bass scored 10 points and finished the quarter with eight more points.

"It was big," said Paul Pierce, who scored nine first-half points and finished the contest with 16, of Bass' third quarter. "We were swinging the ball, getting it to the open guy. Brandon just stayed aggressive, he took the shots that were there, he was aggressive and mixing it up, going to the hole, finishing, taking the mid-range shot and that's what we need."

Added Bass on his dominant third quarter: "It was a blessing for me. It's just hard work. I've been working at it for a long time and I'm just grateful it was able to pay off."

Bass hadn't scored more than 15 points in a playoff game this postseason, and he did that in Game 4 against the Sixers last Friday night. Prior to Game 4, Bass' high for points was 14, which he notched in Game 5 against the Atlanta Hawks. Bass is now averaging 14.8 points in the series -- the third-highest mark on the team behind Kevin Garnett and Pierce.

"With me more than anything it's hard work," said Bass when asked about staying positive. "So after missing some shots in the game, I just reverted back to what got me here and that's spending time in the gym getting up a bunch of shots."

Closing out his press conference, Bass was asked if this was his first time on the postgame podium, which it was, and he shared the motto that had helped him reach this stage.

"My motto is 'God, grind, greatness,'" a very humble Bass said. "And grinding is what got me, you know, to this point and that's what I'm [going to] continue to do."

AUDIO: Brandon Bass Postgame Interview, Celtics Vs. 76ers, Game 5 (5-21-12)

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Celtics 101, Sixers 85: Brandon Bass' Big Third Quarter Boosts C's

BOSTON - Brandon Bass made his presence felt when it counted most, rebounding from a mediocre first half to score 18 of his game-leading 27 points in the third quarter and help the Boston Celtics turn the tables en route to a 101-85 win over the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals on Monday evening inside TD Garden.

"It was just me taking advantage of my opportunity," said Bass, who is averaging 14.8 points this series. "We got a few good players on the team that they've got to focus on so they left me open tonight and I was able to hit the shots."

Boston, which now only needs one win to finish off the Sixers, lagged behind Philly for nearly all of the first half before Bass made his move in the third quarter. The Celtics finished 36-of-69 from the field (52 percent) and improved dramatically at the free throw line, making 26-of-33 shots after going 16-for-19 in their Game 4 loss last Friday night.

Kevin Garnett had a strong first half, scoring 14, and finished with 20 points and six rebounds. Paul Pierce scored 16 and Rajon Rondo amassed 13 points and 14 assists while Ray Allen, who started in place of an injured Avery Bradley, finished with five points.

"I didn't have to do anything any differently," Allen said. "He's an extraordinary defensive player, but I tried to do what I'm capable of and be a part of the defensive unit. Any time you have a player down you never take on that person's role, you just try to go out and do your job."

Elton Brand has his best game of the series, scoring 12 of his 19 points in the first half for Philadelphia. Lavoy Allen scored 12, Jrue Holiday added 10 points, Evan Turner had 11 points and 10 rebounds and Andre Igoudala totaled eight points. Philly shot 47 percent (36-for-77) and won the rebounding battle, 37-31, and turned the ball over 15 times.

"We played great, phenomenal in the first half, but only a three point lead showed for it," Brand said. "And once we got out a little bit in the second half, we couldn't stop their run. We brought it up to 6, seemed like we could get some separation but our turnovers hurt."

Rondo scored six of the Celtics' first nine points, leading them to an early 9-8 lead. After the first stoppage in play, Greg Stiemsma (10 points) checked in for Garnett and chipped in with some instant offense, scoring six straight, but Boston still trailed 18-17 behind a balanced Philadelphia scoring attack. Philly led 27-23 after twelve minutes.

Philly controlled the tempo throughout most of the second quarter, in which it led nearly all the way. The game was tied twice in the frame -- 33-33 at 8:24 and 35-35 at 7:43 -- and the Sixers built their lead up to as many as six points once and five points four times. However, the Celtics still outscored the opposition, 24-23, in the quarter and trailed 50-47 at the break. Iguodala and Brand (12 first-half points) each scored six in the quarter, but Garnett (14 first-half points) came alive for Boston, scoring 10 points on 4-of-7 shooting in the frame, and Pierce scored all nine of his first-half points in the quarter to pace the Celtics.

Boston made its move in the third quarter, with Bass and Garnett fueling a 15-4 run the took the Celts from five down to seven up, 63-57. Bass scored 10 points during the run -- four at the free throw line and four via dunk. Bass would finish the quarter with 18 points and had a game-leading 23 points for the game, putting the Celtics on top 75-66 entering the fourth.

"We defended, we changed everything we did with our energy," Pierce said about the third quarter. "I think we picked it up, got into them a little bit more, made it a little tougher for them to get to their spots, denied the ball a little bit, rebounded better and we got on transition. Once we were able to run and get some easy baskets, just open it up, we fed off the crowd and never looked back."

By the start of the fourth, the damage had already been done, and the Celtics built their lead up to 81-66 with 8:14 left and never looked back, winning the all-important fifth game in a tied series. Boston heads back to Philly for Game 6 on Wednesday, when they will try to eliminate the Sixers and reach their third Eastern Conference Finals since 2008.

AUDIO: Doc Rivers Postgame (5-21-12) | AUDIO: Doug Collins Postgame (5-21-12)

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VIDEO: Chris Webber Busts Out 'RONDOOOOOOOOO' Scream During Game 5

Celtics Vs. Sixers, Game 5 Halftime Score: Boston Trails, 50-47

The Boston Celtics trail the Philadelphia 76ers, 50-47, at halftime in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals on Monday at the TD Garden.

This was a back and forth game for most of the first half until the Sixers were able to build a small cushion with about four minutes to go in the second quarter. The C's, led by Kevin Garnett's 10 second quarter points, hit enough shots to keep the game within reach down the stretch. The Sixers had the last shot of the half but couldn't extend their lead past three points.

The Sixers had an advantage on the boards although both teams shot a fairly high percentage. Boston had a big edge at the free throw by going 9-13 while the Sixers are just 1-2.

Elton Brand leads Philadelphia with 12 points and Jrue Holiday has chipped in 10 points. Kevin Garnett leads Boston with 14 points. Paul Pierce has nine points and Greg Stiemsma has been a super sub with eight points on 4-4 shooting. He also a block in 7 minutes of action.

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Avery Bradley Injury Update: Celtics Guard May Be Done For Season

BOSTON - The news isn't getting any better regarding Avery Bradley, the Boston Celtics' starting point guard who will miss his first playoff game due to injuries to both shoulders in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday at TD Garden. There's even a chance Bradley may not return for the rest of the season.

Source with knowledge of situation says it's also probable Bradley is done for season but Doc did say 'He'll play games I think'#Celtics

— Mike Petraglia (@Trags) May 21, 2012

Bradley's left shoulder has popped out multiple times this year, but Celtics head coach Doc Rivers said before Game 5 that both shoulders are bothering the second-year guard.

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Avery Bradley Injury Update: Celtics Guard Day-To-Day For Playoffs

BOSTON - Avery Bradley will miss his first playoff game after playing in the Boston Celtics' first ten postseason contests, as both shoulders are bother the Celtics' second-year guard.

"He's out," said coach Doc Rivers, who called Bradley the Celtics' defensive captain.

Bradley has been dealing with a shoulder injury all season, but Rivers said for the first time that both of Bradley's shoulders have been problematic. Bradley's left shoulder injury has been the more prominent one, as it has popped out multiple times in the playoffs. Ray Allen will return to the starting lineup. Rivers said Bradley will be "day to day" going forward.

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Celtics Vs. Sixers, Game 5: Avery Bradley Won't Play Monday Night

BOSTON - Avery Bradley, who has been dealing with a left shoulder injury, won't play for the Boston Celtics against the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 5 of their Eastern Conference Semifinals Series on Monday night at TD Garden, coach Doc Rivers confirmed.

"He's out," said Rivers, who called Bradley the Celtics' defensive captain and anchor.

Bradley was held out of practice on Sunday after his left shoulder popped out for the fourth time this postseason in Boston's disheartening 92-83 loss to Philadelphia in Game 4 on Friday night, but the Celtics' guard was on the court for shootaround Monday morning.

