Celtics vs. Heat Matchup Game 7, June 9th, 2012

Once again, the Celtics have found their way into the underdog position and will have to discover a way to dig themselves out. I know that sounds like a bad thing, but is it? For the Celtics it isn’t.

Again and again the Celtics have forced themselves into tough corners and always figured out a way to scrape up a win. They love the criticism of how they are too old, tired, and worn out. These seem to be the exact situations they thrive in. With this being a game 7 matchup, this might be just what they’re looking for.

Even though it sounds like I’m getting ready to announce yet another victorious win for the veteran Celtics, whose plan was to send LeBron and his minions back to their Miami Beach Vacation homes for the summer, my pick ultimately goes to the Miami Heat for this decisive game. Lets not forget what a great series this has been.

You have so many good players and numerous All - Stars playing in this matchup, not to mention 5 future hall of famers. In my opinion, I think the Heat win this off pure athleticism.

LeBron James is hands-down the best player in the league. Winning his 3rd MVP award this year, which only seven other players have won the award 3 times or more in the history of the NBA. After averaging 30.8 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 5.1 assists in the playoffs he’s proved he can take on anything thrown his way.

Dwayne Wade maybe hasn’t played his best basketball, but he’s still chipping in with 22 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.1 assists. He’s also a player that’s capable of putting up 35 points in any given night. The final factor is Chris Bosh, who without, the Heat can kiss their title dreams away. Everyone was always saying how it was the “Big 2,” while excluding Bosh from this group.

This became a huge noticeable factor when Bosh went out in the second game of the second round against the Indiana Pacers. The Heat found themselves down 2 -1 and people were getting ready to bring on yet, another wave of LeBron criticism if he were to lose in only the second round. Due to the heroics of Wade and James the Heat were able to pop off 3 straight and move on to face the tested Boston Celtics.

With Bosh’s return to the floor this gives the Heat their biggest advantage against the Celtics. Not only have they got the third leading scorer on the team back, but now they can establish somewhat of a post game. Also, it will give the Heat a defender who can help guard Garnett due to Bosh’s height and length.

When it comes to the Celtics, let’s be real. They have got lucky in most of their playoff runs so far. They faced an Al Horfrod-less Hawks team with power forward Josh Smith also missing a key game. Next, they played the inexperienced and young Sixers, who to be honest gave them a darn good run for their money, while forcing a game 7. They now are playing a Miami Heat team without one of their key players who I’ve stated before as being Chris Bosh. I mean come on! How easy can it get?

With the age and mileage adding up for these Celtic veterans everyday, how much fuel can they possibly have left? Unfortunately, I think the gas tank runs empty tonight and the Celtics find themselves at the end of the game glaring at the locker room ceiling wondering where it all went wrong and what changes will come next season.

Don’t get me wrong, Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, and Kevin Garnett are all future Hall of famers. With Garnett being one of the best big man perimeter shooters this league has ever seen. The Celtics were just plagued in the beginning with so many injuries from Ray Allen’s bone spurs in his ankle (which will require surgery in the off season), to Avery Bradley the star perimeter defender who went out with a dislocated shoulder in Game 4 against the Sixers and lastly, the biggest being Jeff Green who missed the entire season due to have surgery to repair an aortic aneurysm.

Not everything was bad for the Celtics though. The emergence of Brandon Bass really played a key role in their playoff run. Bass has also stated, “he enjoyed his run with the Celtics and would like to see it continue” hinting that he would like to come back. So don’t be to bummed out Celtics fans because with the return of Brandon Bass, Jeff Green, Avery Bradley, free agent Kevin Garnett (fingers crossed) and two first picks the future for the Celtics is looking brighter everyday.

LeBron James has been on a warpath and an old squad like the Celtics surely won’t stand in his way. My prediction for the game 98-88 Heat win. Seriously though, who doesn’t want a Kevin Durant vs. LeBron James Finals matchup! I think you’re already seeing my point J. Everyone was always complaining on how we’d never get to see a Kobe, LeBron matchup, but guess what? I can promise you one thing. A Durant and LeBron matchup is going to be even better…

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