"It's just tough. It really is," said Rivers (via WEEI). "I swear a lot of people would not be playing, and the only reason he is is because he wants to," Doc Rivers said on Sunday before the team conducted practice. "I am concerned at some point that he may not be able to anymore. We don't know what game that is, we don't know what day he can finish it. We can keep going all the way and he can play [or] tomorrow could be his last game."

Bradley hasn't missed a postseason game for the Celtics this season, and is averaging 6.7 points, 2.0 rebounds in 10 games. Against the Sixers, Bradley is averaging 6.0 points.

Rivers also confirmed that Paul Pierce (knee) and Ray Allen (ankle) would play in Game 5.

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Boston Celtics Look To Take Control Of Philadelphia 76ers In Game 5: Will The Real Celtics Please Stand Up?

The Boston Celtics have a dilemma -- their experience should help against the Philadelphia 76ers, but the age it took to gain all that experience leaves the Celtics unable to achieve consistent control.

NBA Playoffs 2012, Celtics Vs. Sixers, Game 5: TV Schedule, Game Time And More

Paul Pierce and the Boston Celtics continue their pursuit of an 18th championship against the Philadelphia 76ers in the second round of the 2012 NBA Playoffs on Monday night.

Event: Celtics (6-4) vs. 76ers (6-4) - NBA Playoffs 2012, Second Round, Game 5.

Date/Time: Monday, May 21, 2012 - 7:00 p.m. EST.

Location: TD Garden (Capacity: 18,624), Boston, MA.

Broadcast Info: Monday night's game between the Celtics and 76ers will be televised nationally on TNT. In addition, the game will be broadcast on the radio on WEEI 93.7 FM.

Celtics Roster 2011-2012: Ray Allen, Brandon Bass, Avery Bradley, Marquis Daniels,Keyon Dooling, Kevin Garnett, Ryan Hollins, JaJuan Johnson, E'Twaun Moore, Sasha Pavlovic, Paul Pierce, Mickael Pietrus, Rajon Rondo, Greg Stiemsma,Sean Williams.Head Coach: Doc Rivers.

76ers Roster 2011-2012: Lavoy Allen, Tony Battie, Craig Brackins, Elton Brand,Spencer Hawes, Jrue Holiday, Andre Iguodala, Jodie Meeks, Xavier Silas, Evan Turner, Nikola Vucevic, Louis Williams, Sam Young, Thaddeus Young. Head Coach:Doug Collins.

Injury Report: Boston - Paul Pierce (knee), Ray Allen (ankle), Avery Bradley (shoulder).

Regular Season Series: Boston and Philadelphia met three times in the regular season, with the Sixers winning twice. Philly won by a combined 45 points in its two victories. On March 7, the Celtics were blown away, 103-71, thanks to a career game from Evan Turner (26 points). Philly also beat Boston, 99-86, in the next meeting on March 23. Boston won the season series finale, 103-79, on April 8 behind a 20 point game from Kevin Garnett.

Celtics-76ers In First Round: Both the No. 4 seeded Celtics and No. 8 seeded 76ers won their Eastern Conference Quarterfinals series. Boston defeated the No. 5 seeded Atlanta Hawks, 4-2, and Philadelphia defeated the No. 1 seeded Chicago Bulls, 4-2.

First Round Playoff Stats: Paul Pierce is the Celtics' leading postseason scorer, averaging 21.2 points. Kevin Garnett is the team's leading rebounder (10.5 RPG) and shot blocker (1.8 BPG) and Rajon Rondo is averaging a team-high 11.8 assists and 3.4 steals in six games. Jrue Holiday is the Sixers' leading scorer, averaging 18.2 points, and leads the team, averaging 4.7 assists. Spencer Hawes is averaging 8.0 rebounds, Andre Iguodala averages 1.8 steals and Elton Brand is averaging 2.5 blocks through the opening round.

Celtics Vs. 76ers, Game 1: Boston rode Kevin Garnett (29 points, 11 rebounds) and Rajon Rondo (13 points, 12 rebounds, 17 assits) to a comeback 92-91 win over Philadelphia in Game 1 of the series on Saturday night at TD Garden. Paul Pierce scored 14 and Ray Allen scored 12. Andre Iguodala finished with 19 points, six rebounds and six assists for Philly.

Celtics Vs. 76ers, Game 2: Boston again struggled through parts of the first three quarters, but got hot at the right time in the fourth. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough as the Sixers fended off the green team to even the series at 1-1. Jrue Holiday scored a game-high 18 while Kevin Garnett scored 11 of his 15 points in the fourth quarter and had 12 rebounds.

Celtics Vs. 76ers, Game 3: Kevin Garnett (27 points, 13 rebounds), Paul Pierce (24 points, 12 rebounds, three steals) and Rajon Rondo (23 points, 14 assists) carried the Celtics to a statement 107-91 win and a 2-1 series lead. Thaddeus Young scored 22 points for Philly.

Celtics Vs. 76ers, Game 4: All the momentum the Celtics earned in Game 3 was wiped away after Boston built a 14-0 lead and later led by 18 points in the second half, only to see the 76ers climb all the way back and post a 92-83 win in Game 4 to even the series at two games. Andre Iguodala and Evan Turner each scored 16. Paul Pierce scored 24 for Boston.

Storyline: Well, that was a letdown. Boston had a tremendous opportunity to suck the life out of Philadelphia and put them in an insurmountable 3-1 series hole. The Celtics even opened the game on a 20-5 run and led by 18 points in the second half. Nevertheless, they lost, and we have a series again. Now, the Celtics -- instead of being able to wrap things up in Game 5 on Monday night and get some much needed rest for the Eastern Conference Finals -- have a best-of-three series against a newly determined Sixers team. Not the best scenario in the world, is it? Still, the Celtics have a strong chance to win the series, with two of the potential three games being played in Boston, including Game 5. However, Game 5 is a virtual must-win for the Celts, who can ill afford to return to Philly facing elimination. You better believe that the green team knows this, and that's why you'll probably see a performance like that in Game 4. Still, it's the playoffs, and you can't guarantee anything.

Players To Watch: The Sixers were able to limit Kevin Garnett, and the rest of the Celtics for that matter, in the paint for most of their Game 4 win. Garnett will need to return to his playoff MVP self, the same version that has shown up for most of the Celtics' postseason. Paul Pierce played well in Game 4 despite his knee injury, leading all scorers with 24, and should be counted on to have a strong offensive game. Rajon Rondo's performance will, as always, go a long way in deciding the outcome of Game 5. For Philly, Andre Iguodala needs to play as well as he did down the stretch in Game 4, and the likes of Jrue Holiday and Lou Williams will all but certainly be thorns in the Celtics' side.

Prediction: It's not over yet, but if the Celtics lose Game 5, there's a pretty good chance they could be eliminated in Game 6 back in Philadelphia. Boston, playing on its home court, needs to take care of business. Now. Final Score: Celtics 98, Sixers 87.

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Avery Bradley Injury Update: Bradley Game-Time Decision For Celtics-Sixers Game 5 After Missing Shootaround

The Boston Celtics announced that shooting guard Avery Bradley missed the team's shootaround Monday morning prior to Game 5 against the Philadelphia 76ers and is considered a game-time decision.

Doc Rivers said Sunday that not many players around the league would be able to play through the pain Bradley has experienced with his shoulder popping out several times in the latter stages of the season, and noted he is concerned about Bradley's availability moving forward.

Per WEEI:

"It's just tough. It really is. I swear a lot of people would not be playing, and the only reason he is is because he wants to," Doc Rivers said on Sunday before the team conducted practice. "I am concerned at some point that he may not be able to anymore. We don't know what game that is, we don't know what day he can finish it. We can keep going all the way and he can play [or] tomorrow could be his last game."

Bradley also missed practice on Sunday.

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2012 NBA Playoffs, Celtics Vs. 76ers Game 5: Game Time, TV Schedule And More

The Celtics will try to protect home court against the 76ers in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

There's Tough, And Then There's Avery Bradley

76ers Vs. Celtics, 2012 NBA Playoffs: Kevin Garnett Most Important To Celtics

The Boston Celtics looked well on their way to taking a 3-1 series lead over the Sixers, essentially punching their ticket to the Eastern Conference Finals. Then, the Sixers completed a furious comeback in front of their home crowd, knotting the series at two, guaranteeing a game six in Philadelphia.

Chris Forsberg of ESPN Boston says the Celtics go as Kevin Garnett goes, and his poor game four performance is the reason the Sixers were able to win, much like game two:

Garnett produced monster efforts in Boston's triumphs in Games 1 and 3, but Philadelphia evened the series at 2 games apiece with Friday's Game 4 rally in which the 76ers did exactly what they did best in Game 2: Keep Garnett quiet.

Game five is scheduled for Monday.

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2012 NBA Playoffs, 76ers Vs. Celtics: Doc Rivers Says Celtics Collapse Is His Fault

The Boston Celtics jumped out to an early double-digit lead against the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday night, with a golden opportunity to take a 3-1 series lead and essentially end the series against the Sixers. Instead, the Sixers went on to complete an impressive comeback in front of their home crowd, to the tie series, as it heads back to Boston for game five.

There's a lot of blame to go around for the Celtics collapse, but head coach, Doc Rivers, says it's on him:

"We did more than settle; we lost our composure," Rivers said. "We stopped running our stuff. Whenever that happens, I always think that's me. I think that there is something the coach can do to slow them down, to get them back in their sets, to get them back in their rhythm, and I couldn't do it. To me, I always think that's my fault."

Game five is scheduled for Monday.

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NBA Playoffs 2012, 76ers Vs. Celtics: Doc Rivers Needs To Make Adjustments For Game 5

The Boston Celtics held an 18-point lead and were on the cusp of a 3-1 series advantage against the Philadelphia 76ers in the second round of the 2012 NBA Playoffs.

So what went so drastically wrong?

Just about everything, as Josh Zavadil explained in a post on CelticsBlog. But the Celtics can and will make adjustments prior to Monday's Game 5.

Surely there are things that Boston will do differently in Game Five. Doc Rivers and his coaching staff have two whole days to review film and initiate the changes necessary to help the Celtics win, but Boston has to do a better job of running sets and not getting into what Doc Rivers likes to call "random offense." They have to establish Kevin Garnett quicker, and if he's being doubled in the post they have to find different ways to get him involved. If the Celtics decide to go to a smaller lineup, Rajon Rondo has to get to the basket and create looks for himself or open opportunities for others off of his penetration.

The Celtics could also use to take care of the ball (they committed 17 turnovers Friday) and hit the glass (Philadelphia won the rebounding battle 52-38).

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Celtics Overtime: Boston Loses Composure In Pivotal Game 4 Loss

Celtics Overtime is a postgame feature providing analysis from each game. Boston lost to the Philadelphia 76ers, 92-83, Friday in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

You're at a fork in the road. Two paths lie ahead, and you can see what's on the other end. On one, it's a straight path with just one curve in the middle, and that's all. On the other, it's windy and complicated and ... well, it looks a lot like Lombard Street in San Francisco.

That's an easy decision, right? Well, not if you're the Celtics, because they chose Lombard.

Boston had a great opportunity to put the Philadelphia 76ers in a condemning 3-1 series hole heading back to Boston for Game 5, and they led 14-0 and 20-5 in the first quarter. They even led by 18 -- eighteen -- in the third quarter. And guess what? They lost, 92-83.

"It's frustrating," said Kevin Garnett. "We had a team down and didn't finish them off."

Garnett, the Celtics' postseason MVP, didn't do much to help the cause, finishing with a near triple-double (the bad kind) of nine points, 11 rebounds and seven turnovers (yes, seven) in 40 minutes while going 3-for-12 from the field and just 1-for-2 in the paint.

"I never thought we established him," Celtics head coach Doc Rivers said about Garnett's offense. "I thought he was a passer tonight a lot. We've got to get him back in the middle of the paint and being more aggressive. So that's on us, we have to figure that out again."

Philly was able to limit more than just Garnett in the post, holding a 34-26 advantage as a team over the Celtics in the paint. While the Sixers played a role in limiting Boston's offense in the paint, it was more about the Celtics' inability to get themselves going near the basket.

"We took it away ourselves," said Rivers. "They took it away too, but we had a lot to do with it. We did more than settle, we lost our composure. We stopped running our stuff."

Aside from the lack of production in the paint, free throws played a role in the loss. Boston only took 19 free throws, making 16, but Philadelphia drained 25-of-36 shots from the line.

"The free throw line tells the story," said Rivers (via WEEI). "Thirty six attempts to nineteen. That's tough to win that way. Everything we did was the prescription that you don't do to beat them. 17-5 offensive rebounds, 17 turnovers, 36 free throws. You would have thought that we were down the whole game if you looked at those numbers, yet we had the lead."

Now, the Celtics head back home for a best-of-three series with the Sixers, instead of needing just one more win to return to the Eastern Conference Finals. The good news is that two of the potential three games would be played at TD Garden, where the Celtics have only lost once this postseason. The bad news is that Philly played them to a draw in the first two games of the series in Boston, with each team earning a split. Instead of getting the rest they so desperately needed before the next round, the Celtics are in for a fight.

It's an opportunity wasted, for sure. In order to win, they need to play hard for 48 minutes.

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Sixers 92, Celtics 83: Boston Melts Down In Tough Game 4 Defeat

Staring a 3-1 series deficit in the face, it's no surprise that the Philadelphia 76ers brought a fight to the Boston Celtics. What was surprising, though, was the fact that they did it after trailing 14-0 and 20-5 in the first quarter and again by 18 points early in the third quarter.

Andre Iguodala came up big in the final quarter, pacing the Sixers with several big buckets in a 9-0 game-ending run en route to a 92-83 win over the Celtics in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals on Friday evening in Philadelphia, PA. The series is now tied, 2-2.

Iguodala finished with 16 points and seven rebounds and Evan Turner also scored 16, making 6-of-9 free throws. Lou Williams had 10 first-half point and finished with 15 off the bench while Thaddeus Young chipped in with 12 points. Philly shot 37.8 percent.

Paul Pierce led the game with 24 points for the Celtics, who made 30-of-71 field goals (42.3 percent). Rajon Rondo and Brandon Bass each scored 15 while Kevin Garnett had nine points, 11 rebounds and seven turnovers. Ray Allen and Mickael Pietrus each scored five for Boston, which was out-rebounded, 52-38, and the C's bench was outscored 44-12.

Boston wasted no time burying Philadelphia, scoring the game's first 14 points by the 8:44 mark and led 20-5 with 4:31 to play. Bass scored 10 points in the opening frame, making four field goals -- one more than the entire Sixers team. The lead could have been much larger, but the Celtics only scored four points in the last four minutes and 30 seconds.

Courtesy of a 6-0 run to start the second, Philly trimmed its deficit to six points, 24-18, with 8:48 to play before halftime, but a pair of Rondo baskets gave Boston a little breathing room, and an 18-foot jumper from Bass made it a 29-18 lead. Philly just wouldn't quit, though, with Turner scoring eight of the Sixers' next 10 points, but a layup from Bradley, two Bass free throws, a three from Pierce and another layup from the captain kept the Celtics on top, 37-26. Pietrus and Ray Allen each made threes in the final 1:05 of the quarter and Rondo beat the defense for a late layup, putting Boston up by 15 at halftime, 46-31.

The Celtics would not register their first field goal of the third quarter until the 5:03 mark -- a three from Pierce -- during which time the Sixers went on a 15-8 run to make it a 54-46 game. A couple of baskets from Ryan Hollins and Bass, nearly negated by a three from Williams, would put the C's up 58-49 with 3:41 left until the fourth quarter. The quarter ended with a 63-59 lead for the Celtics, who led by as many as 18 earlier in the period.

Philly would make its run at the end of the third and start of the fourth, fighting back to tie the game at 63 and take a 68-65 lead with nine minutes to go. The two sides would go back and forth for the next thee and a half minutes, but a big three from Ray Allen put the Celtics back up, 77-76, at 3:50. Garnett would make two free throws to put Boston back up by three, 79-76, but Iguodala's three with 3:11 remaining tied the game once again.

With the game knotted at 83, Iguodala's jumper at 1:22 put Philly up by two. Rondo brought the ball up on the other end, but couldn't muster anything on the possession, which ended with his layup being blocked by one minute left. Iguodala responded with a dagger three on the other end, putting the Sixers up 88-83, and they sealed it at the free throw line.

Boston hosts Philly in Game 5 on Monday night at TD Garden. Game 6 will take place in Philadelphia on Wednesday, and if necessary, Game 7 would be Saturday back in Boston.

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Celtics Vs. Sixers Halftime Score: Boston Leads Philadelphia, 46-31

The Boston Celtics lead the Philadelphia 76ers 46-31 at halftime, after opening the game with an 18-3 run and staying on top of Philadelphia all night. The Celtics are shooting 16 for 32 (.500), well above Philadelphia's 8 for 36 (.222). The Celtics also lead in fouls, though, collecting 14 to Philadelphia's eight.

After a first quarter score of 24-12 it looked like the 76ers might be able to get back into things at the start of the second, as they capitalized on a series of Boston mistakes and pulled within six at 24-18. Boston was able to settle in to things and by the end of the second quarter was consistently ahead by ten, and building back to tying their game-high lead of 15 points.

Leading the Celtics are Brandon Bass and Paul Pierce, whose combined efforts are almost equal to those of the 76ers. Bass has 12 points so far and Pierce has 13.

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Celtics Vs. Sixers: Elton Brand Starts For Philly; Pierce, Bradley Start

Regardless of the fact that Elton Brand is averaging 4.7 points and 3.0 rebounds in three games against the Boston Celtics, and that reserve forward Lavoy Allen is averaging 8.7 points and 5.3 boards, Brand will still start for the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals on Friday night at the Wells Fargo Center.

Starting alongside Brand are Andre Iguodala, Spencer Hawes, Evan Turner and Jrue Holiday. Meanwhile, the Celtics will stick with their usual starting five of Brandon Bass, Avery Bradley, Rajon Rondo, Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce.

Other news of note -- but not really -- is that Doc Rivers doesn't think his team is old.

"We don't think old," Rivers said in the hours leading up to Game 4. "We are what we are. We do know that. The rest is important for us but I think the rest is important for everybody. I don't think it matters what age you are. Athletes require recovery. We understand that. We like to call it experience." (via WEEI)

Sound good to everyone? Alright, then. We're ready to roll. Let's go Celtics! Beat the Sixers!

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NBA Playoffs 2012, Celtics Vs. Sixers, Game 4: TV Schedule, Game Time And More

Rajon Rondo and the Boston Celtics continue their pursuit of an 18th championship against the Philadelphia 76ers in the second round of the 2012 NBA Playoffs on Friday.

Event: Celtics (6-3) vs. 76ers (5-4) - NBA Playoffs 2012, Second Round, Game 4.

Date/Time: Friday, May 18, 2012 - 8:00 p.m. EST.

Location: Wells Fargo Center (Capacity: 20,318), Philadelphia, PA.

Broadcast Info: Friday night's game between the Celtics and 76ers will be televised nationally on ESPN. In addition, the game will be broadcast on the radio on WEEI 93.7 FM.

Celtics Roster 2011-2012: Ray Allen, Brandon Bass, Avery Bradley, Marquis Daniels,Keyon Dooling, Kevin Garnett, Ryan Hollins, JaJuan Johnson, E'Twaun Moore, Sasha Pavlovic, Paul Pierce, Mickael Pietrus, Rajon Rondo, Greg Stiemsma, Sean Williams.Head Coach: Doc Rivers.

76ers Roster 2011-2012: Lavoy Allen, Tony Battie, Craig Brackins, Elton Brand,Spencer Hawes, Jrue Holiday, Andre Iguodala, Jodie Meeks, Xavier Silas, Evan Turner, Nikola Vucevic, Louis Williams, Sam Young, Thaddeus Young. Head Coach:Doug Collins.

Injury Report: Boston - Paul Pierce (knee), Ray Allen (ankle), Avery Bradley (shoulder).

Regular Season Series: Boston and Philadelphia met three times in the regular season, with the Sixers winning twice. Philly won by a combined 45 points in its two victories. On March 7, the Celtics were blown away, 103-71, thanks to a career game from Evan Turner (26 points). Philly also beat Boston, 99-86, in the next meeting on March 23. Boston won the season series finale, 103-79, on April 8 behind a 20 point game from Kevin Garnett.

Celtics-76ers In First Round: Both the No. 4 seeded Celtics and No. 8 seeded 76ers won their Eastern Conference Quarterfinals series. Boston defeated the No. 5 seeded Atlanta Hawks, 4-2, and Philadelphia defeated the No. 1 seeded Chicago Bulls, 4-2.

First Round Playoff Stats: Paul Pierce is the Celtics' leading postseason scorer, averaging 21.2 points. Kevin Garnett is the team's leading rebounder (10.5 RPG) and shot blocker (1.8 BPG) and Rajon Rondo is averaging a team-high 11.8 assists and 3.4 steals in six games. Jrue Holiday is the Sixers' leading scorer, averaging 18.2 points, and leads the team, averaging 4.7 assists. Spencer Hawes is averaging 8.0 rebounds, Andre Iguodala averages 1.8 steals and Elton Brand is averaging 2.5 blocks through the opening round.

Celtics Vs. 76ers, Game 1: Boston rode Kevin Garnett (29 points, 11 rebounds) and Rajon Rondo (13 points, 12 rebounds, 17 assits) to a comeback 92-91 win over Philadelphia in Game 1 of the series on Saturday night at TD Garden. Paul Pierce scored 14 and Ray Allen scored 12. Andre Iguodala finished with 19 points, six rebounds and six assists for Philly.

Celtics Vs. 76ers, Game 2: Boston again struggled through parts of the first three quarters, but got hot at the right time in the fourth. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough as the Sixers fended off the green team to even the series at 1-1. Jrue Holiday scored a game-high 18 while Kevin Garnett scored 11 of his 15 points in the fourth quarter and had 12 rebounds.

Celtics Vs. 76ers, Game 3: Kevin Garnett (27 points, 13 rebounds), Paul Pierce (24 points, 12 rebounds, three steals) and Rajon Rondo (23 points, 14 assists) carried the Celtics to a statement 107-91 win and a 2-1 series lead. Thaddeus Young scored 22 points for Philly.

Storyline: Did you think the Celtics could possibly make it to the NBA Finals at the start of the season? Well, there's still a lot of basketball left to play before that, but their chances are looking pretty good. With another Miami Heat loss against the Indiana Pacers, and the Celtics facing the possibility of a five game series, it's looking like Boston may be able to get some extra rest before it faces either the Heat or Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals. Of course, there's still the business of the remaining basketball games left to play against Philadelphia. The Sixers gave the Celtics problems in Games 1 and 2 back in Boston, even winning the latter. There's no doubt that Philly can keep up with Boston, but it was overconfident in Game 3, as Elton Brand admitted, and will need to rededicate itself to playing solid defense and smart offense. If they do not, the series will be essentially over.

Players To Watch: Kevin Garnett has been playing like, well, this Kevin Garnett (the old Minnesota Timberwolves version), but can he keep this up? We saw a regression in Game 2, but he erased any doubt with another great performance in Game 2. How will KG play in Game 4? Whatever the end result, his play will go a long way toward deciding the outcome of the game. Also, if Rajon Rondo and Paul Pierce can play as well as they did on Wednesday, the Celtics may be a lock to win. Jrue Holiday, Andre Iguodala and Lou Williams will all need to step up their game for Philly if it wants to get back into the series.

Prediction: At the start of the series, I predicted that the Celtics would win the series in six games. I'm not changing the winner of my pick, but the way the Celts performed in Game 3 has forced my hand. Boston will win the series in five. Final Score: Celtics 95, Sixers 84.

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Celtics Vs. Sixers, Game 4: Boston Seeks Series Altering Win In Philly

On the heels of another Miami Heat loss, it becomes even more important for the Boston Celtics to take care of business in their second round series against the Philadelphia 76ers, starting with Game 4 at 8 p.m. EST on Friday at Wells Fargo Center (TNT/WEEI).

Miami, which lost its second straight game against the Indiana Pacers in the wake of Chris Bosh's injury, must now win three of the final four games in order to win the series, a premise which is still entirely possible and even expected by many. But the plight of the Heat is perfect for another team that is widely expected to win its series, the Celtics.

Boston, which could very reasonably win its next two games to wrap up its semifinal series against Philly in five games, would benefit greatly from a few extra days of rest. Stars like Paul Pierce (sprained left MCL) and Ray Allen (ankle) have been feeling the effects of their injuries, and Kevin Garnett, while surging, has been playing close to 40 minutes a night and almost certainly can't keep up that pace this postseason. Just ask Doc Rivers.

Of course, there's still a group of basketball players that are out to prove they're worth. After pulling out an 82-81 win in Game 2 and temporarily stealing home court advantage, the Sixers were embarrassed on their home floor (they were overconfident, as Elton Brand said) in a 101-79 loss to the Garnett-led Celtics in Game 3. It was a statement win, no doubt about it, and guard Rajon Rondo said he and the Celtics were trying to send a message.

There are no guarantees in basketball, especially in the playoffs, but a Celtics win in Game 4 on Friday night would position them even better in the pursuit of their 18th championship.

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Last Go Around Or Not, Boston Celtics Trying To Win Championship

The end is near, and that's something that Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen have known for a long time. Even with basketball's version of the Grim Reaper knocking on the door, the goal is still the same: winning one more championship.

NBA Playoffs 2012, 76ers Vs. Celtics: Boston Finds Its Scoring Touch In Game 3 Win

The Boston Celtics experienced on offensive explosion on Wednesday night. Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Rajon Rondo each topped 20 points and all three had a double-double in the 107-91 Game 3 win over the Philadelphia 76ers.

It was a far cry from the Celtics' offensive output in Game 2, which they lost 82-81. Only two players scored more than 15 points in that effort. Boston was out-rebounded 46-36 in the second game, but turned that around to a 44-37 advantage on Wednesday night.

Jeff Clark at Celtics Blog, SB Nation's Celtics community, notes the difference.

What a difference a game makes. They hardly even seemed like the same team on offense. What was ugly in game 2 was pretty in game 3. What was sloppy was stylin. What was lethargic was inspired. The defense was still there, if anything they might have stepped up the pressure even more. But the story of the game was the offense.

The Sixers even had an early lead in this one but the Celtics turned on the jets in the 2nd quarter and never looked back. Thaddeus Young was the Sixers lone bright spot with 22 points.

The question now is whether or not the Celtics can sustain the momentum for Game 4 on Friday night in Philadelphia.

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Celtics Vs. Sixers: Paul Pierce Can Do 'Other Things Than Scoring'

Paul Pierce isn't Monta Ellis, you know. Scoring isn't the only part of his game. Pierce has proven that fact time and time again, and he did so once more in the Boston Celtics' 107-91 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals on Wednesday night at the Wells Fargo Center in Philly, giving Boston a 2-1 series advantage.

Pierce, who was the game's second-leading scorer, had 24 points on 6-of-17 shooting (11-for-14 at free throw line), but also grabbed 12 rebounds (five offensive) and had three steals and four assists in 37 minutes -- all while playing with a sprained MCL in his left knee.

"It shows that I can do other things than scoring," Pierce said. "If my scoring wasn't there tonight, I can have an impact on the game with my defense and my rebounding."

Pierce was also commended for his all-around play by Celtics' head coach Doc Rivers.

"When we talked about it before, if what you do well is not there, what else are you going to do to help the team as a group?," said Rivers, who said before the game that he was going to make some changes to Pierce's offensive game. "Paul was a great example for that."

In order for Pierce to keep contributing in every which way, he'll need to be healthy. Pierce will tell you that he's feeling fine, but he clearly hasn't been the same player since suffering the MCL injury during shootaround prior to Game 4 of the Celtics' opening round series against the Atlanta Hawks. Pierce will have one day off to continue healing, as Boston doesn't play again until Friday, when it battles Philadelphia in Game 4 at 8 p.m. EST (TNT).

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Celtics Overtime: Kevin Garnett, Boston Get Shots 'The Right Way'

Celtics Overtime is a postgame feature providing analysis from each game. Boston beat the Philadelphia 76ers, 107-91, Wednesday in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

Remember those peg boards you played with when you were a kid, the ones where you had a circle, a square and a triangle and you had to fit them into the right hole? Well, picture Kevin Garnett as one of those pegs (we'll say a circle). On Monday night, the Celtics weren't putting the circle (a.k.a. Garnett) in the right hole, according to coach Doc Rivers.

"We never established the post," Rivers said after Monday night's 82-81 loss to the Sixers.

That would change on Wednesday, though, as Rivers utilized his circle correctly, fitting it snugly into the right position. But enough about the shapes, let's move on to basketball.

Garnett, who had 15 points (but really 12) and 12 rebounds in the Game 2 loss to Philadelphia, certainly did his part to help re-establish the post in Game 3 of the series on Wednesday at the Wells Fargo Center, scoring 27 on an efficient 12-of-17 shooting while grabbing 13 rebounds to lead Boston to a statement 107-91 win and a 2-1 series lead.

"I thought we got shots the right way," Rivers said. "I thought we played in-to-out basketball for the most part, even if it was drives in-to-out or posts in-to-our. I thought a lot of guys tonight came and they didn't think about what they were not doing well. I thought a lot of guys just came and played."

Garnett, who made half of his baskets in the post, isn't just effective when he's scoring near the bucket. Rivers looks to Garnett to create plays down low with his passing abilities, which he again did in Game 3. Nearly half of the Celtics' total points (50) came in the paint.

"We did it the right way," Rivers said about his team's post production. "I thought we did it through execution, we did it through space. I thought the first two games, especially, we tried to do it, but we did it out of random, and our spacing was poor. We also did it through posting the ball early. We posted Paul up early and we posted Kevin up early, and that's the right way to play. That's who we are."

Of course, a team could get all of the good looks they want, but that's only half the battle.

"Now, listen, the shots have to go in. That makes you a lot better," Rivers added. "At least the shots were the shots that we wanted instead of the ones, because our offense was so poor, that we had to take. I thought that was the big difference."

Boston missed its first six shots, but Garnett, Paul Pierce (24 points, 12 rebounds) and Rajon Rondo (23 points, 14 assists) took control and led Boston to an 11-point halftime lead (60-49), which it never looked back from. The Celtics shot 51.9 percent from the floor (40-for-77) and won the battle on the boards, 44-37.

Going back to Rivers' earlier point about players putting their struggles behind them, Pierce was 2-for-10 from the field in the opening half and had nine points, all of which came in the opening quarter. Usually counted on for most of the scoring, Pierce still found a way to make himself useful, scooping up five offensive rebounds to keep possessions alive.

Said Rivers: "When we talked about it before, if what you do well is not there, what else are you going to do to help the team as a group? Paul was a great example for that. I thought a lot of guys had those type of games."

Boston also benefitted from the aggressiveness of Rondo. All but one of Rondo's nine made baskets came inside the paint, and his ability to drive to the hoop helped to open up other shooters, as displayed by his 14 assists.

"It's really important for us," Rivers said about Rondo's aggressive play. "Team's dictate their defense by trying to play off Rondo and do different things, and when Rondo becomes an offensive threat, then Kevin becomes a better offensive player, Ray [Allen] and Paul become better offensive players because you can't spend the game trying to help off of him.

"I thought he set the tone for us. Rondo was extremely serious in shootaround this morning. I thought he really set the tone for our mental approach, and that's what we need to stay in."

When the rubber met the road, the Celtics were just in the right mindset, and it paid off.

"I don't know if we were tougher, but mentally ... we were in the right place," said Rivers.

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Celtics 107, 76ers 91: Kevin Garnett, Boston Crush Philly In Game 3

Early on, the Boston Celtics looked flat and lethargic, but they quickly turned the tables thanks to the stellar play of Kevin Garnett, Rajon Rondo and Paul Pierce on the way to a 107-91 win over the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals on Wednesday night at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia to take a 2-1 series lead.

"Number one, we made shots," said Celtics coach Doc Rivers. "When you make shots, everything looks better. It's a make, miss league, it always will be, and we made shots."

Garnett led the way with 27 points, 17 of which he scored in the first half, while Rondo finished with 23 points and 14 assists and Pierce came back strong from a poor showing in Game 2, amassing 24 points and 12 rebounds. Mickael Pietrus, playing in Philly for the first time since suffering a debilitating concussion earlier this season, played well and scored 13 off the bench. Boston out-rebounded Philadelphia, 44-37, and shot 51.9 percent (40-for-77) from the field while turning the ball over seven times.

"It was really good" said Pierce, who only scored seven points in Game 2. "Our offense finally came alive, we were really moving the ball. We knew that's what we were going to have to do. For us to score 100 points against Philly, a defensive team, is pretty good."

Thaddeus Young had a career night, scoring a personal playoff high 22 points on 10-of-16 shooting. Jrue Holiday had 10 points in the first quarter, but did not score again until the fourth quarter and finished with 15 points. Lou Williams and Jodie Meeks both scored 13 off the bench for Philadelphia, which was limited to 40.7 percent shooting (33-for-81).

Philadelphia was the one with the hot start this time around, jumping out to a 10-4 lead while making four of its first six baskets. Boston, which missed its first six baskets, answered with eight straight points, four from Rondo on driving layups, to go ahead 12-10 at 6:43. The Sixers would again pull away and take a 19-14 lead by the 4:07 mark.

By that point, Rondo and Pierce had clearly had enough, as the Celtics' star duo would combine to score the final 14 points of the quarter, but a Williams buzzer-beating three put Philly on top, 33-28, after one. Rondo had a game-high 13 points in the opening frame while Pierce had nine points to score 78 percent of Boston's points (22) in the frame.

Garnett took the baton in the second quarter, scoring Boston's first six points in the second quarter and 13 of his 17 first-half points in the frame as the Celtics outscored the Sixers, 32-16, to take a 60-49 lead into halftime. Rondo, meanwhile, finished the opening half with 17 points and Pierce was scoreless in the period. Boston shot 54.8 percent in the half.

The wheels came off in the third quarter for Philly, which surrendered an 18-5 run for Boston to start the quarter. Boston was able to build its lead to a game-high 25 points (85-60 at 3:47). Garnett, who scored six in the quarter to bring his total to 23 points, sat down with 5:48 left, opening a door for Philly. But the Sixers couldn't take advantage of Garnett's absence, and Pierce scored five down the stretch to make it 89-66 through three.

Philadelphia outscored Boston, 25-18, in the final quarter but couldn't erase the difference.

Boston takes on Philly in Game 4 at 8 p.m. EST on Friday. The series returns to Boston for Game 5 on Monday, with Game 6 back in Philadelphia and Game 7 in Boston, if necessary.

AUDIO: Doc Rivers Postgame (5-16-12) | AUDIO: Paul Pierce Postgame (5-16-12)

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ANIMATED: Portly Sixers Fan Dances During Free Throw (Warning: He's Big)

Celtics Vs. Sixers, Game 3, Halftime Score: Boston Leads 60-49

The Boston Celtics are looking to get a one-game edge over the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 3 in the second round series of the 2012 NBA playoffs. So far, go good for the Celtics who have a 60-49 lead over the Sixers at the half.

Kevin Garnett has powered the Celtics with an eight-for-11 performance from the field. He leads the team with 17 points and nine rebounds. Rajon Rondo also has 17 points. They led Boston in big second quarter, outscoring the 76ers 32-16.

Jrue Holiday leads Philadelphia with 10 points. Thaddeus Young also has 10 points off the bench.

Boston is out-shooting Philadelphia with 54.7 percent from the field to just over 47 percent for the Sixers. The Celtics also have the edge on the boards with 24 rebounds to just 16 for the 76ers.

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VIDEO: Celtics' Paul Pierce Dunks Twice On Sixers In First Quarter

After beginning Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Philadelphia Sixers 0-6 on Wednesday, Paul Pierce got on the scoreboard...with authority on two big dunks.

On the first slam, Pierce gets by Andre Iguodala who overpursued at the three-point line and then up over Lavoy Allen at the rim.

Pierce was energized by the first dunk and went for another. The second dunk had a little more nastiness to it after a strong move to the baseline.

Pierce finished the first quarter with nine points. The Celtics were still trailing because of a Lou Williams three-pointer at the buzzer which pushed the Sixers' lead out to 33-28. While Pierce isn't 100%, he sure could have fooled us with his two first quarter dunks.

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NBA Playoffs 2012, Celtics Vs. Sixers, Game 3: Game Time, TV Schedule And More

Paul Pierce and the Boston Celtics continue their pursuit of an 18th championship against the Philadelphia 76ers in the second round of the 2012 NBA Playoffs on Wednesday.

Event: Celtics (5-3) vs. 76ers (5-3) - NBA Playoffs 2012, Second Round, Game 3.

Date/Time: Wednesday, May 16, 2012 - 7:00 p.m. EST.

Location: Wells Fargo Center (Capacity: 20,318), Philadelphia, PA.

Broadcast Info: Wednesday's game between the Celtics and 76ers will be televised nationally on TNT. In addition, the game will be broadcast on the radio on WEEI 93.7 FM.

Celtics Roster 2011-2012: Ray Allen, Brandon Bass, Avery Bradley, Marquis Daniels, Keyon Dooling, Kevin Garnett, Ryan Hollins, JaJuan Johnson, E'Twaun Moore, Sasha Pavlovic, Paul Pierce, Mickael Pietrus, Rajon Rondo, Greg Stiemsma, Sean Williams. Head Coach: Doc Rivers.

76ers Roster 2011-2012: Lavoy Allen, Tony Battie, Craig Brackins, Elton Brand, Spencer Hawes, Jrue Holiday, Andre Iguodala, Jodie Meeks, Xavier Silas, Evan Turner, Nikola Vucevic, Louis Williams, Sam Young, Thaddeus Young. Head Coach: Doug Collins.

Injury Report: Boston - Paul Pierce (knee), Ray Allen (ankle), Avery Bradley (shoulder).

Regular Season Series: Boston and Philadelphia met three times in the regular season, with the Sixers winning twice. Philly won by a combined 45 points in its two victories. On March 7, the Celtics were blown away, 103-71, thanks to a career game from Evan Turner (26 points). Philly also beat Boston, 99-86, in the next meeting on March 23. Boston won the season series finale, 103-79, on April 8 behind a 20 point game from Kevin Garnett.

Celtics-76ers In First Round: Both the No. 4 seeded Celtics and No. 8 seeded 76ers won their Eastern Conference Quarterfinals series. Boston defeated the No. 5 seeded Atlanta Hawks, 4-2, and Philadelphia defeated the No. 1 seeded Chicago Bulls, 4-2.

First Round Playoff Stats: Paul Pierce is the Celtics' leading postseason scorer, averaging 21.2 points. Kevin Garnett is the team's leading rebounder (10.5 RPG) and shot blocker (1.8 BPG) and Rajon Rondo is averaging a team-high 11.8 assists and 3.4 steals in six games. Jrue Holiday is the Sixers' leading scorer, averaging 18.2 points, and leads the team, averaging 4.7 assists. Spencer Hawes is averaging 8.0 rebounds, Andre Iguodala averages 1.8 steals and Elton Brand is averaging 2.5 blocks through the opening round.

Celtics Vs. 76ers, Game 1: Boston rode Kevin Garnett (29 points, 11 rebounds) and Rajon Rondo (13 points, 12 rebounds, 17 assits) to a comeback 92-91 win over Philadelphia in Game 1 of the series on Saturday night at TD Garden. Paul Pierce scored 14 and Ray Allen scored 12. Andre Iguodala finished with 19 points, six rebounds and six assists for Philly.

Celtics Vs. 76ers, Game 2: Boston again struggled through parts of the first three quarters, but got hot at the right time in the fourth. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough as the Sixers fended off the green team to even the series at 1-1. Jrue Holiday scored a game-high 18 while Kevin Garnett scored 11 of his 15 points in the fourth quarter and had 12 rebounds.

Storyline: Philly's not so tough, right? That's what you're probably thinking if you've been listening to 98.5 The Sports Hub's Mike Felger on weekday afternoons, but then again, you'd be wrong. The Sixers practically beat the Celtics twice -- Boston just happened to win one game, said C's head coach Doc Rivers -- in the first two games in Boston. Now, with the series transitioning to the Wells Fargo Center, the Celtics face an even tougher test against a team that can clearly beat them. Just as in the first two games, the health of Boston's stars -- Paul Pierce, Ray Allen and Avery Bradley -- will be in question, and an unhealthy Celtics squad isn't helpful to the cause. Pierce said after Game 2 that the Celtics need to do a better job of defending individually, a thought that point guard Rajon Rondo also echoed. That's a tall order, though, as Philly has a handful of athletic players that can beat Boston at almost any time. In order for Boston to stay in this series, it desperately needs to win one, if not both, of the next two games in Philadelphia before coming home.

Players To Watch: Jrue Holiday entered the series as the Sixers' leading scorer, regular season and postseason, and he hasn't failed to live up to the billing so far. Holiday has been a pest for Boston in the first two games, so there's no reason to believe he won't be on Wednesday. Lou Williams, Andre Iguodala and Evan Turner also pose their own problems for Boston. Lavoy Allen has also developed into a sort of "X-factor" in the series for Philly. On the Celtics' side, it will be tough, if not impossible, to win without strong games from Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Rajon Rondo. Ray Allen and Mickael Pietrus will also need to provide scoring and energy off the Celtics' bench in order to keep them afloat.

Prediction: It's still reasonable to think that the Celtics could win the series in five or six games, but in order to do so, they'll need to pick up at least one win in Philadelphia. In my opinion, that win won't come on Wednesday evening. Final Score: Sixers 86, Celtics 80.

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2012 NBA Playoffs, Celtics Vs. Sixers Game 2: All Boston Celtics Expected To Play

Avery Bradley and the rest of the bang-up Boston Celtics are all expected to be available for Wednesday night's Game 3 against the Philadelphia 76ers, Doc Rivers said Wednesday at the team's shootaround.

Bradley's shoulder popped out of its socket during Game 2, forcing him to leave the game temporarily. After missing more than a quarter, he returned in the final frame to hit a clutch three and slam home a dunk as the Celtics built a fourth-quarter surge that was ultimately futile. The shoulder is a concern moving forward, as it has now popped out several times in the past few weeks.

Ray Allen (bone spurs in his ankle), Paul Pierce (sprained MCL) and Mickael Pietrus (swollen knee) are all battling injury issues of their own, but shouldn't be kept out of the lineup.

For more on the Celtics, please be sure to visit our pages Celtics Blog and SB Nation Boston for all the latest news and updates.

2012 NBA Playoffs, 76ers Vs. Celtics Game 3: Game Time, TV Schedule And More

Boston looks to recapture the series lead on Wednesday night in Game Three of the Eastern Conference Semifinals on the road against the 76ers.

Celtics Vs. Sixers, Game 3: Boston Looks For Revenge In Philadelphia

Basketball is a game of runs, and in the end, one team makes more plays than the other.

Sorry -- went all Rajon Rondo on you -- but seriously, the first two games of the Eastern Conference Semifinals between the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers came down to a few plays that could have gone either way. After a narrow 92-91 Celtics win in Game 1 on Saturday, the Sixers hung on for an 82-81 win in Game 2 Monday, evening the series, 1-1.

"We don't go for splits," C's coach Doc Rivers said on WEEI. "We've got to play better. In my opinion, Philly has outplayed us in both games. We just happened to win one of them."

Rivers has it right, as usual. Philly has outplayed Boston for the majority of the series (roughly five of the eight quarters played), and even though the Celts have stepped up their game in the fourth quarters of both games, the Sixers answered the call, at least in Game 2.

Kevin Garnett, the Celtics' leading scorer in the series, scored 11 of his 15 points on 5-of-7 shooting in the final period of Game 2, and Boston outscored Philly, 32-25, but the Sixers made shots when it counted, making their final five jumpers and last six free throws.

"They have players that are capable of making big shots, they have players who are capable of carrying their team scoring," said Ray Allen, who scored 14 in Monday's loss.

On Wednesday, the Celtics will need to turn the tables on those players as they face the Sixers in Game 3 of the series at the Wells Fargo Center at 7 p.m. EST (TNT/WEEI).

How will Boston go about that? For starters, they must step up their individual defense.

"They were running, they were setting picks, getting to the point where they get their guys in isolation so it's up to us to be able to play great individual defense," said Paul Pierce.

Evan Turner and Jrue Holiday are two of the players who burned Boston in Game 2, scoring six and five in the fourth quarter to finish with 10 and 18 points, respectively. Holiday is the Sixers' leading postseason scorer, averaging 16.9 points in eight games.

"He's playing with a lot of confidence," Sixers forward Andre Iguodala (13 points in Game 2) said about Holiday. "It has a lot to do with a player's progression in this league, it shows how confident they are when they go out and play. Not being afraid to step up and make big shots when you need them. I've always said Jrue has that Cali coolness about him. It can be a gift and a curse. In pressure moments that's definitely a plus for us because he's always even keel out there and he doesn't let himself get too high or low emotional."

Boston lost home court advantage, for now, with the Game 2 loss, but where the Celtics play isn't as important as how they do perform once the ball is tipped off, according to Allen.

"I don't really worry about where we play," said Allen. "Being in there building down there really isn't going to affect us. It's all about how we play them when we get out there, how we take care and work together better than what we did [Monday]."

While the Celtics will deny that playing in Philly bothers them, it's exciting for the Sixers.

"It's going to be really crazy," said Turner. "It's a great game, our fans are definitely excited and it's going to be great to be in front of them to compete."

Rivers will have to have injuries on the mind prior to Game 3, with Avery Bradley re-aggravating his left shoulder injury in Game 2 and both Pierce and Allen still feeling the effects of their injuries. Bradley left Game 2 in the second quarter after his left shoulder popped out, an ailment he has dealt with all season long. Pierce suffered a sprained MCL in his left knee during the first round and Allen continues to battle bone spurs in his right ankle.

Ask all three, and they'll likely tell you they are ready to play (maybe not Allen, who has been the most honest about his injury). But there is no doubting that they are hobbled.

But as we've learned already, healthy or not, the Celtics have their work cut out for them.

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Paul Pierce Injury Update: Sprained MCL Not Getting Worse But Not Healing Either, Says Doc Rivers

The good news is Paul Pierce's sprained MCL isn't likely to get any worse. The bad news is it isn't getting any better.

Doc Rivers told WEEI's Dennis & Callahan show Tuesday that the hectic 2012 NBA Playoffs schedule has not afforded Pierce's sprained left MCL any time to improve.

"He's not hurting himself, I guess I'll answer it that way," Rivers said. "But he's probably not healing either. ... Right now, we have a lot of guys that are banged up and we have to get through it. We didn't play well last night and it had nothing to do with injuries."

After scoring just seven points on 2-9 shooting in Game 2, Pierce called his knee "fine."

But Rivers added, "Paul clearly is not 100 percent."

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Bill Russell Legacy Project: Artists Selected For Celtics Legend's Sculpture

Celtics Vs. Sixers: Jrue Holiday, Philly 'Like Playing Against Boston'

BOSTON - Comfort is key in the sport of basketball, especially in the playoffs. If a team can't find a comfort zone, it likely won't stick around very long. After Monday's 82-81 win over the Boston Celtics in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, Jrue Holiday shared that he and the Sixers are rather comfortable with their second-round matchup.

More: The Sixers are all grown up and you'd better take them seriously

"We like playing against Boston," said Holiday, who led all scorers with 18 points in Game 2. "We think we match up well against them, and even though they had a smart play at the end of Game 1, we still had a chance in that game so that's definitely a confidence booster."

Holiday makes a good point. Philly was a mere two points away from owning a 2-0 series lead heading back to Wells Fargo Center -- the site of Games 3 and 4 on Wednesday and Friday, respectively -- after falling 92-91 in Game 1. It will be a boost to be back home for Philly, but Sixers coach Doug Collins acknowledged his team's success on the road.

"I think we play some of our best basketball on the road," said Collins. "We've played 11 of our last 13 games on the road. Our guys are very comfortable with that. We had to win on the road to get into the playoffs. We had to win to get in. I think we have a comfort level. "

Some of that is due to the Celtics' shortcomings, as they helped Philly gain confidence.

"I think we lifted their confidence last game. I really do," Celtics head coach Doc Rivers said. "I mean, we played a home game in Game 1 where we stole the game. And, so, if you're the other team you have to have a little confidence coming in."

Game 3 between the Celtics and 76ers will tip off at 7 p.m. EST on Wednesday (TNT).

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NBA Playoffs 2012, Celtics Vs. 76ers: Boston Bad Offense, Philadelphia Good Defense

More: Celtics lose a ugly, scrappy, horrible, no good game

If there's one thing the Philadelphia 76ers do in a seven-game series, its make their opponent play some ugly offense. That's exactly what the Sixers did Monday in Game 2 of their 82-81 victory over the Boston Celtics. The offensive woes was obvious to the SB Nation blog the CelticsBlog, which wrote about it Tuesday morning.

My eyes, they burn, oh they burn. Look, I'm as fond of the Celtics grimmy, gritty, fight for every inch on defense style of play as the next guy. That's exactly what you want on defense. But man is it hard to watch when they play offense as if they were guarding themselves.

However, writer Jeff Clark did give credit to the Sixers:

By all means, credit the Sixers and the Hawks before them for playing excellent playoff defense. Hat tips and head nods all around. However, they wouldn't be nearly as effective if the Celtics were a little less ineffective. We know that they can play good offense, but they can't seem to do it consistently. The only hope is that their defense is more stingy than their offense is and that they can ride the occasional hot streak to victory.

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Celtics Overtime: Sixers Grow Up Quickly, Even Series In Game 2

Celtics Overtime is a postgame feature providing analysis from each game. Boston lost to the Philadelphia 76ers, 82-81, on Monday in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

A litte over one month ago, Doug Collins was calling his young 76ers "sensitive" and "fragile." Well, it looks like they've grown up, and in record time. Philly bested the very experienced Boston Celtics, 82-81, in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals on Monday night at TD Garden in Boston, prompting Collins to praise his team's growth.

"Our young guys just keep growing, and they're really becoming men," said Collins, Philly's coach. "I'm so proud of them. We just found a way. All season long we couldn't win these games and now our guys are believing they can do it, and it is pretty special to watch."

Jrue Holiday, who poured in 18 points to lead the Sixers, echoed his coach's sentiments.

"I think were growing," said Holiday, who is averaging 16.9 points in eight playoff games. "I cant preach enough on our vets. Really, just taking us under their wings and just keeping us focused and paying attention to detail, the little things that help us win this game."

Easily, this game could have gone to the Celtics. Actually, by the same logic, Philly could have even had a 2-0 series lead, seeing that the point differential in the first two games of this series is a whopping two points. Boston had its chances, though, it just didn't finish.

Right from the opening tip, it looked like the Celts had turned the page on the sluggishness that bogged them down in Game 1, as they burst out to a 9-0 lead after making their first five shots. Sadly, it all went downhill from there, as Philly would outscore Boston in the second and third quarters -- the Celtics scored 13 in the second and 11 in the third.

Finally, the Celtics got the offense going in the fourth, and they would wind up outscoring Philly, 32-25, in the period. The fourth also marked the return of Kevin Garnett, as the Big Ticket scored 11 of his 15 points in the frame on 5-of-7 shooting. Unfortunately, the Celtics didn't utilize Garnett well in the first three quarters, and that certainly proved to be costly.

"Nothing was wrong [with Garnett], we didn't go to him. It's plain and simple," said Celtics head coach Doc Rivers. "My thought: we never established the post. I thought the second unit again established the post in the one stretch in the fourth quarter. I really thought we started out the first four minutes of the game moving the ball, playing the right way. And then I thought, honestly, we chased shots as a group. We don't do it often - it happens, but I thought - we are a great ball movement team, a next-pass team, and tonight we were not. I thought everybody was trying to beat their defense instead of the way we played the other night: just making the simple play in front of you. If they trap, you pass it. I thought tonight when they trapped us we tried to reject it and go the other way, and we tried to force shots. I wasn't real happy, or proud, the way we played offensively. It was not very good."

No, it wasn't good. Not at all. But if anything, Boston can take solace in the fact that, despite its offensive shortcomings, it only lost by a point. It's not a win, but it's a start, right?

"Yeah, but I don't like the fact that we took almost three quarters to play the right way offensively," Rivers said when asked if there were positives to be taken away from the fourth quarter. "Listen, we knew the blueprint before the game. It took us three quarters to get into it. I always say that's on me. Somehow I have to figure that out with our guys."

Fans might say they're surprised by the outcome of Game 2, but not captain Paul Pierce.

"They are a tough defensive team, they grind it out defensively, they try the fast break and they're not going to give in," Pierce said. "They have a good coach over there who installs his mentality into his players so nothing suprising, they are what we expected them to be."

What's next for the Celtics? Well, for starters, avoiding a 2-1 series hole would be good. Boston plays Game 3 on Wednesday night at the Wells Fargo Center in Philly, a place that did not treat Boston well this season, with Philly outscoring Boston by 45 in two games.

"They're going to be tough in their home building," Pierce said. "They really put a number on us in the regular season in their building, but it's the playoffs. So [we're] going to look at the tapes, see some things we can clean up and be a better team when we get to Philly."

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Celtics Injury Report: Avery Bradley Hurt Again; Rondo, Pierce OK

BOSTON - The injuries just keep coming. Avery Bradley and Rajon Rondo suffered injuries during Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals between the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers on Monday night at TD Garden. Bradley's left shoulder, which has been causing him problems all season long, popped out in the second quarter, but it went back in and Bradley returned to play in the fourth quarter, finishing with eight points.

"I thought he played fine [upon returning]," said Celtics head coach Doc Rivers. "He turned the ball over once and I thought that was a shoulder issue. If you see him trying to - he just had nothing on the ball. But, listen, I didn't think we'd have him. At halftime they said we wouldn't, and then when I walked out (Trainer) Eddie (Lacerte) right before said, ‘Hey, I think he's going to try to give it a go.'

"This is the third time now in two weeks his shoulder's come out. So, can't be a good feeling ... has to hurt like heck. The good news is, though, it did what it did in the past where it went right back in and he got his feeling. That's what happens when your shoulder goes out: you lose the feeling in your hand. You can't go back in until it comes back. Tonight it did."

Rondo, meanwhile, landed hard after a layup in the third quarter and stayed down for several seconds. Rondo would get back up and would not come out of the game.

"There may have been [with his hand], I never ask," Rivers said. "Hell, every time I ask the trainer or doctor it's a bad answer. I just ask (Trainer) Ed (Lacerte) if he can play."

As for Paul Pierce, he did not suffer an injury in Game 2 but did continue to show the effects of his sprained MCL in his left knee, which he suffered during shootaround prior to Game 4 of Boston's first round series against the Atlanta Hawks. Pierce had seven points.

"The knee was fine," Pierce said after the loss. "I wore my knee brace today."

Bradley, Pierce and Rondo will have one day to heal up before Game 3 on Wednesday.

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Celtics Vs. Sixers: Kevin Garnett Accepts Late Foul, Doc Rivers Doesn't

BOSTON - Kevin Garnett was called for a moving screen with ten seconds left in the fourth quarter of Monday's Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at TD Garden, a call that wound up costing the Boston Celtics dearly in an 82-81 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers.

Down by three points, the Celtics inbounded the ball with 12 seconds to go, but Garnett was whistled for the off-the-ball foul by referee Mike Smith, giving the ball back to Philly. Lou Williams made two free throws, putting the Sixers up 80-75, and after a desperation three from Ray Allen, Jodie Meeks made two more free throws to seal the win and tie the series.

"Mike was in a position and he called it. I'm not going to make a big stink about it," Garnett said. "Danny (Crawford, one of the other referees) had already given me a warning about setting the picks. I'm going to continue to set picks and continue to get guys open, but to me that wasn't the reason we lost the game.

"There were things going up to that point in determining the game. But Mike made a great call, man. Hey, if you thought that was a moving pick . . . I just thought in that situation you let the players decide the game. But if that was an illegal pick, then that's what it is." (via Boston Herald)

While Garnett was (somewhat) accepting of Smith's call, Celtics coach Doc Rivers was not.

"I wasn't fond of it. At all," Rivers said. "I think Kevin got three off-the-ball offensive fouls. So, clearly it looked like they were looking for it all night, and they got three of them. Listen, if you're going to tell me that Kevin was the only one moving in picks tonight, then I'll live with that. But he clearly was not the only one. But he was the one who got the calls tonight. Listen, we put ourself in that position. At the end of the day, I say it all the time, if you put yourself in a position to let someone else do something, then you can lose games."

Rivers and Garnett will have a day to regroup before playing Game 3 Wednesday in Philly.

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